PALACE OF THE ETERNAL DRAGON - ZAKUUL
Nox drummed his fingers across the armrest of his throne , Giving a courtesy nod to the waitress whom gave him a neon blue beverage whilst down on the floor below people partied.
The palace was joyous , As citizens of all species danced amongst eachother without worries.
" I must say your majesty , I've never seen our people so ... care free " Captain tyreece said as she quickly bowed to her lord .
Coming in behind Tyreece , Lana walked up to the seat situated beside Nox's own , Promptly setting herself down with great elegance and care .
She wore an elegant white a gold dress , Golden earrings hung from her ears whilst a crown of jewels sat atop her blond hair which was tied up in a bun.
Her eyeliner was a deep crimson colour , Illuminating her yellow eyes, Which seemed to flow in the shade.
With a nod from Nox , Tyreece raised herself from the ground , Turning to face the populous below.
" That's the goal , Never will our people be found wanting " Nox spoke in turn as he felt Lana's hand slip into his left , His eyes darting to find a pleasant smile sat on her face as she looked at him warmly.
" Tell you what, Take the day off ... all of you " His orders caught the exarchs and guards off guard , As they turned to face him in silence .
" That's an order ... from me . Today's a day to celebrate ... I'm sure it would ease your empress's heart , If she were to see her people enjoying themselves ... all of them " Nox gently stroked Lana's hand with his thumb as he felt her squeeze his own gently .
" It would ... yes " Lana spoke as the guards heard her speak , The woman offering nothing but a kind smile .
" There ... see ... off you go children " Nox waved off his guards , Of which they reluctantly did what they were asked by the ruling family .
" Such loyalty " Lana laughed gently as they left with tyreece.
With a smile , She rose from her chair and deposited herself down atop Nox's lap , slinging her arms around her loved and gently laying her head on his shoulder .
This action was reciprocated by Nox winding his arm around her waist and laying his hand flat against the curve of her outer thigh.
Their action was followed by the cheers and whistles of the citizens of their empire , Drinks being raised high whilst children laughed amongst eachother .
" Such innocent joy ... It's " Nox paused as he couldn't say it out loud , Instead his eyes slowly found their way down to Lana's abdomen ' Missing one thing '
' But not for long ... we'll have him back dear ... I've almost finished him ' Nox let out a small smile , Taking a deep breath of the scent that came from Lana .
' Well be a full family once more ... Me ... Your mother and Vaylin ... just alittle longer my child ' Nox leant his head on Lana's own , Choosing to bask in the joyous atmosphere with his consort .
" My ... " Scorpio entered the room to find the duo in complete and utter silence , Their eyes closed and their breaths even .
' It appears Empress Beniko is having as large of an influence on his majesty as I predicted. The news can wait ... Rest well your majesty ' She turned away in complete silence, Sending a message to luciel to watch over their master from any dangers that might present themselves .
The man , A looming presence of hunger, Stood on a balcony above staring directly at his Lord's observation deck, Ready to jump down in an instant.
' He's finally happy ... mostly ' Luciel thought as he scratched at his chest , The mask of his alter ego, The mask of nihilus, Sat within the confines of his robes.
Watching Scorpio leave the deck , Luciel gave the droid a small nod as she looked up at him .
He felt great amusement as he watched the exarchs return to guarding their lord without their shared sleeping masters .
' Such loyalty ... Though ... ' Luciel turned to stare at two hooded figures . One a familiar red bug like woman with glowing green eyes glaring up at the emperor's deck with a look of silent fury .
The second was the muun sith their majesty had so graciously saved from his apprentice .
' They aren't worried for nothing ' Luciel felt his lip twitch in silent fury , The mask within his robe slowly releasing a dark miasma as it responded to its creator .
" So troublesome ... The day will come plagueis , Where your plans fall apart before your eyes. You overestimate your power ... and greatly underestimate the power of our lord . You'll learn" ' Luciel growled out as the two draped in robes 'Definitely not drawing attention to themselves with their shady activities 'Left the venue with a great sense of anger " You'll learn "
' It seems the exarchs are onto you ' Luciel felt his lips raise lightly as the heads of the planted exarchs 'Hidden amongst the populous , And the obvious one guarding the perimeter ' Their eyes never left the forms of the two robed schemers' And they haven't even noticed how close they came to dying . Any closer to his majesty and I'm sure they'd have sprung into actions and killed you '
' Afterall , Strike first,ask questions later ... Better to be safe than sorry ... In the republic such disguises might have worked' Luciel chuckled ' Afterall , Aliens in a human centric empire acting shady will never not draw attention '
' It's good though ... you'll always have a set of eyes watching you . Whether it's me ... a worried overtly zealous citizen ... The guards ... Even Scorpio and the droids ... You'll never have a real chance to cause any damage ... not on our watch ' Luciel felt himself calm as they hopped on a speeder and departed the palace , The guards seemingly easing their stances yet remaining guarded .
' Good ... you weren't welcome here anyway ' Luciel mused , The danger having passed. Instead his eyes trailed to a nude twi'lek dancer on one of the upper floors where children were present, Appeared to be pouring liquor onto her sizeable breasts .
' Hm ' He smirked as he found something interesting to do for the night ' Don't mind if I do '
A simply application of the force drew her attention to him , Green meeting his sith yellow . He gave her a wink, To which she blew a raspberry up towards him.
Whilst still maintaining eye contact , he made a motioning finger , Gesturing for her to come up to him , Rather than going down to her to make it clear that he was the prize that she needed to seek.
' Fish meet bait ... hook ... line ' Luciel smiled as she pouted , Yet quickly departed the scene of where she was , Disappointing the men that had been trying to get her attention in their intoxicated states .
' And sinker ' He watched her enter the elevator that lead to the balcony he was on , Carrying the clothing she had brought to the palace in her arms to dress in the elevator .
Looking towards the emperor's observation deck , He watched the emperor and his consort sleep in sweet embrace , The fury of his eyes slowing as he too felt joy for his lord .
" Well well " A sweet voice caught Luciel's attention as a smooth alien arm found its way onto his arm , The other one quickly finding purchase on his chest .
" If it isn't the pretty Birdy " Luciel chuckled as he pulled the woman into him .
" Hm ... I like that ... Birdy "
Nox's face twisted as he slept , His small smile fading into oblivion whilst his features began to shift and twist .
" No " He uttered out loud , Lana shifting in his lap as he began to twitch ever so slightly every couple of moments .
" Grrh No " His teeth ground together , His grip closing around his wifes abdomen .
Opening her eyes , Lana turned her head ever so slightly to see the frustrated look on noxs sleeping face.
" Dear ... " She tenderly placed her fingers on the side of his cheek .
As she closed her eyes , Lana placed her forehead against Nox's own and bridged the connection she held with her lover.
The dream he appeared to be having wasn't so much a dream ... But old suppressed memories resurfacing through his cortex of memory .
THE PAST
Acidic rains fell from the heavens apon the mudded slave colony. The adults rushed around with scraps held overhead to protect themselves, The children cared not for the rain and instead ran around playing their games with eachother.
Yet he stood alone at the centre of the roadway . His blue eyes stared ahead without care , As a younger child than he ran into his side to fall to the ground.
He gave them no mind as she lay there in shock , Her wide eyes staring up at him as he simply left her in the mud .
Instead, He eyed the man that was his stepfather. The man stood Infront of their hut , Putting up a sort of haphazard tarp to protect their hut from collapsing in the rain.
He hid the disgust he felt of his feet sinking into the mud as he began to walk towards his family hut .
Stopping Infront of the huts entrance , He was well aware of the trepidation and shock that rocked his stepfather at his return.
' What ... surprised your little plan to remove me failed ... again ' It was almost a game at this point . He went out for the day to do his chores ... One of the men hired by his stepfather would attempt to kill him ... then he'd return without a scratch and the assailant missing ... rinse and repeat.
