Chapter 12: A Sith's Past Part 3
Disclaimer: Disney owns Star Wars, I only own my Ocs
Last Paragons
Alec rises from his slumber, heads for the restroom to take care of business. After that's done he hops into the shower getting ready for the day and dons his armor. Clipping his lightsabers to his belt, Alec departs his room leaving his mask behind. Reaching the kitchen he cooks himself a simple breakfast of eggs, piece of toast and tea. Picking the meal clean Alec puts the plate in the dish wisher and heads for the back of the ship.
Igniting his dual lightsabers, the young Sith Warrior begins combat drills swinging his blades at an imaginary opponent. This went on for 30 minutes until Alec deactivates his lightsabers and clip them to his belt. Downing a glass of water, he returns to the back of the Forgotten Star.
Sitting down, the Sith Warrior crosses his legs and rests his hands on his knees, beginning the meditation. His mind wanders back to the series of events that brought him to this point.
Flashback over 1,000 years ago
Alec was born on Ryloth 1,025 BBY.
His parents were John and Nora Sunrider.
John worked as a miner for Ryloth Mining Industries and Nora worked as a nurse. Both received a nice paycheck and balanced their work life with raising Alec.
However, things on Ryloth weren't exactly easy. Heat waves occasionally bombarded Ryloth forcing the inhabitants to retreat to underground shelters, only to emerge when the heat wave subsided.
The war between the Brotherhood of Darkness and Army of Light was the main thing topic on Ryloth even though it hadn't reached the planet. Yet.
When Alec turned 15, his life would change forever.
He was walking from school with he heard a roar in the sky. Looking up Alec sees a Republic fighter being chased by a Sith fighter. A honking horn brings him out of his observation of the dogfight, looking ahead he spots fellow students rush toward the school bus. Alec is the last one on and the driver pulls the lever closing the door and hits the gas. He watches the two space fighters duke it out in the sky with the Republic fighter weaving through laser fire.
The bus driver zigzags through the dogfight as green and red beams hit the ground, kicking up small plumes of dirt. The students hold onto the back of the seats in front of them. One laser beam hits the bus sideways sending the vehicle rolling on the ground. Once the rolling stops, the bus driver rushes to the back opening the emergency door. He next orders the students to get out. They don't need to be asked twice because they run out jamming the line. Alec jumps out seconds before the Republic star fighter dives to shake off homing missiles fired by the Sith fighter, inadvertently leading the missiles toward the tipped over bus. It explodes, sending Alec flying, the boy screams before bringing his arms forward protecting his face as he crashes to the ground, rolling multiple times. Laying on his stomach, Alec slowly pushes himself up ears ringing and vision blurry.
Eventually the Sith gets on the Republic star fighter's 6 o'clock and fires lasers, turning the space craft into flaming wreckage. It flies past Alec and crashes to the ground exploding on contact.
The teenager's senses return to normal he gets up and walks to the nearest shelter wanting nothing more than to have this nightmarish day end. Once the rumbling from gunfire stops he exits the shelter and heads out to find his parents. Reaching a district of his hometown, Alec's head moves from side to side hoping to find some traces of his parents. A series of small rumbles alert the silver-haired boy. Whipping around he sees a medium-sized Republic walker aiming its main turret directly ahead. Following the turret's aim, Alec spots a Sith tank coming into view.
The weapons operator inside the Republic walker pulls the trigger, a green beam of plasma soars out of the barrel. The Sith tank mirrors the action, the beams collide and explode generating a powerful gust of wind. Alec feels his body shaking in terror.
A voice called out, "Son!" Forcing his body to turn, Alec sees his parents coming towards him.
Another sound alerts the 13-year old's attention, spinning on his heel Alec sees the side of the Republic walker open up, revealing a missile pod. The walker fires a swarm of missiles at the Sith tank who releases a jamming signal, disrupting the missiles' guidance system.
Alec discovered the missiles' flight path and whipped around violently, "NOOO!" Time slows down as John and Nora run as fast as they could toward their only child. Sadly the missiles are faster and impact between the three. The force of the explosion separates them.
Hours pass while Alec lays buried under the pile of rubble. He faintly picks up the noise of soldiers prompting the boy to rise from the ashes. Releasing a grunt, he rises taking in the surrounding area. The city was reduced to ash. His electric blue eyes scan the ruins to find his parents until he sees a hand sticking out of a pile of concrete and steel with a pool of blood underneath. Tears fall down his face as he felt his heart shatter. He walks over to the sight falling to his knees.
'No. This...this can't be happening!' He thought.
Alec senses Republic troopers approaching. At that moment he felt rage hotter than the heat waves Ryloth's parent star lashes the planet with rise from the core of his being. Releasing a scream of anguish raw power explodes out of the teenager a gust of wind knocks the troopers off their feet. When the leading troopers pushes himself up, he spots a red aura emanating from the boy. What no one realizes including Alec himself is that he was unleashing the destructive power of the dark side of the Force.
Getting to his feet and staring at the troopers, Alec forms a grasping motion with his hand. His targets clutch their throats by reflex, Alec closes his hand snapping their necks. The weapons operator of the Republic walker panics and points the turret at the enraged Sunrider. Alec turns his attention toward it next. Raising both hands, he lifts the walker into the air via the Force. He then performs a crushing motion, the walker responds by compacting into a cube killing the occupants. Directing his rage at the cowering Republic troopers in front of him, Alec snarls. Blue lightning starts crackling between his fingers, getting brighter in response to his mounting rage, turning white. Aiming his hands forward, lightning rushes at the targets who scream in sheer agony at the feeling of thousands of volts of electricity frying their nerves. Alec doesn't let up, fueling the lightning with his fury. The troopers' bodies eventually explode from the power of Alec's Force lightning. He rears his head back, screaming into the air with the electrical bolts writhing between his fingers. His rage finally spent, Alec falls to the ground his injuries catching up to him.
A series of armored footsteps reach his ears. Turning his head to the side, Alec sees a Sith trooper looking down at him.
