Before we get started, I want to thank all of you who have been sticking with my story as I've been writing it, and I want to give a great big shoutout to you all! DJ Rodriguez, Mace sheperd, Jason Chandler, akeiser45, and last but certainly not least, Dragon Bone Z. Y'all rock, and I hope you'll all keep reading this story through to the end!
I'd also like to give thanks to God for giving me the words to write this story and the drive to keep writing it despite the creative slump that I seem to have found myself in. It is because of him that I can continue to write chapters for this stories that I enjoy making for all of you. And for that, I thank him.
But now, with my rant out of the way, let's check up on our story's protagonists.
*I still don't own Fairly OddParents, nor do I own Star Wars: The Old Republic!*
Dialogue Key
"I wish Vicky had a fish head!" = Regular Speech
'Oh great! The wand not working 'PBBLPT!' noise!' = Thoughts
"May the Force be with you." = Someone Yelling
Third Person POV.
Late at night at the Dimmsdale Parking Center, Mister and Missus Turner's car drove in and parked in one of the empty spaces. As the car turned off, Missus Turner checked her watch.
"Five minutes to midnight. Deep Toot and their entourage should be arriving here soon." she said.
Mister Turner once again started to crack up at that ridiculous sounding codename, and really, who can blame him? I mean, who gives themselves something like Deep Toot as a codename? It just makes you sound like you've got a terrible case of intestinal gas. But once again, Missus Turner was not amused. And the pointed look she gave to her husband quickly shut him up.
The two stepped out of the car just in time to see a group emerge from the shadows. They're all wearing the classic detective uniform of a Fedora and trenchcoat, but the Turners can't really tell who it is under those disguises because they didn't step out of the darkness enough to show their faces. Their worries were somewhat put to rest when the group proved that they were completely unarmed. No chances of getting shot or stabbed here.
"Which one of you is Deep Toot?" Missus Turner asked.
A~~~nd, Mister Turner is once again chuckling. But a glare from his wife made him stop and whistle innocently. One of the cloaked figures spoke up, revealing their voice to be that of a young woman.
"That would be me. My associates and I need to speak with you two about a very important matter." she said.
Reaching into her coat, she pulled out a large hardcover book with the word 'Evidence' written on the front and back cover. She tossed it to the Turners with enough force to make it land at their feet.
"Your babysitter, Vicky, she's not as sweet and innocent as she makes herself out to be." Deep Toot said as the Turners picked up the book.
Inside were various photographs that captured instances of Vicky doing the very things that she blamed on Timmy while she was babysitting him. Smashing an expensive vase with a baseball bat, burning a piano to cinders, shredding a family photograph frame and all, even painting graffiti of a skull with x's for eyes and its tongue sticking out on the wall. Timmy was the one who took the fall even though Vicky was the one who did the deed, and she gets off scott free with fat wads of cash for her 'babysitting' services.
"The vase, the picture, the piano, the graffiti on the walls, she did all of those horrible things and blamed it all on your son. But if there's one thing that Vicky's got going for her it's arguably her silver tongue. She can easily spin a lie that sounds so much like the truth, anyone would buy it. And you've been buying what she's selling for years, like the gullible fools you are."
"Good Lord! Timmy was right all this time! Vicky IS an evil babysitter, and we never believed him!" Mister Turner said in horrified realization. "I still remember that time when Vicky told us that Timmy melted our car with a flamethrower!"
"I punished Timmy for that! By making him eat chocolate! Which, in hindsight, really wasn't such a good punishment." Missus Turner said as she looked back on her not so good punishment.
"Unless it was that reindeer chocolate." added Mister Turner.
I really hope he's not talking about what I think he's talking about…
"And he's not alone." Deep Toot said, getting the two parents' attention. "Vicky has been tormenting numerous children all over Dimmsdale to the point that some of them have attempted suicide. But they dare not speak out against her because they know that no one will ever believe them."
The Turners looked at each other with growing concern. If Timmy's been this miserable, they can only imagine just how far Vicky's gone with all of those other kids. One thing's for sure, this will require further investigation.
