Monster Park [TSE Dominion of the Celanon Hex]

[Cle-Var-Ri]

Objective IV - Stack banana till the morning come

Come time for the briefing and there was little mistake the new guy wasn't having the best day. Locked away in a storage closet, all he could make out were the vicious growls of the reptilian Sith. Unbeknownst to him, however, the growls were only half malicious, half an attempt to conceal wicked laughter at his cowardice. It had been good fun, really. And surely an experience he'd seldom forget. For Clever, however, any interest in the young man was dropped the moment it seemed the hunt was afoot.

Her participation in the briefing itself was minimal, her silence broken by the occasional growl in agreement and the raspy "Yes, master" here and there. The plan was simple enough. Go in, snatch up the scattered Jedi. Chomp chomp, snap snap, lightsaber noises go here, profit. What could possibly go wrong? One might say to ask such a thing was to encourage exactly that, so Clever didn't. There was no room for failure, only massacre.

Split off from the hunting party and her master, Clever was perhaps the most quiet creature on the field. Her nostrils flared, locking in on a Jedi's scent. Hunched low, her green scales blended well with the forest greenery, leaving her well hidden to all but the untrained eye until the moment to strike. And when at last came the moment to reveal herself, she was a flash of green, heading for the nearest Jedi's throat.

[member="Darth Carnifex"] | [member="Sylara Vaal"] ​

 

[Amaya Cardei]

​

​

Ms. Sadler had sat [member="Vylythis Zambrano"] and her brothers Sarlow and Alvarex in a rather quaint sitting room. Sadler seemed bothered by the Annswi that the group had brought along, but said nothing of it. Instead, she offered them water and took to a chair that seemed older than the rest. Sarlow only nodded in Vylythis's direction when she asked about treats. He honestly wanted to get out to the cages themselves, he was beyond agitated - they were wasting time. Alvarex shot his older brother a look - do not move, sit still. Sadler missed it and went on, "we hadn't had any problems with the creatures - we followed all the instructions sent by Darth Arcanix when we requisitioned these creatures."

"What about Staff?" Alvarex asked directly, hands rested on the arms of the chair as he shifted his weight, the chair was very uncomfortable. It felt as if he was sitting on a haystack, "who maintains these beasts?"

"Hand-selected men and women from Felucia, Bastion, and Galidraan of course, people with experience in these matters. They know better than to keep any cage unlocked or even open. Here, I have our surveillance feed from the past several weeks." Ms. Sadler reached for a datapad that sat beside her on an end table. Alvarex reached out and took the datapad for a moment, he handed it to his sister who might be better to view the footage to look for anything suspicious.

In fact, Vylythis might just spot Mr. Caddudl fiddling with various locks, or so it would seem - this and the untimely shadowy figure that seemed to pass in his wake.

It was then a roar of dragons caught Sarlow's attention. It was out in the distance, "right, I'm takin' the dogs and headin' out - Rexie, you stay put."

Alvarex snarled at the sound of the word Rexie. Sarlow only winked and bowed with respect toward Ms. Sadler, "now Ms. Sadler I thank you so kindly for your hospitality, but me and the dogs here best go out to the cages and have a look around." He tipped his hat and continued whilst handing it over to his sister. "If you'll excuse me, I best be headin' out." The eldest of the siblings whistled for the dogs and headed out of the building. The Force curled around Sarlow and for a moment he felt pity for the poor sod who had let the creatures out. Then the moment vanished and Sarlow along with the dogs were headed down an alleyway toward one of the main roads in the park.

[member="Atlas Kane"] or Uncle Brax would most likely stumble across Sarlow and his pack, although - the man may not recognize Sarlow. By now, Carnifex's oldest boy had transformed - going full wolf for this matter. Rather than come across a man, he would come across a fearsome werewolf with a presence in the Force. Leading a pack of dogs toward the cages themselves to have a sniff around. Meanwhile, the creatures that Mr. Astartes had released would begin to circle like vultures before letting an unholy roar forth from their mouths. The descent began and their aim was for the wolf.

[member="Darth Prazutis"] | [member="Lykas Torvol"]

 

[Vaulkhar]

Vaulkhar moved silently through the underbrush as he expanded his senses beyond his immediate range. With his recent return to Sith space he was fortunate to catch a transmission sent by his father's empire. A call to hunt had been issued to all Sith, which he was happy to oblige. While he had never visited Celanon in the past, it would not deter him. The direct connection to his kin brought an ever greater interest to the hunt, so here he stood. The shadows appeared to gently caress his form as he swiftly danced among the forest. His lithe form traversed the under growth as if it were simply not there, not disturbing the flora or fauna as his force enhanced body sped like a bullet through the forest. As the sound of battle erupted in a nearby clearing, he slid to a sudden stop. His gaze was drawn to a set of two lightsabers already hanging at his side; warm blood still dripping freely from the hilts. While you could say the blind man was fortunate for finding worthy prey so soon, the two Jedi that stumbled across his path thus far were less so.