He stared up at the man with unblinking eyes , A slight smile making its way to his face whilst the man slowly turned his eyes away from the boy, sweat beginning to run down the man's forehead as he prefered to focus on applying the tarp .
' Too bad ... Mother's and my life would be so much better if you simply tried killing me yourself ' Obrunik grunted , A dissatisfied frown coming to his face as he pushed the flap to his tent open.
Immediately he felt the warmth of the atmosphere within , A small smile coming to his face as he entered .
Apon entry , He could see the back of his mother, He black hair cascading down her back as she stood over the primitive stove that they had access too.
Silently he made his way behind her , Towards the only person he loved and felt any connection to.
Raising his arms, He wrapped his arms around her waist and layed his head on her back , Savouring the hug . He loved her , Truly she was the only person in the galaxy on his side.
Thunder rolled and before he knew it , Night had risen over the colony.
His mother and the thing slept on the same fabric together , The thing holding onto his mother's frame from behind as she faced where he lay .
He couldn't sleep , Not when every time his eyes would flicker open he would see the man's arms wrapped around his mother's stomach .
With his eyes flicking open once again , He could see the two sleeping , Their breathing even as the man gently seemed to nuzzle into the woman that birthed him.
With a frown , He rose from the thin piece of carpet that doubled as his bed, Making his way to his feet as the flashing thunder from outside lit the room for several seconds.
Using the thunder as a cover , He stepped up to where they lay , He stared down. His fingers twitched violently as his eyes slowly bled from blue to a sickly yellow orange that burned like the sun in the sky.
' Soon ... not yet but soon you fop ' The sound of his teeth grinding together was barely louder than the rain pelting against the ceiling of their hut .
A crimson haze surrounded his hands as they clenched into fists of barely concealed hatred.
' Then we'll be free from you, And mother and I can be happy ' Stepping back from where they lay, The red haze vanishing into the air before he made his way to the flap that would bid him exit from the hut.
His fingers played at the edge of the flap, Where he cast a final look over his shoulder at the two adults before scoffing in disgust and stepped out of the hut.
' I'll kill you ... and soon , All I need is more power... more time '
After months of study , Of research and trials he had developed a sort of series of exercises to develop this power of his.
Right now , He growled lowly. As he stewed in his hate whilst walking from side to side.
Everything he hated ran through his mind, His stepfather ... the overseers , The fact he was a slave... the fucking rain . Every little thing that pissed him off gave him power . Gave him what was his .
His eyes glowed as he paced in the marsh of reeds and bugs . The shallow green water at his feet rippling with each movement he made.
All the tiredness he felt , The aches of his feet and the grinding of his knees, It all vanished under his hatred, Flooded with new life as his rage stewed on .
For over an hour he simply paced, Analysing , Studying everything that occured for the up tenth time.
The moon was obscured by the clouds of rain just like it had for the last week.
Now more full of energy than he had been all week , Except from when he had ... what was it ... drained that man of his life.
' Speaking of ... ' Obrunik turned around to face a small bug, Reaching his hand out towards the bug . He made a dragging gesture .
No longer did he have to fear for his life , For his life was his to control . His will would be recognised ... even if he had to squash those weaker than him underfoot.
' Just like the overseers ' Obrunik growled ' I will be ... powerful ... And to do so ... Your life ... is MINE... DIE '
Obrunik viciously smirked as the bug shrivelled up as a red stream of life rushed from its body and into his outstretched fingers.
With a raging frown , Obrunik raised his left hand to the opposite side of his body.
With a childish scream , He made a dragging motion towards his chest .
' I WILL NOT DIE IN A PLACE LIKE THIS ' The reeds at his feet died at once , The field of death expanding until it reached a ten metre diameter from his position.
' Just as I ... ' He stumbled for a moment , His face becoming troubled .
His would exploded into a kaleidoscope of colours , The marsh around him glowed in different colours .
He could feel the world around him , And he instinctively reached out for it .
He could almost touch the very life force of everything around him .
Within that very moment , Being about to touch the curtain of force energy that surrounded , Shifted and twisted around him . His vision blurred and twisted .
The swamp he found himself in vanished from around him as his eyes rolled into the back of his head .
He fell to the ground shaking and screaming , His digits grabbed at his clothing , Legs kicking and slamming into the ground .
None of these were on his mind as flashes of white lapsed his eyes .
Fire , Screams and death flashed before his eyes .
Hutts of fire , Screaming children passed by whilst adults rushed at his direction .
Another flash of white overcame the scene to show the aftermath .
The adults who rushed him were dead on the ground , Their children laying face down in the ground as occasional flashes of red lightning obscured his vision once more .
The final scene drew his breath , His mother knelt over a man he recognised , Completely ignoring him , Only to suddenly appear before him , Her face twisted in rage as she raised her hand overhead .
The final vision faded away far quicker than the others as he hand came down towards his face , The sound of a lightsaber activating in the background only for red searing pain to overcome the visions he was experiencing .
" Boy " Obrunik opened his eyes as the visions faded away , The shifting veins of energy around him having disappeared from his sight as he stared up at the figure of a sith overseer .
Roughly the man grabbed Obrunik by his arm and dragged him to his feet .
" return to your home boy " The human growled out , Sith eyes flashing as Obrunik simply scowled at the man .
" Unhand me , I'm going home " He hissed and shrugged off the man's hand and proceeded to storm away from the scene .
Watching the boy leave , The man looked at the ground , kneeling down to trace the dead patches of ground with his fingers .
As soon as he touched the grass , His finger snapped back in abject terror , The man quickly rising to his ground and spacing himself several metres from the ground.
The overseer raised his comlink to his lips , Eyes squinting as he watched the boy head to one of the slave camps .
" I've found something "
END OF THE DREAM SEQUENCE
His eyes flashed open violently , Black star flecked eyes flicking to the woman whom had seen everything in his dream .
Her head snapped back as his dream came to a rather violent end , Pupils dilating as he mouth opened ever so slightly .
As her eyes refocused ,The woman whom loved him gave a forlorn look as she held his face with her hands.
" You saw it in the visions didn't you ... You knew your ... " Lana whispered as Nox looked up at her emotionlessly.
" I didn't know ... I couldn't have " Nox grunted and diverted the questioning , Rather gently removing his lover from his lap and rising from his chair.
" I have some things I must oversee ... Join me when you're ready " Nox adjusted his clothing and slowly made his way towards the exit of the booth.
" I'm sorry " Nox whispered before turning the corner , Leaving a worried Lana to think over what she had just witnessed of his evidently violent childhood.
A DAY LATER - ISILTA
Sulphuric eyes stared uninterested at the group that had come into the chamber to meet her .
' A keldor ... and an entire Legion of clone troopers ... ' Vaylin's upper lip trembled with distaste as she stared at the alien ' Disgusting creature '
She toyed with a holographic disk in her left hand , The disk rotating between her fingers as she attempted to stay her boredom .
On her right , Kneeling and shaking in apparent fear , The Jedi apprentice she had taken prisoner refused to look up from the ground.
Noticing the fearful state of the apprentice , Plo Koon guarded as the wolf pack entered behind the man .
" Please take a seat master Jedi ... the representatives of the confederacy will be with us shortly " Vaylin motioned to the right side of the table where a series of seats were lined up for them to use .
" I would kindly request you relinquish the young one to our aid " Plo attempted to gain custody of the apprentice .
" Unfortunately not master Jedi , As a foreign invader this young one will remain in custody until proper negotiations have commenced , Until then ... she is under my charge " Vaylin waved her hand dismissively as she leant back in her chair , resting her right hand on the large table they sat at .
" I see , Then we'll wait for the confederacy to join us " Koon nodded his head as he walked around the right of the table and chose to sit closest to Vaylin's part of the table so he could gauge the condition of the Padawan that sat curled up beside Vaylin's chair.