Maybe they can track down the parents of some of these kids that Vicky babysits when she's not babysitting Timmy.
But while these two do that, let's see just how Timmy and Kory are doing back on Korriban.
Timmy's POV.
Kory and I made our way out of the tomb with no further incident, easily cleaving our way through multiple ambushes from Sith acolytes and imperial soldiers who had been driven mad by the pure Dark Side energy that now saturates this area. It leads me to wonder how this happened.
Oh well. I'll think about it later. We're approaching the research lab now. We quickly sought out Malora to complete our agreement to prove the falsehoods of Renning's research. And as expected, she's been expecting us.
"Have you recovered the Mutant Tuk'ata brain yet? I'm eager to conclude the business we discussed." Malora asked as we walked up.
Kory smirked as she took out the capsule containing the brain of the beast in question. A smirk which I shared. Now the Empire's resources won't be wasted on the worthless dissections of a man who's clearly lost more than a few of his marbles.
"It's all yours. Enjoy." Kory said.
She handed the capsule to Malora who opened it to check the contents. She was pleasantly surprised to see that the brain is in pristine condition. Freshly harvested and ready to be given to Lord Renning. Once she makes her alterations of course.
"Excellent." she said with a grin.
She took out a vial filled with a translucent liquid. The liquid itself has no odor, so it won't be easy to tell that the brain has been tampered with. A clever idea Malora has.
"This chemical will make it appear as if Renning is falsifying his research." she said as she poured the chemical over the brain. "There. Now all that's left to do is for me to whisper the right words in the wrong ears."
As Malora handed us the brain, she briefly took out a datapad and started pressing buttons on it. At our curious glances, she explained herself.
"I'm transferring credits to your accounts now. Give Renning the brain and collect his reward, too. You've made out quite well."
"So, what's going to happen now?" I asked, genuinely curious.
"When everyone knows Renning's research is faked, even his closest allies will turn their backs on him. Once he's completely isolated I'll arrange to be rid of him forever." Malora explained with a grin like the cat that ate the Canary. "We shouldn't be seen speaking again. Lord Renning might suspect us. Give him the brain."
"Of course. I do hope that we meet again, Malora. It has been a pleasure working alongside you." I said with respect.
Kory gave a nod of agreement as the two of us delivered the brain to Lord Renning, who took the brain with great greed. With the Holocron now in our possession and the brain delivered, we noticed that it was getting dark. We decided to camp at the research laboratory for the night, but had to share a bed roll since there was only one left. I, of course, offered to take the floor in an effort to respect Kory's personal space, but she was having none of it and insisted that we just share the bed. So, with my arm wrapped around her and her back pressed against my chest, we fell into a restful sleep, even though we were both embarrassed as hell.
...Yeah. This is gonna be a long night for both of us.
Once morning came, we took a taxi back to the academy grounds in a slightly awkward silence. Neither of us was able to look at the other without blushing. As we made our way to Harkun's office we were quick to shield our minds just in case he tried any mind based attacks.
"You better not be wasting my time, slave. You better have the Holocron." Harkun growled as we strode into the room.
Silently, I took the Holocron that Kory and I had managed to free from the Tomb of Marka Ragnos and handed it to Harkun. The man hummed as he examined the Holocron.
"Hm. A fake, or stolen from the library, probably. I'll deal with you later." Harkun said as he placed the Holocron on his desk. "Now - I believe it's time for another demonstration. Gerr, step forward."
A muscular human who is one of the tallest individuals here was quick to obey.
"Yes, overseer." he said.
I have to admit, Gerr is being remarkably calm in this situation. Doesn't he realize what Harkun has planned for him? Apparently not, if he thinks that this is a time to be totally calm. He must not remember what Harkun tried to do to Kory when we'd all first arrived here.
"Ffon - kill him." Harkun ordered.
"With pleasure, overseer." Ffon said, all too happy to kill someone.