Taking a deep breath, he launched himself onto a sturdy branch in a nearby tree. From there, the former assassin traversed the remainder of the distance before coming onto a hopeless scene. With the aid of the force, the blind man quickly surmised the Jedi were doomed. The hunters quickly encircled the Jedi. If that were not enough, the familiar form of his father burst from the brush and directly assaulted the group. Even if the emperor were alone, the trio were not powerful enough to escape, let alone strike him down. As a reptilian and Togruta form moved to cut off the escape, one of the three managed to break free of the encirclement. Whether it be logic or fear, the Jedi correctly reasoned his only chance of survival was to escape.

It almost worked.

As hope permeated the air and propelled the clever Jedi forward, it was quickly replaced by an aura of fear and despair. The shadow form of Vaulkhar dropped before the Jedi. Where once there was nothing, instead the Sith Lord's power flooded the clearing over those gathered, only stooping as it crashed against his father's spiteful aura. To the Jedi's credit, his blue saber ignited and launched in a flurry against the shadowed form of the young prince. However, while his abilities brought time, it was cut short by a swift horizontal strike from the blind Sith. The head of the Jedi lopped from it's shoulders before rolling into the underbrush.

The prince tugged the now dead Jedi's saber through the air before attaching it to his belt. Looking across the clearing, he surmised the remaining prey would fall before he could reach his father. The molten saber gripped within his hand deactivated before he moved towards his father across the clearing. An air of smug confidence surrounded the blind man, as if he were challenging all but his father around him. While he was surely confident, he wasn't suicidal.

[member="Cle-Var-Ri"] | [member="Darth Carnifex"] | [member="Sylara Vaal"]​

 

[Kurayami Bloodborn]

​

Kurayami was much more settled into the goings on by now, listening to the Sith ladies as they posited on the fate of the rather portly hunter. Left arm was their guess, interesting though if the combatant was left-handed it made sense that the one who hunted him would try to remove the majority of his offensive capability first. While the wager certainly wasn't a bad one, it was also possible the attacker would target legs first to removes the ability of the victim to evade further. The latter might be the more unexpected first attack. He was surprised at the sight of the baby, though from what he had heard of the Emperor he supposed he shouldn't have been. He sipped at his Caasarita as he considered entering a wager himself as well, before thinking better of it and continuing to try and figure out the most likely course of action for the attacker.

As he did this, the infant was removed from the room as the Sith Empresses stood and [member="Invicta Zambrano"] addressed those gathered. The she turned towards him directing her crimson gaze at him alone. Most would have scrambled to stand and salute, but Kurayami was a full blooded Corellian, and he was comfortable. Her gaze was met by his own dark eyes and a subtle smirk on his face as she told him that she had heard much about him.

"Pleasure is all mine, Empress. You have heard of me? Well that is news to a humble pilot such as myself, hopefully you didn't hear anything too bad."

The response was rather lighthearted and despite the overwhelming presences of those gathered around him, he was calm, as though adressing an old friend and not a head of state who could easily have him executed at her slightest whim.

Admittedly seeing [member="Taeli Raaf"] cringing at the thought of how many drinks Fio ad consumed on her own was entertaining. A woman who hardly ever lost her composure from what he had heard and something as simple as the number of drinks being an unknown was disquieting. This was quickly interrupted by her mentioning detoxing before heading to Ord Cestus. Kurayami couldn't help but laugh at the thought of this, he had flown mostly sober, but the last time he was fully detoxed behind the controls? Well he wasn't entirely sure many years to be sure though.

"No worries there ma'am. If She's too drunk to fly I can handle it no problem. Been flying under the influence on many ships ranging from starfighters up to bulk freighters for most of my career. Pretty sure the only major accidents I had were due to mechanical failure. Usually from being shot at, so yeah, no worries on that front."

There was a smile pulling at the corners of his lips the whole time, perhaps making Taeli more uncomfortable with the thought, but definitely making her wonder if he was exaggerating. Always fun to mess with others when you got the chance, and that setup was just too perfect to pass up.

The laughter slowly faded though the smile was still present as [member="Fiolette Raaf"] answered her wife as to the number of drinks she had consumed. The slurring of the words made him burst out laughing once more. Then was the request for quiet while Talei was working at gathering her precious data. He said nothing as Fio rambled on about how gorgeous Taeli was. He just nodded in response. The reminder of when he was told about the trip to Ord Cestus brought little more than a confused look from the man for a couple moments as he tried to think back that far. Or was it even that far back? Whatever. He shrugged his shoulders taking another sip from his drink as he responded to her.

"Me? Remember things that happened during the first meeting? Not as such no. Ryloth...Corellia? Damn, that really must've been a long time ago.Sober, most likely not. Im not sure what proof my blood is, but my best guess is that you could use it to start a fire in an emergency. I'm a helper!"

After the rambling that ended with a rather strange exclamation, Kurayami took the flask of mystery proffered by Fio and took it in hand, downing what was left of the Cassarita before chasing it with a long swig from the flask. Whoa, this was good stuff, hard hitting, enough so that even his eyes widened as he took a smaller sip before handing it back. Words were not needed right now, besides it was hard as hell to put together anything resembling a coherent sentence right now. Given a few minutes it should be possible again though at the very least.

 

[Darth Prazutis]

​

Do the unexpected.

