Right, I've gone back and checked my previous entries and it turns out I've never responded to any reviews before.
Whoops.
So I'm going to be answering them now, or at least try to for half of them.
Ssj shadow: thanks for you continued support and I'm sorry if it seems like I've been ignoring you, cause I really haven't done it on purpose. I'm glad you like how I've characterised Aindri, she's pretty close to how she is in-game with some changes to dialogue and actions which the game wouldn't allow us to do to make sure she stayed in character. Don't worry I'll be getting to her parents and extended biological family eventually, and while she isn't related to my favourite Dark Councillor (Outside of Nox of course) she will have some connections to Marr which I haven't exactly figured out yet, but it will be there. I'm glad your liking the story, and Aindri so far though.
Dorngok: I'm glad you like my characterisation of Vette, writing canon characters is something I'm rather nervous about and making them too OC. Also glad you like me trying to incorporate the events of other class stories into Journey, I considered not including them and pretending those events happened AU but it just seemed wrong. And yeah, it may be an option in-game but given Aindri's personality and how I want her relationship with Vette to develop, letting her stay behind during that mission seemed to be the right decision. Glad you liked the inclusion of genuine books, the day printing physical books dies is the day I don full mourning clothes and wear them a full month.
FreidenSchmi: Thank god, given how many SWTOR fanfics there are and how many people have probably played the class storylines getting a fresh take is something I'm worried about. My language will hopefully get better as I do more fanfics, and yeah, grammar and punctuation is something I've always struggled with, the bane of my academic life (sigh). I'm trying to find one but no luck so far.
Enji-Benjy: This won't be abandoned I promise. Though there might be a time I take an extended leave of absence, but if I do I promise I'll have a good reason.
Sailor Onyx: Hope you like how I characterised Vette, I tried to keep her as true to the snarky and fearless Twi'lek as I could.
Alleks: Thanks and I hope I don't let you down.
Huh, well what do you know, I did manage to answer all of them, awesome. Anyway hope you enjoy this chapter, cause I admit I'm slightly nervous about this one for certain reasons regarding the final section.
Chapter Fifteen – Becoming a Revanite
Flames danced high into the sky, crackling wood turning pitch black as it snapped and popped with the heat. It was one of those rare nights on Dromund Kass where the rain had stopped, allowing for a fire to be lit and chase the chill from their bones.
Aindri sat alone by the fire, Vette haven retired to their tent earlier that evening. They arrived late in the evening at the Revanite camp, Vette too tired to ask much questions about why there was a camp in the middle of dense jungle with no obvious advantage other than being isolated. They were given a hot meal and sleeping roles for the night and the normally energetic Twi'lek said it was enough for her.
Watching the flames, Aindri's mind drifted back in time to her meeting with Sandor and his request.
"Sandor." She greeted cordially, slipping into the seat opposite him as he fixed her with a smirk, fingers drumming against the drink in front of him. They were sitting in a well-known café overlooking the monument to Darth Ergast, stone monoliths framed by ever-burning blue flame dominating the square, one she'd been many times before. It was busy with patrons, the constant drone of conversation would drown at their own to anyone who wished to listen.
"Hello to you to Hallow. Barely out of the Academy, completing your trials in only two months," He teased, shaking his head with mock exasperation, "And already you move through the Citadel as if it were yours."
"You didn't call to meet me for flattery." She replied waving to a server and ordering a drink.
"What I can't congratulate you?" He retorted before his eyes did a quick sweep of the cafés other patrons, his smirk slipping, "But your right I didn't. I need a favour."
She opened her eyes, searching his own for any sign of his intentions as her drink was set on the table. Flicking her eyes to the server, she inclined her head, both dismissing the server and telling Sandor she was listening. Bowing he backed away from them and it was only once the server was out of ear shot that Sandor spoke.
"Darth Charnus has assigned me to Dromund Kass to find and expose a heretical cult called the Order of Revan."
"Revan," She repeated, turning the information over in her mind. The long dead Sith Lord who slaughtered armies as a Jedi and taught thousands of dark apprentices as a Sith, "A Jedi turned Sith."
