AN: EDIT: Slight update and some minor changes. Not too important.
Here is a brand new chapter for the story. I hope I can do it justice to what I've done before. It's been a long time and I fear I may have lost the touch that I had at the start. Let me know what you think, and thank you all for the kind and amazing reviews all this time. I wouldn't be surprised if no one was following this still, and I understand completely if so. But if you are still following then I hope you enjoy it.
AN 2: Also i'm describing a couple new outfits for Kuro and Kory, i'm not usually good at that so if you want to see pictures of what they look like, look up website called SWTOR Fashion and look for Cloaked Sorceress for Kuro (minus the eye covering and then holes for the hood for her lekku. And then Kory's outfit is the Sith warrior one you see in a couple of the cinematics. I felt that look just fits her well.
Ashara was nervous as she lay there with Kuro in their dreamscape. She still felt horrible for what she had done the last time. She had to apologize to her love. They had been quiet the entire time so far, they could feel the tension in their bubble. SPEAK! Ashara screamed to herself. Taking a deep breath, breathing in the lovely scent that was Kuro and gently shifted the smaller woman so she could look her in the eye. "Kuro….I.…"
Kuro for her part, wasn't looking at the togruta, too ashamed of her past. Feeling pathetic and inferior. Kuro spoke first. "I…I don't…" She shook her head, her voice coming out clearer. "I fear I don't deserve you, Ashara." Small hands reached up and cupped the togruta's cheeks. "You are so pure, so loving. You've been there for me every step of the way and I love you so much for that. This isn't me trying to distance us. That would destroy us. I'm just….expressing my concerns about me." She lowered her head to touch the Jedi's. "I fear I'm too damaged, broken and beyond repair. I'm scared I'm going to do something to upset you. I think I already have."
Ashara shook her head, wanting to deny it all. But she knew the reality. Kuro may indeed do something that would upset her, disappoint her. But the Jedi already came to terms with it. She may be disappointed or upset, but she would never come to hate her love. "Kuro. Yes, you may end up doing that. But I give you my vow, that no matter what you do. I will always love you and be with you. There is nothing you could do that would ever drive me away."
Kuro smiled, tears stinging her eyes. She believed it, but the possibility still terrified her. "There is something else. I met Aya and Kira." She said, finally coming to what Kuro wanted to talk about last time, but never got the chance.
Ashara blinked, and looked her lover in the eye. "You…met them? Where? H-how?" This was a surprise, and a part of her was terrified they were hurt or worse. If Kuro and Aya did fight she feared one of them would be dead. Since Kuro was still here…. She swallowed thickly. "Are they…okay?" She hated that she had to ask.
Kuro smiled sadly. "It's okay. They're your friends, we're enemies, it would be an understandable conclusion. But they're fine. As a matter of fact I actually really like them. We didn't even fight but…" Kuro closed her eyes remembering the brave Republic soldiers fighting her invading group. They were so brave even though she could see the fear in their eyes, they never ran. "While I was on that ship, The Black Talon, a Moff, a person of high military rank, contacted the captain, Lieutenant Sylas, and enforced their rank to have them attack a Republic ship that one of the Empire's generals was taking refuge on. He had plans they wanted and was a traitor. So she asked us for help. We agreed and…assaulted the ship." Kuro sighed, dreading this part, but she continued. "Ashara, many republic soldiers died, by my hand. By Kory's and another Sith with me and her companion." Kuro paused, swallowing thickly. "Then we met Aya and Kira. We talked and she demanded I stand down. I could feel her power. Aya is so strong, I feel that if it came to a fight, I don't think I would have won." This surprised Ashara. She knew how powerful Aya was. But she also knew how powerful a Force-user that Kuro was. So to hear from her own lips that Aya would have beaten Kuro? It was astounding. Kuro continued. "She introduced herself as Aya. I remember you telling me about her and that gave me pause. I need to thank her because it was at that moment I knew you were real." Ashara smiled, stroking her love's cheek, who smiled back, kissing her fingers. "So I stood down, asked her if she knew you." She giggled. "She is such a good friend, she was immediately on edge, hackles raised and she demanded to know if you were okay. I told her that, yes you were, and that you had nothing to fear from me, that we were Force-mates."
"Kuro…" Ashara felt tears in her eyes, smiling with all the love she could give.
Kuro smiled back, kissing her once and continued. "We came to a compromise. I had to get that data, so she took me to the general. I promised I wouldn't harm him, and you'll be proud to know that I didn't. I convinced him to wipe his data so neither side had these doomsday weapons. Aya was horrified to know that's what she was protecting. I let the man go, and me and my friends got to know Aya and Kira. I just wish I knew beforehand or I would have never killed all those people." She let the tears fall. "I'm so sorry, Ashara."
