Finally, a Warrior

[Kerstas]

[member="Daxton Bane"]

Kerstas was kneeling on the mat in her chambers, attempting to relax. Even though she herself was not a Force User, some of the techniques she'd learned from her Father were still helpful.

Soon, the Buro would be given a quest to complete her graduation rites, and then craft her own special weapon. The pair of whips Kerstas had were magnificent, but did not work well in close quarters -- something she had been made aware of all too painfully when sparring with the others in the Academy.

The students' disdain for her was evident, but instead of telling Father, the Buro female instead used it to her own advantage, pushing to excel in everything. Indeed, while Basic was still hard for her, Kerstas could speak much better than before. It wasn't just the need to outperform her fellow students, though -- she also wanted to make her Father proud.

As for her weapon...

After much deliberation, Kerstas had decided to go with a scythe, though whether it was one blade or two would have to be decided by her Father. She also had an idea of what materials to gather for it -- but again, that all depended on what he had to say.

Kerstas sighed, unable to meditate, and reached for the bowl of passionfruit next to her. The sweet smell of decay surrounded her, and she opened her mouth slightly to inhale the aroma before ripping off a chunk and devouring it.

 

[Daxton Bane]

[member="Kerstas"]

The Sith glanced at the observation screen with clinical gaze. In but a few moments he would know if the time and funds spent on this project would bear fruit. What started off as an idle project has soon blossomed into another tool in his war against the Jedi and their puppets.

Unknown to his subject, the test she was about to face would entail three aspects: wits, skill and strength. The first trial was deceptively simple, all it would require is that she correctly place three colored metal balls into the correct slots out of the possible twelve combinations. However with each attempt, a colored sequence would activate certain traps in the labyrinth for the skill test. The correct color sequence will flood her chamber with a nasty cocktail of drugs which would trick her senses with false sensations before opening the path into the maze. The final exam would wait for her in the center of the maze, where she must defeat one of his nightmare creations in single combat.

Strictly speaking it was hardly fair, but the Sith did not have the desire or the inclination to doodle the weak and useless anyway....

 

[Kerstas]

[member="Daxton Bane"]

The Buro's long tongue swept away the flecks of fruit from her fingers and mouth. The snack had proved to be refreshing, and already Kerstas was feeling invigorated, able to take on even the most difficult of her Father's tasks.

Setting the bowl on her desk, Kerstas grabbed both of her whips and attached them to her belt. Smoothing down her outfit, she held up her comlink. "Jaarvek, I am ready for my trial," Kerstas chittered. Even now, the Basic sounded clumsy on her tongue. "Where shall I go?"

 

[Daxton Bane]

[member="Kerstas"]

As in reply the table receded into the floor as a cylindrical rod rose to about chest height. As soon as it came to a stop, it split in two to reveal three metallic balls nestled on a bed of velvet silk. Each ball was covered in precious stones to give it a distinct hue, one was Crimson, another green while the last was lapis blue. Twelve slots, four wide and three rows in length, appeared along the length of the rod, each wide enough for a ball to be inserted inside.

 

[Kerstas]

[member="Daxton Bane"]

Kerstas took a few steps back, watching in surprise as her table was replaced with a cylinder. It did not take long, however, for her to realize what was going on. As the machine settled itself, the Buro bowed her head at it respectfully. "I will make you proud, Jaarvek," she said aloud. No doubt Bane was watching her.

She walked up to the display, studying everything thoughtfully. Three balls, twelve holes. But which holes? Kerstas first picked up the green ball, tossing it gently in her hand before raising it to the slots. Pausing briefly, she put it in the third row, second from the left.

The next one, the blue ball, went into the first row, first slot on the left.

The last, the crimson ball, was held for a moment before being placed in the second row, last one on the right.

That done, Kerstas took a step back and placed her hands on her whips, preparing for what came next.

 

[Daxton Bane]

[member="Kerstas"]

As the last ball slid into the slot, a hologram appeared before her eyes, "Anger is the door to the dark side. Walk through it with care for there may be those more angrier than you." The ground briefly shook as if there was movement somewhere outside, beyond the walls of her room. Somewhere in the labyrinth, the rabid rancors stirred as the doors to their prison opened. hunger had driven them mad as they stalked the halls in search of prey.

The balls ejected from their slots as if waiting for her to make another decision....

 

[Kerstas]

[member="Daxton Bane"]

Kerstas turned her head towards the door as the hologram vanished. Somewhere, beyond, many things roared. It sent a shiver of apprehension down her spine. She then looked back at the display, where the balls awaited her.