He called out, "Lord Maelstrom, I've found a survivor!" A second series of footsteps can be heard until the mentioned Sith Warrior steps into view.
The young man stated, "I'm shocked he survived that attack." Seeing the boy fall unconscious he ordered the trooper, "Get a medical capsule immediately. Need to get his injuries treated."
The trooper nodded, "Yes, sir." While he contacts the medic unit, Kenta kneels down placing a hand on his head.
Through the Force he can feel the boy's anguish and insane lust for revenge. He knew Kaan would love to have such emotions available. At the same time he understood Alec needs to keep his hatred and lust for revenge under control otherwise it'll consume him.
The medic unit arrives with the capsule, walking over to Alec the medic troopers lift the injured teen up and into the capsule. They next rush to the medical ship with Kenta easily keeping up with them.
A beeping sound causes Alec's eyelids to flutter then slowly open. Looking around he discovers he was in an infirmary.
A voice said, "Ah, you're awake." Alec looks at the source of the person's voice until he spots it, revealing it to be Kenta.
Alec asked, "Who are you?"
The Sith Warrior introduced himself, "My name is Kenta Stone. I'm a member of Skere Kaan's Brotherhood of Darkness. May I ask what your name is?"
The younger Human Male responded, "Alec Sunrider. How did I get here?"
Kenta explained, "One of my troopers found you laying on the ground of the city that was destroyed. The medic unit brought you here to have your injuries treated."
Alec asked, "How long have I been here?"
The Sith Warrior told him, "You've been unconscious for three weeks."
Alec's eyes widened, "Three weeks?"
Kenta asked his own, "I saw ripped pieces of metal and mutilated corpses laying across the street you were in. Do you know how you pull that off?" Seeing the boy shake his head the Sith Warrior explained, "That's because you used the Force."
Alec queried, "The Force?"
Kenta nodded, "The Force is an energy field that surrounds us, penetrates us and binds the galaxy together. There are two sides, light side and dark side. The light side is the Force in its purest form and associated with life and creation. The Jedi use it to maintain peace and order throughout the galaxy. It required discipline but the soothing power it granted allowed a Force user to remain calm. By contrast, the dark side is the Force in its corrupted state and associated with death and destruction. The Sith are the most infamous users of the dark side. Unlike the Jedi, the Sith drew power through emotions such as anger, hatred, fear, etc. They believe the dark side is where true power lied and one should use it for personal advancement instead of sharing it. For all its benefits, the dark side came with a cost. The user became more addicted to the power it granted them. The malevolent power of the dark side had negatives changes on the body over time. The initial signs of dark side degradation is the change of pigmentation in the person's eyes, going from their normal color to a red-rimmed, luminous yellow and the skin would turn pale. Prolonged use of the dark side can have more damaging effects."
Alec said, "Such as..."
Kenta crossed his arms behind his back, "I don't know. I never saw any further progression of dark side degradation so I can't tell you. That being said, I felt a disturbance in the Force. It was murderous and sorrow. At first I thought it was some Sith drawing on the dark side to finish his foe but as I came closer, the source became clearer. It turns out you were the disturbance. You unconsciously drew upon the power of the dark side to murder those Republic forces."
Alec stared at his hands, "So that's what that feeling was. "
The slightly older boy warned, "You are teetering dangerously close to the dark side, Alec. Unless you learn to control this raw power within, it will consume you. I am here to offer you a choice. Come with me and you'll able to bend the Force to your will, not the other way around. Or you can wander the galaxy forever until the dark side destroys you."
Alec said automatically, "I accept your offer, Kenta."
Kenta nodded, "Excellent." He turns off the vital monitor and carefully removes the IV from Alec's arm.
Alec swings his legs around to touch the ground but falls due to bed ridden for 3 weeks. Kenta helps him up, walking toward the cockpit and placing Alec in the co-pilot seat while he sits in the pilot's.
He said, "Oh, by the way this is my ship the Twilight Dawn." Kenta punches in the coordinates for their destination, jumping to hyperspace.
After what seemed like an eternity, the Twilight Dawn exits hyperspace, in front of them was a familiar planet.
Alec queried, "What's that?"
Kenta answered, "That's Korriban, home world of the Sith. There's an academy on the surface, that is where your training will take place. I'm a student there."
His ship's radio crackled to life, "Unidentified vessel, state your purpose here."
Kenta pressed the button to reply, "Twilight Dawn requesting clearance to land."
The air traffic controller ordered, "Send your identification code."
Kenta said, "Sending identification code now." He types on the console next to the hyperdrive lever and presses the enter key.
He waited a few minutes then the air traffic controller stated, "Code accepted. You're clear to land on docking pad 2. Welcome back, Kenta." Grabbing the control stick with both hands, the Sith Warrior brings the Twilight Dawn in for landing. Spotting docking pad 2, he steers the ship toward that direction.
The ship's landing gear deploys and touch down, the engines winding down.
Kenta looked at his passenger, "Well Alec, welcome to Korriban. How are your legs?"
Alec nodded, "Better. The numbness is gone."
Kenta said, "Don't wander off you can get lost pretty easily. So best you stay close to me." Walking down the extended ramp, Kenta leads Alec through the only space port on Korriban.
They soon reach the Valley of the Dark Lords and Alec could instinctively feel the vast dark side energies coming from the valley. They soon reach the entrance to the Sith Academy.
A guard trooper pointed his blaster at them, "Halt. State your name and business."
Kenta said, "It's me, Kenta Stone. I wish to see Lord Kaan."
The trooper looked at Alec, "And who's this?"
Kenta responded, "A candidate. Need as many recruits as we can to defeat Lord Hoth and his Army of Light, yes?"
The trooper nodded, "True." He lowered his weapon, "Go ahead, Mr. Stone." Returning the nod, Kenta and Alec enter the academy. Moving through the hallways they arrive at a gathering room where recent candidates gathered. In the middle stood the leader of the Brotherhood of Darkness.
