Epicenter

[Kyrinov]

Unknown Regions​

Eve, Scintilla​

1452 Planetary Time ​

[member="Valrayne"]​

'Good,' he thought. The specimen was perfectly intact and contained for transportation to Ivory Peak for further examination. The Garden’s laboratories had been quite gracious to give him a small sample of Mekebve Spores so he could get the chance to engineer a new possible assets for the Agents of Chaos. The young Priest only stopped by the Sanctum of Discordia to speak with his fellows to safely ensure that the containment of the spores would not be let loose or otherwise compromised by some inconvenient accident while it was being shipped to his residence.

He boarded the shuttle to take him to Eve, still wearing his Shroudhttps://k.nickpic.host/rLn1c1.jpg, hood, mask and all. He resolved to never show his face publicly, not while he had his uniform on. The masses did not need to see his face. They need only know that he was a servant and enforcer of Discordia. Still, the grey skies quickly brightened to the clear blue skies of the city. People around him sat at least one seat away from him and never across from him, from what he’d noticed during his normal commutes back and forth. It never bothered him much, he did enjoy his personal space. Cramped and crowded spaces with little escape routes never sat well with the Near Human.

He always sat near the door though, just in case. It soothed him, if only slightly, and stopped the tightness from spreading further up into his chest. The skyline was beautiful, he thought to himself, just as a distraction, something else to focus on for the time being. The skyscrapers stood tall and proud, gleaming in the sunlight of the afternoon. The shuttle stopped in its 16th station, the one closest to the market, his stop actually.

Kyrinov stood and exited the transport first, walking up the stairs to the main street. It was a mere block to the marketplace, the short walk did him some good. The diversity of Eve was... refreshing and a needed change of scenery.

Around him, hurried people and various creatures from every corner of the Galaxy. As he turned the corner, he was bombarded with a cacophony of sound.

Yelling, shouts.

People walking and talking far too loudly.

A mother shouting at her son that strayed too far away...

He froze for a few moments, his chest caught in a twisting vice, his heart pounded even as he took deep breaths to steady himself. He’d only be here a short time, at least, that was his hope.

Focus.

A quick look around and he resumed his stroll, taking care to avoid densely packed alleys and pathways. He passed vendors, steeling himself against the shouts of all of them trying to gain more attention and be louder and more grandiose than their competitors. He paused at one shop, looking at the clothing in a stall that he may be interested in wearing as casual clothes. He, unfortunately, couldn’t wear armor all the time.

 

[Faegard]

|| E V E ||​

​

Was this what I had been missing out on, all those years?

Eve was beautiful, there was simply no other way around it. Don't get me wrong, I don't regret the upbringing I had. There are advantages to living on an isolated little asteroid. For one, I had plenty of solitude to master controlling when I transform; that's not exactly something you'd want to do in a busy city. I had a lot of time to think and indulge whatever my mind fancied. Besides, there was a certain majesty to the manor house we had there.

But I have to admit, it was nothing like this.

After everything that had happened recently, it was nice to be somewhere different. As the memories rushed back, I caught myself letting out a long sigh. Honestly, I was kind of sick of thinking about it, like a puzzle with half the pieces missing. Who would want to use me as a weapon? How had they even known anything about who or where I was? Who was the man I had killed?

A shudder raced down my spine, my ears tilting back with displeasure. Let's think about something else.

My pace quickened as I made my way through the bustling market. It was a little overwhelming at times, vendors shouting and citizens rushing to and fro, but even with my ears back against the piercing sounds, I was able to focus instead on anything other than my own mind.

As if on cue, I sensed something.

I wonder if maybe I might have missed it entirely if it hadn't been for the unpleasantness on the station. But now, I was more in tune with my connection to the force, I guess. Or maybe I was just paranoid. It was... a person? I slowed to a saunter, my tail flicking curiously. Up ahead were a few stalls, including one that sold clothes. It felt as though there was something there, someone, maybe? Either way, my reaction, of course, was to creep closer, lingering just beyond the stall.

You know, curiosity and cats and all that.




[member="Kyrinov"]

 

[Kyrinov]

Unknown Regions​

Eve - Marketplace​

[member="Valrayne"]​

He felt the familiar pull of a Force Sensitive nearby, even as he was busy talking about prices with the stall’s vendor. He shifted so that he was still actively making small talk and wagering on pricing, seemingly actively engaged in the negotiations. Meanwhile, he slowly cast a blanket of the Force in the area around him and the stall, his breathing steady and slow. Energy branching out to feed him information that he sought to know.

There.

A... cat? A Felacatian, perhaps?
From the figure the Felacatian cut, he’d say that she was female. Lithe, small, quick to cut through the throng of the market’s patrons. She was watching him, he knew. He could feel her eyes looking him over as she stalked ever closer to his position. The Priest unclenched his jaw, though his left hand found Dirge[link saber]. Yet, the Dark insisted that he wait. He knew this feeling. It’d occurred once before, on Krant in a meeting with Darth Metus. An insistent urge that bid him to simply wait to see how the events before him unfolded before seeking some kind of confrontation.

It was the reason his hand fell back to his side underneath his cloak. His eyes caught hers for a brief moment, searching, wondering perhaps if she was one he would eventually come to teach or if their meeting was to serve another purpose. He did not believe in coincidence. The Force did not work by chance, everything is by design to grow and unfold into a much larger scheme, even if he could not presently predict what that event or path would be. Faith of a different kind would be employed.
His attention returned fully to the vendor, who was still rambling on about outfit prices.

