New Story I wanted to write In the star wars universe. this will start pre clone wars and go all the way to current star wars. it's going to be a long story. enjoy the ride and leave reviews, looking forward to hearing from you all.
StartThe chains, heavy and unforgiving, encircled Yasuke's wrists, their presence a constant reminder of his entrapment. The slave seal on his back bore witness to two years of servitude, etched into his flesh like a dark omen. At 12 years old, with ebony hair, brown eyes, and a complexion kissed by shadows, he toiled tirelessly within the Nightsisters' domain.
In the dimly lit kitchen, the metallic scent of freshly cleaned burra fish lingered in the air as Yasuke meticulously completed his chores. The flickering light danced on the walls, casting eerie shadows that mirrored the darkness within his heart. Oblivious to the galaxy's larger turmoil, Yasuke immersed himself in the mundane tasks demanded by the sinister sorcery of the Nightsisters.
Suddenly, the hushed rhythm of his work was disrupted by the imposing presence of a Nightbrother. His sickly yellow skin stood opposite the broad shouldered look of a warrior. The ever present sneer on his face told Yasuke exactly what he felt about his task as a messenger. He stood erect, disciplined, unmoving.His staff, an extension of ominous authority, hinted at the power wielded by the malevolent beings who enslaved Yasuke. The Nightbrother's gaze, like shards of obsidian, fixated on the young captive.
"Mother Talzin has summoned you, abomination," the Nightbrother declared, his voice a low growl resonating through the eerie atmosphere. Yasuke, his eyes reflecting a mixture of defiance and resignation, nodded silently in acknowledgment.
"Finish your pitiful tasks quickly and meet her in the chamber," the Nightbrother commanded before retreating into the shadows, leaving Yasuke with the weight of impending destiny and the ominous echoes of Mother Talzin's call. It's been 2 years of this enslavement. Everyday wake up, be Mother Talzin's energy source, be thrown in the pits to fight for his survival and the amusement of the others that dwelled on this cesspool of a planet. Yet still his broken body would have to do these menial chores that were beneath the night beings. It enraged him to think of his suffering yet his emotions were the most dangerous thing on this planet. They could sniff them out faster than a hungry Rancor in a pen full of Gamoreans. He could feel his strength growing, his connection to the Force showing him more than he could ever have perceived on his home planet before those cowards sold him. He just had to be patient.
Having meticulously completed his tasks,
Yasuked slapped himself righting his thoughts, centering his focus. Then he made his way to Mother Talzin's chamber. The metallic rattle of his chains echoed ominously through the dim corridors as he left the kitchen, passed the feeding area, and approached the looming entrance of the temple.
Darhomir, the planet he know inhabited was truly a depressing rock full of self-pretentious cult clans. They called it the Rancor planet, a planet teeming with dangerous life. They Rancors were the ones who truly ruled Dathomir, they were numerous, the only way to hunt them was when they were alone. The Nightsisters had tried to manipulate them into serving them but the semi-sentient beasts were force resistant to their magik. The red sun of Domir bathed the planet in a constant red glow, it churned the murky swamps the Nightsisters called their territory. Yasuke himself traveled through this murky swamp terrain on his way to Mother Talzin's temple. He warily eyed the multicolored pools of water near the walking path feeling the dangerous life that swam in its depths. He eventually passed the swamps reaching the rocky outcrops where the numerous members of the clan dwelled. He passed through heading for the rocky outcrops that ascended to Mother Talzin's temple. It was like a labyrinthine of paths, stocked with rituals, sparing nightbrothers and the sound of a forge creating weapons. His chains rattled loudly, they spotted him, their looks once curious changed immediately when they noticed who he was. As he walked passed the disdainful glares from Nightbrothers and Nightsisters accompanied him like a haunting melody, their sneers slicing through the air as he navigated the labyrinthine paths.
"Abomination."
"Cretin."
"Rotting meat."
Yasuke, bound by chains, the life of a slave was his fate, he lowered his head shielding his eyes, pressing on with a stoic resolve. Reaching the portico engraved with ancient symbols he was told he was not worthy of learning, he froze at the dark feeling leaching away at his strength. Like dark tendrils slowly creeping towards his body, digging through his skin to latch on to his soul.
It should been a familiar companion by now but it so wrong his body resisted automatically.
Yasuke walked under the portico the symbols glowing a dark green unbeknownst to him.
Ascending the 300 stairs, the ambient echoes of his footsteps mingled with the chilling whispers of the dark realm. Ornate statues, frozen in macabre poses, lined the ascent—depictions of the ominous creatures that once ruled Dathomir, Savage Rancors with barbs and four arms, A creature that looked like a fusion of a Krayt dragon and Chirodactyl with 6 large wings and the revered ancient Mothers of the Nightsisters. The stairs themselves bore the weight of history, carvings telling tales of great struggles etched into the stone with different dyes showing the craftsmanship closer to the pinnacle of the temple.
Yasuke, intimately acquainted with this arduous journey, recited the stories by memory as he climbed. The great amalgamation of beast with 6 wings was a
Finally, he reached the apex where the temple perched, its dark contours exuding an unmistakable aura of the Dark Side. The very essence of Dathomir pulsed through the air.
The four columns supporting the structure seemed entwined with the strongest Dathomirian wood, thick vines winding their way upward. The temple, suspended in a delicate balance between the physical and the supernatural, awaited Yasuke's arrival.
As he stepped into the shadowy interior, Mother Talzin's voice resonated, her presence a looming force that seemed to penetrate the very walls. "Yasuke," she intoned, her words weaving through the air like a dark incantation, "you are summoned. Come he apart of destiny."
As Yasuke traversed the hallowed temple, the air thickened with an unsettling symphony of disparate Force signatures. Ghostly apparitions, hungering for life, lingered in the shadows. His heightened senses allowed him to perceive these ethereal entities, their ghastly forms capable of consuming the minds of weaker Force users.
The oppressive weight of their dark presence attempted to erode Yasuke's mind, but he quickened his pace, focusing on inner peace to shield against their insidious influence. The spectral entities, though elusive, seemed to claw at the edges of his consciousness.