He said, "Greetings, perspective students. It appears we have a late entree. Who is this you bring before me, Kenta?"
Kenta replied, "A survivor from the battle on Ryloth, Kaan. He was caught in the middle of an engagement between the Republic and our forces. I felt a disturbance in the Force and followed it to the source. When I reached it, bodies laid everywhere and I saw this boy right laying unconscious amongst the carnage. The Force is very strong with this one, Kaan. I offered him a choice. He could come here and learn how to harness the Force or wander the galaxy as the power consumed him. He made the wise choice and accepted my offer. Thus we stand here before you." Alec feels uneasy the way Kaan studied him.
The Sith Lord said, "Kenta's right. The Force is very strong with you. What's your name?"
Alec replied, "Alec Sunrider, sir."
Kaan nodded, "I sense much anger in you, young one. That is good, it will provide you power. If it's ready to sprout remains to be seen. Now then, all of you here have the means to become Sith. Only one of you, however, will succeed. In this Order, we don't tolerate weakness or things similar. Joining us means you wish to elevate yourself above normal people. How you do it is up to you. Welcome to the dark side, my brothers and sisters. Your one chance at greatness lies here." The student departed and Alec was about to join when Kaan called out, "Alec, stop."
Alec turned around, "Yes, Kaan?"
The Sith leader told him, "I sense your rage and thirst for vengeance is directed toward an individual, not just the Jedi Order itself." He pulled out a portable holographic projector and activated it, showing a Human Male Jedi in his early 30s, "This man right here led the assault on the town you were in."
Alec balled his fist, "What is the bastard's name?"
Kaan smiled at the boy's rage, "His name is Johan Ransis. He's a war hero among the Jedi Order, leading them to numerous victories. You wish to become powerful enough to bring this man to justice."
The teenager nodded, "The sooner I can break that Jedi's body, the better. Even now I can feel every fiber of my being crying out for vengeance."
The smile never left Kaan's face, "Good. Let it fuel you, Alec. With this drive, you can become a great Sith. Kenta will show you to your room. Your training begins tomorrow. Go now, destiny awaits you." Kenta bows to Kaan before escorting Alec out of the room.
Reaching the living hall, Kenta pressed the button to Alec's room, "This is where you'll reside, Alec. Room 206. The interior doesn't have much, just the essentials. I'll see to it that someone gets some new clothes for you. What size do you wear?"
Alec said, "Medium."
Kenta nodded, "Okay, I'll keep that in mind. Get some rest, Alec. Life here can be pretty brutal."
Alec stated, "I will." He enters the bedroom as the door shuts behind him, locking it.
'I pray you don't become a bloodthirsty monster like some of the Sith here are. The dark side feeds on emotions like that.' Kenta thought, walking to his own room.
The next day sees Alec assigned to a middle-aged male Iktochi.
He said, "Welcome to your new life, Alec Sunrider. My name is Yin Orea, I will be your teacher from this point forward. As my student you will learn about the Sith Order's history, important Sith Lords and the impact they had."
Alec asked, "What about Force and lightsaber combat?"
Yin told him, "In due time, apprentice. Tell me, do you know anything about the Sith?"
The young Human shook his head, "No."
Yin folded his arms behind his back, "The Jedi would tell you we Sith are evil, seeking to rule the galaxy with an iron fist. They are fools into thinking that. We don't treat the Force as a burden we treat as a gift. We have better understanding of the Force. Conflict is a necessary evil, without it there's only stagnation. The Jedi would tell you the dark side is a quicker, easier path to power while it normally requires patience and discipline. Unlike the Jedi, we embrace our emotions using them to channel the power of the Force." The entire morning was spent learning about Sith history and the seven forms of lightsaber combat.
After lunch, Yin introduced him to the Force and how the Sith differed in using it from the Jedi. The Iktochi was honest and straight to the point. His first lesson of his Force training was to build his lightsabers.
Placing two black boxes in front of his student, Yin opened them showing the metal components to a lightsaber along with a crystal.
Picking up one Alec asked, "I sense this crystal isn't natural. Why is that?"
Yin told him, "That's because it is a synthetic lightsaber crystal. Since we don't have access to the sites where lightsaber crystals occur naturally, we Sith found a way to replicate the geological process using a special furnace. We simply take material high in carbon and place them in the furnace to bake for several days. During that process, the Force user would meditate, guiding the formation. Red was the normal color of the synthetic crystal but it can made into any color through the Force. Because of their artificial origin, synthetic crystals produced more powerful blades with the possibility of breaking the opponent's blade, overwhelming the power matrix. The downside is synthetic lightsabers were less stable and maneuverable "
Alec stated, "These crystals are yellow."
His mentor informed, "That's because those crystals belonged to my master before he was killed in battle. I kept them with me until I found someone worthy to pass them on to. He said he was never fond of bloodshine blades."
Alec raised an eyebrow, "Bloodshine blades?"
Yin explained, "It's what some people called Sith lightsabers due to the red color. Anyway, your first test is building those lightsabers. Focus now, apprentice." He watches Alec assemble the lightsabers. The end result were dual standard lightsabers with yellow synthetic crystals as the focusing lens.
The Iktochi nodded, "Well done, Alec. Let's move on to your Force training." He went on to show the young future Sith basic Force powers such as Force push and more advanced ones like Force lighting.
Alec proved to have a talent for Force lightning, using it with proficiency after one training session. He also proved to be a natural talent with the lightsaber, allowing him to advance quickly in just a few months. Unlike some of the students, Alec didn't boast about it. He chose to study Form VI: Niman, otherwise known as the Diplomat's Form or the Way of the Ranchor. The form took pieces of the other forms combining them to a form that focused on moderation and balance with a heavy focus on incorporating Force based attacks into lightsaber sequences. His go-to form was Jar Kei though he practiced with the use of a single blade as well.
