Chapter 51: The Ritual

The locals called it…the blasted land.

It had been here that the Kaii, on the behalf of their friend, the Jedi Master Venari, had tried to stop the black witch and her allies. It was here that the people had hounded the sorceress and her allies, fighting bravely with both their own skills, the Force, and under the protection of the old Jedi's battle meditation.

Beneath the yellow sky of their world, they had attacked the witch again and again, trying to slay her, or drive her away, either would have served. Either would have protected the Jedi that had come to live among them, and aid them in their times of need.

Avaryss had heard this story from Necris, who had heard it from several of the Kaii they had captured since coming to this world.

The dark lord had chuckled.

The story…amused her…

Black witch?

She had been called worse.

The story was a good edition to her legend…

…especially the ending.

She was quite fond of how the story ended.

A world ravaged, a Jedi Master destroyed, and a people driven to madness.

Not a bad piece of work for one who had not even achieved the rank of lord, but she had done it just the same.

Yet, right now, it was not the past and the stories of it that interested her.

No.

The ritual was all that mattered at that moment.

The Stolen Heart made its way through the dark skies, skies only now starting to lighten. Dawn was not far off, and the Sith and her party needed to be ready.

The ritual had to be performed at the end of night, as the first rays of the sun peaked over the horizon, or so Darth Hecaetus' notes had suggested.

In the name of success she was willing to put up with a little theatricality.

If she had to do this at dawn so, be it.

Who was she to question.

As they finally emerged over the blasted land, looking down upon the devastation. Avaryss could not hide her smile.

It was good to see that her work had born such fruit.

Seeing the barren ground, how the great forest had been blasted away, a slight chill ran down her spine.

Her memories rose up again, and with them a sense of satisfaction.

This place stood as proof to something she believed with all her heart.

The dark side…could not be denied.

The forest was slow to recover from the blast of dark side energy she had unleashed here all those years ago. The plants that did return were stunted, and changed by the wave. The dark side was now bound to this place, and it affected everything in close proximity to where she had unleased the spell.

As for the people, the Kaii, they had undergone their own transformation. The spell had driven about a third of their population mad, setting off a civil war among the villages. Those now bound to the dark side attacking their light leaning neighbors.

Necris had compiled a great number of reports about the fighting, taken holos of it.

The dark side Kaii were vicious, and despite being outnumbered they managed to do well against the rest of their people.

Necris' soldiers had managed to capture about twenty of them. She thought they may serve well as a type of guard animal. They were certainly no longer sentient. The dark side had filled them with an unreasoning rage.

A useful thought, the dark lord mused.

She would consider it, as they moved forward.

As for Necris, Rink and the rest of their crew. She had advised them to move their base. Off world would be best, but if that wasn't possible, then…perhaps the other side of the planet.

Once the ritual was completed, others would come, they would seek to understand what had been done here.

It was better that her allies be far away when that happened.

She couldn't say that she trusted Necris, not completely, but she was willing to give the Devish a chance.

As for her desires, all she wanted in exchange for her aid, was a place in the government that Avaryss would build. It was an easy reward to bestow, considering what would come to pass when all the keys were hers.

At least, she had not made the same mistake that Dym and Phylon had.

Avaryss didn't like destroying things that were useful. She found it wasteful.

She would not destroy a possible ally, until she was sure that they weren't one.

So far, Necris was proving useful, if nothing else, she informed her about House Feer, the local's infighting, and the exact location of the Sith shrine she sought.

That last piece of information being the most important of all.

Yes.

That spot where she had unleashed her power, that very spot, was where the group was heading now.

After joining the dark council, she had ordered the construction of a small shrine here, meant to focus and amplify the dark side energies.

There had been no chance to visit before now, even with the work being completed over a year ago.

Only now, had she been able to return.

That shrine would serve as the focus for today's ritual, and with it, Avaryss would finally be able to see the locations of the remaining two keys.

We will need to move fast when the ritual was done, she thought to herself.

The galaxy was spinning faster than she had hoped.