“... also this outfit which is made exclusively on Felucia. Wonderful plant life there, good sir! Many vibrant colors as you can see reflected in their tourist clothing! And it’ll only...”​

Kyrinov held up a gloved hand to stop the vendor’s speech, finding that he received the cue and fell silent. “Thank you for your time, Sir. However, I must be on my way. I have some pressing matters to attend to.”

“O-Oh... Oh! Of course, Priest. I’m sure you’re a man on the move! Enjoy your day,” the vendor’s voice trailed off, clearly disappointed that he did not make a successful sale to the tall man, continuing a half-hearted shout at other visitors to come to his stand and buy whatever their heart desired. ​

He nodded and thanked the vendor and turned to make his way through the crowds and towards the end of the street. Weaving in and out of people and groups until he reached another street, turning right and walking in plain sight to the east. He intended to head towards Ivory Peak, however, he did not plan to go inside of the Fort Sphere until he gained a better understanding of the woman following him.

And he was sure she would follow, if she was truly interested in him.

 

[Faegard]

There he was.

Someone... A man. He wore a long black cloak and seemed to be talking to a vendor inside the stall. However, as I focused on him, I felt as though the world around us seemed to fade away. The voices drifted into silence. Colors melted into the background. Shapes and movement dissolved into unimportant. It was eerie, almost to feel as though my entire world had been reduced to just me and him. Even though his form was lightly obscured by the people moving between us, I felt as though I could see him perfectly. In the silence I could hear a heartbeat slowly, steadily drumming in my ears. Mine? His? I wasn't sure. Time itself seemed to slow as his hand moved beneath the cloak.

I bristled, unsure of what he was doing.

However, he seemed to move his hand back to where it was. Perhaps he had a weapon of some sort. Perhaps a tracker or communicator, I wasn't entirely sure. I knew one thing, though, and that was that I had to follow him. I didn't even entirely know why. I just knew that I had to.

I didn't have to wait long. Whether he'd sensed me or not, the strange man finished up his conversation with the vendor and began to walk away. Waiting a few moments to put a little distance between us, I began to follow. Ever since hurting my shoulder, stealth had become my main priority. So using my small form, light footfalls and natural penchant for silence, I crept behind him, keeping enough bodies between us that I could remain obscured, but not so many that I'd lose sight of him.

He turned a corner, heading east, and I followed. The throng of people seemed to thin out somewhat and I felt more exposed. However, it was likely that he'd sensed me by now anyway. Only able to use alleys and side-streets for cover now, I began to close the distance between us. What would I even say if I got close enough? What if he stopped me? I had precisely no plans.

Still... for some reason... I found myself creeping ever closer.




[member="Kyrinov"]

 

[Kyrinov]

He only walked a mile to the tunnel leading to his estate, a short walk for him, though he was uncertain of if the cat girl kept up with him. He kept his stride relatively short and easy. Being as his stature was quite large when compared to most beings, his steps would need to be shorter for the cat to keep up. He wasn’t trying to lose her, after all.

Even despite being willfully followed, he took time to admire the day and bask in the warmth of the “sun” on Eve. He made sure his breaths were even and steady. Four seconds in, hold for four, four out. Each little cycle accompanied by exactly six steps. Every now and then, he’d weave in and out of people that were walking entirely too slow in front of him. He made a few turns and twists through the streets to avoid all the clutter of the main streets and decrease the walking time.

The Knight paused once he reached the massive tunnel entrance, directly in front of the gate in front of the tunnel. He spun on his heels to face the girl, certain that he’d felt her trailing him along the entire route.

“The Force works in mysterious ways...” the baritone of his voice wondered aloud.

A pause to regard her, to examine, to think.

“For whatever reason, it seems it has pulled us together,” he stated only because he knew from experience. Beings are never drawn together by happenstance, especially not two Force sensitive beings.

“I’ll be frank. I believe you’re meant to be a student of mine. Now, should you choose to accept my offer, we can enter my estate and I can answer any questions you may have,” there was another pause in the Epicanthix’s speech.

He felt as though he was rushing things, however, he was certain that he was meant to by whatever supernatural force pulled them together on Scintilla, on Eve, in the market, and in the greater Galaxy. There was no turning back now, even if he would’ve wanted to.

“...Should you wish to refuse, kindly turn around and I wish you a good day in Eve. It is quite the hospitable city.”

He waited, patiently. He determined that should she accept, he could escort her to the Peak and take off his mask and clear up any confusion. That was his hope anyway. There was something about her that was almost akin to a magnet, he felt drawn to her as though he had to have some sort of influence on her and her on him. Teaching seemed like the correct avenue.

All she needed to do was decide.

[member="Valrayne"]​

 

[Faegard]

My mysterious object of my attention continued to weave through the crowd, making his way through the streets as though he knew exactly where he was going, despite having been seemingly meandering without purpose earlier.

And I continued to follow.

A part of me couldn't help but feel like I was some kitten, keenly following the trail of a ball of yarn, paying no mind to where it might lead. I clenched my jaw, my hand reaching up to clutch at the small shard of metal around my neck. If things went south, I wouldn't be entirely defenseless, at least. But for now? This kitten was dying to see what was at the other end of this yarn.

The day was pleasant, my fur warmed gently by the sun. I'd seen some unpleasant things in this galaxy... but it was nice to be reminded that it had its gems as well. Eventually, the man came to some sort of enormous tunnel, guarded by a colossal gate that loomed over the streets below. Without thinking I continued to move closer, wanting to get a better look at him. Perhaps it was that--through the force--I did not sense any malice or deceitful intent, maybe it was simply that my curiosity overpowered my good sense. Either way, I found myself yelping in surprise as he suddenly turned to face me.