When he received word of where to land and what would be waiting for him, and just where the majority of his family was going already the Lord of Lies had plotted to change course. When you were in someone else's house especially, they could lead you by the nose where they wanted you to go. But that was just it in cases of subterfuge and deception, they showed you what they wanted you to see. If they were going to discover the truth behind what was happening he needed to flip the script, with Lykas Torvol by his side they would catch the perpetrators off guard. "It seems they are waiting for us." The Shadow Hand said as he approached, an attendant was waiting with three mobile carts each seating four, that the entire entourage could use. Before they came close enough for the attendant to hear he spoke to the Sith Lord standing next to him, a powerful and deceptive man. The Conductor they called him, a mysterious man with a mysterious past. A devout follower of the Rule of Order and the Brotherhood, nothing would elude him. "What do you say we flip the script on them?" Darth Prazutis asked just as they approached, before the attendant could speak he began.

"We will begin our investigation up by the Manor House." He said carefully observing the reaction.

[member="Lykas Torvol"] | [member="Sith Muse"]

 

[Darth Carnifex]

​

​

The trap worked perfectly.

Executed flawlessly.

One of the Jedi was cut down by one of the Emperor's sons, their head tumbling freely from their shoulders to bounce across the earthen soil like a misshapen ball. Another was torn to bloody ribbons by his apprentice, ripped apart and devoured in a grotesque display of brutality and viscera.

The last was left for him.

She lasted only a few seconds longer than her compatriots, her fear and despair allowed to fester and swell as she were made witness to their deaths. Then, with malignant cruelty, the Emperor ended her life with a fluid riposte; deflecting a desperate strike at the Emperor's midsection before burying the full length of his Dathomirian dagger into the flesh of her neck. The point-end of the blade sliced through spinal cord before jutting out the back end of her neck, blood oozing freely from the laceration as the Emperor yanked free his weapon. Carnifex cleaned the bloodied blade with the robe of the dead Jedi before sheathing it on his hip.

"Collect these two bodies," the Emperor gestured to the one he had slain and the one his son had slain, "Leave my apprentice to her meal, she has earned it." The menials who trailed behind the hunting party moved out from the bushes, swiftly executing their Emperor's will with all due haste.

"Son, join me. I would speak with you."

[member="Vaulkhar"] | [member="Cle-Var-Ri"] | [member="Sylara Vaal"]​

 

[Vaulkhar]

Unsurpriingly, his father's display was one of ferocity and brilliance. As Vaulkhar neared, the dagger point burst from the Jedi's flesh, a spray of blood coating his cheek. His hand reached out and caught the lightsaber as it tumbled from the Jedi's grasp. He stepped over the fallen body and moved towards the body. His gaze momentarily slipped to the reptilian creature feasting on the corpse of the Jedi it had only recently slain. It was not a strange practice to see among Sith, but it has been some time since he stood shoulder to shoulder with his peers.

"Of course, father. As you wish," Vaulkhar moved beside the behemoth of a man that was his father, the emperor. "It is a pleasant surprise to have found you so quickly, father." His gaze once more settled on the clearing as father and son studied the grizzly scene.

There was a growing feeling if joy in seeing the man once more. With the time spent away from the Sith, he found himself vastly alone while wandering the galaxy once again. Unbeknownst to the Sith Lord, it had become somewhat of a tradition to temporarily shed his wealth and titles to walk among the common rabble of the galaxy. Perhaps he sought a sense of understanding from the lesser folk. Perhaps he just needed a break from the unending months of slaughter and battle.

One would never know.

[member="Darth Carnifex"] | [member="Cle-Var-Ri"] | [member="Sylara Vaal"]​

 

[Darth Carnifex]

​

​

"It is no accident nor coincidence that you have found me here today, the Force has brought you back to me to once again play apart in the grand design." For years, the Emperor had set to work his greatest prophets, seers, and oracles into transcribing the words of fate into legible form; peering into the cacophonous webways of the Cosmic Force to gleam portants of the near future and distant past. There were times where this monumental undertaking bore fruit, allowing the Emperor to plan for the future that loomed upon the horizon. Other times the future was impossible to accurately predict and so they looked to the past for guidance, seeking the aid of long dead Dark Lords.

"War is coming, my son. The Empire is being put into action. The time will come where the Sith will remind the galaxy that we are not to be trifled with, a lesson that the galaxy needs be made cognizant of. My children will play a critical role in this war, for only through my blood can victory be achieved. Those of conviction and loyalty will emerge stronger than ever before, those who doubt and hesitate will be cast aside. You must be resolute in your faith, Vaulkhar. There can be no room for weakness."

Project Triumph, the weakened state of the Mandalorian Clans; the Empire stood upon the precipice to benefit greatly from the shifting of astrographical politics in the region. All it had to do was cast aside all reservations and take that first bold step into the future.

"I have intended for you to ride alongside me in the vanguard of a great campaign, my son. It will be most harrowing."

