Shar had barely entered the corridor before being waylaid by a group of other acolytes, the most notable among them being a large human male in red armor and a smaller human woman in black armor. "There Teeno, I think that's him," the woman muttered subtly.

"All right, hey you!" the man, Teeno, called as he stepped towards Shar, ignoring the woman's quiet recriminations, "You're the big shot they're all talking about, right? The one who's been personally summoned by Darth Baras himself?"

The Pureblood grimaced to himself. "News travels fast, I see."

The woman bowed shallowly, "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!" Teeno added.

"Teeno!" The woman groaned in exasperation, "What my blunt partner here means to say is, that if you need anything or anyone 'taken care of,' then we'd like you to consider us."

"She's talking about Vemrin!" The big man added eagerly, "We'll kill him for you!"

The woman sighed and shook her head. "Sorry, I should have Teeno muzzled. So, what do you say? We know Vemrin tried to have you killed, would you like us to kill him for you?"

"No," Shar denied emphatically, "Vemrin has made our 'rivalry' personal, and I intend to end it personally. Your offer is appreciated, but unneeded."

"Far be it for me to deny you the pleasure, but think of it like this: Acolytes cannot kill other acolytes. If Vemrin dies, the Lords will presume your guilt. If he dies while you have an alibi, however…" She subtly waggled her eyebrows.

The Pureblood could, in fact, pick up what she was putting down, but that was ignoring his own desires. "Again, appreciated but unnecessary."

They all traded looks. "Let us prove ourselves to you! Spar with us, then decide if we have the skills to benefit you in this endeavor," the woman continued, the other acolytes nodding in agreement.

Shar shrugged and nodded, reaching down to adjust the power settings on his warblade. "Very well, let's spar." He rolled his shoulders as the other acolytes drew their blades.

"Form up, boys!" the woman said, stancing up, "Time to audition for the big show!"

Teeno lunged at him and Shar tilted aside, drawing his warblade in one smooth motion to strike the other man across the chest, turning with the motion to bat the woman aside, tagging her on the leg as the other two acolytes charged. Their forms weren't too sloppy, but they just seemed so terribly slow. He locked blades with one then pulled him into the other, hit them both with a negligent swipe, deflected an attack from Teeno then shoved him into the wall, tagging him on the shoulder and the thigh before blocking a swing from the woman, pulling her into a lock before kneeing her in the stomach before slashing her back, dropping her to her knees.

He turned to look and found the other acolytes in the same position clutching their wounds. It had taken Shar all of twenty seconds to defeat the entire group.

Groaning, they dragged themselves up, giving him awed looks. "You…took all four of us apart! This…this changes everything! From what I hear, Vemrin's supposed to be your physical equal. If we can't hold up sparring against you, we'll never be able to kill him," the woman realized, shaking her head with a sigh.

"I agree. Steer clear of Vemrin, for your own sakes," the Pureblood said, flourishing his warblade before sheathing it.

"I don't get it," Teeno shrugged, wincing, "Are we going to kill something or not?"

"No Teeno," the woman shook her head, "And I believe we should rethink this whole 'Sith training' business."

Shar scoffed lightly. "You can't. You either succeed and become Sith, or you die, there is no in-between." The other acolytes traded scared looks. "Speaking of, I have a trial I need to get to. Stick together, and perhaps you will make something of yourselves."

He left the acolytes and entered Baras's office proper. The Darth himself was sat behind a desk, wide frame clad in robes of dull gray, blue and silver, with a decorative triangular chest plate and ridiculous triangular shoulder pads that added maybe a foot to his width. "-Most of you will not return from this endeavour. If you die, you will be forgotten. If you give up, you will be killed." His voice was lightly filtered due to the round metal helmet that completely covered his face, simple but ornate. "Now, get out of my sight."

"I've got a bad feeling about this," an acolyte, a very average-looking human with brown hair muttered, giving Shar a surprised look, "Look here, Vemrin, I see the upstart but no Dolgis."

Vemrin scoffed, giving them both a glare. "Get your licks in while you can, Klemral. This is the end of the line for you, so stay out of my way," his gaze switched to the Pureblood, "I underestimated you by sending Dolgis. It will not happen again."

"Klemral, Vemrin, you have been dismissed," Baras warned, tone unchanging despite the threat of his displeasure hanging in the air. The other two acolytes nodded and left, the Darth beckoning Shar forward as he stood from his desk. "Are you having trouble with acolyte Vemrin, supplicant?"

"He believes I am a threat to his position," the young Sith offered.

"As he should," the Darth returned, circling around his desk, "Vemrin has paid his dues, he has fought a deck stacked against him to get here. You, on the other hand…Let me get a closer look at you…" He circled Shar, eyeing him critically from behind his mask and tutted lightly, "Yes, as I suspected. Overseer Tremel has done you and this Academy a great disservice. Your warblade came early, prisoners were flown in for your convenience, even a beast here on Korriban instead of in the wild. The pacing of the trials is deliberate, only full immersion over time produces results. Your mind is soft, unhoned, undisciplined."

Shar did not let his emotions nor his expression change. He could feel how only after a day or so of trials, fighting the terentatek and all manner of creatures, his connection to the Force was strong and growing stronger, as were his skills and personal ability. He didn't dare probe the Darth to get a read, but his gut told him Baras was trying to piss him off, perhaps to 'reveal his immaturity.' "I disagree, Darth Baras," he said politely.

"The first month of trials should be dedicated to philosophy, conceptual tactics and understanding of the Sith Code. Recite to me the Sith Code, acolyte, and explain its meaning in battle, war and politics," Baras ordered.

The Pureblood allowed a frown to cross his face. "Darth Baras, I am Sith," he began with a bit of heat, "My family is Sith. I have known the Code, lived by it, breathed it since I could walk, talk and summon the lightsaber from my father's belt. Peace is a Lie, There is only Passion. Through Passion, I gain Strength, Through Strength, I gain Power, Through Power, I gain Victory, Through Victory, My Chains are Broken. The Force Shall set me Free."