Vaylin had to resist the urge to lean away from the Kel dor who sat directly next to her right.
Sitting beside Koon, The wolf pack slowly and reluctantly settled themselves down beside their general .
" May I ask young lady ... the location of master Rhydart's remains so they can be secured " Plo asked , His synthesised voice grated against Vaylin's ears as she clutched the Holo chip in a vice grip .
" You will address me as lady senya " Vaylin mentally flipped her mother off , Not being able to resist running her name through the mud even though the woman was long since deceased " And master Rhydart's remains will be relinquished into your charge for you to do with what you wish after all ventures have been settled "
Seeing the less than amicable attitude was giving the Jedi master , The man turned to the kneeling teen .
" She has been Injured " Plo announced as he watched the girls fingers tighten at his words , her shaking intensifying .
" Well attacking the person in-charge of your custody usually requires one to be detained ... and sometimes they resist... or Is that not how your republic works " Vaylin spat at the Jedi masters insinuation .
" Isn't that right " Vaylin's right hand moved to stroke the girls hair , The thing strands sliding loosely between her fingers .
With the knight nodding her head slowly , Vaylin rolled her eyes and dropped the girls hair as she saw the Kel dors fist clutch under the table .
Noticing this , Vaylin felt the right of her lip twitch upwards whilst she leant back into her chair in great amusement .
' So he cares for the girl ... ' Vaylin chuckled before the doors to the room were opened to the outside.
' They sent neimoidians ... I don't knew which I don't like more ... these bugs or the Kel dor... ' Vaylin cracked the holochip in her hand in her grip , pieces of the puck falling to the ground .
" Greetings I am " The Neimoidan began but was silenced by Vaylin raising her hand .
" Take a seat , The negotiations are to take place immediately as my patience wavers " Vaylin channeled her lover as she took control of the room like she had seen him do .
The alien bug chose to sit as far away from Vaylin as possible , taking the last seat of the of the left side of the table whilst his droids took position between himself and the woman.
" Now that we're all here ... let's not delay ... I'll open " Vaylin squared her shoulders and leant her elbows onto the table .
" Both the republic and confederacy, Against the wishes of the system of Isilta , Began a military campaign in our territory , Forcing our city and people to defend ourselves and block access to our cities , Invading our world's ... invading " Vaylin growled, The confederacy beginning to speak up before Vaylin slammed her fist into the table , Warping its surface under her fist " YOU WILL BE SILENT UNTIL SPOKEN TO BUG "
The room shook as the Kel dor masters face contorted in great disturbance as he felt the force coiling around the woman for the first time since his arrival ... as her shielding seemingly lowered for a small moment .
" Forgive me ... These events have greatly troubled me " Vaylin coughed for a moment , Taking a deep breath before she continued.
" If it wasn't for my intervention , Your war would have ravaged the city , Going on for whoever knows how long , And then the victor would have laid claim to whatever remains of my people ... like were some defenseless children needing to be coddled by a parent " Vaylin leant forward as she ground her teeth together.
" Fortunately I was here ... And without me ... you have no chance to claim my home ... Do not forget at this moment , You are all at my mercy . My men are waiting outside this room should I order your deaths ... I am more than capable of fighting you all myself should I need be . But I am not without reason ... " Vaylin placed her palms on the table , Still not allowing the group to talk .
" I will allow you to reclaim your resources ... and your ships . The republic will be allowed to take the venator I have captured along with your dead and prisoners I have taken. The confederacy will be allowed to reclaim its ships and droids " Vaylin layed out before leaning back .
" And in return " Koon pressed as he reassured himself that his lightsaber was indeed clipped to his waist.
" Isilta will remain neutral ... We will not be laid claim to . We will not be fought over , From this point onwards Isilta will remain its own entity " Vaylin offered .
" Dea... " Koon began but was silenced as the neimoidian announced himself .
" That is simply impossible and unreasonable ... Isilta sits squarely on a major hyper lane , It is of great importance to the confederacy and the republic dogs , Your world will never be able to know piece should it remain neutral " The neimoidian assured the woman .
" However , She Isilta choose , It shall have the express and honourable protection of our armies . The confederacy will do all it can for your world's " The bug pressed on and he tried vying for Vaylin's favour .
" I would be weary when taking consideration of the confederates words . Time and time again they have proven less than honourable to their own agreements . They are a broken conglomerate of greedy individuals wanting nothing more than to drain you world's for all it's worth " Koon retaliated the neimoidians words as he made an offer of his own .
" The republic has stood for over millenia , Our world's are prosperous , Flourish under the care of the Jedi and our republic ... The republic offers a chance trade , open commerce and A chance for Isilta to join our senate so it may have a voice so it's wants can be heard . You shall have all these and more should you take the chance to join the republic "
Vaylin nodded her head slowly with apparent thought as she mused of what her lover would do .
" Two good offers, But still unfavorable.. If I was to side with either of you ... I'd be alienating the other. And still under threat of invasion from whom I alienate ... and repeat over and over until the war is ended . I will not allow that . We are the mid-rim ... It would take some time to come to our defence and both know this , By the time your reinforcements arrive ... we'd have been subjugated " Vaylin shrugged dismissively .
" It appears we are at an impasse " Koon looked to Vaylin and the present neimoidian .
Slowly the clones gripped their weapons under the table just as the droids subtly did the same .
Eyeing the two seperate factions , Vaylin's face controlled in dissatisfaction before she raised her hand and pointed her palms to the ceiling .
To their great trepidation and fear , The blasters of the droids ripped from their hands and were suspended above their heads including Koons own lightsaber .
Rotating her wrist , The blasters pointed directly down towards the heads of their owners ready to be fired .
" Did I not already announce there shall be no conflict on Isilta " Vaylin's voice took a dangerous edge as she held her hand aloft Infront of her .
" Any more aggressions shall be met with swift retribution" Vaylin grunted as she closed her fist , The blasters above crunching together into useless scrap whilst the lightsaber flew towards Vaylin whom snatched it out of the air.
" I'll be taking this until we are finished . Now then ... how about a counter offer " Vaylin suggested .
" Isilta will open its borders . Both the republic and confederacy will have outposts on world. Commerce will take place between the republic and the confederacy. Ships of both factions will be allowed to pass through our system , Refuel and even have military barracks on world . However there will be no conflict , Civilians of both factions will be allowed to interact on world . We will be given military arms and the right to bare them should aggressions be made. I believe this is a more than acceptable deal ... considering your last actions "
This was by far the best option they would have , Vaylin knew she didn't have the political prowess her lover had , Nor was she nearly as subtle in planting suggestions for them to follow , But she was more than confident in her ability to force them to listen.
" I would ... have to discuss this with the senate and our chancellor... but I believe these requests to be doable " Koon spoke up before the neimoidian could shoot it down.
Now to not seem like the bitter party , The bug halted for several moments before speaking for himself.
" Should the republic agree to a non aggression pact in system , Then I am sure the confederacy would be able to acquiesce to your demands " The bug spoke .
" Then we are finished here , You sall collect your forces and depart , when your republic and the confederacy has agreed to my demands , You may return with materials to alter the spaceport and your own outposts where they will be designated and kept apart ... the ruling party expects a quick response " Vaylin declared .
" It appears we are done here " Koon relented as he slowly rose from his chair , Turning to face the kneeling apprentice " I believe I am allowed to take the girl with me "
" Take her " Vaylin grunted and made a shooing motion.
In turn the confederacy rose from their chairs , The bug bowing to Vaylin before leaving the room .
Gently reaching down , He took the knight in his arms and raised her from the ground , Quickly noting it appeared she was seconds from bursting into tears.
" Come young one ... we're going home " Koon turned to Vaylin and stretched his hand out " My lightsaber "
With a flick of her wrist , The Saber flew at its master whom caught it and quickly guided the girl from the room where the wolf pack followed after her in quick strides .
