Ascension: Part Three

[Krux Mullarus]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imwmmv9r1oE[/youtube]​

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"Exiting hyperspace in ten seconds, Captain"

"Very good, lieutenant. Inform the Colonel we've arrived at Rakata Prime."

-----------

The holodesk beeped in Mullarus' room as light from the planet below filled the Sith Knight's unlit quarters. The hyperspace lane around them faded and Rakata Prime jumped into view below them. Light shone on Mullarus' face, opening his eyes. He turned his head to the side and blinked, his heart skipping a beat when he remembered the events of the night before were, in fact, not one of his wildest dreams. [member="Darth Azurea"] slept quietly beside him. This confirmed everything that happened. He may now be an enemy of his old master for this. No, there was no denying that. If Pyrrhus ever learned, Krux would become his masters next target for revenge. How ironic that the Knight, so driven by vengeance all of the time, would become the target of another's lust for revenge.

Mullarus got up and reclothed himself, but this time into his armor. He gazed out the window and looked down at Rakata Prime. He didn't have to stand before the Sith Lord to know he was staring back up. If The Paladin wasn't easily visible from the surface of the ancient world, Jekyll would be able to feel his grandson's presence.

He answered the holocall, but on his personal holocomm, outside of his quarters to allow his new companion her privacy. Captain Jones appeared in Mullarus' hand. "Patriot is fueled and ready to fly, my lord." Mullarus nodded, "Thank you, Captain. We'll be there within the hour."

After cutting communications on the holocomm, Mullarus sent a message via his comlink to [member="Fortuna"], [member="Abelain Narv'uk"], and [member="Tormax Ategann"]. "Wake up, lady and gentlemen. Rakata Prime is waiting. Gear up and meet me in the port-side hangar in an hour." Shutting that off and tucking his assortment of communication devices away, he stepped back into his quarters in time for the voice in his head to return at the perfectly wrong time.

You didn't come alone.

Mullarus shook his head, leaning against the wall by the door and communicating back to his grandfather from the planet below telepathically.

No, I didn't. You aren't worthy of honor, nor mercy.

Says you? Who ever gave you the right to be the galaxy's judge?

I never asked. I claimed my position of power myself.

You claimed your position of power because I dragged you up to it. Have you not realized that yet?

Yes. That isn't going to stop me from ending your life today.

I don't expect you to turn back now. Not when you have a woman watching now. You wouldn't want to look like you're afraid for her, would you?

Don't speak to me this way. Wait until we ride you down in your temple of stone. Then you will have your final words.

I hope you're ready for the test of your life, son.

Krux took a deep breath, surpressing his anger until the time came that he needed it. Using his telepathy once more, he softly spoke to Setzi as she slept. Wake up, Setzi. We've arrived.

 

[Lord Jekyll]

Meditating upon the tall throne overlooking an empty, ancient stone temple on the surface of Rakata Prime, the Masquerading Demon heaved a sigh of frustration. Krux. Have you learned nothing? After all of these years building up all of that hate...all of that rage...and you bring an army to me. Don't send them all to their deaths. I will make them wish they never knew you, and I will make them curse your name as they fall into insanity...

 

[Abelain Narv'uk]

The rhythmic chanting emanating from the center of the room finally ceased after having been active for several minutes. Long digits stretched along the floor, pulling back towards the being who sat cross-legged in the center of the room. The hands raised themselves upwards off of the ground, and neatly palmed into one another, grasping tightly, fingers straining against the grip. It released, the tension dissipating as the hands moved back to the floor, this time as support.

The being opened his eyes to the light of the room, listening to the sounds of machinery, taking notice of the subtle motion of dust as it scattered through the air. It had been a long time since he had chanted to the One Escalation, asking for it's favor in his work and for it's blessing upon his activities. Abelain arose, something bothered him in the back of his mind. He could not quite place the feeling, but it seemed as though he was forgetting something vital.

The Arue'tii simply shrugged and moved himself towards the bunk in his room, sitting upon it and scooping up the datapad that had been requested earlier from the crew. It took a moment for him to remember how to operate the device, but once he had, learning began once more. The datapad contained a plethora of knowledge; information on the engineering of the vessel to be exact, and had been vital to understanding the metal giant surrounding them.

