Chapter 11: A Sith's Past Part 2
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Last Paragons
Yuna spars with Alexandra, testing how far the Sith apprentice had come in lightsaber combat.
She sidesteps a downward slash from Alexandra, parrying the next attack with elegant grace before retaliating with a horizontal swipe that Alexandra jumps back from. Seconds later the young Sith brings her silver lightsaber up to thwart a jab launched by Yuna. The redhead switches to Soresu when she spots Alexandra utilize Djem So.
Blocking a chop, Yuna said, "You can't rely on brute strength to bash your enemy into submission, apprentice. You have to outwit them, force them to leave openings you can take advantage of. Do you understand?"
Alexandra nodded, "Yes, Master."
The redhead smiled, "Good. Now, again." The two run at each other with Alexandra swinging her blade in a horizontal swing that Yuna blocks with her blue lightsaber.
She next thwarts the Falling Avalanche and sees Alexandra using Form II instead, Yuna mirrors the action. The two begin a dance of swords, parrying attacks with fluidity until Yuna transitions to Djem So intending on breaking her opponent's guard with the fluidity of Makashi mixed in. The redheaded Sith witnesses Alexandra manipulating her blade with the wrists only earning a look of curiosity on Yuna's face. Quickly shrugging it off, Yuna performs the Disarming Slash ripping Alexandra's lightsaber out of the Sith apprentice's hands. The redhead expected Alexandra to retrieve her weapon but the younger Sith charges at Yuna.
Yuna's green eyes widen in surprise at the unexpected move, bringing her left arm up to block heel kick but Alexandra kicks the redhead's lightsaber out of her hand and away, the weapon skids across the ground before coming to a stop. Now unarmed, Yuna blocks each strike the best she could. She throws a punch that her apprentice drops, sweeping Yuna's leg out from under her. Yuna catches herself, back flipping away. Seeing the lightsaber out of the corner of her eye, she waits for the opportunity to recover it. Her instincts tell her to dodge which she does as Alexandra leaps at her intending to drive her fist into the redhead's face. Alexandra rubs her hand and hears a lightsaber igniting, prompting her to call her own back. The weapon ignites upon flying into her hand, blocking a horizontal swing.
Yuna commented, "That was clever of you, apprentice. Took by me surprise." Blocking an upward thrust she continued, "But you'll have to do better if you want to defeat me." She backhands the Sith apprentice, staggering her.
In a burst of speed, Yuna swiftly closes the distance. She utilizes the Djem So variant against Alexandra, bashing at the challenger's guard with numerous power attacks. She next swings her blue blade in two broad strokes followed by hammering thrusts causing her student to back peddle not expecting this sudden display of aggression. Yuna performs the Disarming Slash again, ridding Alexandra of her weapon, the Sith Warrior throws a kick to the chest knocking the black-haired apprentice off her feet. Yuna places her foot on Alexandra's chest pinning her to the ground and pointing her lightsaber at the younger Sith's face in a silent gesture to give up.
Alexandra held up her hands, surrendering.
Nodding Yuna removes her foot, clipping the lightsaber to her belt as Alexandra stands up.
She commented, "You're improving a lot, apprentice. Nobody lasted the way you did."
Alexandra asked, "How did you get that skilled with the blade?"
Yuna smiled, "Practice. Lots and lots of practice. Well, facing Jedi as well. You don't always need the Force to beat a Jedi or Sith, just wits and brains."
Leliana nodded, "I agree." Lunch time comes around and Yuna sits outside the Forgotten Star, looking at the daytime sky while eating another delicious sandwich Leon made.
She lets her mind go down memory lane.
Flashback over 1,000 years ago
Yuna was born on Alderaan in early 1,023 BBY.
Alderaan was a planet well-known for nobility and rich in history.
Her parents Misty and Carl Rose were hard working citizens with nice paying jobs.
Carl worked for a company that shipped rare ore across the galaxy, overseeing transportation go smoothly. That isn't to say he had fellow employees being jealous of him earning their boss's trust.
Misty worked as an advisor to the senator of Alderaan.
Yuna attended a prestigious academy that ran from kindergarten to high school seniors. While her fellow students praised the Jedi, Yuna didn't share the same opinion.
She felt the Jedi were just as guilty for causing as much mayhem as the Sith and not all of the galaxy saw them in a positive light. For their proclamation of being keepers of peace and justice some people including Yuna saw the Jedi become a slave to government, waiting for orders instead of actively seeking it out the dark side of the Force, destroying it before it appeared.