She had been too focused on the Zakuul and Fenn of late.

The galaxy had changed while she had been away, her enemies within the empire were moving again, and making gains.

She would need to take steps to stop them.

House Feer chief among them.

The very thought annoyed her, she had been too gentle with Feer's holdings, she realized that now.

She would not make that mistake again.

Again, she could almost see her master's face, his cruel smile setting her very nerves on edge.

Even in death, Darth Feer held a hold on her imagination.

"You should not be surprised, my child," the shade said, "House Feer was never going to simply fade away, Synestra and I worked too hard for that to occur."

She could see his smirk.

"You were a fool to underestimate it."

Avaryss frowned.

No. She had not been a fool, she had been…sentimental, after slaying both her son and husband, she had felt…pity for Synestra. As one who desired to be a mother, her losses touched a part of Avaryss that shouldn't have been part of the equation. Between that, and the request of Cynn Feer to be merciful, Avaryss had caved. The younger Feer had served her well, and deserved to be rewarded.

A reward that was now turning out to be a mistake.

Well, lesson learned, she thought.

Next time, she would not be so forgiving.

Captain Valenthyne brought the ship around. They did a quick circle of the area, looking for a safe spot to set down.

Avaryss pointed.

There...

That one would do nicely.

Captain Valenthyne brought them in. They had located a large mushroom near the site, its cap more than large enough to serve as a landing pad for their ship.

As always, the woman put it down with the skill that even the most jaded of pilots would admit it was well done.

As they settled in, Avaryss turned to the Colonel.

According to the computer, they had under an hour to finish setting up the ritual.

They would need to hurry.

"We will begin as soon as everything is set."

He nodded, but she sensed some trepidation.

"Yes," she asked.

His brow furrowed in thought.

"How destructive is this ritual going to be," Capistan asked her.

"I can't imagine that playing around with this type of energy can be good for this world."

She smiled.

In this, she could be truthful.

The Sith were not always about destruction after all.

"The ritual will cause no damage, you have my word," Avaryss reassured him, "Using the shrine as a focus, all the energies here will be directed outward, and off planet. Those energies will expand off world, and send a signal to the final keys not in our possession.

"Those keys will be awakened just long enough to give me a general idea of their location, from there…we will need to move swiftly to collect them."

The colonel nodded.

"Like pinging a satellite?"

"Exactly."

The old soldier leaned back in his chair. She could see that he didn't like this, but he was smart enough to know that they didn't have much choice.

"Well," he said, "here is hoping that anyone else hunting these damn things isn't paying attention. Considering what I have heard and seen, these keys should never have existed, it will be better for everyone when they are no longer in the wild, and safely under lock and guard."

Avaryss smiled.

"I couldn't agree more, Colonel."

She turned to Master Onno.

"I don't expect trouble from the locals, Necris informed me that they have learned to avoid this place, but you may still wish to keep your friends on stand-by. This planet was dangerous before this nexus was formed, who knows what else might have sprung up so close to it."

"We are ready," the Rodian assured her.

"You may act without fear."

Avaryss snorted at that.

A Sith felt no fear, they WERE fear.

What she felt now was…concern, and that was always acceptable.

Considering the forces that were against them, it was better safe than sorry.

Capistan stared out the window, taking in the devastation.

He shuddered.

"You said this place was important, did the empire leave any means of defending it. I don't see anything.

Avaryss snorted.

"A single guardian protects the shrine, but that won't be a problem. The guardian is sworn to me, and is unable to do me harm."

You certain about that?"

"Positive."

Again the old soldier nodded, and waved her off, a dismissive gesture.

She accepted it, and the trust that came with it.

She understood how the Colonel felt.

Nothing about this was ideal, but they were now committed.

What happened next, would happen.

She made her way out of the cockpit, the others would be waiting for her, they already had their instructions, how to prepare the shrine for the first stage of the ritual.

She checked the time again.

Dawn was drawing closer.

They…would have to hurry.

IOI

Like the master she was, Avaryss strode among fellow Sith, directing them to finish their work.