It was then that I realized just how tall he truly was. The man utterly towered over me, his voice a low, softly rumbling baritone. I'd believed he was human, but now... I wasn't sure, perhaps one of the gods?

"Mysterious..." I repeated, "I hope it doesn't mean to do me harm."

The man paused to study me, and I in turn studied him. Pale skin, bright white hair that seemed to glow in the sunlight. I sensed the dark side deep within him, sending shivers down my spine. My own aura would likely have a similar tinge, but I wasn't exactly some seven-foot-tall... whatever he was. There was an allure to him, like he was some dark thing wrapped up in a pleasant, light facade. Then there was the mask. I longed to know what was under it.

He continued as my eyes remained transfixed upon that mask, as if enough intense scrutiny would simply remove it.

Then he posed an offer to me, a choice. A student of his? I blinked, my tail twitching with surprise. He didn't even know my name, what I was capable of, what my intentions might have been. Not that it would have changed much, but how did he have such faith in the force?

It was thoroughly intriguing, and I am addicted to intrigue.

"... Who are you?"

My first question.

"What am I to learn?"

My second question, and in it, my answer to his choice. I wanted to know more. Who he was, what lay beneath that mask, what he intended to teach me. I could feel my tail beginning to swish excitedly at the prospect of unraveling all these questions. That is what I told myself, at least, it had nothing to do with wanting to hear more of that delightful baritone.

Again I clutched the humble shard around my neck. If this did end up being a trap, I drew a little comfort from the fact that I'd have at least a little assistance.





[member="Kyrinov"]

 

[Kyrinov]

Who are you?​

Curious cat, it seemed. Though her question was logical, he had no intention of answering directly. Not at the moment anyway. There were too many people around, too many faces that could easily see him if they only looked in the right direction. Too many people walking by, too many eyes that felt like they were boring their way into his very core. They could see him, he was too visible. He was too visible here. They needed to go, they needed to go now. His eyes darted beneath the mask. Behind it, his jaw clenched and his muscles tensed and tightened beneath the robes he wore.

You’re showing too much,

They can see how weak you are.

They’re staring.

You can’t hide it forever, Kyrinov. Someone will see soon.

SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP!​

He had no clue what he looked like to her, only that he found himself visibly shaking and standing rigid at fleeting thoughts and scenes, fire roaring in his mind’s eye, screams piercing through the flames. He saw his home burn from the inside out, adobe scorched and crumbling, wooden support beams falling. Two dead bodies, a man standing over them, a red flash...and he could only stand there, absolutely frozen in the face of complete and utter danger. He didn’t know if he’d been watching for a moment or for ages, but he knew his heart was pounding and threatening to hop out of his chest the first chance it got. He knew that it hurt, his chest twisting and tightening until he couldn’t breath. He still managed to hyperventilate, somehow. His feet flew and then he fell into the sand. He could feel it beneath him but he knew it wasn’t real. But, it felt real. It felt like it was happening all over again and he still couldn’t karking save them...

He couldn’t save them.

451.

And then, he was back. Back under the warm embrace of the sunshine and the blue sky, his heart still pounded, pulse a bit fast. But, he was safe and sound. Nothing was on fire. No one seemed to be watching, save for the girl he’d been talking to. Everything was okay, everything was fine.

He almost forgot what they’d been talking about. H-His age? No. His clothes? No. His occupation? No again.

Wait, right, his name. Of course.

He cleared his throat slowly. “I am Kyrinov. Who are you?”

What am I to learn?​

He offered a weak smile that she couldn’t see. “Follow me, please. I’d prefer to talk in a more...private space.”

Kyrinov turned around, as if nothing happened mere moments before, as if he hadn’t just revisited a personal hell. His hand waved across a short expanse of the gate and he let the gate disappear before stepping through and waiting for her, hoping she’d walk quickly before it closed off access to his tunnel again. After she stepped across the threshold, he turned his back to her, walking the length of the tunnel in silence.

The next time he’d regard her was when they reached the interior of the Sphere which held Ivory Peak, standing on the landing pad that had three pathways diverging from it.

“What you learn, how we first proceed, is entirely up to you. However, I will be teaching you how to be a proper Sith. Have you heard of the Sith before?”

[member="Valrayne"]​

 

[Faegard]

My question seemed to hang in the air for a few moments.

The man before me went still, an air of distance almost seeming to settle around us. He seemed to go... elsewhere for a time, leaving me to stand alone before the great gate. The temptation to reach out through the force was strong, but I sensed that whatever I might find would not be worth the backlash, and that's assuming he didn't have shields up. Instead, I waited, allowing my mind to wonder about where his might be.

Kyrinov

He provided a name, and nothing more, but also asked the same of me.

"Valrayne, Sir." I replied, dipping into a half-curtsy. I had basically stalked this man, after all. The least I could do was show a little manners.

Rather than answering my next question, he simply requested that I continue to follow him somewhere more private. For a moment I wavered, my expression briefly flashing with fear and uncertainty. Go somewhere private with him? Somewhere I wouldn't be able to call for help? However, the expression only lasted a moment or two. Of course, as my fingers moved to the shard around my neck, I reminded myself that I was not entirely without defense if it came down to it.

"Of course."

I agreed, and followed him through the gate. For a time, we walked in silence, each of us left to their thoughts. I continued to finger the little shard around my neck, my thoughts wandering from questions about this man, to what A'Baal would think if he was here, to just mulling over what might await us at the other end.