The ringing of the comm forced a stop to the studies of the explorer. Setting down the datapad with a sigh, the being stood once more and listened to the words of his teacher. Today they would be facing a new enemy, one of presumably great strength. The Arue'tii could not help, but to feel a tremor of excitement shake his core at the thought of facing a worthy foe. True, it was not as if he sought to bring death and ruin to anything, but such things carried out the will of the One Escalation when done with glory.

"The Iridonian!" He spun his head towards the long-dead foe's lightsaber still draped along his waist. He had forgotten about his execution of the Iridonian, and it bothered the Arue'tii to his core. Had distractions plied his mind so greatly that he had stopped taking the more important things to mind? No, it had simply been a mistake, an error, one that would not be allowed to happen once more. "May the Iridonian find peace in the loving embrace of the One Escalation, may his end meet the entry into your splendor."

The Sith taught of using pain, hate, anger, frustration, of bending them to one's will. He would not forget his obligations, he would bend pain to his will and use it as a reminder of what must be done. The blue-tinted hand pulled back, and promptly snaked forward again towards the metal embrace of the wall. The ringing of the metal helped to partially drown out the shriek of pain driving itself from his mouth.

The exoskeleton was fine, undamaged. The pain came from the muscle underneath having slammed into the chitin. As Abelain left his room to prepare for the assault ahead, he could not help but to think that the pain was good.

[member="Knight Mullarus"] | [member="Fortuna"] | [member="Darth Azurea"] | [member="Tormax Ategann"]

 

[Tormax Ategann]

Tormax woke up to the sound of a steady beep, beep, beep next to him. He turned in bed, confused as to where the sound was coming from. Then he realized the beeping was coming from his helmet, which lay below him, next to the bed, along with the rest of his armor. That's strange, I never get messages. He stood up, stretching his back, spine and legs, before sitting back down on his bed, which was surrounded by identical beds, all lined against the wall.

After picking up the helmet and placing it upon his head, Tormax saw a notification on screen.

Com Message From: Colonel Mullarus

Would you like to listen to it?

"Yes" After listening to the message, Tormax got up and headed towards the showers. Better to not show up smelling like a Hutt.

[member="Knight Mullarus"] - [member="Abelain Narv'uk"] - [member="Fortuna"] - [member="Darth Azurea"]

 

[Setzi Lunelle]

The blue light of Rakata Prime crept through the small window of Knight Mullarus’s quarters in The Paladin, along with a quiet beep, both of which caused Darth Azurea to stir in bed. She emitted a sleepy sigh, waking further when she felt Mullarus rise, the bed suddenly more empty. She was on her stomach, so she turned to the side, covers up to her breastbone, and raised herself up on an elbow. Quietly watching him dress, she did not want to disturb him now. He was readying himself for this important and challenging task. When he went to answer the holocall, he slipped out of the room.

Darth Azurea sat up, still mummified in the white sheets from her chest down. There were a couple of things that she should focus on, she mused, as she rose and searched the room for a stimcaf machine - first of all, her actions over the last twenty-four hours and her disloyalty to her current Master and lover Darth Pyrrhus. Second of all, the mission at hand to slay Knight Mullarus’s cruel grandfather.

But being in the atmosphere above Rakata Prime had Setzi focused on one thing only. Chastity. Her obsession to rescue her sister from the Silver Jedi on Voss was still ever-present. So much that she began to scheme on how to escape The Paladin and make her way over to Voss. But she was jolted out of her reverie by Mullarus’s voice in her mind. Yes, the mission.

I am awake, she sent into his mind back.

Once she found the stimcaf, the black, hot liquid giving her energy when her body could not immediately do so, she also dressed back into her tunic and robes, wrapping her utility belt around her waist and securing it with a satisfying click. She gazed in the mirror to brush her hair with her fingers. Setzi glowed, not just with the pregnancy but with the events of last night fresh on her mind, the pleasure and even the smell of him still clinging to her body.

“I will not fail you,” she said aloud. She meant Knight Mullarus, but the same could be said for her sister, Chastity. Setzi would eventually come back for her. But not today.

Darth Azurea swept out of the room and made her way to the port-side hangar. She was eager to see how Mullarus was faring, if he was nervous or calm.