"Hm," Darth Baras hummed, sounding thoughtful, "Perhaps you know the words, supplicant, but that does not mean you understand them. In any case, I am your master now. Tremel was becoming lax even before you arrived, his unwillingness to adapt to the shifting of the Sith paradigm has become a liability." He began to pace, hands behind his back, "His actions are those of a traitor. Traitors are to be executed. I grant you immunity from punishment. Go to Tremel's office and kill him, then bring back his hand as proof."

Shar tamped down on his desire to deny the Darth, knowing it was hopeless. Tremel had stuck his neck out for him, and being ordered to kill the Overseer did not sit right. "I do not like it, but I will," he nodded.

"Your opinion is worthless, supplicant, and I do not give suggestions. Now go." Baras watched Shar as he left, face ever hidden behind his mask.

The young warrior strode to Tremel's office, readjusting his warblade and drawing on the force to calm his nerves. He stopped in the cantina to grab a quick drink before continuing, entering the Overseer's office to find the man behind his desk. "Ah, I didn't expect to see you so soon," Tremel greeted, looking relieved, "Has Baras sent you back to me?"

"He sent me to kill you, Tremel," Shar answered simply.

"...Then I have been outplayed," the older Sith sighed, "Baras has the authority, but I did not think he would be this overt. Either I die, or he forces me to kill you and destroy my own plan…a master stroke." He stood from his desk and palmed his lightsaber, "Very well. You have your orders, acolyte. Know that it gives me no pleasure to kill you."

The young warrior couldn't help but arch an eyebrow. "You're certain you can kill me, old man?" He drew his warblade with a twirl, veins already thrumming with adrenaline.

Tremel scoffed slightly, a blade of ruby light burning from the hilt of his lightsaber. "You're strong, acolyte, as strong as any I've seen come through the Academy. But you're not Sith yet…I'll try to make your end quick and painless, it's the least I can do." With that said, he flipped over his desk and lashed out.

Their blades met and sparked as they clashed, swords dancing as they struck at one another. Tremel was older and more experienced, shown through his deep knowledge of techniques and skill…but Shar was younger and dwarfed the human in size, strength and speed. And as they battled, he seemed to pick up the techniques as they were used on him. Tremel landed a lock and twisted his wrist, turning Shar's blade away and going for a stab, though the younger Sith spun on his heel and dodged. Then mere seconds later, Shar pulled Tremel into a lock and twisted, turning the Overseer's blade away and stabbing, drawing a thin glowing line across his chest.

Tremel threw out his hand, unleashing a wave of the Force; Shar held up a pair of fingers and parted the wave like a breeze, striking out at the Overseer. They locked blades once more, the human looking up at the red-skinned face of the acolyte who towered over him, sweat dotting his brow.

Then Shar brought his left arm up and pressed it against his own warblade, the gauntlet he wore sizzling at the contact. With his extra leverage, he threw his arms up, knocking Tremel's lightsaber blade away, choked up his grip and swung shallowly, his warblade slashing through the saber's emitter and destroying it. The Overseer had only a second to gawk before the Pureblood attacked, laying swift, short strokes to his knee, across the stomach and then down across the torso, driving Tremel to his knees before swinging back in a strike that would take the human's head off…

…And he stopped, his blade an inch away from Tremel's neck.

"No…I'm amazed," Tremel breathed, clutching his wounds, "I knew you were strong in the Force, but…not like this. You're more than ready to challenge Vemrin, Baras won't be able to deny that now. He'll have…the satisfaction of my death, but I die knowing…my success is assured." He slowly stood up, Shar keeping the edge of his blade to his neck. "Go on now, end this…remember what I said? Once something has lost its use, it should be eradicated…"

The young warrior leveled an even gaze at Tremel, not even a tremor in his arm. "…I just beat you in a one-on-one fight, old man," he replied, lowering his warblade, though not sheathing it. "I think that means I don't have to listen to what you say."

"Heh, true…" The Overseer shook his head, "Don't tell me pity is staying your hand, acolyte?"

"All I need is your hand, Tremel, and besides, I believe everything has its uses," Shar shrugged, "Most importantly, I don't want to kill you. So I won't."

Tremel's eyes darted about in thought. "I'm a credit to the dark side, my cause is just…you see this clearly, even if Baras cannot…take my hand, acolyte," he held out his arm and the young Sith swiftly cut his hand from his wrist. "Argh! Well, heh, that…didn't tickle." Tucking his arm against chest, the Overseer leaned against the desk, sweating profusely and looking pale. "I'll rest and then leave Korriban…covertly."

Shar nodded and picked up the severed hand, tucking it into his pouch. "Where will you go?"

"I'm not without my allies or resources, acolyte, don't worry. I may be diminished, but not gone. Take care…Shar'Katok." Tremel replied, giving the younger Sith a nod. "You are the future of the Sith, remember that. It is your destiny."

"I will, Tremel," the young warrior shared a nod with the other man, then turned and left back towards Baras' office. On the way, he stopped into the cantina again to grab a quick meal, recalling that he hadn't eaten breakfast. Unimpeded, he continued to Darth Baras' office and found the man himself standing and waiting.

"What's this? The acolyte returns, and with a bloodied weapon. I assume this means Tremel is no more. Give me his hand." Shar pulled the severed appendage from his pouch and passed it over. Baras examined the hand, slipping a golden ring from one of the fingers. "Take this ring as a memento. Remembering the past can strengthen resolve and embolden the spirit."

The young warrior took the ring and slipped it into a pouch; he would've put on a finger, but it would be too small.

Baras regarded him with a slightly tilted head. "I am impressed you had the fortitude to destroy him. You know, Tremel thought of you as family. How did it feel to betray him?"

Shar shrugged lightly, not letting his emotions show on his face or in the Force. "I did what must be done."

"You mask your emotions well, but do not suppress them," The Darth warned lightly, turning to regard one of the hooded statues in his office. "You have taken your first step in understanding the Sith Code. By embracing the Code and destroying Tremel, you have freed yourself from his shackles, and escaped his fate."