I could always put the balls back, try to get a different scenario... The blatant cowardice of that suggestion, however, snapped her back to reality. No! If I cannot fight the beasts beyond, then how could I never hope to face the murderers of my people?

With a look of determination, Kerstas curled her hands around the handles of her shock whips. She walked towards her door, her claws clicking on her floor as she prepared to meet whatever lay beyond her room...

 

[Daxton Bane]

[member="Kerstas"]

Prepared as she was, there was little she could do while trapped in the room. There was no window or door for her to exit just of yet, well not unless she solved the puzzle first. Looking back at the jeweled balls, she could not help but notice how the light would refract of the facets, giving off small rays of color which reminded her of Daxton's blades while he was in practicing near the training area. Blue on his left arm, green on his right, the ruby blade hissing in hunger as it stuck like a scorpions tail.

 

[Kerstas]

[member="Daxton Bane"]

Kerstas hissed in frustration. It appeared she was not meant to fight just yet. She had done a full sweep, but the door or any means of escape had vanished. Idly, she wondered if her air supply would run out. No, Father would not do that.

So instead, she returned to the display, staring down at the balls as if they held the key. Perhaps they do...

First, the balls themselves. Each one was covered in jewels. That, however, did not provide any hints. Nor did the size.

The colors, then. Blue, green and red. Wait a moment... Blue, green, and red. Where have I seen that combination before...? Her eyes widened in victory as she recalled watching her Father practice with his sabers. Of course!

She picked up the balls and put them, with blue on the left, red in the middle, and green on the right, into the middle row, straight as a line. That being done, the Buro took several steps back, tense.

 

[Daxton Bane]

[member="Kerstas"]

Daxton's grinning visage greeted her as the last ball locked into place, the hologram's voice seemed to echo throughout the room as he declared, "Excellemt work, my child. Remember to pay heed to lessons of past, least one would lose the path to the future."

The room shook as the stone slabs retracted revealing a path into the labyrinth, the way was dimly illuminated by the soft green glow of the fungi on the walls. What he failed to mention was that she was already exposed to several hallucinogenic drugs floating through the air, their combined effects were slow acting but served to heighten the sensation experienced through the various senses, creating a false impression of time dilation.

She would need to get pass this obstacles and the rancors prowling the halls to get to the inner chamber where her final test paced impatiently for her to arrive...

 

[Kerstas]

[member="Daxton Bane"]

Kerstas bowed her head, pleased with her Father's praise, while at the same time noting his advice. She opened her mouth to respond but before she could, a pathway was revealed to her: dimly lit, and an odd green colour.

She looked again at the display, before taking a deep breath and entering the tunnel. Once inside, her fingers gripped the handles of her whips and she walked cautiously, so as to make the least noise. Not so far away, she again heard the roar of a hungry beast, and her heart quickened. Show me your best, Father, Kerstas thought, and I will be sure to prove your efforts were not wasted.

 

[Daxton Bane]

[member="Kerstas"]

Hunger drove the creature, the pain gnawing from within. It did not care who it hurt as long as it could sink its razor sharp teeth into soft succulent flesh and tear it off the bone. To savor the rich taste of blood and pulsating meat as it rushed down its gullet. To feel alive....

Suddenly the wind shifted and with it bringing the scent of possible prey. The creature's nostrils drank deep before it turned its bulk to hunt down his next meal.

 

[Kerstas]

[member="Daxton Bane"]

Kerstas felt the vibrations under her claws before she saw or heard the beast. Unfurling her whips, the Buro took a few steps back, her eyes fixed on the corner ahead.

With a roar, one of the largest rancors she had seen lumbered around, coming to a halt to stare at her with its beady eyes.

Staring back defiantly, Kerstas activated her whips, the electricity causing them to crackle and hum. She tensed up, knowing it would be best to let this monster make the first move. From there, she could figure out a strategy.

Clearly, the electricity triggered something within the beast, because with another hungry roar, it charged at Kerstas. The ground shook under its heavy strides, its mouth gaping. The Buro leapt to the side, narrowly avoiding being trampled, and cracked one of her whips at its skin. While the electricity did little, the whip itself managed to leave a red Mark, though this didn't do much more than rile the beast further.

The female blinked. For a moment, she could have sworn that right before impact, time had slowed down. Keep your head in the game, lest you die.

With another roar of pain, the rancor sped around, saliva dripping from its maw. Kerstas cracked her whips at it again, though not yet daring to get within striking distance. The beast, however, had other plans. It charged at her again, and Kerstas dove to the side, this time wrapping her whip around its leg.

