The Hunt Begins

[Sheff Zee]

Coruscant.
Imperial Palace.

Once the One Sith had taken Coruscant, the Imperial Palace had become some form of Sith Temple. It was a large place, big enough for a Temple, it was more a Citadel in Malphas's opinion, but it functioned well enough for the uses of the Sith. Sometimes, when Malphas walked through the halls like he was now, he thought he felt the fabled power of the Dark Lord of the Sith, but he had yet to approach him to be Knighted, or otherwise.

Malphas wasn't certain if the Dark Lord even knew his name, but if what was told about him was true then he'd most likely be able to extract it from his mind without the Pureblood even realizing it. Now that was a power that the young Sith Apprentice yearned for.

Walking through the halls at a slow gait, the Sith Pureblood took note of all those present in the halls as he headed for the Eye of the Dark Lord. On the lower floors there were few Yuuzhan Vong and many Sith. On the higher levels of the Imperial Palace there were still plenty of Sith, but the number of Yuuzhan Vong Warriors increased. Most likely since they had the advantage of being force dead, they wouldn't be sensed if there were intruders, and so they were the best candidates to ambush those who were unwelcome.

The perfect plan.

He wondered who came up with it, but he soon brushed it aside as he approached where he believed [member="Darth Isolda"] was. Pushing open the doors to a large room after being admitted access, he walked in.

 

[Darth Isolda]

[member="Malphas"]

Isolda would be in the atrium of the Imperial palace. There she stood, contemplating her scrying bowl as she felt the approach of an Acolyte. Dark pools of mirror would swirl round her eyes as her accented voice would pour over, "You seek the past." it was no a question, but more of a statement.

"Of one who taught. Of one who yet lingers." she said, glancing up towards the Sith.

 

[Sheff Zee]

When she had spoken his step had seemingly... Stuttered. Then he understood what she meant and he nodded when they had set their gazes upon each other. "I do." He replied softly, the cloaked Sith Pureblood's fists clenched at his side when he imagined Ballen-Ist. He certainly had to be dealt with, and soon.

"He is a traitor to us."

[member="Darth Isolda"]

 

[Darth Isolda]

"Then come," would resonate the beckoning from the Eye of the Dark Lord. Power would flow thick like an intangible cloud around the powerful seer, and within the depths of her scrying bowl she would summon the visions that would take place.

A deep meditative like trance would take the woman, and soon, an image would appear of [member="Malphas"] Master. Vague imprints would fill her mind, until she could finally get a grasp on what they would tentatively mean.

In this, she would use this to paint the image of the world where the man he so sought would be. It would be there that he would find what he so sought. Granted, the future was ever fleeting. Time was of the essence.

 

[Sheff Zee]

There was no reason to answer yet as the Sith Pureblood approached the scrying bowl and the Sith Lord on the other side of it. He sensed the power that floated off of her from meters away and he imagined what it felt like to be so powerful. There was no time to think on what could be, he now had to focus on the task at hand.

Soon, an image of [member="Ballen-Ist"] came up and his fists clenched. [member="Darth Isolda"]'s eyes were closed, so Malphas was certain that she wouldn't know what planet was being shown to him. The planet... Was Coruscant, but the planet was huge.

How Ballen-Ist was still on Coruscant amazed him. He took a step back in shock and his clenched fists loosened into knuckles and he wondered as to why he was still on the planet.

Why is he still here? Does he not understand I'm coming to kill him? Does he think he's strong? Or does he realize he won't be able to leave the planet anyway.

The Charcoal Sith Pureblood smiled.

"Thank you." He said and he inclined his head to the Sith Lord. If it was true that Ballen was still on Coruscant then he'd have to hurry to track him. He didn't know the extent of the Lord's power, but what he did know was that time was of the essence. With the death of Ballen-Ist, perhaps the Pureblood could even raise himself in the ranks of the One Sith.

"The heretic's life shall come to an end."

Turning on his heels, he was already rushing out of the room and to his own chambers.

