HERE IS PART 2 OF THE 1/5 MARK OF THE STORIES COMPLETION . BIG THINGS ARE COMING IN THE COMING CHAPTERS .
THE PAST - UNKNOWN SYSTEM
Lightning tore across the skies as the tropical planet was awash with colossal storm clouds .
His fingers dug into the sides of the cliffs he was climbing, Using his body strength to scale the wall of stone despite the winds slamming into his body and trying to pry him from the cliffs .
His breathing was heavy and with a small huff, He jumped to another outcrop of rock high upp the cliffs .
" Almost there " His synthesised voice radiated from the countenance of Kallig, The glowing red eyes of his helmet staring straight up at the overgrown vines hanging from the cliffside .
Reaching out towards these vines, Nox called them to his grip . His hands wrapping around them with a tight grip .
After tugging on the vines to make sure they were strong enough for a safe climb, Nox began a quick climb up the cliffs using the vines as rope .
Reaching the top, Nox's hand caught grip of the ledge, His fingers digging into the surface before heaving him up onto the safety of the ledge .
Groaning, Nox layed still on the ground on his back . His chest heaving up and down with deep huffs .
" Fuck me " Nox groaned as he coughed and rolled onto his side before making his way to his feet .
Putting his hands on his knees, He made an exaggerated sigh of relief before straightening out and turning back to the cliff .
Leaning over the edge slightly, As rain pelted his helmet, Nox looked down the cliff he had just climbed . And immediately puckered his lips in thought.
" That would've been a nasty fall " Nox mused as he stared down well over a thousand metres worth of cliff face , Several in fact .
" Getting down is going to be hell " Nox grunted before stepping back from the cliffs .
But he wasn't here to lament over the hellish climb he had just undertaken, No ... he was here for what he turned around and came to find embedded in the cliff face of a colossal mountainside that ascended into the skies.
" There you are " Nox smirked under his helm.
The Centrepoint of the storm circled the mountainside, Bolts of lightning striking the crumbling mountain .
With a slow gait, His robes billowing behind him as the rain intensified apon his approach. He made his way into the vegetation .
Towards the black cube like Tho Yor wedged into the mountainside , Where It had crashed before it's arrival to Typhon long ago .
CURRENT TIME
Lana held her lightsaber aloft Infront of her , Her blonde hair flowing around her head as heavy winds tore across the private arena on Nathema .
Red tinted her skin as the hiss of her Saber reflected her beautiful molten eyes.
" Come on bitch " Vaylin hissed across the arena as rain slowly began to pelt the two of them , The high justice's glare was as intense as her hatred for the woman .
Lana gave no words however as she simply lowered herself to the ground at the ready .
They wouldn't be using the force against eachother for they knew Vaylin would absolutely crush Lana without trouble .
Instead they'd settle it with their skill with the blade .
Nox himself was the only observer , Wearing his royal carapace in an overseers deck .
As much as he didn't wish for this battle , He knew the two needed to work through their differences .
They knew not to harm eachother , For he would not stand for it . And so , With a nod , They leapt towards eachother .
Iokath Power grid
C4R0L stood apon a large silver elevator platform, the surrounding shaft of the elevator was a blur as the white light of the surface quickly became a red haze of subterranean lighting.
Blonde hair billowed around her head, Her face completely lax without any apparent interest whilst the small light at the surface level far above seemed to be come a mere spec.
Barely a full minutes after stepping into the elevator platform, The platform came to a sudden halt as she arrived on her selected level .
The level she was on literally shook with waves of light . As if the heat of a mirage was taking over her sight. Yet it was such simple things, Rather it was the energy output of what was on this level bending space .
Looking at the back of her hand, She mused as she could physically see her skin bend and warp under the pressure exerted apon the blondes body.
Skin rippled over the bone structure of her hand as she gave a small smile .
" He's getting stronger " The voice that was expelled from C4R0L's mouth was that of Nox's as her yellow eyes turned vibrant purple on stark flecked black as Nox connected with her body from across the galaxy.
Her posture shifted as she crossed her arms behind her back, Shoulders squaring as Nox took a step forward into the connecting hallway .
The hallway before the entity seemed to shift and shudder under the exerted pressure, Whilst the small heartbeat like pulse that shuddered the red hallway made the lights above flicker.
Entering the connecting chamber, Nox smiled slightly as his head tilted up slightly towards the centre .
Massive power generators bled iridescent blue light, As beams of blue leapt from pylon to pylon .
The generators seemed to drop into pitch black darkness as the blue bolts flashed deep in the darkness, Occasionally lighting the shadows before the darkness quickly took hold .
Nox was interested in none of these as he gazed apon a metaphysical shadow that surrounded a kneeling figure at the centre of the pylons .
Crossing the walkway, His footsteps echoes echoed even amongst the electrical ping from each bolts crossing from the pylons .
" That is an interesting face you wear ... Milord" The Goliath of a creature turned to face C4R0L , Six eyes peering into Nox's own .