We soon came to a landing, three paths diverging from it. Before I could marvel in awe too much at our surroundings, Kyrinov spoke again. I had been marveling at the estate beyond, but a single word snapped my attention immediately back to him, sending a cold chill down my spine.

"S... Sith?"

I swallowed, feeling as though a bucket of iced water had been dunked over me. My heart raced and I had to take a few moments to slow my breath and shake my head.
"I... yeah, I have." I answered, the casual tone of my voice sounding frustratingly forced, "I've read about them, about you. Do you... really mean to make me one?"

I wasn't even sure why the word sent so much fear through me. I knew it wasn't always like that, but at the same time, it seemed deeply ingrained in me. My brow furrowed for a moment, annoyed that I couldn't reconcile that reaction with any specific memory. With a sigh, I shook my head. Beyond that strange reaction... I could become a sith. I'd spent so much to acquire a sith protector but, it had never occurred to me that I could one day be one myself.

"What do I need to do?"





[member="Kyrinov"]

 

[Kyrinov]

Her whole body screamed apprehension and dread at the very mention of the word Sith. She gulped, allowed herself a small shudder, and in his ears, her heart raced and banged inside of her chest. That was to be expected from some people. The Sith had an infamous streak of being cold-hearted killers, evil, and utterly ruthless in their methods or any endeavor, private or collective.

Which is true to a degree, not all of it was misleading propaganda and advertisements and scandals and hijacks and raids.

“I do mean to make you one, Valrayne. Though, not unlike the ones you’ve likely read about before. But, you will be better because I will teach you to be.”

His hand reached up and slipped off his mask with ease, uncovering thin pink lips, a sharp jaw, high cheekbones, and piercing grey eyes. He offered her a warm smile. “The Sith are not all monsters. Only those who have strayed from what it means to be True Sith are the barbaric ones that often make headlines and news across distant systems and planets. Those that have strayed,” he gestured to the three paths before him. “I’ve built my home both as a place of rest but also as a reminder to those who know the Force for what it is, those of us who can see the spectrum on which we interpret the Force.”

He turned slightly to the right. “See, here, there is an abundance of water flow from the waterfall and its river. The grass is perfectly green and it seems to exhale Light. There is peace and serenity in the sights and sounds, comfort in even taking time to watch the water flow.” He paused a moment, watching the river trickle and flow as only water seems to move in such an unpredictable yet fearsome pattern.

He gestured to the path on the left of him. “On this side, there is the polar opposite. No water flows over the rocks and because of this the rocks are jagged and razor sharp. The grass is the same green as the other side, but it lacks comfort. This is what we perceive as the Dark Side. Its teachings are callous, rough, and they often take a toil on the user. Yet they mold an individual to become stronger, to overcome adversity and trials that may come to stand in one’s way.”

“And down this central path, the most direct route to my home, is what I consider the path of Moderation. Not being Grey Jedi or Dark Jedi or Rogue or what have you. But, Moderation in a sense of temperance. You can be Sith but be civilized and patient and calculating. You may be a Jedi without succumbing to temptations that may bind you. I do not believe in a strict interpretation of any Code or guideline that teaches the ways of the Force. I follow the Sith Code truthfully, but I never allow the Darkness or the corruption that it may cause to consume me.”

He paused, only to catch a breath. “This central path is the path I intend to take you down, in terms of your learning.” He began to walk once more, slowly to let Valrayne look about if she so wished. Today, there were civilians roaming the grounds under minimal watch of a few of his Grysk guards to ensure their safety and protection at all times. He could hear the younger beings talking and laughing and squealing as they ran around. It made him smile, if only briefly. Upon reaching the shaded cherry blossom in the central, open atrium, he offered her a seat before taking one beneath the flying petals.

“If you wish to learn, all you need to do is answer one simple question. I can offer you protection, your choice of training weaponry, a ship, a roof to sleep under. Everything you will need to survive within this estate...The only question now is are you willing to become my Apprentice, Valrayne?”

[member="Valrayne"]​

 

[Faegard]

Kyrinov spoke, before taking the time to remove the mask that covered his face.

I felt my heart skip a beat. I hadn't realized just how I'd become so used to speaking to that mask, it was almost unusual to finally be met with the face beneath. It was unpleasant to look at either; embodying much of what my mind's eye had conjured about sith: sharp features, elegant and piercing. The warm smile, however, was altogether not what I'd expected from one with such a title.

My gaze moved as he gestured to the three paths that diverged from us, describing in turn each of them and the meanings they held. I had little to add or say, preferring to simply remain quiet and take it all in. The more I concentrate on something, the easier it is to retain, and I have retained a lot up to this point. It struck me that this place was not what I'd expected from a Sith either. It was not some secret, dark fortress of torture and cruelty, resting beneath brewing storms and surrounded by an embrace of lava.

So maybe I was a little too into the holovids as a child, I didn't have a lot of friends, okay?

As he began to walk, I followed, keeping pace with him as my mind processed everything he had said. He offered a seat beneath the cherry blossom. It was a beautiful spot, the pleasant breeze carrying a sweet bouquet through the air. It was peaceful here. That was when he sat as well, finally posing me the question.

"There is..." I began, a little uncertainly, "something you should know before I give my answer."

A pause,

"I've... dabbled in the dark side before. I even managed to bind a sith spirit once. But, well, during that process, I came across another. He calls himself [member="Darren Shaw"]. I don't know if he was sith or not, but it was chaotic and I panicked and there was blood everywhere and I..."

