Chapter 21: Night Moves
"BLYSS?!"
The girl jumped to her feet, knocking over several books and data cards, one of the headphones she was wearing fell out of her ear.
Avaryss stood before her, an arched look on her face.
It was late, far too late for anyone to be here. Rest was not attainable, and so she had come here looking for a bit of privacy, and perhaps, some inspiration.
She had not expected someone to be where they shouldn't be.
"Mom…Mother…um…hi…ah…what…what are you doing here?"
The dark lord arched her eyebrow.
"A curious question, daughter. Considering this is MY library in MY private quarters."
The girl lowered her head, blushing furiously.
Avaryss frowned.
What was her daughter doing here?
This library was connected to her private quarters, and contained some of the most coveted of her Sith knowledge. Most of the scrolls, books, and data cards here had been raided from the late Lord Phylon, a curious and well-read Sith who had met the fate he deserved, the rest had been gathered with care by Avaryss herself, some rare tomes only available to one who had once served on the dark council.
She had not even had a chance to go through everything yet, the knowledge this library contained, the spells and rituals were dangerous, and for the eyes of only the most skilled of Sith.
Blyss was NOT one of them.
Yet, here the girl was.
Interesting.
Blyss stood before her, looking down at her feet, guilty, but not bothering to apologize or explain herself. A single hand lamp was sitting on the desk, so she didn't have to turn on the overhead lights. Only enough light to read from, and unseen by any in the dark lord's apartment.
Smart that, not that many would be moving around at this time, most were in bed.
It was late night in the palace, only an hour or two after midnight. The dark lord, unable to sleep had decided to consult her private collection of Sith knowledge, to seek inspiration after a day of many troubles, annoyances, and challenges.
Now…this…her dear daughter was here?
How…special.
She endeavored not to lose her temper, which surprisingly, wasn't very hard. She was more curious then angry at that moment.
Blyss had been nothing but dutiful since their coming here, had done everything her parent had asked of her. Helping with the baby, serving as her cupbearer at meetings, and even helping Taya with her daughter while serving as her apprentice.
Finding her here, now, it brought up many questions.
Had her sweet little girl been playing her own game, a game her mother had not seeing because she had not been trying to see?
Was there more to Blyss than she had thought?
"I'm sorry," the girl said meekly, "I knew you had company tonight, and…that you would likely be busy all night."
The girl looked up and managed a small smile.
"I figured you would be distracted."
Avaryss sniffed, she didn't deny it, though she did pull her robe tighter around herself. Suddenly aware that she was wearing nothing underneath.
Yes, she had been…busy.
She had been…entertaining.
She had needed a release.
Things had not been going well.
IOI
The day had been trying, Xen was complaining about Beric, how he was ignoring her and their daughter. Also, the nobles had been asking questions about their twelve missing fellows, fellows that had survived the experiment. Three weeks had passed since their transformation, and now, the people they had been no longer existed. They were her hounds now, bound to both her and each other, and dangerous…
…useful.
On top of that, Andur had been fussy all day, in a bit of a mood. Not wanting to eat, or eat what was brought to him, wanting to do what he wanted rather than what was asked…
…Typical toddler issues.
She might have been more tolerant, but a report from Ghul's intelligence people had put her on edge, even now….thinking about it, her temper flared.
The alliance was talking about her, they knew she was responsible for the Staukhause raid, somehow. There had even been suggestions of targeting her, making an example of her.
That…could not be allowed.
She had finally lost her temper with her son, and sent him to bed without his supper. She didn't wish to do it, but understood that it was necessary.
It was something that her father would have done…Andur Lylos doted on his child, but he did understand the value of discipline.
She had learned to behave as a child, her son would too.
She didn't want to do it, but it had needed to be done. She tried to focus on it. She had seen what Synestra Feer's indulgence had done to her son Bael. The boy had been spoiled and it turned him into a monster. She would not do that to her own child. Avaryss had no desire to create another Bael Feer.
No, she was raising a future emperor!
He could not afford to be spoiled, he would learn control, and pass it on to his children, or so…she hoped.
Surrounded by such trouble, and annoyance, was it any wonder she had sought release?