Due to his aggressive yet precise fighting style, Alec ignored Niman's ideas of moderation developing what he'd later coin "Battlemaster's Niman". This version allowed him be a dangerous opponent, having beaten several students in sparring matches.
A month later Yin decided his student was ready for his first combat sortie.
The mission was to kill a high ranking Jedi leading Republic forces on a Sith base on an unnamed planet in the mid rim. Eager to prove himself, Alec sets out.
While riding the shuttle, he meditates channeling his emotions as a way of preparing himself for combat. He feels the shuttle touch down on the planet's surface, ending his meditation. He adjusts the gloves to his gray battle armor then puts the black robe over it, pulling his arms through the sleeves. Once that's done he places the mask on his face.
The mask was of basic design, made out of durasteel and padding on the inside for comfort, was colored black and red lines ran vertically down the eye sockets meant to instill fear into his opponents.
Setting foot on the ground, Alec surveys the scenery. It was mostly an open field with a few trees. Reaching out with the Force, Alec searches for his prey. The enemy Jedi fights to conceal his signature, the Sith Warrior focuses harder. Eventually the Jedi's location is found.
'There!' Alec thought.
Turning to the Sith troopers he commanded, "The enemy's this way, let's move."
The group ventures through the land, Alec cuts through thick vegetation. They soon reach the area their leader said the Jedi was only to find it completely deserted, prompting them to remain alert. If it's too quiet that means the enemy was planning an ambush.
Alec suddenly ignites one of his lightsabers to deflect blaster fire. The bolts of plasma hit the Republic troopers' armor, shorting out their camouflage system.
Alec ordered his men, "Open fire!" The Sith troopers take out their targets with deadly accuracy.
Suddenly the Sith Warrior senses a Jedi's presence, focusing on the source he discovers the identity. Target acquired, he moves out.
Johan cuts down a battalion of Sith Troopers with his green lightsaber.
A voice bellowed, "RANSIS!" The Jedi Knight whips around to see Alec launching himself at Johan yellow lightsaber ignited.
Johan uses Form III to withstand the attack that generates a shock wave.
Alec seethed, "I have been waiting for this moment. You killed my parents. Now the time has come to put you down, Jedi!" Alec unleashes his rage on the older man, a hard uppercut staggers the Jedi Knight before he recovers and passively meets the Sith's attacks. Behind his mask, Alec's electric blue eyes burn fiery yellow as he draws on the dark side of the Force wanting to kill this Jedi.
The two combatants throw a Force push at each other, Johan grunts as he fought against the teenager's raw power. The clashing Force attacks cancel each other out sending them flying backwards. Alec recovers first, charging at Johan while drawing his secondary blade. With a roar of pure rage, Alec reverses the grip on his primary blade with the intent on cutting his prey's head off. Johan blocks the strike and swiftly adjusts the angle of his green lightsaber to parry an overhead swing of Alec's second blade. Now holding both weapons in the Shien reverse grip Alec launches strike after strike fueled by the dark side.
After his initial surprise, Johan regains his calm demeanor and utilizes Soresu, conserving energy and waiting for his opponent to give in to frustration or tire himself.
Alec taunted, "What's the matter, Jedi? Afraid to attack? You disappoint me." He executes the Cross Strike with ferocity only the dark side of the Force can deliver.
Johan holds his ground, his staunch defense absorbing the attack. Keeping his primary blade in the reverse grip the Sith Warrior aims for his target's feet. Johan leaps over Alec, as the vengeful Sith turns around the Jedi Knight uses the Disarming Slash to rip Alec's second blade out of his hand, the hilt flies into the air and landing somewhere in the trees. Unfazed the teenager backhands the enemy before slashing at Johan who deflects each one then with a burst of speed Alec slices the Jedi's lightsaber hilt in two and looks to drive his blade through the duelist. Johan uses Tutaminis to catch the Sith's blade surprising him.
A yell diverts Alec's attention, looking to his left he spots a red-skinned Zabrak padawan rushing at him with a blue blade ignited. Ceasing his attack on Johan the Sith Warrior blocks the new attacker's lightsaber. Blocking an overhead thrust Alec looks to where his prey was seconds ago only to find Johan had escaped. Returning his anger-filled gaze to the Zabrak Alec snarls. The Zabrak pulls out a grenade activating the detonator. Hearing the timer counting down Alec looks to break the hold but the grenade explodes, separating the combatants. While the Jedi padawan rolls on the ground, Alec skid backwards until he's able to stop himself. Returning to his feet, he shows the chest plating of his armor taking the brunt of the explosion. The Zabrak gets up and throws a Force push that sends Alec crashing into a large boulder. Once again the armor took the brunt of the impact and Alec fights against the attack, slowly pulling himself free. The padawan launches a second, more powerful Force push that blows the boulder apart burying the Sith Warrior under rock fragments. Silence fills the air until the Zabrak feels a heat on his body, looking down he spots a yellow lightsaber piercing his chest. Alec explodes out of his rocky prison and extends his hand, directing his rage at the foolish Jedi. He soon forms a fist causing the Zabrak's head to explode in gory fashion, brains and bone fly in several directions. Grunting Alec calls his lightsaber back to him clipping it to his belt and searches for the other. He soon locates the silver hilt in a tree branch and uses the Force to retrieve it and clips it to the other side of his belt. Pieces of the cracked mask fall off parts of his left face and eyes that were electric blue again.
The leading Sith trooper walked up to him, "Lord Nova, I got good news and bad news."
Alec asked with his back to the trooper, "What is it, commander?"
The trooper said, "The good news is we succeeded in driving back the Republic troopers. The bad news is the Jedi got away."
Alec said with dry sarcasm, "Nah, you think?" The young Sith was seething on the inside that his prey escaped him despite killing the Zabrak padawan which did little to calm him.
Upon returning to Korriban he enters his room and stayed there. The shock of the fact he just experienced his first kill hits Alec. It felt like a Ranchor smacked him hard.
The guilt of it was so great, the Sith Warrior didn't eat for a whole week.
Kenta was concerned about the slightly younger teen.
