A/N: Just an advisory, Chapter 32 had some details changed, I would recommend going back and having a look at it. With that out of the way, here is Chapter 33: A Day of Celebration.
Chapter 33: A Day of Celebration
The night had passed like the day that passed on Coruscant, Malserik was in his quarters recovering from a nightmare, he had eye patch off as he looked into the bathroom mirror. He stared at his corrupted eye. My curse, the one I must live with, I adapted to it, made it so I didn't have to use it. By the force, Viridian, listen to yourself you're ashamed, get yourself together, you need to accept this power. Though one slip up someone I care about could die from it. Malserik just wanted to slam his face into the mirror as his conflicted mind struggled to resolve itself. His hatred of this eye had been slowly driving him mad after he realized it couldn't be turned off. He had numerous times thought about ripping the damn thing out after Talos's demise. The only reason he hadn't was because he feared it would jump to his other eye leaving him blinded, not that that is an issue for a Jedi or a Sith, as he already used the force to compensate for his eye-patch, he just found the Idea of seeing through the force very unappealing.
"Viridian get a hold of yourself, you put yourself in this position," Malserik said talking to himself, trying to calm himself down, "So get yourself together and put anything about your damn eye away and get ready," Malserik continued to himself, due to his frequent isolation in his work he often found himself to be his only company, making Malserik's conversations with himself all the more frequent. He groaned as he, though, Imperious is probably getting ready herself, goodness knows how long that is going take.
As he was going to put on his standard outfit, he remembered something he had not touched since Imperious gave it to him as a gift for training Weiss. Remembering it, he looked in his closet and saw what he was looking for an outfit Imperious designed and tailored to him. Figuring it to be a special occasion, and that it would make Ceres happy to see him in it, he pulled it out of the closet.
Though, if that was one thing Malserik couldn't understand about Imperious, it was her clothing obsession. Though he found the long flat box. He opened it and he saw an outfit much like his own, though much more elaborate though on top he found a note he never read.
Viridian,
Knowing you, you probably won't ever wear this, but you know I've wanted to make something for you for a long time now, it's like your normal outfit, which you have too many duplicates of for me to try to make you anything too different, also don't use the sleeves on the coat unless it is really cold, looks better that way. As I said knowing you, you probably won't wear it, though if you ever find yourself in it, let me know and send pictures!
You know who I am.
Malserik took the outfit out of the box and laid it out on his bed. It was very much like his normal outfit though it was darker and had decorative gunmetal embroideries accenting the jade color lining. The changes Imperious had made were to the belt it now had a shoulder strap that went across his chest and over his shoulder and back across his back. The sweater he wore under his outfit was jade in color. The leather tunic was embroidered at its edges, accenting it nicely. Then he saw the trench coat it was designed to look like a military coat, it's design was elaborate, and was meant to be worn over this outfit though it was also designed to replace his cloak. He began to get dressed in this new outfit, it was comfortable much more so due to the silk lining. As he began putting the shoulder strap on. As he did this he realized the joke still held, he still looked like an officer. Chuckling, he continued putting the coat on and per Imperious's instructions he rested it on his shoulders and did not use the sleeves. Going back to the box he found a set of gloves to go with this outfit along with a comm bracer like the one he wore on his right arm. That's when he noticed a small box with Imperious's writing on it. It read
To better protect what you keep hidden under that patch.
Handmade by yours truly.
Malserik opened the box, it was a much larger eye patch with the gunmetal embroidery, designed to go with the outfit. He could feel the care Ceres went through to make this for him, despite not knowing his curse. With this in mind, he ripped his current patch off, and quickly put on this new one. With Imperious's outfit on, he looked at himself in the mirror as he mounted SturmKreig on the front right of his belt instead of the back. He chuckled to himself "The Baron of Waldstahl, Damn you Ceres, you do good work," he smiled wickedly, walking out of the room. Earning glances from his troops who could feel his new found confidence. Something that was reflected in his posture and way he walked, he had the walk of an officer walking through a line of his troops.
As he walked he got used to the coat clipped to his shoulders like a cape. It was an odd weight on his shoulder's but it fit one the titles the people of Hiskal gave him, 'The Baron of Waldstahl' Walking through the halls he encountered Neopolitan who was doing her rounds, through the fortress.
"Ah, Neo, can I bother you for a second," Malserik asked, sounding quite happy as he approached the shorter officer.
"Yes my lord, What can I help you with?" Neo asked in her accented voice with a pleasant smile, unsure of what Malserik was going to bother her with, as he was supposed to be leaving for that party with Roman in a bit.