He could hear the demon guards being used by the other Nightsisters for pleasure, they were used as nothing more than flesh. A corrupted husk that birthed new denizens to be used by this disgusting clan.
Navigating past the pleasure rooms, Yasuke reached the threshold of Mother Talzin's chamber. The ominous atmosphere thickened as he entered, witnessing the culmination of a dark ritual. A younger boy, bound to a grotesque rack inscribed with ancient Nightsister glyphs, was caught in the throes of a Force-draining session.
Mother Talzin, draped in dark robes, stood before the boy, her dialect murmured like an incantation. A dark green energy seeped into her, a malevolent transfusion of stolen Force abilities. As the energy continued to feed her, a macabre metamorphosis unfolded. Grey hair turned to ebony, deep wrinkles smoothed into unblemished skin, and her hunched form transformed into a seductive silhouette adorned with curves.
The boy, once full of life, grew lifeless and pallid. His expression frozen in a grotesque tableau, he transformed into a purple husk, a vessel drained of vitality and consigned to eternal stillness.
Mother Talzin, her rejuvenated form emanating a sinister allure, turned to Yasuke with penetrating eyes. "Come, Yasuke," she uttered, her voice a dark melody.
Mother Talzin's smile, a sinister curl of satisfaction, lingered as she effortlessly turned the boy's husk into dust with a wave of her hand. Yasuke felt the echo of a young soul snuffed out in the living Force, a cosmic twinkle extinguished, and a pang of sorrow tightened his chest. In that moment all he knew was rage. Rage at this parasite thar fed on force users, rage that he was a slave for now, perhaps forever, rage that he was powerless to do anything to change his fate. For but a moment his eyes darkened with inexplicable darkness that sought to do nothing but destroy the being in front of him. Then he remembered where he was and worked to calm himself quickly,unfortunately his momentary lapse into anger didn't escape Mother Talzin's notice. The cruelty in her gaze deepened as she questioned, "Do you seek to avenge the boy, slave?" Yasuke, recalling the burns inflicted upon him in a previous challenge, burns that that hurt him whenever he bathes, burns that fed into his anger every day, quickly abandoned his anger and bowed in submission. "No, Mother Talzin," he replied, his voice a low murmur.
Her smile grew, an embodiment of malevolence, it promised pain. With an outstretched hand, Mother Talzin summoned a dark green orb, it slowlu spun in her palm, it seemed to dance in a hypnotic fashion, Yasuke followed it with his eyes, he was immensely curious about it yet wary. She launched it at Yasuke, it collided with his chest, sending him crashing into the far cobblestone wall. His agonized screams filled the chamber, a symphony of suffering. Green fire covered his chest, leaving burn marks, burning with no sign of it dissipating. She stared with a beautiful smile of satisfaction on her face as he continued to roll across the ground scratching the ground with all his strength as he screamed until his voice was hearse seeking an escape from the pain. She continued to stare until she grew bored turning away from him to walk back towards her contraption. The fire dissipated in that moment, leaving Yasuke a weak, unconscious mess.
Mother Talzin, with a mere wave of her hand, released the straps on the rack, manipulating the Force to position Yasuke's twitching body in the space once occupied by the boy's husk. Restraints wove around connecting to his shackles pulling his arms taunt above his head, rendering him vulnerable. If only the Jedi came to Dathomir, they could free all the slaves and put a stop to the Nightsisters. The Jedi are suppose to be the heroes of the galaxy, the check that balances all. If only I could better control my perception I could reach out to them. His desperation grew knowing the pain he would experience. Why can't I have the strength needed to be free! Why must I be confined to this hell, as her puppet! I want no I need strength to be free! I
Opening her palm again, another green orb formed. "Listen well, slave," Mother Talzin commanded. Yasuke was immediately startled out of his thoughts, not realizing how long he had fallen deep within them. "We of the night use the cosmic Force, imbued with the natural elements. The dying burn is an ancient ability. If I feed more cosmic Force, this tiny orb will grow drawing all the oxygen in the room, strengthening itself—a potent tool in the right hands."
Yasuke, despite the pain and fear, tried to conceal his curiosity. The potential of such power to overcome his oppressor flickered in his mind. Mother Talzin, sensing all his thoughts, found a welcome opportunity to show him despair, "Ah, curious and insightful, my favorite Yasuke. In time i will crush that shred of hope. The Jedi will never come here. Our use of the cosmic Force is known to the Jedi yet it does not destroy the balance they revere so they ignore us. Join me, and I can teach you to harness your full potential."
As Mother Talzin purred, her hand gliding across Yasuke's left cheek, he resisted the seduction of her offer. A frown barely marred her expression as she sensed his defiance. Yasuke, determined to shield his thoughts, faced the overwhelming presence of Mother Talzin, the very air stolen from his lungs by her palpable Force.
"I see that you are not yet ready," she sighed dramatically, her disappointment hanging in the air. "No matter, soon you will beg to learn this power."
Yasuke steeled himself, his mind racing with newfound determination. This encounter became the catalyst for a rudimentary plan forming in his thoughts—an escape, a rebellion against the darkness that bound him.
Mother Talzin, her fingers adorned with markings, waved her hand towards The rack, manipulated by her unseen influence, moved into the center of an ornate symbol carved into the floor. She began to chant, plump lips accentuating every word. Dark symbols on her body glowed in a malevolent dance, and slowly, Yasuke's Force energy, his very life force, seeped into her.
Groans of pleasure escaped Mother Talzin as she absorbed his essence, but Yasuke felt himself grow cold, his very soul torn apart. Unbearable agony engulfed him for hours. In the midst of the torment, fueled by hate, a singular thought echoed within him: "I will be the one to kill Mother Talzin." It became a mantra, repeated in the recesses of his mind, providing a sliver of resolve. The pain became unbearable, his body shaking in pain until he passed out.
Mother Talzin, doubled over as his force energy rose to overwhelmed her. Yasuke's strength in the Force tripled during the session, confounding her. She coughed harshly, a hand flying to her mouth was coated in blood then quickly concealed. She stopped chanting ending the ritual abruptly.