The summoning circle was completed within the shrine, and the others knew where to stand within once the ritual began. The circle would draw off the shrine. It would gather all the necessary energy it needed to send the signal. To call out to the other keys.

As for the ones in their possession, they were next to her. The case containing the three keys was at her feet. The colonel had given her the code to open it, finally.

Almost ready, and just in time.

Again, she looked towards the distance, the sky lightening every minute.

She sighed.

They would be cutting it close.

She reached out with the Force again, seeking the Guardian of the Shrine.

Again, she sensed nothing.

She continued to pace.

They could do this without her, but her power in the dark side would serve well, the more Sith in the circle, the more likely she would locate the keys quickly.

Could she be dead, the dark lord wondered, this place was quite dangerous.

The thought died the moment she had it.

The guardian was not dead, at least, she didn't think she was.

She was just seeking to frustrate her master. She couldn't physically harm the dark lord, so she had to settle for annoying her.

Typical of the creature, and why she had been sent here.

She was far too treacherous to trust with anything more important.

Guard dog was the safest job that Avaryss could have trusted her with.

A job she had done well, considering the array of bodies around the structure.

The remains of half a dozen Kaii and Sith soldiers, Necris' people, surrounded the shrine, offerings left for the dark side, offerings drained of blood.

She shook her head.

Her guardian did have an interesting diet, but that didn't matter right now.

Damn it all!

Where the hell was she?!

"Master?"

She turned to see Zay; the young girl radiated excitement. She was practically buzzing right now.

The dark side was so strong here, all of them were enjoying a boost from its power.

All, but one…

Temmin stood apart, watching the tree line for any possible attack.

He was as uncomfortable as the Sith were empowered. The boy looked like he was about to jump out of his own skin.

A shame Avaryss thought, for one of the old-blood.

She turned back to Zay.

"Yes?"

"Master, I…I need you to help me with Temm."

"How?"

Zay's smile turned predatory.

"I want you to show me how you did it. How you turned Master Fenn."

The girl licked her lips, excitedly.

"I think it is time for Temm to join us."

Avaryss glanced up at the young man. Given his size, and the strength he would grow into, he would be a great asset.

However, what Zay wanted wasn't in her power, not yet.

"I can't help you, apprentice," she said.

Zay's eyes narrowed.

"Won't or can't?" she demanded.

"Can't," Avaryss responded putting a bit of an edge into her voice.

She didn't like the girl's tone.

"What happened with Fenn was not just a matter of my abilities. The bond between us is strong, very strong. It was potent enough that I was able to fill our connection with dark side energy. I changed his eyes, and started him down the path."

She glanced up at Temm.

"Your connection to that boy is not that strong, young one, not yet, anyway."

Zay frowned, she wasn't pleased with the answer, but she was smart enough not to try and argue the point.

Avaryss couldn't do it, she knew that much.

But with time, and Fenn's help, once he finally accepted what he was…

…maybe…

Temmin continued to pace, he seemed on edge, as if expecting an attack.

Avaryss reached out with the Force again, she sensed no Kaii near them, but that didn't mean that there was nothing dangerous close by. They…

A figure stepped out of the shadows of several of the large mushrooms, it stopped just short of the perimeter of the tree line.

Temmin saw it first, and drew his blade.

"Not one step further," he shouted.

The figure laughed.

"Funny, I was about to say the same thing."

Avaryss turned.

She sighed with relief.

Finally.

The guardian had finally decided to honor them with her presence.

Avaryss was a bit surprised, what she saw made little sense.

Agony noticed it too, as the guardian emerged from the shadows.

She blinked.

"Nass?"

"Hey, Tay," the red-haired young woman said, flashing that cruel smile that Avaryss remembered so well from her student years.

She turned to the dark lord.

"Farm girl," she said.

Avaryss glared.

"Lord Avaryss to you, Abominus," she growled.

Abominus, the creature that had been born of the blood of their old, dead, ally Nass smirked.

"Of course, my lord, of course," she said offering a bow.

"Where are my manners."

The dark lord sneered.