"Please be honest, how do I look?" Malserik asked with a bright smile that looked almost out of place. Neo looked at her boss for anything she could critique the only thing she could note was the new outfit, it was different. Aside from that, he looked quite nice in the new clothes, which begged the question in Neo's mind, Where did he get this outfit?
"You look excellent My lord, I think Imperious will like the new outfit," Neo replied with a smile, being honest. With her opinion in mind, Malserik's confidence was boosted tenfold.
In the main living area of Waldstahl, Ruby and Weiss were in the outfits Imperious made for them, they were very much like sith inquisitor robes, though they didn't have all of the metal and fancy gadgets that most inquisitor's carried. They also didn't have the long dress like appearance that the more modern robes had, they instead looked more like traditional robes that the Sith of old would have worn. The designs were unique to each of them, as Ruby's black and red robes with gold accents, looked more Mistralian in design, with shorter sleeves with almost arm length gloves. Ruby also had her harness on her to display her sabers.
Weiss's outfit looked more like something Malserik would wear, looking like an amalgamation of Sith robe and an officer's uniform with a feminine twist. The coloration of these robes was different than the black and white Weiss had gotten used to, this outfit was primarily storm gray with white and dark blue accents. Though both of the knights had their signature cloaks on, as that is what earned them the nicknames the Dove and Raven of Hiskal.
Imperious wore an entirely different outfit, her full Sith robes. Complete with regalia and armor. Though she made an addition of a bright red cape which made Ruby smile, though Ruby also couldn't help but feel imperious looked out of place in that outfit, but she didn't want to offend her master by telling her she didn't look right in that outfit. Though, this thought was interrupted by imperious saying,
"I thought Viridian would be ready by now, It is our job to make him wait on us," Imperious huffed as Ruby laughed and Weiss snickered, though she had a concerned air to her, as Malserik made a point of being punctual and quick.
"Yeah that's our job, I wonder what he's doing?" Ruby asked as Weiss looked concerned, she was praying Malserik wasn't going to do something over the top, or even worse, stupid.
"Hey Roman, you didn't tell Malserik to put on guyliner I hope," Imperious said joking at the criminal's expense. This question caused the man to groan as he turned to face the three dark ladies behind him.
"No, even I stopped doing that when Malserik made me start wearing this uniform, under his request," Roman responded with a chuckle as he envisioned Viridian with eyeliner on his one eye.
It was at that moment the four heard the pneumatic of the door hiss open. Malserik walked through it pridefully, he looked like an officer with the coat draped over his shoulders. On his face was a proud smile, and a confident look, he knew this was a good move on his part. The outfit made Imperious go wide-eyed at the sight. As he walked forward, she started mumbling, "He did it, he actually did it," she was in shock seeing him wearing the full outfit, not pieces, no the whole thing. Malserik noted the look on the dark lord's face and smiled.
"I trust I'm not too terribly late, I was composing myself," Malserik said as he walked up to the still slack-jawed imperious.
"You're wearing it! You are wearing it!" Imperious cheered, her mind in overdrive as she bolted towards Viridian, "You are actually wearing it!"
"Yes, today is a special occasion for a special outfit," Malserik smiled, as he caught Ceres in a hug despite the heavy Metal on her Inquisitor Robes, "Now, I think we are ready, yes?" the answer was a resounding yes.
The flight out to the Leers manor was a relaxing one. Ruby and Weiss chatting while Imperious and Malserik were joking around. It was obvious both couples knew a lot about the other as they had told most of their stories by this point. As they touched down at the manor, Ruby and Weiss were in awe, as it was about the same size as Waldstahl, though not on the top of a mountain. They saw the crowd of dark clad Sith entering the main hall. It seemed this was a massive event and not just some peon party. Entering the hall, a magnificently decorated place, massive ceiling, very Gothic cathedral like architecture, with red imperial banners hanging from each of the struts. Ruby and Weiss were in awe of the structure. As they entered the hell of all of the looks fell on the five from the other Sith in the hall, but one Darth in fine red robes his face showing Darkside corruption, emerged from the crowd of black and red robes.
"Darth Imperious, Darth Malserik, Welcome to my celebration," the Darth bowed showing a humble nature, "your arrivals were most. Unexpected."
"I must say Darth Leers, We needed to unwind," Malserik gestured confidently, He knew Leers was an honest man for a Sith, "So we thank you for your generous invitation." Imperious continue knowing what Malserik was going to say.
"Well since you two are veterans of the Sacking of Coruscant," the Darth said, "please go up to the main tables on the stage, it is reserved seating for veterans and their apprentices, your officer, however, will be on his own."