Yasuke, passed out, hung forward on the rack, suspended against the restraints. Mother Talzin, her once triumphant stance now replaced by discomfort, gazed at the unconscious form of Yasuke. The chamber, once filled with dark energy, now held an unsettling stillness, a precursor to the storm that brewed within the young slave's awakened spirit.
Mother Talzin, her hunger for power resembling a parasite finding a perfect host, marveled at Yasuke's form. "You truly are a vergence in the Force. How fortunate that I am the one who will gain from your servitude," she murmured with a predatory smile, her mind already weaving plans to elevate the cult of The Night to interplanetary dominion.
Looming over Yasuke's unconscious body, Mother Talzin sought to pierce the veil shrouding his thoughts, aiming to uncover his secrets, weaknesses, and fears that could bind him eternally to her will. "I can't have you plotting against me," she declared with a coy smile, using her long-nailed index finger to carve a symbol into his chest. Licking the blood, she closed her eyes, attempting to breach his mental shields, only to be violently repelled. A look of contemplation crossed her face, and with a dismissive air, she proclaimed, "It's a non-matter. With my symbol and his blood, the pact is assured."
Snapping her fingers, Mother Talzin summoned a Nightbrother into her room. Adorned in pitch-black armor radiating a green glow, his menacing yellow eyes barely visible in his helmet, he wielded a polearm with a formidable five-foot blade. This Nightbrother, Mother Talzin's demon guard, was the finest of warriors forged through the Fighting Pitts, having never been bested.
"I'm done with this slave," Mother Talzin declared, her voice commanding. "Deposit him in the Pitts for a week. If he survives, dump him in the forest for a month."
"Yes, Mother Talzin," the demon guard acknowledged, his loyalty and strength altered by mind-altering runes to serve her designs. In the realm of Dathomir, she wasn't just the mother; she was its queen, and her dominion extended beyond the shadows of the temple.
The demon guard, bearing Yasuke over his shoulder, strode through the corridors of Mother Talzin's temple, the sounds of pleasure rooms fading as he exited the entrance. Ghostly apparitions recoiled from the demon guard's armor as they attempted to touch him. Descending the aged stone stairs, he faced two divergent paths – left to the feeding area and slave quarters, or right leading to the city. Opting for the latter, the demon guard marched down the worn path, lined with chipped and missing stones, a testament to its age and the countless challengers who met their demise.
The remains of those who dared to defy Mother Talzin lay strewn along the edges of the path, decomposed skulls, warnings to tread carefully. The city, marked by ornate houses for higher-ranking Nightsisters, gradually gave way to shacks where individual slaves dwelled, forming a formidable barrier of a hundred interconnected hovels. Passing through the shantytown, they reached small villages covered by tarp roofs, providing a modicum of shelter from the acid rain that fell once every planetary cycle.
The demon guard's menacing aura startled the Nightbrothers who lounged in this area, compelling them to bow in deference as he pressed forward. Continuing through the village, they approached a massive hole, 200 feet across, known as the Pit of Hell. At its outskirts, a rope pulley cart awaited, ready to lower slaves into the arena where death awaited. Stands built atop the pit allowed spectators to watch slaves fight for their lives.
The demon guard unceremoniously dumped Yasuke into the cart, and it descended into the pit quickly. Joining the rest of the slave fighters awaiting their cruel fate of Dathomir's merciless trials.
As Yasuke's unconscious form descended into the Pit of Hell, the pulley cart swiftly lowered him, plummeting a hundred feet until he collided with the sandy ground. The impact sent dust billowing into the air, enveloping the area in an ominous haze.
Lying prone on the coarse sand, Yasuke's inert figure became the focal point in the shroud of darkness that gripped the pit. In the obsidian gloom, a myriad of eyes blinked open, their colors ranging from sinister reds to haunting greens. The various pairs of eyes, belonging to the other slaves and creatures lurking in the shadows, fixated on Yasuke's prone and unconscious form. The Pit of Hell, a domain where desperation and brutality danced hand in hand, awaited the awakening of its latest unwilling participant.
A hand shook Yasuke, rousing him from the darkness that surrounded him. Blinking his eyes, he struggled to see beyond a few torches leading to the entrance of the arena. The clawed hand shook him again, and a voice called out, "Brother Yasuke, Brother Yasuke."
With a groan, Yasuke stretched his limbs, moving into a sitting position. He reached out with his senses, the Force extending to connect with the 40 different creatures in the pit. "Tavee?"
"Yes! Yes! Yes, Brother Yasuke, it's me," Tavee, the young Geonosian with her left wing torn off, responded with a cheeky grin visible under her mandible in the dark. Yasuke gave her a flat stare, prompting her to break into tiny giggles. "Take a deep breath, what did I tell you about calling me that?"
"Hmmm, I think I forgot," Tavee replied, her cheeky grin persisting. Yasuke's stern gaze only fueled her amusement.
"Where are the others, Tavee?" Yasuke asked, the tone shifting to a more serious note.
"Only four of the kids are left. It's been 2 weeks fighting in the pit since I last saw you, Yasuke." Yasuke's frustration erupted as he punched the ground, sending sand exploding around him. "Damn that witch! I swear I'll kill her!" His rage reverberated through the pit, scaring its inhabitants as the Force responded to his emotions. Tears fell from his eyes, he was powerless to do anything for those kids and in return so many of them died. He aspired to be a Jedi yet all he could do was fail the ones who believed in him, who needed protection the most.
Exhausted and tear-streaken, Yasuke fell onto the sand, overwhelmed by a sense of loss. From his sash tied around his waist, he weakly pulled out a sack. "Here's some food for everyone. Hurry and take it to them before the next fights." Tavee accepted the sack with a sad nod, disappearing into the darkness to share it with the surviving children.
Wiping his eyes with a torn shirt, Yasuke let soothing determination fill him. Amidst the bleak circumstances of Dathomir's pit, where Mother Talzin orchestrated fights for amusement, Yasuke resolved to stay focused on his goal. He scanned the darkness, noting differing eyes watching him with a mix of interest and wariness – the new slaves. Yasuke stood up, stretching out his senses to find Tavee and the other children.