[member="Knight Mullarus"] [member="Tormax Ategann"] [member="Abelain Narv'uk"] [member="Fortuna"]

 

[Krux Mullarus]

After Setzi's voice had returned in his mind, he stepped back inside of his quarters in time to see her finish getting herself ready for the moment of truth that now lay directly before them. She looked almost totally different in his eyes this morning, the events of last night having changed how he looked at her. There was no denying what he felt for her was love and desire, and yet, even though she looked upon him with admiration the evening before, he couldnt help but wonder what was going through her head as she said a single sentence before quickly brushing past him.

As she passed him, he couldnt help but notice she smelled of roses. As if he didnt find her irresistable enough.

After the conversation shared early in the morning after their 'exploration', Mullarus could only smile like a fool as he watched her stroll down the corridor on her way to the hangar. He couldn't be happier to call her his lover. A woman once thought to be completely out of his league. Like the young man he was, love had such an irresistible feeling to it that was like ecstasy to the Knight. He took endless comfort in knowing that the feeling was shared between them.

He tidied up his quarters and locked it up before making his way toward the port-side hangar.

My passion has never been so raw, Jekyll. Today is the day you die.

 

[Darth Ferus]

A groan escaped the lips of Fortuna as she sat up. A loud banging on her door saw to her early waking, if it could be called that. After [member="Abelain Narv'uk"] 's beatings, she couldn't help but fall sound asleep. The action itself was so new, foreign, that she hadn't expected to wake at all. But now she was, and with another groan she rolled out of bed. A bit more literally than not. A thud sounded off as she rolled onto the floor, and for a third time in two minutes she groaned, already tired with this day.

Spoiler

"I'm awake, I swear.." The words grumbled out, barely audible, but the person at her door seemed to understand. A hiss of the door opening, and the burning of the artificial lights in the hallway caused yet another groan. A female officer stepped into the room, both hands behind her back. She spoke with authority and respect, so etching Fortuna wasn't use to.

" [member="Knight Mullarus"] has requested your presence. The time to slay Jeckyll is upon us. Be up and armed in two minutes, my lady." A quick salute, and the nameless officer left the blue hared girl still rubbing her eyes. "Two minutes? How does one.." She drifted off again, though not because she was tired. Now more alert, she could feel [member="Lord Jekyll"] and his power. A chill went doown her spine. This was no ordinary man, no. The teacher of Mullarus obviously wouldn't be, but this felt wrong. Putrid. The dark clung to him like a parasite, yet it seemed the man was the insect sucking the Force dry.

Within a minute she was dressed, her heart pounding in her ears. She was afraid, terrified. But she just couldn't help but smile. The idea of a challenge was just too great for her to dismiss. How long would she be able to fight against this man? Would she even be able to to begin with? All these thoughts came to mind as she reached out for the spear resting beside her bed. A quick tug of the Force, and the weapon began floating behind, hungry for blood.

Another hiss sounded off as she left her room, nodding once to the female.

"Show me the way."


[member="Darth Azurea"][member="Tormax Ategann"]

 

[Abelain Narv'uk]

Walking down the hallway towards the port-side hangar, the being could not help but to consider the battle ahead once more. It promised to be an exhilarating fight according to the teacher and his previous experiences. The feeling was not unfamiliar to the Arue'tii, the feeling of awaiting warfare, death, and ruination. He had existed for many years, and in his time there had been much bloodshed. However, the beings that resided here in the greater universe seemed to thrive on the violence. They had perfected it, and even now continued to work on it, to bring forth the fruits of it's labor.

It was all acceptable. Abelain stepped into the port-side hangar, and then to one of it's corners. Slinking down the wall, he sat, awaiting the arrival of the entire group for what would surely be another instruction in the art of death-dealing. His eyes closed, listening to the almost rhythmic noises of the vessel and of the hangar. Taking a breath, the Arue'tii took notice of the scent of blood which permeated the area. So many living beings, each one going about their work.

It was pleasant to rest, and to simply sense all of the things going about around him. One day, all of these beings would lie dead, and he would still exist. They would escalate, or they would not. Eventually all beings would be enveloped in the loving embrace of the One Escalation. All things would be whole once more, and the blissful union would unite the universe. Abelain's eyes flickered open. Death was the final step into the reunion.

