Chapter Four: Words Of Vile
Caedus emerged from his StealthX and examined his surroundings. The planet was dry and tombstones, as well as Temples, were scattered in every direction. The terrain appeared to be filled with a variety of mountains, canyons, dry riverbeds, more tombstones, and ruins. Just the appearance screamed it belonged to dark side energy.
The wind felt as if it were running cool fingers over his skin, then embracing him. He shivered at the thought of cold air being given the qualities of a human; it was uneasy.
The wind is less of your concerns, be mindful of the deceased.
Caedus was startled at the words running through his mind. Those words…he did not think of them; they weren't his thoughts and they didn't belong. It could have been a ploy implanted by the Sith located here, so he pushed it aside and strode towards a nearby Temple.
You're acting foolish. Ignoring me will get you nowhere and I suggest you halt and listen before I force you to.
The voice clearly wasn't going to leave him be. It wanted something from him, but he was unsure of what. The possibilities didn't reassure him either.
"Sounded like a threat. What do you want from me?" He answered aloud.
It's not what I want. It's what you desire.
Caedus narrowed his eyes; puzzled, "What I desire? What could you possibly know about my desires?"
I know more about you than you presume. Yes, I'm aware of your reasoning to following the path of your namesake, the reason behind your actions of destroying Fountain Palace, and…much like the family you've unfortunately fallen in love. Unlike the rest though, she is unaware of it, and you've kept it buried for so many years you've probably forgotten it yourself. Oh, but I can still sense the longing.
"We'll take this one step at a time then seeing as you're the Voice of All Knowing. Why am I following the path of my namesake?" Caedus responded heatedly.
The same objective as your namesake…keep the galaxy protected. You began having this fear of the galaxy tearing itself apart once you began studying the history of your namesake. You wanted to be strong and protective much like he was. Unlike the rest of your family that's fallen, this didn't all start because of a lover; it started because of your own discoveries of the past.
"Alright, I'll give you credit for that one, but that still doesn't prove you know anything about me or my desires." Caedus replied.
Perhaps not, but moving on to what I know you'll ask next. You destroyed Fountain Palace because you blame the Hapans partially for the death of your namesake.
"Explain further," Caedus said in awe.
Your namesake's lover was a Hapan and if he hadn't begged her to save herself and their daughter with his last few moments, there would have been a slim chance he could have survived.
"You stun me. Last question, lover? I'm afraid I have no idea what you speak of." Caedus said candidly.
Really? It must be a dying love. Did the longing of wanting her for your own keep you from saying much else about her? Did it change you into a quiet person who spent all of his time dwelling on the very thought of her? Yes, I'm aware of your deep desire, one you've concealed for so long to keep anyone from ever discovering it, or to keep you from being a prisoner to your emotions once again.
Caedus's heart sunk and a wave of guilt washed over him. "You knew…"
Of course I knew. I also know she desires to be in your presence again.
"My presence," Caedus asked, "Why?"
She shares the same emotions. Perhaps it took longer for the impact to hit her, but those past emotions you've buried have taken over her.
"You mean…she…she loves me?" Caedus asked; the mixture of surprise and delightfulness coursed through his veins.
Yes, but there is a problem with this fact. Despite the fact she loves you, her duties are placed above searching for you and you two may never be reunited. That is until she made a run for it…
"Run from what?" Caedus asked, dreading to hear the answer.
She ran away just last night under the impression everyone around her that got in her way was an enemy. She's coming to find you, Caedus.
"Saar'ii…" He managed in a whisper.
She's lost her memory, mostly, but there's no doubt she remembers who you are. Either she's an ally or she's coming to kill you. Your twin brother and his girlfriend are under the impression they can prevent her from finding you though. If they do this, I will make sure Saar'ii is in contact with you once her memory is fully restored.
"You're awfully kind for a Sith. Do you mind to show yourself now?" He said skeptically.
The darkness appeared to melt and there before him was someone he'd never expected to see. The blue hue around him made it seem all the more mysterious. He was dressed in black as most Sith usually wore, his cape swaying perfectly still despite the wind, and his golden eyes fixed on Caedus.
"Impossible." Caedus said, but he knew very well it was possible.
"You have choices to make, nephew. You can return to the path of the light side and resume your life of solace, or you can remain walking down the path of the dark side. If you choose the dark side, I ask of you to bear in mind you're most likely to lose everything you once held close to you. You must sacrifice your luxury for the others of the galaxy." His namesake said calmly.
Caedus pondered over the options for a few moments then looked at his namesake's Force Ghost. "I'm choosing the same path as you, Uncle. It may seem much of a repeat, but it must be done."
"You are wise, nephew. Many do not have the strength to sacrifice their solace for the lives of others. Especially not at your age," The elder Caedus said.
"Many cannot comprehend the lives of others are more important than your own life." Caedus responded.
His Uncle appeared to smile, "Undoubtedly. You have not been trained in the ways of the dark side yet though, so you cannot be a Sith just yet."
Caedus thought it over and lowered to the ground, one knee against the ground. He bowed his head respectfully, "Lord Caedus, if you would be so willing as to teach me the ways of the dark side."
"Indeed, my apprentice." The elder Caedus responded.
Caedus stood up once again and grinned, "Thank you, Uncle."
"It is of my pleasure. You must remember since I am a Force Ghost though, I cannot help as much as a physical mentor could." His Uncle reminded.
"No matter, I trust you will still be able to teach well." Caedus responded.
"I don't think you'll be leaving any time soon or getting your lessons, intruder." A cold feminine voice said from behind him.
There was a snap-hiss of a lightsaber being activated, followed by four more.
He turned to find himself in the presence of five other Sith. The one who had spoken had silky blonde hair in a bun, blue-grey eyes fixed on him, a mischievous grin and a red lightsaber in hand. Behind her stood two other women and two men, and from that moment Caedus knew he risked the chance of dying again…even before training had started.