Realization fully set in as Ffon walked forward until he stood in front of Gerr. The poor guy tried to run away from his clearly more powerful opponent. Big mistake. That's like a prey animal turning their back against a predator. It's when they're at their most vulnerable. And Gerr was no different as he was zapped in the back by a wave of Force Lightning that sent him sprawling to the ground. It apparently wasn't strong enough to kill him, but Gerr was rendered paralyzed. No longer able to move, he could only watch as Ffon delivered the killing blow.
A simple beheading. A basic form of killing, but effective. Ffon flicked the blood off of his Vibroblade before sheathing it back across his back.
"Let Gerr be an example to you. Ffon destroyed him easily, like he will destroy all of you. Are there any other objections?" Harkun asked as if mocking us.
"You are only giving us power, Harkun." I said defiantly.
"And your comments are only hastening your own death, slave. For yourself, and your little whore." Harkun said to me.
My hands instinctively tightened into fists upon hearing that derogatory name. I could handle being referred to as a slave, I could handle people talking down on, and insulting me. But if there's ONE THING I absolutely can not stand, it's people like Harkun treating women with such blatant disrespect! But before I could attempt to make him pay for saying such things, I felt a hand grasp one of my own. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Kory giving me a pleading look as she subtly shook her head no.
I stopped what would have been my righteous assault, but make no mistake. Harkun will get his, soon. And when he does it will be slow and painful! Like Jorgen's charcoal anecdotes!
"Now, the rest of you know the next trial. Go. You, slave - stay here." Harkun ordered.
Everyone else filed out of Harkun's office as I instinctively used my arm to push Kory behind me for protection. I don't trust Harkun as far as I can throw him!
"Now, slave - you think yourself pretty clever getting that Holocron, don't you?" growled Harkun.
I merely smirked as I replied.
"Oh, but it was not just me, Harkun. Kory was the brains in this operation. I'm just the muscle. Either way, we really are the best."
"You are lucky Lord Zash finds you useful." Harkun growled again. "Now, for your trial. The last, darkest secrets of Tulak Hord are buried in his tomb. Lord Zash wants this text. But the final resting place of the dead Lord is not so easily trespassed. You will not be the first to die there."
As I yawned in boredom, I savored the look of utter indignation on Harkun's face. Absolutely priceless. He looks like someone stole all of his left hand gloves, kicked him in the balls, yodeled in his face, and then ran off!
"Oh, blah, blah, blah, we get it already. You send us into a tomb to do the impossible, hoping we die, and we come back and prove you wrong. What, are you also going to have us slay the Jabberwocky and go on to save Narnia?"
"Shut up, slave. I don't know what this 'Narnia' is or even what in the inferno is a 'Jabberwocky', but I've had about enough of your mockery. Do not come back here until you have gotten the text from Tulak Hord's tomb. Out of my sight, slave! And take your whore with you before I cut you both in half!" Harkun shouted.
But he soon found himself gasping for breath and clawing at his throat as if someone was choking him. Indeed, it is I who is using Force Choke on him. I glared at him, feeling my sulphuric yellow eyes glow as my stare bored into his very soul.
"Let me make one thing abundantly clear, Overseer," I snarled with enough venom to kill a Tarentatek. "Never, ever, EVER, call Kory a whore again!"
I then threw him against the wall using the Force and stormed out while keeping Kory in front of me, leaving the overseer to gasp for air and cough as he attempted to steady his breathing. Once we were a good distance away, I took a deep breath and sighed as Kory turned around to look me in the eye with nothing more than concern.
"I'm sorry you had to see me like that, Kory. I didn't mean to scare you like that, but I meant what I said. If Harkun or anyone else dares to call you, or any other woman, a whore, then I will gladly end them in the slowest and most painful way possible. Don't even try to stop me-"
I was cut off by Kory putting a finger to my lips.
"Timmy, I'm not mad at what you did to Harkun. Far from it, actually. I'm quite happy that you stood up for me and defended my honor as a woman. It was… really sweet of you." she said with a blush.