The young man, her new toy, had come to her, later. He informed her that HK Sigma 3 was away with his strike team, four of her new hunters, and a squad of knell troopers, more than enough firepower to deal with any defenders that Princess Bayla would have at her side.
They would do what needed to be done. The princess had survived too long.
It was time to end it…one way or another. Death or capture, it didn't matter to Avaryss.
The girl…had to go.
She had spoken with the droid before he had left, he had been most eager for this hunt.
"Guilty admission," he had said in a low voice, "Be prepared, master. Some of these troopers and creatures may not be coming back."
Avaryss had shrugged.
"That is life, HK," she had responded.
That had pleased the droid, he liked that she was not tying his hands by making him promise to return with her toys undamaged.
The Hunter Sigma, HK's ship, had launched, leaving Avaryss to await his report of success, but in the meantime.
Her attention fell on the young man who had brought her the news, she was feeling…frisky.
They had only just met recently, she knew about him of course, but this was the first time they saw each other alone. She had sensed his desire as he had stood in her presence. His own lover had been distracted, and he was feeling…unappreciated.
Avaryss could sympathize.
She had realized how long it had been since she had…allowed herself a bit of release.
She still awaited the return of Fenn, but for now…
…why not have a bit of fun?
She had flirted a bit, and he had responded accordingly, he was drawn to strong women, he admitted.
That was good, she hated to admit it, but she was drawn to him too.
Perhaps it wasn't right, but in that moment…she didn't care.
It was time…to indulge.
Her new plaything was about ten years her junior, but still quite skilled, fierce and arrogant too. He took it as a sign of his superiority that she had come on to him, and had responded in time, several times in fact. He had done as he desired, took her into his arms, and then let her draw him back to her private quarters, and her bed. He had not resisted, and she had been more than willing. It had been…good.
He had pleased her, and she snuggled in his arms afterward. She had slept, but not for long, rest had not been in the cards…
The dark side continued to whisper in her ear.
Things were moving beyond her sight, the light side was moving, she needed to be ready.
She had to prepare…a response.
Her plan to deal with the alliance was already underway, she had placed several calls, getting things in motion. As for the nobles, she informed them that missing men and women were on a special mission which was true. Four of them had gone with HK. Four would be leaving with Rain tomorrow afternoon, off to search for Temmin Tagge.
The last four would remain here, and sniff out any and all rats in her house. If her own Sith were playing her false she would know.
As for Beric and Xen, she had a way to deal with that too. She had had that plan on the back burner for a while now.
It was time to bring it to a boil.
First, however, she needed to deal with Blyss.
She was not sure how she was going to do that…yet.
IOI
She looked down at her daughter, and the pile of books and scrolls scattered at her feet. The chirping of local music sounding in Blyss' headphones.
"Have you been here all night?" she asked, "Were you here before I got back?"
The girl shook her head.
"No, mother. I came in through the bolt hole."
Avaryss blinked, looking over at the secret passage that was built into the back of the library, what the girl called the bolt hole.
Of course, Blyss knew about that she thought.
They had used it once a few years back.
It had been shortly after they had taken Bantoon and moved into the palace. There had been reports of bombs being planted in this wing of the palace. Avaryss had been here, setting up her apartment, and Blyss had been helping.
The two of them had left this wing through the secret exit in the library. Blyss had been frightened at the time, and had been on the verge of panic.
That is how she was acting anyway, the dark side whispered in Avaryss' ear.
You didn't think the girl was paying attention to the path, or how you opened the door into the main hall. You were mistaken.
The little one saw more than you gave her credit for.
"I take it this isn't the first time you have snuck into my library."
"No mother."
"And how long have you been doing this?"
"Awhile."
Avaryss snorted.
Awhile, the girl said.
She thought back to her own visits to this library, to the feeling that things were moving around when she wasn't here. She had dismissed it as simply paranoia, but perhaps it was not.
How long had the girl been sneaking in here, studying her knowledge and secrets. Weeks? Months? Years?
She almost sighed.
Oh Blyss.
What were you thinking?
"Tell me, child," Avaryss asked, "Have your lessons with Taya truly been so unenlightening that you need to study secret? If you had questions, why not go to your master?"
Blyss sniffed.
"Lord Taya is a good mentor; she has taught me much about the lightsaber and the politics of this world and our empire…"
The girl paused, looking down at her shuffling feet.