 

[Ballen-Ist]

Wearing his simple One Sith academy uniform, Ballen-Ist would stand upon the roof of a tall tower, looking down through the entrance to the lower levels. On his belt were two weapons of choice, his sheathed blade, and his lightsaber handle. Having received a message from [member="Malphas"] the other day, the Knight had seen to finding a suitable arena for their combat. Standing with his arms crossed over his torso, the boy simply imagined his former apprentice trying to defeat him. Ballen-Ist would certainly be entertained, that was sure. Though, it seemed to him that the pureblood was being a bit rash. Either way, the Knight would continue to wait, his mind attuned in order to sense his opponent's approach. Glancing down at his waist, Ballen-Ist would examine his sword, pondering on whether or not he would use it in the fight. He had been saving it for something like this. Pausing for moment, the pureblood would remember giving a second saber to his former apprentice.

It seemed like he would have to use it, something that he did not like doing. Glancing around, the boy would groan, annoyed by waiting for so long. Surely Malphas was coming to find him, or else he wouldn't have said so.

 

[Sheff Zee]

Of course the Sith Apprentice was on the way to end the heretic that was Ballen-Ist, but first he had to prepare himself. To make sure that the job would be done, and he'd be protected. The day he had left Darth Isolda's chambers was not when he was meant to strike [member="Ballen-Ist"]. No, he needed a windy day. A day where he could finally utilize something that he'd been waiting to use for so long.

Vonduun Skerr Draxus.

Armour created by the Myrshavong that Malphas had come to know as [member="Tsavong Kraal"]. A being loyal to Yun-Amon to him and his people, but known as the Dark Lord of the Sith to the rest that served the one true cause. It was time to end his Master he realized when his shuttle started to descend to the roof of the tower they were going to be fighting upon.

Once the ship landed, Malphas had already exited, the shotosaber concealed on the small of his back, and with his black cloak securing it, it was safe to say it wasn't even upon his body. Then, his regular lightsaber that he had seemingly 'borrowed' was on his waist as well. It had been taken from [member="Nulgath Zardai"] when he had thought himself skilled enough to beat one that was literally Sith.

The shuttle itself lifted off and left. It was gone now, it wasn't returning until Malphas would tell it to.

"Are you prepared to die, heretic?"

He stared at him with the durasteel helmet covering his face.

[member="Ballen-Ist"]

 

[Ballen-Ist]

Turning around slowly, the young pureblood would furrow his brow as he examined the armor [member="Malphas"] wore. It was strange, and had tentacles on it's back. What the fuck? Not having a clue as to what they did, Ballen-Ist would remain un-intimidated, scoffing loudly at the Acolyte's question. Taking a few steps forward, the Knight's attention would avert to the shuttle, watching as it took off. The boy had taken the stairs, he hadn't thought of landing on the roof. Shrugging, he would look at the pureblood in front of him, staring at his helmet's visor with flaring yellow eyes. "You've probably dreamed of killing me.." Ballen-Ist would say, grinning slightly as he took another step forward. "You think you can make it a reality?" He would question, shaking his head from side to side in doubt.

Now standing still, and closer to his former apprentice, the Knight would begin to laugh. "Show me what you've got, then."

 

[Sheff Zee]

Amusing spread across the face of the Sith Pureblood. It wasn't everyday that you became a kinslayer, or whatever it was called when you killed members of your own race. Malphas didn't care, fists clenched at his side, he tugged the lightsaber off of his belt and pressed the ignition button pointed straight towards [member="Ballen-Ist"], but of course nowhere near close enough to actually harm him physically.

Snap-Hiss.

Throwing a force push to the Knight, he already expected it to be deflected or dodged, but he still advanced cautiously, slashing towards the arm of the Sith Knight.

 

[Ballen-Ist]

The Knight would nod approvingly, watching as [member="Malphas"] drew his blade. The Sith pureblood would examine his opponent's every move, paying careful attention to the force around him as well. Having already been sensing the energy that surrounded the duo, Ballen-Ist would feel the build up of power, figuring that his former apprentice had been training well. Arching his legs at the knees, the teenager would leap to the side, pushing his feet off of the ground with much power. The telekinetic attack would breeze past his figure, for he had just narrowly dodged it. The strength of the attack would ruffle his hair and weapons, causing them to flap wildly, before he landed. Touching firmly down onto the roof top, Ballen-Ist would be still watching his enemy, who planned to strike at his arm.