Who was he to deny the will of the One Escalation?
[member="Fortuna"] | [member="Knight Mullarus"] | [member="Darth Azurea"] | [member="Tormax Ategann"]

 

[Krux Mullarus]

As the group arrived at the hangar one by one, they would be greeted by the sight of Mullarus' AP-22 Charger-class Assault Freighter, named Patriot, which served as his personal starship before he was gifted The Paladin. [member="Darth Azurea"] would likely recognize it, as she's seen it a few times in the past. Obviously, [member="Fortuna"] would as well since she had flown in it when Mullarus took her from Dagobah. Other than Patriot, the hangar had a few imperial gunships docked here and there, likely wouldn't be used in the coming fight.

When the group arrived, Mullarus would enter the hangar as well. His aura felt similar to the dark one that could be felt on the planet's surface below them, only less malevolent. The only evil carried in Mullarus' heart were the cruel curses he placed upon his grandfather in his mind. His eyes burned with revenge, as if the strength of the entire galaxy were resting upon his back. He took a moment to overlook the group that stood beside Patriot's loading dock. His two apprentices, [member="Abelain Narv'uk"] and Fortuna, the monster and the mind, felt rested and prepared to him. They must have done their homework. He nodded with approval to them before turning his gaze to their right, where Privates Konner and [member="Tormax Ategann"] stood, the two newcomers to Jackal squad. Mullarus sighed solemnly, fearing neither of the troopers would return from this strife. Lastly, standing closest to Mullarus' vessel was Setzi, whose scent was probably still ripe on Mullarus' body. Someone like Abelain could probably smell the two all over each other, though Setzi's scent of roses was probably the more empowering of the two. Mullarus gave her a nod, sending her a faint message to her head telepathically. Don't let this be our last operation together.

Finally, the Knight spoke loud enough for them all to hear him. "He knows we're here, and he knows we're coming. He knows I chose not to come alone, and he doesn't want you there. Frankly, I should have gone alone, but I feel the old bastard doesn't deserve that kind of end to his life. I like to think of myself as honorable to those who show they deserve it. He does not. That's why I have decided to take all of you with me. Apprentices Narv'uk and Fortuna, I do not expect you to make a big difference in the battle. Lord Jekyll is an old, malevolent man with more experience than all of us put together. If you faced him alone, he'd surely crush you. What I expect most out of the two of you is to watch and study. Bring questions to me, assuming we all make it out of this alive. Though, if you feel you are confident, I do encourage you to fight however you can. Just don't do anything...stupid.

"Privates Konner and...Ategann" he put some emphasis on Ategann's name, giving him a special look, "I will be honest. I don't expect either of you to survive. Simple troopers have little place on the playing field of the Sith. However, this is a reason I am letting you come along. If you do survive, expect a lot of praise from me. I have high expectations of you." His eyes mostly met the gaze of Private Ategann. "I have equal respect for the both of you because you are a part of the Empire's finest. You're more heroes than even I am in many ways. I'll be sure you are remembered that way."

His indigo eyes met the golden ones of Setzi Lunelle, "Darth Azurea. I thank you again for coming along to help us. To help me." His voice became noticably softer as he spoke to her. "Your assistance will tip the scales of the fight, i'm sure." There wasn't much else he could think to say to her that he hadn't already. The two shared many words the night before that cleared up most of Mullarus' previous anxiety. Now he only worried he may lose her on Rakata Prime.