"And in doing so, exchanged one set of shackles for another," Shar returned.

Baras offered a slight shrug. "You'll find they are a marked improvement, with greater range. Now, in the Tomb of Tulak Hord there are sacred ruins. The ancient inscriptions that once lined the walls are now in pieces. You will go to each of these ruins, recover a shard from those inscriptions and return them to me. Vemrin and my other acolytes have already been sent. There are no rules given to secure the shards, and each will stop at nothing. Now go."

The young warrior bowed shallowly and turned to leave. None attempted to stop him as he walked out into the arid atmosphere of Korriban, only pausing to trade his gathered goods and such for credits as he made his way to the Tomb of Tulak Hord. His holocom chimed and without stopping, he grabbed it from his belt and answered the call.

A miniature Luxia stood on the device, giving him a smile. "Shar!" She greeted him happily.

"Lux!" he replied brightly, "Do you need something from me?"

"I could be calling just to hear your voice, you know," she teased before clearing her throat, "That being said, I was wondering if you'd care to join me? My next trial is sending me to the Tomb of Tulak Hord. I'm on my way there right now and I ran into an old man who wanted me to dive into part of the tomb that contains something called 'The Hate Engine.'" She paused to nod at his surprised expression. "I figured if something deserves to be called 'The Hate Engine' then I might need a little help. So, join me?"

As he had been walking, the call had gained an odd, echoing quality that tickled his ears. Rounding a corner, he looked up and found Luxia gazing down at a miniature version of himself in her palm, and then he hung up. She flinched back, frowning and shaking her holocom. "I'll join you," he said from behind her, making the Zeltron leap near a foot in the air and spinning around, her warm orange eyes wide. He couldn't restrain a grin. "My next trial brings me here as well, retrieving pieces of inscriptions that've been broken."

"Don't do that, you ass!" Luxia shook a fist at him though she was smiling. "I'll shock you! I can do that now."

"Indeed, my sincerest apologies," Shar bowed half-mockingly, "Shall we?"

"Let's," she nodded, and the two set off deeper into the tomb. "I'm glad our paths have crossed like this, I've been hoping to show you some of the techniques I learned from study last night. A nice coincidence, I think."

The Pureblood shook his head lightly. "When it comes to the Force, it's rarely coincidence," he said, bypassing several armored sentries as they went on, stopping as they found troopers and people clad in rough clothing pointing weapons in their direction. Neither needed the Force to feel the violence in the air. "Well look at that, a chance for you to show off."

"Right!" Luxia closed her eyes in concentration, energy flowing across her body to pool in her palms, then threw her arms out. Above the group of enemies, a dark cloud boiled into existence before bolts of lightning began to rain down on them. Two collapsed in twitching, smoking heaps while the third fell to a knee, powering through the pain to aim his rifle at her.

Shar's warblade spun through air, cutting through the trooper before whirling back into his hand. "You learned that after only a night of study? Color me impressed." He briefly wished he'd spent more time honing his abilities in the Force, before remembering that he was rather young and had plenty of time to learn. "Perhaps when we've got some free time, you can show me how to do that?"

The Zeltron smiled warmly at him, hurling a bolt of energy into one enemy while he choked the other. "I'd like that, Shar. I've got to admit, I can see why so many Sith go on rampages; shocking the life out of someone is quite…heady…" She paused, kneeling next to one of the corpses, noting the plain clothes, calloused hands, scarred skin and discolored patch on the back of their neck. "…Wait a minute…these are slaves. Escaped slaves."

"And the soldiers who set them free, seems like," the Pureblood added, rubbing his thumb over the deep scratches crossing out the Empire's symbol on one trooper's armor.

"Perhaps…" Luxia gulped, eyes darting about the tomb, refusing to look at her fellow acolyte, "Perhaps there's no need for us to fight them? We're only here to retrieve tablets and inscriptions…"

Shar sighed. "Luxia…optimism can be endearing, but think of it from their point of view. You are dressed as a Sith, using the techniques of a Sith, while answering to a Sith. They will see you as their enemy and they will attack." He offered a shrug. "Is it a pointless waste of life? Perhaps. But it is better they face us in combat and die on their feet, fighting for their freedom than to be taken by inquisitors. After all, we will only just kill them."

Luxia looked down at the woman she'd killed, the pain and terror forever etched on her face. "…I suppose you're right," she muttered, brushing the corpses' eyes closed. "Come on then. We've trials to complete."

Continuing on into the tomb, they were briefly stopped by a reprogrammed droid with a rifle, but that was easily handled, as were the flying creatures that inhabited the room containing one tablet and one of the broken inscriptions. "Shyracks," Shar muttered, gripping one with the Force and crushing it to the point that it burst, "Filthy creatures."

"They are quite ugly," the Zeltron added, frying another. "Ah, this must be the tablet." She retrieved a scanner from her belt and used it, green light shining out of the end as it recorded every detail about the tablet.

The Pureblood let the Force lead him to another part of the room, where the shattered remains of a stone lay, some parts carved with characters. "Interesting," he murmured to himself, grabbing a pair of shards, one for himself and the other for his trial. It was a bit hard to tell by the way the Force swirled chaotically about Korriban, but it seemed to swirl slightly differently around the shards themselves. "I'm finished here."

"As am I," Luxia agreed, and they set off deeper into the tomb, fighting more rebellious soldiers and freed slaves along the way. At the end of the corridor, it opened up to an annex of sorts, with a sort of angular stone platform in the center. Dotted about the area were other acolytes fighting the rebel forces. "That one, over there. That's the Machine Vault." She pointed off to the left, towards a set of stairs leading to a different section of the tomb.

Fighting their way inside, they found it quickly split into two corridors. Taking one, the two acolytes found it lead to a dead end, with a diamond-shaped stone container below a carved pillar. It all radiated the dark side but in a loose, uncontrolled manner.

"Right, the crazy man said to channel the dark side into the machine, then feed it with blood and hatred," the Zeltron muttered.