Clenching his hand, he felt the weakness in his body, yet his strength in the Force never felt stronger. A strange sensation lingered after his session with Mother Talzin – a stark contrast to the near-death experience he had endured before. Focusing his thoughts, he concentrated the Force to bolster his body, finding solace in its soothing embrace. A sigh of contentment escaped him, resonating with the stark reality of their existence in the pit of hell.
"The force is my ally. It's helped me survive this long. I'll keep growing stronger in its use until I can kill her. Until then, I have to do the best I can to make sure people survive. Unfortunately, she's right; the force has never shown me a future where the Jedi come to save us. No one else will take a stand against her or the clan of The Night, so I will. It feels impossible at times. Her strength seems infinite, but for those who don't have the will, I'll take that step for you." Yasuke clenched his fists tight, a pulse of calmness filling the area.
As he walked through the darkness, the eyes following him grew more alarmed, yet he pressed on, sensing the four children together in the Force. They sparkled like small planets being formed, their force ability budding soon to grow into a great flower. Reaching them, he found Theepp, a small Rodian, Klunout, a Jawa, Geto, a human child, and Tavee, the Geonosian, all four years his junior. He smuggled food down whenever possible, often fabricating opportunities for the clan of the Night to punish him for easier access to support then. They had nothing, no strength, no training just the desire to survive.
The children were frail, eating the gruel and bread like it could be their last meal, a horrific truth. Yasuke felt helpless, too weak to make a difference, too weak to save these children, too weak to do anything but smile at them. Yasuke stopped musing, reaching the kids sitting under a candle near the entrance. Their faces lit up as soon as they saw him.
"Brother Yasuke!"
"Brother!"
"Yasuke, sir!"
"Hehehe."
Yasuke couldn't bring himself to correct them. Tavee was different, she was always hyper and in a good mood. If he said something now it would only bring their moods down. He smiled, showing a big grin. "Hey, kids, how's the gruel?"
"Cold!"
"Like Banthashit."
"Language!"
"It was good."
Yasuke looked around, making sure to smile at each kid. "I'm glad you all liked it, minus the vulgar comments from our friend here," he tilted his head, indicating Geto, causing the others to giggle while Geto pouted. Yasuke roamed his eyes around landing on the quiet klunout who feeling eyes on him. hid his body in his small red cloak even further, his eyes barely peeking out.
"What? why are you looking at me?" His small shy voice called out. Yasuke regarded him for a moment, thinking of ways to break him out of his shell. Klunout had excellent senses, able to sense a small change In the environment immediately, it had saved Yasuke's life from the more dangerous people in the Pitt.
"Welllll I need your senses, have you checked out the slaves in the pitt currently? Anyone interesting? Anyone to be wary of?"
Klunout closed his eyes for a moment. Yasuke could feel the small bud of his force potential open up as it spread around the room.
"There's one, he feels like an old warrior, he's not afraid at all. There's a strange since of calm emanating from him."
Yasuke pondered what he said. Old warrior? Maybe someone who could help him learn to fight. He discretely roamed his eyes around the pit searching for who he could have been describing. Finding nothing he refocused on the kids.
"Way to be so vague klu!" Theep poked fun at him making faces that looked completely strange on a rodian. Klu made a bunch of random hand motions, shouting something vulgar in Jawanese that Theep responded too. They had arrived on Dathomir together. They never talked about where they were prior or how they had been sold to Dathomir. Yasuke could feel an immense sadness when they spoke in their nativee languages, A sad longing from both of them so he never brought it up. They had an innate closeness and Theeps teasing was the only thing that brought Klu out of his shell. Yasuke could feel through the Force that Theep did it on purpose, Klunout had a penchant for withdrawing himself from social contact. Yasuke refocused on the conversation only to sweatdrop when he heard them arguing about being faster eaters.
"Stooooop!" Tavee yelled. She was definitely the big sister of the group. The boys usually listened to her, she was the advocate always seeking out food, and offering protection even though she was the same age. Her wing had been ripped off by a guard when she tried to fly out of the Pitts the first night she had arrived. Yasuke still heard the sounds of her screams when he closed his eyes.
Yasuke regarded the children before him, so bright and full of life. He barely understood his own potential in the Force yet he yearned to teach them, to show them what they could do with it.
Yasuke opened his mouth to say something else when an arena guard wearing the traditional garb of a Nightbrother entered their room.
"SLAVES!! THE FIGHTING WILL BEGIN IN 30 SECONDS, GET READY!"
Yasuke frowned at the guard, his mind buzzing with possibilities of retribution,
The itch was there. He could reach out with the Force, it would be so easy, he could feel the luminescity of his life energy that glowed like a small candle. Yasuke felt the grip of the Force flow over the Nightbrother, he could do it right now, just a small nudged and he could break this evil garbage that thinks he has some kind of power over slaves. For a moment Yasukes eyes darkened and he slowly let his anger and rage build within him. The Nightbrother twitched feeling his muscles compressing on themselves, he coughed as his lungs constricted. He opened his mouth to say something, anything but no sound came out. Yasuke was slowly losing himself but the Force nudged him to focus on the present – the children, the other slaves, and how to help them survive. The children noticed his frown, their worry spiking, but he quickly transitioned into a confident smile, easing their concerns.
He let go of the Nightbrother who looked confused, not sure If what happened was real or an illusion. He quickly fled through the door.
Yasuke turned his attention to the children, his earlier anger and rage forgotten. He gently reminded them to eat everything as they continued scarfing down the bread.
"Everyone! We have to work together in the arena if we want to survive!" Yasuke shouted to the other slaves, receiving scoffs and mutters of denial. Their emotions revealed a self-centered approach to survival, understandable given the harsh circumstances.
The 4 young ones finished the meal they were given. They were malnourished, weak from the lack of food and surviving 2 weeks without him. He clenched his fists at the thought of them forced to survive cruel tests for others entertainment.
"Kids, we'll be entering the arena shortly. Stick with me. I'll do my best to keep you safe, and you help me do the same. Sound good?" A few hesitant nods signaled their agreement, though Yasuke remained concerned. It was a start.