I just stood there dumbfounded as she lowered her hand. All I could do was mutter a quiet "you're welcome." and follow her out of the academy. Fortunately, we remembered to ask an honor guard for directions to the tomb of Tulak Hord and quickly made our way in. The dim lightning certainly made it a little difficult to navigate, but not more so than when we went through the tomb of Ajunta Pall to meet with Spindrall and make our way to the academy from the landing strip.
It took a few wrong turns, but we did manage to find the first of the tablets containing the texts that Harkun said Lord Zash wanted. But it was surrounded by bloodthirsty Shyracks! I was about to draw my staff when Kory put her arm in front of me and stopped me. She gave me a coy grin as she faced the Shyracks.
"Let me take care of this. It won't take long." Kory said.
I wasn't so sure about letting her fight alone, but before I could voice my protest she released a war cry and used a Force Jump to propel herself at one of the Shyracks! She drew both of her Vibroblades in mid-air and sliced the first one into fourths upon landing! Naturally, this sent the rest of them into a frenzy as they proceeded to swarm Kory. But she proved ready for them.
They weren't even a challenge for her as she swiftly and gracefully cut them all out of the sky. Those rats with wings didn't even know what hit them.
"Close your mouth, you'll catch flies." Kory said with a cheeky grin.
Quickly shaking off my surprise, I walk into the chamber with her as she slings her weapons across her back once again.
"That was fantastic, Kory! All of that practice from fighting Shyracks in the tomb of Marka Ragnos really paid off!"
Kory blushed at my praise as I took out the datapad that was provided to record the texts from the tomb. It only took a few minutes to copy down everything, and then I took out my own personal datapad and started copying the texts down again.
"What are you doing, Timmy?" asked Kory.
"Harkun told us to bring back the texts from Tulak Hord's tomb for Lord Zash. He didn't say anything about copying them for our own use." I explained with a trolling grin.
One which Kory matched as she took out her own datapad and began to do the same.
#loophole, am I right?
With the first of the texts copied down, we quickly made our way out of the first tomb. The sunlight stung our eyes as they adjusted from being in the dark tomb for so long, but it was a welcome change from stumbling around in the dark all day. But it looks like the outside of the tomb isn't any better than it is inside. Apparently, a small army of slaves have armed themselves and started a rebellion. They've recruited several imperial soldiers and former acolytes to their cause, and have reprogrammed imperial battle droids to fight for them and act as sentries.
Kory and I shared a look and I could tell that we've come to the same conclusion. This just got a whole lot harder. Oh well. Time to swallow our fear and get in there to retrieve the remaining texts for Lord Zash and complete our trial.
And we'll bring some medical supplies from the med station, just in case.
As we charged into the fray and fought our way through the rebels, we quickly learned that what these guys lacked in pure might, they make-up for in numbers and ingenuity. It's a good thing we've learned a lot of techniques from the academy's trainers, Rance and Samus. And from the looks of things, our strength in these abilities has grown quite a bit. Especially in Kory's case.
I'm pretty sure the Force Roar she used peeled the flesh away from one rebel's bones like some sort of flesh and blood banana.
...Ewww!...
Quickly deciding that we'd need to save our strength for when we reach the remaining tombs, I utilized a Force technique I haven't had a chance to use yet. Vanish. As the name implies, this technique turns the user and whomever else it's used on invisible. And even masks the sounds of our movements. With our presence hidden, we quickly snuck out way to the second maze that is part of Tulak Hord's tomb. Fortunately for us it was a straight shot from the entrance. But like last time, this tomb was infested with nasty beasties. Hungry K'lor'slugs.
I hate k'lor'slugs!
But I'm not backing down! Sending Force Lightning into my staff I charged right into the fray and hacked all of the smaller slugs to pieces with Lacerate. But the larger ones are definitely going to be a major pain in the behind! I was able to kill one of them easily using my Force Lightning, but mentally cursed as I lost sight of the other…
"Augh!"
...Never mind.
The damn thing popped up from underground and managed to slice me across the back using one of its talons! Can't believe I let that happen! I'm usually so much more aware of my surroundings!