"Eh, I'll be fine, don't worry about little old me, I'll stick to my kind," Roman said as he sauntered off into the crowd. Ruby and Weiss watched him go into the area where the High Moffs and other various personnel were celebrating. The four Sith made their way to the stage, the crowds parted to make way for Malserik and Imperious, this was the first time Weiss and Ruby could see how much fear and respect they commanded among the Sith. The lords looked at the Ceres and Viridian with fear, the Darths with ambition and scorn. They themselves got looks of disgust like they were wastes of life. Though, quick glares from the two young Sith quickly made lords back down.
On the stage, they found seats at an eight person circular table, Imperious sitting next to Ruby who was sitting next to Weiss while Imperious sat next to Malserik. Viridian by this point had grabbed an itinerary, Leers was a strange man when it came to how he did things. It showed this was the meet and greet part of the party. In fifteen minutes the recognition of the veterans and their apprentices would begin. That's when two more Darth and their apprentices took a seat at the table the four looked up and saw familiar faces Darth Volitika and Velocitous along with their apprentices, Ryaka and Korva.
"Strange seeing you four here," the Chiss smiled pleasantly, "though it is good seeing friends here."
"Also Malserik changed out of that outfit he normally wears and put on fancier one color me impressed," Volitika teased the 'one eyed' man, "and the designs tell me Imperious made it, so good job on making Malserik change," Revecca teased further.
"He actually wore it out of his own volition, Revecca," Imperious said with a smile as Volitika looked at Imperious like she was mad. Velocitous, on the other hand, looked mildly amused by the conversation. As he saw something in the man he hadn't seen in a long time, confidence, and pride, though before he could comment he was interrupted by an announcement from the podium.
"Darths, Lords, Apprentices, and others, I welcome you to my annual celebration of the day we Sith strangled the Republic and sacked Coruscant reminding them of how fragile their peace is, behind me on the stage are Darths and Lords who took part in the event," Leers spoke as he gestured back to the people on stage, "as tradition for this celebration I would like all the veterans to come forward and announce who they are and if applicable introduce their apprentices, remember this event is to honor those who made the Republic feel our wrath."
The Veterans all walked up and introduced themselves in whatever order, though Darth Marr, who was present with his entourage of Sith went first, He was a Sith on the Dark Council that Imperious could respect, as he was not overtly hostile to her like Malgus was, and that's who came next after Marr. Due to her position as a Dark Councilor, Imperious was next in line, followed by Malserik. Standing up with Ruby following closely at her side they stood together at the podium. Not many of the Sith had fully seen Ruby yet so she was quite happy to show off her apprentice.
"Good day my fellow Sith, this is my first year in attendance of this glorious event. I did not know Darth Leers could put up a show such as this. I am quite impressed by this and happy to be here, as Leers is a member of the Sphere of Knowledge, and I never expected this of a party from one of my subordinates," Imperious explained calmly though with a hint of excitement in her voice, she was impressed that someone could organize and event like this. "Also I would like to introduce my apprentice, and yes I actually have taken an apprentice who has completed her formal training under me. I would like to present her, The Raven of Hiskal, Lord Ruby Rose," With this announcement Ruby lowered her hood. Showing her face to the crowd.
After Imperious's introduction, Malserik took toward the podium with Weiss in toe. Much to a universal groan among the crowd. Though, before he could speak, Leers wanted to add something rerouting the microphone on the podium to a secondary one in his hand.
"Alright, I know Malserik is not someone who is a popular character in our Empire, as a matter of fact, he is scorned due to his past as a Jedi, but he is a Sith more so than some of us. He killed enough Jedi to sate any of our thirsts for blood. This man is to the Jedi a traitor so grand, his sins are unredeemable in their eyes. He was a prodigy under his master but with the death of his family to abduct him, he immersed himself in darkness, emerging he slaughter his master and the Jedi who killed his parents. then preceded to kill the rest of the Jedi in his way," Leers spoke long-windedly about Malserik who wanted to interrupt but Leers then continued with, "And yesterday this story was leaked from the Jedi Embassy by a bounty hunter to the Media, which we control, and is being used to further drive a wedge between the Jedi and the people of the republic," Malserik, who to say the least was not a fan of the way Leers worded his speech about him, though he was quite interested in the leak from the embassy. This was not enough, however, to prevent Malserik from doing something bold. Going forward as Leers cleared out of his way, Malserik put his foot down on the gentlemanly Sith by igniting his viridian lightsaber, with the blade pointed at Leers's throat as he stood on the podium and spoke.