" It helps " Nox waved his hand dismissively before regarding the figure .
" But that's not why I'm here. How goes your growth athlagiroth" Nox asked as the creature shrugged, One of the bolts of blue lightning from the pylons actually striking his form yet seemingly being absorbed completely into his being.
" It is acceptable. But a slow process ... I have been refining my control but it is difficult to wield in any meaningful measurement that doesn't immediately terminate anything I try to manipulate " Athlagiroth expressed his frustration whilst Nox grunted and rubbed his chin .
" We'll... I might as well offer my assistance whilst I am here " Nox looked around the room before shrugging .
" Any assistance would be greatly appreciated" Athlagiroth bowed his head slightly as Nox crossed his hands behind his back and spread his feet.
" You are going to move me through the force . You need to penetrate my defences and move even a single strand of this bodies hair, Or its arm ... I don't care. But you'll need to exercise the great mental acuity you posses and force any part of this being to move " Nox gestured to the female form of C4R0L with a wave of his hands .
" Begin " Nox clasped his hands behind his back, Closing his eyes as he exerted his will over the body he possessed .
With a squint, The organic fused heavy skytrooper unit form of athlagiroth moved . It's four arms moving in unison as it motioned and made a grasping motion at C4R0L .
It quickly felt like the ocean was dropped apon his shoulders . Or having a hydraulic press pushed apon his being from all directions .
With an almost amused tilt of his head, Every fiber of C4R0L's body became flooded with the force, Channeled through his being as the atmosphere became smothered with literal shadows.
Nox's watched as veins literally burst in Athlagiroth's face , His six eyes literally widening as his power was ruthlessly purged from the area around Nox .
" A word of advice . You're not going to be able to overpower me entirely . Instead, Thread the needle . You only need to move a single point on this body " Nox began to move without issue much to the consternation of athlagiroth whom was still trying to exert even the smallest bit of influence around Nox's position .
The walkway they were on began to warp and twist as athlagiroth began to rage .
" Go on ... we have the time .. " Nox, In the guise of C4R0L sat down apon the walkway and began to lean back on his elbows on the ground .
After several hours of not so much as a wind to blow apon the hair of the face she wore, Nox grew irritated at the severe lack of progress .
Sighing, C4R0L rose from the ground with a troubled look on her face .
" It appears I made a blunder in my judgement ... I recognise you are not like me, Your understanding of the force and applications are different from mine, So please forgive me" C4R0L squared her chest and stared down at the confused athlagiroth.
" You're more like tal'erial than I . You learn through practical applications and open battle rather than theoretical and mental applications" Nox grunted as his female form motioned at athlagiroth with a wave of his hand.
And the world blurred .
DARK ILLATHURIAN
Athlagiroth appeared in the void of the dark illathuran in both curiosity and terror at the sudden change of environment.
Looking around in fright, Athlagiroth caught sight of Nox's original body floating Infront of a backdrop of several floating asteroids .
" Sorry that took so long my friend . Vaylin and Lana had a few grievances to go over... it's sorted ... for the moment" Nox floated over, Both completely protected from the void around them as the eternal emperor wore his sith cultist armour.
" Milord ... where are we " Athlagiroth asked as he felt the Oppressive nature of the world around them, It felt familiar yet he couldn't quite catch it .
" More like when are we " Nox looked up and around, Holding his hands at his side " This is the dark illathurian ... your birthplace I believe "
Athlagiroth looked around in wander at the dimension he had apparently been birthed in, Shock rapturing him as he drank in the world with an enlightened feeling .
" How ... " Athlagiroth mumbled , Closing his many eyes with a small satisfied smile on his face.
" Those who hold dominion over the dark illathurian are able to influence it to their will . I alongside your creators have a form of control over this dimension... Like so " Nox simply snapped his fingers, With the snap ringing out over several kilometres, And once more the world blurred around them as they found themselves amongst a battle being waged eons ago by the creators of the dark illathurian.
And with a second snap they appeared once more when they had first arrived.
" We are currently in limbo between the end of the dawn of civilisation ... aaaand the rise of the rakatan empire " Nox gestured as a purple haze appeared beside him before a wooden staff appeared beside the emperor .
" But we're not here for that ... we're waging battle starting now " Nox suddenly grabbing staff and pointed it's head at athlagiroth, The smug tone of his voice clear as day .
Athlagiroth's world exploded in pain and white light, As his organic body burned away in an instant until his true form was unleashed.
Athlagiroth watched as the beam from the head of the darkstaff that had annihilated his body continued on into oblivion, Tear several of the stars in the distance apart before it faded away .
" I will be mapping out my abilities too " Nox shrugged as the creeping darkness that represented athlagiroth made a rapid approach.
Once more he pointed the head off the Darkstaff at his foe ,As the staff drank at the energies provided by the dark illathurian and converted them to the purest form of energy it could provide.
Within that same instant, The staff cracked violently across its surface, Orange embers of light shining within the staff as it gained a new level of power it hadn't before .