[member="Vaulkhar"]​

 

[Vaulkhar]

The Great Galactic game of which he'd been so careful to avoid had found him once more. For years, the halfbreed traversed the galaxy with nothing but his lightsaber at his side. It brought him comfort and calmed the great feeling of wanderlust that gripped him since his youth. However, something reached out to him. Something drew him back after these years and he believed he knew now what it was. His father and the budding war. Vaulkhar once thought differently. He once believed Kaine Zambrano needed no others. Flashes of bloody battlefields fought beside the man coursed through his mind. Never once did the Dark Lord ask for help. He would instead reach out and with a grip like iron, take what he desired.

This was different.

His father had changed in ways he was surprised to realize. With the Dark Lord's growing empire beneath him, his continued amassing of power, something appeared to click into place. While Kaine was always a warrior and leader his son respected, the years only garnered more from Vaulkhar.

"For many years I have been lost, father. Wicked men and women tugged at me, hoping to corrupt me and turn against you. I felt myself spiraling into a state of unknowinng madness," his hands clasped together behind his back as his attention drifted skyward. "Things are different now. I am ready to fulfill my place at your side, as both a son of the Zambrano lineage and a son of the Sith. When it is time to crush the Mandalorian clans who stand against us, I will be by your side. Just as I was on Commenor, so many years ago."

Vaukhar's right arm momentarily twitched. It had been taken from him years ago on the very planet, a constant reminder of the weakness he shed in nearly a decade.

[member="Darth Carnifex"]​

 

[Amaya Cardei]

​

Ms. Sadler stood there taken aback for a moment, the man seemed to be an odd fellow.

She also watched as the beasts circled high above. He would soon be dead, Ms. Sadler thought to herself a hand tracing over the Force concealing trinket. "Did you have any other questions or concerns, Mr... Zambrano, was it?"

Alvarex nodded in acknowledgment, "yes, yes it is. Now then me you say the Staff know better but do they truly? Do you happen to have a manifest of your employees?"

"Oh of course," Her hand removed from the trinket as she crossed the room to retrieve another data tablet. "You know, I think I must have left it upstairs, please excuse me."

Meanwhile, Sarlow found himself on the receiving end of a vicious claw attack. Around him and the dogs that accompanied him were the mighty beasts of the park. His nostrils flared the wolf snarled, his posture signaling his defensive stance as he and his pack were ready for the next strike. A second beast swooped down toward him and as Sarlow moved to counter the first beast used their tail to fling Sarlow into the concrete wall. An involuntary yelp escaped the wolf, the dogs rushed the attacker pulling off chunks of skin before they were pushed back as well.

At the Manor, Mr. Astartes had been more than alarmed when someone informed him that the Shadow Hand would be making his way here.

He was ill-prepared to handle guests, let alone one of such stature.

All the while he wondered - why the beasts had been let out, he thought back on a conversation he had had with the park's manager and the organizer of this fine event. Ms. Freia Sadler, it was several weeks ago - maybe months by now she had been egging him on about the land and the acquisition of more of it. Mr. Caddudl had been privy to such conversations. Still, he much rather stay in his Manor where now he would receive the Emperor's right-hand man.

The ride to the Manor would be somewhat delayed as beasts ran rampant before the cart's path. Hunters meant to be capturing it found themselves locked within the creature's powerful jaws. Blood ran down the beast's jaws spilling onto the ground. The creature turned toward [member="Darth Prazutis"] and [member="Lykas Torvol"] and let out an unholy sound before charging toward the Shadow Hand.

Back where Alvarex and his sister [member="Vylythis Zambrano"] stood waiting for Ms. Sadler, another creature swooped in, this time crashing through the building sending both Alvarex and Vylythis through the air.


[member="Atlas Kane"]

 

[Darth Prazutis]

Danger.

A twinge of warning carried along the strands of the force foretold of its arrival, just before the creature launched itself towards him with vicious claws and a blood curdling roar. It wasn't entirely unexpected with the entire parks complement of creatures loose. Fun. The Sith Lord immediately threw up a hand towards the charging beast clad in one of his dark gauntlets. A sith amulet was buried deep within the gauntlet and an application of power caused a lance of pure, dark side energy to launch out towards the approaching creature. If it wasn't enough he pulled the force into his body, swelling his muscles with its power.

The other vehicles went astray while the detail of Inquisitors emerged activating lightsabers, they ran to the Shadow Hands side as they all stood ready, launching blasts of telekinetic force, and blasts of lightning towards any other approaching creatures.

[member="Sith Muse"] | [member="Lykas Torvol"]

 

[Funami Teriyaki]

Funami shook her head with false regret, "Oh, I am certain they’re doing just fine, even without me. I am not a nine feet tall mountain of muscle who can cause earthquakes by stomping her foot! I’m merely an acolyte and they are the most powerful Sith in the universe. Certainly I’d just get in the way. I mean, they are people who can destroy planets with a thought! There really is no need for me to do anything. Yes, it is tragic a few individuals may die. A terrible shame, really. But sometimes we must make hard choices."

Hard choices indeed!

A dozen or so men and women in sharp suits surrounded her, eyes fixed upon the little Sithling and hanging on her every word. Funami sat perched on a tall stool and let her short legs playfully dangle in the air. In front of her was a table loaded with opulent meals, waiting for the lady of hunger to dig in. The smell of fresh, hot food was driving her crazy!