"Sounds fairly typical," Shar said, kneeling before the machine and closing his eyes, body glowing with power as he channeled the dark side through his being and into the device. The machine began to rumble like the sound of distant thunder rolling closer, the ground trembling before a bolt of energy shot from the device to punch through a wall. Stone collapsed as a swarm of k'lor'slugs stampeded through, chittering angrily.

Luxia hit the swarm with a storm of lightning, frying the majority while the Pureblood grabbed half of the rest with the Force before slamming them together and crushing them into pulp. As the last died, another wall collapsed to reveal more slugs, with a larger one roaring as it emerged surrounded by smaller creatures. Shar leapt into combat, neatly severing the largest slugs' left claw before smashing into the ground, knocking the smaller slugs aside so that the Zeltron could zap them to death.

Finally, the room shook once more and the final wall burst apart as the largest k'lor'slug they'd ever seen tore through the stone, screeching furiously. Luxia shot a lightning bolt into its maw as Shar leapt across the room, impaling his warblade deep into the slugs' body and clinging to the thrashing form. She threw lightning at the slug as he secured himself against the beast, ripping his sword free to stab it repeatedly in the side. They could feel the beast faltering, but its long exposure to the dark side swirling about the Hate Machine had toughened it greatly.

With a deep breath, Luxia reached out to grab the rubble scattered by the slugs, pulling most of it together and squeezing it into a large boulder before launching it straight at the k'lor'slug's toothy maw, snapping its head back. Shar threw his warblade into the air, grabbing the slugs' taloned arm and swinging himself up, catching his blade and flipping down to cleave the beast's head from its neck. His feet hit the ground, followed by the slug's head and shortly after by the body.

The machine rumbled once more and the container cracked open to reveal a stone tablet, the swirling energy of the dark side fading away. "…Was that it?" The young warrior asked, expression one of disappointment.

"It appears so," the young inquisitor shrugged, securing the tablet in one of her pouches. "Well, that was exciting."

Shar brushed his armor of dust with a petulant frown. "Barely," he grunted as they continued into that area of the tomb, killing more shyracks along the way. "I've noticed you don't use your warblade much, Lux. Why is that?" He asked, storing the shards of the inscription in his pouch.

She gave him a nonplussed look as her scanner went to work. "Because I don't know how to use it, you nerf-herder. I was your sparring partner between the sheets, not in the arena," she answered, before shaking her head, "Besides, what use do I have for a blade when I can shoot lightning from my fingertips?"

"If an opponent can resist your lightning through their own skill in the Force or by technological means, or simply with sheer determination, then what? Would you stun them with your sparkling personality or dazzling good looks?" He shot back, arching a ruby brow, "Perhaps a trade is in order? You can help me with those techniques, and I can show the joys of physical combat!" As he spoke, he'd perked up more and more until he looked very excited about the idea of full-contact sparring with the former slave.

Luxia had a pained expression, already feeling the phantom bruises on her pink skin…then remembering that he'd be just as likely to kiss them better afterwards. "I…suppose so," she sighed, stiffening as they emerged into the daylight and she spotted more slaves…as well as a certain urn off to the side. "Ah, Shar…you can go on ahead, there's something I need to do…by myself."

He gave her a flat look. "Lux, you invited me along. If you need to relieve yourself, you can simply say so." Ignoring her spluttering, he turned and marched off, leaping into a group of rebels led by a bulky man in slaves' clothes.

Growling under her breath, the Zeltron checked around herself before tilting the urn down towards her, reaching in to grab at what was hidden inside. Her hands found a pouch and pulling it up and out, she flipped it open to reveal…a commlink. There was space for a lightsaber and a datapad, but both were missing.

"A Republic commlink," Shar said in her ear, making her jump once again and spin around. "I wonder if this Jedi's lightsaber I found and the datapad containing information logged by a Jedi are somehow related?"

"Oh, Shar! I, uh…" Her mind searched for an excuse, but the disappointed look he was giving her made her falter. "Listen…an inquisitor gave me the mission to assist a captured Jedi in 'escaping' and part of it is retrieving his things. That's it."

He arched a questioning brow. "…Is it? Can I assume the reason this Jedi is being released is because he's been fed misinformation?"

Luxia blinked. "That's…entirely correct. Well, drugged, tortured slightly and fed wrong information on fleet movements, yes."

"I see. And can I reasonably assume the reason you are so skittish about this mission is that you've informed the Jedi of the plot and are in actuality working to free him?" His visage was now that of stone, cold and uncompromising, golden eyes glinting.

The Zeltron licked her lips, ducking her head under his gaze. "…Yes…"

"…" She heard a rustle of cloth and wondered if Shar was grabbing his holocom and reporting her, or reaching for his warblade. She wondered if she had it in her to shock him and run. "…Here you go."

She looked up and found him offering the satchel to her, with the datapad and lightsaber stored within. "Shar, you…what?" Luxia took it carefully, disbelieving. "…Why?"

He shrugged. "I agree. Truth be told, I despise those sorts of tactics. I can understand why they're used, misinformation is more deadly a weapon than any turbolaser used rightly, but still. I've always found that sort of thing not honorable; I mean, if you're going to kill someone you should do so with respect and dignity by fighting them head-on, like civilized people." He adopted a thoughtful look, "Though I do say this as someone who's dueled, not as one who makes war. I've only read about larger battles, so perhaps experiencing one will change my perspective…? Hm."

"'Not honorable,'" Luxia echoed faintly, securing the satchel to her belt, "Didn't you win a spar with Lumina by punching her in the nose? After kicking her between the legs?"

Shar shrugged once more. "I headbutted her, actually. Don't mistake 'honor' for 'stupidity' Luxia, I respect my opponent's attempts to kill me with all they have by attempting to kill them with all I have. There's no such thing as 'dirty tricks' in a life or death battle, merely off-the-cuff tactics and not dying." He clapped his gloved hands, rubbing them together. "Now, let's finish our trials, shall we?"

Luxia gazed at the Pureblood as if seeing him for the first time. Slowly, a small smile crept across her lips. "…Yes, we shall."

