A Birthday Surprise
It had been close to four years since Darth Vetris had made a deal with Watto to free Shimi and Anakin. During that time, Vetris had quietly and carefully begun training Anakin in the ways of the Force, balancing what he believed to be the best of both the Sith and Jedi traditions. With Anakin's birthday approaching, Vetris knew it was time to take the next step: officially claiming Anakin as his apprentice.
This desire had led him back to Dathomir, where the dark skies and foreboding atmosphere felt like a second home. Dressed in his full Sith attire, his cloak trailing behind him as he stood waiting, Vetris felt the weight of the decision before him. Anakin was powerful, but whether he would accept the darkness within him was still uncertain.
He needed the blessing of his master, Darth Tanya, before making this commitment.
A Nightsister approached, her voice respectful yet hushed. "Lord Vetris, Lady Tanya is ready to see you."
"Good," Vetris replied, his gaze sharp beneath his hood. "We are not to be disturbed unless it's important."
"Yes, mi'lord," she said with a bow, before retreating back into the shadows.
Vetris took a breath, centering himself, and began his walk toward his master's chamber. Darth Vetris bowed slightly as he stood before Darth Tanya, his master's presence as imposing as ever.
"Vetris, how have you been?" Tanya asked, her tone calm yet commanding.
"I've been well, master. Thank you," Vetris replied, his voice steady, but a hint of tension betrayed the gravity of his thoughts.
"There is something I wish to discuss with you," Vetris continued.
"Of course," Tanya said, turning her piercing gaze on him fully. "Tell me, what troubles you?"
"Anakin will be nine soon," Vetris began. "I wish to make him my apprentice."
Tanya studied him, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You want my blessing, I take it?"
"Yes, master," Vetris affirmed, meeting her gaze with resolve.
"You know," Tanya said, her voice turning thoughtful, "an apprentice cannot train another apprentice."
"Yes, master," Vetris replied, fully aware of the rule. He was still learning, still under her guidance, but he felt ready for this step.
Tanya was silent for a moment, then a faint smile played at the corners of her lips. "Very well. Unlike the Sith of old, we do not kill our masters to prove ourselves. I have a different way for you to prove your worth."
Vetris tensed slightly, waiting for her next words.
"It is my understanding that Maul is still among the living. Is that right?"
"Yes, master," Vetris confirmed. The name of Maul was almost like a ghost—one he hadn't heard in years but always loomed on the edge of Sith circles.
"Kill him," Tanya said, her voice as cold as the night air outside. "And bring me his lightsaber as proof of his death. By killing a rival Sith's apprentice, you will prove yourself worthy to take one of your own."
Vetris felt the weight of her demand settle on him. Darth Maul, a dangerous and skilled Sith warrior, trained by Darth Plagueis. This would not be an easy task.
"How will I find him?" Vetris asked. "I haven't heard news about him in years."
Tanya let out a low chuckle. "Not surprising. After your last encounter, Plagueis is likely being cautious with his movements. But do not worry. Not even Plagueis can deny the will of the Force. If Maul still lives, the Force will guide you to him."
Vetris nodded, his mind already racing with possibilities. The hunt for Maul would be perilous, but he had no choice. Anakin's future as his apprentice depended on it.
"I will not fail, master," Vetris said with determination.
"I know you won't," Tanya replied, her smile deepening. "Now go. Prove yourself, but first, here is a gift for you." Darth Vetris studied the sleek, imposing form of HK-49, the droid standing before him with a cold, almost predatory stillness. Its glowing red photoreceptors scanned the room as it sized up its new master.
"Yes," Vetris replied, his voice low and firm, "I am your master. You will serve me and assist in the training of my apprentice, Anakin."
HK-49's voice was mechanical yet disturbingly eager. "Statement: I exist to serve, Master. If there are any meatbags you need eliminated, I would be honored to assist."
Lady Tanya smiled faintly, watching the interaction. "HK-49 will be a useful tool in your mission to eliminate Maul. You will need all the assistance you can get."
Vetris nodded, contemplating the task ahead. "I will find Maul and end him, Master. I will not fail you."
Tanya's expression darkened slightly, her presence in the Force pressing against Vetris like a subtle weight. "See that you don't. You know what's at stake. If you fall, everything we've worked for could unravel. But if you succeed, you'll secure your place as a true Sith Lord, and Anakin will be yours to mold as you see fit."
Vetris bowed his head respectfully. "I will return with Maul's lightsaber and his death will solidify my power."
Lady Tanya's cold eyes flickered with approval. "Then go. The Force will guide you to him. And Vetris—train Anakin well. He may be the key to our future."
As Vetris turned to leave, HK-49 followed closely behind, its servos whirring softly. "Query: Will I be allowed to 'neutralize' Maul, Master, or would you prefer to do it personally?"
Vetris smirked beneath his hood. "No, HK. This one I will handle myself. You'll have plenty of opportunities soon enough."
As he left the temple on Dathomir and made his way to his ship, Vetris felt the gravity of his mission settle over him. He had four years to prepare Anakin, but first, he had to deal with Maul. Failure was not an option.
With HK-49 at his side, Vetris prepared to hunt down his rival, knowing that success would cement his power and bring him closer to shaping Anakin into the apprentice he envisioned.
so next chapter Episode one officially starts. The larger events will play out the same since a certain sith lord remains in the shadows.
I think we know what going to happen to maul but that's not really a change when I think about. Last many events with characters will happen off screen unless I think it has enough relevance to the story. My character will have an impact on others. Again I do not own the movies or charters.