The ray burst of energy that exploded from the head of the staff was emerald and white in colouring, As it severed the entire right side of athlagiroth from the rest of his body, Tearing it apart and sending it to oblivion in an instant .
" YOU HAVE TO BE A SMALLER TARGET MY FRIEND ... IT'S DO OR DIE MY FRIEND " Nox bellowed as he took a two handed grip of the staff as a noticeably more intense mirage of red light surrounding the head of the staff .
Said mirage began to swirl in on the head of the staff as an electrifying buzz escaped both weapon and wielder . A dark tear in reality opened up on the centre of the mirage as it was pointed at its target .
A tiny black tendril snapped out from the form of athlagiroth, Revealing the newly regenerated four armed form of the heavy skytrooper unit that housed Athlagiroth's consciousness.
The blast that tore from the Darkstaff swallowed all that remained of Athlagiroth's larger form, The form being consumed by a ball that swept from the head of the staff .
Said ball travelled the distance between them, With the smaller organic form of the heavy skytrooper unit avoiding it as it continued up to until it was Infront of the larger form of shadow in the distance .
The instance the red orb reached the shadow, It expanded many thousands of times over until It dwarfed even a planet ... until finally ... A glowing sun with of a black core and a red outline appeared where the orb once was to consume Athlagiroth's previous form in an instant all it was sucked in on itself with a screech .
" YOU DID IT " Nox laughed out loud as he smacked Athlagiroth's reaching hand away by swinging the end of the staff into the reaching hand .
" Good job " Nox whispered as athlagiroth tried to seize Nox with his other three hands .
Yet before he could latch onto Nox , Four black tendrils appeared from seperate gaping holes in reality , Latching onto Athlagiroth's outstretched arms with burning grip .
Athlagiroth could feel the tendrils burning away at his form , Disintegrating his arms as quickly as he could regenerate his body parts .
" I was right ... I no longer need to chant to use sith magic " Nox mused out loud as he mentally maneuvered the dark tendrils around , Binding athlagiroth as it spread his arms wide .
Taking the chance, Nox held the tip of the staff at Athlagiroth's abdomen, A him once more rising from the head of the weapon within a moments notice .
' What will you do now ' Nox smirked as he unleashed another attack on Athlagiroth's stomach from point blank range.
The beam created met a dead wall in Athlagiroth's panic, As the beam struck a barrier of shimmering light that appeared between the beam and it's target .
Screaming, Athlagiroth tore his hands from the tendrils, Tearing his forearms from his body as he shifted to the side in a blur, The barrier that stopped the beam shattering a moment later as the small localised beam speared into the white void of the dark illathurian.
" Learning on the fly is your thing huh " Nox smirked as four more of him appeared from reaching shadows .
" Now how quickly can you adapt " Nox asked as four beams were charged up from the heads of his and his shades weapons .
" Shit " Athlagiroth cursed as he managed to teleport away from the four beams that struck at his previous position with terrifying accuracy .
" You can't escape that easily " Nox smirked as he ducked his head , A single bolt spearing forward and away as one of his shades turned and dispelled the illusionary Darkstaff and engaged athlagiroth directly .
" You learned to fold space in an instant ... you're a creature if instinct Afterall " Nox spoke out as he came up with a plan .
" Ahh yes ... there is a way " Nox dispelled the Darkstaff and held his hands to his side's , Drawing on the force as he captured the distant black stars with the force .
The world around them shifted violently as they were teleported Infront a cluster of the black stars of the dark illathurian .
" Like I said earlier , You need to develop your control . To survive this . you'll need to thread that needle to survive " Nox gripped the star cores around them and squeezed .
The reactions were immediate as they went supernovae , Explosions of pure energy sweeping in all directions .
And Nox , Exercising his control, Wound the explosions around them into an all encompassing dome that surrounded the two of them as if they were within a single hollow star of black shifting clouds .
" You won't be able to teleport away from this , For I have denied that " Nox made a crushing motion with his hand before he vanished from within the encompassing dome of destruction .
Nox watched in anticipation as the dome shrunk in on itself .
With each moment the dome shrunk , The energy intensified the more it was condensed , The swirling growing faster and faster .
With a triumphant smile , Nox felt a tear within the barrier he had created to contain the supernovae, As athlagiroth tore his way through the barrier to create safe passage, Of which he promptly leapt out off just as the dome became a churning ball roughly the size of Nox's hand .
" Eat up " Nox summoned the Darkstaff once more and pointed it at the screaming black orb suspended a couple of hundred metres from athlagiroth whom was clearly exhausted from having to wrestle Nox's control to escape the dome .
Whilst the Darkstaff ate at the super condensed supernovae, Nox floated towards the floating athlagiroth whom appeared to be celebrating to himself if his pumping arms and cheers were anything to go by .
" Congratulations... you survived " Nox announced as the world of dark illathurian shifted , The duo appearing back on Iokath within the generator complex .