During winter break, a male Human representative from Korriban approached Yuna's parents.
The moment the representative laid eyes on Yuna he could see, despite not having the Force, she had potential. After a somewhat tense discussion, Yuna's parents agreed on the condition they kept in contact with her.
Packing her things and sharing a heart warming hug, Yuna departs with the representative.
The shuttle eventually arrives on Korriban and lands at the port, the occupants walking down the ramp.
Yuna could feel a cold shiver run down her spine at the dark energies radiating off the planet.
The representative orders her to stay close to him as they ventured toward the Sith Academy, stepping through the doors that served as the entrance. After a short journey through the hallway they reach the throne room where the leader of the Brotherhood of Darkness waited.
The two knelt before the man until he waved, "Rise, my friend." They did so and the man introduced himself as he stared at Yuna, "Greetings, young one. My name is Skere Kaan, leader of the Brotherhood of Darkness. What's yours?"
Yuna answered nervously, "Y-Yuna Rose, sir."
Kaan soothed, "At ease, Yuna. I've been looking for recruits, have to turn this war against the Jedi in our favor." He noticed the redhead frown, "I take it you hate the Jedi Order?"
Yuna stated, "I wouldn't say I hate the Jedi, more like don't hold them in high regard. They're just as guilty as the Sith. They started wars or caused problems the Sith needed to rectified even if the Jedi claimed themselves being guardians of peace and justice. Not everyone see the Jedi in a positive light, sir. They saw the Order become a slave to a government, waiting for their political lapdogs aka the Galactic Senate bark orders than actively taking action. In addition people see the Jedi as thieves, stealing their children at such a young age to teach of them the ways of their passive Order. Had they followed a proper course of action instead of meditating on the Force, the galaxy wouldn't be in the state it is right now."
Kaan felt a smile form on his young face, "Well spoken, child. Someone with your open-mindedness would do well in the Brotherhood. Care to join us?"
A middle-aged male Iktochi standing to Kaan's right said with skepticism in his native language, "Are you serious, Lord Kaan? This girl doesn't have the Force in her at all. She's better off as a trooper than wielding a lightsaber." He freezes when Kaan glares at him.
The young Human explained, "Looks can be deceiving, Krill. One doesn't necessarily need the Force to be a powerful warrior. Some of our finest troopers are prime examples. They don't have Force sensitivity and yet they've proven themselves. Despite lacking the Force, I feel Miss Rose has the potential to be one of the greatest duelists the galaxy has seen." He raised his hand, lightning cackling between his fingers, "Are you questioning my judgment, Krill? If so, feel free to test your mettle against me."
The Iktochi shook his head, "Of course not, Lord Kaan. I wouldn't dream of challenging you."
Kaan nodded as the lightning ceased, "I thought so." Lowering his hand down he looked at Yuna, "Now then, young Rose. You are right about the Jedi being thieves, stealing children from their parents. Unlike them we Sith offer our initiates to join. Would you care to join us?"
Yuna said, "Yes, Lord Kaan. I'd love to put the Jedi in their place. Expose them as the hypocrites they are."
Kaan threw his head back laughing, "I like this kid's spirit." Calming down he said, "I must warn you, though. Here are the academy, you must be strong otherwise you'll be culled out. That said, do you still wish to join?"
The redhead placed a fist over her heart, "I do, sir."
The Sith Lord acknowledged, "Then welcome to the Brotherhood of Darkness. Your one chance at greatness begins here. Rest up because your training begins tomorrow. Talley, please escort Yuna to her room."
A young male Human saluted, "As you wish, Lord Kaan. Follow me, Miss Rose." The redhead follows him to her quarters.
After the door slid open Talon moved to the side, gesturing with his arm, "Here's your quarters. It's not much but you'll get used to it. You can decorate it any way you choose. Welcome to your new life, Miss Rose." He watches the door close.
'I pray for your success here, Miss Rose. Many would-be Sith perished in this academy.' Talley thought with a sigh.
The next day saw Yuna being taught lightsaber combat by the Twi'lek Blademaster Kas'im.
Kas'im stood around 6'1" tall, probably in his late 20s, yellow skin, brown eyes and wore gray robes, attached to his belt were standard dual lightsabers.
The Twi'lek crossed his arms, "So you're the newcomer Kaan was talking about? If I were like the other teachers here, you wouldn't be considered worth my time. Fortunately for you I see vast potential in you, Yuna. From this day forward you're my student. I will teach you the seven forms of lightsaber combat and decide which form suits you." He pulled out his lightsabers, red blades emerging with a snap-hiss, "On your feet, rookie. Now!" Flinching at the tone of his voice, Yuna stands drawing her training saber.