As they stood, the four children and Yasuke made their way toward the door, joining other slaves who had gathered. Yasuke was trailing behind the kids, when exhaustion took a step and the world seemed to shift, his feet started to sink into the sand, the cave walls changed from a light clay red to a light Grey with a green glow emanating from behind him. He felt nauseous, disoriented, where was he? Why was he here? He tried to turn his head to find more identifying features but his body was locked. He fought with all his might to escape only to fail over and over. He felt himself start to panic, forced to endure whatever this was. Sweat built on his body soaking him when the soothing calm of the living Force washed over hum. He gulped the air greedily not realizing he had been holding his breath the entire time. Eventually his uneven breathing subsided and he was calm enough to understand what this was. The force was trying to tell him something.
A vision flashed before Yasuke – Geto dead, hanging by red claws. Yasuke felt himself tense up again, his hands clenching into fists, he stopped himself, remembering the cool calm feeling of the Force washing over him he copied that action. He connected with the Force shaking off the unsettling glimpse, Yasuke reached out to touch Geto's head but hesitated, his arm trembling. The vision lingered in his mind as he followed the children and other slaves through the large door.
"GO NOW, SLAVES! FIGHT OR DIE!" The Nightbrother's command echoed through the tunnel, leading them to the arena. With only two slaves fitting side by side, they ran down the tunnel bumping against each other, a few slaves missed a step and fell, no one helped them up. It was a somber moment for everyone, it was do or die. They either survived this trial and lived to hope another day or they died, becoming food for Dathomir. As they slowly started to exit the tunnel to enter the arena Yasuke could see the understanding, the despair on their faces. For a lot of them, there would be no tomorrow. Yasuke wanted to help them all. To use the Force to storm the temple, kill Mother Talzin and her Nightsisters and flee but he was too weak, that thought made him indescribably angry. He had to bide his time, using every moment to learn everything he could. Taking her offer was not an option, he's seen what she'd done to those that follow her, he would not become a slave. He'll find his own way and save as many as he can in the process. That thought steeled his eyes.
Gathering the children, Yasuke instructed them to stay toward the back of the arena behind the other slaves, he reassured them with a confident smile. Geto, Tavee, Theepp, and Klunout showcased a mix of bravery, terror, and camaraderie, they comforted each knowing they would survive just like the previous times.
Yasuke grappled with his own fears – was he strong enough to protect them? Should he have accepted Mother Talzin's offer? As doubts filled his mind, his body felt weak, maybe her power wss the answer, as that thought entered his brain, the demon queen herself arrived in the stands, ready for the spectacle.
"People of Dathomir, I bring you our entertainment for the evening. We have 40 slaves who will fight for their freedom and survival in the pit of hell!" The crowd erupted in cheers as Mother Talzin reveled in her power.
she smiled, proud of how she ruled the planet. The greed in her eyes grew greater. She wanted more followers, more people to worship her greatness. Her body started to heat up just thinking about everyone serving her. Her smile grew even more with a touch of madness that went unnoticed.
"I have prepared something special today. Let the games begin!" With a final shout, she took her seat on the golden throne, madness gleaming in her eyes. The Nightbrothers in the arena entered through small entrances, and on the opposite side, a great gate opened, releasing 20 lesser nydaks.
Weapons were thrown into the center of the arena, and the various slaves rushed toward them. Yasuke planned to circle around to the left to grab weapons when he realized Geto was missing. Frantically, he asked, "Where's Geto?" The others pointed ahead, and Yasuke looked up to see Geto running toward the weapons. "No!"
"Geto, come back!" Yasuke shouted, but his pleas went unheard. The lesser nydaks, drawn by the scent of the slaves, sprinted towards the group grabbing weapons. The lesser nydaks were semi-bipedalcreaturesnativeplanetDathomir. They hadbeigeand dark-gray skin and blackeyesseparated by bignostrils. The creatures had two largetuskson each side of theirmouth, and their jaws protruded slightly. Nydaks had sharp spikes on their arms and back, as well as a smaller spike on the outside of each foot. Their powerful forearms allowed them to climb and traverse across rough terrain. They had six fingers and toes, each with aclawat the end. Nydaks hadarmorplating on their backs, which ended in a short tail.
The lesser nydaks split off, with five of them charging toward a group of slaves who managed to secure ancient spears and swords. The slaves formed a defensive line, spears leading the way, their faces filled with a shaky confidence. However, their optimism crumbled when a spear thrust into a nydak's face only to be absorbed by its armor plating, shattering the spear. Fear rippled through the group, the line broke, and they scattered. Nearby nydaks seized the opportunity, pouncing on the vulnerable slaves. Limbs flew, blood spattered the ground, and the remaining 30 slaves felt the weight of true fear.
The crowd in the stands roared with delight, reveling in the brutality below. Meanwhile, the three children – Klunout, Tavee, and Theepp – trembled, clinging tightly to Yasuke's sash. They froze, unable to move, as despair and hopelessness enveloped the arena. The chaotic scene unfolded before their eyes, painting a grim picture of the pitiless reality they faced.
Yasuke, torn between the power of the Force and the responsibility to protect the children, felt the palpable fear of the remaining slaves. The children clung to him, their terror echoing through the Force. The conflict within him intensified – the potential to use the Force to make a difference was there, but abandoning the children, especially Geto, who exhibited determination, posed a moral dilemma. The choices before him weighed heavily, and the chaotic arena unfolded, demanding a decision that would shape the fate of those around him.
As Yasuke's mind swirled in indecision a pack of 3 lesser nydaks ran at full speed toward Geto and the handful of slaves he had joined up with. Nydaks were truly terror in a bidet form. They ran fast covering long distances easily, converging on his group quickly. Getos group moved quickly surrounding a nydak, they all attacked it at once, a few weapons shattering against its armor but a few were able to carve deep into its underbelly downing it for good. The slaves roared with victory, they continued the same strategy, killing two more nydaks. A group of 8 nydaks sensing the challenge turned towards their group heading toward them. Geto, somehow leading the group directed his group to fallback, using the wall to block off its attack areas.
Yasuke felt relief seeing their victory but couldn't shake the vision he had. He ushered the kids around to the left side.