She had originally come to watch the show and place bets on hunters and beasts alike, unaware what her Korriban Rippers had in store; a feast for their pink-haired idol. For one reason or another, they derived joy from watching the short child eat. She did not mind this sort of attention. So far they had done their best to hold the perpetually hungry Sithling back from the banquet. The anticipation written all over their expressions produced a soft giggle from her.

“Go, Miss Teriyaki!” One Ripper clapped excitedly and others joined in quick succession.

A steaming plate slid under her hands and it was on!

“Here we have Hoi-broth soup. Gently, my dear miss, gently. Ah, impetuous youth! More? Nerf sausages. Humor your appetite; don't drive it. It's really unhealthy to eat so fast! She takes all down without tasting it! No more. You must give yourself a fair chance and not spoil your meal with too many sausages. Colo claw fish with Antarian peas. White suvoli cream--she has the appetite of a rancor!”

Pearl white teeth rancorously ripped into soft flesh, shredding it into ribbons! Vigorous chewing and gulping accompanied Funami’s daring conquest of one plate after another. Sith knew no pity or mercy.

“Careful about the pickled blackbeak eggs, don't eat them all at once—ahaha, gone like Alderaan in 0 BBY! Don't gobble up the food, Miss Teriyaki. Taste it. Jogan fruit cake? Haha! She eats it whole! Pause, my dear miss! Have a glass of water to whet that appetite of yours!”

She drank seven glasses in rapid succession and found them good. Very good, in fact. So good Funami immediately started mowing down more food as the Rippers watched with an ever-increasing delight.

“Zinchari? Zinchari of porg? Gihaal zinchari of porg? With plenty of chandad? Ahaha! Why, she is unstoppable, this young girl!”

The sounds of particularly vocal chewing and eating continued, the little Sithling whose stomach apparently worked as a miniature black hole could not be stopped! Gorging on more and more, she choked and coughed when her throat proved too tight to take it in all at once.

"Porg or Endorian chicken? She takes both! Some stew, Miss Teriyaki, meaty stew? Neft cubes stew? She has two helpings of the stew! Not even a battle hydra would—and she is finished!"

Offered a napkin, the little acolyte wiped her mouth and gave an accusatory stare. Little fingers softly tapped against the table and her lip curled in a manner that might have been a smile or a snarl.

“I do appreciate the food, but weren’t you supposed to train on Korriban today?” she chirped with a quirk of her eyebrows, letting the question hang over their heads like a noose. “You’ll never grow stronger if you laze about, you know~.”

With a flick of her finger, the entire gang was lifted in the Force, their hands going to their necks to pry off the invisible hands. Her eyes lit up with childish glee. “I cannot abide weakness in those close to me,” Funami announced and let their legs kick for purchase in empty air. “You are my friends~. I do hope we never find ourselves in this position again.”

The jug of water on the table filled her glass the eighth time, moved solely by her thoughts. She took a small, delicate sip, ignoring the collective thud of bodies. A comical hop off the stool and Funami swept past the semi-conscious heap without a sideways glance.

“Ta ta~!”

 

[Darth Chagrin]

As the crew advanced, they were greeted by the sight of a trio of mobile carts, each capable of seating four individuals. Just enough to carry the twelve members of the party present. This was no coincidence.

The Shadow Hand had made these preparations, it seemed. How thoughtful. Lykas didn't particularly like the fact that he hadn't been informed about this present in advance, but perhaps that had been a last-minute adjustment of an exceptionally high security clearance. Regardless, Lykas was always ready for a bit of improvising.

"What do you say we flip the script on them?"

"Ah, but of course, my lord," Lykas said with a smile. "I was expecting just such a treat. You're always a few steps ahead of the rest."

"We will begin our investigation up by the Manor House." He could see that the Lord of Lies was gauging his reaction carefully.

"I have no objections, my Lord," he said, taking off his goggles momentarily to wipe his eyes to give the appearance of being unconcerned. Which, in all honesty, he was. "This will only change the speed at which we find the rascals." As he put the goggles back on, he allowed the smile to return to his face. "Of course, I trust that your judgement has already determined the most efficient way for us to do so."

Shortly into their ride, they faced their first resistance — a pack of the wild beasts happened to be roaming along the path, and set their sights upon the Sith task force with hungry eyes and gnashing fangs. Fun.

Lykas watched the Lord of Lies dispose of the first challenger with pitiful ease. Several more leapt at them, prompting the band of Inquisitors to brandish their lightsabers and weave a basket of red light with their blades. Lykas sat contentedly and observed them fend off the creatures, himself exempt from exertion for the moment. When one of the critters finally came close enough to strike at him, Lykas used the Force to push it into the path of one of his fellow Sith's blades. The creature was bisected with minimal effort on his part, and he returned to watching the inquisitors display their skills. Eventually, another monstrosity emerged within striking distance of the crew, with everyone else occupied. Knowing that Lord Prazutis would not tolerate wastefulness in the crew's resources — naturally including the lives of the other inquisitors as well — Darth Chagrin raised a hand and blasted the foul creature with Force Lightning, lifting it high above the battle and allowing it to spasm and contort in torment there. The beast was carried along, in all its shrieking agony, as the carts progressed on their journey. Lykas savoured every painful convulsion until the beast expired, upon which its still-twitching corpse was dropped to the earth to be left behind with the rest of its dead brethren.