"Unlike what Leers thinks, I can bring my own merits to this metaphoric table, and I can explain who I am, myself," Malserik hissed at Leers and the crowd, as he withdrew the blade of his lightsaber deactivating it causing Leers to sigh, "And the merit I bring to this table is my former apprentice, Lord Weiss Schnee, the Dove and heiress to Hiskal" Malserik's voice boomed, instilling fear into the weaker lords. This was the voice he used when inspiring his personal troops or the populace of Hiskal. "She is my prodigy and like me, she will fell any Lords or Darths that dare challenge her or Hiskal," Malserik continued flaring his hand out to emphasize the point he was making, much like he would do in his regular addresses to his people. This tone he took was a warning to all those who would attempt to end him, it was a tone that said 'Don't test him or Hiskal.' Aside from appearing as bold, as a Darth should, he was also putting on a show for Imperious, he was pushing his confidence and boldness to new levels, just for her.
After the stage drama and getting their food. The Visorium order's members sat at their table and enjoyed a good meal with the sound of a band playing slow calm ambient music and low conversation in the background alongside the chatter and clatter of silverware. Ruby and Weiss lamented the loss of the foods they had on Remnant. Ruby truly missed her cookies and strawberries. she even proclaimed at the table, if she could go to Remnant, she would come back with means to make every food Item on Remnant. so the Empire could have good tasty food as she put it, 'Like Strawberries.' Imperious chuckled at this idea. Korva and Ryaka looked like they wanted to be somewhere else entirely, as they realized they were dealing with two pairs of lovers, along with their masters.
Though, Weiss and Ruby seemed to not be going for the romantic side, just having fun as a couple and that included Ruby doing a bit of looking around, looking for the lightsabers on the belts of the Lords and Darths to see what they used. though she saw nothing exciting just sharp and pointy hilts, even some that looked downright uncomfortable to hold. Eventually Malserik and Imperious found themselves alone at the table as Ruby and Weiss went with Korva and Ryaka to go outside to watch the airshow over Kaas City, Velocitous and Volitika left to go talk to a few other Darths from the academy on Korriban. Sitting there alone Malserik stared into off into space as he relaxed back sipping from his glass of wine he obtained from one of the Rutan Twi'leks walking around serving beverages. He was reading a datapad that Leers had gotten him on the topic of the Jedi leak. It was interesting as an independent individual was responsible for the leak, not Imperial Intelligence. The story was twisted to make it seem like the Jedi broke Malserik into becoming a Sith. Also, Imperial Intelligence had logged that this information was even further bending the Republic away from their Jedi protectors. Malserik saved the data onto a storage device on his wrist commlink for later reading and analysis, while Imperious fidgeted with her robes. Looking up at her, Malserik could tell she was obviously uncomfortable in them, he had worn similar ones long ago.
"I remember how you always said you hated those robes," Malserik commented teasingly at Imperious. "Your normal light robes are much better suited to you, you don't have enough wrinkles dark veins or eye corruption to pull off that look-"
"Hey!-" Imperious retaliated by interrupting Viridian, only to be interrupted by Malserik in retaliation.
"Ceres, you look too good to be in Sith robes, you're like Bastila Shan or Satele, the standard robes would detract from your look more than it adds to it," Malserik explained at the offended Imperious, looking into her blue eyes as he did. "Really, it's not your style leave the Sith robes for Dyekar, those eyes don't match the robes at all." Imperious who was now standing to lean on the table, looking like she wanted to stab Malserik for what he said, calmed down taking a seat as she replied with,
"Okay you made your point, I should stick to my normal outfit," Imperious grumbled, she was trying to be fancy for the party but Viridian was right the standard Sith outfit did not fit her style, though it did answer a question she asked Viridian long ago, "So you do like my standard outfit!"
"I do, it compliments who you are," Malserik smiled taking another sip from his glass, remembering the question she asked him so long ago. "Also, I never answered that question out of fear of you not feeling the same way I did."
"You were scared of me?" Imperious asked, curious of why he would fear her, leaning forward in the chair.
"Considering you killed the three other Darths that were trying to suit you, I believe my fear was well founded," Malserik Chuckled as he realized Imperious blushed, she completely forgot about that, "and it was also out of fear of my eye, and not my left one."
"So you're going to tell me what the problem with your eye is, finally?" Imperious smiled she was glad to finally hear him being forward about it.
"I will," Malserik said setting down his glass, his voice quaking, he needed to tell her everything, even about Talos, "you deserve to know after all," Malserik continued as he leaned forward heart racing, nervously interlacing his fingers. "It started after I found out about the whole situation with my parents from the Jedi databanks, I went mad, secretly hoarding Sith holocrons, in one of those holocrons, it taught me a technique that allowed me to kill who every my gaze fell upon, and it isn't a painless death."