That would not do, for the Knight actually extended his arm, lifting it in order to level it out with his enemies blade. Harnessing his telekinesis prowess, Ballen-Ist would concentrate briefly on the force around him, resulting on it gathering into his palm. This was just an experiment, though it was something he had wanted to try for a long time. Taking a single step backwards, the Knight's gloved hand would swing downwards on the saber's tip. The lightsaber's plasma and the force barrier would collide, causing a bright light to shine outwards. With his free hand, Ballen-Ist would lower it to his waist, grasping his own lightsaber. Pulling it from the restraints, he would lash out with a strong upwards swing, aiming to slash towards Malphas' striking arm. He sought to do this, seeing as he had redirected the attack. Glancing down at his hand, the pureblood could not help but wince in mild pain, examining the burning scorch mark that marked the boy's palm. He would refrain from doing that ever again, seeing as it could've easily back fired.

As confident as the Knight was, he would attempt to harness his abilities as efficiently as possible. The block he had employed was foolish, something he would not attempt again. Though, he tried to make up for it, aiming to strike at the same place Malphas had aimed for, which happened to be a weakspot of the armor. Hopefully he would succeed in scorching the boy, if he did he would take a few steps backwards, preparing for any retaliation.

 

[Sheff Zee]

When [member="Ballen-Ist"] pushed his lightsaber down to his waist he had frowned in surprise at the defense. But it was foolish, never had he seen someone perform such a defense to a lightsaber's strike. It was some bastardization of the tutaminis ability clearly, but instead of it absorbing the power it did nothing.

Unfortunately since force barriers didn't work like that, his lightsaber was still in an ample position to block the strike at his arm, but instead of being that predictable, he lunged to the side so that the upwards swing would hit nothing, and he slashed at the open chest of the Sith Knight in their close range. He utilized the time that he had been blessed with, with Ballen's looking down to his hand, therefore with the lightning fast speed of his slash at his chest there wasn't really a way of the other Pureblood to block him completely -- or so he thought.

At that point in time after, the Sith Knight thought it best to swing at his arm. The attack was fast surely, the other being was a Sith Knigth after all, but it looked as if Malphas had come prepared. Moving his lightsaber from it's middle guard, it intercepted the lightsaber that just barely scratched over the armour and he frowned before pushing Ballen's lightsaber away from the both of them, therefore leaving both of their lightsabers on the outside of the both of their bodies, and intended to bodycheck crimson being to the ground.

 

[Ballen-Ist]

Having utilized his quick, elegant foot work, the Knight's figure would moved backwards as he had planned, for he had figured [member="Malphas"] would retaliate. Though, that would only further the distance between the duo slightly, for the former apprentice's blade was still within striking distance. Seeing as his burn was not a big problem, the Knight opted to ignore it, focusing on the battle at hand. He hadn't even given it much attention in the first place, just a brief glance, though it was more than enough time for his opponent to strike. Drawing his blade arm closer to his body as he moved, Ballen-Ist's blade would slam against the Acolyte's own, batting it to the side.

After performing his upward strike, the Knight would grin as he felt his blade touch Malphas' armor, though he had managed to block it with sturdy force. Quickly retracting his arm, the young pureblood would hold his crimson saber by his side, watching as his former apprentice continued to press forward. The boy's armored figure would barrel forward, aiming to slam violently into the Knight's own. Breathing steadily, Ballen-Ist would begin to focus, attempting to concentrate the force energy around him into his legs. The mystical power would begin to enhance his movements, allowing him to perceive the world around him in slow motion. With a couple well placed steps, the boy's black clothed figure would move, darting to the side of Malphas. His arm would swing, aiming to guide his lightsaber towards the boy's leg. If all had gone as planned, the tip of his blade would graze the armor, hopefully inflicting slight damage.

 

[Sheff Zee]

The Knight moved away from the complete body check that would have otherwise floored him. It didn't matter, at that point in time his own force speed began to take him to push him to even greater speeds to avoid the inevitable attack that was coming for him. His Master was faster than him, but he wasn't going to let him win.

Not in this life time or any after it.

Continuing forwards so that the Knight's lightsaber certainly did hit his leg since he had been too slow to utilize the Force at the best moment, he spun around and looked to the crimson being. It was hardly a crippling wound, he felt the heat on the back of his leg, but it had been more on the side of his knee, and the wonderfully lightsaber resistant Vonduun Armour protected him.