He said, "I'm worried about you, Alec."
Alec shot him a look, "Really? I was under the impression that Sith think about themselves, not others."
Kenta countered, "I'm not like most Sith. I don't follow the Sith Code with a hardcore mentality." He next counted with his fingers, "You can't sleep, you barely eat and it's showing in spars. To sum it up, you look like shit."
Alec shouted, "I just killed another person! That's something you can simply wash off!"
Kenta remained calm, "This is war, Alec. These kind of things happen. Are you chickening out?"
Alec replied, "I'm not! I joined the Sith to make the Jedi, more specifically Johan Ransis pay for killing my parents!"
Kenta asked, "Have you decided on what to do when this war is over?"
After calming himself Alec scratched the back of his head, "I don't know."
The slightly older Sith said, "You need to watch your back otherwise you won't live much longer." Kenta departs leaving Alec to reflect on his words. After a minute of silence he repairs his damaged mask.
The next day saw the Sith Warrior honing his skills with Niman, both dual bladed and single bladed followed by learning new Force techniques. His master sent him to a planet saturated with the dark side of the Force.
Stepping off his transport shuttle, Alec ventures through a forest until he hears a distant thud causing him to draw one of his lightsabers. His head moves around to pinpoint the source, the thuds become more distinct the closer they got. Now on alert, he ignites his blade. Hearing the footsteps from behind, Alec whips around to see trees fall down as a Ranchor mutated by Sith alchemy emerges.
Alec gags at the grotesque monster and grasps his lightsaber with both hands as the Ranchor lays its eyes on him. Unleashing a thunderous roar the beast charges, raising one of its thick, three digit clawed hands. Alec rolls to the right seconds before the hand slams into the ground. With a burst of speed that betrays its size the Ranchor grabs Alec and tosses him into its mouth then swallows. Alec finds himself sliding down the creature's throat but he had no intention on being its meal. He gives a newly acquired Force ability a test run.
Pulling his limbs in, he gathers energy then thrusts his limbs outward, releasing the gathered energy in a Force repulse. The Ranchor explodes in a shower of guts and gray matter.
One whiff of the entrails almost makes Alec vomit.
Local wildlife emerge from the trees, attracted by the smell. Some were wolves and others shaped like bears. Like the Ranchor, these creatures were also mutated by Sith alchemy.
Alec arms himself with both lightsabers in the Jar Kei version of the Makashi opening stance.
He mocked, "What are your fur balls waiting for, an invitation? Come and get me!" The next 5 minutes were nothing short of carnage.
The final wolf gets sliced to ribbons when Alec hears clapping, whipping around he spots a Human male Dark Jedi standing before him.
He stood around 6'2" tall, athletic build, 19 years old, short dark brown hair, yellow eyes and pale skin, both classic signs of dark side degradation and black robes. Attached to his belt was a heavy-duty lightsaber.
The Dark Jedi said, "You did well against my pets, young one."
Alec frowned, "You created those? Sith alchemy is for masters of the Sith, you aren't one."
The Dark Jedi stated, "True, I'm only a Dark Jedi but that doesn't mean I can't rip the knowledge out of a Sith's head. I had a natural connection with the dark side since birth. You must be one of Kaan's new recruits."
Alec asked, "You know of Lord Kaan?"
The Dark Jedi sneered, "Yes, I do. I was a member of his Brotherhood of Darkness once but he didn't like my view of where the Sith Order was going. After losing a duel to him, Kaan banished me here. Since then I have been plotting my revenge against the fool. Those monsters you destroyed were going to be a part of it but you killed them. So now, I must kill you." He draws his lightsaber, a red blade emerges and the Dark Jedi releases a Sith cry that sounded more bestial than human.
Slamming into Alec, the Dark Jedi swings his blade in rapid strikes the Sith Warrior meets his attacks with blocks and parries. He brings his dual blades up to thwart a downward strike from the Dark Jedi's red blade. The man's yellow eyes bore into Alec's electric blue when he shoves the Dark Jedi away with Force augmented strength. Switching to offense, Alec grips his second blade in the Shien reverse grip and swings his primary sideways followed by an uppercut from the second blade. Fueling his attacks with aggression, the Sith Warrior forces the Dark Jedi into a defensive posture. Blocking an attack from above, below, left, right, diagonally, horizontally or his limbs.
Alec jumps to save his feet and retaliates with a Force push taking the opponent by surprise. Angry, the Dark Jedi shoots Force lightning the bolts crackle toward Alec who brings his lightsabers up to absorb the current. Alec throws a charged Force push sending his opponent crashing through trees. A dark blur explodes out of the forest and slams into him, pinning Alec to a huge boulder. He next stabs his red lightsaber into the younger duelist's shoulder earning a cry of pain from Alec and a sadistic grin appears on the Dark Jedi's face. Fighting through the painful assault, Alec head butts the enemy followed by grabbing the Dark Jedi with the Force, throwing him back.
Alec grits his teeth as adrenaline floods his systems, numbing the pain. Directing his eyes at the Dark Jedi he runs forward dragging lightsabers on the ground that left a burnt trail on the soil. He executes the Cross Strike staggering his opponent and twirls around getting behind the Dark Jedi, kicking his knee out and raises both blades overhead to generate momentum. The Dark Jedi brings his lightsaber up to block the attack. Alec jumps back as the Dark Jedi spins on his knees swinging his red blade. Alec does the Draw Closer maneuver, grabbing the Dark Jedi with the Force and directing him onto the path of his blades. The dual beams of plasma stab the Dark Jedi through the chest. Angling his lightsabers downward Alec allows the man to slide off. At this point the adrenaline wears off. The intense pain causes Alec to drop his weapons as he instinctively grabs his injured shoulder. Calling his lightsabers via the Force, he clips them to his belt and walks over to his transport shuttle, ordering the pilot to take them back to Korriban. Placing his right hand on the injured shoulder, Alec directs Force energy into the wound. He feels the wound beginning to close making him release a sigh of relief. Once it healed completely, he rotates his shoulder to get rid of the soreness.