Come on, Val, spit it out.

"I accidentally bound myself to him." My jaw clenched. I was grateful that he wouldn't see my cheeks turn dark beneath my fur as the shame scrawled across my face. "I don't care what he says, I'm not his servant. But... sometimes he asks me to do something and when he does, I have to do it. Would that... be a problem?"





[member="Kyrinov"]

 

[Kyrinov]

He noted the tension that held her, the amount of hesitation and indecisive vertigo that gripped her body. All of it suggesting its existence within the space of a breath, a small pause to ponder if she should give up information. He simply waited. The Dark that found itself resting like a weight on his tongue bid him to wait. There was no need to rush or pressure when it would only serve to divide the pair.

Once she did speak, her voice sounded like a waterfall, always rushing to get words out. But, she did seem quite panicked and startled from the recounting of the events, he certainly could not blame her. That was a typical and natural response. It was rational.

I accidentally bound myself to him.​

That explained the nerves.

I don't care what he says, I'm not his servant. But... sometimes he asks me to do something and when he does, I have to do it.​

And that explains the rest of it. It also suggested the use of Magic to create that bond. He remembered that, as an Apprentice he’d been cautioned about using Sith Magic as a means to an end. It was fickle and precise and if one small thing happened to be out of place, you either had a ruined spell, a reversed spell, or just a plain mess to clean up. None of which are good options, in his eyes.

Would that... be a problem?​

His response was a small shake of ivory hair and skin. “No that won’t be a problem. So long as you are not hurt or intentionally endangered by said...commands that he may give.”

“Besides, I’ve another bond I’d like to enter with you other than this Master and Apprentice relationship. It’s known as a Force Bond, it’s a bond formed with consent and it allows both of us to be fully aware of how the other one is doing. For example, if you get wounded, I will know and vice versa. We can also converse telepathically via the bond.”

He looked out across the many overarching paths and pavilions and even the civilian smithy he kept, relaxing as the cherry blossom’s petals float down into his lap and out into the air and down the stream and over the cascading waterfalls. He allowed her time to think and process. This was no small decision.

[member="Valrayne"]​

 

[Faegard]

The response was... not what I had been expecting.

As long as I wasn't hurt or endangered. That made sense, being wounded or incapacitated would make for a very poor student indeed. Although Darren had more or less given me free reign for a time, what time I'd spent with him he hadn't seemed too eager to see me harmed or do anything to endanger me. Not yet, at least. Then there was the other thing Kyrinov said. A force bond.

It would be different to what I'd done to myself with Darren. Perhaps not quite as permanent or detrimental.

Telepathic communication, being able to know when the other is wounded. Perhaps it wouldn't be such a bad thing. Would someone like Kyrinov come to my aid if ever I required it? I had read about the relationship between a Sith master and his apprentice, they didn't seem like the type to drop everything and race across the galaxy for such a thing. However, Kyrinov had not at all been like what I'd read about.

I nodded,

"Alright," my tone had more determination to it than I'd expected, "I would like to become your apprentice."





[member="Kyrinov"]

 

[Kyrinov]

He allowed himself a small smile. That was good news indeed. Perhaps they were brought together on Eve for this exact reason. He supposed time would tell. He wondered what went through her mind before she’d made her decision. Though, he could have easily probed into her mind, he didn’t want things to start out in such a way. Even though he was her Master, he still needed her to trust him. And, of course, trust needed to be built and earned over time.

The Knight determined to take things slow, for now. He wouldn’t throw her into the depths quite yet, as fun as that may be. He took in a breath. “Would you like to go down the path of a Warrior or an Inquisitor, a Sorcerer, I suppose you could say. Will strength or stealth be your ally?” There was a long path ahead of the pair, regardless of the path she chose to follow. Regardless of which decision she made, there were still preparations to be made, basic lessons to be taught.

“Relax.” He reached out, gently pressed into her mind. He simply weaved and connected her to his own being, intertwining energy as if they could create a tapestry. It would be a stronger bond. Between his own strength in the Force and the untapped well waiting to be unleashed within his new Apprentice, there would be no denial of its power. He could feel it forming, tugging at him faintly. He decided to test the bond and spoke to her in her mind.
< ‘There we are. I’m assuming you can hear me, correct?’ >

If she could hear him, she’d have no trouble hearing his next few statements.

< ‘Now then, your first lesson. It’s an ideology, a guideline for how a Sith should live and how we should act. It is known as the Sith Code. You may interpret it however you wish, I will give you time to study and ponder it soon enough. But, be prepared to share the your interpretation of it with me later, as part of your studies. Memorize it.’ >

< ‘Are you ready to begin, Apprentice?’ >

[member="Valrayne"]​

 

[Faegard]

The sith smiled.

I could feel my heart leap. Excitement? Fear, perhaps of what was to come? It was no small thing, after all, to agree to bind oneself to a Sith. Perhaps it was worry. Would Darren feel this connection? Would he be displeased? A part of me wondered with a jolt of panic what he might do if he did not approve. My tail twitched with agitation, betraying these uncertain thoughts. However, they could be mulled over later, and for now, I turned my attention to Kyrinov.

Three paths, and the choice was mine to choose one to walk.

With an apologetic half-smile, I reached up and absently squeezed my left shoulder. Wearing only a tank top, the ugly scar was visible where my fur had either turned white or no longer grew. It was huge, scrawling from above my left breast over to my shoulder blade. It didn't hurt anymore, not when I wasn't exerting myself, but it very clearly hampered my movement on that side,

"I'm no warrior. My advantages come from being unseen and unheard. Until now I've relied mostly on stealth... and sorcery."