Ashara had listened without interrupting, after Kuro finished, she reached up to cup her cheeks. Kuro flinched, her fear of upsetting Ashara causing her to be afraid of retribution, even from her own love. Ashara just smiled and pulled her down and kissed her soundly on the lips. It was a loving kiss, nothing more. She did not want a repeat of before, so she pulled away before it could get heated. "I'm so proud of you, Kuroki." She said, using her full first name. "I pray for the soldiers who lost their lives that they find peace, but the fact that you regret and feel guilt over your actions, the fact you spared my friends and a traitor general, the fact you had doomsday weapons wiped instead of taking them for yourself. Kuro, you are so amazing and my love for you has grown even more. I'm so, so very proud of you."
Ashara stared her in the eye the whole time, watching the emotions play across the Sith's face, ranging from fear to surprise to joy, and finally to pure bliss. Then she giggled. "Aya was right."
"Hm?" Ashara asked, with a smile, finding happiness and amusement in Kuro's giggle.
"Aya, she said she knew you very well and that you would forgive me." She giggled again. "You have good friends, beautiful."
"I do." Ashara replied with a loving smile. "Thank you for telling me, Kuro. All your fears, all your worries. I want to hear them all so I can be there for you, until we meet in person so I can be there for you fully."
"I will, Ashara. Thank you for everything you do for me. I fear I would have lost the will to live without you." Kuro admitted.
The Jedi nodded, understanding her love more than anyone could. "I know, love. Try not to think like that though, it breaks my heart. I don't ever want to picture you taking your own life." She gently chastised, holding Kuro to her body tightly.
"Sorry." Kuro giggled and nuzzled into her lover's breasts. "I will do better, I promise."
"Good." Ashara replied with a loving sigh and held her close.
The two went back to their silence, only this time it was warm, and comforting, as they dozed in their shared dreamscape the waking world soon came to take them away. But that was alright with them. Because they knew it was only a matter of time until they came together once more.
Fury Starship: Kuro's room
Kuro awoke in her bed, her sister sleeping next to her. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she smiled at the red head, patting her hair. Her alarm was going off, she had it set for the ship's computer to alert her when they were approaching Balmorra. Looks like they were nearing the planet. "Come on, sister. Time to get up." Kuro said, shaking Kory lightly. Kory was always a relatively light sleeper but by the Force if the bed wasn't so comfortable for the pair.
Kory groaned but sat up, her hair was sticking out in every direction and her face was filled with sleep. Topless and not at all caring about it,Kory rubbed the sleep from her eyes and looked to her twi'lek sister. "Do we really have to leave the ship? This is the best sleep I've ever had. Bet it's the same for you." She added with a sleepy smirk.
The red skinned Sith chuckled. "I agree but the sooner we get this done the sooner we can go back to our moms."
Kory rolled her eyes, getting out of bed and heading for the shower. "Mama's girl." She threw out with a smirk, before closing the bathroom door. The shower started running moments later.
The Sith pouted playfully, but not denying it. She was a mama's girl and proud of it. "Meanie." She knew Kory didn't mean anything by it, so she didn't take offense. She gathered her clothes and got dressed, being a twi'lek and not having unruly hair to manage she didn't need as much time getting ready. She went to the long and wide wardrobe along one wall checking over her outfits. Most of them were cloth or leather while Kory's outfits consisted of durasteel armor which was in the armory. There was an undersuit or two in there however, which usually wore underneath her durasteel armor.
After checking her options, she grinned at one, having a sense of mystery and intimidation. She grabbed it and began getting dressed. It was mostly black, as most Sith armor or robes were. A skintight suit went on first, covering her feet up to her neck. Arm plates on the forearms and shin plates on the lower leg. Around her waist was a girdle, mainly black but with a red border and trim. Armored shoulderpads lay on her shoulders which a cloak was set around, again black with red trim and finally a hood connected to the cloak, that she specifically had holes made to put her lekku through, she enjoyed hoods and lamented that they didn't always work for twi'lek's. But she figured why not have holes made in them? Possibly defeated the purpose of a hood but still, it was more fashion for her instead of practicality. She left the blindfold like cloth off, maybe someday she could show off that even without eyesight she could still see you. The Force worked in wondrous ways sometimes.
After getting dressed, it wasn't long before Kory got out of the bathroom. She smirked at her sister. "Ohh mysterious." She teased. Kuro giggled and did a little twirl. "It looks great on you though, sis."
Kuro beamed and hugged her sister. Nudity was a non-issue with the pair at this point, they were content with their bodies, felt no shame in being bare in front of each other, especially as there was no sexual attraction. Physical appreciation if anything. "Thank you, Kory." She left her sister to get dressed and headed for the cockpit to address the current situation.
They were coming out of lightspeed into the Balmorra system, the planet appearing before them. The mostly green and blue planet was beautiful from orbit. However that was not the case when they landed in Sobrik City, the only Imperial hub of the planet. Balmorra was a war-torn planet, previously occupied by Republic forces but since evicted at the signing of Treaty of Coruscant, leaving the local planet population to fend for themselves. A small pocket of the population was putting up a resistance to the Imperial occupation. They weren't winning exactly, but they were putting up one hell of a fight.
