Dancing upon the Dead (Darth Ophidia)

[Asajj]

Malif Cove​

Recopia​

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Malif Cove had seen it's fair share of traitors. The beautiful shore that was once home to the Sith Assassins had been vacated for some time now, but it was not that part of it's history Asajj was interested in at all. Darth Valtryx, a former assassin and Sith Knight, died here. Asajj's mother and Ferus' beloved, she had been killed for her treachery against the One Sith when Asajj was very young. There was no memorial or headstone here, or anywhere, just the knowledge that these sands had once soaked up her blood. The lapping waves had once washed her away...

Asajj turned towards the cliffs, examining where the former Assassin base had been. She had come not only to visit this place, but to learn. Her next lesson with her master, [member="Darth Ophidia"], was to be held here. A scenic and memorable location for her to learn the second lightsaber form: Makashi. Elegance and focus were it's main traits, as she had learned from the archives, and since she was beginning to appear more formally, she thought it best to have a combat style to match. Her master had been training her for quite some time now, and over that time Asajj had certainly changed. No longer did she have long, bright blue hair and a colorful yet revealing outfit. She had grown; matured.

She hated that word...

Putting her memories to the back of her mind, she started spinning her training saber in her hand. The feel of it made her long for a real one, but she knew one would only come with her Knighthood. Until then, she would train hard...

And so she awaited her master's arrival...

 

[Darth Ophidia]

"They never feel quite right, do they?"

Darth Ophidia's presence and physical form appeared behind Asajj as she let go of the combination of stealth techniques that had kept her concealed. She was quite enjoying the shock-factor it often had on her apprentices, as well as the sheer practice it offered. To avoid her footsteps being seen, she had walked in the footsteps Asajj had left in the sand. She remembered the sand well. When she was only 17, she had stepped off a dropship here as an Acolyte, fresh from half a year's training in the Academy of Coruscant before being hand-picked to join the Sith Assassins and establish the base on Malif Cove. It was where Asajj's father had taught Ophidia her first lesson. It felt as though it was a lifetime since.

"Practice sabres, I mean. They never feel quite at home in your hand. Not like a real one."

Bending down, Ophidia dug her fingers into the sand and sifted it through her fingers while standing up and looking at her Apprentice. The Rattataki was aware that Asajj had never used a real sabre, but her statement was no less true. Ophidia had to admit that her apprentice had grown much since they first met. The girl had become a young woman; matured.

Ophidia liked that word, to mature.

[member="Asajj"]

 

[Asajj]

Asajj turned her head slightly to acknowledge the sudden appearance of her master. After all this time she had gotten used to subtlety of her arrival, despite not quite being able to replicate it herself. One day though, when she had an apprentice of her own, she didn't doubt that Ophidia's habit would pass down. If anything it would keep the learner on their toes for their initial period. There it was again. Yes, it happened often. Asajj found herself complimenting her master's actions frequently. Two reasons for this usually came to mind; the Rattataki was a damn good master, or Asajj was experiencing Stockholm Syndrome. The latter was more of a joke, she had full faith in anyone her father trusted.

"One day..." She muttered somewhat to herself, before turning to fully face Ophidia."Hello again, Master. I assume you got my message of what I wish to learn?" The smile that accompanied her words held some form of compassion. Over time her master had become something of a friend, even if the feeling wasn't entirely mutual. Whether it was or not remained a mystery, which is why her smile also maintained a sinister side to it; one any greedy acolyte would wear before gaining more knowledge.

[member="Darth Ophidia"]

 

[Darth Ophidia]

"Yes, you want to learn how to weild the lightsabre. Or more specifically, the Contention Form."

Ophidia rubbed the sand into her hands, it improved her grip in the practice sabre. The Contention Form, Makashi, second of the lightsabre forms, it was Darth Ophidia's speciality. She had dedicated countless hours to the practice of it, and it had in return saved her from many a deadly opponent. A form of deadly elegance, much like a female Sith in nature. Sometimes, the Rattataki could swear Asajj was seeking to specifically copy the abilities she had made herself most proficient in. Mentalism, speed, the sword of finesse.