With the door closing behind them , Vaylin was left alone in the room , Where she growled and crushed what little remained of the Holo communicator , Turning it to dust that fell to the surface of the table.
" Did you get all of that my love " Vaylin spoke to the corner of the room .
She watched with a small smile on her face as the shadows shifted and twisted .
Rising from the elongating shadow was a black humanoid shape with glowing purple eyes .
A manifestation of Nox's presence walking towards her as he telegraphed to her from coruscant.
The shadow creation held no mouth or nose , More simply looking to have such features sealed over by a thin layer of skin .
Those purple eyes it held stared into Vaylin's own as the manifestation of the force came closer .
' Remain on world until word has come back with confirmation of your request , I will ensure it passes . In that time , Seeing your success ... one dutches Satine would most likely wish to make contact with you in due time . If Satine is to contact you , You will move from the battlefront and become a mouth piece of neutrality , You will really world's to your side with her help . If she does not make contact ... ' The manifestation spoke directly into her mind as it's eyes narrowed .
' If she does not make contact ... you will wait for the republic of confederacy to become aggressive with eachother on Isilta ... where you will remove both from the world , You will subdue both factions and push them off world . They will send an invasion force and you will repel that too ... the third time they invade however you will not be present , Isilta will be crushed and will become a martyr where you will wage single handed war across the galaxy against both the republic and confederacy , Drawing neutral systems to your side and creating another faction in the war . Do you understand ' Nox's manifestation expressed his order as Vaylin nodded .
" So my future actions are decided on this Satine making contact with me ... I understand " Vaylin nodded with a loving smile as he creature reached out and ran a hand down her chin.
" Do not fret .. there will be much bloodshed over the coming weeks where you will be the central figure " The creature lowered its hand from her head before slowly turning away to stare at no particular portion of the ground before it vanished into motes of rippling shadow that faded into the air .
Running her hand over her lips , Vaylin smirked slightly as she slowly raised from the chair.
" I do hope she doesn't make contact with me "
Koon paused before entering the elevator , Turning back to where he had felt the dark-sider woman still was .
His senses screamed at him to flee , imposing looming death should he return .
He couldn't sense anything other than the woman in there , He knew she wasn't the source nor had she done anything , But right now the force simply felt ... wrong .
" Curious " Koon felt an intensity on his being , Like he was being watched from what was within the room . He knew he was being watched .
" General " One of the wolf pack shouldered his rifle as Koon seemingly stared at the wall in what appeared to be abstract terror .
" It's nothing , Let us depart " Koon quickly entered the elevator , allowing them a swift departure from the tower the negotiations took place.
DANTOOINE
He moved with grace befitting a master , his orange blade flowing around him in visible blurs and arcs .
Bolts spewed in from their front in a wave of blue , Shai struggled to ward off the droid offensive alongside her master .
Clones knelt at their side behind cover whilst their blasters took aim at the droid forces and threw back blaster fire.
Her moves were clumsy . Slow and unsure as he blade came out slowly to where she felt a blaster bolt would come .
' It's too fast ... this is nothing like it was at the temple ' A shein of sheat ran down her hair as she clumsily blocked a bolt .
Hearing a scream , A clone trooper was struck by a blaster bolt directly on the right of his helmet , Where he felt to the ground , His hand landing on her foot .
She stared directly at the clones helmet as her movements froze .
' He's ...' Shai's lip twitched as he was left forgotten by his brothers after a couple of seconds , Where another trooper took his place .
" MEDIC " another clone in the background yelled as two more went down .
" ai " A low voice called out yet passed over her ears as a blaster bolt flew passed by her location .
" Shai " She once more didn't hear it as she stared at the dead man , And he stared back .
She was forced from her mental seclusion as a pang sounded from right Infront of her face , Where the glow of an orange Saber was reflected in her eyes .
' He ... saved me ' Shai thought as she turned her eyes to see Vas shielding her from the hail of blaster fire , His second Saber double bladed saber having one blade ignited where he was using it to help him ward off the droids.
" MASTER " Vas yelled out as mace turned back to him for a moment .
" I need a moment " Vas yelled out as the man nodded , Leaping high into the air before landing before Vas and shielding the three of them from the droids.
" ALL SOLDIERS PULL BACK " Vas bellowed as he lowered his centre of gravity , clipping his Sabers to his belt before balling his hands into two fists .
With a low growl , Vas watched the clones follow his orders as they ran backward from their current location by twenty metres before they took cover at their new cover points .
Slowly beginning to raise his hand , Shai felt her grip on her Saber loosen as the ground shook .
Massive cracks formed between their location and the droid forces , Fissures forming from the ground as boulders were raised into their air .
The massive boulders loomed over the field , Rising tens of metres into the air .
With a growl , Now urged his hands forward , Making a pushing motion .
The boulders followed his motions where they rolled forward , Falling onto the droids forces like a wall of stone , A single boulder was nearly twice the size of an AAT .
They rolled across the droid army , Crushing everything under their weight before they came to a stop at the other side of their forces , Leaving nothing but a flattened field of scrap and debris that bled spoke and fire .
Allowing his arms to fall back to his side , Vas crossed his arms and glared out at the debris field .
The clones behind them , Noticing the reprieve in the battle took the chance to rush forward and claim more ground .
" Masterfully done ... That will give us some time to reorganise and time to tend our wounded " Mace pet Vas on the shoulder as the young man stared towards his apprentice whom was refusing to meet his eyes.
" Yes ... Would you mind tending to that for me ... I must speak with my apprentice " Vas inclined his head at mace as the master of the order cast a look to Shai , Before a small understanding smile came to his face .
" Of course , I'll meet you at the command centre " Mace pet his shoulder once more before he too departed to where the new command centre was being established .
Walking up to Shai , Vas sat himself down on a small rock and where he motioned for Shai to sit beside him .
" It's hard isn't it " Vas began after they sat in silence for several seconds " Watching those around you die thinking you could have done something to help them "
" Why ... do they have to die " Shai asked as she brought her arms over her legs and curled in on herself " I was right there ... I could have saved him if I had been alittle better ... alittle faster "
" Yes ... you could have. Or it could've been another that died ... or it could have been you. The fact of the matter is ... he died . And there was nothing that could have been done to stop it. Think about it this way ... would you have taken his place ... or had he had the chance would he have thrown himself in the way to save you ... his superior " Vas asked the girl as she pressed her forehead into her legs .
" I ... I " Shai sobbed into her leggings and Vas began to gently rub her back.
" Do not fault you current abilities , Do not wallow and allow this to drag you down " Vas stopped rubbing her back as he instead stood up and moved to the deceased clone .
Kneeling down , Vas leant down and pulled off the clones shoulder pauldron . pulling it apart before he fastened it to her right shoulder .
" Use it . Make a vow . Become better . Make sure he didn't die in vain by protecting the next one . Today you weren't focussed enough ... powerful enough to save him " Vas drew Shai's attention as her pals blue tear streaked eyes opened to look at him.
" Tomorrow you will be focussed enough to save his brother ... strong enough to save a civilian ... fast enough to destroy them all before they even open fire on your men ... Powerful enough to stand at my side with pride " Her eyes darted to the shoulder pauldron that now rested on the left shoulder of her robes .
" How ... " Shai asked in open vulnerability, Where Vas gave her a small comforting smile .
" By following me , Standing at my side ,Together we will learn , Together we will gain knowledge ... together we will become unstoppable. There will be nothing we can't achieve . Whether it be saving a single life , Or saving the republic ... I will turn you into the most powerful Jedi to ever live , And we will never have to watch those we care about die ... we will never have to fear the sith , Fear politics or worry about another under our command .We will save them all " Vas placed his left hand on her shoulder as he knelt before her , The two staring intently at eachother .
He was lucky mace has fucked off to god knows where , Elsd this conversation would be a very large point of contention to his intention as both a Jedi and master .
