A/N: Hi everyone! Its been quite some time since I wrote an author's note so I decided I shall do so this time round.
No sex in this chapter today so I greatly apologize for that! There's only so much I can cram into a chapter before I get tired and have to stop at an appropriate point in the story. Nevertheless, I hope you guys can see that I'm trying to write more content per chapter so you readers can enjoy.
I know this page is all about erotica, and I would like to thank those who read my stories and rate them as well. But I also want to know your thoughts on the story so far besides the sex scenes. Is my attempts at branching out and adding my own flair and twists to the story while keeping to the original content going good so far? Let me know!
The real encouragement I get is from those who comment and give their two cents about what they feel about it! (Besides saying 'its good!'. I appreciate it but I would love to see a little more detail as to what part of it you love.) It feels more personal and encourages me to write more so if you can, please comment if you have the time!
Enjoy this new chapter! Cheers!
Morning came quickly for the disciple of Ragnos. When he woke, Malora was already cleaned up and her belly had returned to normal. He laid there as she paced about her quarters in the nude, admiring her well-toned derriere and ample bosom as it bounced with each step she took. As her she turned her back to him, Aaric noticed what seemed to be the same symbol of Marka Ragnos etched under her skin on her right butt cheek.
Aaric concluded that it may be a mark of his dominance and control over her, so he would not need to worry about betrayal from his new cocksleeve. It didn't hurt anyone to be too careful, however. Having deemed enough rest, he got up stark naked as well and began putting on his clothes.
Malora noticed his actions and greeted him with a curtsey, jiggling her bounteous breasts and threatening Aaric's pole to stir once again. "Good morning, my lord. I trust you had a good rest?"
"Yes I have, my dear." Aaric replied as nonchalantly as he could. He would not show favoritism or thoughtfulness yet until he had more women under his thrall. It was best suited to play upon women's jealousies and fight over him, trying to outdo one another to please him. "I will need to return to the academy immediately. Is the brain ready?"
"Yes, my lord. Once The dark council sees it, it will definitely discredit Lord Renning and exile him. Execute him even, if we're lucky." Malora explained, she suddenly turned meek as a dusk of pink graced her cheeks "Ah… my lord? I hope you found my body enjoyable."
Aaric chuckled at how tame she was towards him now that he had asserted dominance over the woman. He stepped forward and pulled her body towards his. Smashing her chest onto his and grinding his bulge on her nether regions. "And what a wonderful body it is." He hissed enticingly. "I look forward to the next time we meet again. Then, your arse is mine."
Malora shivered at the thought and noted in the back of her mind to start training her anal passage for the day he returned. "I understand, master. Do you have any further instructions?"
"Continue with your original plans. Dispose of Lord Renning with the brain, then ensure you choose a new master who is someone as influential as possible within the Sith Sanctum or the Imperial High Command." Aaric ordered. "When the time comes and I have risen through the ranks, you will be called upon to stand at my side. Is that clear?"
"Crystal, my lord." She bowed again, "Master?"
"Yes, What is-" His sentence was cut-off by warm lips encompassing his. Overcoming the shock of the sudden action, Aaric took control of the situation and leaned onto Malora; forcing her invading tongue back into her mouth with his own. He could feel her dedication and devotion from the presence she was subconsciously emitting. Aaric smirked as he pulled away from the kiss. She would be useful later.
"I'll be ready next time we meet, my lord. Goodbye." She declared sultrily as possible.
Aaric merely nodded in response and made his way back to the academy.
Aaric strode down the hallway towards Overseer Tremel's office. But just as he was about to turn the corner, a familiar hulking dunce rounded it and blocked his path: Dolgis. Aaric's annoyance levels rose again. It seemed one lesson was not enough, so another was due to put him out of his misery.
"Well, look who's here. Remember me?"
"Of course! Dolgis: the slave who was vomiting all over the floor like a beggar. Are we here to play twenty questions? If not, you need to move out of my way."