"I never really practiced much with these weapons. Your father simply threw me a lightsabre, and then... "

A smile curled the ends of her lips as a practice sabre slipped into her hand and came around in a single fluent motion. Ophidia slipped into a sideways stance as naturally as drawing breath, and the metal rod representing the lightsabre wheeled about to strike Asajj on the left shoulder. Darth Ferus had taught Ophidia to learn while on her feet, while being challenged. Now she would teach [member="Asajj"] the same.

"He simply attacked. Now, copy my movements and assimilate the form."

The stance she took was narrow and upright. Her weight concentrated on the balls of her feet, giving her speed and fine balance. A form of finesse, it relied on superior footwork. On the uneven sand, this would be a challenge for a beginner, but she would emerge all the more proficient.

 

[Asajj]

Asajj surely was following the knowledge of her master, but even more prominent was her interest in Ataru, which was her mother's primary form. The fact that she didn't know this made it all the more interesting, since Ferus in fact did. She wondered how much of his wife he saw in Asajj. Suddenly a strike came in, fluent and rounded, causing Asajj to snap her saber to the side with a harsh block. It was her instintive reaction, but she knew her movements had to be more fluid. She let herself lighten, trying her best to mimic Ophidia's ball-footed stance. The sand caused her feet to slip out of position, but nevertheless she felt she could move easier already. Regarding her saber she held it pointing towards her master, in a slightly looser grip than before. From then on she awaited another attack, this time ready to meet it with swift elegance; as opposed to brutish blocking.

"My father sure is a tough teacher..." She commented, a slight smirk on her face.

[member="Darth Ophidia"]

 

[Darth Ophidia]

"Such is the way of the Sith."

Darth Ophidia allowed the crude block to knock her blade aside. She could have attempted to resist, but it was far easier for her to simply ride the momentum. Striking her blade would feel like striking water. The closer to home, the harder it would be, but once out of danger she put up no resistance. After [member="Asajj"] regained her position; Ophidia advanced. The tip of her blade travelled swiftly in a curved arch from the right in an attempt to knock Asajj's blade just enough aside to pass through with a thrust against the Acolyte's midriff.

"Makashi works primarily on a single line. You retreat and advance in relation to your opponent, while your bladework remains fluent, clean, deceptive."

Like the serpents from which she had taken her name, Ophidia did not remain outstretched in the thrust, but immediately withdrew her blade and stance to once again protect her centre line. Her off hand flared out behind her in the advance and snapped back in as she retreated, working as a small counterweight against her blade and securing her balance.

 

[Asajj]

Asajj watched as her master performed a strike that flowed like water, yet would no doubt sting. Her blade was knocked aside, but thanks to her sufficient reactions she managed to side step the thrust, allowing her blade to arc upwards and guide the strike away from her. Such a measure was unnecessary though, as Ophidia's blade retreated as fast as it had struck. There was no doubting that she had a mastery over this form of combat, and therefore couldn't think of anyone better to learn it from.

"Did you know my mother?" Asajj asked the question seemingly from nowhere, speaking whilst acting as she launched her own attack. Lunging forward she flicked her blade sideways against her opponent's, hoping to send it aside and aim for a thrust similar to the one she had dodged beforehand. However her speed was nowhere near as impressive, extending the lunge for some time before attempting to retreat to a safer stance.

[member="Darth Ophidia"]

 

[Darth Ophidia]

"I cannot say I did."

Asajj was picking up on the art of distracting her opponent with speech. She would do well with Dun Much, given some practice. It could effectively throw off her peers and give her the chance she needed. As for Darth Valtryx, no, Ophidia had never known her. Her death had come right when Ophidia was still a young Acolyte, when she was still Saiah. As Asajj knocked Ophidia's blade to the side, she drew the hilt closer to her centre for a quick recovery. Not swaying or dodging away from the weapon, the Rattataki instead gently lead Asajj's thrust astray with her blade and stepped towards her apprentice to close the distance.

"I observed her briefly when I was still an Acolyte."