My hand drifted again to the shard around my neck, touching it for a moment before I let my fingers fall back into my lap.

Kyrinov then told me to relax, and with a soft sigh, I did. Closing my eyes, I focused on the force, sensing it around us. After a moment I felt it, the Sith's energy, reaching out to me. I reflexively stiffened, feeling my meager shield slam down around my mind. However, with another quiet sigh, I let it up, let him in. It was... surprisingly not unpleasant. Very much new to the experience, I simply sat and remained calm, feeling the Sith lord weave and entwine my energy with his own. All the while I could feel a knot tightening in my gut. This would be very permanent, I hoped that it wouldn't end up turning around to bite me.

After a while, I heard his voice echo in my mind.

It wasn't quite like using my telepathy, there was no need to reach out, to focus or probe. He was simply... there.

Yes, I can hear you. I replied back silently.

And like that... I had a Master. He began with what was to be my first lesson, the sith code. A good place to start, I supposed. I'd read about it in the past, but every holocron was ultimately shaded by the bias of whomever created it. Kyrinov seemed to understand this as well, instructing me to study the code and come to my own interpretation. Again that was not what I'd expected of a Sith, but it was welcome, all the same.

One more question, and this time, I felt a small smile curl at the corners of my lips, my ears perking forward excitedly,

I'm ready, Master.





[member="Kyrinov"]

 

[Kyrinov]

His eyes drifted to the white marking on her shoulder, tilting his head only slightly. A scar? From what exactly? Had she been in an accident? A confrontation? He remembered the slight guarded gestures she made as they walked to their seats under the blossom tree. He made a mental note of that. If she was to be useful in any combat situation, she would need to learn to either rebuild her strength on that side or learn to mask the weakness entirely. It was too obvious and large of a weak spot to not be exploited by an opponent.

She chose the path of the Inquisitor, of stealth and of the arcane. Largely, he believed, because of her injury. ‘You will still need to fight. You will need to find a way around that shoulder of yours. If, in time, you cannot, you are not fit to carry the mantle of Sith.’

In the next few moments, he received a response.

Yes, I can hear you. I'm ready, Master.​

Good, that was evidence that he formed the bond correctly.

‘The Sith Code is so: Peace is a lie, there is only passion,’ he determined to give a slight pause between each line, both for his own and her sake. He gave her a few moments to think on each individual line. He remembered his own Master teaching him this foundation lesson on his homeworld on Ambria when Kyrinov was but a boy, not long after an incident that would shape him for the rest of his days. He could remember the swirling sand, the vast stars above them, an oasis about them, his Master’s own baritone reciting these exact words. He remembered being told to explain how each line made him feel, allowing for any questions the young Sith-to-be may have had.

‘Through passion, I gain strength,’ as a young boy, he never understood the concept of strength. It was entirely foreign to him, the thought of having anything remotely close to any semblance of strength. The only strength he had was in learning to hide emotions and reactions, learning to read subtle cues in body language and tone, learning when to step away.

‘Through strength, I gain power,' there was never a dull moment with his Master. He was always kept on his toes, always tested at every turn. Having learned what having strength of different sorts was like, his energy became hyper focused on attaining power and being more than he may ever have been before his Apprenticeship. There was freedom in such a striving, yet also a great hindrance. He’d learn later rather than sooner that power is merely a means to an end, and never the end itself.

‘Through power, I gain victory,’ he’d always thought about this line the most, always questioned it from every possible angle that his mind could conceive of. Victory over what? Was it mortality as some of the ancients thought it to be? Was it the Light? Was it yourself? Was it another? There was never a way to be sure, never any certain answer that seemed to fit the mold of “correct”.

‘Through victory, my chains are broken,' never a doubt in his mind that “chains” referred to an obstacle. Any and all obstacles. Rivals, adversity, trials, tests, literal obstacles. Anything. To overcome was to grow. To grow was to be stronger.

‘The Force shall set me free. An alternate line is “The Force shall free me”. You may use either in your studies,’ for the Knight, the Force was ever-changing, always flowing and moving. Always shifting and waging events on a galactic scale, even if the effects of its workings were not currently felt or seen. There was always something in the midst.

He looked at her, withdrawing his presence from within her mind. “Do you have any questions or thoughts you’d like to express?”

[member="Valrayne"]​

 

[Faegard]

Kyrinov - my Master - seemed to notice how gingerly I treated my shoulder, and pointed it out.

What followed was an uncomfortable squirming in my gut, an uncertain sense of fear and worry surrounding the idea that I'd have to address it. With him still in my mind, he probably would have felt this, or at least noticed something. Perhaps he was right, but for now I dismissed it, for now, that was future-Valrayne's problem.

Then the lesson began. With each line, words I'd already read once, he paused, as if planting seeds and taking the time to ensure they were planted properly in the soil before moving onto the nest. There was something... almost intimate about the way each of these lines of the Sith code were given to me, almost like they were each a gift. The way his baritone rang in my mind, I could almost feel the sense of understanding he'd already gained for the code.

Peace is a lie. There is only passion
Something in this rang true already, something... that tugged at the front of my mind, as if something just beyond my reach had already learned this. My brow furrowed, fingers curling in my lap as I struggled to find the memory. There was nothing, just, nothing. With a sigh, I let it go.