" That'll have to do for now since my schedule is tight . While you have gained some small measure of control , We'll have to develop your abilities further in the future . Practice what have learned and I'll be back within the next two weeks to further our training " Nox pet athlagiroth on the shoulder before he made a slow departure across the walkway they had sat on not half an hour earlier .
" Of course milord " Athlagiroth gave his lord a nod as he watched the man whom nearly killed him leave him within the complex to continue stockpiling energy for growth.
Coruscant - 1 Week later - Kaldani spires
Nox lounged on his long couch as he picked a fruit from the bowl on the centre table .
Lana sat at his black desk , Running through data that appeared on the Holo screen as her fingers played with her chin .
Vaylin sat on the second of the three couches , Her legs dangling over the arms of the chair whilst she slept with her chest rising and falling with small huffs of air .
" Look at it this way " Nox waved his hand lightly as the orange tint of the crystals from the ceiling bathed the room in an otherworldly light .
" The Jedi don't know we're here ... they're dying and the Sith in charge are even more ignorant of our presence " Nox bit into the fruit with an amused smirk .
" Which means we can move in absolute secrecy ... " Lana proposed as Nox nodded .
" What of your apprentice and this Anakin Skywalker you speak of ... will they get in the way " Lana pressed with a sense of urgency .
" Kanya ... Is alot like Vaylin , But easily handled and urged in the right direction . On the other hand ... Anakin is a larger problem . He knows of me but perceives of me as his father and is completely ignorant of my ability as a force user . Kanya's relationship with him clouds her judgement greatly ... So she remains ignorant of my plans . She truly loves him and sees him as family just as I " Nox began as he took another bite of his fruit .
" You wish for him to join us ... why " Lana asked as she turned her face from the hologram to Nox with her undivided attention.
" Anakin's potential in the force is only limited by his surroundings ... horrifically similar to Vaylin actually . If given the chance to flourish he will become truly powerful ... He would be a truly ideal apprentice along with kanya . That is why I had allowed him to join the Jedi ... I need him to come to me willingly . To give his devotion to me and my training wholeheartedly " Nox chuckled before sending the remaining half of the fruit to Lana whom accepted the fruit " So yes ... ideally ... he will be at our side "
" And if they turn on us " Lana asked , A very real fear in her eyes ... for they had been betrayed in the past . It was something that had damaged their trust in their allies , But brought them closer to eachother to the point that they trust each others judgement above all else .
She could see clearly as Nox's face became that of stone , His eyes shifting to a sheer black colour as an imperceptible twist of his face contorted his features.
" I will do what I must " Nox grunted before settling himself down , Sighing gently before sitting up in the dark of the room .
The night sky outside of the apartment bathed the city in a dark light . The dark feelings welling up from the lower levels of the city planet bringing a small smile to the siths face .
Nox walked to the veranda as the black curtains billowed in the night wind .
" If the powers that be cannot see reason. Then they will be destroyed and reforged into what we need them to be " Nox spoke sternly .
" The Sith WILL change to our needs under my heel . The Jedi are on the verge of ... " Nox paused for a moment before continuing " well they're blind and ignorant of what is occuring in the world around them , Nor are they able to perceive the machinations of those around them . They will be a non factor if Sidious is able to achieve his plans as plagueis foresaw "
" And if all else fails ... I'll simply have to instate a new imperial regime "'Ontop of the charred remains of the republics corpse ' Nox didn't speak the second half of what he thought , He didn't need to .
" You've changed " Lana came up to Nox's side , Moving under Nox's arm so that he was holding her shoulders .
" You're no longer just running headlong into dangerous situations ... " Lana smirked as she looked up to him , Raising herself slightly to capture his lips with her own .
They remained lip locked for several seconds before a new presence in the force drew their attention .
Drawing apart from eachother , Lana lowered herself back down onto her heels " It's a pleasant change ... I feel I don't have to worry about you so much "
" But you'll do it anyway " Nox gently cupped her chin with his pointer finger before the woman layed her head on Nox's chest , The cloth he was wearing allowing for her to hear his heartbeat .
" You're right " Lana mumbled as Nox gently stroked her back soothingly .
" I know " Nox stared out at the Jedi temple for several long minutes , Feeling the Zakuulan knights change their positions after a few moments .
He could feel Sidious within the senate just as he could feel Yoda and the Jedi council within the council chambers .
" I do believe it's time we get ready to introduce ourselves to the galaxy ... Padme will be the one helping us " Nox gently took Lana's hand and began to guide his lover through towards his bedroom .
" Who's Padme " Lana asked with a raised eyebrow as Nox simply let out an amused laugh .
THE NEXT DAY
Four shuttles lifted off of Nox's landing pad in the Kaldani spires ,The final shuttle remaining behind where Nox stood beside Lana in preparation for her departure.
Lana wore an armour strikingly similar to the armour senya tirall had once worn in her service to the eternal empire . However the only difference with this set was the lack of forearm guards .
" Are you ready " Nox asked as Lana huffed and rearranged the cuff of her right sleeve.