But lucky for him he wasn't present , And so when Shai searched deep within his eyes , Her pale lips practically quaking .
He gently offered her his hand , His face contorting in the kindness he displayed .
" Will you join me in this conquest ... my Padawan " Vas tilted his head slightly and waited .
And of her own volition , Her slender fingers met his own , The pact between the two being silently made as he gently helped her to her feet .
" I suppose that's a yes . Now then , Come along ... we have much to go over " Vas gently guided the girl from the deceased clone whom he had stripped of armour , Casting a look over his shoulder to the clone , Another , more cunning smile coming to his face for a moment before It vanished and he turned back to walking forward with his Padawan.
KALDANI SPIRES
" How did you do it " Lana asked as the doorway to Nox's personal office opened , The tint of the orange crystals above the duo casting looming shadows over their faces whilst their sickly yellow eyes Shon in the darkness .
The hologram displayed on Nox's desk vanished with a wave of his hand , The man rising from his chair with a slow rise.
" I assume you've met him " Nox clarified as he rolled his chair into his desk before walking around it towards where Lana stood.
" By him ... I believe what you're referring to be for what I can see , Letha's child " Lana asked as Nox came to a stop directly before his woman " How did you do it ... letha she never ... "
" You're right ... she didn't " Nox gently grabbed Lana's hand and guided her to the couch , Making the woman sit down as he made to explain.
" Ashaa can do a great many things . From ... creating an entire species ... to modifying a single cell in someone's body " Nox began , Starting with the mother machine itself.
" Letha gave me permission to engage a last rest of mine . A more ... dangerous project than many of our military knew " Nox reached over from the couch to the middle table to pour the two of them a pair of drinks for them to enjoy.
" This project ... What was it " Lana questioned as she accepted the glass from her lover .
" I harvested the DNA of several individuals . Alongside several samples of their tissue fibre and encodings of their bodies . Letha was the easiest to perform ... All she had to do was walk into ashaa's chamber and stand for several seconds as the tests were undertaken " Nox continued , Taking a drink every so often whilst Lana listened.
" The second was myself ... My own DNA fused with her own. ... Another donor was ... Was what remained of Tenebrae's original remains . Letha was the p
mother template , Myself used as the father template used to produce a single specimen. There were others of course ... What remained of Tenebrae's original body for example was harvested and used. Another Such as that blasted fool piddling his apprentice ... I used his arm a genetic sample . Yada Yada ... The point is ... ashaa was able to make something great " Nox raised his hand and called his datapad to his hand , Fingers toying at its surface for a moment before a Holo display of a humanoid hovered over the datapad.
" A single specimen , A midichlorion count so high many would call blasphemy , That was even before I did my little rituals on the specimen. Bones several times denser than a starships hull. A passive rate of regeneration implemented from the DNA of a rather interesting and annoying sith spawn . A genetic structure so well made many scientists would call it the template for genetic perfection . There are ... cells in this body that allow for a more ... malleable form . The ability to grow extra limbs ... Breath underwater ... Survive extreme heat ... Even regrowing entire organs should they be removed from the specimen ... I made him ... Appropriately aged him and then put him in storage for future use . He is a vessel capable of holding and channeling great power " Nox handed Lana the datapad for the woman to see the specs of Ashaa's creation.
" I had to he careful. I spent weeks carefully running my power ... my soul through the body to make sure it was a worthy vessel . It is . It took time and great effort. But it is more than capable of sustaining and housing my full self within its mortal coil " Lana stared down at the innocent looking specimen on the Holo .
" If it wasn't " Lana pressed as her eyes danced over to Nox in worry.
" It would have exploded ... violently after a couple of hours . An unworthy vessel is unable to house the full power I wield . They age rapidly , Go through necrosis , Their skin flakes and soon enough , They erupt in a great outburst of energy , Enough to shake the continent " Nox shrugged " Such is the nature of the Darkside ... it can only destroy ... normally that is "
" But it didn't ... Did letha ever meet her son " Lana asked , Staring at what she could only see to be her best friends child .
" Yes ... She was present at his ... birth . She watched and participated as he aged and hauled him away for storage . She seemed oddly ... at peace " Nox expressed a rather ... sad look on his face as he thought of the woman.
" She loved us you know . Had she not been a Jedi ... I think she would have " Lana sniffed ever so slightly as Nox gave a small appreciative smile .
" I know " Nox gazed at the drink in his hand " That's why she agreed to it ... She couldn't be free of her beliefs ... She couldn't ever truly act on her desires and wants . For she would have fallen from grace ... And neither you nor I would have allowed someone so pure to fall . So we came up with a compromise ... A way she would live on with us ... We created something beautiful "
" You did " Lana wiped her eyes as tears threatened to spill down her face .
" It's where she spent her final moments , After our ... deaths . Decades after , She knew her time was up and made her way to where he was stored. She ... spent her last moments watching over her son , Choosing to pass on beside what remained of our legacy , Where she fell into the cosmic force " Nox explained , He had to even as he watched Lana openly begin to weep .
The Holo of Vas vanished from the Holo to display a security recording.
A recording from thousands of years ago , Where the blind Miralukan knelt over a Cryo pod .
She was aged , Her hair light and brittle , Her face sagged and low .
Lana watched the woman slowly kneel down beside the cradle of her child , The Jedi gently resting her head on the cold surface of the pod as if trying to embrace what was within.
" She never once stopped believing in us . And she waited. Until her time came ... " The security footage began to fast forward , Showing the woman going still for hours on end , Not a twitch of her fingers , A sway of her hair ... even her breathing appeared to have stilled.
And by the end of the footage , She disappeared ... leaving nothing but empty robes leaning on the pod .
" I believe " Nox drew Lana's attention at the Holo began to repeat , Her eyes widening as he held a sash in his hand ,Specifically the one that letha had used to cover her eyes.
" That she had told you once , Before battle that if she fell ... she wanted you to have this to remember her " Nox stood from his chair and held the sash out to his lover .
Slowly , Shakily ... Lana reached for the sash , Her fingers treating the fabric like the most precious thing she would ever touch . She picked up the fabric and gently brought it to her chest .
She simply stared at the sash recovered from where letha had spent her final moments .
" Thank you ... " Lana whispered as she gently reached out for Nox's hand , Her fingers curling around his own as she kissed his knuckles .
" There is nothing you need thank me for love " Nox smiled sadly as he sat down beside his wife , The two choosing to rest in silence under the orange light above them .
DANTOOINE
" We're going to be going over form two " Vas ignited his orange Saber , Basking in its light for a moment as he thought back to the greatest practitioner of the form .
He leveraged his blade to his side , Holding it out to the right slightly at forty degrees .
" Yes master " Shai ignited her own Blue Saber and mimicked her master , Taking the same stance without question .
They stood in a small paddock of grass , Said grass being no longer than four inches tall , It was a perfect plateau for them to practice on .
" What is form two " Vas asked as he spread his right foot twelve centimetres to the right , And his left foot back ten.
" The fencing style , makashi . Used primarily for engaging in lightsaber combat " Shai explained her surface level knowledge of the form .
" A good start , But what else do you know " Vas asked as he performed a thrust . Said thrust being he simply pointed his lightsaber forward , His foot coming forward slightly as he thrust his blade forward only thirty centimetres.
" It focusses on precision and footwork to dismantle and enemy combattant " Shai Thought up as she did the same movement as her master flawlessly .
Rotating his wrist , Vas pointed his blade downward , Followed by rotating his wrist around to the left before reversing and trusting up to the right where his imaginary opponents chest would be.
" Footwork and balance is one of the primary , Most important factors in this form. One must never lose balance ... Forward , Back , Forward ... back " Vas showed , As his right foot came forward tentatively before his left allowed him to step back , All while thrusting and blocking an imaginary foe .
Shai looked to her feet and slowly copied the movements her master had performed.