As the docking procedures took place, Kuro got the ship ready to disembark and left the cockpit. She found Kory in the middle of the central room, looking over the holo-console, getting any information she could about the situation on Balmorra. "What did you find out?" The twi'lek asked, as she opened her mind to the Force to see if she could sense anything. While Kory was decent with the Force she was nowhere near the level Kuro was, so she relied more on technology for information.
Her one armed sister was wearing a hooded black cloak, much like the common Jedi's but darker with a red trim along the edges. Armored legplates, arm guards and an armored chest plate over a black undersuit. Normally the Sith armor would have a helmet or face mask, but Kory never cared for those. Instead loving to show off who she is so people would remember her if it ever came down to it.
"Looks like Major Bessiker is in charge here. He should know about anything and everything in Imperial occupied territories at least. Possibly more. But, I doubt he could help us right now. He's very busy with some more…severe pockets of resistance." Kory rolled her eyes. "How could trained imperial troops be having so much trouble with literal civilians?"
Kuro giggled and twirled again, loving her new outfit but answered her one armed sister's question. "When you are backed into a corner, dear sister, you fight more ferociously. Especially for the things you find value in." Kuro kissed her sister's cheek and wandered towards the airlock. "In any case, let's offer our help." She remembered The Brentall Star and frowned. "Possibly without any additional bloodshed, though I have my doubts."
Kory tilted her head as she watched Kuro make for the airlock. She followed close behind and kept pace with her sister. Ever since that mission on The Black Talon Kuro had been upset when she remembered it. Not to mention, Kory still hadn't forgotten what her sister had said to the Jedi. A dreamscape where she talked to her Force-mate. For years! And she never told me? Why? Not only that but her Force-mate was a Jedi?! I need answers. With that in mind she stopped Kuro before they could leave the ship. "Kuro…"
Sensing her sister's distress, Kuro turned and gave her sister her attention. "Yes, little sis?" She said, looking up into Kory' s eyes. The irony was not lost on her.
"We don't have to talk about it right now but… I can't get what you said out of my mind. On The Brentall Star. The dreams you've been having, and your Force-mate." Kory looked heartbroken and the twi'lek felt a punch to her gut. "Why didn't you tell me? We never kept anything from each other."
Gathering Kory into her arms, Kuro rubbed her back. "For what it's worth I am sorry. I… I guess I didn't know how and this was so bizarre even for Force-users. I guess I didn't see a need to mention it. Everything was fine, nothing bad came from it so what was there to worry about, you know?" Kuro explained soothingly. "I should have told you, but I put it off. I'm sorry."
The Sith warrior sighed and hugged her sister tightly. "It's okay, I'm glad it wasn't something severe or dangerous. You know how I worry for you. I just want to know everything about you, and be the closest family you have. If you say you're okay and it's a good thing, then I believe you. You…are okay then?"
Kuroki smiled the happiest smile the human had seen since The Brentall Star. "Yes. I meant what I said on the ship. Knowing Aya and Kira existed solidified the existence of my Force-mate. Ashara Zavros is her name. She said she is on Taris and it makes me so happy to know she wasn't a figment of my imagination like I thought. I believed I had made her up to protect myself from the severity of our training. Seems rather silly now"
Kory smiled and rubbed her sister's head through her hood. "Well good then." Kuro swat at her hands and pouted. "When we get back, I would love to hear all about her. Sister's rights. Gotta make sure she's good for you and all." She joked, while Kuro rolled her eyes with a smile.
"Deal, only if I get to do the same to your Force-mate when we meet them." Kuro counter.
"If we meet them." Kory mumbled, thinking back to Sylas. She hoped she was doing well. She may not have been what Kuro described a Force-mate to be but she still liked her. Just something about older, experienced women just made her melt.
"When." Kuro rebuttal. "When, not if. Now let's go, we got a resistance to quell and a doohickey to find!" Kory laughed and followed along with her insane sister.
The two stepped off the ship, once the ramp was lowered and were surprised to be met by a squad of Imperial soldiers, standing at attention. A high ranking officer was walking down the middle to greet them. "My Lords. I am Major Bessiker. Lord Zash contacted me about your upcoming arrival. It is an honor to have you here." He bowed at the waist, a hand over his heart. The soldiers saluted, fist across their opposite chest.
Major Bessiker was an older but experienced man, with a salt and pepper beard, brown eyes and light skin tone. He held himself befitting his station, back straight, calculating and calm demeanor, as if every situation was to be observed, cataloged and filed away for importance later on.
The Sith Sisters blinked and looked at each other, not at all used to this kind of treatment. Kuro was the first to react. She smiled and giggled, skipping down the ramp to Bessiker's side. "Well thank you, for such a warm welcome." She patted him on the shoulder and moved down the rows to pat each soldier. "At ease, at ease." She told them, giggling, somehow very giddy at this new treatment.