Returning to the Sith Academy, he informs his Sith Master of his mission, kneeling.
Yin crossed, "Ah, you encountered a former student of the academy on that planet. He told you he was planning on using those creatures mutated by Sith alchemy as revenge for Kaan banishing him there, right?"
Alec nodded, "Yes. He never told me his name though. He was six-foot-two inches tall, nineteen years old, short dark brown hair, had the two classic signs of dark side degradation in the form of yellow eyes and pale skin and wore black robes. He also wielded a heavy-duty lightsaber."
Yin closed his eyes in thought before opening them again, "Ah, that would be Lassal Thorn. He once was a student of mine but he became too ambitious and I had no choice but to disavow him. Enraged by what he saw as betrayal he challenged Lord Kaan, believing he was strong enough to defeat our leader. To my former student's humiliation Kaan defeated him and as punishment he banished Lassal to the planet you were on."
Alec added, "He also knew how to effectively use Sith alchemy even though he was a Dark Jedi. He said he ripped the information out of a Sith Lord. He told me he had a natural connection to the dark side since birth."
The middle-aged male Iktochi said, "He wasn't lying, apprentice. Despite what Jedi say, the dark side was the first side of the Force some individuals were introduced to and thus never truly fell. Lassal was one of those people. His connection to the dark side was stronger than anyone I know, apart from Lord Kaan. You are lucky you survived the duel with him. Lassal was an aggressive duelist, he showed no mercy to his opponents. He even tortured his foe as a way of prolonging their agony."
Alec said, "I still won in the end."
Yin shook his head, "No, you won by sheer luck." That statement left a sour taste in Alec's mouth as his Sith Master continued, "During sparring matches I see you're focused on predicting your opponent's move without taking into account of the environment around you. This tactical tunnel vision will get you killed if you don't rectify it. Rest up, apprentice. You have another mission tomorrow."
The Sith Warrior bowed his head, "Yes, master." Stepping into his bedroom Alec collapses onto his bed.
The next day sees Alec finishing breakfast and heading to the briefing room where a young Sith officer stood with a datapad in hand.
He stood 5'8, 20 years of age, blue eyes, short blonde hair, tanned skin and wore the black military uniform of the Sith Empire.
The officer looked up from his datapad, "Ah, you must be Darth Nova our leader Kaan was talking about. My name is Lyle San, head of the 132nd Battalion of the Brotherhood of Darkness. Been part of it since I was fifteen, rising quickly through the ranks until I was promoted to General. I've led this battalion through some tough battles and came out alive. We promise not to fail you, Lord Nova." Typing on his datapad he said, "Our mission is to attack this village helping the Army of Light. We've been instructed not to show any mercy. Opposition is unknown so we must remain cautious." The Sith Warrior and the 132nd Battalion board the shuttle heading out for their mission on Ruusan.
Dropping out of hyperspace, the shuttle begins re-entry sequence.
Flying through the atmosphere, the craft's main wings fold upward as it touches down. The rear hatch opens allowing the passengers to depart.
Venturing through the target village, Alec couldn't help but wonder why Kaan wanted this village attacked. He could sense no Jedi present and the villagers are going about their daily lives.
Was this one of Kaan's tests to see if he was worthy to be a Sith?
Alec joined the Order to get revenge on the Jedi for his parents' death but he was against killing innocent people. You'd have to be heartless and devoid of conscience to commit such an atrocity.
He made his decision, "We're not killing these people."
Lyle blinked in surprise, "But my lord, we have been ordered to clear this village of the inhabitants that are aiding the Army of Light."
Alec turned around to face the young soldier, "Look around you. Do they resemble Jedi sympathizers? No, they don't. Now let's return to base." Upon returning to Korriban, Alec stayed in his room to write a cleverly made report on his mission. To his surprise, the higher-ups fell for it and Kaan was pleased.
Five additional months pass by and Alec still suffered from tactical tunnel vision during his duels with the Jedi.
During one engagement with a seasoned Jedi Knight, Alec sustained series injuries. It was only through the intervention of the Sith Empire's best surgeons he was able to survive with a scar going across his chest serving as a reminder of how close he came to death. After recovering from his injuries, the young Sith Warrior started working to overcome this tactical tunnel vision and began to show in his duels, he became more aware of his surroundings and used the environment around him to his advantage. His opponent didn't expect this and was eventually overwhelmed by Alec's brutal lightsaber form. One ferocious X strike of dual blades cuts the Jed Knight to pieces. He also secretly went on a mission to find naturally occurring yellow Adegan crystals to replace the synthetic ones. Once he swapped them out, Alec crushed the synthetic crystals.
During the next ten years, Alec's kill record made him feared among the Jedi Order. Some practically ran away upon the sight of him but Alec didn't let them escape as he fried them to a crisp. He grew into an exceptionally powerful Sith but unlike the other members of the Brotherhood of Darkness, Alec didn't care about the Sith Code and instead embraced the Code of the Light Sith that Kenta and another fellow Light Sith named Yuna Rose followed. Alec discovered the light side was stronger than the dark side, finding abilities that had more sustaining capacity than dark side counterparts. The embrace of the Code of the Light Sith allowed Alec to keep his burning rage under control.
By the time he turned 26, Alec was still obsessed with finding Johan Ransis. However, the now promoted Jedi Master proved to be an elusive target never being in the same place for too long.
The Seventh Battle of Ruusan came and Alec found himself on the front line with his fellow Sith until Lyle contacted him, stating intelligence located Johan and was giving Alec the coordinates. Happy that his prey has been found, Alec boards a shuttle and orders the pilot to take him to those coordinates. When they arrive, the lands the shuttle to allow Alec to disembark before taking off again. Reaching out with the Force, the Sith Warrior narrows down his target's location. Thanks to honing his abilities, it doesn't take long to pinpoint the Jedi. He heads toward that area.