"Now fall into Patriot, friends. The moment has arrived."

~~~


As the group began to file into Mullarus' Charger, the group with the exception of Mullarus himself would hear a deep, elderly-sounding voice in their heads. They wouldn't immediately know who it was, but they could probably guess exactly whom it was.

You're all going to die

 

[Setzi Lunelle]

Setzi felt renewed and readied for this battle, much more like the vengeful, rage-fueled Sith that was Darth Azurea. The only thing that would make this assignment more perfect was if Jekyll was a Jedi Master. Then she would receive immense satisfaction from eliminating this Force user from the galaxy. But the fact that he was a cruel Sith and past tormentor to Krux was reason enough for his death. One of these days, she would get the full story from the Knight of just how abused he was as a child. But likely not today.

Once in the hangar, Azurea noticed the presence of others, one of Mullarus’s apprentices no doubt. Some type of alien being that the Sith Lord actually didn’t recognize. There was also a female – the second Acolyte he had spoken about, again not someone she knew. But she did recognize the transport as it sat next to a handful of Imperial gunships. Troopers were there as well, including the mind-controlled guard who had delivered them water the night before.

Then Knight Mullarus entered, completely focused and ready for the task at hand. Darth Azurea was immediately caught off guard by the sight of him again. She felt such an affinity for him and an unexpected desire that pierced through her being. Like a school girl with a crush, she tried to not be distracted, but she felt certain her concentration through this entire mission would be in question. Should I withdraw myself from this, she thought suddenly? What if Krux is just as preoccupied?!? But she said nothing, and when he communicated into her mind, she said back into his: It won’t be. I promise you.

Azurea listened to his rousing speech and Mullarus gazed at her, she smiled and nodded. She was the only Sith Lord on this mission, and while some may feel pressure because of this, she was certain that the training and practice she had would pay off. After she had assassinated the President of Susefvi, she had been struck by such a strong lightning blast from a Jedi Master that she was rendered unconscious. She woke up in a bacta tank with first and second degree burns on her skin. While those had completely healed, she felt that if Jekyll’s poison was electricity, she knew she could withstand it. Her body was stronger. Darkside healing would come fast and swift if she felt herself drift into the blackness again.

She heard Jekyll now taunting them. The deep otherworldly voice sent a frigid shiver down her spine and again, she worried for her lover, having to face this cruel foe he so despised.

[member="Knight Mullarus"] [member="Fortuna"] [member="Abelain Narv'uk"] [member="Tormax Ategann"]

 

[Abelain Narv'uk]

The gathering of the strike force had commenced and finished in a relatively short period of time. There stood all of the individuals setting out to eliminate the dreadful foe down on the surface. Abelain took special notice of the Sith Lord who would be accompanying them. He had never seen an individual in the Sith organization that had outranked his teacher, though it seemed that this one did just that. It would be eventful watching them at work, seeing the differences between the pair.

The teacher began to give a speech, one not filled with so much encouragement it seemed as blunt reality. The stormtroopers were told that they were unlikely to survive, which arguably was quite fair. Were not the Sith supposed to take care of their soldiers though, to lead them by example. Naturally not all losses could be avoided, but it seemed nearly wasteful to send the pair of individuals to the planet if their entire work was simply to die. Their usefulness; it seemed, would be measured in their ability of retaining life.

The teacher also set about a quelling of the battle-hunger lingering within Abelain. The apprentices were not to participate so wholly in the battle as to observe, fitting for students, but irritating nonetheless. The explorer knew of his abilities, knew that his hide was stronger than any weapon that would be pitched against him, though he was unexpected to contribute much to the fight. They were allowed to participate, but were essentially being told that they would be useless, and the being's pride flared at the challenge.

The hangar seemed to grow quieter in the anticipation, though it was likely still buzzing with as much noise as previously. Abelain boarded Patriot slowly, taking notice of the metal structure and of various engineering feats that he had only begun to understand. It was in this quiet moment that a voice echoed into his mind. At first, Abelain considered that the gloomy noise was coming from a comm system. Quick glances assured that this was not the case, and yet this was not his own thought.