The human Sith smirked, seeing the signs of Kuro's playfulness but underneath she was uncomfortable. Kory stepped beside the immensely confused Major, not at all used to this kind of decorum from a Sith. She placed her hand on his shoulder. "Don't mind her too much, that's just how she is. Though I should warn you." She leaned in close to his ear. "Do your best not to anger her. Not that I believe you have a reason to, but…let's just say the last person to cross her is a liquid pile of gore." She smirked as his face paled, but she relented her fear tactics and smiled at him. "To be fair, they did try and kill her, so like I said, you have no reason to cross her and most of the time she's very sweet. As a matter of fact we are here to help you, and in the meantime trying to find a Cybernetic Inhibitor for…reasons. Can you help?"
Major Bessiker stood for a moment, processing this new information. He took a deep breath. The Lady was right, he did have no reason to cross her, but just knowing that if he did, he wouldn't survive. So, he put on his best face, stood straighter and nodded. "Of course, I will do my utmost to help with your request. If I may, though, we have a situation currently. Allow me to show. You are, of course, under no obligation to help, but it would be much appreciated."
Kory nodded and followed the Major, grabbing her sister and dragging her along, who was playing rock, papers, scissors of all things with one soldier. "Come along, sister. We have work to do."
She whined. "Nooo I was winning." The smaller twi'lek being dragged by the larger human was comical to the soldiers as she flailed her arms in a useless attempt to get free and get back to her game with her soldier adversary.
"Uh huh. Like you won the last three?" A pout was her answer. "That's what I thought. Well soon we can play a game you know you can win at." Kory remarked as the Major led them on, his soldiers falling into step behind the Sith Sisters.
Kuro was on her feet and walked beside her sister now with that maniacal grin. "Really? I wonder how long it will last this time." Her giggle this time was unnerving, cold, and caused the soldiers and the Major to shiver involuntarily. Kory looked at them and smirked. She got a kick out of showing the Empire what their Sith overlords had unleashed.
The ensemble left the docking bay and the sounds of battle was sudden and louder than inside. The soldiers ran ahead to assist their comrades as the Major explained. "The city has been under siege for a while now. I don't know where these resistance fighters got their weapons and vehicles but it's more than what they should have. Possibly from the ruins of factories would be my guess. Either way, it's becoming a problem."
It was a standard looking city of the imperials, dark walls and buildings, wide streets leading every which way. The city was surrounded by high walls for protection which the Sith Sisters could see many soldiers standing on, firing down at their enemy. Starfighters overhead were battling each other and coming in and out of the city. Blaster turret fire was louder than the infantry weapons. The sounds made it feel very chaotic to the Sisters, but something they subtly reveled in.
"Don't worry, Major. We will take care of this, and once it's done, maybe you can help us out on a few things. "Kory declared walking ahead to the battlement where the fighting was heaviest. Kuro cackled as she sprinted ahead. Kory smirked again and glanced over her shoulder at the Major. "We'll see you in five minutes." Kory quickly followed her sister, holding her back. "Allow me first, dear sister."
The twi'lek sister pouted and crossed her arms. "Aww come on. I can't let loose nearly as much as you do, it's not fair. Besides, I want to give them one chance to surrender." She frowned sadly. "Call it, an attempt to make amends for shoot first ask questions later mentality. Just because people are at war doesn't mean we can't try and find common ground." She looked up, pleadingly into her sister's eyes.
Kory, sighed but chuckled and pat her head. "First off, there is a reason for that. If you let loose you'd level this entire city." Kuro just rolled her eyes and pouted. The fact that she didn't deny it left the nearby soldiers on the battlements more than a little rattled. "But fine, give them a chance to surrender, and when they don't, be a good big sis and stay here." At her permission, Kuro stepped up to the battlement wall, lifting herself up with the Force, creating a barrier just in case they shot at her.
Using the Force she projected her voice out to the battlefield. "My darling, resistance fighters! So far you have been fighting a military battle! But now you face two Sith, I would very much advise surrendering. I'm sure we can come to- '' She was interrupted by blaster fire pelting her barrier. She frowned, her eye twitching. The blaster fire didn't let up as the Imperials, seeing their Sith Lord being shot at, continued their return fire. "So be it." She said with a lamenting sigh that was now more theatrical rather than truly lamenting. Gathering her power she unleashed her barrier in the form of a shockwave at the enemy, it toppled them but no one perished. She landed back down and sulked back to Kory. "You win, go have your fun." She said with a pout. So much for trying to be nice.
Kory chuckled, feeling a little bad for her sister, but did as advised. "It's okay, sis. You tried." She said, patting the smaller girl's head. Making her way up the battlements, her features morphed into one of pure hatred. She glared at the masses before her. How dare they shoot at my sister before saying her piece, and for their benefit too! With a snarl, Kory hurled herself off the battlements with a ferocity that ripped some of the durasteel from its home. She landed on the ground below with her Force enhanced movement, leaving a small crater where she landed, chunks of rock and dirt flying everywhere.