"I put myself in your way, buddy. On purpose." Dolgis sneered, visibly agitated from being reminded being beaten so swiftly. "Notice anything interesting? No witnesses. No witnesses means no rules."
Aaric's fingers twitched in annoyance. It seemed this fool was finally giving in to his temptation to get himself killed.
"No more shortcuts. No more special treatment. You're just gonna be another dead failure on Korriban!" The dim-witted hulk declared as he drew his blade and swung downwards in one swoop.
Aaric, snorting at such an awfully telegraphed move, side stepped the attack and delivered a mighty force-enhanced blow to Dolgis' gut followed by a kick to the back of his knee, forcing him to kneel. Finally, a swift smash to the back of his head with the pommel of his warblade.
In less than a span of five seconds, Dolgis was down on the ground once again nursing cracked ribs, traumatized solar plexus and a brutalized cervical spine which would impede his movement temporarily. The dunce groaned as he convulsed and heaved once again with his face stuck to the floor, covering it in vomitus.
"Cross my path again Dolgis, and that will be the last thing you ever do. Tell the rest of them. Hell, tell all the acolytes on Korriban: I'm coming for Vemrin, and he better not run away."
Leaving him to his own devices, he turned sharply and continued through the hallway. Entering the Overseer's office, Aaric noted a worried expression gracing Tremel's features. Upon the sound of the doors sliding open, Tremel immediately went up to him.
"Thank the force you have arrived! And not a moment too soon." He spoke worriedly, "We must speak quickly, acolyte. There isn't much time. I may have made a slight miscalculation."
"Miscalculation?" Aaric raised a brow, "Was I not supposed to kill the beast of Marka Ragnos?"
"Maybe. But it doesn't matter now." Tremel replied, "The beast of Marka Ragnos was a great source of dark energy here on Korriban. When it was slain, there was a tremor in the force. Darth Baras felt that tremor and has become aware of your presence. He demands an audience."
Aaric was taken aback, if only slightly. He paused in thought before continuing, "If that's what he wants, then who are we to not entertain him? Tell me what to expect, overseer."
"Good. You do not let the unexpected control your fears." The overseer praised, then furrowed his brows as he explained. "Baras is a serious man, but a master of deception. Everything he does and says is calculated. He will attempt to trip you up, test your nature, get to the heart of who you are. Always take him seriously, and I mean always."
Aaric nodded grimly. A war of words and minds were sometimes more dangerous than those dealt with swords. "Understood overseer. I shall tread carefully in his presence."
Unexpectedly, Tremel strode up to him and gave him a piercing glare as if to emphasize his point. "Be very careful, acolyte. One slight misstep, and he can destroy you or bend you to his will without you even knowing it. We might not speak again acolyte. You're the best chance of stopping Vemrin. If you fail, I doubt there will be another strong enough. Good luck. Meet Darth Baras in his chambers and hurry! He won't take kindly to waiting."
The acolyte nodded and bowed before leaving Tremel to be alone with his thoughts. For some reason, Tremel felt a sense of foreboding overcome him. Whether or not Aaric succeeded, it would be his eventual destruction.
The Sith Academy was humongous. However, with little effort and the help of a holomap, Aaric eventually found the hallway towards Darth Baras' chambers. Striding through, he groaned in irritation once again as a party of four acolytes turned to greet him as he rounded the corner. Three male and one female.
What is it between me and having mysterious meetings around corners? Aaric thought.
The demure looking woman had black hair and sported bangs with the sides tied up and dangling between her cheeks with the rest in a pony tail. Her light yellow-beige skin tone gave her an almost exotic appearance followed by her small and tight body frame with modest pert bust and bosom. The fact she was wearing a black Sith suit compared to normal robes placed her to be a cut above the other acolytes.
"There, Teeno. I believe he's the one." She muttered, turning to face the acolyte next to her.
Teeno, Aaric presumed, was almost as large as Dolgis but sported dark skin and equally dark hair. His all-red armor and large pauldrons on his shoulders also seemed to mark him as someone with at least some skill. Whereas Dolgis' demeanor was threatening, Teeno's seemed enthusiastic and naïve.