" Considering I'm supposed to be lying straight to the face of the galaxy ,the Jedi and this Sidious fellow . Pretty good " Lana turned to face him ,coming closer as Nox out his hands on her hips .
" You don't have to do this " Nox whispered as she once more kissed him whilst wrapping her hands around Nox's neck .
" I want to . I want to help " Lana whispered as they heard Padme's approach .
" Okay , But if anything happens to you . if that Sidious fop or some senator messes with you , I'm going to toss the senate into space " Nox whispered into her ear whilst Lana let out a small chuckle and tapped his chest lovingly .
" Oh I have no doubt " Lana mumbled before pulling away , The two turning to face Padme who seemed to be doing her hardest to keep a straight face, Pointedly looking away from the lovers .
" If you need anything , The subjugation is cloaked in the system ... and I am only a thought away " Nox kissed her once more before Padme came forward with a pleasant and kind smile .
" I'm Padme Amidala " The senator grabbed a hold of Lana's outstretched hand " Senator of naboo "
" Lana Beniko , Chosen representative of scion for the foreseeable future " Lana shook Padme's hand gently , The two quickly exchanging pleasantries .
" Lana here will be in the senate to gauge whether Zakuul will be a good fit for the republic " Nox spoke honestly as Padme gave an understanding nod .
" I see " Padme mused as Lana once more fussed over her presentation .
" I guess we should be off now " Lana remarked, The shuttle doors opening to allow for six horizon guard to climb into the shuttle as her guard detail.
" I suppose " Padme climbed up into the ship as Nox whispered into Lana's ear , The woman giving a subtle nod before departing into the gleaming white and grey ship.
The ship lifted off quickly thereafter , Flying away from the spire rapidly whilst three more shuttles escorted the diplomats .
Nox watched them go with a small frown ,His head turning slightly as Vaylin came up at his side ,Looping her left arm around his right with a smug smile .
" Let's go prepare scion for the republics inspection " The duo departed soon after with a simple twist of the force before the eyes of the guards present ,The two of them vanishing from the landing pad to appear across the galaxy bordering the unknown regions within seconds .
SCION REGION - ETERNAL EMPIRE TERRITORY
People meandered around the city with complete ignorance to Nox and Vaylin's presence .
Occasionally they would stop as a child ran by then with cheers and smiles .
" They haven't acknowledged us " Vaylin squinted at the gathered citizens that ran through the streets .
Speeders flew overhead towards the market place carrying it's wares to be sold as if they had done so for years.
" I wouldn't expect them to " Nox grabbed a child by the shoulder, Halting the boy in his tracks .
The boy offered no response, Instead going blank as stone with an emotionless gaze .
Kneeling down to the child, Nox snapped his fingers Infront of the boys face, Yet he reacted naught, Staring into the mid distance between them both.
" Considering they're under my control , Planted deep with their psyche ... They don't even know they're from Zakuul. To everyone here, They've lived on this planet their whole lives" Nox stood back up and let go of the child, Said child immediately rushing off to join his friends as if he hadn't been disturbed.
" Even the graves are full" Nox remarked as they continued their march towards the planets capital palace .
" So it's ready to be presented to the larger galaxy " Vaylin remarked as Nox gave a small nod.
Soon their attention was drawn upwards, As a warship decloaked above the city to release an Armada of Iokath construction droids.
" It's damn near perfect. Rust in the walls, Decay in the ground . This city has been artificially aged to make it appear as if this world has been inhabited for millennia" Nox remarked with a wave of his hand,Pointing at a weathered part of a wall where one of the Iokath construction units was artificially aging the structure .
" But there is no longer any need to worry about the details, As far as I can see, Scorpio has it covered " Nox mused as he saw Vaylin's quickly growing boredom at the architectural lesson .
" But I have a mission we're going to undertake " Nox regained the woman's attention, Her yellow eyes turning to him with renewed interest .
" Yes dear " Vaylin asked as she fluttered her eyelashes , The two of them ascending the stairs that lead up to the capital palace " What is it you desire "
" War " He could see the barely contained excitement contained behind her eyes .
" There is a planet in the mid rim on the outskirts of an important trading route that would give an advantage to whomever controls it. But the planets residents are refusing to take part in the war, Soon fighting is going to break out regardless " Nox explained as they approached the towering doors of the capital palace .
The horizon guard stood Infront of the ornate doors, Them too completely under Nox's control as they believed they were part of a force sect created on the planet millenia ago .
" What must I do " Vaylin's lip quivered in excitement at the thought of what was to come .
" Destroy both armies . You may leave survivors if you wish ... however I want you to become the saviour of the planet, A symbol of their people " Nox replied as he pushed open the ornate doors before them , Revealing a massive chamber within to which the puppet king and queen sat on their thrones .
Turning his eyes to meet her own, He could see the look in her eyes, As her mouth contorted in a wicked smile .
" I am so ... excited " Vaylin cooed just as Scorpio marched in their direction from behind the puppet king's throne.