She was faced with dozens upon dozens of civilian fighters, a few vehicle tanks and several turret emplacements firing upon the walls. Above dozens of starfighters flew in and out over Sobrik, battling with the imperial starfighters and bombing various parts of the city. She smirked and held her arm out to the side, pushing her cloak out of the way. Four lightsabers moved with the Force and activated around her as she drew her own lightsaber in hand, holding it backhanded and charged. About time we had some fun. Kory thought. The resistance fighters shouted and pointed to her, ordering for an attack. They found it a more pressing issue, and Kory would make sure they regretted not taking her sister's offer.
Blaster bolts whizzed passed her and anything that came close was blocked and reflected by her lightsabers, several of which reflected back into members of the resistance, ending them, their screams were music to the humans ears. Serves you right, scum. Kory smirked as she sprinted, low to the ground, arm behind and ready to strike. Then she was on them. She jumped over the front line cutting down a couple as she passed, landing in the middle of the horde. Her lightsabers shot out at her mental command and cut down anything in their path. Kory's grin was feral behind her cowl, her eyes were glowing with her Force power, and it struck fear in the hearts of these men and women as they tried to blast her to bits. They wouldn't succeed.
Kuro watched all this from the battlement, using the Force to project barriers over their own turrets and shield walls for the soldiers. It was only when the enemy's turrets and vehicles made their way to Kory's location did she take to the offensive.
A part of her was glad they didn't surrender, the red-skinned twi'lek could finally let loose. She had to be careful on The Brentall Star for fear of rupturing the hull and killing everyone inside, her team included. Now though? There was nothing stopping her. The Imperial soldiers firing their blaster rifles at the enemy were startled to see their Sith ally jump over the battlement but instead of falling to the ground below she hovered level to the battlement, cackling madly.
Artificial clouds fueled by her Force power began to gather, thunder claps echoed and lightning began to rain down on the battlefield. The starfighters overhead having to veer sharply at the sudden change in environment to avoid lightning strikes, some weren't so lucky. She grinned and leered at the turrets on the mountain side, a crushing darkness enveloped the area, screams bounced off the mountains and made the Imperials shudder at the death throes of their enemy. Kuro just laughed. "You should have surrendered! But at least now I can have some fun and really become unleashed !" She shouted with her Force augmented voice, her laugh reaching for all to hear as Force Lightning bolts shattered the ground around the battlefield.
Kory chuckled to herself, knowing Kuro wouldn't have been able to hold back. "Leaving a great first impression there, Sis." She muttered to herself. Several dozen of the resistance were now breaking and running, she let them go, as she knew Kuro would do. They were trained to be killing machines, but they didn't need to be heartless. Those that couldn't or wouldn't fight were no threat. If they attacked again they would be dealt with, if this show of power didn't put a damper on their fighting spirit that is.
She was about to return to the city when a loud noise of a starfighter engine caused her to look up. A republic starfighter was rocketing towards her, blaster fire raining down all around her in a desperate last attempt to bring at least one of these women down. For any normal soldier this would be terrifying and a death sentence. For Kory, she only laughed. Bringing all her lightsabers together in a more solid wall of defense, she swung as if she were in some kind of ball game, shooting back the blaster bolts and they slammed right into the hull. The starfighter veered off, smoke billowing from it as it lost control and slammed into the hillside in a ball of fire. "Next time, bring a capital ship." She said to her defeated enemy with no small amount of smugness
Seeing their foe retreat, their vehicles, starfighters and infantry in disarray or defeated, the Imperial soldiers cheered, shooting into the air. Praising their Sith allies. Major Bessiker had watched the whole thing in a mixture of stunned horror and awe. I have heard stories of what the Sith are capable of, but no story would do this justice. What have the Sith created? He said to himself, standing straighter as the two Sith re-entered the city and made their way to the Major. Forget the Imperial chain of command, forget the Dark Council. He vowed to himself on this day forward he would answer to The Sith Sisters as his Lords, he would be a fool not to, and he was no fool.
Dromund Kaas: The Dark Temple
The Sith Lord Zash sat on her knees in the Dark Temple's main hall. Kanna was beside her, leaning against the mediating Sith Lord. Lord Zash was searching through the Force. According to her reports there was an artifact here being guarded by a Sith apparition. She didn't know who, yet, but it was dangerous and the only reason the artifact wasn't taken yet. She was trying to locate it and speak to the ghost. She just hoped Kanna wouldn't be in danger. It was a risk already bringing her here, but Kanna didn't want to be separated from her lover anymore than she already had.
Zash's eyes opened as she found it. She sighed and stood, helping Kanna to her feet. "Are you sure about this, Kanna? The Dark Temple is dangerous, I don't want you to get hurt." She said, holding her hands and keeping eye contact.