Sandor nodded in confirmation, "They've been secretly recruiting for years, individuals at every stratum of Imperial society. Military officers, powerful Sith, wealthy mercenaries, anyone who could add to their power."
He swirled the contents of his glass absently, his gaze moving to the square below, "They defy the Emperor and the Council, and my master wants to expose the Revanite leader. But I haven't been able to get close."
"I am the niece of Darth Taral," She said upon realising what he was asking of her, his gaze snapping back to hers.
"One of Darth Marr's closest advisors. Everyone knows of his loyalty to the Empire and I am my uncles' niece," Her expression darkened, "Not my fathers' daughter."
Sandor tilted his drink in acknowledgement, Darth Canis's ambition and lust for power was well known and he knew of her less than stellar relationship with her father, who was already disliked in many a Sith circle.
"Your uncle did a good job keeping you away from the spotlight," He said with a shake of his head, "You haven't interacted much with high society or Sith circles. I would do it myself but I'm too well known and the Revanites are aware my master is after them. But you've only recently become an apprentice so you're in a much better position to infiltrate them."
She dipped her head and gave a silent sight, "What would I have to do?" At least doing this, Sandor would owe her a favour in turn.
"All you have to do is earn their trust," He reached into a pouch on his belt and slid a rough-hewn stone medallion across the table, "I can get you inside but after that is up to you," He said as she picked up the medallion and turned in over in her hands.
"Gain their respect and earn an audience with the leader then tell me their identity. I'll handle the rest."
Taking the stone medallion and a small list of known Revanites – Sandor knew he'd missed some but it gave her leads to follow – she kept her eyes open. Her opportunity came when one of the Imperial Officers attending Baras's meetings had been marked as a Revanite.
Dismissed by her master she followed him, using the Force to wrap herself in shadow, shrouding herself from sight. He brought her to the Revanite camp, secreted away far off the beaten path along the Riverfall Wilds, deep within the Kassian jungle.
Dzoun, a senior cultists, met her at the entrance, suspicious until she showed the medallion where he welcomed her with open arms as an initiate. He described their camp as a haven built by the 'Master' where they left their duties to the Empire behind and learn the mysteries of Revan, seeking to walk his path. History wrote Revan returned to and died on Dromund Kass, Dzoun said that the 'Master' preserved his life so they could learn from it, walking the same path as him light and dark, war and peace.
As a Revanite initiate, she would take part in the cults rituals, her teachers Revanites who spent their lives recovering Revan's works. Only then would she be able to meet the 'Master' who would give her final lessons.
She left then and was able to return in the next two days when Baras sent her into the jungle to lead an assault on Darth Hadra's forces in support of Darth Arctis over an ancient Sith shrine.
Jhorval was the Revanite who oversaw her Trial of Death. She knew the stories, Revan dying at the hands of Jedi and Sith, stripped of his power, life and memory, yet relearned the ways of the Force, reborn into something more. It seemed she was to go through a similar experience, leaving her, as Jhorval put it, unbound from all oaths and promises.
There was a path leading away from the camp, and at the end of the path was a cave, an alter littered with artefacts and statue of Revan hidden within. She meditated, receiving a vision of Revan stalking through a curtain of flames before shouting in agony as she was burned by lightning.
Dying felt different, she felt different. But it was not a sensation she wanted to experience again any time soon.
Jhorval was proud she'd begun her new life as a Revanite, choosing allegiance to the Order of Revan first of all. He wished the Force would make her strong.
Thinking back to the alter in the cave, its surface scattered with artefacts, it seemed obvious in retrospect what her next trial would be. She remembered the feeling it evoked when looking at the shine, like something was missing. Out of all of Revan's possessions the most famous, most symbolic, was his mask. But there was no mask on the alter.
Looking down, she carefully turned the mask around in her hands. It was well preserved, and she sensed the power ingrained in its very surface, but it wasn't in any condition to wear. And then there were those faded images she experienced when she first held the mask.