"Really? All right. Hey, you!" He called out.
"Careful Teeno!" The girl chided, "You don't want to get us all killed do you?"
Great… another dunce. Aaric mentally facepalmed. He braced himself for an attack, waiting for them to make the first move. However, they walked up to him calmly and stood at a distance.
"Come on, Phyne! I'm antsy for some action." He complained. "You there! Are you the big shot they're all talking about? The one who's been personally summoned by Darth Baras himself?"
Aaric scoffed amusedly. Him? A big shot? Hardly… but he would become one eventually. For now, his attention was focused solely on the petite woman in front of him. Another Sith pussy ripe for the taking, if he could survive Baras of course.
"News sure does travel fast it seems." Aaric replied dangerously, "If you know of me, then you should know that getting in my way is a very dangerous proposition indeed."
"Wait! We're not here to fight you!" Phyne placed her hands up in submission, "I'm Phyne, and this is Teeno. The twins behind us are the Malto twins, Carron and Morrow. Please pardon my overeager friend. It's just that we've heard so much about you."
"And we want to get in good with you." The lumbering man quipped.
"Teeno!" Phyne hissed. She sighed and continued to explain. "What my blunt partner here means is that if you need anything or anyone, say dealt with, we'd like you to consider us."
Aaric looked at them amusedly and crossed his arms. "Go on."
"She's talking about Vemrin. We'll kill him for you!" Teeno exclaimed.
Once again, the petite Acolyte palmed her face. "Sorry. I should have Teeno muzzled. So, what do you say? We know Vemrin tried to have you killed. Would you like him eliminated?"
"As much as I'd like to see him dead before my very eyes, I'd very much prefer not to stoop to his level of dirty tricks, thank you very much." Aaric sighed, "Besides, it would be a waste of resources to get yourselves all killed when all of you could be concentrating on your training and at least try to be of use to the empire."
"No, no of course you won't. You're too smart to be like that brute." Phyne pursed her luscious pink lips. "There are rules. Acolytes are not to openly kill one another. Everyone knows of your rivalry. If you kill him, the lords will presume your guilt."
"But if Vemrin croaks while you got an alibi, people might be suspicious, but they won't be able to pin it on you. See?" Teeno continued enthusiastically.
Aaric blinked in surprise. It seemed this hulking dunce wasn't as stupid as Dolgis as he first assumed. Still not as smart as Phyne, but it seemed he had enough common sense. So far, both Teeno and Phyne made solid points. Still, he found it completely unnecessary. It was obvious to him that they were simply trying to gain his favour.
"In all honesty, I understand what your plan is and what you're trying to do. However, I believe you have wasted your breath." Aaric declared. "Know this: I represent the greatest threat to him because I've been pushed ahead. I don't need to seek him out first. Eventually, he will realize that the only way of stopping me is to face me himself. And when the time comes, it will take place outside the academy and away from the eyes of the Lords, and only then will I kill him."
"Besides, I would be sorely disappointed if such a… I fine /I woman as you died by his unworthy hands." Aaric laid his lusty gaze on the only female in the hall. Phyne tore her eyes away from his with a dust of pink on her cheeks. "One look and I can tell all four of you together would not stand a matchstick's chance on Hoth in defeating him."
Phyne snapped into a look of conviction. "Let us prove ourselves to you, then. Spar with us, then decide if we have the skills to benefit you in this endeavor."
"Fine then," Aaric exasperated, "at least this should provide me with some warmup."
"At your best, boys!" Phyne exclaimed, "Its time to audition for the big show!
The four drew their blades, but Aaric didn't draw his. He simply stood there and waited for them to attack. He wouldn't need to draw his own for something as trivial as a spar. Aaric noted, however, that throughout the conversation, the Malto twins did not say a word. It didn't matter though. The outcome was already decided.
The 'spar' was over in less than two minutes. While the four of them got up from the ground grunting and moaning in pain, Aaric stood tall and unwavering without having broken a sweat.