Johan and a young Female Chiss padawan were busy leading Republic troops until he senses the familiar presence. Arriving at a large, open field the man sees Alec standing there. The Sith Warrior raises his masked face, a calm visage hidden from view but the look in his eyes tell the story.
Alec takes in the Jedi's appearance.
Johan was now in his early 50's with graying medium-length brown hair and a few fine lines around his eyelids but the aura he emitted told Alec Johan was still strong. His wore white battle armor under brown robes.
Alec next switched to the middle-aged man's padawan.
Chiss were an enigmatic, tall, Near-Human species of the planet Csilla located in the Unknown Regions. They're best known for their blue skin and glowing red eyes, although it depended on the oxygen content of the surrounding area. The more oxygen present, the darker their skin and eyes became. The hair was typically jet black.
The Chiss padawan named Camilla was in her late teens, had shoulder-length black hair, blue skin and glowing red eyes of her species. She wore white battle armor with a few scorch marks and dark brown robes.
Johan stepped forward with his padawan, "We'll handle this, commander. You take your troops and move ahead, we'll catch up later."
The commander nodded, "Yes, sir. Be careful." Alec doesn't pay attention to the Republic troops as they walk past him, keeping his eyes on the two Jedi.
When the troopers are gone, Alec lowers his hood fully exposing his black mask that completely covered his head with clamps holding it in place on the back. He keeps the cloak on while his opponents removed theirs. He draws his dual lightsabers, yellow blades spring to life. Johan and Camilla mirror his action igniting their single blades, Johan's green while Camilla's blue.
Johan enters the opening stance of Soresu and Camilla stands in the opening stance of Ataru.
Alec remains still waiting for his opponents to make the first move which they inevitably do.
Camilla leaps over Alec getting behind the Sith Warrior, Alec brings his second blade up to block a strike aimed for his chest while the primary thwarts a slash to his neck. Alec uses the momentum to shove Johan back and grabs Camilla with the Force, throwing her into her master. Dragging his lightsabers on the ground as he runs forward, grounding Force lightning onto his blades. Once he came close enough he swings the lightsabers in an X patterns, sending the lightning at his opponents in a move he calls Lightning Wave. Johan and Camilla scream from the pain of the attack. Without letting up Alec sends house-sized boulders at the two Jedi.
Johan sees through the painful fog the projectiles and intercepts with the Force sending them back at the Sith Warrior. A grin forms on Alec's face, halting the swarm in mid-flight and charges the rocks with Force lightning before re-launching them. Johan brings up a Force shield that absorbed the impact, protecting him and his padawan. Johan looks ahead to see their opponent nowhere to be found until the Force tells him to look up. Doing so allows them to witness Alec falling toward them, his fist crackling with electricity. Landing he slams the fist into the dirt generating a shockwave that sends Johan and Camilla flying. Looking behind him Alec spots trees. Grabbing them with the Force he rips the trees out of the ground and sends them at his prey.
Getting up, Johan and Camilla sense danger and cut the trees. Alec doesn't let up sending more trees, displaying his aggressive lightsaber technique.
After slicing the last tree Camilla grunted, "Who is this guy, Master?"
Johan said, "An opponent twenty years earlier, Darth Nova. He's out for my blood. His lightsaber form was unrefined when we first fought but it's different now. His anger isn't as prominent, it's better controlled. In fact I can barely feel it." Camilla jumps at Alec, executing the Hawkbat Swoop.
The Sith Warrior stands his ground, waiting for his opponent to land the strike. He brings his dual blades up thwarting the Hawkbat Swoop and seizes Camilla with the Force and slams her to the ground. Restoring her vertical base Camilla fails to react in time to an uppercut catapulting her into the air, Alec jumps to follow. He next hits an ax kick, sending the Chiss padawan back to the ground, this time landing face-first. Landing on his feet in a crouch position to disperse the energy Alec smirks at the female Chiss.
He taunted, "Is this the best you can do, padawan? If so then I'm disappointed."
Camilla jumps to her feet swinging her blue lightsaber at the Sith Warrior who blocks it with his yellow one.
Alec said, "Why do you serve the Jedi? Their ways are antique, outdated, boring. Living by their philosphy means they're holding you back from achieving your potential."
Camilla shook her head, "No, you're wrong!"
Alec furthered, "Am I? You haven't dealt with a Jedi killer until now. Many promising Jedi fell to my blades, padawan. Do you think you'll succeed where others failed?" He kicks Camilla in the chest launching her toward her master. He walks forward a few feet then stops holding his lightsabers in a mocking posture.
He thrusts his hand forward demonstrating his increased connection with the Force. Recovering Johan charges swinging his blade in an attempt to break Alec's guard but none of them get past his yellow blades. Alec mirrors his movement when he suddenly turns off his second lightsaber, clipping it to his belt then grabs Johan's wrist squeezing it to let go of his lightsaber and throws him across the battlefield, Johan rolls until he collides with a boulder. Alec senses Camilla running at him and quickly turns around, pinning to a tree.
He said, "Your master has deceived you into believing you can become a Jedi. You'd be better off with the Brotherhood of Darkness." Camilla fights to keep her lightsaber from cutting her but it was proving futile as the blue blade was brought closer to her throat by Alec manipulating it with the Force.
Johan returns to his feet and sees his student in danger. Alec feels an attack coming and quickly spins to block the strike, shoving the middle-aged Jedi Master back he goes on the offense throwing aggressive slashes. The Jedi Master grits his teeth. He opponent was barely giving any chance to retaliate and wasn't making the same mistakes as in their first encounter twenty years earlier. During a blade lock Alec senses Camilla attempting a sneak attack, so he draws his second lightsaber again stabbing her through the chest. Camilla has a look of disbelief on her face before she slides off.
Alec returned his attention to Johan. They parry strikes and enter a Force lock, Alec keeps Johan's Force push at bay then decides to counter with a powerful Force push of his own.