An eons old temple, older than any she'd ever seen, on a tropical planet with aquamarine waters. A planet steeped in darkness and a broken man kneeling in a circular courtyard as cold cruel laughter filled the air. Ground covered with lifeless bodies, faces and surroundings obscured by a dark mist.
Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she pushed them to the back of her mind. There was nothing she could do regarding them now and it wasn't her immediate concern. She would be giving the mask to Ladra tomorrow morning, but for now it was time for her to sleep as well.
"Ah! Good morning Initiate," Ladra smiled at Aindri's approach, "I see you have finally returned. Did you, did you see the mask? Wasn't it amazing?"
She held out the mast, the purebloods demeanour one of awe and reverence as she reached out and carefully took hold of the artefact.
"Oh you have it! I never thought I'd see it again. Free from Grathan's prison at last," Ladra laughed gleefully, "Free from the hands of heretics. It's a wonderful day," Her expression turned dreamlike and desire weaved through her the purebloods Force signature, "I wish I'd been there, cutting Grathan's apprentices to pieces again and again."
Ladra coughed, bringing herself back under control, her tone less lustful as she tampered down her craving for blood and violence, "But it was your trial. Your priviledge," She smiled at the initiate, "I can't finish your initiation, only the Master can do that, but I can recognize achievement. You've done so very well. The mask will guides us forevermore."
"Now for your next…" Aindri arched a brow when Ladra paused before waving to someone she spied walking across the camp, "Ah Raymon!"
Aindri half-turned to inspect the new arrival, a bald man wearing Revanite robes with a lightsaber attached to his hip. He eyed her critically, raising a brow at Ladra.
"Another new initiate?" He asked, sighing in frustration at Ladra's smile, "Really, the compounds getting less secure all the time."
"Yes, yes," Ladra waved earning a glare from Raymon, "But we should always work to spread the teachings of Revan," The purebloods eyes narrowed dangerously at the newcomer, "Unless you doubt the Master?"
"Do not question my commitment Ladra," Raymon snapped in anger, "I'm sure the Master knows what he'd doing. Besides," He looked her up and down, "It is up to us, not the Master, to judge whether initiates can follow the Ways of Revan and their worth."
"Exactly," Ladra chirped enthusiastically, ignoring or oblivious to Raymon's irritation, "Teach her and judge her worth. She did wonderfully during her Trial of the Past, so I'm sure she will pass."
Raymon conceded with a scowl, "Alright fine," Before turning to her, "Listen here initiate, "Revan didn't work alone. Revan had allies, all walks of life. We're no different. You want to join us, you need to face the men and woman who got here first and who've proved they're loyal to the Master."
"What would you have me do?"
"You need to show those in the Masters' inner circle that you understand Revan's teachings. They'll ask questions. You'll answer. If they're not satisfied, they'll abandon the Trial of Wisdom and begin to test your strength. Revan didn't suffer the weak."
"I expect nothing less. I will do what is need."
"See," Ladra beamed, "She's an absolute treat! Good luck on your trial initiate, may you rip past the competition."
Raymon growled as Ladra flounced away, his annoyance rippling through the Force, "Your pilgrimage starts in the jungle, you'll meet your first guide there. He'll determine whether you're worth sending on to the rest," Turning on his heel, he stomped away.
"What's his deal?" Yawned Vette who'd walked up eating a ration bar, handing her a cup of Muja juice. Taking a sip she shrugged.
"Okay well what are we doing today?" Vette yawned again, glancing around with open curiosity, "And what is this place?"
"Do what you wish, but remain here. And we're in the Revanite camp, a cult."
"Yeah you know what I'm not surprised," Vette sighed after a moment, "Well I'm happy with a free day. When will be back?" She called as Aindri walked away.
"Evening." The Sith tossed over her shoulder before disappearing somewhere into the trees.
"Right." Vette muttered before shrugging and heading back to their tent.
Maybe she could take a nap.
Water splashed against Aindri's boots as she crossed a stream, her eyes focused on the mercenary camp ahead. A Sith called Morrun Dokaas had been her first guide, an alien strong in the Force who the Revanite's Master had gone against the Empire's traditions to train.