"You… still took all four of us apart." Phyne exclaimed, holding her bruised abdomen. "This changes everything. From what I hear, Vemrin's every bit your physical equal. If we can't even hold up sparring against you, we'll never be able to kill him!"
"Vemrin's nothing compared to me." Aaric scoffed, "But I agree, Phyne. You better steer your pretty little arse away from Vemrin. The rest of you however, go ahead and kill yourselves if you still want to try."
Ignoring the snark remark, Phyne continued. "Well, this has been quite the sobering experience. Thanks for setting us straight."
"I don't get it. Are we gonna kill somebody or not?" Teeno whined, looking genuinely disappointed even when he had gotten an ass kicking just moments before.
"No, Teeno." She replied sadly, "And I think we ought to rethink this whole Sith training thing, yeah?"
In his head, Aaric's mind was already churning out a plan to bring her under him, in more ways than one. Just before she turned to exit the hallway, he called out to her.
"Hold up there Phyne." Aaric called out. Phyne stopped in her tracks and gave him a quizzical look. "To tell you the truth, your performance during our spar was much better than the rest. Your nimble and flexible body seems very much suited to a style of fighting I've learnt in the past."
Phyne narrowed her eyes at the subtle hint. "Go on." She stated cautiously.
Taking a bold step forward, Aaric wrapped an arm around her petite waist and pulled her body towards him. Instinctively, she grabbed a hold of his shoulders so as not to fall over, which resulted in her smashing her pert breasts to his muscular pectorals.
"I would loath to see such a… fine specimen such as you go to waste." Aaric whispered seductively into her ear. "Furthermore, getting out of the Sith program is far harder than you think. Surely you're smarter than Teeno to realise that."
"I-I guess so…" Phyne stammered, blushes staining her cheeks once more.
Having gained her undivided attention, Aaric tilted her head up with his free hand. "Come find me in my chambers tonight, and I will teach you the path to be a stronger Sith than you are now."
Without letting her reply, he leant down and kissed her lips with full force, dominating her and controlling the rhythm. Phyne resisted at first, but her tired body could not keep up and the surprising pleasure she received from the kiss made her succumb to his ministrations.
Suddenly, she felt a trickle of energy emanate from the invading tongue and wash over her from within. Slowly, the pain in her entire body disappeared and her strength returned. Shocked by the seemingly inconceivable act, she finally found the strength to push herself away and break the kiss. Aaric simply smirked as she tried to figure out what happened.
When she could not find any, she rounded on Aaric. "What in the galaxy did you to do me?!"
"Simple, a token of good will." Aaric retorted. "Like I said, come find me in my chambers and I will show you the way to power and more of what you just felt if you'd like."
Turning around, he left Phyne to gather her thoughts, having planted a seed within her. With luck, he would have another Sith slut before the night was over.
The doors to Darth Baras' chambers slid open silently and Aaric stepped in to see that there was already a briefing being conducted. Scanning the room, he spotted Vemrin's bald figure on the left side just as he turned around slightly to see his arrival.
Calmly, he stood to the side at the back and leant against a pillar with folded arms while listening to the infamous Darth Baras himself. He wore a stylized mask which had only slits for the eyes. Large and sharp pauldrons adorned his already large, if not obese, figure. His chest guard and leggings were also armored in a similar style. This gave him an almost intimidating look for those who couldn't see his facial expressions.
"Most of you will not return from this endeavor. If you die, you will be forgotten. If you give up, you will be killed. Now, out of my sight." He exclaimed dangerously.
"I've got a bad feeling about this." One acolyte muttered as he walked side by side with Vemrin.
"You should." Vemrin growled. "This is the end of the line for you Klemral. Just make sure you stay out of my way."
Eventually, they neared the entrance and stopped to look at the patiently waiting Aaric, who was sporting a smug look as Vemrin gritted his teeth in annoyance. "Look here, Vemrin. I see the upstart but no sign of Dolgis." Klemrall exclaimed.
"Klemral, Vemrin. You have been dismissed." The dark lord words cut across the room.