These creatures were emblematic of someone's defiance towards the Sith. Whoever they were, their efforts were in vain — they would be snuffed out as effortlessly as their bestial minions' lives.

[member="Sith Muse"] [member="Darth Prazutis"]

 

[Lark]

​

​

One aspect of the Sith that Lark admired almost as much as their ability to do whatever it took in order to see their goals realized was their innate tendency to turn even the most bloody of circumstances into a spectacle. Young Sith eager to prove their strength and worth hunted beasts thirsty for blood, with varying amounts of success. Lark witnessed an acolyte of perhaps sixteen years old torn in half by the maw of a hound-like Sithspawn, the fool had been far too bold in his approach. But for as much blind confidence was on display, there were equal amounts of respectable displays of skill. Coordinated attacks on larger beasts, clever exploitation of weaknesses, dominating willpower. It was a culling, in a sense. Survive the hunt, find those responsible, and you'd be rewarded. Those who died would not be grieved, they only served as entertainment for those who watched from a safe distance.

Lark felt no shame watching from farther away, glass of scarlet wine in hand. He had only returned to the Empire recently after being given leave to search for a valuable ally for the Empire, his brother. He had only recently learned that both his siblings were alive, and he pinpointed a location for his younger sister. His brother had proven more elusive. He'd track both of them down, eventually. But at the moment he decided it was necessary to stop by the Empire once again. It was a shame he arrived so late, for the hunt looked entrancing indeed.

Regardless, it was nice to be back. Lark had been an admittedly erratic ally for the Empire during the past year, his initial disappearance still fresh in his own mind. Hopefully now that he had returned he could establish himself a bit more. Lark drained his glass, letting the sweet wine rush down his throat, watching the massacre down below with curious eyes. Well done, approaching from above, he thought, watching a smaller acolyte approach a Zasa Raura from above. The Sithspawn had poisoned another acolyte, and was feasting while the young victim screamed, unable to move or fight back. He only serves as bait, now is your time to strike. The acolyte leapt from the building, plunging her saber into the beasts neck.

The itch to join the hunt persisted, but Lark knew he'd soon have his chance. He lingered a moment longer while he watched the surviving acolyte deliver a mercy killing to her former ally, before stepping away to procure more wine. The blood was not done spilling, and Lark knew it would be much more enjoyable with a full glass.

 

[Invicta Zambrano]

A delicate brow lofted as a smile fought her control to grace her lips.

This Bloodborn was feisty and she instantly adored him for the fact that he wasn't the instantly ingratiating type of sycophant that she so often dealt with. The smile won, blossoming across plump crimson lips as she nodded by way of response at first. "Well, I have heard some rather salacious tales of your exploits...I must admit, I found them deliciously entertaining." The Lady made a mental note to have her files amended and have the 'gentleman' thoroughly vetted just for the sheer amusement of whatever juicy tidbits her Queensguard could unearth.

"Armande, another round of drinks for everyone, if you please....and some hors d'oeuvres as well. I'm feeling rather peckish."

Invicta turned her attention to Salara, leaning in to whisper into the woman's ear, earning a smile for her effort as the soft syllables slipped through the air between them. The previously summoned servant returned shortly to pass out fresh drinks to those who wished them, and settling a darkly glowing frigid glass in the Empress' outstretched hand. It was a rare vintage of wine for Salara herself, from a bottle Invicta had found years ago on Manaan, shortly before her untimely...death.

Two petite servers made their way quietly about the sizable chamber, discreet and unobtrusive as the Empresses were doing enough to distract [member="Taeli Raaf"]'s researchers. [member="Fiolette Raaf"] spoke, slurring her way delightfully into the wagering that Invicta had begun. Given the subtle play of words and posture between the Ladies Raaf, the Empress wasn't certain who was a larger menace to the diligence of the researchers. She shrugged imperceptibly and inclined her head towards Fiolette.

"Excellent wager...I dare say he won't last much longer. In fact, if that hound...well, nevermind that. It's become a snack. Fascinating hunting patterns."

 

[Vylythis Zambrano]

Something did not feel right.

For the thousandth time, she wished she had any portion of the dark gifts her mother possessed. Prescience was perhaps not the strongest of the Empress' gifts, but even a sliver of it eluded Vylythis completely. It would have helped her decipher why she had yet another bad feeling about this. It wasn't simply the presence of her two most contentious siblings, but something more that lingered on the very edge of her conscious grasp. She sighed inwardly and lifted a hand to brush an errant curl from her cheek, before her hands returned to rest on the heads of her beloved twin hounds.

Even they were restless, though they remained at her side. Vylythis remained silent as the boys bickered, and Sarlow soon took his leave, achieving his full transformation before he'd cleared the doorway. A faint smile flickered across her lips, and she barely resisted the urge to dart over and pet him. But he was quickly away, and Alvarex' voice broke her reverie as Ms. Sadler stepped out of the room to retrieve the datapad she mentioned. Her gaze fell to the screen her brother had given to her some few minutes prior, vision narrowing and flooding with crimson as she gestured with her fingers to manipulate the recording, slowing it, rewinding it, and replaying it frame by frame.