They would all die. The message was fittingly morale breaking, and he examined the others to see if they too had felt the disturbance. It was strange having a voice inside of his mind, and for a moment he was fearful that the voice would begin to stab at his personal thoughts, or at his memory. That did not occur, simply the single message, now replaying itself in the explorer's mind though it's utterance had only passed a single time.

They would all die. Down on the surface of a foreign planet would lie the graves of the companions according to the voice. Down on the surface of a world set to be reaped with future bloodshed and of vengeance. They would all die, though the message was not specific on how, thoughts traveled to the Arue'tii on methods and of possible futures. Perhaps the enemy would simply dispatch them with a lightsaber, forging the light together into a weapon. Then, when the others had fallen, perhaps the Arue'tii would simply be crushed, hammered to death, tore apart, melted, his form laying dead and fallen, his exoskeleton torn from his flesh, cold blood spilled upon the ground in a frightful display of savagery.

They would all die.
Abelain chuckled at the absurdity of the statement. Of course they would all die, but not today.
[member="Darth Azurea"] | [member="Knight Mullarus"] | [member="Fortuna"] | [member="Tormax Ategann"]

 

[Tormax Ategann]

Tormax also felt renewed, but this was probably because he had a good sleep and a shower. His armor now back in place on his body, he stood attentive beside Private Konnor, watching as everyone filed in, Commander [member="Knight Mullarus"] being the last to enter. He recognized everyone in the room. Both of the commanders apprentices, [member="Fortuna"] and [member="Abelain Narv'uk"], as well [member="Darth Azurea"], the woman he had seen with the commander. Best to not say anything about that for a while, if ever.

Tormax wasn't thrilled to hear that Commander Mullarus didn't expect either of the privates to return to the Paladin, not living anyway, but he wasn't surprised. He had a point. He didn't exactly understand the situation but he had definitely heard one thing right: "Lord Jekyll is an old, malevolent man with more experience than all of us put together."

So we're fighting an old man, who's a lord, who has more experience in fighting than a Darth, a sith knight, two privates and two sith apprentices.

As soon as he began to sit down on board the Patriot, his head was assaulted by the voice of who he could guess is there enemy. After the voice dissipated, Tormax shivered a bit, then calmed down.

I will come back alive... I will.

 

[Darth Ferus]

Not a word came from the girl as [member="Knight Mullarus"] spoke. No matter what, Fortuna would show her master respect and complacency. That's what she assumed was right for an acolyte at least. Perhaps alongside [member="Abelain Narv'uk"] she would learn that one didn't have to be complacent to be a good student, but for now she would do what she thought was right. Of course her eyes went over to [member="Tormax Ategann"] when her master mentioned their inevitable death. It wasn't the most warming thought, wasting life just as a test, but it made sense. The Sith were about the strongest surviving, and this would show which of the shinies was. She blinked. Shinies? How did she know that word? The thought was quickly pushed back as they would board his ship.

There was no time to waste on confusion over simple terms.

But as they climbed aboard and the others stopped to the voice, she didn't hear it. Confused, she would look to each, until her gaze finally fell upon [member="Darth Azurea"] . A prickle formed on the back of her neck as Fortuna did. She knew her. Somewhere, at some point, she had met this Sith Lord. But not as a Lord. Younger. A shiver, much like the rest at the warning of death rang through their minds, went down her own spine. How did she know this person. And more importantly, why did seeing her make her feel so afraid?

 

[Krux Mullarus]

The interior of Mullarus' assault freighter filled up. Just like old times, he made his way to the cockpit and took his seat in front of the joystick, beginning to prep the engines. He never did get that morale-breaking message from Jekyll. He did, however, get to hear his grandfather's voice again before taking off.

If you really cared about any of them, you'd be coming alone.

Hatred swept through him as he looked forward and got Patriot off of the floor of the hangar. He spoke into his comlink, "Captain Jones, you're in charge of The Paladin in my absence, as usual." After a few moments, Jones would speak back, "Yes, my lord. Do try to return in one piece."

A skeptical look formed on Mullarus' face. "No promises." he said to nobody in particular, as he had already tucked his comlink into his armor.

I'll kill you last, boy. Mark my words.

Each time the old Lord spoke to him, his anger continued to build at the helm of the starship. He'd find it harder to concentrate, but since nothing else was flying around in this particular part of Rakata Prime's atmosphere, there was nothing stopping Patriot from gliding through the sky and reaching the set coordinates, about half of a mile from the Lord's abode: An ancient Sith Temple, covered in all kinds of weeds, vines, and insects. The Temple had certainly seen it's fair share of weathering over the years, and yet, it remained, withstanding the test of time. Who knew how long this Temple had stood empty before the Masquerading Demon had chosen it as his final home, where he knew his executioner would one day slay him.