" It wastes little energy , You do only what you need to do to win , No more ... no less " Now copy my movements , Vas delved into a series of movements , Blocks , Steps and hops with the occasional thrust.
Mace stood off to the side , Watching with an approving eye as the two Jedi before him took to their training with a glee he could appreciate.
' Oh I see ... That looks starkly similar to the form he used against me during our duel ... Was it an offshoot of makashi then ' Mace pondered as he slowly circled the two , Studying their footwork with a raised eyebrow . ' Reminds me of Dooku's footwork ... Rather impressive '
Mace was forced to stop studying the master Padawan duo as a clone approached on a speeder .
" Master Windu " The clone hopped off of his speeder and immediately saluted his superior .
" Trooper , What news do you bring " mace asked as the clone brought out a datapad for mace to look at .
" Droid forces have been spotted sir . They appear to be performing a final push with their new seismic tanks , We also believe we have found the location of Zeta Magnus " Two beacons appeared on a map before mace as the man studied it with great care .
" I must discuss this with my colleague " Mace dismissed the clone as he whirled around and began to march towards Vas and shai .
" Vas , We have received intel " Mace called out as he approached the training duo .
" That will be enough for now Shai " Vas turned his Saber off and clipped it to his belt in a single fluid movement .
" Yes master " Shai followed suit and fell in sync with her master whom came to a stop Infront of Mace .
" We've got two objectives " Mace began as he brought up the datapad and holomap .
" I will be heading out to halt the droid offensive , They have commissioned their seismic tanks and are making a final push " Mace pointed at a column on the map that was slowly moving .
" What would you have us do " Vas asked , To which Mace moved the holomap to display an odd looking building built into a plateau .
" The clones believe they've located Magnus , I would have you assault the facility he is located in and capture him " Mace informed the knight , Vas crossing his arms as he began to play with his chin .
" Verywell , I'll take Shai with me ... you'll need the rest of the forces for halting the droid movements ... we'll put a stop to Magnus " Vas turned to his Padawan and put a gentle hand on her shoulder .
" Then I trust this to you , I will await your word " Mace inclined his head as Vas gave a small bow.
" May the force be with you " Mace smiled kindly as Vas rose from his bow .
" And with you master Windu " With that said mace made a quick departure , Whilst Vas and shai watched the master of the order depart with the clone whom was waiting at his speeder .
" Let's go Shai ... We don't want Magnus to flee before we arrive " Vas held his hand out for Shai to take . " I believe this will be quicker "
" Master " Shai looked at his hand in bafflement , Her hand slowly rising to take Vas's hand in her own .
At that moment , It felt as if her stomach was flipped , Where her lunch was nearly forced from her stomach .
She fell to the ground coughing and hacking , Failing to notice that instead of landing on grass , Her hands landed on cold hard stone.
" It gets easier over time ... being displaced through space and time is always taxing on the body " Vas drew Shai's attention , Where the girl finally noticed the change in their surroundings.
" Master ... " Shai questioned as she struggled to her feet " Where are we "
" Well .. We're currently three hundred metres away from the entrance to Magnus's stronghold " Vas crossed his arms behind his back as he stared out at the bunker entrance .
" How did you do that... how did we get here " Shai slowly rose and approached her master .
" Knowledge of the force ... allows for many things dear . Great things ... terrible things . I will teach you them , Such is my vow as your master , Now come along " Shai failed to notice the stark contrast between the personality he displayed to the Jedi and the one he presented to her , Simply passing it off as a quirk of her master as he began a quick stride for the bunker .
" Remain vigilant , This will not be as simple as walking into the base and capturing him " Vas announced as he pulled his lightsaber from his belt and ignited the orange blade .
" Yes master " Shai ignited her blade , Only to jump back as a turret opened fire apon them from behind cover.
Vas moved in a blur, His blade a orange wall of light as the bolts struck and rebound from them in all directions.
' This ... is makashi ' Shai found herself genuinely surprised as Vas's arms barely moved , Rather her master simply moving his wrist at speeds she thought impossible , And with a well adjusted flick of his wrist , Several bolts sailed back at the turret.
It exploded violently under its own bolts , Where Vas slowly lowered his blade and continued to march towards the stronghold entrance .
" I see you've noticed . And indeed , I am still using makashi . I will make you a master of not only the eight forms of combat ... but the blade in all its aspects " Vas reached for the base entrance with his left hand , Making a clawing gesture .
With a simple raking motion of his hand , Shai watched the stronghold entrance explode outwards , Metal locks flying into the skies as the door slammed into the ground with a solid thud.
" We must move quickly "
They entered the base with purpose , Quickly dealing with any interior turrets with ease as they made their way down the entryway .
Shai remained as her master's shadow , Guarding his back as best she could as they entered an elevator .
Noticing her master seemingly staring down at the floor , She tilted her head slightly as he made an odd noise in thought.
" What is it master " Shai asked as the elevator began to dive into the surface of the planet .
" I can safely say that this is indeed the base of Zeta Magnus ... He's also attempting to grow clones " Vas shrugged and turned to Shai .
" As soon as these doors open , We're going to meet an ambush head on , I have faith in your abilities that we can easily get through this ... now get behind me " Vas gently urged Shai behind his back , As he pointed his blade upwards Infront of his body.
" We'll be using this to work on our synergy , If we can't rely on eachother , why stay together " Vas announced as he cast a look to Shai " And seeing as I'm not abandoning you ... "
Shai got the message , And just in time as the elevator came to an abrupt stop .
As the door slid open , Vas gave a small laugh .
The attack was immediate , Blaster bolts raining down on their position at that very moment .
The bolts sailed true at their targets , And yet Vas seemed unphased .
His blade came up , Batting the first bolt to the side , His blade coming back to the left to intercept three more bolts , A downward sling of his blade sent another to the ground . And finally an upward block sent a final bolt back towards the first geotech clone .
Shai watched all this in amazement , In less than a second he had block no less than eight bolts as he advanced relentlessly apon their enemies.
As the first geotech clone fell , Shai shook herself out of her amazement to follow her master , Eight bolts at once turned to seven as Vas decapitated the second Geo clone.
Seven quickly became six as Vas ducked under three bolts , His leg shooting out as he caught a clone on the ankle , Said clone fell to the ground in a cry as Vas brought his blade upwards to decapitate the soldier as he fell.
Now that he was kneeling , Vas gave a small smirk as Shai capitalised on the chance to do her bit.
Her master slid to the side like a phantom , G clones training their blasters on him as they hyper focussed on the man .
" You lose " Vas mumbled as Shai yelled out and gave a mighty thrust with her arms , The force push that came from her hands was potent , But nothing record breaking as it slammed into the G clones , Sending them sprawling or tumbling into the wall whilst Vas slowly rose from the ground .
" You did good Shai " Vas smiled fondly at the girl as the clones began to rise from the ground .
" And now " Vas raised his hands towards the clones , A violently emerald light erupted and blinded Shai for a moment , Before it faded away to reveal the sizzling armour of the G clones.
" They won't be moving any further " Vas gently pet Shai on the shoulder , Pursing his lips slightly as they began to walk down the corridors .
Turning his head towards several opened tanks that the G clones had been released from .
" So these are what they're kept in " Vas remarked with a thoughtful gaze .
He simply stared at the equipment for a few minutes before shrugging and turning to shai .
" We're going to destroy it all , We can't allow these to fall into separatist hands ... nor allow them to finish their experiments " Vas looked towards the lights .
" This base runs off its own power supply , There should be a generator we can over charge , Let's go ... We'll get Zeta first " Vas turned towards the only corridor available and to walk towards the red blaring sirens.
Holding his hand overhead , Vas called a grenade from one of the laying Geo clones belt , Said grenade flying to his hand as he and Shai entered another chamber.
" Hey catch " Vas pressed the trigger on the grenade , Tossing it forward as soon as they entered the adjacent chamber .