" I know ... I can feel it" Nox whispered, His eyes flexing momentarily as he felt the sheer emotion rolling from his consort . He regained his control of himself a moment later before turning his attention back to Scorpio , The mask of pleasantry falling back into place with practiced ease.
CORUSCANT
The five Zakuulan shuttles screamed towards the senate tower , Their thrusters releasing a loud roar as streams of blue energy released from the thrusters .
The ships hung low as they weaved between towers and abodes, Diving under power lines and around pylons before they rushed towards the mushroom shaped building in the distance that hung over a vast portion of the city .
The gathering senators and system representatives waited excitedly alongside chancellor Palpatine as they stared off into the distance , Watching as they white and grey shuttles began to grow in size before their very eyes, From small blips in the distance before quickly growing into larger and larger as they cleared thousands of metres in seconds.
Jedi master Windu stood alongside the senators as did Yoda and Kenobi and Fay with a congregation of several other Jedi masters , The four having spoken recently with Palpatine about the retrieved antidote that they had ensured was secured .
Slowly ,As the shuttles approached ,Yoda squinted at the approaching shuttle with a troubled glare ,His ears prickling in the direction of the approaching vessels .
Palpatine froze as he stared at the approaching shuttle . The Darkside of the force peeled from the escorted ship in rippling waves.
He cast a subtle glance over his shoulder and was sure the Jedi could feel it as well as they exchanged nervous glances with eachother.
Behind the first shuttle, the four escorting shuttles split off and began to circle the landing zone .
The main shuttle itself rotated mid air over the designated landing pad, It's landing gear deploying before it slowly settled down onto the pad.
The gathered senators , Including bail organa were greatly interested in the oddly designed shuttle that slowly settled down onto the landing pad .
The wings raised with a low hiss as the pads settled down onto the ground, The shuttles bay doors slid open for the six horizon guard to drop down onto the landing zone .
The hulking force sensitive made two lines of three, Their shields held against their sides whilst their saber pikes were situated in the palms of their right hands.
They had no identifying markers to link them to the eternal empire . Instead they wore a simple white version of the Zakuulan knights armour .
To sheev and the Jedi , They could easily tell these six individuals were force sensitive , As powerful if not more than a Jedi master from the rippling of the energy that peeled off of their being.
Sheev nearly froze as the two the horizon guard dropped down .
The first to be seen was expected , As senator Amidala stepped down with a well practiced regal grace . Her hair was done up and she had done her makeup immaculately . She drew many appreciative glances from the onlookers before the attention was drawn by the second individual to drop down .
Glowing yellow iris's danced with mirth and great amusement , As the stunning woman's face contorted into a half smirk . Her blonde bangs hung under her chin, Groomed perfectly for the occasion .
She wore simple but tightly wound white robes that showed off her figure, Golden embroidery lining the the sleeves and neck line of her outfit.
The Darkside prickled around sheev , Snaking from the blonde woman's presence . And he ruthlessly crushed the desire to force her submission and admit his superiority through the force .
' Perhaps ... a worthy backup apprentice ' Palpatine thought with a small smirk as Lana came up to Padme's side .
" May I introduce , Senator Lana beniko ... of the scion system " Padme announced as she motioned to the blonde.
This beniko gave a low bow , Her right hand positioned over her Bosom .
" It is a pleasure to meet you all , I hope we can all get along " Lana's rather pleasant voice danced around those present . Several individuals shifting to more open stances as they relaxed in her presence .
Windu glared hard at the back of the blonde woman's head , As she walked and talked pleasantly to the chancellor about the so called scion system .
His eyes trailed to the guards of the woman with a tantive and calculating glance . He could feel the force being channeled through each of the six guards , None of them were aligned to the light, if not they were skewed more towards the Darkside than anything else, and it made the man agitated .
" If you would chancellor " Windu stepped forward as bail , Padme ,Lana and Palpatine turned to face Windu with raised eyebrows .
" Master Jedi " Palpatine tilted his head to hear the master of the order.
" Interested we are, Feel the force we can around you ... know what that is do you " Yoda piped up as Lana raised an eyebrow at the small creature .
' I didn't think I'd ever encounter another of his kind ... interesting' Lana thought as she nodded .
" Of course master Jedi , I am well aware of what the force is, Just as my guards are as I'm sure you're aware" Lana replied honestly as lying would simply be sensed by the small creature.
" Studied it you have, Knowledge you posses " Lana squinted at the choice words of the creature.
" Of course master Jedi, Knowledge is something my people pride ourselves on and strive for . We urge our people to study whatever they wish, They are however encouraged to share what they learn with their peers. The force is a tool for us to use, We would be fools not to use and study the gifts we have been given " Lana replied as sheev payed great attention to what was being said. The man had to restrain his smirk as he watched the Jedi grow visibly irritated by her words .
" The force is not " Mace began as Lana turned to the man with pinned and narrowed eyes.