A gate behind them opened up as a small Rancor stepped out roaring behind Yasuke and the children. The brown Rancor was 8 feet tall and dark brown. Yasuke turned to the children " Stay behind me and give me some space." The three kids fell back behind Yasuke as he stepped forward to meet the Rancor. The Rancor swiped its lumbering arms towards Yasuke who ducked under one, immediately jumping on top of the other. The Rancor roared angrily moving to bite Yasuke who flipped off, throwing his hand up he force pushed its arm into its mouth, it chomped down injuring its arm greatly. The Rancor roared angrily, then it started to whimper dragging its arm behind its self. It turned around to retreat, slamming into a locked gate. It grabbed the gate with its remaining arm, shaking it until a horrible bolt of lightning struck it shocking it for a few seconds. A Nightbrother wielding a arc staff on top of the pit of hell, standing on the edge in front of the stands had his staff pointed at the Rancor. The Rancor roared angrily, looking for a place to run only to get shocked again. It's shoulders slumped as if resigned to its fate. It turned around facing Yasuke again. It beat its chest charging towards him.
Yasuke let out a deep sigh. Is this all I can do at my current level? Kill or be killed? This Rancor does not want to fight. Yasuke could feel its desire to be free, to go back to its Forests, to be with its family to grow, hunt. He could also sense its determination, it was ready to do whatever it took to survive, it would kill them all if he did not stop it. Yet he felt sad at having to kill, killing another being forced to fight. His fists clenched tightly, this was her doing. He glanced up at her throne in the stands to see her sitting down flanked by her demon guards smirking. She wanted to push him to his emotional and physical limits. Fne, he relaxed his fingers as the Rancor reached him. He raised his right arm, the force coalescing around the limb into it seemed to flow around it at a fast rate. Yasuke slashed his arm straight down, cutting the Rancor in half. The two halfs collapsed beside him as be stood there silently for a few moments.
"I'm sorry I could not find another way."
Yasuke panted a bit as he walked away to join the three kids, they headed up to the weapons keeping a close eye on Geto to see Geto and his fellow slaves had pushed forward, into where the nydaks had grouped up. They took more losses as more slaves joined them. There were 20 slaves remaining, the 16 had grouped together to fight the last 10 of the lesser nydaks, when another gate to the east side opposite of where they were opened. From there a Nydak walked out, this one one was 9 feet tall and 13 feet long. It was pure red with armor that covered the entirety of its body.
Geto and his unit of slaves had killed 5 more lesser nydaks using hit and run tactics. They uses bait, a slave would attack it's face aggravating it then running it into a killzone of spears. With only 9 lesser nydaks left and a strategy that could best them a feeling of victory and hope blossomed in their hearts. The red creature was still a nydak, it would fall just like the others. That singular thought permeated the field.
Yasuke Theepp, Klunout and Tavee finally reached the ancient weapons. Yasuke picked up a 2 handed sword with a slight curve and single edge, theep picked up a spear and klunout picked up a bow. Yasuke kept an eyes on Getos group that had regrouped when they spotted the new gate opening.
She stepped out in the arena. It was so bright, she squinted her eyes until they adjusted. She could hear the prey making obscene noises. They were high above the arena, when they saw her they got louder. Did they think they were safe from her hunger? This was her territory. She took a deep sniff, ah young nydaks. She called to them. Together we will kill them all and make dathomir our new home. The red Nydak paused briefly, surveying the field. She let out a earth shattering roar that silenced, the stands, and the slaves. All eyes turned to regard her warily. The 6 remaining lesser nydaks immediately ran to her, bowing their heads in submission at her feet.
Getos group which had about 12 people of the remaining 17 slaves marched toward the red Nydak. Fear was radiating from them but so was determination, and their will to survive. The red nydak barked a few times, the lesser ones perking up, settingthemse in a strikinh position. They dug their heels in, a ferocious look on their beastly maw.
"Here they come, stick to the plan, we'll have 3 runners pull 2 each." A durg said as the others nodded."The red ones just bigger, we're smarter. Let's go!" Geto yelled with bravado rousing the other slaves.The 6 lesser Nydak's took off heading straight towards the group. The three runners, of Twi'lek, rodian and human origin each took a flank to harass the lesser nydaks into following them into the rows of blades that were waiting to end them one at a time. The lesser Nydak's followed each runner, the Twi'lek was the first one to circle back running into the killzone the group had set up when the red Nydak barked a few more times changing everything. The Nydak's following the Twi'lek broke off targeting the right size of the killzone instead of the middle forcing the zone to close to attack their back, as soon as they changed position the other 4 nydaks attack the back of the killzone immediately killing two slaves. They regrouped, encircling those four nydaks, a intense exchange happened, the group of slaves limiting their movikity, attack led tgeir legs first downing them, finishin off with a spear to each of tgeir geads to kill them. The stakes were incredibly high, Exhaustion started to set In. There was only three left 2 of the lesser Nydak's and the red one. The grouped formed a line, confused at first about their missing runners, they released too late they had been killed, their bodys laying lifelessly in the sand . There was only 8 of them left now. "Come on we have to help them brother Yasuke!" Tavee shouted at him startling him out of his daze. "Right let's go!" Yasuked handed Tavee a spear from the ground. The two lesser Nydak's were closing in on the group from their flanks. The red Nydak, watched with a bored look on its maw. The 2 lesser nydaks went to pounce when a human slave with shaved dark hair, red eyes and a strong build, adorned with scars from his forehead down to his visible stomach, tossed a spear that pierced through its back armor out of its chest killing it in one blow. He immediately retreated dissapearing in a cloud of dust that swept through the arena.Yasuke and the young ones reached one of the Nydak's, it hobbled with two arrow shots to the legs. It stumbled slowly allowing Yasuke to walked up to it amd with a swipe through its neck, severed its head ending it. Relief swept through them and the crowd started to boo at their survival. Yasuke, finally met up with Geto who had a defiant look on his face. "Geto, you should not have run off." "I had to help them! They deserve to live just as much as anyone else." "I understand that but you're young and