…

The rest of their trial was much the same as the beginning: they descended down into another section of the Tomb, killing rebels on the way, found the section with the tablet and inscriptions they were looking for then went back to the Academy, only stopping on the way to speak to the crazed old man who had told her of the Hate Machine.

After being presented with the tablet pulled from within, the old man's face had lit up with glee. "Oh yes, this is perfect, perfect! So much to learn, yes…oh, of course, I never expected you to retrieve this for free, so here," then the old man moved, almost faster than they could perceive, jabbing both of them in the neck with some sort of hypo syringe. "Combat implants to buoy your skills, young Sith, and tokens to purchase new equipment, yes. Now, leave me be, and thank you."

Shar and Luxia traded looks before shrugging and continuing on. As they went, the implants settled and their vision sharpened, the pair moving just a bit smoother than before. "…How did an old man who doesn't seem like a Sith have access to tokens and experimental combat implants?" The Zeltron asked incredulously.

The Pureblood licked his lips, looking back over his shoulder. "…I think we shouldn't ask questions we don't want the answers to," he murmured, and she nodded in agreement. "Ah, I appear to have a letter. Go on, Lux and report your success; let's catch up tonight, yes?"

"Indeed, love," she nodded, subtly blowing him a kiss, "Be safe, alright?"

"Indeed," he replied, waving as she left inside the Academy. "Now, who's this from…Phyne? Who?" The letter turned out to be from the woman he'd spoken to earlier who'd been partners with Teeno, the contents being that they'd seen Vemrin killing six other acolytes in battle at the same time, expressing fear for his monstrous strength. Shar, on the other hand, couldn't be happier. "My first true rival! Excellent!"

Feeling rather cheery, Shar strode towards Baras' office only to be stopped by an average-looking human acolyte, it taking him a second to realize it was Klemral. "Can I help you?" He asked politely, eyeing the two other acolytes standing with the human.

"Did you retrieve all the shards Baras was asking for?" Klemral asked intently.

The Pureblood arched a ruby brow. "…Yes. It wasn't that hard, truth be told."

The human nodded decisively. "That's all I needed to hear." His hand dropped to his warblade and activated it.

Shar had traveled and fought with Luxia by his side for more than a few hours. He'd seen her skill with lightning, felt how she used it through the Force, and learned. With a thought, he threw his hand out, a searing bolt of blue lightning shrieking from his fingertips to shock Klemral, smaller bolts branching out to touch the other two. As they shuddered and cried out in pain, he hurled them against the wall with the Force, killing two but leaving Klemral alive.

"Wait, wait!" The Human gasped, raising his hands in surrender, "Stop, I'm sorry! I made a mistake…"

Shar glanced down at his warblade still safely tucked in his belt. "Indeed."

"I tried to get through the tomb, but there were just too many shyrack. I barely escaped with my life," he sighed, recovering enough to stand on his feet, "I figured my best chance would be to ambush you and take the shards, but I see that's just as futile. Vemrin's inside with Baras, all the other acolytes died," he shook his head. "You were my only chance…now I'll never become Sith, not without those shards…Baras'll kill me…"

The Pureblood fixed the human with a dry look. He couldn't make it through those filthy creatures by himself, so he attempted to ambush someone who could? He shrugged mentally. "Take my shards and present them to Baras as your own." He'd brought spares after all.

Klemral gaped at him, taking the offered shards shakily. "W-what? Why?" He cleared his throat, "I mean, thank you! What can I do to repay you?"

"No need, just don't say anything," Shar shrugged.

"Of course, I won't breathe a word about this to anyone!" Klemral bowed shortly, "Good luck getting another set of shards from the tomb."

The Pureblood nodded and left, though instead of leaving for the tomb, he headed for the cantina to get a drink. It'd been a while and his canteen needed refilling.

After getting a drink and a snack, Shar checked his holocom and nodded to himself. With a stretch, he headed back up towards Darth Baras' office and entered. Vemrin and Klemral stood at attention before the Darth, shards neatly piled on the desk. "The prodigal supplicant returns," Darth Baras greeted him, taking the offered shards with a tilt of his head, "And with all the shards from the Tomb of Tulak Hord. Superb."

Shar couldn't tell if the Darth was legitimately pleased or being sarcastic.

"It appears Klemral was right and you were wrong, Vemrin," Baras said, turning to the other two acolytes.

"Appearances can be deceptive," the human sneered, crossing his arms.

Baras looked to the Pureblood. "Excuse Vemrin, supplicant, he expected you to fall on your face."

Shar did not give the human acolyte a glance, despite his desire to. "Vemrin should realize his expectations of me are flawed, master," he replied blandly.

"The tension is thick between the two of you," Baras noted, "A great source of emotion to feed on…I wonder what will happen when it boils over?" He shrugged. "But first, a matter to clear up: very little escapes my scrutiny and I know, acolyte, that you provided Klemral with his shards. Since it was only because of your tolerance that Klemral stands before me, I leave his fate in your hands. What should be done with him?"

Klemral shifted nervously, though his emotions and visage were blank.

"His objective was to secure the shards by any means necessary," the young warrior answered, "He succeeded, and should be rewarded for his cleverness."

"Surviving this long is no small feat," The Darth agreed with a small nod, "So I concur. However, I do not find him to be Sith material. Klemral," the human stood at attention under Baras' masked gaze, "I'm assigning you to Oversee the Academy prisons. It is not a glamorous position, but do your job and you will be respected here. Report to Jailer Knash immediately."

Klemral nodded and bowed to the Darth, then Shar. "Thank you, my lord, thank you both." Having said that, he turned on his heel and strode away.

Baras tsked softly. "He lacks spine, but perhaps he'll rise above that someday. Now, are you two prepared for your final trial? You both stand on the precipice of becoming Sith, but only one of you will have the opportunity to claim a special lightsaber and become my apprentice. I thought it would be you, Vemrin…but I've changed my mind."