Ophidia's weapon turned, keeping Asajj's blade at bay while presenting the butt-end of the hilt. Then, she proceeded to attempt to stamp the butt of her blade into her apprentice's nasal area.

[member="Asajj"]

 

[Asajj]

It seemed few people knew her mother anymore, remembered only by few as a traitor. By the looks of things she had been a founding member of the assassins, but Asajj had yet to gain access to her old quarters. Maybe in there she would learn more about her mother. For now she snapped back her attention to the lesson, seeing Ophidia had closed the distance between them. Suddenly she was hit on the nose causing her to stumble backwards, slightly dazed. The taste of blood wet her lips as red trickled down, yet it did not sway her much. Instead she wasted no time getting back in, delivering a series of tight swipes, using mostly her wrist whilst keeping herself in a straight line towards her master.

"Do you think people will judge me," She paused for a moment, sidestepping to change the angle of her attack and deliver a hopefully unexpected thrust. "For having a traitor as a mother..."

[member="Darth Ophidia"]

 

[Darth Ophidia]

Ophidia's practice sabre darted almost nonchalantly to intercept Asajj's attacks. She kept the parries simple, for Asajj to observe. Yet, they always presented a chance for riposting. A Makashi practitioner's deadliest weapon was the riposte. To avoid and lead astray the opponent's blade, and then deliver a fatal or crippling cut to their flesh.

"True Sith judge competence, skill, results."

As Asajj came with her thrust, Ophidia drew the handle of her own weapon close to herself and moved it into the trajectory of Asajj's thrust. Meanwhile, she simultaneously pivoted and stepped towards Asajj. The tandem movements were intended to force Asajj to overextend her thrust while Ophidia took a position behind the Acolyte. She did not make a clear retaliation, thus the reposition would be in focus. To gain a position behind ones opponent was favourable for any combatant.

"Those who judge your lineage are too foolish to see your power. Give them no heed."

Stepping back, the Rattataki assumed a different position than previously. While her body was still turned sideways and her feet still light, she kept her blade pointed down at the sand in front of her. Her eyes set on Asajj with an intense stare, daring her to make her move.

[member="Asajj"]

 

[Asajj]

Words of some reassurance from her master which set her mind at ease on the matter. She was confident in her ability, soon she would show everyone her power. Her mother never reached masterhood in the Sith, and so Asajj's goal was to surpass her with that feat. If only she could see her now. Suddenly, Ophidia was behind her. Speed was certainly her ally, but Asajj saw the technique used enough to make note of it. A new position then formed itself on her master, and she examined that too. It was a good thing Asajj was a visual learner, there was alot to see.

"I'll show them."

Mimicing the new position somewhat, she lunged forward with another series of strikes, staying in line with her opponent. Her final strike however came from higher up, as she pushed herself up on her toes and angled a stab over and down at Ophidia. Despite it's difference to her other strikes it remained quick, pulling back hopefully for an opening could be found from it.

[member="Darth Ophidia"]

 

[Darth Ophidia]

"Kark them, show me."

Proving herself to 'them' would give her nothing but anxieties. Proving herself to those who sought her talent would grant her power. There could come a day when Asajj would reach her goal, where would she go then? Would she be complacent? Would she grow stagnant and lazy in her position of power? or would she continue to strive to become greater. If the surpassing of Minna gave her apprentice's childish mind focus, then Darth Ophidia would nourish that ambition. However, there would come a day when such a dream was naught but emptiness and shadow.

In response to Asajj's strikes, Ophidia employed a variety of parries. Some stepped forward, some stepped back, some maintained ground. All the techniques relied on precise bladework and finesse to counter each and every blow. The defence of the Contention Form was made to conserve effort and maintain a superior position. It was not composed of stationary blocks, but fluent motions that diverted the attacks off the line and opened for counter attacks.

Then came Asajj's big downward thrust. This time, the Rattataki did not move her blade, but rather crouched down and stepped in. As she passed under the point she rose to her full height. While crouching, she flipped her blade over in her hand so that the point faced behind her; as she stood, she brought the butt of the blade towards Asajj's ribs in a simulation of a close-quarters thrust. Coming in, Ophidia came very close and fully intended to stand nose-to-nose with her apprentice. The thrust with the butt of the blade simulated the kind of movement both an active and a deactivated blade could perform in such close-quarters fighting. Furthermore, it was a lesson in pressure;to fight without retreat.