" Master Jedi , I would love to get into a intellectual and philosophical debate about the force with you . However neither here nor now are the appropriate time nor place . So if it is alright with you, I would like to focus on representing and securing the futures of my people " Lana cut mace off as sheev had to literally hold himself from laughing out loud .
" Right you are my dear, Such things can be discussed after the senate has met " Sheev cast a glance to the Jedi, Watching as a vein visibly pulsed in mace's head .
MEANWHILE IN CIS TERRITORY
" You failed " Dooku squinted as his eyes glowed a raging orange .
" You don't understand " Ventress began as she knelt Infront of her master alongside durge whilst HK simply stood off to the side without caring about the siths rage .
" Understand what, a single measly knight managed to not only grind our plans to a halt, But fought you lot on equal footing and forced your retreat" Dooku seethed as lightning danced between his fingers .
" I have fought many Jedi masters and knights , Countless battles for years. But I have never been shut down so quickly, To be rendered confined and immobile in my own armour with a mere wave of his hand. It was humiliating ..." Durge explained as the alien shook in rage at the memories .
Ventress felt the need to speak up, To bring up the fact she knew he had used a Darkside ability on her in sheer instinct ... a Jedi Knight doesn't do such things , Much less resort to violence when mildly irritated . Yet she kept her mouth shut, I didn't matter in the short or long run ... he would pay for the humiliation .
" And what do you have to say " Dooku had turned his attention towards HK , Said droid appearing to be heavily in thought as it was simply staring at the wall .
Slowly turning it's head towards the count , The red lenses of the droids head beamed darkly with sinister red light .
" Nothing that hasn't been said, This knights combat prowess, Situational awareness and intellect were unprecedented and unwelcome ,His foresight is something that caught me off guard . By my calculations I will have to have great and extensive preparations if I am to engage this knight again and hope for victory " HK stated emotionlessly to the count as the count of sereno pondered the words.
" I take it you've gathered information on this knight already " Dooku watched the droid nod " Describe everything you have gathered to me " Dooku stared at the droid .
" Jedi Knight, Name Vas'lucis . Homeworld ... Unknown . The Jedi seem to be guarding this knights Information from being spread around the order , There is no information about the boy apart from his name and rank in the Jedi archives . The only other information I was able to find was that the boy was located by the Jedi weeks ago . Whomever trained him beforehand ... is unknown by anyone whom isn't the Jedi council " HK explained as the count grew frustrated at the droids lack of information.
" So the brat is a ghost. And didn't exist on any known records before being encountered by the Jedi " Dooku ran his fingers through his beard with a heavy glare " We're in the dark on this . I want you to find any information we can on this young man . In the meantime ... my apprentice ... Your punishment is due "
CORUSCANT
Lana was forced to pause her thoughts as another group of Jedi appeared in the chancellor's office .
Her eyes staring straight ahead , unblinking at the face of the newly arrived hero vas'lucis .
Sheer panic rocked her body for a split second before It was ruthlessly crushed by the woman.
She glanced around the room to make sure nobody noticed her panic at the young man's presence .
' Letha ... ' Lana forced her heartbeat to calm down as she studied the features of the hero with a squinting gaze . She pushed the urge to cry down and buried it deep in her psyche.
' He's got her facial structure ... But that's not all ... who else was used to create this specimen ' Lana's eyes danced across the boys features, From the sharp brow to the angular jawline .
' If I didn't know any better ... I'd say he looks abit like .... you didn't ' Lana's lip twitched slightly as she caught the angular dip of the bone at the back of the jaw reminiscent of a sith pureblood .
Finally noticing she was staring, Lana blinked and turned her head away from the gathered Jedi as they conversed with the chancellor .
' And you ... I know what you are ' Lana mused as she tightened her mental defences Infront of the supposed sith lord of this era.
Padme sat on the seat at her side , And as Anakin Skywalker walked into the room, Lana was able to point out the changes that overcame the woman in his presence.
She was Afterall well aware of how her own demeanor changed in the presence of Nox, Just as Vaylin and any other lover .
Indeed, Now that she stared at her supposed stepson . He was tense, Utterly failing to not catch glances at Padme from the side .
His acting was horrible . Non existent even.
' Gods boy, If you're going to hide your feelings Atleast stare in the other direction ' Lana withheld a scoff, But couldn't help be impressed at the power the boy held .
The atmosphere between both Anakin and the hero Vas'lucis was oppressive, And everyone could feel it.
Two shining rays of light through the force , It was almost painful to look at . And if by the way Sheev's jaw was set ... he wasn't faring much better being in their presence .
' I suppose it's almost that time ' Lana stared out at the coruscant skies, Subtly feeling out towards the looming shadow that stretched across the planet through the force .
' A good first impression is key ... ' Lana sent the signal through her mind towards the loading bay below .
' And to do that ... create a problem only you can fix ' Lana felt her lips raise slightly as the signal was received ... immediately followed by a rush of fear and terror through the force from the guards and senators . The senate shaking violently as explosions rocked the senate building .