"Alvarex...the feed clearly shows Mister Caddudl...but this shadow concerns me. The cameras do not seem capable of sufficient detail. Or they have been tampered with." the flame haired woman frowned, her expression darkening as the first threads of impending attack raked claws upon the edge of her senses.

There was no time for words of warning before the creature swooped in to attack, sending both Zambrano siblings flying head over heel through nearby furniture and walls alike. Her back arched as she slammed into a chair and finally skidded to a stop, opening her mind fully to the Force as she struggled to her feet. Fangs extended as she stood, eyes blazing crimson as an unearthly screech tore through the air again. This time, as the creature swooped to attack again, Vylythis' scream tore through the air as it effortlessly dispatched her beloved beasts. The shriek amplified through the Force as she threw herself forward in a blur of vampiric speed and leaped at the creature.

One of it's wings was soon shredded, and the shoulder joint broken open as she tore it to pieces and feasted upon the blood and energy pouring from the wounds.

 

[Amaya Cardei]

​

​

Alvarex's body tossed into the air like a doll, he managed to gain his composure near the landing. Shaking off the blast the man rose to his feet and summoned his blade, and as the hilt reached his hand he swung. A second creature met with the tip of the sword as it slashed across the creature's torso. He could barely garner a glimpse of his sibling in action, it was then he noticed something - someone moving through the shadows. "I have an idea as to who that shadow might be, sister," Alvarex remarked through his teeth as the creature bore down on his blade. Utilizing the Force as he pulled it around him he felt his strength intensify. He pushed the creature back before finally shoving it clean off his blade and brought the massive metallic weapon down - this time it plunged through the creature's wing ripping it apart.

Meanwhile, the creatures meant to face the Shadow Hand and his entourage were easily dismantled by [member="Darth Prazutis"] and [member="Lykas Torvol"] . It was just as their fight wound down, that Sarlow in his gargantuan wolf form appeared, blood-soaked maw and injuries apparent and behind him were the Annswi. They were unscathed and bore their teeth toward the Manor. An unholy howl as the Epicanthix-werewolf let loose a ferocious cry that seemed to summon all those of canine blood to his aid. The Alpha's blood-red eyes glowed and the beast charged for the Manor, the dogs at his back. If anyone could understand him it would no doubt have been the creature's relative. Sarlow barked as his paws hit the ground he tossed the smaller creatures out of his way.

At the Manor, Mr. Astartes had been going over records and recalling past conversations with Ms. Sadler. It seemed that Ms. Sadler had wanted the land for herself and when she couldn't get it - began to orchestrate events. It also seemed that things around the park began to take place - little things, items going missing. Guests belongings, for example, little small things that perchance could be stolen in a whisper. Then the occult - guests would report doors opening on their own, the sounds of footsteps and he pulled up the surveillance from the past few days and it began to add up.

It was as he began to study this that behind him formed a rather ghastly specter. As black as the void itself, with blazing red eyes - it was these eyes that Mr. Astartes saw first before seeing Mr. Caddudl, "sorry m' lord, the wife gets what the wife wants." Mr. Astartes managed to escape the blow of a rod iron that Mr. Caddudl held in his hands but came face to face with the devilish form of Ms. Sadler.

"You should have just sold the place to me, dearie."

The unmistakable sound of the Manor being crashed into was heard before the sight of Sarlow could be seen.

"Blasted dog, Caddudl - Kill HIM! NOW!"

[member="Vylythis Zambrano"] | [member="Atlas Kane"]

 

[Vylythis Zambrano]

There was a fine line the marauder walked, made more complicated by the abilities that had awoken upon attaining status as a shield maiden. Her abilities were still burgeoning, as a Knight, and control was still a hard fought battle. The shriek that had emanated through the Force passed harmlessly through her brother, and for that she was grateful...such fine control was something both of her parents drilled her on incessantly. A fact for which she was infinitely more thankful in that moment.

The thoughts, however, were fleeting, as she still had a half broken creature to contend with. Alvarex dispatched the second one that had appeared in short order, his precise strike perfectly placed as it always was. The broken creature before her struggled to maintain its balance with a winged limb torn away, and a distant corner of her shriveled heart twinged. But a glance to her beloved Answi hounds laying motionless behind her was enough to maintain the rage that coursed through her veins.

Vylythis let it permeate through her senses as she reached out and simply broke the creature’s neck in a swift motion of two writhing tendrils of void-black energy. It returned to her hands as if it were a creature that had done it’s master’s bidding, and then slithered to the forms of her beloved hounds. Acheron and Styx soon staggered to their feet, shaking the confusion from their gaze and blinking at her as cognizance returned slowly. She stood still, slightly surprised as she ceased the flow of energy and she took a moment to mentally thank her father for the extra time he’d spent with her when she’d discovered her necromantic gift.

She silently bid the hounds to return to the shuttle, unwilling to risk them further, and it took a great deal of persuasion once they heard Sarlow’s near-feral call to arms. But they went, and Vylythis turned to Alvarex once she was assured they had obeyed.