Kanna just smiled, not in the least bit afraid. "I am sure, darling. I can't stand being away from you. You have years to make up for it, you know." She whispered teasingly, though her words were like honey. "Besides, I know you'll protect me." She winked and kissed her human lover's lips. "I know Kuro has impressed you immensely, but please, love, don't underestimate your own power."
Feeling her heart swell at the kind words and complete faith, Zash smiled and took the twi'lek's hand, using the other to draw her lightsaber, but not engage it, and made her way to the tomb. "I hope you are right."
The Dark Temple was always rather dark, eerie and uncomfortable to be in, even for the Sith. But this tunnel leading to the tomb was even more so. Zash found herself gripping her lightsaber tightly, hearing the creaks was the only indication she had done so. She was sweating with the change in the air. It was ominous, oppressive and came to a crescendo at the tomb itself, and there, standing at the sarcophagus was a Force Ghost, lightsaber drawn and in hand, ready to fight. "Leave this place!" It said, the force of its will was strong, demanding to be obeyed.
Zash held her ground, gently pushing Kanna behind her. "No, my Lord. The artifact of Tulak Hord is here, and I will have it….for my daughter." Zash declared. Claiming Kuro as her daughter for the first time since….She shook her head, now wasn't the time to reminisce.
The apparition reached out with the Force, catching Zash off guard. She began to choke and was lifted into the air, she dropped her saber and it deactivated as she clutched at her throat. "Zash!" Kanna cried out, fear in her eyes as her lover was in pain.
At the cry, the apparition looked over and froze. Standing there was one of his descendants. It gave him pause as the Force left his attack. Zash dropped to the floor as Kanna ran to her. "You…yes I've been waiting for you….no, not you. Your…daughter. Yes. Yes it was she, who I sensed in the Force, stirring me from my nightmare. Blood of my blood."
Kanna heard the words but paid him no mind, not until she knew Zash was okay. "Zash, are you alright, darling?" She fussed over the human woman, cupping her cheeks and turning her head this way and that.
Zash coughed and giggled at the same time. Kanna always was a worrisome sort. "I…" A cough. "I am fine, love. Thank you." She stood and took a breath to steady herself. "Blood of your blood? My Lord, who are you?" Despite being almost choked to death, she tried to remain civil. Force Ghosts were dangerous. At least the Sith ones were.
"I wouldn't expect you to know. But you, Kanna Kali'ka, I would expect you to know. Has our family tree fallen so low to not remember our once great name, a name so long revered in the annals of the Sith? I am Lord Aloysius Kallig, Dark Lord of the Sith, by how many generations of descendants I do not know, but your daughter's strength in the Force has awoken me from my slumber." The name meant nothing to Kanna, as she had no means to study her ancestry or matters of the Sith. But it meant a hell of a lot more to Zash.
She gasped and even took a small step back, bringing Kanna with her. "L-Lord Kallig?" She stuttered. She came across his name in the Great Tulak Hord's writings. "Easily the most ambitious, and therefore my most dangerous rival is Kallig. Therefore he shall be the first to die by my hand." It was rumored that Tulak Hord's attempt to end his rival didn't go as he had planned. He was Hord's right hand man after defeating his top general one on one in single combat. It was also speculated that Tulak Hord's fall was due to Kallig himself, but Kallig's fate was met by the very being who accompanied Kuro as they spoke, Khem Val.
He was a powerful Sith, only rivaled by Tulak Hord himself. Kanna's ancestor was Aloysius Kallig? It was no wonder Kuro was so powerful at such an early age. It was literally in her genetic makeup. "No. No, we couldn't be a Sith Family. We were former slaves, my Lord." Kanna interjected, with respect.
"That is my shame. Had I been wiser I could have secured my family's greatness into the realm of a legacy. But I let my guard down and I was betrayed, by Tulak Hord, someone I considered a trusted and dear friend. He feared me and my power, believing I was going to betray him. So instead, he betrayed me." Kallig explained, pacing slowly, reminiscing of his past. How foolish he had been.
This was too much to process for the twi'lek mother. She was a descendant of a powerful Sith Lord, not only that but her daughter was at the center of it all? She had to be sure. "You are certain, my Lord? My daughter and I have been nothing but slaves our entire lives. Myself having no Force potential that I am aware of. I just can't believe it. But I'm wanting to understand."
"I can understand your confusion. You believe your nothingness is all there was. You are wrong. The Force is everything, it is not hereditary exactly, it chooses. While you may have been powerful in your own right if it saw fit to reside within you. However it saw the vast potential in your daughter and rested there. When she was born, it began to grow. Once her training began it flourished. Having a family that drove her to strength only increased her power. That is the weakness of the Sith, which they can never seem to see." He explained patiently, he had a reverence for the twi'lek mother, who had given birth to one of the most powerful Sith of her generation. "Believe it, or do not. It makes no difference but know that your blood, your daughters blood, is of my own. She was born for greatness, she was born a Kallig."