Abominus was a creature born of the foulest alchemy.

Manners were the least of her concerns.

"A most interesting glamour you have conjured, monster," the dark lord said.

"I'm impressed."

Abominus shrugged.

She did look exactly like Nass, that same pug nose, and sly smile. She wore black leggings and a loose-fitting top, a long black cape draped over her shoulders.

Not a cape, Avaryss realized, but her wings, folded up and glamoured to hide the beast within.

Nass' father had created Abominus in a growing tank, similar to the one that had birthed Shyra Viel years earlier. Inquisitor Chayn had hoped to restore his lost child, but had birthed only monsters.

Abominus was the last, and the most advanced. She possessed many of Nass' memories, thanks to Avaryss and Taya. She was also skilled with a lightsaber, and knew quite a few Sith disciplines.

Skilled enough be named a lord, but more dangerous than a Sith Marauder.

Avaryss had bound her using Sith magic, but that didn't mean that she trusted the beast.

She was just another weapon, and a lethal one at that.

All you had to do was look at the bodies around the shrine to realize that.

"I had a lot of time on my hands, babysitting your shrine," the creature said, inspecting her nails.

She smiled up at her savior and master.

"So, what brings you here?"

"The time has come, beast," the dark lord said.

"The time of my ascension is close at hand."

the monster snorted.

"Geez, Avy, were you always so melodramatic."

She looked at Zay and Temmin.

"Cute kids, are they to be my snack?"

She snarled, showing a mouth full of jagged teeth.

Both apprentice and padawan went for their weapons.

Avaryss waved them off.

Abominus was simply being difficult.

She would not disobey though, she couldn't.

The disguised monster turned back to her master.

"So, you are actually going to do this, you came here to cast some ritual?"

"Why else seek out a shrine," Avaryss shrugged.

She looked down at her monster, her servant.

"And you are going to aid me."

Abominus snorted.

"It is not like I have a choice, is it?"

"No," Avaryss replied.

"You don't."

Abominus sighed, and shook her head.

She let the glamour fall away, revealing her true shape, the huge bat like wings, the misshaped head, the taloned hands and feet.

She glared at Avaryss.

"Very well, shall we begin?"

"Indeed," the dark lord said motioning to the others to gather round, all but Temmin approached, and he watched them with a sense of trepidation.

The dark lord stepped into the circle, standing at its center. The other Sith taking up position, across from one another like points on a compass.

Avaryss gestured with the Force, unlocking the case, and summoning the keys.

They rose into the air, one by one, all singing their dark tune.

They spun around the outside of the circle floating, taking up positions like spokes on a wheel.

Taya, Xen, Zay and Abominus all dropped to their knees, and entered a meditative trance, at the direction of their lord and master.

Avaryss smiled.

In the distance...the first rays of dawn hit the land.

At last.

It was time…to begin.

From the center she began the chant, the words taken from the notes of Darth Hecaetus. Her fellow Sith took up that chant, she had taught it to them before they left. Abominus had hesitated at first, but she quickly picked up on the words as well. Soon she was chanting along with the others.

Avaryss took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

Already, she could feel the power gathering, the keys' song growing louder and louder.

She began to gesture, drawing sigils of power in the air. The dark side continued to build. Overhead, thunder rumbled.

As the power continued to grow, she could sense the other members of their party. Valenthyne and Capistan were watching from the bridge of the Stolen Heart. Master Onno had joined Temmin on the ground, more machine than organic being, she could sense his link with his droids, their connection almost symbiotic now, far more than mere creator and creation.

The air grew colder.

Avaryss called out to her followers.

"Feel the wonder of the dark side! Forget your own grudges and ambitions for a moment, become one with me, and together, all we seek will be ours!"

"All we seek will be ours," they repeated.

Avaryss closed her eyes, and reached out with the Force.

The energy flowed through her, the keys' song penetrated her flesh and bound her to it.

She gasped; her breath steamed from between her lips.

Her eyes glowed like two yellow suns!

"This isn't going to work," Darth Feer's voice called out, trying to distract her.