"What?!" Vemrin exploded, looking between Shar and the Darth with incredulous fury, "I've done everything you asked, better than any of the others! That honor should be mine!"

Shar hummed to himself with a slight grimace. "I had hoped our rivalry would conclude with a climatic duel to the death Vemrin, truly. I'm sorry we won't get that chance." The other acolyte goggled at him, partially in fury but mostly at the sincerity with which the Pureblood spoke.

"Today, Vemrin is every bit your equal, but the Force is stronger in you, acolyte," Baras informed in the same mild tone, "And there is…a power sleeping within you. It was a simple decision. Now Vemrin, go wait in my antechamber for your instructions, now."

Seething, the human turned and stomped away, leaving Shar and Darth Baras alone in the office.

"Now, I hope you fathom how fortunate you are to be singled out. If you become my apprentice, the galaxy will bend before you, Shar'katok," the Darth said, sounding absolutely certain.

The Pureblood bowed shortly. "I will be honored to exceed your expectations, master."

Baras nodded. "The lightsaber you will seek is quite old and powerful, housed in a forbidden cavern in the tomb of Naga Sadow, where few Sith have ever set foot. Almost none know how to find the secret entrance…but there is a twi'lek in the holding pens who was caught breaking in there."

Shar's mind fell back to the previous day, recalling a sapphire-skinned woman being shocked then calling the head Jailer a jerk. Ah, I knew it.

"I hear she is quite willful," the Darth shrugged lightly, "Take her and make her show the entrance to the forbidden cave."

"I will leave immediately," the Pureblood nodded.

"Other acolytes seeking to complete their trials are sent to the tomb as well," Baras warned, "There, the Academy laws are waived. They will try to murder you. This is your final test, acolyte. Bolster yourself. To set foot in the tomb of Naga Sadow…is to breathe in death itself." The Darth crossed his arms and said nothing more.

Taking the dismissal, Shar bowed once more before leaving the office and heading directly to the jails. Even before entering, he could hear a crackle and a feminine grunt of pain.

"Ow! Give it a rest, willya?"

"I'm getting my fill of fun in while I can, slave," Knash grunted, bouncing the shock collar control in his palm, turning to look as the Pureblood entered the cells. "Ah, as if on cue. Word is you might become Lord Baras's apprentice…hm, nice work if you can get it. Speaking of, Baras supposedly sent me some whiny little acolyte named Klemral, but the deadbeat hasn't shown up. Know anything about him?"

"He can be a bit spineless, but he may surprise you," Shar offered with a shrug.

"Be more surprising if he was on time," the Jailer shook his head, "So, I hear you'll be relieving me of this twi'lek. She's a right pain in the neck, she is."

"Me? Being a pain in the neck? Ha!" She tapped the collar on the back of her neck, "I'm the one wearing the shock collar…jerk!" She jumped as Knash lightly tapped the button.

"Heh, consider that a going away present, twi'lek," Knash grunted with what might be called a smile, "Seems you might be useful after all; this big bruiser here is taking you into the tomb where we caught you."

"None of you can figure out how to activate the tomb statues to open the forbidden chamber, huh?" the twi'lek snorted, tilting her head to regard the Pureblood curiously. "You got some kind of business in that secret Sith chamber, do you?"

"Secret Sith business, naturally," he replied with a shrug.

"Don't bother being polite, kid," the Jailer interjected, handing him the control, "Here, take this. I've set it to a higher level. Shock her enough, and she'd show the back door to her mum's house."

The twi'lek eyed the device with restrained fear glimmering in her eyes. "I suppose I can play tomb tour guide for a while. A lot of work went cracking that nut, but if I can do it once, I can do it again. Just so you know, though, I'm officially on strike when it comes to domestic duties," she warned playfully.

"How about I cook and you clean? Seems fair to me," Shar returned.

She visibly mulled it over before nodding. "Yeah, alright. Better than sitting behind bars with Head Jailer Shock'n'stuff over here." With a brief gesture, the Pureblood unlocked the cell and pulled it open, letting her step out and stretch. "Lead the way, Red Man. Just get us into the tomb and I'll crack the secret door for you."

Nodding, Shar turned to the Jailer. "Did she have any effects when she was captured?"

"Besides some stolen artifacts, just these." He handed over a pair of blaster pistols, both well-worn and unadorned, which Shar passed to the twi'lek, "The Tomb of Naga Sadow is no laughin' matter, acolyte. Be careful in there, and maybe next time we see each other, you'll be on your way to being a Sith Lord, eh?"

"One can only hope," the Pureblood nodded before leaving the prison with the twi'lek in tow. As they walked, he handed a ration pack to her along with his canteen. "Apologies for the lacking meal, but I want to finish my trial as soon as possible. Afterwards, let's see if I can't find something more filling at the cantina."

The twi'lek gazed at the packaged meal in surprise, before shrugging and ripping it open, shoving a handful of the tasteless if nutritious food in her mouth. "Thanks," she muttered, taking a gulp of water, curiously eyeing his back as they walked. "Y'know, I kinda expected you to shock me by now. Most of you 'big angry Sith' types tend to enjoy that kinda thing…well, from what I've heard."

"And I suppose you heard that from the other prisoners while you were behind bars for grave robbing," he commented, descending down into the Valley of Lords. "Truth be told, I find no point in giving your shock collar a test. Seems to me the jailer gave it enough exercise, and I see no reason in torturing you without cause."

"…Well good. And hey, we're going grave robbing, (and as far as I know) pretty much all the Sith trials involve grave robbing…so why did I get arrested for it?" She paused as they reached the bottom and Shar turned towards the small bazaar. "…Also, the tomb is that way." She pointed the other way.

"I'm aware," he replied simply, "You were arrested because you illegally slipped through the blockade and went grave robbing without permission. You see, Sith can grave rob from other Sith, because it's a Sith doing it, usually for some sort of powerful, dangerous or powerfully dangerous artifact, which Sith understand. You were doing it for money." He stopped by the armorer and held up the token he'd gotten from the old man. "I have a token I'd like to trade."