Patriot set down and the loading dock opened up. Mullarus made his way quickly through the various rooms of his starship and headed outside. They had set down on a beach, the water only a few dozen feet away. Behind them was a jungle, not as thick as most alien worlds, but enough to conceal the Temple where the Demon sat waiting for him. As the group started to file out behind him, Mullarus activated his suit of armor's helmet, concealing his head and face in a menacing-looking mask, and then pulling his hood over his head as misty rain began to fall from the sky. Fully suited up for battle, Mullarus turned his head to his companions and, in an electronic, metallic voice, spoke to them.

"Follow me"

[member="Darth Azurea"] / [member="Abelain Narv'uk"] / [member="Fortuna"] / [member="Tormax Ategann"]

 

[Lord Jekyll]

If you really cared about any of them, you'd be coming alone.

I'll kill you last, boy. Mark my words.

You're all going to die.

This was, of course, all to strengthen Knight Mullarus. Everything had been, and always will be, for that purpose. The rest of the Knight's group meant nothing to him. Hopefully, his rather lazy attempts at frightening them would cause morale to drop so low that they would refuse to come. This was not how Ferren Jekyll was destined to perish, not with a dozen extra hands helping his grandson he had spent the last chunk of his life molding into the most powerful Sith he could craft from his own hands. A real Sith didn't need help. Krux was no coward, Ferren knew this, he just grew too compassionate over the years. At least he clung to the arrogance he learned.

The Masquerading Demon sat quietly upon the enormous stone throne that sat at the far end of the single-room Sith Temple. There were a few barred windows high up on the walls, and the ceiling hung three dozen feet above them. The Temple itself was empty except for the throne, a small statue of a Rakatan Sith Lord in the center of the room, human-sized, and a few tall pillars keeping the ceiling from collapsing on the old man. Other than that, tall spires of stone rose from the corners of the exterior and a thicker one rose from the center of the roof, another statue of a Rakatan Sith Lord at the very top, as if reaching up toward the sky, but blocked by the jungle's canopy.

The Demon waited for it's unholy prey to take the stairs up to him, where he could quickly discard the cannon fodder and get to the real prize, who, after sharing such a passionate night and building nothing but hatred and rage on his way here, should be more than powerful enough to handle an elderly, retired Sith Lord.

[member="Knight Mullarus"] / [member="Darth Azurea"] / [member="Fortuna"] / [member="Abelain Narv'uk"] / [member="Tormax Ategann"]

 

[Setzi Lunelle]

Darth Azurea could literally feel the hatred building from Knight Mullarus. Now especially in tune with his emotions, his aura resembled a dark pulse radiating out, beating in time with his heartbeat and hers. If she reached out her gloved hand, she felt she would come into contact with it, and perhaps it would cause her pain - the aura was that palpable. But she wasn't frightened. Azurea was proud of the tall, dark-haired Knight, for Mullarus was well on his way to becoming a powerful Sith Lord in his own right.

There was no landing pad for The Patriot. They hovered quietly and touched down on a sandy, bleach-white beach close to the temple where the Masquerading Demon, as he called his grandfather, resided. A thick jungle is what stood between the group and their destination. But paradise it was not. A light rain began to fall, clouds roiling overhead. Darth Azurea could feel a heavy, malevolent presence nearby, assumedly Lord Jekyll.

The brunette Sith Lord wore only her robes as Mullarus would get to know. It wasn't that she was reckless, but she wanted to rely on her Force skill rather than a protective suit of armor to keep her safe. He could probably see why now she trained in such defensive maneuvers such as Protection Bubble and Darkside healing. But eventually she longed to develop a perfect suit of armor, perhaps made of Terantatek. But armor at this point would be wasteful when she wouldn't fit into it for seven more months, she mused, her hand hovering near her stomach.

Quietly she followed the Sith Knight, keeping an eye on the entourage of soliders and apprentices. They would not want to be split up. All of them would be needed for this battle if they were all to survive.


[member="Knight Mullarus"] [member="Fortuna"] [member="Abelain Narv'uk"] [member="Tormax Ategann"]

 

[Darth Ferus]

Fortuna kept as she was, silent, waiting. She wasn't going to talk, respond, or do much else than follow [member="Knight Mullarus"] . Sure, the scenery was nice, but this wasn't what she had come along for. The girl was here to prove herself, and gawking at the scenery or starting a conversation wasn't the goal. Her spear floated close behind her, ready to strike. When ever the battle would began, she would be much, much more active.

 