He questioned why Revan taught all species the path to power, why he gave knowledge to anyone who would seek it. She answered Revan understood that people are more useful when they have skill and power. He judged her answer wise and pointed her to Ceta Farr to proceed with her pilgrimage.
She drew the odd stare as she entered the camp and she could feel eyes zooming in on her lightsaber. From the looks of their armour all were Mandalorian, surprising her given Revan's history with the warrior dominant culture.
"Takan!" Yelled a blond haired woman and a helmeted Mandalorian jogged over, "Have some of the men head into the city. They've earned a break from training."
"Yes Commander." He saluted before running back to his group who started talking excitedly.
"It's good to see you alive," The Mandalorian turned to her with a grin, "Not everyone survives Morrun. Raymon contacted me from the base, said you wanted to join. Is it true?"
She inclined her in greeting, "I am seeking the inner circles approval."
The Mandalorian nodded, "I'm Ceta Farr and centuries ago, my clan was one of those who fought Revan when we invaded the Republic with the other Mandalorians. It was our privilege to battle Jedi and while we may have lost the war that was a privilege too. It's out of respect for Revan and a matter of honour that I agreed to join the Master."
"I serve the order to ensure Revan's name isn't forgotten. Revan was a warrior, a leader and deserves to be remembered," Farr continued, pausing to look at the Sith standing before her appraisingly, "Since you're not bound by honour, how do I know you won't sully the Dark Lord's memory? What can you do for the order in Revan's name?"
"I will learn all I can about Revan's past." Aindri replied carefully, if Farr wanted Revan's name to be remembered then she would want his deeds remembered as well.
Far eyed her a moment before acquiescing, "Fine. The order has enough warriors. You might be able to serve. You'll need to talk to one more person before you head back to the compound. Find Major Pathel, he oversees security on the Wall. Glory to Mandalore and glory to our Master."
Aindri frowned as she turned away, if she recalled correctly the Wall was the main entrance to Grathan's estate. It was also were the Dark Council forces staged their raid. The Revanites had really sunk their claws into the Empire, if they had a Major in their ranks. It was little wonder Darth Charnus deemed them a threat.
She hastened her journey through the trees, keeping her cloak close to her body so it didn't snag on brushes of fallen branches. Her boots light on the forest floor so twigs wouldn't snap underfoot and reveal her position to the jungles predators. It was only an hour later, when she spied the large wall surrounding Grathan's estate through the trees. There was a figure standing in the shadow of the treeline, the strips marking his rank as Major only visible when she was close.
"Come on over," He called, walking a step further into the trees, "There's nothing to trouble us here, and we can speak freely."
Closing the distance, she leant against a tree giving him a small tilt of the head, motioning for him to speak, which he returned with a smile.
"I'm Major Pathel, at your service. It's always wonderful to meet new initiates. The Order of Revan needs all the dedicated young people it can get. I don't know how your other meetings went, but I like to conduct these interviews informally. No point making your life difficult eh?"
When the hooded Sith before him didn't speak, let alone move to acknowledge his question he coughed, "Right well, quite a few initiates, young officers, acolytes and the like, think our 'secret society' will help them become Moffs or Dark Lords. You're not like that I presume?"
The air grew thicker and Pathel had to squash down an urge to tug at his collar, or his fligh and fight response from activating, before the air returned to normal. It was so quick he thought he'd imagined it."
"I will claim my place through my own effort." She intoned emotionlessly and Pathel gave a nervous laugh.
"Sorry, I didn't think you were," He took a calming breath, "Not every initiate realises that advancement in the Revanites does not guarantee advancement in the Empire. Nor how dangerous being a Revanite really is. After all the Dark Council itself seeks to root us out."
He looked at the Sith in a considering manner, "So how do we respond? How do we answer the Empire's accusations of heresy?"
Aindri leaned her head back against the tree bark as she considered her answer, "We show them the truth," She returned her gaze to Pathel, "And defend ourselves if necessary."
"You are right," Pathel smiled, impressed with her answer, "We will show them the truth wherever we can but won't become traitors to the Empire either. That's all I needed to make my judgement. I'm going to send a message to the compound. Raymon will be waiting for you. Journey safely and be proud to be a part of the Order of Revan."