"But," Avaryss said.
"But," the girl continued, "What is the point of having that knowledge if I have no power to back it up? If I'm not feared or respected, how can I use what I've learned."
"I see," Dark Lord said.
Blyss frowned.
"Other Sith see me as your servant, your babysitter. I love Andur, but…that is not all I am. I've been training to be Sith since I could walk. Yet, no one here respects me, Jeer doesn't even respect me…or fear me."
"He is your brother," Avaryss reminded her.
"He is a sadistic idiot!"
Avaryss blinked.
In that moment, she saw a side of her daughter she had not seen before. Anger flashed in her eyes, and the dark lord could see a hunger for power that she had not known was there.
She pursed her lips in thought.
Jeer had not been the only one to overlook Blyss. She was guilty of that too.
That is why she had given her to Taya to train. She saw her as Taya: the next generation, one with power, but content to follow.
What she was seeing now, it made little sense.
Blyss had always been a good girl…
Too good?
That thought gave her pause.
Had everything she had seen up to this point been an act?
Her eyes narrowed as she looked at her child.
Have you been playing me, little girl?
You have been playing yourself, the dark side whispered, she may not have been born of your body, but she is YOUR blood…
…and her father's as well.
She couldn't deny that.
The enforcer who had destroyed the Lylos family, and first set Avaryss on this path had offered his genetic material to his lord, and Feer had used that, combined it with hers to create Jeer and Blyss.
That man had been cruel, intelligent, and cunning.
Had his daughter in inherited those traits, not to mention her mother's thirst for knowledge and power?
If so, Blyss was far more dangerous than Avaryss had ever realized.
She had never told her children how their father had died, nor had she told them about the destruction of the Lylos family. She had seen no reason to, Keera Lylos was as dead as her parents and sisters. Avaryss had been born of her rage and hate, but they were not the same person.
How would the children react if they knew the whole story? She could not say for sure. All she could say right now was that Blyss had surprised her. Things were not as simple as they had appeared.
She needed to handle this moment…carefully.
All these thoughts past in the few seconds that Blyss had told her what she thought of her brother, and her opinion was not without merit.
Jeer was what he was, and that is why he fit so well with Abominus.
She, and Taya, who was her daughter's master, would need to take a new tact with the girl.
"Your brother is what he is," she said.
Blyss shrugged.
"He likes to brag about all the things he has done since entering Master Abominus' service, what she had shown him, and how powerful he has become."
The girl shook her head.
"What I've learned, it doesn't seem to hold a candle to that. Master Taya is…"
"Do not underestimate the value of political knowledge, my dear. Politics are the art of rule. A blaster may keep people in line, but the right words and actions will bind the galaxy to us, and never let it slip away."
Avaryss smiled.
"Such is the way of power."
The girl nodded, but her mother sensed she didn't truly believe what was being said.
"You may be right, mother, but what is in this room, these books and data pads. They offer far more than a blaster or a word."
She looked hungrily around the room.
"I've learned much studying these books."
"Yet, you have not revealed what you can do," her mother said, "Not to me, your master, or Jeer."
The girl shrugged.
"It didn't feel right to reveal anything. I would gain nothing had I revealed what I learned. I…um…I guess I've been waiting."
Her mother crossed her arms.
"For what?"
"I'm not sure. For the time to be right, I suppose. When revealing what I've learn will benefit me most. When it will benefit our family most, and advance my position."
She looked down at her feet again.
"I guess that won't happen now, huh? I guess I'm in trouble."
Avaryss didn't answer, she was too shell shocked, looking at the little girl she had underestimated.
She hated to admit it, but she had not known this girl at all.
Blyss was only thirteen, but that was only two years younger than Keera had been when she had first found the dark side.
In fact, in that moment, she saw much of Keera in Blyss, that drive, and the thirst for knowledge, the need to be more.
Yes, she understood what she was saying, and why she had chosen to hide her growing knowledge.
It is not wrong to hide your true potential, that can be useful, she knew that from her readings about Darth Hecaetus, he was a master at making his enemies underestimate him. Keera had used that to her own advantage, destroying a troubling squad leader during her time on Fury 9.