Through passion, I gain strength
I had never much cared to learn to fight or be strong. I was curious, a bookworm. The pursuit of battle prowess had never really concerned me. But... as I considered this line, I wondered if perhaps strength did not have to mean physical prowess. A'Baal had been considered a strong Sith, not because of his might in combat (although that had been renowned in its own right), but because of his sorcery.

Through strength, I gain power
I shifted in my seat a little uncomfortably. The code - on its surface, at least - appeared to be built upon ambition. I am not ambitious. Was I to pursue such power? Or... perhaps did it mean that by feeding my passion, it would come to me on its own?

Through power, I gain victory
Victory. In an instant, two faces appeared in my mind. The first was Darren. He was my other Master, the man to whom I'd accidentally soul-bound myself to. Could... I one day gain victory over him? Would I want to, by then? He seemed content to leave me to my own devices, if I ever broke that bond, what would stop him from coming after me? Would I be able to gain victory in such a confrontation? The other face was feline, like a mighty black panther. A'Baal. That was strange, I already had victory over him, didn't I?

Through victory, my chains are broken
What chains? Again, I felt something tugging at me, something just beyond my memory, just outside of what I knew. Again, I grimaced, promising to investigate that more later.

The force shall free me
Poetic that such a line should end the code of the Sith, an order that had Masters who brought apprentices into their service. Apprentices like me. Was I one day meant to transcend this relationship? Is that what it meant?

I felt Kyrinov withdraw from my mind, and only then let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd begun to hold. He looked at me and asked if I had any questions. It was almost strange to hear that deep voice externally again, rather than inside my own head. Questions? I felt as though I had hundreds, swirling in my mind. But it was all so fast, I could barely find the words. I leaned back and closed my eyes for a moment, taking the time to calm my mind.

"I'm... worried," I confessed, "I don't know that I could be the strong, ambitious, ruthless Sith the code dictates. I'm... not like that."

A pause,

"If you were to make me into that... I... would I lose myself? Who I am?"




[member="Kyrinov"]

 

[Kyrinov]

He could tangibly feel the uncertainty raging inside of her. There was a torrent of doubt, confusion, and wonder. All appropriate responses in their own right. This was extremely new to her, foreign even. There was bound to be some kind of apprehension on her part. However, there was one question that burned brightest above them all.

What if she wasn’t enough?

If you were to make me into that... I... would I lose myself? ​

Within the depths of his mind formed an answer. He did not know how or where it came from, it was simply there. Once more, Faith bid him to speak, to act. He stood and walked over to the tower on the left, making a motion with his hand to bid her to follow him into the elevator lift built within after he keyed in the access code. He pushed a button, top floor, number 4. An instant later, vertigo gripped his stomach briefly as the elevator ascended up 60 feet into the air. The ride was brief, of course, only taking a matter of seconds.

The elevator gave a small ding! once as they reached their floor. Kyrinov stepped off and walked down a sleek wooden hallway, the wood on the walls polished yet appearing to be vintage. The floor beneath them a sleek, faded grey to accent the wood choice. He reached out and swiped at the door at the end of the hall and it opened to reveal his spacious personal study. A room filled with star charts, constellation depictions, various planets from across the Galaxy, and a diverse collection of volumes and manuscripts. The lighting was dim but sufficient, giving the perfect comforting atmosphere he preferred in his own private spaces. A spiraling staircase led up to a telescope that he often used to improve on his charts or to simply gaze out at the cosmos. Around the room, many tables and a few chairs sat. A large black form curled into one of the chairs on the far side of the study.

He gestured for her to take a seat. “Not all Sith must be ruthless by nature, that is uncalled for. There must always be the cunning, the vanguards, the interpreters, the listeners. Those who must be more than mere muscle and brute strength. Losing what you currently are is part of the process, Apprentice. Though, it only requires putting behind your past to allow you to move forward. The past is one of those chains referred to within the Code. If it is not let go or overcome, there will be no progress, no matter how hard you try... You will not lose anything related to your personality, unless you deem that it holds you from your full potential. You will not lose any morals, not if you do not wish to. What you lose and gain is up to you, but something must be lost in order for you to be reborn.”

Who I am?​

His Apprentice reminded him of himself. Before he was ever Kyrinov, before he became Sith. He had been scared too, terrified truthfully. His home on Ambria had been all he’d ever known, as were his parents, even if they weren’t exactly ideal. Even through all of the hurt, he couldn’t see a reason to let any of it go. Perhaps, in time, she would find her own reasons and motivations. “Who you are may change but only slightly. As I said, the amount of change is up to you. I am here to guide you through that process. I’m here, ultimately, to push you so that you may discover what must be changed and what may remain the same.”

He took a seat behind his desk in the corner, glazing across to her feline form. “Change is inevitable, both in life and in any kind of training. Let go of the doubt and fear. Or, rather, face them and cut them down. They will only serve to hold you back. These are your first steps.”

[member="Valrayne"]​

 

[Faegard]

For a few moments, my question remained unanswered, a silence falling between us.

My new Master did not answer straight away. In fact, for the time being, he didn't answer at all. He stood, moving away and beckoning for me to follow. Intrigued, I pulled myself up from the bench and followed him. My ears remained perched forwards, studying him as he led me to the tower and into an elevator. It took us swiftly up to the highest floor of the stately building, releasing us to a beautiful hallway.

To my own annoyance, I found myself instinctively walking slightly closer to Kyrinov. Perhaps it was the force bond, or the fact that he had been nothing but genuine this whole time. Either way, the somewhat majestic tower was a far cry from my usual haunts, and I found it somewhat intimidating. Because of that, I was practically brushing against his robes, pretending that my heart wasn't racing in my throat.