Aindri watched the Major leave before glancing at the wall, considering commandeering a speeder before dismissing the idea. She wouldn't want it traced back to the Revanite camp and doubted Baras would be pleased his newest apprentice had joined a cult.
Tugging down her hood, she turned on her heel and disappeared back into the jungle, none but Pathel having been even aware of her presence there.
Raymon was indeed waiting for her when she returned, complementing her for completing the pilgrimage and gaining the inner circles approving her initiation. She'd be meeting the Master soon and was in the midst of eating dinner with Vette when the time came, Dzoun approaching them as they sat by the fire.
"I've been hearing about your progress with your trials," He sunk down beside her, sending sparks dancing into the air as he stirring the fire, "Your initiation hasn't been an easy one."
Aindri gave a small shrug.
Her Revanite trials were no less hard than her Sith ones on Korriban. Trials weren't trials if they were easy nor would they make one grow.
"You've met the challenge and showed you can walk Revan's path. Now may undergo the final rite," Dzoun gave her a proud smile, "The Master will complete your lessons, and you'll be welcomed as a full member of the Order of Revan. It is a great privilege, the Master reveals himself to no one outside the order."
Likely for fear he'll be captured, interrogated and executed should he do so, she mused as Dzoun nodded towards a large tent at the back of the camp.
"Go to the Master, he is waiting for you. Listen to him, obey him and through the Master you will know the path of Revan."
Vette raised an eyebrow as Dzoun rose, glancing at Aindri when he was out of earshot, "Wait Revan? As in that super well-known Sith Lord a few centuries back?"
"Huh," She said at Aindri's brief nod, "Neat. Want me to come with?"
Aindri paused to consider Vette's offer before shaking her head and rising, "I imagine it is a private audience."
Vette shrugged, "Suite yourself. I'll probably be in the tent when you get back. Oh by the way Seban contacted me to say Mira and Shee are fine. They're opening up travel to Kass city tomorrow!" She called at her retreating back and she raised a hand in acknowledgement.
Pushing the flap aside, Aindri entered the Master's tent, arching a brow at the low lighting and holoterminal in the centre. Leaning down, she palmed she activator button, stepping back as an image of Revan himself burst to life.
"You who have died and been reborn, stand before me now. You who have reclaimed the ancient past, stand before me now. You who have demonstrated power and wisdom to my followers," He was describing her trials, "Look upon me the Master of the Order of Revan. This is the end of your initiation and the beginning of your true journey. You will walk the path of Revan forevermore. The enemies of the order will force you to move in shadows. But we shall keep you secrets safe, as you shall keep ours."
Her hand dropped to the hilt of her saber, thumb resting on the activator as she turned towards a space shrouded in shadow, sensing a presence there.
"You have my apologies initiate, no Revanite, but the ruse served its purpose," From the darkness walked a dark skinned woman, black hair swept up in a ponytail and red tattoos tracing from her above her brows to her chin, "And it felt appropriate in how Revan's own gender is unclear in many of our records. However not the time for subterfuge is over, know me for who I am."
Aindri inclined her head in understanding, where she in the woman's position she'd have done the same, "I understand the need for secrecy."
The Master gave her a wan smile, "Yes, especially with how badly the Dark Council wants me dead. Still I apologise for the deception, and for meeting you sooner."
"What makes the order such a threat?" She questioned, genuine curiosity slipping into her tone.
"Revan came to Dromund Kass after being reborn. Some believe Revan died at the hands of our Emperor. I believe otherwise. I believe Revan overthrow the Emperor and has sat secretly on the throne for three centuries. Aside from our order, only the Dark Council knows the truth."
Heretical thoughts at the highest order then, Aindri mused, finding it more likely the Emperor had entrapped Revan instead. Siphoning every secret from the Jedi turned Sith Lord, "You have proof of this?"
"I have heard whispers in the Citadel, that for decades, the Emperor has been in seclusion no longer speaking with even the Council," The Master paced as much as she could in the small space, only able to taking a couple of steps before having to turn back, "The only explanation is the Dark Council betrayed their leader and locked Emperor Revan away, seizing power for themselves. They seek to silence us because we know."