In both surprise and fright , One of the clones that came to meet them dropped. their blaster to catch the grenade .
" What " Vas simply smiled at the clones question , Choosing to bring his hand to his face .
The grenade exploded immediately after , Flames erupted outwards whilst shrapnel peppered the group .
Vas lowered his hand and continued onwards . The clone that had caught the grade coughing as he swayed from side to side .
With a gentle push , Vas moved the G clone out of his way , As the man fell to the ground as blood began to leak from the shrapnel holes in his armour .
" I believe the next room is the main chamber , I'll capture Zeta ... You move to the generator ... over load it come back to us " Vas ordered .
" Of course master " Shai gave a pleased smile up at her master , Pleased that he was trusting her with something as. the doors to the main chamber began to open .
" How did you find me " Zeta hissed as the arkanian sat cross legged in a layed back chair " Not even Windu could have found me ... So how did you "
" Go on Shai " Vas nodded at his Padawan .
Seeing no reason to stop the girl , Zeta allowed Shai to move towards the door at the far end of the chamber , To which the white hair girl disappeared into the bowels of the base .
" Well ... I always knew . I just ... had to make it seem like it was the scouts that found your base ... Rather than me urging them to look in this area " Vas shrugged as he began to study the equipment around them.
" You're not like the other Jedi ... You're. .. " Zeta's eyes narrowed as Vas leant over and stared at a test tube. He raised his hand and flicked it, Breaking the tube as liquid sprayed everywhere .
" Oops " Vas raised himself and turned back to an incensed Zeta , Interestingly it hadn't moved to attack just yet .
" Why did you choose the name Magnus ... We're both aware of its meaning " Magnus became alarmed at the abrupt questioning , Sitting up straighter as his fingers curled.
Almost mockingly , Vas gave Zeta a side glance , Lips puckering slightly as he gazed at the man.
" Are you ... descended from the sith ... I mean you're a genetic construct but the concept still stands " Vas questioned as Zeta began to rise from where he sat .
" Aren't you going to arrest me " Zeta asked as he began to unbuckle his gauntlets .
" Of course ... I would of course have liked to arrest the original you ... seeing as your a clone of the original . You really do slot of cloning don't you " Vas looked up at the cables and tubes connected to the ceiling , Pointedly ignoring that Zeta had just shrugged off his robes and was about to attack .
" You couldn't possibly know that . you know too much ... I will enjoy eating you " The arkanian bellowed and leapt at Vas .
Vas dropped to the ground , Allowing the alien to pass overhead , Where the monster slammed into the far wall .
" Luckily for you ... I've been requested to bring you in alive " Vas whispered of Zeta's shoulder .
With a yell , The man attempted to swing his arm backwards .
Raising his left hand , Vas blocked the fist with the back of his hand .
Zeta appeared surprised and shocked at the ease that Vas had stopped his fist .
" You're very strong ... compared to humans anyway " Vas studied the arm that had tried to strike him.
Still blocking , Vas rounded his left hand and caught Zeta's fist with his own. And in a blur , His right palm connected with the elbow of the alien .
" AAAAAAAGHHHHH " Zeta cried out as a sickening crunch echoing throughout the chamber .
Letting go of the man's first with a sigh , The Arkanians arm fell limp as Zeta cradled the limb.
" There there ... No more trying to resist ... You know you're horribly outmatched " Vas pet the alien with an amused smile .
Seeing the power in the lights beginning to brighten .
" Well that's that .. " Vas placed his hand on the aliens face " Sleep now "
MOMENTS PRIOR
She rushed through the halls of the stronghold , Her Blue Saber glowing against the hallways , The blue light battling against the red sirens from above.
" Generator room " Shai opened a door , Seeing nothing within but a series of weapons lining a wall .
" Nope " She uttered before rushing off further down the hallway .
" How about " The second door she opened showed a lab with several unknown specimens , Where a clone of Jango Fett was laying on the table , Disfigured and mutilated , Tubes and needles penetrated the clones body .
" No " The girl continued on after noticing the clone was dead , She jogged down the hallway , Searching room after room .
Food stores , Armories , Toiletries ... Everything a sentient creature needed to survive within the stronghold was present .
She continued to search until she opened a non descript door , One with no significant marking or warnings , Almost hidden away in the shadows of one of the corridors .
But she smiled triumphantly as she stared at the reactor within
Approaching the reactor , Shai began to study its systems , Learning how it worked as she clicked at several dials and buttons.
" Stop " A G clone appeared behind her , The girl startling at the clones words to her as she wound around .
" I thought we stopped you all " Shai nearly stuttered but managed to retain her composed demeanour .
Out of the corner of her eye , She saw a dial she hadn't yet turned , Her fingers slowly sliding towards it as she covered her movements .
" Get on the ground " The clone ordered as Shai turned the dail as quickly as she could without him noticing .
" Hey ... there's no need for us to fight . We've already captured you creator " Shai held her arms Infront of her , Not wishing to cause the death of what she perceived to be one of her comrades , Even if she knew he wasn't of kaminoan design ... He was still a clone and she couldn't quite differentiate the difference yet.
" What do you mean creator ... I don't have a creator " The G clone hissed as he raised his blaster to point at the girl .
' What ' Shai seemed confused at the clones words , Knowing very well that they were arkanian produced clones .
" Hey it's okay ... I know it might be confusing but... " Shai took a step forward to sooth the man .
" I AIN'T A FUCKING CLONE YOUR STUPID SOW " The clone bellowed and leapt at the girl , Raising his blaster overhead before smashing it into her cheek .
They both fell to the ground in a heap as the clones abundant rage allowed it to punch the girl in the face .
Struggling to defend herself , Shai pushed her hands into his face , His ugly and warped skin contorting on his skin as she attempted to push him off.
His hand found his way to her neck , His black hair flowing down his face as he punched her with his free hand.
Her hands violently flew around in desperation , Her oxygen supply cut off as it began to feel like fire was coursing through her veins .
She cried out a grasped , Her right hand slamming into the clones face trying to push him off whilst her left was flying around the ground trying to grab something.
As her vision began to fade , Unconsciousness whispering into her ears . Her fingers curled around something cold . And with a final scream , She used all her strength to raise whatever her hand was clutching right into the clones head.
Instantly the man fell useless to the ground , Blood bursting from the point of impact to spray all over her.
Still screaming as she got up , She slammed the cold object into the back of the man's head twice more before simply fleeing the reactor chamber.
Vas had immediately noticed his padawans distressed state , Which was simple because she had practically collapsed into his side and fallen unconscious as soon as she had done so .
' I'm sorry little one ' Vas gently leaned down to scoop the girl up like one would cradle their babe , Bringing the girl to his chest .
" Let's go " Vas hissed as he made use of fold space to leave the base in an instant.
HOURS LATER
Vas sat apon a meadow , Leaning back on his palms as he studied a blackened smear on the terrain.
Smoke still billowed out from where Magnus's base had used to be , Chunks of stone and dirt spread wide and far from where the base had exploded.
Grunting slightly , Vas raised his left hand and gently stroked Shai's hair , Said girl resting her head on his left thigh , Silent streams of tears running down her face as she sought comfort from her master.
" Magnus has been detained and is inbound for coruscant as we speak " Mace approached from Vas's right .
The master of the order gave a sad glance to the Padawan , The two of them having been informed of what had transpired within the base .
" Is she going to be alright " Mace asked as he crossed his arms behind his back .
" I can't say for sure master ... But I'll be damned if I couldn't do my best to help her through it " Vas continued to stroke the girls hair as she gave out small Huff's of air as she slept .
" You're a good master " Mace sought to comfort the young man , Her brown eyes still studying Vas as the young man gave an almost pained expression .
" No ... I'm not . All I can do is try " Vas rebuked with thinned lips , Sighing as he turned to face Mace .