"Timmy!" cried Kory.
She roared and leapt at the k'lor'slug before impaling it through the heart using one of her Vibroblades. The disgusting creature gave a last cry of pain before slumping down to the ground, dead as a doorknob. But she paid the creature no mind and ran to check on me.
"Are you okay?" Kory asked as she knelt down to inspect my back. "Stupid question, of course you're not okay!"
"Kory! Kory, I'm fine. Really. It just grazed me." I said reassuringly.
And it is true that it was just a glancing blow, but that does nothing to alleviate the pain. Or stop the blood from flowing out of the wound. But it seems Kory is too worried to listen to me as she quickly took out one of the medical kits we brought with us.
"Now, hold still. This is going to hurt." she said.
As she sprayed the medicine along the length of my wound I hissed at the stinging feeling the spray caused as it killed any bacteria that may have gotten into the wound. Since my tunic was pretty much ruined, I tore it off and handed it to Kory who proceeded to tear it up even more as she turned it into a makeshift bandage wrap. After tying it on tightly, she finally slapped me upside the head.
"That's for not paying attention!" she scolded.
Yeah, not gonna lie, I deserved that. But I was totally unprepared for Kory to grab me by the shoulders… and kiss me smack dab on the lips. When we separated, we were both a blushing mess even though you can't really see it against my red skin.
"T-That's for… having faith in me, and… saving my life. When Harkun tried to end it."
Well, it's official. My brain just shut down. I mean, really! First Assistant Overseer Loun gives me her number, now Kory's falling for me, WHAT'S NEXT?!
Muttering a 'you're welcome.', we immediately got to work copying down the texts from this new tablet. Better to do so now, and quickly.
Once we were done, we exited this particular tomb and saw that the sun was at its highest point. So we decided to hunker down and regain some strength.
"Just so you know, I am not eating ration bars all the time. I have yet to find one of these that doesn't taste like carbonite mixed with grease." Kory said.
"And how do you know what that tastes like?"
"Trust me, Timmy, you don't want to know. But let's just say the one who owned me when I was a slave was one sadistic piece of trash." Kory replied.
I decided not to question her any further. I was just going to focus on getting the final text for Lord Zash before the day is done so we can turn them in to Harkun and get some rest. All the while, I'm going to be going shirtless because of this injury. Not that Kory seems to mind if her own blushing as she steals glances at me is any indication.
When we finished our food, if those things can even be called that, we snuck past the rest of the rebels and made our way into the final tomb. But it seems some of these rebels beat us to it and are trying to raid the tomb for ancient Sith treasures. Yeah, not on my watch! And from the look of it, Kory was thinking the same thing. But rather than waste our time with physical combat on these fools, I had an idea.
"Kory, start channeling your Force Lightning and wait for my signal." I instructed.
"What? Why?" she asked.
"Trust me."
Though she was still skeptical, Kory did as instructed and started channeling her Force Lightning. She held it within her hands as it kept charging up and increasing the voltage while I started to do the same. Sweat poured from our brows as we continued to amp up the voltage of the attack. After a moment more… I initiated my master plan!
"NOW! SHOOT!"
We thrust our arms out at the same time and shot our Force Lightning, which connected into one giant lightning storm. The results were that the lightning hit the largest of the would-be grave robbers and electrocuted him to death. But it didn't end there. The lightning created a chain that connected to all members of the grave robbing party, electrocuting them to death as they all fell to the ground as blackened corpses when it was done.
"How'd you know that would work?" Kory asked.
"I didn't. I just assumed it would work since they were all wearing a lot of metal, and metal is an electrical conductor." I answered honestly. "Come on, let's go get the final text from this tomb and go home."
We walked on in silence as we just followed the trail of corpses that used to be the tomb raiders that infested this tomb and tried to defile the resting place of one of the most powerful Sith Lords to ever exist, and within fifteen minutes of walking we found the final text. As well as a bunch of charred monster husks. I suppose our combined blast of Force Lightning did more damage than I'd initially thought possible.
"Well, at least now we don't have to fight for the text." quipped Kory.