What was that boy's name again…Brak…something…
No matter he had been destroyed years ago, the first of many hurdles that Keera has jumped to bring Avaryss into existence.
Now Blyss was starting down that road, her mother…was pleasantly surprised.
She hated to admit it, but she was impressed, her daughter had hidden her nightly visits to this library, and gained wisdom that her mother or master had no idea that she possessed.
It was very Sith-like, the dark lord was pleased, but that didn't mean that she was not concerned.
As of right now, she had no idea exactly what sort of abilities her daughter possessed, what she had learned in secret, not knowing was a weakness, and weakness could not be tolerated.
She needed to rectify this situation.
She frowned slightly.
Yes, she needed to know…
…But how. If the girl has been studying in this library, and with Taya, she had likely been exposed to powers that her mother had no idea she possessed.
She would need to gauge the girl's abilities, but how to do that safely? How to approach this situation in a way that would not turn Blyss against her?
How?
Again, the dark side offered an answer.
The trial of blood.
The name almost made her shudder, and for a moment, she felt a phantom pain in her left leg.
The leg that had been injured during her own trial years ago.
That had been in a different life, with a different body, but the memory remained.
She regarded her daughter carefully.
A trial, she thought.
Yes.
Nothing as elaborate as the one Rain had survived, no. Rain was her heir, the next empress, she had needed to be sure that the girl had what it took. Both to rule, and to be Andur's teacher if Avaryss fell to her blade. Blyss' trial would be different, but it still needed to be difficult. It would test her, but it would show her mother what she needed to know.
Avaryss gave no sign of what she was thinking, but her mind was made up.
The Trial of Blood would happen.
She would need to speak with Taya, set it all up. Both master and parent needed to play a role in creating this trial. The two of them would administer the test, just as Adaz and Phylon had done with Keera.
It would all go down as she needed, and she would come to know her daughter.
That…is what needed to happen…in the meantime though.
One final thing was needed.
"Answer me this, child," she began, "What do you want?"
"Want, mother?"
What is your true goal, what do you hope to gain with the power you wield?"
"To serve the empire," the girl said quickly, "To serve you, and our family."
"Very well, but that can't be your entire motivation."
The dark lord frowned.
"You sound like a Jedi," she hissed.
And worse, she thought to herself, you sound like Keera.
Unacceptable!
The girl gave her a confused look.
"Should I not seek to serve you?"
"You should follow those stronger than you, until you become stronger than them. Until you are sure that you are stronger than them. Imperials serve. Acolytes serve. Marauders and assassins serve. You have shown tonight that you possessed the desire to be a Sith Lord…
Avaryss smiled.
"Sith Lords serve themselves first."
She looked up at the highest pedestal in the back of the library where her holocron sat. Blyss could not have accessed it; she knew that at least. After Rain used it during their time in Survivor Base, she had placed locks on its gatekeeper, only she could remove those locks.
If Blyss succeeded, if she survived, maybe she would give the girl the key to those locks…they would see.
"You spent a short time among the Jedi during our time at Survivor Base, tell me, did you come to understand why they lost the first war to our people, why Coruscant fell so quickly?"
Blyss' brow furrowed with thought. Avaryss could see the girl trying to come up with the right answer, again she was pleased that she didn't spout off a quick answer, and answer more common in Sith propaganda.
"The Jedi thought they had us stuck during the end of that war, that neither side was capable of advancing any further. That is why they accepted our peace proposal."
"A reasonable answer, but not truly the right one," her mother said.
Avaryss smiled slightly.
"The Jedi knew what we were, they had fought us for decades at that point, but, as always their ultimate weakness was their downfall."
The dark lord sneered.
"A Jedi serves others, first and foremost, that is why they lost. They knew the power of the dark side, the drive of the empire, but they accepted our peace proposal because the people of the Republic wanted them too. The Republic was looking for a way out, and the Jedi, as their servants, accepted that proposal on their behalf. I'm sure many Jedi suspected the empire's duplicity, but were shamed into silence, and in their silence, Darth Malgus and Darth Angral found the opportunity they needed."
Avaryss shook her head.