With a burst of speed, Kas'im was upon her raising both blades overhead and slams them downward. Yuna brings her training saber up to block the attack which only ends up knocking the girl off her feet, Kas'im bellows for the redhead to get up. Most of the day's spent doing spar matches. Yuna discovers Kas'im was a brutal lightsaber instructor that pointed out flaws in Yuna's technique.
Yuna struggles to remain on her feet covered in bruises and bleeding from a cut lip. Her body writes in pain as evident by the labored breathing. The pain becomes so intense Yuna falls to one knee.
She begged, "Please, no more. I surrender, Master."
Kas'im stated with disappointment, "I was expecting more from you, Yuna. You're unworthy to be called Sith." He swings one lightsaber horizontally intending on beheading Yuna when his blades are ripped out of his hands and into the waiting hands of Kaan, the Sith Lord giving a look that dares him to try.
He warned the Twi'lek, "When I appointed Yuna to be your student, Kas'im, I asked you to forge her into a fearsome duelist not brutalize her. We both know Yuna can't master the lightsaber forms in one day. You were no different when you first started. I have no intention on losing such a promising Sith die before she experiences combat for the firs time. Do you understand, Kas'im?"
The Blademaster nodded, "Yes, Lord Kaan."
Kaan said, "Good. Now see to it Yuna receives medical attention." With that the young Human departs the arena.
By 8 years old, Yuna had a good grasp on lightsaber combat and Kas'im felt Shii-Cho, Makashi, Soresu and Shien/Djem So fitted her.
2 years later Kas'im decided Yuna proved herself enough to begin construction of her lightsaber. She opens the black box containing the parts.
Setting them on the desk in her quarters, the red-haired Sith builds her lightsaber starting with the focusing crystal which she chose using a blue-hued Adegan crystal that she obtained upon killing a Jedi during her first mission paired with a Sigil crystal, granting her blade greater cutter power without sacrificing maneuverability and control. Once the crystals are in place Yuna seals them inside the casing of the crystal chamber. After that she attaches the power cell, followed by power cables and eventually locking the hilt together.
The end result is a standard hilt lightsaber with ridged hand grips and simple activator button.
Pressing it a blue blade emerges, she twirls the weapon testing it. Satisfied Yuna shuts it off. She was thankful Kas'im taught her how to build a lightsaber.
At age 13, Yuna could handle her own against most students at the Sith Academy. She turned her lack of Force sensitivity into an asset, making her opponents underestimate her that resulted in a humiliating defeat.
She was currently sparring against a female Iktochi student that practiced Makashi.
Yuna uses Makashi as well to parry each of her opponent's strikes and spots the Iktochi preparing a Force push, bracing herself. The Iktochi throws it and Yuna skids back on the stone arena floor. Yuna looks up to see the opponent leaping toward her prompting the redhead to bring her lightsaber up, blocking and dispersing the energy.
The Iktochi taunted, "You cannot win, child. I have the Force at my side. You will feel the power of the dark side." Yuna doesn't retort making the Sith believe she had been silenced by his taunting. In reality she was analyzing his fighting style.
The challenger switches to Djem So and Yuna uses Soresu, conserving energy. With each block she can see frustration on her opponent's face unable to break her staunch defense. She lowers her blade to protect her legs then arms. The female Iktochi aims her red lightsaber for Yuna's face. The red-haired girl sidesteps.
Entering a blade lock the Iktochi mocked, "I see fear in your eyes, Yuna Rose. You have hate, anger but don't use them."
Yuna smiled, "No, I just found a better way to channel emotions." Without warning, she switches to Djem So hammering the alien's defense and shoves her back. Yuna mixes the sweeping movements of Shii-Cho with the dominating nature of Djem So. After a hard swing, Yuna beheads the student.
Clapping reaches her ears and Yuna looks to the right seeing Kas'im with a look of satisfaction.
He walked up to her, "You have done well, Miss Rose. You kept calm and analyzed the enemy's fighting style. Even played mind games, very impressive. You proved to me one doesn't need the Force to achieve victory. With the right plan, a non-Force user can take down a Jedi or Sith."
Yuna kept her face neutral, "Thank you, Master." For the next 10 years Yuna continued silencing doubters both at the academy and on the battlefield. She went on various missions like intelligence gathering, espionage, assassination and kidnapping. During one mission, she seduced a Republic soldier into revealing the location of a Jedi that became a thorn in the Brotherhood's side. After killing the soldier, Yuna tracked down her prey until she had him cornered in a forest on Ruusan.