I quietly chuckled at her little joke as we got to work copying everything down. Like the last times we did this we were absolutely meticulous and made certain we didn't miss anything. We double, TRIPLE-checked, even as we made sure to get every last scrap of information. When we were done, we exited the tomb and made our way back to the Sith Academy. Quite easy for us to sneak past everyone since I was using my Vanish ability to cloak us until we got to the academy grounds.
And upon arrival, we decided to make our way to Harkun's office to rub our accomplishment in his smug, prick face. Especially since we finished our task in record time. But that's when we heard something just outside his office.
"Yes - yes, remarkable. Magnificent."
Kory and I stopped in our tracks and looked to our side to see the one who said those things. It was a woman with fair skin who looks to be in her mid, maybe late, twenties. She stands at about an average height for a woman, and her straight blonde hair is cut to be neck length. Her hazel eyes showed this kind of mischief, but also hold a certain kindness in them. Unlike myself and Kory, however, she wears the robes of a full Sith Lord.
"L-Lord Zash!..." gasped Kory.
This is Lord Zash? I certainly didn't expect a woman, what with the title being 'lord'. But I'm not so foolish to think of women as weak. There are several in my life who can prove that particular stereotype wrong. And Kory is chief among them. We were quick to bow to her in respect as she approached, but I didn't sense any malicious intent from her.
"You - you, slave. Wai-no, acolyte, you and your lovely little friend here are the duo who brought me this magnificent Holocron from the tomb of Marks Ragos, yes?" Lord Zash asked.
"Yes, my Lord. We found the Holocron." I replied respectfully.
Hey, she's not a Lord of the Sith for nothing! And I don't really want to try her patience and risk getting myself, and more importantly, Kory, killed because I pissed off Lord Zash.
"Unbelievable. One-thousand years buried in that tomb. Sith lords passing it by. And then - the most unlikely people come along." Lord Zash said more to herself than us. "Tell me, how did you manage it?"
Well, I see no use in lying to her, and no doubt she can sense when someone is lying, so I just recounted our adventure in the tomb with nothing but pure honesty.
"It was Kory's idea, my Lord. My idea was that we try reciting the Sith code in the language of the Sith. When that didn't work, Kory suggested that I use the Force to get to the Holocron. So, I shot lightning at it and it opened."
"Such a simple solution. Why didn't we think of that?" Lord Zash asked herself obviously feeling stupid. "We must have thought too deeply on it. Or perhaps that Holocron was waiting for someone worthy to free it. You two's work so far in bringing back this Holocron and now the text from Tulak Hord's tomb has me intrigued. I am watching your progress eagerly. I have high hopes for you and your friend, acolyte. Sky high."
"Thank you, my Lord. You honor us." I said as I bowed.
"Yes. Thank you very much, my Lord." Kory added as she mimicked my actions.
Both of us felt humbled by the words of the Sith Lord, but also quite encouraged by how she said that she has high hopes for us. She's not even judging us based on our past lives as slaves, so that's a big plus in my book.
"Good luck, acolytes. Good luck." Lord Zash said as, to our shock, she gave us a pat on the back before leaving on her way.
Most likely to study the holocron's contents. We couldn't help but stare as Lord Zash walked away. She is a multitude of things all rolled up into one. From first impressions alone, I can tell that she's powerful, intelligent, beautiful, and surprisingly kind for a Sith Lord. Most of them are either neutral towards everyone or are just so damn preachy.
Empire this, dark side that, and blah, blah, blah!
"So that was Lord Zash!..." Kory gasped in awe.
"Indeed it was, Kory." I said equally as awed. "Indeed it was."
***To Be Continued…***
In "No Such Luck AU (The Emperor's Wrath)" which of these paths do you want Lincoln to follow?
Sith Marauder: 4 votes
Sith Juggernaut: 2 votes
You all have until Lincoln passes his trials to cast your votes before I decide which path Lincoln should take as a Sith Warrior. Thank you all so much for reading, and I'll see you all in my next update! See ya!