Wrong move.

With an effortless heave, the rancor jerked its leg forward, knocking the whip out of her hand and causing her to jerk forward. Kerstas fell down, slightly winded. As she got up, the rancor ran at her again, knocking her into the opposite wall. Dazed, she sat there for a moment. We're it not for her tough skin, she most certainly would have suffered. As it were, her head now had a large lump that cried out in pain when she touched it.

Scrambling up, her other whip still in hand, Kerstas turned to face the rancor, who decided to charge at her again. The first one had been knocked over to her feet, and that one she now reattached to her belt.

"You are my hidden blade to stab into their dark hearts."

A plan began to formulate in her mind, and she waited for the beast to come at her. As soon as it was, the whip lashed out, wrapping around the creature's forearm. Once again, it pulled back. Once again, time slowed down. This time, though, she was glad for it. As Kerstas let herself be pulled, she curled up into a ball as she flew through the air.

The rancor's jaws shut around her, and she fought the urge to gag. Utterly revolting. The Buro had to work quickly, though, if she was to succeed. Already, the monster's muscles worked to force her into the stomach.

Grabbing the tip of her whip, she stretched her fingers. I am the hidden blade.

Kerstas then began to slash at the roof of the rancor's mouth with her fingers flesh and muscle flying. The creature let out a roar, and she struggled to stay inside. Nonetheless, she pursued, until bone could be seen. One foot jammed in the back of its mouth, another on its tongue, and her bloodied hand gripping the cheek, Kerstas took the tip of her whip and used all of her strength to jam it into the bone. It stuck, with a small crack forming. The rancor roared again, very nearly dislodging her before the crucial moment.

As the rancor opened its mouth again, Kerstas leapt out, but not before turning her whip on. A large shock travelled into the creature's brain, causing it to keel over. Hitting the floor in a roll, Kerstas grabbed her other whip before inspecting the results.

The creature still had a heartbeat, and already it began to stir. In order to prevent herself from being electrocuted, she shut off the active whip. Then, a mildly displeased look on her face, the Buro climbed back in the mouth and wrapped the tip of the other whip on the first. She then clambered out, and activated both whips this time.

The rancor's body shuddered and laid still. Cautiously, Kerstas placed her hand on its throat, to try and get a pulse like before. There was none. Relieved, the Buro disabled her whips, wiped the grime off of her face and clothes as best she could, and continued down the maze.

((TL;DR: Kerstas allowed the rancor to eat her, and while in its mouth she jammed her first whip tip into its skull and stunned it. She then intertwined the whips and turned both of them on in order to electrocute the creature. She is now walking down the maze.))

 

[Kerstas]

It seemed like Kerstas had been wandering around for ages.

On several occasions, she had had to hide herself in some nook or cranny to avoid the other rancor's that were swarming to eat their dead brother. Eventually, though, she had stopped seeing those, and her only companion soon became the green lights.

The only thing that prevented her from getting lost were the claw marks that Kerstas left in the luminescent mushrooms. The ones that she'd damaged became dull in colour, and as such allowed the female to determine if she had already traversed there. In this way, she kept herself from wandering in circles.

How long does this go? she wondered sullenly. Surely I am not destined to die here? Did Father forget that I am not a Force User? Is this a maze designed to only be passed by those with the Force?

Kerstas shooed the doubts away. Doubts would get her nowhere; they merely hindered her path.

After what felt like days, the Buro came across an archway which led into a large, circular area. Here, the ceiling was much higher, almost as tall as one of Coruscant's many buildings. Green mushrooms cast everything in a sickly glow, and shadows were everywhere. This must be the centre of the labyrinth, she mused.

A hooded figure kneeled in the middle of the circle, head bowed and hands neatly folded. A shiver ran down her spine. Kerstas walked slowly, hands on her whips just in case. After a few feet, she stopped.

The figure raised its head, a look of disgust on its face. "«You reek of foul, dead things.»" it said in Sith.

Kerstas regarded the figure coolly, determined to not give a reaction. The figure was none other than Lon'qu Damaar, a human male who was also a student at Bane's Academy -- one of the best, actually. The Buro was not concerned. If they had to fight, she was certain she could win. "«I know. Fighting rancors tend to make a person smell like that.»"

Lon'qu stood up, a training saber appearing in his hand. "«True. Except you are not a person. You are an abomination.»" With that, he let out a roar filled with hate and leapt at Kerstas.