"You aren't strong enough!"

She ignored him, focusing entirely on the ritual.

She let the dark side take her, it lifted her almost a full meter in the air.

The song of the keys grew louder.

Avaryss' very will was caught up in the song. She was but an instrument.

And the dark side was playing her song.

She was no longer a person; in that moment she was merely an extension of the dark side.

The power continued to build and build…

...Finally, she stretched out her right hand.

She reached out for the stars!

She reached out, and sang.

She sang the song of Darth Hecaetus!

The song of his keys.

The three in her hands joined in. They sang out throughout the cosmos.

The song vibrated across the stars.

Avaryss' eyes opened, she followed the song, like a hawkbat followed its own screech in search of prey.

She sang, and then…and then…

She gasped.

Something sang back!

She felt it.

Two new voices added to the harmony.

The last two keys.

Where are you, she thought.

SHOW ME!

WHERE!

ARE!

YOU!

Her mind was pulled across the gulf of space, moving faster than even hyperspace could carry her.

She…she saw it.

She saw it all.

She…knew…

She giggled.

She saw a great temple built on a high plateau. She saw the banner of the Empire blowing in the breeze.

She knew the place; she had been there.

Lord's Reach.

The fourth key was hidden somewhere in the Academy of Lord's Reach!

Her mind whirled, it shot off like a missile.

She found herself floating in the void of space, in sea of debris, a massive graveyard of starships! Republic and those bearing the mark of Revan and Malak's failed Sith Empire.

In the distance, she could see a yellow star burning, once a massive space station had floated over that star, feeding on its power.

The Star Forge, she realized.

The station was long gone, but the echo remained, and somewhere in the wreckage of the ships orbiting the planet Lehon, the fifth key awaited her touch.

It called to her, wanting to find its way back into her grasp.

She cried out in pleasure!

Lord's Reach and Lehon.

She knew the location!

She knew where her victory would be found!

She…

She…

She gasped.

She was not alone, another was with her, he had been with her all along.

Somewhere, far away, Darth Feer smiled.

He looked at her, no longer a shade, no longer a memory but a physical being!

He was watching her.

He had been watching her from the very beginning.

He LIVED!

No, she thought.

NO!

IMPOSSIBLE!

YOU'RE DEAD!

He smirked.

"We both know that death is not the end, apprentice," her master purred.

NO!

It wasn't possible!

IT WASN'T!

SHE HAD CUT OFF HIS KRIFFIN HEAD!

"Anything is possible, my dear," he said.

And then…Darth Feer reached out, as he had done many times during her apprenticeship. He reached out and seized her mind.

Her shields had been down. All her will focused outward.

He stomped on her mind, her will!

Darth Avaryss screamed.

"You betrayed me. You betrayed our deal, but fear not. I will not kill you, yet," he vowed, "You know more about these toys than I do."

He chuckled.

"I will find the final two, and then…you will bring me the other three, and…at long last. I will rule the galaxy!"

She gasped, trying to fight back, push back the pain!

"Did you forget," he growled, "You are mine; you will always be mine! Body and soul!

NOOOOO!

"Yes, apprentice, oh, yes."

The pain was like daggers in her skull.

She…

UHHHH!

Everything was fading.

She…she…

NO!

It can't be!

He can't be alive!

"Thank you, my daughter," he said, "You have made your father proud, one more time."

She snarled in fury!

"KRIFF YOU!"

"Until next time, my child," he said with a gesture.

Something twisted in her mind.

She cried out and fell.

Distantly she could hear Zay. Crying out her name.

She couldn't respond.

The darkness wrapped around her.

No.

He can't be back!

He can't.

"Farewell, my child," Feer said, his presence withdrawing from her mind.

"Remember, your father still loves you."

Avaryss collapsed, her mind caught in a seizure.

Her last thought was of Feer. She wouldn't die, not yet.

Not until he was done torturing her.

"Good bye, daughter."

"I'll be seeing you soon."

The world spun around Avaryss…and then…

…nothing.

Gone.

Finished.