"Yes, master." Klemrall bowed and left. Vemrin though, looked like he still had a few more words to say. He got into his face, which did nothing to intimidate his rival.
"I underestimated you by sending Dolgis." He hissed. "I promise you. It will not happen again."
"Of course it won't, Vemrin." Aaric replied patronizingly. "Because you'll be dead before then."
The fellow acolyte harrumphed and strode out of the room, leaving only Aaric to face Baras.
"Are you having trouble with acolyte Vemrin, supplicant?" Baras prodded.
Supplicant? Aaric thought. Fool… I beg to no one unless they serve my purposes.
"No trouble at all, Lord Baras." Aaric replied offhandedly. "He simply likes to pick off more than he can chew. He just hasn't realized it yet."
"That is because he has the strength to back it up." Baras stood from his chair, his large frame slowly closing the distance between them. "Vemrin has been hardened into a lethal machine. Vemrin has paid his dues. And unlike you, he's fought a deck stacked against him to get here."
"I'm that's true on all accounts, master." Aaric retorted, keeping his expression level as best as he could. With his mask on, it was impossible to gauge the Darth's. "In that case, I believe I've fought against several more since birth."
"I don't care what you experienced. All that matters is that your time here in the academy is woefully lacking! Let me get a closer look at you." The Darth stated unimpressed. He began circling Aaric, and the acolyte could feel eyes on him like a shyrack looking at its prey. "Yes, as I suspected. Overser Tremel has done you and this academy a great disservice!
Aaric's was beginning to boil. He knew nothing! His power war greatly deserved and his stupid mask was probably blinding him towards the obvious. "With all due respect, my lord… looks can be greatly deceiving." He replied, doing his best to keep his voice level.
"Oh. Is that it, supplicant. Let's see… your warblade came early, prisoners flow in for your convenience, even a beast here on Korriban instead of offworld in the wild." The Sith Lord counted, each time raising his voice. "The pacing of the trials is deliberate. Only full immersion over time produces results. Your mind is soft, unhoned, undisciplined!"
Suddenly, Aaric guffawed then burst into raucous laughter. Even though Baras had his mask, Aaric knew his reaction to the Darth's words puzzled him.
"What is it that you find such humour in, acolyte? You will tell me, before I cut you down where you stand!" Baras growled precariously.
Aaric finally got his laughter under control before he declared. "I was thinking what was it that was clouding your vision more, Lord Baras. The force or the mask? The pacing of the trials is appropriate for one such as I."
His expression turned dark as he allowed his force presence to leak out and saturate the room. "Unlike Vemrin, I have trained in the Sith arts since I was born! Long before he has ever set foot onto this sacred planet! So I apologise, but I have to disagree… emphatically."
The dark lord stood straight and stepped up to the upstart acolyte, letting his own power emanate form him. The two forces clashed in an invisible conflict as one pushed against the other. "Do you now? I have not heard of any other organisation outside the empire having taught Sith independently from Korriban. It is decreed that all sentients with force potential are to be sent here for training, no exceptions. You would have joined us long ago if you are to now reach the required mastery expected of you."
"Then I say that Tremel has done the Empire a great service, my lord." Aaric explained. "I was taught and trained by the Mecrosa order. We are a Sith sect hidden within the House of Mecetti on the planet of Nyssa within the Tapani sector, outside of the Empire's boundaries. We are warriors, protectors and assassins who once pledged our loyalty to the Sith Lord Exar Kun centuries ago. When he disappeared, we hid ourselves away from the Jedi's prying eyes waiting for the opportune time to strike. Now that the Empire has returned, Overseer Tremel discovered our existence and sent me here. I am an heir to a great Sith bloodline and the path towards my destiny will start with Vemrin's destruction!"
For a brief while, the two forces pressed against each other as the young stallion and the old warhorse attempted to best each other. Aaric had the raw power, but Baras had the experience and mastery of his own to boot. After what seemed like hours but had merely been a minute, Baras chuckled and dropped his presence compelling Aaric to do the same.