" What of the battle " Vas asked as the master of the order nodded .
" The battle has been won . The droid forces have been routed , Their tanks dismantled and destroyed . We are waiting for medical equipment as we speak , I have already put in the order "Mace explained as Vas nodded .
" Well ... if we're waiting , Why not join us in meditation ... well me , Shai is ... " Vas motioned to the sleeping girl on his leg , With mace giving a small chuckle .
" We have time ... I guess I can spare some to meditate " Mace lowered himself to the ground beside Vas , The two lapsing into silence .
" Thank you ... master Windu " Vas closed his eyes as the man gave a comforting nod.
" You're here for Shai ... who's here to help you if not me " Mace responded after several long seconds of silence .
" I see "
As the clones set up around the two , They remained quiet even as the endurance lowered closer towards them .
I wasn't until it was time to return to their duties hours kater that the two of them would wake from their meditation .
UNKNOWN REGIONS - EDGE OF THE HYPERSPACE BARRIER
Nox sat in the train of the unknown world he found himself on violent winds battered the cliff face he found himself on .
Lightning passed across through the clouds that hung in the skies followed by rolling thunder that shook the grounds.
He balanced his right arm on his knee , Using it as an armrest whilst his left leg hung freely over the cliff side .
At the base of the cliffs , Gargantuan waves hundreds of metres in height rolled and smashing into the cliffs , Spraying water and sea foam high into air where it sprayed into the forest atop the cliffs .
It was this rain that hid the stream of tears that rolled angrily down his cheeks . Memories of his childhood , Betrayal hatred and anger flashing violently within his mind before he ruthlessly stomped them down , Pushing and locking them deep into his cortex of memory.
Soon enough , As the storm began to pick up , Small flecks of ice began to pepper the cliffs , Going from the size of a nail to the size of a foot .
Yet Nox payed them no mind as a barrier stopped these chunks of ice from striking him .
' I love you obu ' His mother's voice reverberated through his skull against his will . His face twisting in sheer rage at the utterance of those words.
' One day ... we'll be happy ' The woman's voice refused to be silenced , The ground beginning to shake under Nox the more her false promises sounded in his head .
' One day ... ' The blue lighting above became tinted red as Nox's presence began to assert itself onto the environment around him .
" Why must my child cry " A green glow illuminated the ground from behind Nox , As he cast a glance over his shoulder to find Tilotny herself hovering before him.
" What ails my child so " She floated closer as tears streamed down her own face , Cupping what she perceived as her sons face .
" Let mother help you " She pulled Nox into her bosom , Stroking his head slowly as she acted like the mother she should have been to her own children .
" Why do you help me " Nox's voice came out harsh , Crashing against Tilotny's ears. Yet she gave no negative reaction , Rather instead she was blinded for her love of her perfect child .
" What is a mother's love ... if not unconditional" Tilotny responded as she continued to stroke Nox's hair affectionately .
' I wish that to be so ... yet even your love isn't unconditional is it ... you only love what you think to be beautiful... Would you love your daughter mourning if you saw her for what she was now . Would you give Athla the same attention you give me right now ... I don't think so ' Nox internalised his distaste as he allowed the entity to attempt to comfort him ' You don't even sense the essence of your child flowing through me ... you only see the surface ... you don't care whats underneath '
' Still ... even then ' Nox closed his eyes and took in a deep crisp breath ' Had my mother been like you ... I would've been happy '
UNKNOWN REGIONS
The venator floated in space , It's lights out , No radio traffic whilst the bridge of the ship had its windows exploded outwards.
A lone man ran through the ships halls , Tripping around a corner as he slid into the wall before rushing towards the sealed door ahead .
The corridor was flickering , It's lights beginning to fail whilst the ships power began to fluctuate.
" Come on come on " The man slammed his hands into the button panel before him , The hanger door beginning to open slowly.
Hearing a creaking from behind , the scout all but whirled around and pointed his blaster down the hall , Firing several shots out of fear .
The bolts struck nothing , The lights above flickering for several moments before failing all together , The hanger door only opening enough for him to shimmy through .
" shit " He cursed before he rounded and squeezed himself through the barely opened doorway , His clothes catching and tearing before he found himself within the hanger.
He froze however as the air current of the dark hanger shifted , A gust of air flowing in through the gap in the hanger door.
Almost like a sniffing noise , The flow of air was as ominous as it was terrifying , And so without any need to see what it was, The scout ran into the darkness of the hanger with great terror .
After a minute of limping through the darkness of the hanger , He found himself met with the cold unfeeling wall of the other side of the hanger .
" Where are the ships " The scout commander hissed as he turned and limped in the opposite direction , Only to once more meet the other end of the hanger .
The scout stood in the corner of the hanger , Sweat pouring down his face face as he aimed his rifle Infront of himself , Aiming into the dark silence before him .
A blue bolt sailed from the tip of his blaster down the unlit hanger.
It's blue light passed over the crates within , Showing nothing until it sunk into the far wall .
The darkness reigned supreme again as his fingers physically ached as he itched to pull the trigger of his blaster .
' Come on ... you son of a bitch ' The scout gulped as he squinted into the dark .
" Captain " A young feminine voice called out from the darkness .
" Corin is that you " The scout captain trained his blaster on the silhouette that appeared within the , Said silhouette slowly approaching from what he thought was one of the ships within the hanger.
" Captain ... They're all gone ... it's just me " The woman's silhouette approached closer from the darkness .
" That blasted ooze " The captain hissed as his face scrunched in great anger " I knew we shouldn't have allowed it on the ship ... Come on Corin we have to get out of here "
He lowered his blaster as the woman was within a few metres distance from him .
Yet as he strained he found he couldn't quite see her even as she approached.
" I'm afraid that won't be possible captain ... I'm afraid you're the last one ... this ship is mine now " The silhouette finally cleared the shadows , Revealing the face of his second lieutenant.
She had no eyes , Instead a thick mucus of grey ooze glowed down her cheeks , As blackened teeth smiled at him , The same ooze running down her mouth like spittle .
" No " The scout captain sunk down Infront off his second lieutenant, All before a bat like creature of black material blitzed him from the shadows , It exploded apon contact with his body as the material that made up its body sunk into his flesh .
" Finally " The scout captain and the lieutenant spoke at the same time , The ooze vanishing into the captain leaving no evidence of the attack he sustained .
After several seconds of odd twitching from the two , The power to the venator they stood turned back on .
Standing all around the hanger, Various crew of the ship simply stood staring into the mid distance , unbreathing , unblinking ... they simply stood where they were doing nothing .
On the bridge of the venator , The vacuum threatened to suck the crew from the ship , Yet miraculously they simply stood at their original positions as if routed by an unknown force .
Slowly the vessel turned and took aim for the unknown regions .
The bridge captain , Stared out into the vacuum as his hair flew around him , Unblinking as his eyes seemingly locked onto what he sought .
The ship , In turn rotated and aimed directly for what he sought .
" What are you ... "
CHAPTER COMPLETE
NEXT CHAPTER - THE DUTCHESS
THANK YOU FOR WAITING WHILST MADE THESE CHAPTERS , I APPRECIATE ALL THE SUPPORT OF MY READERS AND ALL THE FEEDBACK PROVIDED .
IF THERE IS ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE OCCUR IN THE STORY , OR WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS ANYTHING I AM MORE THAN HAPPY TO READ ANY AND ALL DMS AND REVIEW .
NOW FOR A LITTLE GAME
WE'LL BE INTRODUCING ANOTHER ENTITY OVER THE NEXT FEW CHAPTERS , THE TEASER AT THE END IS A MASSIVE HINT AT WHAT IS IS . WHAT DO YOU THINK IT IS , AND HOW DO YOU THINK NOX IS GOING TO TAKE ITS ARRIVAL INTO HIS BORDERS
CHEERS , UNTIL NEXT TIME