"How could you ever be Knighted? You're weak, slow, you're not even able to beat me." He taunted with a smile. He wanted his Master to waste his energy at this point. It would be time consuming, but from the other options there were, letting his Master over-extend himself would be ideal before dealing out the final blow. "How long do you think you can last against me?" If [member="Ballen-Ist"] was even going to try and give an answer the Sith Apprentice cut him off and said, "you're not."

Placing his off-hand on the small of his back, the Sith Apprentice lunged forwards, the lightsaber stabbing towards the chest of the Knight.

 

[Ballen-Ist]

Ballen-Ist would only chuckle as he listened to [member="Malphas"]' taunts, shaking his head in disappointment. Pivoting on his feet quickly, the Knight would face his former apprentice, grinning as he examined the scorch mark on his leg. It was nothing big, though it would wear on the pureblood's stamina. However, the injury itself would probably begin to heal, seeing as Malphas was some sort of experiment. Standing firmly on the roof's top, the young Sith would pull his blade closer to his body, allowing it's glow to shine to on his already crimson skin. Being wary of deception, the Knight would watch the Acolyte's every movement, noticing the stance he took as he striked. Sure, it could've been his Makashi stance, though Ballen-Ist believed his opponent couldn't afford to fight with one arm. It was possible that the boy had left the shoto, though who would pass up the chance to kill someone with their own weapon? Surely not Malphas, it was almost something to expect.

Focusing intently, the Knight's vision would narrow, as he began to concentrate on the opponent in front of him. Planting his booted feet sturdily on the ground, only his chest and arms would move as they lurched forward, swinging horizontally in an attempt to bat away the vicious stab. Retracting his arms closer to his body, the Sith would continue to hold his blade near, preparing for the Acolyte's retaliation.

 

[Sheff Zee]

There was no counter-attack, simply a block and that was it. Turning that lunge against his Master was easy. He had learned it from reading about Makashi in datacrons that belonged to Sith Lords such as Darth Mierin and other past Lords and those who had studied Jedi in the library in the Imperial Palace.

There was a certain finesse to the second Form and Malphas tried to employ that same character to other forms that he used. Specifically forms that required a heavy hitting power like Form V, Djem So. He preferred the lightsaber variant of the fifth form, but he was only now getting used to the blaster deflection part. It was well enough however since when his attack had been presumably blocked awkwardly since it had been a horizontal block instead of a vertical one, and dragging the leg that was left behind him in his lunge, and he riposted.

Lightsaber flashing back towards the middle guard of [member="Ballen-Ist"], the attack had been almost instantaneous, the defense that Ballen had employed almost seemed planned, but it wasn't, it was simply the Vonduun Armour Clad Apprentice letting the Force guide his hands and the Force pushing him to greater speeds to do what he had done. The purpose of it had been to penetrate his guard and to perhaps scorch his Master's chest, or to make his defense sloppy so that he would be able to pull his arm back and proceed to slash at his leg.

 

[Ballen-Ist]

Having adopted the stance of Soresu, Ballen-Ist would put his prowess in the form to work. After swiping horizontally to block [member="Malphas"]' attack, Ballen-Ist would continue to move his blade, holding it at his side with a firm grasp. A slight grin would appear on the Knight's face as he watched the Acolyte's maneuvers, employing Ballen-Ist's own strength against him. The Djem So stance was not something that the pureblood had taught his former apprentice, it made him wonder who he had been training with. Either way, it didn't matter, for he would have to act before finding out anything. Leaning his torso backwards in a quick, last second movement, Malphas' crimson saber would swing through the air, just missing Ballen-Ist's torso. The thing he liked about Soresu was that it enabled the user to outlast their opponent with such precise movements.

Using his free hand, the boy's fingers would wrap around the sheathed handle at his waist. Pulling it from it's holster, the blade's shimmering metallic material would come into sight, glowing with a visible force aura. With a thrust of his arm, the pureblood would aim to bring the blade upwards and forward, swinging the flat of the weapon towards the durasteel helmet Malphas' wore. He aimed to smack the Sith in his chin area with a quick, fluid movement, before retracting his arm.