"You are an interesting one, Acolyte. I am surprised that any Sith would have survived, given that the Jedi can be annoyingly efficient at eradicating us from within." The Darth remarked, "However, If what you say is true, then I need proof that you indeed have learnt the ways of the Sith. Recite the Sith Code for me, acolyte, and explain its meaning in battle, war and politics."
Aaric smirked as he began his thorough explanation, which surprised Baras although his mask covered it. This was exactly what he had been training for. Knowing that the true Sith would not believe he was one of them through mere strength, he soaked in the wisdom and intelligence of his tutors to understand the Sith philosophy and practices. By the time he was done, Baras was deeply impressed.
"I see… very good. Your ability is undeniable. Your readiness and understanding of the Sith way seems to be up to par." The Darth declared. "Your sect has taught you well. Already, I can sense that if you keep this up you might surpass Vemrin in every way possible."
"Henceforth," he continued, "I shall be your master now. Although Tremel has benefited the empire in acquiring one with powerful Sith potential such as you, the way in which he has conducted his duties so far has been treasonous at best. From the start, his unwillingness to adapt to the evolving Sith paradigm has now become a liability. These are the actions of a traitor and therefore he is to be executed. I grant you immunity from punishment. Kill Tremel and bring back his hand as proof."
Aaric beamed with pride as he bowed. "As you say…master."
"Now, leave. I'm sure Tremel is still in his chambers. Don't return until you've killed him." Baras ordered.
"Yes my lord." Aaric replied then strode out of the chamber.
"I didn't expect to see you again so soon. Has Baras sent you back to me?" Tremel questioned without looking up from his work. He seemed calm despite what he knew might happen.
"Yes, overseer. Baras sends his regards." Aaric replied, "He has now branded you a traitor and has ordered me to kill you, absolving me of any and all consequences whatsoever."
Tremel suddenly seemed like he aged even further before Aaric's eyes as he sighed. "Then I have been outplayed. Baras has the authority, but I did not think he would do something this overt. Either I die or he forces me to kill you and to destroy my own plan. A master stroke."
"It is as you say, Overseer. His intelligence and cunning knows no bounds." Aaric exclaimed.
"Very well. You have your orders, acolyte. Know that it gives me no pleasure to kill you." Tremel stood from his chair and calmly walked around his table towards Aaric.
"And what makes you so confident that you'll be the last man standing?" The acolyte scoffed, not in the least intimidated.
The weathered old man chuckled, but had a smile with a hint of pride in his voice. "I must admit, you are strong, acolyte. Stronger than any other I've seen walk through these sacred halls. But you are not Sith yet."
"Heh, you're a fool Tremel." Aaric scoffed. "I was already Sith before you brought me here. Did you not think the Mecrosa Order would train me since birth to only let me be killed by the likes of you?"
"It doesn't matter what I think." Tremel replied, unclasping his lightsaber from his waist and activating it with the familiar snap-hiss. "Come then. I'll try to make your end quick and painless. It's the least I can do."
Aaric chuckled at the old man's confidence. "You will try."
Like wolves, they circled each other around the room. Tremel positioned his lightsaber above his head with both arms; a standard Djem So attack stance. Aaric brought the warblade pointing upwards at eye-level, then swung down in a flourished 'X' before ending with a low guard: A Makashi Salute.
On some unseen signal, the two men charged forward and clashed their blades in the middle. Tremel was unrelenting and kept up the assault in short but quick and concentrated bursts. Aaric however was able to keep up as his elegant foot and bladework allowed him to dodge, parried or redirect his assailant's blows effortlessly.
Again and again, Tremel continued his barrage in an attempt to batter his way into Aaric's defences with no headway whatsoever. Each time he did, his progeny would neutralise them and manage to redirect his blade at the last minute to earn him a cut or stab at the overseer's limbs. It simply infuriated him to no end!
The kinetic force generated by Tremel's barrages should have shunted Aarics blocks and parries away. Instead, Aaric merely met Tremel's blade and followed through the overseer's motion until it was positioned exactly at the extremity he wanted to attack before doing so.