“Shall we join our brother? I’m in the mood to braid that whore's entrails for this.”

 

[Amaya Cardei]

​

​

"There!" Alvarex directed, as his blade was now pointed toward Ms. Sadler's husband.

The siblings had arrived at the Manor in time to see Caddudl engage Sarlow in battle. Ms. Sadler was on the move for Mr. Astartes, the situation turned dire and while it wouldn't hurt to be done with the lot of them. Alvarex knew that if they could spare Mr. Astartes he could be their mouth piece here on the planet. "Sarlow keep Caddudl busy, Vylythis let's go end this wretched woman." The shadow form of Ms. Sadler moved to take the Prince out. It was to her disadvantage, Alvarex willed the Force around him and pulled at the shadow - sheathing his weapon he manipulated the Force.

Mr. Astartes should have known the moment Caddudl and Sadler arrived on the world. They were nothing but trouble, Galidraani with little to no history? No family records, little bank records - it didn't add up and he could only assume now that it was due to whatever Force-bound creation she was now. Yet here he was, between her and the Sith Empire - the Princes, the Princesses and the Shadow Hand lurking about somewhere dealing with the beasts that had been unleashed.

Sarlow all the while sank his teeth into Caddudl's arm and ripped it from the man's body. Caddudl shoved a makeshift spear in between Sarlow's ribs, a small involuntarily yelp escaped his muzzle. Infuriated he decided to end this once and for all, this time he swiped left and right sending the man to the floor - or what was left of it. From there, he aimed for the man's throat and let his teeth do the rest. Sadler's screams could be heard but they were quickly silenced.

Sometime later...

Blood flowed along with the debris that had been the manor.

Sunlight overtook much of it, and the beasts had been mostly felled, others captured and would be sent with [member="Taeli Raaf"] for further examination.

Mr. Astartes met with the Zambrano siblings near one of the park's refreshment areas. "Well." He began, breaking the silence that had befallen the trio. "Today was certainly... something, and I am... grateful that you were able to end this, albeit with more blood than I had imagined."

Alvarex was about to say something until Sarlow with bandages wrapped around his torso stepped forward. "It ain't how any of us really planned, but the park's safe and so is Celanon." He paused as he ran a hand along with his hair. "Now then, Mr. Astartes, you'll be allowed to keep your manor and the land here, but this here world? It belongs to the Sith Empire now." And then there was the staleness about them, the phrase hung about as it weighed on Mr. Astartes' shoulders just what this would mean. He was by no means the official leader of the world.

"I'm sure the leadership here on Cel-"

"They've been dealt with." Alvarex interjected, "their choice was simple, bow or die."

"I see," Astartes remarked.

Sarlow cleared his throat, "and be that as it may, Mr. Astartes, just know if you wanna further your career with the Sith. Just let a feller know I might be able to help you out."

A twinkle of greed, the spark of ambition as Mr. Astartes thanked Sarlow and the Zambrano siblings. He looked up and watched as dropships came into view, TIE fighters raced across the sky and it was evident that even without the park. The Sith Empire would have marched on Celanon regardless, "thank you, I'll certainly keep that in mind."

Monsters unleashed, hunted and studied - Celanon would be added to the Sith Empire's territory whether it wanted to be or not. The Zambrano siblings would remain a little longer to assess damages to the park and the city if there had been any. The banner of the Sith Empire would be unfurlled around the capital buildings.

[OOC: This is the wrap up for the main story, feel free to continue posting!]

 

[Darth Prazutis]

Ruthless efficiency.

They rolled over the beasts like a street sweeper, easily crushing them and battering them aside. It didn't stop the Lord of Lies not so close to the manor house as it was, their distance was such that it didn't warrant a return to the vehicles. He peered over towards Darth Chagrin as he closed his hand into a fist, crushing one of the last surviving beasts into a bloody pulp as it tried to flee. A distant conflict, a crash at the manor above foretold of the arrival of @Vylythis Zambrano, [member="Atlas Kane"], and others in their entourage. Their investigation inevitably caused them both to cross. "It seems our path will cross with my family's." Darth Prazutis said as he began a swift walk up to the Manor House.

The choice was simple for Celanon.

Submission or Annihilation.

They could bend the knee and be welcomed formally with open arms, or refuse and be forced into the Empire. It wouldn't be the first time a world had been forced to kneel, and typically everyone and everything involved in that bad element was dead and replaced before the end. "Celanon will bend or it will break. It matters not what methods will be used, the end result is inevitable. As for the traitor in our midst. Everyone involved in this conspiracy will be rooted out, every employee questioned and those guilty will be made an example of." He said as they moved towards the manor, and its doors.

The entourage entered just in time to hear the screams of death as Sadler and her husband found themselves on the blades edge. It mattered not whether or not they died. If they passed, they would claim their souls. The Shadow Hand turned towards the group and spoke "Seize them all." He said as he turned towards Darth Chagrin.

"Lord Chagrin are you familiar with the intricacies of a soul? I would have use of the souls of the deceased, they will not be afforded the peace of a release."

[member="Lykas Torvol"] | [member="Sith Muse"]