inexperienced, what would-." Yasuke was cut off by Geto who's face had turned red."You're the problem! All that power and you do nothing!" Geto finished shouting, he was ashamed but too angry to take back his words. Yasuke flinched back as if slapped. He was hurt, but he steeled himself. Apart of him knew Geto was right and he was only doing what he thought was best, just as Yasuke had done. Yasuke opened his mouth to respond but Geto had walked away not wanting to hear anymore. "Damn it." Yasuke trailed behind him speed walking to catch up. *BOOOM*The red Nydak, with an almost casual indifference, had leaped onto a group of three slaves. The impact was swift and merciless, reducing them to nothing more than a grim smear of flesh and bone beneath the colossal creature's weight.The sickening sound of the impact echoed through the arena, sending shivers down the spines of those who witnessed the brutal demise. The crowd, initially disappointed by the survival of the slaves, now erupted into a frenzied mix of cheers and jeers at the violent spectacle.Yasuke clenched his fists, torn between the urge to confront Geto and the overwhelming reality of the relentless cruelty surrounding them. The pitiless display of power by the red Nydak served as a harsh reminder of the dire circumstances they faced on Dathomir, a world where survival meant navigating a twisted and brutal game dictated by Mother Talzin and her insatiable appetite for suffering.As Geto and the remaining slaves bravely moved to engage the red Nydak, the air thickened with tension. Their weapons raised, determination etched on their faces, they charged towards the colossal creature. The red Nydak, however, was swift and cunning.The massive beast swiped its clawed paw, sending two slaves flying with a horrifying force. The other two tried to flank it, but the Nydak anticipated their movements. With a thunderous roar, it lunged forward, jaws snapping shut on one unfortunate slave, instantly ending their struggle.Yasuke turned to Klunout, Theep, and Tavee. "Fall back out of sight guys, this creature is too dangerous." "What about you brother Yasuke!?" Tavee asked alarmed and shivering. Klunout and Theep risked a glance at the red behemoth feeling icy terror grip their bodys. He felt his eyes soften looking at the three of them. They wanted to stand their ground, to help him but he knew this was not their fight. They needed to survive and he would make sure they did. They were his tether to his humanity, his reason to not lose himself to darkness. He would protect them.Yasuke gently pushed them backwards, guiding them away from the chaos. He turned around to engage, to do anything he could do to help.The desire to save Geto and his comrades clashed with the fear of the red Nydak's power. He had never faced such a insurmountable task. How could he topple this beast? Spears broke against its armor, it's intelligence saw through most strategies, its striking distance increased with its speed every moment.He was deep in contemplation when the Red Nydak focused its menacing gaze on Geto. It lunged forward, using its hind legs to propel itself at immense speed, Yasuke driven by instinct, tapped into the Force."Geto!" Yasuke shouted, jumping into the fray he used he Force to propel Geto away from the impending danger. The young slave sailed through the air, narrowly escaping the Nydak's next brutal strike. Yasuke, however, stood his ground, facing the monstrous creature alone.The red Nydak turned its attention to Yasuke, its predatory gaze locking onto him. The crowd's excitement reached a fever pitch as the lone slave confronted the beast. Yasuke, undeterred, raised his weapon, preparing for the inevitable clash with the ferocious Nydak.As the red Nydak lunged at Yasuke, its massive form a blur of aggression, Yasuke's mind swirled with force visions – grisly images of his own demise. In the midst of combat, he tapped into the precognitive glimpses, relying on the Force to guide his movements.The Nydak's powerful jaws snapped shut where Yasuke had just been, missing him narrowly. He sidestepped a ferocious claw swipe, the Force visions playing out the consequences of being caught in its deadly path. His agility and reflexes were heightened by the foreseen dangers.In the dance of combat, Yasuke anticipated each move, seamlessly dodging and parrying the Nydak's onslaught. The creature, frustrated by its inability to land a fatal blow, roared in fury. Yasuke's connection to the Force provided him with a fleeting advantage, allowing him to elude the creature's deadly attacks.The audience, initially reveling in the carnage, grew restless as Yasuke continued to evade the red Nydak's strikes. The air crackled with tension, the force visions guiding Yasuke through the chaotic ballet of survival. Each step, each twist, was a calculated response to the brutal fate foreseen in his visions.Yasuke, guided by the Force and the visions it bestowed upon him, executed a daring maneuver. As the red Nydak unleashed a powerful dual-arm swipe, he leaped into the air, narrowly avoiding the deadly onslaught. The force visions flashed multiple outcomes – one where his legs were severed, another where he was swatted to the ground. He trusted the Force, choosing the path that allowed him to survive.Mid-air, Yasuke's grip tightened on his two-handed sword, the visions guiding him to intercept the Nydak's attack. The creature, anticipating an easy victory, smirked with its savage maw as it swung both arms towards Yasuke. In a swift and calculated move, Yasuke brought down the blade, cutting deeply into the palm of the red Nydak's right arm.Leveraging the wounded limb, Yasuke pushed off and somersaulted behind the creature, landing in a controlled roll. As he rose, the two-handed sword remained poised in front of him. The red Nydak, confused by the unexpected injury, stared at its bleeding hand, unable to comprehend how a mere human had managed to inflict such damage. The arena fell into a momentary hush, the audience and the Nydak alike registering the unexpected turn of events.As the red Nydak's rage reached its apex, spike-like protrusions erupted from its entire body. Yasuke, attuned to the Force, received a chilling vision – the spikes were transforming into deadly projectiles, targeting every remaining slave in the arena. Driven by the desire to save them, he harnessed the Force to enhance his agility, attempting to reach the endangered slaves.However, despite his swiftness, the spikes proved too fast. One after another, they struck down the remaining slaves with ruthless precision. Yasuke, witnessing the tragedy unfold before him, changed course, grabbing Geto, dashing to Tavee, Theep, and Klunout. The spikes continued their deadly trajectory, guided by the red Nydak's malevolent intent.In a desperate bid to shield the children, Yasuke threw Geto behind him, along with Theep, Tavee, and Klunout. With a swift motion, he planted his sword into the ground, raising both hands to focus on creating a barrier. The spikes, resembling a swarm of lethal hornets, sliced through the air, guided by the red Nydak's