Tremel disengaged quickly before he suffered another hit. He panted heavily as he attempted to regain some of his strength. Aaric, however, seemed unfazed and was merely waiting for the next opportunity to strike with a victorious smirk on his face.
"Your style… Makashi." Tremel exclaimed, trying to buy more time for himself. "Its not supposed stand up against the power of Djem So. How are you doing this?!"
"Every form has a weakness. Every technique has a counter." Aaric explained. "You know of Makashi, but you do not know it like we have. Our order didn't just close ourselves off from the galaxy while the Jedi pandered about. We learnt their styles and developed means of neutralising them. The minions and lords of this Empire do not know the enemy like we do."
"I see. Then it seems there is only one way to find out if your methods have borne fruit." Tremel said with a tone of finality.
"It is the only way." Aaric quipped.
In a flash, both men charged each other one last time with blinding, force-enhanced speed. A split-second later, they ended up in each other's positions.
Aaric stood straight and turned around, sporting a slice across his chest guard but no blood had been drawn. Tremel, however, was not so lucky. The overseer grunted in pain and knelt to the ground as he nursed the stump of what used to be his left hand. The fight was over.
Aaric walked up to Tremel, but kept his blade at the ready just in case he tried anything funny.
"No. I'm… amazed. I knew you were strong in the force, but not… like this." The overseer spoke in haggard breaths. "Ha… ha ha ha! Good, good! You're more than ready to challenge Vemrin. Baras… will not be able to deny it now! He will have the satisfaction… of my death, but I die knowing my… success. Go ahead… end this.'
Aaric had other ideas, however, and sheathed his blade. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves, Tremel. Baras only asked for your hand as proof of your death."
"What? You're sparing my life. I don't need or want your pity acolyte!" Tremel spat.
"It's not pity that stayed my hand, Tremel. But my respect." The acolyte declared. "Even as Baras demands your death, I acknowledge that without you, I would not have come this far. It is a one-time offer, so think this through."
It only took a minute for the now former overseer to respond. "Yes… of course. I'm a credit to the dark side… my cause… is just. You can see clearly even if Baras cannot. Take my hand then. I shall rest and then leave Korriban… covertly."
Strangely, Tremel saw a ghost of a gracious smile grave Aaric's lips before he responded. "Good. Pave the way for my ascension, Tremel. You have not seen the last of me yet."
"Of course. Goodbye, acolyte. Rid the Sith of that plague Vemrin." Tremel stood and bowed deeply. "My hopes… lie with you."
Upon seeing Baras, Aaric could already sense the Darth beaming in satisfaction.
"What's this? The acolyte returns and with a bloodied weapon. I assume this means Tremel is no more. Give me his hand." Baras ordered. "Here. Take this one ring as a memento. Remembering the past can strengthen resolve and embolden the spirit. I am impressed you had the fortitude to destroy him. You know, he thought of you almost like family. How did it feel to betray him?"
"It felt great, overwhelming even." Aaric lied while feigning satisfaction. "Killing him brought me great joy."
"Good. Very good! It seems you are able to let your passions guide you. I am now confident that you understand fully the true meaning of the Sith code." The dark lord declared. "By embracing it and destroying Tremel, you have freed yourself from his shackles and escaped his fate."
"And one step closer to destroying Vemrin next. I eagerly await your next instruction, master." Aaric replied.
"I had a feeling you'd be a fast learner." Baras exclaimed. "Now, there are sacred ruins in the tomb of Tulak Hord. The ancient inscriptions that once adorned the walls of each ruin lie in pieces. You will venture through the entire tomb, search all of the ruins, and bring me a shard from each of these inscriptions. You will do this, or you will die."
"Yes my lord." Aaric acknowledged.
"Vemrin and my other acolytes have already been sent. There are no rules regarding how they secure the shards, and they will stop at nothing. Fight your way through the tomb of Tulak Hord in the valley of the Dark Lords, and bring me the shards from each of the ruined shrines. You are dismissed."
On that note, Aaric turned and left the dark lord to his own devices.