The Master stopped pacing, settling her hands behind her back in a way similar to Baras, "We will free the Emperor and expose the truth, but for now I need your help with a different matter. My agents tell me you know of a Sith named Sandor?"
"He runs in the same circles as my uncle," She conceded carefully, keeping her voice and body language neutral so as to give nothing away.
"He seeks to destroy the Revanites and you are the only one in a position to end his threat. Go to Sandor and tell him that you met with the Revanite leader. Tell him that the leader is his own master, Darth Charnus."
"We are not that close. Why would he believe me?"
"I obtained this Sith amulet from Charnus," The Master gave her a devious smirk, one similar to a certain Twi'lek she knew, as she handed her a piece of jewellery she'd seen similar to other ancient Sith artefacts, "Give to Sandor and he'll believe you stole it from his master while among the Revanites. They will turn against each other. But when this is done and when you've spoken to Sandor… you cannot return here."
"So Sandor must never suspects my true allegiance."
"Yes. It will not be easy, the path to power, the path neither Jedi nor Sith never will but you must walk the path of Revan alone. May the Force be with you. May it make you strong."
Leaving the tent, Aindri stretched out her muscles before glancing up at the sky. It seemed her time with the cult was finally at an end.
Good riddance as well.
She would contact Sandor in the morning on her and Vette's return to Kass City but for now her bedroll was calling with the seductive pull of Morpheus's realm.
"The master of the lightsaber returns," Sandor smirked, Aindri rolling her eyes in response as she took off her mask and placed it on the desk.
True to Vette's word they'd been able to enter Kass City that morning, returning to the apartment to clean up before going to see Baras and briefing him on their mission to Grathan's estate. She'd been only minimally surprised when Sandor was waiting for her in the foyer, Vette peeling off to her own room as she led her follow apprentice upstairs.
"It must have taken great willpower not to leave the Revanite cultists alive long enough to investigate them."
"I managed," She deadpanned, stripping her cloak and armour, "She's a Sith Lord. Dark skin, black hair, red facial tattoos."
Entering the refresher she felt more than saw Sandor frown, following her to lean against the doorway. There was a flash of recognition on his face as he finally realised who she was talking about. He'd seen her talking to his master before, "I know her. Yes I know her."
Aindri arched a brow at him over her shoulder and he waved a hand in the air vaguely, "She's a Sith called Tari Darkspanner. Darth Charnus knows her," Sandor smiled predatorily, "We can use her. The Dark Council will strip her of her power, her mind and her life."
Aindri hummed before she felt hot breath on her neck and a pair of arms sliding around her waist, Sadnor's chest pressed against her back, "Thanks to you, we now have the means to obliterate this society of heretics. The name of Revan will be spoken on Dromund Kass no more."
"My master is expecting me." She told him and Sandor nipped at her throat.
"Oh I reckon we can make time."
She'd experimented, like most teenagers, and Sandor had been more than willing to help in her, explorations.
It tampered off by the time she entered her late teens but they still, saw, each other on the odd occasion. Still Baras did not strike her as a master willing to wait on his apprentices and he'd already been doing so for three days because of the Dominator incident.
Aindri had breathed a sigh of relief when she'd learned Mira and Shee were safe and largely uninjured. Mira had received a nasty cut but was otherwise fine and they all helped rescuing civilians trapped by the wreckage.
"Baras does not strike me as someone who likes waiting. Or would you coerce me Sandor?"
"You uncle would skin me alive and hang me from the Citadel by my entrails," Sandor snorted, of course that was only if Aindri didn't decapitated him first, and pulled away from her, "Oh well maybe next time. Thanks for the information. See you Hallow."
"Sandor," She called, tossing him Charnus's amulet, "I believe this belongs to your master."
Sadnor looked down at the amulet, surprise flickering through his eyes before he nodded his thanks and left the room. Rolling her shoulders, she stripped off the rest of her clothes and stepped into the shower, warm water gushing down her back to wash way her sweat.