"We sacked both Coruscant and the Jedi Temple. The galaxy was ours, but we let the emperor betray us, let him negotiate a treaty with our enemy. We never questioned because he was the emperor. How could we know that he had abandoned us? How could we know he built a false empire with the Zakuul and was plotting to betray us? We didn't know he had been consumed by his own madness, his desire for godhood."
Avaryss' temper flared at the mere thought of what had occurred.
Vitiate had betrayed them. Had they completed the conquest after the fall of Coruscant, the Zakuul would have found a much harder time bringing a galaxy controlled by the Sith under their control. It would have been a much fairer fight, but that was neither here nor there.
The treaty had been signed, the war had erupted again, and now the Sith Empire and the Republic were under Zakuul control.
Control that she would wrest from their grasp, when she used the Grand Temple, and the keys of Hecaetus to destroy all of Zakuul.
The emperor's betrayal would finally be avenged.
The galaxy…would be hers.
"Learn the lessons of the past, my child," she said, "Obey those stronger than you, but never forget that you must continue to grow, in both power and wisdom. Power is the end all of a Sith's journey. It will allow you to have everything you have ever wanted. Remember the code…"
"Through power gain victory," Blyss said with a nod.
"And through victory, your chains are broken," Avaryss finished.
Blyss gave her a hopeful smile.
"So you are not mad at me?"
"I am mad that you got caught," Avaryss replied, "But I will give you a free pass…this time. I will not seal the bolt hole, but you must be more careful. If I catch you in here again, I will block the entrance. You will not be able to access my secrets."
The girl nodded.
"Yes, mother."
Avaryss nodded, pleased.
The girl had learned caution tonight, she would be watchful for her mother's presence during her late -night visits. Such caution was necessary.
In the meantime, Avaryss would need to meet with Taya, set up the girl's trial. It would not be easy, she loved Blyss. Putting her at risk, she could die during the trial…
…but…if she did, then she was no use to the Sith, or her mother.
Avaryss tried to remember that.
She used the Force to open the secret door.
"Leave," she ordered, "You can clean up in the morning, and you need your own rest."
"Yes, mother," the girl replied, she was practically beaming.
She might have thought she got off easy tonight…
…she would know that was not true when the trial began.
The dark lord hoped she would be ready.
The girl left, leaving her mother to ponder all that was, and what was to come.
Things were moving all around her, enemies and allies alike…
…she would have to be ready too!
She was so close now.
She would be damned if she would lose when she was so close to absolute victory.
She turned out the light, and returned to her quarters, shutting the library door behind her.
She looked up, her plaything was awake, he sat up in bed, watching her.
She smiled.
"Did I wake you?" she asked.
He gave her a feral grin.
"Waking up alone, woke me, fair one," Gul Ashak said stretching, "I thought that I has successfully exhausted you. Perhaps my skills are not what I thought they were…"
Avaryss laughed.
He was arrogant, this one.
She could see why Rain had first been drawn to him.
Gul had not failed to notice his Rain's distraction with Temmin. He had been staying in the palace as she prepared her search for him, and during that time…she had neglected the green skinned Twi'lek.
Avaryss had taken advantage of that tonight.
"Do not underestimate, yourself," she answered, "It was not a failing on your part that woke me."
Glad to hear it," her toy said laying back, "Perhaps, my lady would allow me to correct that, I'm more than ready to help her find her rest."
Avaryss' body stirred at the offer. Gul was not unpleasant to look at, she had first noticed him at the party that he and Rain had attended.
She didn't think that her student would mind her taking…certain liberties. If Temmin did join them…
Gul would need some consoling, she suspected.
"I'm up to the challenge if you are," she said, letting her robe fall away, letting it puddle at her feet.
The Twi'lek smiled hungrily, enjoying the sight of her in moonlight.
"You not be disappointed, my lord," he said.
Avaryss said no more, she made her way back to the bed. The night was still young…
…she intended to make the best of it.
Gul's sharp claws dug into her back making her gasp, she let him take control…
Despite the threat of her various enemies, she was unconcerned.
The dark side was in ascendance, and so was she…
…the very galaxy was up for grabs, and soon…it would all be hers.
She moaned as the Twi'lek again started proving his skills.
Tonight…he was hers, and soon…
Everything else would be as well.
"Yes," she cried out.
"OH YESSSSS!"
Soon.