While digested the information that she was of a Sith family, Zash interjected. "That is…something, I don't even know where to begin on that, but certainly something I would love to research. But with respect, my Lord Kallig, I came here for an artifact of Tulak Hord. Our daughter found a holocron of Tulak Hord in his tomb on Korriban. I've been slowly learning the information contained within, and one such piece was of his artifacts, five in total. One was here, in your tomb." Zash explained, trying to retain her respect and reverence. This was a powerful ghost and could kill them in an instant if he desired. She doubted he would now, but no point in taking that risk.
"Yes, I have it. I wrest it from him before he died. I know not what it does, only that betrayal seems to follow it like a plague. Take it, give it to your daughter for only she has the power to control it. But be cautious of it." He paused, placing a hand on his chest. "I long for the day when our bloodline is restored. She has the power to do just that." It was only then that he faded from sight.
The pair looked at each other and Zash carefully moved forward to the sarcophagus, removing the lid with some effort. Inside was the artifact, square with diamond like shapes etched in the four faces, white and purple in color. Zash took it, feeling the power coming from it. It felt….intoxicating. She stared at it, a stray thought entering her mind. I could keep this. What is one piece? Kuro can have the other four. In fact, why should she have any? "Zash?" Kanna's soothing voice cut through the corruption in her mind. Her eyes widened and she dropped it, backing away, falling to her knees. "Zash!? Are you okay, love?"
She shook her head. "He was right. That thing is dangerous." Tears gathered in her eyes. "Do you know what I just thought? I took it in my hands and thought that I will keep this one from Kuro, keep all of them. Almost instantly I was going to betray her!" She sobbed into her hands.
Kanna knelt down next to her and hugged her tightly. "You fought back, darling. You recognized the danger and came back from it. It's okay." She said soothingly, rubbing her lovers back.
Zash shook her head in denial. "Only because I heard your voice."
The twi'lek just smiled. "Then that means I can protect you, yes?" It was just like Kanna, to always see the positive in things. It was one of the many things Zash loved about her.
Laughing sadly, the human Sith stood up with her lover and smiled. "Yes, you're right. You always are." She declared, sending her love through their gaze before picking the artifact back up, and leaving the tomb. She didn't hear the whispers this time.
Taris: Wilderness
Ashara couldn't take it anymore, she had to get out from under the stifling conditions of the Republic base. She couldn't move without being watched or accompanied by a master. She couldn't relax and be herself without being lectured on being a proper Jedi. She loved the Jedi Order but sometimes she just wanted a break. But with the Order there wasn't one. So she snuck out into the wilderness of Taris, a backpack with some food, water and a sleeping roll. Lightsaber strapped to her belt and brown cloak and hood covering her armored body.
She trekked through the wilderness, occasionally defending herself from the local fauna and mutated creatures. They were no threat to her so long as she kept her vigil. She was currently exploring, what she thought, was an abandoned Imperial Base. Looking over a holoterminal for anything interesting and a clatter behind her caused her to jump and spin around, weapon drawn and activated. Before her was a Sith Pureblood, a very tall and massive looking one. Red skin, red eyes and jet black hair held in a ponytail. Her imposing armor and size caused her to swallow thickly, the glare made her step back and step up a defensive stance.
Next to her was a small and petite twi'lek with blue skin and cute features. She didn't hold a candle next to Kuro but she would admit she was unfairly cute. Then she spoke. "Umm, hey there." She said, with a small wave and shy grin, her higher, yet loveable pitched voice almost echoed around the room.
"Stay behind me, Vette. She's a Jedi." Growled the female Pureblood, taking an aggressive stance.
So much for being careful. "I don't want to fight, Sith." She declared, setting up a defensive stance.
"Too late." She growled again, before charging. Despite her impressive size, she was incredibly fast. She shot across the ground at an incredible speed. Ashara barely had time to block the sudden attack. She grit her teeth at the impact, her knees almost buckling. By the Force she's strong!
"Yoko! Stop!" Vette shouted, but the Juggernaut ignored her companion and continued her assault. Each tremendous blow pushed Ashara back, the shockwave of each strike rattling her bones.
Come on, Ashara. Time to put your training to the test. The Jedi said to herself. She blocked for a time, keeping pace with each attack before she saw an opportunity. Yoko had jumped up towards her, coming down for a plunging strike. Most likely thinking gravity could assist in her strikes. Ashara waited until the last moment and spun away from the strike, in towards the Sith, jumped and spun with a solid kick to the Sith's head, sending her flying towards the twi'lek. To her surprise the Sith didn't seem affected by the kick internally and righted herself, digging her heels into the ground along with her saber to slow herself down. Then she shot off like a rocket back to the startled Jedi.