"Though, the downside is it doesn't shut off?" Imperious interrupted with her guess.
"Exactly, it remained active in my right eye, and I must cover it, lest I want to hurt all those I care about," Malserik said hanging his head, one of the few times Imperious saw Malserik ashamed of who he was, he was afraid of the power in his eye, it was why he ran. "Talos found that out by accident," Malserik admitted.
He expected to hear Imperious ignite Castle or Jackal, but no he instead felt Imperious rush over to embrace him. Imperious now understood Malserik's caution, his apprehension, and his fear. One slip up, and someone dies. It clicked with Ceres, why he ran to Hiskal and took up the post, getting away from those he cared about to protect them from himself. He had already claimed one of their lives. There was a side of her that wanted to punish Malserik for his actions, though her heart told her, Malserik has suffered enough, he punished himself. Putting her hand on the eye patch she made herself for him.
"You don't have to fear your eye any longer, Viridian," Imperious smiled as she hugged him, "I want to help you overcome it and adapt to it," Imperious whispered to the Sith in her embrace.
Malserik didn't know how to respond to what he heard, he felt the water welling in his eyes. Blinking it away, he hugged Imperious back. The only thing he could say was,
"Thank you,"
Returning back into the hall, Ruby and Weiss were smiling, the flights of fighters over Kaas City were over. The cliff the manor was on gave a very excellent view of the city and all of its glory. As they walked back in they saw Malserik and Imperious embracing each other at the table, Ruby could feel from afar that Malserik was stressed, worried but thankful, while Imperious was content and proud. Ruby realized Maslerik had most likely told her the secret beneath of his eye patch. Rather than disturb that tender moment, Ruby suggested,
"I don't think we should disturb them," Ruby blurted out about Malserik and Imperious, as the lights dimmed and focused on the stage with Darth Leers standing at the podium,
"With the conclusion of the Air show, dessert, and various other refreshments are available and also if any feel the need to move, a section of the main hall has been cleared for dancing. for those looking for more exotic dancing, there are back rooms for that. If none of that caters to your fancy, there are various other forms of entertainment." The lights returned to normal it was at that moment Weiss smiled as she knew what she wanted to do, Dance.
"Ruby, now that we are done watching the fighters we are going to dance," Weiss was not suggesting to Ruby, she was ordering as despite how many dates they had gone on they had only danced once and that was back on Remnant. Ruby was nervous of the idea but this time she wasn't in lady stilts so she figured she may be a bit more competent on the dance floor.
"Well, let's go!" Ruby smiled as she turned to look Weiss in the eye, as she took her glove off her right hand exposing the mechanics. Inspired by Malserik clearing the air with his eye, Ruby wanted to do the same with her arm, a thing Weiss was uncomfortable with.
Weiss noted this and questioned her reasoning nervously, "Why did you take your glove off?"
"Because I am tired of hiding it from you Weiss, you need to accept that this arm, it is part of who I am now," Ruby said extending her the expose robotic hand to Weiss to take it. If anything could discomfort Weiss it was prosthetics, like Ruby's. Sure it wasn't a complete skeletal prosthetic but the interior workings of the arm were exposed with plate bent black and brass plates for a stylistic formation to keep the shape of a forearm. With the glove on Weiss would not have hesitated taking Ruby's hand but with her arm exposed, she cringed as she grabbed it. She felt the cold metal and the twitching of the servos and motors in her hand, it felt weird and unnatural to Weiss when Ruby pulled her along by it. Following behind Ruby, they found their way to the dancing area, where a lot of the officers and a few Sith were dancing.
A/N: the next chapter will continue where this one has left off. As for what I did here, I tied in the events that were added to Chapter 32 along with editing a few scenes. Once again I couldn't really think of much to change for this chapter minus attempting to make it more romantic.
Review Response.
JimmyHall24: Thank you for the review of Chapter 32, this is the type of thing I like to see. I looked back at what I wrote after reading your review, and I realized I biffed up on the entirely on how I handled the response to the Sacking of Coruscant in the prior chapter. I have since gone back and corrected the issue, addressing what occurred in full, adding some new elements to it. Mainly to make it seem more realistic in response along with some background manipulation. With that in mind I think due to this, Chapter 32 is better off than it was.
Next chapter will be an unorthodox rescue along with a continuation of the party and the reintroduction of another character. Now with all of that out of the way, feel free to ask any questions if you have them, or give suggestions or corrections once again if you have any please give them or leave a review. Alright, everyone, be safe, have fun, and may the force be with you!
Blitzing Raptor