 

[Sheff Zee]

The weapon his master used wasn't something that he had seen him unsheathe before, but that wouldn't stop him from ending the life of the traitor. It was a Sith Sword if he was correct, but Malphas was Sith. What had he to fear from such a thing? If anything he'd have to tread a lot more carefully. More so than he had before. It wouldn't change the outcome, perhaps prolong it, but nothing would change.

The Apprentice was sure of it.

It was relatively impossible for his Master to hit him since he had moved backwards, and was too far to strike his Apprentice. Even so, he wasn't going to move in his over-extended position. Not now. Pulling his arm back just as the swing came, he log-rolled to [member="Ballen-Ist"]'s right side and then dove past him, swinging his lightsaber in a powerful swing during the dive. Just based on how close they were the Sith Apprentice was capable of shearing both legs off without any hassle and still have several inches to spare.

 

[Ballen-Ist]

Ballen-Ist's shimmering sword would swipe through the air, just missing Malphas' armored head. Gritting his teeth in annoyance, the young Knight could not help but scoff at his former apprentice, "Still too weak, I see." Despite having missed his target, the pureblood would go with the flow, continuing his swords movement and allowing it to rest at his side. Seeing as he had been holding his saber at his side, Ballen-Ist would simply flick his wrist and move his fingers while watching his opponent move. Kneeling just slightly, the pureblood would rotate on his feet, while gripping his red blade in a reverse fashion. His own beam of plasma would collide with his former apprentice's as he attacked, providing a seemingly effortless block. Perhaps the Knight was just putting on a show to mock the boy, or perhaps it was that easy.

Keeping his sword drawn, it would be by his side as well, ready to act at a moment's notice. From there, the Knight would take a single step backwards, beginning to whisper to himself. His eyes would stay trained on Malphas, awaiting the next attack he planned to dish out. He was enjoying this so far, though he would never admit it. It was a good work out, for the former apprentice was doing well. Though, how long would he have to duel? What if who he had worked with contacted the military, in order to trap him. A swarm of fighters on his tail was something that he did not want. Nevertheless, he would continue to battle, weighing his options all the while.
[member="Darth Acarus"]

 

[Sheff Zee]

Thus far Malphas had taken the offensive. The scum he was fighting was a fool if he thought that he'd win here. His only chance would be to flee at this point. Malphas straightened out and deactivated his lightsaber. "As much as you boast, you're still a coward."

It was funny that [member="Ballen-Ist"] had claimed that he was too weak. Especially when Malphas was larger than him, and all the weak Sith Knight did was drag on the fight instead of engaging in the battle himself. It was embarrassing to even be apart of the same species. What did get him was Ballen's claims of him being weaker, but only moments before he had missed the strike against his head?

Was he simple? He wasn't sure.

"I can find you at a later date, I'll give you an hour to leave Coruscant. If you do not, hell will descend upon you."

His lightsaber deactivated and he waited.

 

[Ballen-Ist]

"Giving up, are you?" The pureblood would comment, still smirking as he watched his former apprentice deactivate his lightsaber. The weak boy had not managed to land a single hit against him, it was rather sad to the Knight. Though, his skills had increased exponentially, to say the least. Lowering his arms, the Knight would hold his crimson saber at his side, giving the area behind him a quick glance, before looking to Malphas once more. Ballen-Ist would give the pureblood one thing, that being that he needed to leave Coruscant. If Malphas had somehow convinced the military to hunt him down, it would be a rather large barrier between him and the atmosphere.

"If play time is over, then I'll take my leave. Make sure you bring that disgusting armor next time we meet, so you can hide behind it." With that, the pureblood, who was still dressed in his One Sith academy uniform would step backwards, over the edge of the building. His dark figure would descend through the air, dropping at a fast rate towards a hovering shuttle. Earlier in the battle, he had contacted his pilot who flew the Lambda class Imperial shuttle. It had been circling the area around the building, waiting for the right moment to appear. The Knight's booted feet would slam against the metallic shuttle's surface, before leaping onto the boarding ramp. The craft would begin to ascend, flying high over the building's roof which had been their battle ground. Sheathing his force blade, the pureblood would grin as he also deactivated his lightsaber, glad that he had not used his trump card.
[member="Darth Acarus"]