He taunted, "You are beaten. It is useless to resist, Johan. Give up and I'll send your body back to the council. What's left of it."
Johan shook his head, "I will have to turn down that offer, Sith. Why can't I sense the dark side within?"
A smile formed on Alec's masked face, "It's because I have chosen to follow the light side of the Force. Although not in the same way you Jedi follow. I want to live the way I see fit not be a slave to politics like you Jedi allowed yourselves to. Did you ever stop to think you're not the paragons of justice you claim to be? During my time in the Sith archives, I discovered you committed a big no-no. Your precious Jedi Order felt it was necessary to declare genocide on the Sith species. That one act is why our hatred for you burns like fire through our veins. Your life ends here, Johan Ransis." Alec dashes toward Johan with a burst of Force speed using the momentum to hammer at the Jedi Master's defense.
Johan blocks a downward thrust from Alec's primary blade and jumps back to escape the second. Alec blocks a sweeping strike.
He said, "Come on, Jedi. Stop holding back, make me enjoy this fight." He pinned the man's green blade to the ground, "Release your anger, old man. Only your hatred can save you." Johan resists the temptation and continues to battle Alec.
The Sith Warrior starts back peddling toward the trees behind and suddenly jumps into them, vanishing from view. Johan follows walking into the trees. Due to their massive trees, Ruusan's parent star's light had difficulty penetrating the leafs.
Alec's voice echoed through area, "Can you feel that sense of uneasiness starting to creep in? Not expected me to adjust my fighting style over the course of twenty years?" He launched a massive tree at Johan who cut it in half as the Sith Warrior continued, "Perhaps the galaxy would be better off under Sith control than you Jedi. We know when to take action and not debate on what to do. You Jedi have lost sight of what you stand for." Johan looks directly ahead to see Alec walking into view, entering the dual blade Makashi opening position.
Without taking his eyes off of Johan grabs a pair of trees behind the Jedi Master and launches them at the middle-aged man. Johan turns to intercept them and Alec quickly closes the distance exchanging strikes. During a blade lock, Alec breaks more trees into smaller pieces then launches the projectiles at Johan, striking him in the side of his face. Another barrage strikes him in the back. Alec ends the assault with a powerful Force push sending Johan crashing through a whole bunch of trees the sound of bark snapping echoes through the air.
Johan groans after feeling the pain on his back subside, he's surprised the spinal cord didn't snap from all those impacts. Rubbing his back Johan gets up and wanders through the forest keeping his guard up for any surprise attacks. He suddenly backs away as Alec appears seemingly out of nowhere wielding a single blade. The Sith Warrior cuts loose, trading precision and control for overwhelming power blows, batting at the Jedi Master's defense while forcing him to back peddle. Alec's yellow blade leaves deep cuts in trees. Blocking a counterattack, Alec pushes Johan back. The Sith Warrior grounds Force lightning onto his lightsaber again. Excitement flows through Alec knowing the end is near.
Locking blades, he subtly manipulates the lightning onto Johan's hands. He yelps but somehow keeps a secured grip on his weapon. Alec advances on his prey, executing the Disarming Slash to rip Johan's lightsaber out of his hands. He next pins the Jedi Master to the ground via the Force and cuts off his right arm eliciting a scream of agony from Johan. The Sith Warrior isn't done however. He climbs over to the pinned Jedi Master and starts punching his face in. With every strike, Johan's face becomes more and more unrecognizable until one final punch literally shatters it.
Getting off Alec stares at the corpse.
He did it. He got revenge! He got his retribution!
'There's no greater relief than of vengeance sated. Now my parents can rest in peace.' Alec thought.
Looking down at his defeated opponent he watches the body vanish, becoming one with the Force. Alec decides to keep Johan's lightsaber as a trophy.
His holocommunicator beeped and answered it, "Yes?" The holographic image of Lyle appears.
He saluted, "Lord Nova, my men have taken of Johan's Republic troops. We await further instructions."
Alec ordered, "Push forward. The Army of Light mustn't win this war."
Lyle nodded, "Yes, my lord." Alec ends the transmission looking up into the sky.
The following day sees Alec battling Republic alongside Kenta and Yuna when Kenta had a spaced out look on his face. Alec believed this happened whenever Kenta had a premonition.
Snapping out of it Kenta ordered, "We need to leave now."
Alec asked, "Why? Something wrong?"
Kenta said, "Kaan's going to detonate the Thought Bomb. I don't know the exact details but it sounds bad. We need to get as far away as we can before that thing goes off."
Alec cocked his head to the left slightly in a skeptical manner, "Are you sure?"
Yuna said, "Kenta's visions have saved our lives plenty of times. There's no reason to begin to doubt them now." The Sith trio head for the Twilight Dawn with Kenta bolting toward the cockpit, hopping into the pilot seat and light up the engines.
The Twilight Dawn lifts off into the vacuum of space, clearing Ruusan when Kenta and Alec feel the Thought Bomb detonate. The screams of Force sensitives as their bodies dissolve and their essence absorbed by the bomb. Kenta faints from the effects and Alec nearly does as well but he found the strength to stay conscious.
Yuna flies the ship until Kenta recovers.
End of flashback
Alec opens his electric blue eyes, ending his meditation.
'When one chapter in a person's life closes, another begins. That new chapter involves me and my comrades battling this Galactic Empire. We'll everything in our power to see it fall.' He thought, standing up.
He stretches feeling his bones pop after remaining still for so long.
Alec heads for the commons area to see what his friends are doing.
A/N: Chapter 12 done finally. Had a serious case of writer's block here but I was able to push through after taking a break from writing.
Here we got to see Alec's journey in becoming the Sith Warrior he is now.
He joined the Brotherhood of Darkness later than Kenta or Yuna and became obsessed with finding the Jedi who killed his parents.
Alec eventually rejected the Sith Code and instead chose to embrace the Code of the Light Sith he follows today which proved vital in his battle against the man behind his parents' death: Johan Ransis.
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Stay tuned for chapter 13
Vader 23A