Two Months Later
It hadn't been long since Cognus and Millennial settled into the manor, and it wasn't long before Cognus continued Millennial's training. She pushed him hard, knowing that he had great potential and that he needed to be ready for the challenges ahead.
They spent a few hours each day sparring in the training room, Cognus teaching Millennial the art of lightsaber combat. She was a skilled warrior, and she pushed him to his limits, pushing him to be faster, stronger and more precise.
As they sparred, Cognus' lightsaber flashed and whirled, striking at Millennial from all angles. Millennial fought back with skill and determination, but Cognus was always one step ahead.
Finally, Cognus disarmed Millennial, and as he lay on the ground, his lightsaber out of reach, she stared down at him, her lightsaber pointed at his chest.
"Remember, Millennial," she said, her voice cold. "If this were a real fight, I wouldn't spare you. Always be ready for the unexpected".
Millennial nodded; his breathing heavy. "I understand, master," he said, getting back on his feet.
Cognus nodded, satisfied. "Good. Now, again".
And with that, they resumed their sparring, Cognus continuing to push Millennial to be the best he could be, always reminding him of the danger and the stakes at play.
It was as Cognus noticed that it was noon, that she stops the sparring. She looked at Millennial, who was sweating and panting from the intense session. "It's time for a break," she said, deactivating her lightsaber.
Millennial nodded, grateful for the respite. He deactivated his own lightsaber and followed Cognus out of the training room.
As they walked, Cognus turned to Millennial. "I have a meeting with some investors in my office. While I'm in the meeting, I want you to continue to practice your lightsaber form in Juyo. That is the weaker of the two forms you are proficient at and we need to work on it."
Millennial nodded, "I understand, master. I will practice as you instruct".
Cognus nodded, satisfied. "Good, I expect you to make progress while I'm away. Remember, our survival and success depend on your mastery of the force and your combat skills".
Millennial nodded, "I won't let you down, master".
He knew that by our, she wasn't just talking about their survival, but instead the survival of the entire Sith order and he was determined to see the rule of two continue under his leadership one day.
With that, Cognus left for her meeting, leaving Millennial to continue his training. Millennial knew that his master's expectations were high and he was determined to meet them, so he immediately began practicing his lightsaber form in Juyo, knowing that this was key to his success as a Sith.
Cognus entered her office, a large and well-appointed room with a desk, a few chairs and a hologram projector. She sat down at the desk and activated the projector, connecting to Set Harth's communication network. After a moment, a hologram of Set Harth appeared in front of her.
"Lady Cognus," Set Harth said with a smirk, "I wasn't expecting to hear from you so soon. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Cognus didn't waste time with pleasantries, "I have a proposal for you, Lord Harth. I propose that we start a lumber mill business on this planet".
Set Harth raised an eyebrow, "A lumber mill? Interesting. And what do you propose to use for raw materials?"
Cognus leaned forward, "There are vast forests on this planet that are currently untapped. We can use those resources to create high-quality lumber for export. It will be a profitable venture for both of us".
Set Harth couldn't help but laugh a little, "I have to admit, I wasn't expecting this from you, Cognus. But I like the idea, it's profitable and it will help develop the planet. I'm in, but I want thirty percent of the profits as previously discussed".
Cognus nodded, "Agreed. We will begin the operation as soon as possible".
Set Harth nodded, "I'll have my men prepare the land and resources for the lumber mill".
Cognus nodded and ended the transmission. She leaned back in her chair, satisfied. She knew that this business venture would be profitable, and it would also help to establish her and Millennial's position on Haruun Kal. She couldn't wait to get started.
As Millennial practiced his lightsaber form in Juyo, he couldn't help but feel grateful to Darth Cognus for taking him on as her apprentice. He remembered how, after his parents' death, despite being well-known officials, no one had come to his rescue. Instead, he was tossed onto the streets like garbage. His hatred towards those who turned their backs on him was his only driving force to survive.
But then, Cognus had found him. She saw something in him, something worth saving. She took him in, trained him, and gave him a purpose. She taught him how to harness his anger and channel it into something useful, the dark side of the force.
He knew that without her, he would have died on the streets, alone and forgotten. But now, he had a chance to make something of himself, to be someone important. He knew that he had a lot to learn, but he was determined to make the most of this opportunity.
He knew that Cognus was a tough master, but also a fair one. He also knew that she would not hesitate to eliminate him if he failed to meet her expectations. But he was willing to take that risk and do whatever it takes to prove himself to her and the Sith order.
As he continued practicing, he made a silent vow to himself to make the most of this chance and become the best Sith Lord he could be, all for the gratitude he felt towards his master.
As Millennial continued to practice, he couldn't help but fantasize about facing his master in combat when he was older. He knew that it was a long way off, but the thought of it thrilled him. He hoped it would be as thrilling to other apprentices as the battle between Darth Bane and Darth Zannah had been for him when Cognus had told him about the previous Sith Lords.
He knew that it was not appropriate to be daydreaming like this, but he couldn't help but imagine the epic battle that would ensue. He knew that it would be a true test of his abilities, and he wanted to be ready for it when the time came.
However, he also knew that this was not a healthy mindset and that it showed his age and immaturity. He knew that his training with Cognus was not just about learning how to fight but also learning how to control his emotions and thoughts. He should focus on the present and work on becoming the best Sith Lord he can be, not on fantasies of future battles.
He took a deep breath and pushed these thoughts aside, focusing on the present and his training. He knew that he had a lot to learn and a long way to go before he was ready for any kind of battle, let alone one against his master.
As Millennial was thinking about this, he suddenly heard a voice behind him. He turned around to see Darth Cognus standing there, watching him practice. He was surprised, he didn't hear her come in.
Cognus looked at him and said, "Your form is off, and you seem distracted".
Millennial apologized, "I'm sorry, master. I'll focus more".
Cognus nodded, "You must not let yourself get distracted. Remember my lesson on Lord Surd, the Gungun Sith Lord during the old order? He let himself be distracted from his goals and suffered for it".
Millennial nodded, "I understand, master. I won't let it happen again".
Cognus watched him for a moment longer before nodding, "Good. Now, continue your training. And remember, focus on the present, don't let your thoughts wander".
Millennial bowed his head, "Yes, master".
With that, Cognus left the room, leaving Millennial to continue his training. He knew that she was right, he couldn't afford to let himself get distracted. He had to focus on the present and work on becoming the best Sith Lord he could be. He pushed the thought of future battles aside and focused on his training, determined not to make the same mistakes as Lord Surd.
As Cognus made her way to her bedroom, she couldn't help but think about Millennial's training. She knew that he had great potential, but he still had a lot to learn. She needed to keep pushing him, to make sure he was ready for the challenges ahead.
Once she entered her bedroom, she walked over to her bed and kneeled down. She reached under the bed and pulled out a small safe. She unlocked it and opened it, revealing a small, glowing object inside. It was a Sith holocron, one that had belonged to Darth Bane.
She picked it up and held it in her hands, feeling its power coursing through her. She closed her eyes and let herself be drawn into the holocron's matrix. She could hear the recorded voice of Bane, his words of wisdom and teachings still as powerful as when he recorded them.
As she listened to his words, she felt a sense of destiny calling to her. This was her purpose, her destiny. She knew that she had been chosen to carry on the legacy of the Sith, to bring about the destruction of the Jedi and the rise of the Sith.
She held the holocron for a moment longer, taking in the wisdom and teachings of Bane before placing it back into the safe and locking it. She stood up, feeling renewed and energized. She knew that she had a lot of work to do, but she was ready for it. She walked out of her bedroom, determined to continue her mission and fulfil her destiny as a Sith Lord.