"Ooh, that'll let you see the private stocks," the soldier muttered, reaching back to grab a box that he flipped open, revealing armor and swords. "Take your pick."

Shar gave himself a quick pat down, evaluating his armor before fixing on the large scorch and melted plasteel on his left gauntlet. "The gauntlets, please." Taking the armor with a nod, the young warrior took them to another section, where a woman had several blasters in both pistol and rifle form in neat rows at her kiosk. "Please outfit my companion with support gear, armor, and kolto packs…perhaps a new pair of pistols?" He asked the twi'lek.

She blinked at him. "Uh…I…guess?" She hesitantly pulled her pistols out and held them out to the merchant.

"That'll get you half off on a new pair," the woman said, scanning the sapphire-skinned alien with a datapad, before sliding over a set of light armor and belt with pouches, pointing a thumb over her shoulder at a changing room behind her. The twi'lek took her new equipment and disappeared behind the curtain. "I've got something new, if you're interested. We just got a shipment of kolto remotes, small droids with sprayers that can scan your body, figure out where you're injured and how much to use, then apply it on the spot, no need for medpacks."

"Interesting," Shar tapped his chin in thought, "How effective is the kolto after being sprayed? What about internal wounds?"

The woman reached under the counter to pull a skull-sized droid, letting it float between them. It didn't have the most elegant appearance nor refined design, mostly a hover-capable thruster, exposed sensor arrays, and two small tanks of green kolto. "See under the nozzles? The remote can switch between spray and injecting on the fly, very handy when dealing with internal damage."

"I see," the Pureblood nodded, giving her a smile, "I'll take two."

The twi'lek emerged from the curtained room, adjusting the light plasteel plate strapped to her chest. "Alright, I gotta admit it, if you're trying to buy me over, you're doing a really good job."

"I hope you are satisfied with your purchases, milord," the merchant bowed slightly, offering her a datapad, "Here's the total for everything you've ordered."

The twi'lek peered at the pad as it crossed her view, her eyes bulging as she saw the credit cost at the bottom, then choked slightly as Shar immediately paid with no compunctions. She followed as he grabbed a case containing the kolto remotes and began to head for the Tomb of Naga Sadow. "Uh…not that I mind money being spent on me, or that I particularly want to return all of this stuff…but…why did you spend that much money on me?! And where did you get it all?" She blinked, a thought occurring, "And…how much do you have to just drop that much on me?"

"It's called investment," the Pureblood replied simply, "One who does not expand their wealth will swiftly find it running out. I was given an allowance growing up and didn't particularly want for much besides easily-attainable things, so I learned to invest what I had. After a…memorable adventure, I found myself acquiring a decent amount of wealth and a few contacts, so I put those to good use. Technically, that's my 'investment fund' and I'm not supposed to use it, but I believe investing in your safety so you can assure my safety is a safe investment for both of us, yes?"

"I…suppose," she found herself nodding, nearly running into his back as he stopped and withdrew his chirping holocom.

He passed a datapad to her and set the case at her feet. "Familiarize yourself with the operation of these remotes while I take this call," Shar ordered, pausing for a second, "Also, I realize I never got your name. My name is Shar'Katok."

"Call me Vette," she replied with a nod.

"Vette," he agreed, offering her a hand, "I promise, as long as you have my back, I will protect you."

"I'll hold you to that," Vette took his hand and shook it briefly.

Shar retrieved his holocom and answered the call, a miniature blue Luxia appearing above the emitter. "Ah, Luxia. I'm starting to believe you do just want to hear my voice," he teased.

"It is quite the tonic, love," she replied with a tired smile, "My next trial…my final trial is taking place in the Tomb of Naga Sadow, I was hoping-"

"-I'm standing outside of the tomb right now, my dear," he interjected gently, "Of course we can venture inside together. May I ask if you are alright?"

The Zeltron sighed heavily. "I'm fine love, just tired. After this is all over, I might just sleep for an entire day."

"Events have precipitated faster than we could've anticipated," he agreed, "After this last trial, we should have some time to relax. Well, hopefully."

"Hopefully," she echoed, "I'll join you shortly. And…let's find some time soon for those lessons, yes?"

"I eagerly await your arrival," Shar said, the projection nodding and fading with a snap.

Vette looked up from the manual with an arched eyebrow. "Soooo…who was that? Friend, lover? Future backstab target?"

"The first two," he replied shortly, continuing towards the tomb and noticing a helmetless trooper waving him down. "Yes? Can I be of assistance?"

The woman, a human, shifted nervously, "Pardon me acolyte, but I wished to speak with you. May I ask a favor?"

Shar tilted his head and took her in. Besides the red armor marred with dust, the woman was oddly good-looking, with a sharp chin and a heart-shaped face, the tan lines of goggles around her eyes only enhancing how large and doe-like they appeared to be. "…You're uncommonly attractive for a sentry," he noted aloud.

The sentry blushed. "Oh, uh, t-thank you, that's kind," she cleared her throat, "I'm Yashia. Some time ago, another acolyte entered the tomb, and well…he died. I heard him scream all the way from here."

The Pureblood squinted at her. "…That's unfortunate, yes, but why are you telling me this? Are you wishing a handsome specimen like myself a less murderous fate?"

"No!" She denied hurriedly, before blushing and stuttering, "N-not that you aren't h-handsome, acolyte, or that I wish you death…I just meant that the acolyte who went in there, he was…he was a good sort. Friendly and talkative. He said he was entering the tomb to prove himself to his father." Yashia sighed. "I just thought it would be nice if somebody took his body back to his father and told him what happened."

Shar mulled the thought over. "I suppose so, yes. I'm assuming by the way you've waylaid me that you're asking me to do so?"

She bowed shortly. "Yes, acolyte. I'd do it myself, but I'd never survive in there, and even if I could, his father is a dark honor guard stationed in the Academy itself. None but the Sith can set foot on the sacred ground where he stands watch. Please, could you honor the fallen and retrieve his body? If you find it, I could tell you where his father is."