She managed to dodge the strike, thanks to the peculiar slowing of time effect, though the smell of burning fabric told her that her clothes were not so lucky. Using the momentum built up from moving, she then reached out to slash at his face. While Lon'qu managed to lean away enough for the blow to not be fatal, her nails still drew blood.

Time now speeding up, the adversaries moved away from one another, circling. Her heart was racing from the adrenaline, and her blood was pounding in her head. However, neither Kerstas nor Lon'qu were willing to make the first move.

I may be a knife, but he is a hammer, she thought. Again, a phrase from the past leapt into her mind, though this one was more recent.

"Anger is the door to the dark side. Walk through it with care for there may be those more angrier than you."

"«Do you really think you will win, Lon'qu?»" she said quietly. "«We both know that my Father would never allow that. Besides, I am certain we both know who is the better of the two.»" Kerstas hoped that, if she got him angry enough, he would slip up and allow her to land a fatal blow. She was not just out to win; she was out to eliminate those who would prevent her success.

And indeed, it seemed that her goading worked. Instead of replying, the human merely let out a snarl and prepared to leap at her again. This time, however, Kerstas was faster, and before he could move she had her whips out and striking at him. The first strikes found their mark, the smell of burning fabric and flesh filling the air. However, Lon'qu became more successful in avoiding any hits, dodging when he could and using his saber to deflect what he couldn't, obviously by using the Force.

Eventually, when it was clear the two were at a stalemate (every crack of the whip was deflected, while he could not take a step closer), Kerstas relented in her attack. Freed, Lon'qu didn't jump at her again; instead, a loud rumbling grew around them and chunks of the floor began to rise up, as if lifted by some invisible hand. The human let out a laugh. "«You may know how to use your whips, but you are powerless in the face of the dark side of the Force! Give up, and I will smash your head first!»"

Kerstas didn't reply; her eyes trained on the rubble, she thought, Cocky human. I will be glad when I rip his throat out.

As rocks began to hurtle towards her, Kerstas once again began to experience time slowing down. She became aware of everything: her heartbeat, the rocks bearing down at her, the bright shine of the lights. She even imagined that she could hear her adversary's heartbeat, too.

Twisting and turning, almost as if she were dancing, Kerstas dodged the rocks she could and used her whips to demolish the ones she couldn't. The Buro wasn't always so lucky -- the smaller pieces managed to make their way through, hitting her with enough force to nick her skin. But she was still able to avoid being severely hit, and even managed to whip a few at Lon'qu.

"«Is that all you can manage?»" she cooed, still pursuing her plan. "«Throwing rocks? It is no wonder you were always second best.»"

That comment managed to strike a chord somewhere. "«You know nothing, pathetic creature!»" Lon'qu snarled. He wrenched her whips from her grasp, and ran at her with his saber. Kerstas scowled, assuming a ready stance. When he was close, everything slowed down once more. I will need to speak with Father about this, she thought. This has never happened to me before. Even so, she used it to her advantage.

As Lon'qu swung his saber down in an attempt to catch her shoulder, Kerstas twisted away, instead opting to knock the weapon out of his grasp. She succeeded, though it left her open to a punch in the side. Letting out a small gasp, the Buro staggered back. Her opponent's hand reached out to call his saber back, but before he could she leapt at him again, both tumbling to the ground.

Leaping back to their feet, the two duked it out, hands, feet, and joints flying. Both took and delivered damage, but neither gave up. Until, of course, another lucky strike from Lon'qu resulted in Kerstas rolling away. Before she could recover, the human used the Force to lift her into the air, applying pressure to her throat. "«Looks like you were wrong, Chi'ati; I'm not the one who's second best. You are.»"

Kerstas began to panic as the pressure increased. She gasped for air, clawing at her throat. Think, think! He wants you weak and crippled, so that you will not be able to retaliate when he delivers the final blow. A lightbulb went off, and Kerstas might have grinned if she wasn't choking. It never hurts to practice my acting.

Giving out one last gasp, Kerstas went limp, as if unconscious. The pressure immediately vanished as Lon'qu dropped her, where she landed on her back. As air filled her lungs the Buro remained still, for fear of ruining the deception. Eyes closed, she could hear him walking up to her. A humming also alerted her to his repossession of his saber. Closer, closer...

Whether it was from his failure to pay attention to details or his arrogance over "winning", Lon'qu did not notice the life in Kerstas returning, nor did he realise she was too still. "«Seems I'll be the favourite one, after all,»" he gloated. "«I'd ask if you had any last words, but quite frankly, I don't care.»" As he raised the saber to plunge into her chest, the female's eyes opened, and as the saber went down, she rolled over. Not wasting a second, Kerstas then rolled back and leapt onto the human, her sharp fingers digging into his throat.