" What the hell" Padme cried out as she made her way to her feet, The Jedi having their weapons in hand at that very moment .
" What's going on "
Battle droids blasted their way across the senate landing pads .
Bolts of energy ripping from their blasters , Striking the blue Garbed guards with great efficiency.
Several guards had already been dropped by the droids as they marched their way towards the senate chambers .
Fifty b1 battle droids in total participated in the assualt , With twenty B2 units and six droideka's , But nobody knew these were simply reprogrammed CIS battle droids . And nobody would ever know .
As the horizon guard arrived, Their yellow lightsabers already ignited as their hefted their shields and stepped Infront of the senate guard.
They were a impenetrable wall , As The blaster bolts were either absorbed by the energy shields or bounced back towards their origins .
" FORWARD " The captain yelled as the horizon guard began a slow march towards the droids ranks .
The senate guard capitalised on the chance offered by the horizon guard , Rushing in and taking cover behind the imposing figures that guarded the eternal emperor himself .
Blue bolts streamed towards the droids from behind the wall of shields , The distance between the guards and the droids now halved .
" KOR ... CRYS ... BREAK OFF " The captain bellowed as the ends of the guard formation broke off and made a blitz towards the droids .
They sprinted in unison , Their shields held aloft as they quickly closed the gap between themselves and the enemy droids.
Cutting into the droids , A force repulse tore from the guards to destroy the first of the enemy forces .
Their sabers sung and cut out , Slicing through their enemies with brutal efficiency .
Quickly , Kor brought his shield up to block another barrage of from the B2 units , As he stepped back and around to keep his front towards the droids .
Meanwhile CRYS subtly manoeuvred her way around towards the back of the droid formation , Bouncing with deceptive agility as she leapt onto a crate and flipped over the a shuttle bus.
Landing behind the droids , Whom Kor was still drawing attention from .
With a raise of her hand , Several crated including the empty shuttle bus were suspended in the air before being tossed at the droids in a hail of metal, Crushing the droids under the now falling shuttle bus .
" Now for cleanup " Crys sighed in relief as the shuttle bus cracked in half on the senate landing pads , Droids sprawled on the ground still attempting to recover their bearings.
The Jedi arrived soon after , Finding the battle already settling down as the horizon guard tore through the droid forces with laughable ease .
Plo Koon raised an eyebrow as he saw the horizon guard channelling the force to heal the injured guards that were still alive .
" Interesting " Koon mused before breaking off and moving to assist the healers in their efforts.
" It appears ... that our assistance is no longer required here " Kenobi announced , Watching as the guard quarantined off the battle ground , Rushing the injured to the healers whilst working with the coruscant security whom were quick to arrive on scene .
Being approached by the guard captain, The man took a knee Infront of Lana much to the interest of everyone present .
" Lady beniko ... All invading forces have been routed and destroyed . Your orders " The captain's deep voice resonated from his mask .
" I want you to find out how they got here Traitors , Spies ... I want the investigation handled swiftly and with great care " Lanas voice was smooth yet firm, With the guard quickly rising and rushing to do as said .
Noting the presence of a reporter probe , Lana broke off and made her way to the injured guards with Padme at her side .
Using the force , She leant her efforts to helping the injured .
" You have my thanks milady ... I doubt our survival had your people not have been here to help us " A senate guard spoke out , Catching the attention of the press as Lana withheld a small smile .
" It is our duty to this republic and its people ... We would have failed if we were able to help to our best ability "
' And so begins the good relations with the people ' Lana pointedly ignored the probe filming her as she turned to Padme .
" I need your help " Lana asked of Padme as the young woman readily agreed.
MIDRIM
" General , The locals have entrenched themselves here " An arc trooper announced as he brought up a Holo map of several trenches dug into the ground, At the centre of the map was a city with three different military forces clearly highlighted on the map .
" Here " The trooper pointed to the far side of the city where they were engaging separatist forces in open conflict .
" And here " The trooper pointed to a large stronghold behind the capital city , A military fortress no doubt .
" What of our negotiations" The Jedi general asked, A miraluka male with brown cloth covering his stern face .
" Failed " The arc trooper replied as the Jedi crossed his arms .
" Then we have no choice ... begin the offensive " The man ordered to which the clone gave the order,
He stood in the command centre whilst watching the clone troopers begin to rush into the foliage of the forest around them .
But he wasn't interested in this, Instead he was weary.
Dire warnings through the force cried out to him constantly for the last couple of hours . A foreboding warning that he should leave immediately, Yet he squandered the feeling , Ignoring it in favour of his service to the republic .
" I want all traffic to and from the surface monitored ... " Better to be safe than sorry .
He didn't know this would be his last day alive , As the X-70 B , Piloted by Vaylin and Nox appeared in system with its cloaking systems active .
NEXT CHAPTER - VAYLIN - WAR TERROR
You know what's finally coming next chapter . The war machine herself steps onto the battlefield to shake up the war into something unrecognisable.
CHAPTER COMPLETE