[member="Asajj"]

 

[Asajj]

"Of course, Master."

Asajj's targets were always high, yet not high enough to have no end. Planning to take on a Jedi Master was a large undertaking, yet it was not impossible. Right now she had thought there was little need in smaller targets which could be built upon, for her it was all about the bigger picture. This of course was her flaw, something that would have to be worked on. When she knew how to plan realistically and effectively, then she would find her success.

But for now there were other lessons to be learned, as the sharp strikes from Ophidia's hilt hit her, causing her to stumble back. The pain of her stomach was enough to bear, but she realized that a break in her attack left an opening in her defense. It was now that she thought she had a hang on the practice, and launched into another attack. This time her strikes continued, fluid and fast. She didn't stop, continuing from different angles and stances. Retreating would leave her open, giving her opponent time to react, for now she would press on, forcing them to stay on the defensive. Quick sidesteps and slight movements kept her attacks varied enough, whilst ensuring she remained in line with her target.

She may have been fighting a Master, but she felt an improvement in her technique already.

[member="Darth Ophidia"]

 

[Darth Ophidia]

"Yes, good."

The first strike, Ophidia was forced to parry with her blade in a reverse grip, but she quickly changed it to a standard front. She had always found that it was far more versatile than the back-handed grip certain duellists preferred. Ophidia's blade flashed in concord with that of Asajj, and her feet danced to the same rythm. When Asajj moved left, so did she. When she moved forward, Ophidia moved back, just enough and not more. While she noticed openings, she did not capitalise on them yet. It was more important for Asajj to become one with the form. Then, the apprentice would find her own openings and close them herself. So the Pale Assassin kept on the defensive.

"Retreat only when you must. Press your attack, but do it mindfully."

Makashi did not only require skill, but also a strategic mind. Its balance and versatility gave the duellist the opportunity to employ a wide range of tactics. They could press the attack, or wear their opponent down with an effortless defence. What bound it together was the way it was done. Fluent, elegant, lethal, like a dance of death.

"Use your anger, your agression. Nurture it, funnel it, but never let it take over. This is not a form for the blind."

[member="Asajj"]

 

[Asajj]

Asajj pushed on, not aiming to win but instead analysing herself in motions. Each move was a test, any that were flawed or opened up a weakness were forgotten, and the next strike was reformed to combat the errors of those before. Every time she tried she improved, and in moments her offense was much less sloppy, and much more elegant and precise. In a master's eyes there were still areas to work on, but in her own it was an escalation in skill.

"Hmm," She pondered for a moment, trying her last few strikes before stopping. "I see why Makashi duelists prefer curved hilts, it feels odd with a straight one." Deactivating the training blade, she examined it's design. "Mine will definitely be curved. You know, I think I'm ready for a real blade." Her gaze flickered up to Ophidia, hoping she would agree. "Of course, it's your decision master but... I feel ready..." Back in the tournament she had defeated Animus without a blade, and every mission since then had involved a phrik sword. None felt quite like a real blade, something which she so craved for.

She only hoped Ophidia would agree.

[member="Darth Ophidia"]

 

[Darth Ophidia]

Ophidia kept the defence until Asajj stopped, and while she was tempted to strike the Acolyte over the head, she refrained. It was indeed due time for an end, and it seemed the apprentice had something to discuss with her master.

"Many practice Makashi with a straight hilt. The Hand of the Dark Lord, Vrag, for example. I myself practised it with a straight hilt for many years"

Ophidia twirled the practice sabre back and forth for a while before taking a curved sabre out of her sash without activating it. It was a hilt strange to her, though the shape fit her nicely. She had taken it from a Jedi on Balmorra and intended to use it as a model for a creation of her own. A smile spread over her lips and her eyes set on her apprentice once more while the practice sabre deactivated. She extended the hand holding the curved hilt.