Yoko glowered at the Jedi and thrust out with the Force to knock Ashara off balance in an attempt to finish her off. Ashara flew backwards hitting the wall, stunned. Even though she was dazed, she still managed to get her saber up in time to block. Feeling cornered, she snarled at the Sith and pushed back with all her strength. The Juggernaut barely moved but Ashara wasn't deterred, she augmented her strength with the Force and roared, with a powerful, shoved her away again. She was about to attack once more but a shout from Vette followed by blaster fire had the two pause. "Yoko, you idiot! I said stop!" She snapped at the Pureblood, the few blaster bolts slamming into her in the back. She knew they wouldn't do any damage to her so she did it without worry. "Do you WANT Kuro to vaporize you!? Cause I don't! What are we gonna tell her if you had actually killed her Force-mate?! I told you what she looked like! Are you stupidly insane or do you have a death wish?!" She added with a hysterical note.
Yoko had the decency to look shocked and suddenly terrified. She all but backpedaled away from the Jedi, as if being near her would somehow invoke Kuro's wrath. Ashara couldn't help the surge of pride in her lover to make someone like this cower in fear, even if only a little. However, they somehow knew Kuro? "Y-you know Kuro?" Ashara asked her thoughts out loud, still not letting down her guard. She felt sore, already exhausted and she knew she couldn't keep up the fight if they decided to keep going. "A sith sorceress, a Lethan twi'lek? Black tattoos, purple eyes?" She added, getting a little giddy, despite her exhaustion.
Vette sighed, relieved that the togruta was who she suspected. She gave a bright smile and skipped over to the Jedi. "Yep. She mentioned your name to two Jedi's Aya and Kira, they seemed to know you. So I did a little digging and BAM!" She exclaimed, shooting finger guns and a wink at the togruta. "Ashara Zavros, Jedi padawan on Taris. To be fair it was sheer luck we ran into you, or I guess bad luck." She added sending a glare to her companion, who seemed to be sulking in her brooding and glare filled features.
"H-hey it's fine." It was not fine, she seriously almost died. "It's to be expected being on opposite sides of a war after all. Don't sweat it…" Ashara's adrenaline wore off and she slumped to the floor, hands shaking. "Y-you are terrifying you know that?" She admitted to the imposing Sith warrior. Yoko seemed to smirk at that and Vette smacked her arm with a disappointed frown. "A-anyway, what are you two doing here then? Well I guess you have more rights to be here than me as it's an Imperial base but still…"
The twi'lek shook her head. "Probably best you don't know the deeper details, but all I'll say is we're getting ready to attack a republic base filled to the brim with soldiers and heavy turrets and stuff. Looking for a way to shut it all down. Got a general in there we need to…take care of."
Ashara nodded sadly, she wasn't going to stop them and she knew it. She didn't think she could stop them either. Yoko was so out of her league in skill it was…humiliating and disheartening. What was I even training for if I could barely hold up against her? "Probably wouldn't matter if I knew anyway, not like I can stop you." She added bitterly to herself, still slumped on the floor. "I was always the best in my class and to be defeated so easily is…painful." She admitted to her enemy, holding back tears. By the Force I'm such a child.
Vette smiled and knelt down next to her. "Hey, don't talk like that, Ashara. You didn't lose, I stopped the fight to prevent a stupid risk being taken." Again another glare at Yoko, who looked away with a frown. It seemed to Ashara who the real person in charge was and that this wasn't the first occurrence. "I know how she fights, the fact that you blocked those attacks and even countered back. The fact you landed a hit on her at all is proof how skilled you are. I don't know if Kuro told you about her sister Kory?" Ashara nodded. She had, and what she was told was awe inspiring. "Kory is immensely skilled and has four other lightsabers she uses with the Force and still couldn't land a hit on her. I mean sure she only has one arm but still! So don't be discouraged, Ashara. You are, in fact, really awesome!" Vette gave the togruta girl a thumbs up and a quirky grin.
Despite herself, Ashara laughed and smiled at the twi'lek. She was no Shi'ara in her pep talks but she did make her feel better. It was charmingly cute. Simple, but effective. "Thank you…Vette was it?" A nod was her answer. "Thank you, and I'm sorry for trespassing, I should get back to my Jedi Enclave before they get mad."
Vette rolled her eyes with a smoke. "Pfft please, like I give crud about this rundown base. Like I said, coincidence. Also, aren't the Jedi supposed to be emotionless? They won't be mad." Vette teased while helping the togruta to her feet and gave her a hug. "Anyway, any friend of Kuro's is a friend of mine, no matter whose side you're on. Just…take care out there, Ashara."
Ashara smiled, glad to have found another friend of her lover's, returning the hug. She was just so small!. "You too, Vette, Yoko." She nodded to the two before running off. She learned a valuable lesson here. She may have been the best in her class, but she was not the best in reality. She aimed to fix that so she could stand beside her Force-mate with pride. I refuse to hold her back. I will be worthy of you, Kuroki.
AN: *Peeks* How'd I do? I actually really liked this chapter, so I hope you all do too. Thanks for reading, and again im sorry for not posting anything in a long time.