"«I would ask if you had any last words,»" she hissed mockingly, "«But quite frankly, I do not care.»" With that, she yanked her hand back, before standing up. Shaking off her hand, the Buro went and collected her whips before looking up. "Jaarvek," Kerstas shouted. "Have I pleased you?"

((TL;DR: I won. xP))

 

[Daxton Bane]

[member="Kerstas"]

A familiar laugh resounded throughout the labyrinth as the air on her left began to shimmer and the image of Daxton materialized as he had dropped the cloak which masked his presence. With merciless eyes he studied the prostate form of his former student, all dignity robbed at the point of death when he throat was torn apart. Such a shame to waste that potential but there was no place for the weak in the universe and he never bothered to coodle those who proved themselves unworthy.

Two labor droids entered the room, silently floating on suspensors, moving with quiet efficiency, they gathered the body and took it away for recycling. Once they were gone, Daxton commended he his prized pupil. "You have done well, my apprentice. It is now time for you to claim your revenge for your people."

From his pocket he took out a spherical holocron and handed it to her, "Take this first gift as your reward, I have meditated long and hard with Force and I have discerned the most apt instrument for your next task. Study it well. there is a list of materials you need to gather on your own before we can forge it together, so take a moment and see if you understand what I am asking of you,"

 

[Kerstas]

[member="Daxton Bane"]

Kerstas jumped at the sound of the laughter to her left -- she had not realized her Father was so close. She felt foolish now, for shouting, when a simple low tone would have done. Nonetheless, she quickly regathered herself and studied Bane as he studied the corpse. The Buro hoped he would be pleased, and she was relieved when he praised her success.

Clipping her whips to her belt, Kerstas wiped the remaining grime off of her hand onto her pants and gingerly took the sphere. She listened to Bane as he spoke, and when he asked if she understood, the Buro paused a moment to collect her thoughts. "You...are giving me another quest, one that brings me a step closer to destroying the Jidai?" she asked hesitantly.

 

[Daxton Bane]

[member="Kerstas"]

"That is correct my childe. However, you must remember the bigger pictures as well. Destroying Jedi is but one step in our goal to revive your people. Jedi are vermin, worst than Tantooine sand roaches. Step on one and they scurry for shelter. Make no mistake, thyey will try to fill your head with lies and falsehoods. Heed your lessons well, they will protect you. Remember the fate of your people rests on your shoulders. It's a heavy burden I know, but you must embrace your destiny."

 

[Kerstas]

[member="Daxton Bane"]

Kerstas bowed her head. "The Jidai have nothing that I would want to listen to, Jaarvek. I will neither fail you nor my people."

Inside, the Buro felt herself getting excited. Would she get to travel off world? And if so, would she encounter a Jedi?

At that thought, though, she calmed herself. Father had warned her not to tip their hand against their hated enemy, and that included killing one. Such a shame, really. It would be gratifying to make one of them pay for the Order's sins.

Kerstas looked back up at her Father. "When do I start, Jaarvek? And there is a...rancor body, many paces back. Is there a chance I may salvage bone?" She was thinking, maybe a leg bone for the staff of her weapon and add a tooth at the end, for a spike. It would be such a shame to waste material like that, not to mention she wouldn't have to gather as much of the other items.

 

[Daxton Bane]

[member="Kerstas"]

"First open the holocron I have gifted to you." Daxton commanded his student in a low tone. the device contained specs for a weapon that he deemed her worthy of carrying, some of the ingredients were already present at this location, while others would need to sought out and recovered. True, Rancor bone was one ingredient as well as blood taken from a fallen foe, but he wasn't here to hold her hand so she use take the next steps on her own.

 

[Kerstas]

[member="Daxton Bane"]

Kerstas nodded, doing as she was told.

Tapping at the holocron, a list appeared, and she began to read it. Barely a second later, though, the Buro's eyes lit up and she looked at Bane for a second. A scythe...like the one I had been planning! As she looked over the specs, she realized that it would be a perfect or near-perfect fit for her.

Stifling her urge to embrace her Father -- she doubted it would be well-received -- Kerstas instead scanned the rest of the list. Rancor bone, blood, ash, durasteel...ultrachrome? She looked back up at Bane. "Jaarvek, what is...'ultrachrome'?" No doubt it was a metal, but it was one she was unfamiliar with.