"A curved hilt presents the point better and creates a different angle upon approach. It confounds your opponent with subtlety."

Attaching both hilts to her hips, Ophidia examined her apprentice once more while crossing her arms.

"Yes, I believe you are ready." She started circling Asajj, scrutinising her every flaw. "In fact, you remind me of your namesake: Asajj Ventress." Ophidia had sometimes wondered whether Darth Ferus and Valtryx had made an intentional allusion to the Dathomiri Dark Jedi or not. It was, in any case, a character for whom Darth Ophidia had some admiration. She could identify with Ventress somehow.

[member="Asajj"]

 

[Asajj]

"Yes, I believe the idea of giving birth to a Dathomirian, one of both Human and Iridonian blood, gave them the idea. From what I read Ventress was a great assassin, and they obviously wanted me to live up to the name." There was little joy in the way she explained her name, as her whole life people had made the comparison between her and Ventress. She wondered whether it was ever possible to stand out, always being shadowed by such a well-known Assassin. Sometimes the actions of her parents annoyed her, but she learned to live with it. No longer was she a child who would moan of the smallest things.

"So where do we go? I have to say I haven't really looked into lightsaber creation, and I can't think of any place where they're free to take either." Her mind pondered, trying to work out what the best way would be. That was when she caught on to something, Ophidia bringing up Ventress after a conversation about a lightsaber. The relation between the two topics was some jump to randomly make. "Do you think... Ventress' lightsabers are still intact? Out there somewhere?" She turned to Ophidia, who was now circling her. If that was her plan then, well, she loved it.

[member="Darth Ophidia"]

 

[Darth Ophidia]

"A great Assassin indeed, but betrayed by a foolish and envious master."

Ophidia stopped behind her apprentice and stood with uncanny stillness while her apprentice mused. It would seem Asajj picked up on her Master's thought quite quickly. The Dathomirian was certainly quick in the mind.

"Yes, I am almost certain they are. I cannot say exactly where. The end of Ventress is a mystery."

The mysterious end of Asajj Ventress was one of the things that intrigued Ophidia most. She had long wanted to seek out the lightsabres, but never found time. It would seem the Force had now offered her a chance on a silver platter, and when the Force offers such a chance, one seizes it.

"Yet, I am certain we can discover them together."

[member="Asajj"]

 

[Asajj]

"Well then, such an opportunity should not be passed by." Her voice was no eager, the prospect of not only a real blade but one of such renown fuelling her. "We will have to do so research, try and trace back where it might have gone..." She moved her hand to her chin, her mind filling with ideas and possibilities. Of course, it would be Ophidia who would be best at tracking it down. No doubt she had the contacts and the sheer knowledge to fulfill their needs.

"I will do what I can, and stay in contact." A promise, without a hint of doubt. She would need her master for this, so going off to try and claim them for herself was out of the question. "Until then..." Asajj gave a respectful nod, waiting to see if Ophidia wanted anything more to say before her possible departure.

Besides, there was work to be done.

[member="Darth Ophidia"]

 

[Darth Ophidia]

"Yes, it seems we will have to do some digging."

Already, the Sith Lord was mentally reviewing her contacts and banks of information on the subject of Darth Tyrannus' infamous assassin. With a small blink of her eyes, she looked at her apprentice, half suspecting the girl to try to find them on her own, or claim them for herself in some scheme. Darth Ophidia smiled at the prospect of such betrayal. Trust is weakness. Both Ventress and Sidius trusted Tyrannus, and in each their way they were betrayed. A valuable lesson.

"Good. Turn every page."

The Rattataki turned her back on Asajj and clasped her hands behind her back while taking a few steps towards the ruins of their former home.

"And remember to practice your bladework every day. I will send you some holo-manuals to follow. Until then, Asajj."

Darth Ophidia vanished. Her presence melted away in the salty air, and her physical form was swallowed up in the surroundings. It was a skill that required the combination
of several force abilities and much practice, yet she had nearly perfected it. Hidden from sight, she watched her apprentice from afar, a wry smile playing on her lips.

[member="Asajj"]