"Very well, sentry, I'll retrieve the acolyte's body for you," Shar agreed with a nod, "He seems to have made quite the impression on you, it would be a shame to leave him rot."

"Thank you acolyte, truly," the sentry nodded with a sigh of relief.

With that, he and Vette continued into the Tomb, stopping just shy of entering it properly. "Alright, I think I've got this down," the twi'lek muttered, the case popping open as one of the remotes rose into the air, humming slightly while circling around the young warrior, "Though we might wanna test it first. Especially the injectors."

Shar batted the remote away, sensing her mischievous intent. "There's no need to waste kolto," he said, grabbing it and pushing towards her, "Why don't you test it?"

"Aw c'mon, it's just a little prick," she teased, "You can handle it, big guy."

"I prefer to keep pricks at a distance, thank you."

"What's this about pricks?" Luxia commented as she rounded the corner, her warm orange eyes fixing on Vette. "…And who's this?" Her tone was careful and controlled though her fists clenched slightly.

"Ah, Lux, you're here," Shar greeted with a smile, "This is Vette, my tour guide. Apparently she's the only one who knows how to get in a secret door hidden within the tomb, so she's going to show me the way. What's your task?"

She shrugged, "Oh you know, find an ancient alien assassin, set it free, possibly kill it, retrieve a map from some sort of data vault that's been impenetrable for centuries, that sort of thing." Luxia sighed shakily before pointing at Vette. "You, go away."

Vette turned to Shar with an arched eyebrow. He nodded down the corridor. "Scout ahead a bit, please, but don't engage."

"Fine, sure, not like I haven't been down here before or anything," she muttered, attaching the remote case to her back and scurrying off, grumbling under her breath.

Once the twi'lek was gone, or at least out of hearing range, the Pureblood turned to the former slave. "Lux, it's obvious something's wrong-" He paused as the Zeltron embraced him tightly and buried her face in his neck, shaking slightly. "What is it, my dear?" He murmured, gently stroking her hair.

"…I'm tired," she muttered, leaning against him.

"You had a short night then a long day, I'm sure you are," he agreed, his hand sliding down to cup her cheek, then lift her chin to gaze into her eyes, "But I don't need our bond to know there's more to it than simple fatigue."

"…If I succeed here, I'll be a Sith," Luxia whispered, "I'll be free…actually, truly free. I'll answer to a master, yes, but not as a slave. I just…I wonder if I'm dreaming. If I'll wake up back in the slave quarters, powerless once again. I'm-" She squeaked as Shar bent down and kissed her softly, eyes fluttering closed as his embrace surrounded her with warmth.

"…Still think you're dreaming, my dear?" He murmured against her mouth.

She giggled quietly and pecked his lips. "A little, yes."

"Then let me assure you, Lux, that this is real," Shar said firmly, "We are going to face our final trials, we will succeed, and we will become Sith…and you will never be a slave again."

Luxia inhaled deeply, resting her forehead against his chest, and sighed. "Right," she nodded, pressing a quick kiss to his lips before stepping back, standing up straight, shoulders back and chin jutted. "Then let's finish this."

He grinned and gestured for her to lead on. "Yes, let's."

…

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…

A/N: Funny story, but this chapter's actually been complete for like, two months. I post them on my P atreon first, then on my Discord, then publish, but…I totally forgot because I was writing the fourth chapter immediately after, and then I was writing other things…so yeah.

So here's the continuing adventures of Shar and Lux as they try to graduate school, all while people try to kill them. I've been stretching the time a bit because, gameplay wise, completing all the quests on Korriban, even taking the time to do Heroic missions can take all of an hour or two, depending on whether or not you skip the cutscenes. Which is kinda nuts if you think about it, especially taking what Baras says into account. I mean, he says regular students are supposed to spend a whole month learning the Sith Code, then travel off-planet to learn interrogation and hunt powerful beasts, so even Shar and Lux blowing through it all in about three or four days is still pretty nutty. And speaks volumes of how powerful they are.

Speaking of the Sith Code: What the fuck is up with the SW not knowing it? I mean seriously, I get that it's supposed to be a way for newbies who don't know the basic Sith lore to learn about it, but in context it makes no goddamn sense. The Sith Warrior who comes from a long line of noble Sith doesn't know what the Code is? Wut?

And speaking of power, I've been trying to keep it a bit balanced because again, in old SWTOR and especially current SWTOR, the beginning planets are mega easy. That scene where Shar fought Teeno and Phyne? In-game, it lasted two moves and maybe five seconds: I hit one to build rage, then smashed, and they died. My companion didn't even get a chance to shoot someone. I've been doing the heroic missions solo to get the details right, also without a companion and besides needing to heal once or twice, that shit is also mega easy.

I know the player characters are supposed to be the best of the best, but damn.

I hope you're enjoying the story so far, Shar has been an interesting character to write. He's Sith, yeah, who grew up in the Sith Empire, where deception and murder are the bread and butter, but he's the kinda guy who outright enjoys fighting to the death and sees it as honorable. He's a blood knight, through and through, the kinda guy who'd get into a no-holds-barred fight with a rival who tried to murder him, each of them pulling out dirty tricks until there's finally a victor…then he'd genuinely thank them for the experience.

It's fun, but kinda weird to put myself into that mindset.

Anyways, thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed and look forward to the next one! In the next one: Things with Vemrin come to a head, two young Sith take the first steps on the road to their destinies…and Vette's gonna be there.

I like Vette.

And remember, Patrons get to read future chapters as soon as they're finished, and the peeps on Discord get to read it just after them. Plus, there's gonna be some exclusive content coming up soon. But as always, having you here to read the story is good enough for me.

Stay Awesome.

~Soleneus

P.S.: What the fuck is up with FF? I have gotten no Alerts for anything for over a month, and nothing I've done can fucking fix it and it's really starting to piss me off. The messages aren't in spam and I've had the alert bot as a contact since I started writing. If anyone's sent me PMs and the like on FF, sorry I haven't been getting them.

Seriously FF, fix your fucking website this is just embarrassing.