She stands in the Makashi opening stance, waiting for the Jedi Knight.
Her target was a Human male around his mid 20s, 5'8, shoulder-length black hair, green eyes, dark skin and had a scar running down his left cheek. He wore tan colored robes with a dark brown cloak and wielded a standard looking lightsaber.
Based on what she obtained Yuna found out the Jedi Knight practiced Form IV Ataru, which she doesn't understand why it was so popular among the Jedi. It wasn't designed for prolonged combat due to the taxing nature of the style in addition to lack of defense, horrible against multiple opponents and blast deflection though Yuna understood these could be overcome by a skilled user. She could use a downgraded version of the Sung Ma Rotations to evade blaster fire and lightsaber attacks.
After a watching a recording of him, Yuna concluded the Jedi Knight was an intermediate practitioner of Ataru.
Seeing the confined spaces of the forest, the Jedi Knight knew he can't perform the acrobatic maneuvers of the Aggression Form so he switches to Niman.
Yuna parries each strike launched at her with fluidity then wrestles with the young man's green blade, pinning it to the ground.
She said, "You're quite the elusive prey, Oleg Dunkirk, You cover your tracks well." Blocking a strike meant to cut her arm off she grinned, "But it won't save you in the end."
Oleg's eyes narrowed, "Don't get cocky, Sith." He throws a Force push that Yuna sidesteps and connects a right hook staggering the Jedi Knight.
Recovering the young man dashes toward his adversary with intent of disarming Yuna the red-haired Sith Warrior stops it utilizing the Makashi Riposte, redirecting the angle of attack before retaliating with a jab to Oleg's left and right arm. She kicks the lightsaber away and straddles the Jedi Knight, holding her blue blade sideways mere inches above his throat.
She flashed him a smile of triumph, "Studying one lightsaber form only won't help in the long haul, especially when it's not designed for prolonged combat. I'll never understand why Ataru's so popular among you Jedi. It was never meant to be a primary fighting style but I'm certain someone practiced Ataru as his primary that quickly caught on. In my opinion, Ataru was originally designed to function as a backup to Soresu since Form III was purely an-all defensive style with no offense. That's one reason why I never held your Order in high regard. Your passiveness and lack of action left the galaxy in ruins that we Sith felt needed to be fixed. You Jedi call yourselves keepers of the peace when you're really cowards. There were times where military action was better than sitting behind closed doors while planets burned." She saw a frown appear on the Jedi Knight's face, "Aww, did I strike a nerve? Why do you think so many members of your Order chose to leave or join the Sith? No answer? Okay, I'll give you one. They felt the Jedi Order placed too many restrictions on them. They were forbidden to form attachments or marry because of your pathetic excuse of love could leave one vulnerable to the pull of the dark side of the Force. Most of the galaxy also see you as thieves, abducting children from their parents to teach them the ways of your outdated philosphy. Repressing one's emotions? Ha! Deny it all you want but having emotions separates us from droids."
Oleg shook his head furiously, "You're wrong!"
Yuna brought her face closer to his, "Are you saying that simply to convince yourself or refusing to accept what I'm saying is true? You think diplomacy will win you battles. Sometimes a show of force is needed to bring an enemy into negotiations. We Sith understand conflict is a necessity. Conflict brings with it a better understanding of the Force. That is law of nature, Oleg. You either adapt or perish. Without strife, there is only stagnation. Your lack of knowledge in this regard is what led to the near-extinction of your Order at the hands of your ancient enemy, the Sith on one occasion. I hope that knowledge comforts you in the afterlife." While she lectures him Oleg extends his hand, reaching out with the Force to call his lightsaber to him.
Unfortunately for him Yuna intercepts it, slicing the hilt in two.
She pulls her lightsaber back, turning her torso 45 degrees along with her sword arm. With a deceptive smile, Yuna brings her lightsaber down and across, beheading Oleg. Stepping off she next watches the body vanish leaving only robes.
Pulling out her holocommunicator Yuna dials Kaan's frequency.
The Sith wasted no time asking, "Has your target been taken cared of?"
Yuna replied, "Yes, Lord Kaan. Oleg Dunkirk will trouble us no more."
Kaan nodded, "Excellent. His death will certainly deal a huge blow to the Jedi Order. I'm sure the galaxy is rejoiced over your actions, Yuna. We are one step closer to ridding the galaxy of this infection. You've come a long way since you first arrived on Korriban, Yuna. You've continually silenced critics about not being able to survive without the Force."