relentless fury. Yasuke strained against the Force, attempting to shield the young lives behind him from the impending onslaught.The air crackled with the chaotic energy of the spikes hurtling toward Yasuke's hastily erected barrier. Each projectile bore the red Nydak's rage, seeking to pierce through and claim its victims. The Force resonated with the impending doom, echoing the urgency of the situation.As Yasuke strained to uphold the barrier, beads of sweat trickled down his forehead. The spikes collided with his Force shield, producing an unsettling symphony of metallic impacts. Yasuke's eyes narrowed in focus, his entire being immersed in the struggle against the relentless onslaught."Brother Yasuke, can you really stop them?" Tavee's anxious voice cut through the din, her wing quivering with fear."I... I'll do my best. Just stay close," Yasuke replied, his words laced with determination. He straightened his pains, the shield solidifying around him expanded slowly.Theep, Klunout, and Geto huddled behind Yasuke, their eyes reflecting a mix of hope and trepidation. The force field wavered under the relentless assault, but Yasuke refused to yield.Sweat-soaked and breathing heavily, Yasuke's connection to the Force became a lifeline, a conduit through which he wrestled with the impending doom. The spikes persisted, probing the limits of his abilities, threatening to breach the protective cocoon he'd woven."Brother Yasuke, we believe in you," Geto declared, his voice steady despite the chaos unfolding.Yasuke's jaw clenched, his gaze fixed on the barrier's shimmering surface. "I won't let anything happen to you."The red Nydak's roar reverberated through the arena as it continued to unleash its deadly arsenal. Yasuke, fueled by a blend of desperation and determination, strained to hold the barrier intact, refusing to succumb to the impending catastrophe. The fate of the children and himself hung in the balance, a precarious dance between survival and the unrelenting wrath of the red Nydak.Exhaustion weighed heavily on Yasuke as the barrage of spikes finally ended. He lowered the barrier, beads of sweat dripping down his fatigued face. The red Nydak, sensing his weakened state, roared in triumph, confident that its prey was finally within reach. The crowd's fervor intensified, a cacophony of cheers echoing through the arena, eager for the impending showdown.Yasuke, however, refused to yield to despair. With a determined breath, he grabbed his two-handed sword raising it toward the beast, gripped tightly in his hands. The blade gleamed under the harsh arena lights, a glint of defiance in the face of imminent danger."Come on, then. Let's finish this," Yasuke muttered, a quiet vow that resonated with unwavering resolve.The red Nydak, fueled by primal instincts, stalked closer, its massive form casting a looming shadow over Yasuke. The air vibrated with tension as the two adversaries prepared for the final confrontation. Yasuke's muscles ached, his body protesting each movement, his arms shook with the effort to hold his sword, but his spirit remained unbroken.As the red Nydak lunged forward, Yasuke met the assault head-on. He stepped to the left throwing a slash to his right pushing the behemoths maw away from him. The red Nydak attempted to grab him with both arms like a bear hug seeking to extinguishing Yasuke's life. Yasuke focused the Force around his blade, squat low and exploded off the ground towards the right arm, he brought his blade up before it could bring its arm back, swiping down and severing it at the bicep with one strike, Yasuke slid on the dirt, pivoting around he attacked again cutting across the Nydaks back with shallow wounds."The damn armors too tough." He swore jumping back to dodge a swipe of its left arm. The crowd's cheers intensified, they wanted blood and excitement. They wanted to see death! Sweat mingled with the dirt on Yasuke's brow as he danced with the beast, each strike of his sword a testament to his resilience. The red Nydak, though formidable, found a formidable opponent in Yasuke, whose connection to the Force guided his movements with a grace that defied his physical weariness."Yasuke! You can do it!" Tavee's voice rang out, her wings buzzing with encouragement.Theep, Klunout, and Geto joined the chorus, their voices cutting through the din of the crowd. "You've got this, Brother Yasuke!"The red Nydak, sensing its prey's defiance, roared with fury. Yasuke, though battered and weary, stood firm, his blade poised for another attack, though Yasuke's exhaustion won out as he stumbled falling on to his face. The red nydak injured but still able to fight roared In victory, it took two large steps looming over its prey ready to consume him. Yasuke rolled onto his back looking up at the menacing beast. Yasuke did everything he could. He pushed his body far beyond its limits. He wanted to get up but he couldn't even twitch his hand. Yet a voice inside of him screamed to keep fighting. To stand up and grasp victory, to protect your friends until the end. Yasuke needed strength. He didn't want anyone else to die. He didn't want to die! The force is my ally so please help me!"Get up, kid!" The cry echoed through the arena as a seasoned slave, covered in scars, emerged from the ground like a phantom. With a swift and accurate throw, he sent a spear hurtling through the air, piercing the back of the red Nydak straight through with remarkable precision and strength. The creature roared in confusion and pain, its once overwhelming dominance now compromised. It glanced down seeing the spear sticking out of its body, it could feel weakness grip its soul but it was not ready to give up yet. It would conquer.Yasuke, who moments ago seemed resigned to his fate, felt a surge of renewed hope. The force, answering his plea, gave him the strength to rise. Determination etched across his face, he grabbed his two-handed sword, draggingit behind him at first until he found the strength to wield it. He jumped dodging the red Nydaks claw, he forced his body into a spun allowing momemtum to be his power, he ended his spin bringing his sword straight down, the sword cleaved through the air, finding its mark as it severed the red Nydak's head from its body. The crowd erupted into a mixture of cheers and gasps, astonished by the unexpected turn of events. Yasuke, despite his exhaustion, stood victorious over the fallen beast.Theep, Klunout, and Tavee watched in awe as their "Brother Yasuke" emerged triumphant. The slave who had intervened approached Yasuke, his face a testament to the harsh trials he had endured. "You fought well, kid," he muttered, acknowledging Yasuke's resilience.Yasuke, catching his breath, surveyed the arena. The once chaotic battleground now lay in silence, the red Nydak defeated and the slaves' fate hanging in the balance. Geto, who had witnessed the entire spectacle, wore a complex expression – a blend of awe, envy, and perhaps a newfound understanding of the strength he sought.Yasuke breaths ragged faced the old warrior. "You saved my life old guy, who are you?" "Just a warrior of old, now a slave."