We came to a study, one that made my eyes go wide. Oh, the secrets that would be found in here! I took a seat as my Master gestured to one, my tail curling around to lay across my lap as he spoke.

"I... think I understand." I replied. "I won't lie, it sounds quite daunting if I'm totally honest."

I let a long sigh uncoil from my chest.,

"Here I am, having followed you through the market on a whim. I hadn't even known who you were and what was going to happen. I... don't know that I'm ready for, well, all of that. I'm no child of ambition or anything of the like. I'm just... me."

I could feel my face growing flushed, and was grateful that it wasn't really noticeable under a layer of fur. The sith, seated at his desk, gave me a task, a lesson to complete. But I was a little flustered now, beginning to wonder whether I could even do any of this.

"What... happens if ever I don't... do what I'm supposed to?"

Yeah... I probably should have asked that one a while ago.




[member="Kyrinov"]

 

[Kyrinov]

What... happens if ever I don't... do what I'm supposed to? ​

There it was. She finally gave voice to her curiosity, a small but necessary step in her budding transformation. Yet, despite the progress, his eyes glinted harshly in the yellow light of the room. Her question asked of failure. He saw no need to hide anything from her, not where this subject was concerned.

"I will not tolerate failure. To fail is to die in this Galaxy. So, I present you with the same choice. You will either succeed in the tasks I give you and grow into something better.. Or you will face whatever consequences comes from your failure. You must come to adapt to your new way of life or die trying," he paused. He knew the price of failure and he needed to be certain that it was common knowledge for his Apprentice as well. Failure would not be an option afforded to her.

Out of the corner of his eye, the black slumbering form near the staircase stood. She looked about and walked over to where Kyrinov sat, nudging his hand to make him pet her, sensing his growing irritation.

He calmed himself some before continuing, "If there is ever a time when I take another Apprentice while you are still under my influence, you will be pitted against each other. As a Sith, you must never suffer rivals, especially as you grow more and more powerful. By its very nature, the Dark Side calls for and invites ambition and strife. You must strive towards a goal to continue moving forward. That is all ambition is, striving towards any goal."

Perhaps she needed a nudge in the right direction to get her moving down the path she wished to follow. "Is there a goal you'd like to meet? Someone or something you wish to overcome? A skill you wish to improve on, learn or perfect? My point is that every being has some inkling of ambition within them, it just needs to be unlocked."

He watched as Anat went over to Valrayne and nudged her leg, hopping up and placing her massive paws on the feline's thigh. "Odd," he said to her. "She only does that if I'm stressed. The physical weight can be calming. Perhaps she senses your...uncertainty through our bond. I am connected to you, she is connected to me. Subsequently, it seems, she is also tapped into your emotions. Interesting," a pause. "Her name is Anat, she's a companion of mine as well as a guardian of sorts..."

"However, I've gone off on a tangent. You must be willing to adapt and surpass obstacles you will face. There is no teacher but the enemy, Valrayne. No one but the enemy will tell you what the enemy is going to do. No one but the enemy will ever teach you how to conquer or win. Only the enemy shows you where you are weak, where he is strong. From now on, I am your enemy. From now on, I am your teacher," those were words spoken from experience as were the ones to follow. There was truth in what he said. In a traditional hierarchy, a Master is eventually surpassed by his Apprentice once the Apprentice is strong enough. In terms of the overarching schemes of the Galaxy, the only help on what may defeat an enemy is only given up by the enemy himself. "The choice is yours as it always has been. You may continue under my wing or you may go back to being stuck in a nearly unbreakable bondage to this Darren fellow."

"Which would you prefer?"

[member="Valrayne"]​

 

[Faegard]

I felt my jaw clench as my Master spoke.

Reflexively the anger started to rise in me; the rebellion, the desire to immediately do the opposite of what I was told. That expression about how difficult it is to herd cats? Oh yes, it's entirely valid. He spoke of how I was expected to meet these milestones, how failure would not be tolerated, even how if he were to take on another apprentice, the two of us would be pitted against one another. All the while I felt my self-doubt and uncertainty form and twist into a rebellious desire to say no and see what happened.

He asked a question, one that made me stop and think for a moment.

As I did, a huge inky black mass rose from its spot in the corner, revealing itself to be a beautiful lupine creature of some sort. She nudged the hand of the Sith lord until he pet her, and in that moment, I felt something almost seem to cut through the intoxicating rebellious tangent I was on.

"I'd... I want to learn to become undetectable." I answered, almost in a whisper. It was not a desire I'd ever voiced to anyone. In truth? I wasn't even sure where it had come from. However, the moment I gave it voice, the words tumbled from my mouth, "I want to learn to become the perfect assassin, silent, deadly, invisible until it's too late."

The big wolf creature then shifted, coming over to me and placing her huge paw on my thigh. I'd read about some Sith keeping deadly companions as guardians and assassins. Hell, even I had A'Baal, and I'd never recommend petting him. However, this beast seemed... affectionate, concerned almost. After a moment's thought I reached down and pet her head, scratching behind her ears.

"She's beautiful." I remarked as Kyrinov explained.

The next words to come from the mouth of the Sith sent shivers racing down my spine. That rebellious streak now felt infantile and immature, and I felt for the first time a hint of the danger that actually awaited such rebellion.

"I... I understand." I replied, "I want to stay, Master, to learn. I want to find out how good I can actually become. I want... to be better."

Stranger than hearing myself saying that, was realizing that I, in fact, meant it.





[member="Kyrinov"]