The redhead asked, "What are your next orders, Lord Kaan?"
Her leader said, "I have the trump card that'll wipe out Lord Hoth's Army of Light. Join me in my underground throne, my fellow Sith are waiting. I know Lord Hoth will attempt to resolve this peacefully. Once he arrives I shall detonate the Thought Bomb. Hurry, there's no time to lose!" His holographic image fades.
Anxiety suddenly hits Yuna this Thought Bomb was deadlier than Kaan led on and could slaughter more than just Lord Hoth's army on Ruusan.
The next day sees the redhead sitting on a flat rock with her comrades Alec and Kenta after a hard battle against Republic troops.
Yuna asked, "What made you two want to join the Sith?"
Kenta answered, "I joined the Sith because I wanted to bring peace and order to the galaxy."
Alec replied, "Mine is for personal reasons. Let's leave it at that."
The oldest of the three threw his own question, "If you didn't join the Sith, what would you wanna be, Yuna?"
Yuna stated, "An artist. I have a passion for the arts. Perhaps when this conflict is over I'll lead you through a museum on Alderaan."
Kenta stood, "Alright, break's over. Our next objective is rid a neighboring forest of Jedi." They rendezvous with Sith forces, their backs against each other as they deflect blaster fire.
Yuna's green eyes suddenly widen as her instincts alert her of danger.
She spotted a Jedi Master leaping at her, "Whoa, shit!" The redhead throws her lightsaber at the Twi'lek, the blade pierces his heart.
Pulling the weapon out of the now dead Jedi's chest, Yuna charges at the swarm of Republic troops but stops when she detects a hail of missile pods approaching her location. Kenta grabs her with the Force pulling her back as the pods follow her. Once they're close enough, the pods burst open unleashing a swarm of heat-seeking missiles. Alec and Kenta raise a Force barrier seconds before impact.
The commander of the Republic strike force waits for confirmation. The smoke clears and the Sith trio were unharmed. The commander bares his teeth briefly.
Kenta stepped forward, "Our turn!" Lighting begins to crackle around the Sith Warrior's hands as Kenta sets it at lethal levels, raising his arms Kenta projects the lightning forward catching the Republic troops in the deadly current.
Alec lifts the tanks and uses Force crush on them, turning them into compact cubes while Yuna mows down any survivors. A few minutes pass before the carnage stops, all that remains are corpses and ripped tank husks. One Jedi general stares at the Sith trio with horror etched on his face. He falls on his ass before getting up to retreat, he doesn't get far when Alec throws his dual lightsabers butchering the man into cauterized pieces of flesh and catches the lightsabers clipping them to his belt.
He said, "One less Jedi to worry about it." Alec saw the empty, spaced out look on Kenta's face, waving his face in front of it. "You okay, Kenta? Hello? Force to Kenta."
Yuna explained, "He must be having one of his Force visions."
Kenta came back to his senses, "We better get out of here, Kaan's about to detonate the Thought Bomb!" Alec grabs Yuna's hand as he and Kenta utilize Force speed to reach the Twilight Dawn.
When they arrive, Alec releases Yuna's hand allowing the redhead to recover and smooth out her hair. The trio rush up the ramp, Yuna presses the button to close it as Kenta runs toward the cockpit hopping into the pilot seat and fires up the engines. The Twilight Dawn lifts off the ground. It's able to get off the planet when Kenta and Alec feel the disturbance in the Force. Kenta faints while Alec barely manages to stay conscious this causes Yuna to steer the ship.
Kenta regains consciousness, sets the ship on autopilot and the three head for the cryostasis pods removing their armor and weapons before stepping into their respective pods. Kenta uses the Force to activate the cryogenic process filling the interior with super cool air that'll put them into cold sleep for the next 1,000 years.
End of flashback
Yuna swallows the last bit of her sandwich and returns to the Forgotten Star's kitchen, placing her plate into the dish washer and shuts the lid.
Looking out the window she wonders if her parents were proud of her.
A/N: Chapter 11 done.
Here we get a look of Yuna's early days as a Sith. Unlike Kenta she didn't get her lightsaber until she was 10 years old and was trained by the Blademaster Kas'im who also trained Darth Bane. Plus she was faced with criticism of her ability to survive the Sith Academy without the Force. Yuna silenced those critics and proved her mettle.
She also expressed why she doesn't hold the Jedi Order in high regard to her target before killing him.
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Stay tuned for chapter 12.
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