[Tormax Ategann]

Tormax followed behind everyone, watching the rear with fellow private Konnor. Nothing seemed too out of place, but he also was not familiar with this planet, so he wasn't sure what to expect.



They continued along their way, stepping over logs and vines, and ducking under the low hanging branches of the giant trees surrounding them.
 Inching ever closer towards the ominous temple that loomed in the distance. Wonder how many visitors he gets?

This was Tormax' first actual mission, and he didn't want to mess this up. The message that had been heard in his head confirmed his thoughts of the man being a force sensitive, and while that wasn't surprising, it was slightly terrifying. He had heard many things about the Jedi and the Sith when he was younger, but he specifically remembered someone, he didn't know who, say that experience was even more important to force users, because that builds up their connection and strength to the force.

The fact that this Lord Jekyll could send messages to his head, as well as a few of the others' according to the looks on their faces shortly after Tormax heard it- felt it? He wasn't sure what it was- when they were so far apart was quite impressive, but Tormax was sure that was a party trick compared to some of the other things the Lord could do.

Despite the fact they were heading straight toward this toward this supposed monster, Tormax felt more calm than maybe he should have. He didn't shake, he didn't groan. He just kept his eyes open, and his mind focused on watching their backs.

If I survive this, I could get promoted. If that happens, I won't just be the new guy of the squad who gets all the small tasks dumped on him... It would be the start of going somewhere with my life. Maybe then-

No. He cut that thought off quick. Another thing he had heard was that force users, especially sith, used your emotions against you. Bringing that up before a fight against one would be like re-opening a wound and risking infection. So from then on, Tormax practiced keeping his mind clear while always making sure they weren't being crept up on.

[member="Knight Mullarus"] - [member="Darth Azurea"] - [member="Fortuna"] - [member="Abelain Narv'uk"]

 

[Krux Mullarus]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFOo86PDDuE[/youtube]​

Mullarus breathed heavily as his heavy, armored footsteps printed into the sand at his feet, making his way toward the ancient temple in the trees nearby that he had only visited once or twice since he left the wings of his grandfather and was taken under the black ones of Darth Pyrrhus. The brush crumpled at every step, leaves cracked, and twigs snapped. The living Force moved disturbed through the trees, the Dark Side making its presence ever so known among the group advancing on the temple of the Masquerading Demon. Lord Jekyll twisted the world around them, making most of them start to feel sick, be it in the head or in their body. All but Mullarus, the only one the Demon wanted to see walk through the doors of his age-old abode.

Eventually, they would reach the steps. Without a word, Mullarus breathed deeply through his mask, ascending the steps toward the open threshold of the temple. Whether all of his companions were determined and persistent enough to fight back the intense dread and illness filling their minds, nothing was stopping Mullarus. Vengeance falls upon you, Demon.

At last, the group's feet touched the stone cold floor in t he interior. They looked across the wide-open temple ground to see the bearded old man sitting high upon his throne of rock, robes black as a starless midnight and eyes as red as the blood of his fallen enemies. The Masquerading Demon did not smile. There were too many heads entering the doors.

Mullarus spoke, voice still electronic and metallic through his mask. "You've waited for this day, haven't you, grandfather?"

[member="Darth Azurea"] / [member="Tormax Ategann"] / [member="Fortuna"] / [member="Abelain Narv'uk"]

 

[Lord Jekyll]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfkWtFl7t3M[/youtube]​

​

The mighty Lord Jekyll stood from his throne, the Dark Side seeming to flare off like a bomb at his every move. "Yes...but not like this." his voice sounded out throughout the empty walls of the temple, echoing. His voice sounded much older and more frail than the demonic one they heard in their mindsonly a few minutes ago.

"Your destiny was to face me alone in battle, boy. I've taken you this far in life...you won't ruin what I have set out for you. Let me do what I do best and...fix it for you." With that, he raised up a hand toward the group and seemed to snatch something out of the air.

The group besides Mullarus would then feel their consciousness suddenly slip out of their bodies. Darth Azurea, presumably standing directly beside her lover, would fall to the side directly into Mullarus' arms. Along with her the rest of the group would suddenly black out and fall down onto the cold floor. The only exception being Fortuna, who is apparently resistant to such tactics.