The Object of Power is Power (Illyria)

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valiens Nantaris"]


Depending on perspective, it was a good time to be a Sith. After having been declared defeated, they were more in the news than they'd ever been since the One Sith's rampage across the Core Worlds. A Sith insurrection had humiliated the Silver Jedi and forced them to vacate the entire Stygian Caldera. It was not the Sith Empire of old, but the tomb world of Korriban was free once more. The Silvers' reputation was in tatters and it seemed a number of them were flirting with the Dark Side.


Alas, the Sith Kingdom of the Atrisian Systems had been crushed by the Galactic Alliance, though this might be a boon since the group's penchant for random destruction would've done the cause no good. It annoyed Sumiko slightly that her homeworld fallen so far, but she believed the commoners deserved it.


Far away from the hurly-burly of galactic politics, Sumiko was busy on the relatively tranquil Denon. She'd converted a room on the lower levels of her corporate building into an arcanist workshop, complete with shelves and filing cabinets lined with occult paraphernalia, a forge and a furnace. It was time to put the knowledge she'd extracted from the holocron of Sorzus Syn and Darth Shadow's private archives to good use.


Power came in many forms. The Atrisian cared little for the Sith imperative or the good of the Sith Order. The very idea of a 'greater good' represented a corruption of the intent of the ancient Jen'ari. To be a Sith was to pursue the path of self-exaltation, breaking the chains placed upon you by others and - more importantly - by yourself.


The only thing missing from the setting was a certain Acolyte. Illyria did not call herself a Sith, but Sumiko had studied the bloodstained history of the Eldorai and concluded that, given their penchant for stomach-churning cruelty, many Star Queens could've given the Dark Lords a few lessons in cruelty.


She was a useful asset, and that mattered more than the finer points of dogma. With Qual away on an errand on apparently war-torn Tygara, it was time to take Illyria's education to the next level. Success would be rewarded, failure punished. Such was the way of the Sith, dangling power in front of an apprentice's nose while ensuring that she would never be satisfied. One embodied power, the other craved it.


The elf better not be tardy. Presumably Souldrinker was hovering somewhere and making snarky comments. Or plotting a bloodbath.

 

[Illyria]

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]

The Eldorai were a race very suited to exercises in cruelty and misaligned power. They did not believe in the Dark Side, which in some ways made it far worse than the Sith who did. Some of the Star Queens of old could have taught the Dark Lords a few things about brutality.

Regardless, Illyria was not late, she had timed herself so she arrived perfectly on time, even lurking around to ensure this.

As she entered the room dressed in her grey and black robes she bowed her head.

“Mistress.”

‘Ah, Minion Two is here, and on time as well! Will wonders never cease,’ the sword was being its usual self.

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Illyria"]


One is just as bitter, angry and eager to please as the other, Sumiko responded to the sword. Who knew, maybe this reminded her a bit of her time in the Inquisition. She did not allow that thought to surface though. The Sith did not like being reminded of a time when she'd been a servant.


"You're punctual. Good." No 'how are you doing, Illy?' or 'your hair looks lovely today!'. Well, actually it did and Sumiko could appreciate that the vain Eldorai always wanted to look her best. But this wasn't a club of 'dark is not evil' lovebirds.


"I'm pleased with the services you've rendered towards me. It's time to take your training to the next level. Tell me, my dear, what do you know about alchemy?" It was always a good policy to be on guard when Sumiko decided to be sort of nice. She was kind of like a Zash who did not bother with the benign facade.

 

[Illyria]

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]
Illyria was pleased there was no small-talk, no chit-chat. By nature she was not a talkative sort and Qual’Zyanya was also not someone she wanted to have long discussions with.

Sumiko being nice was akin to a crocodile smiling as it eyed you. One knew that whatever the joke was, Sumiko was not going to share it. Indeed, the joke might involve her being very pleased at Illyria being displeased.

“Alchemy is the term used by the Sith and other cultures for the imbuement of items or lifeforms with the Dark Side of the Force.”

For her mind that was pretty much all that there was to say on the matter. Brevity, thy name is Illyria!

She did not ask any questions. Sumiko would tell her in her own time, and saying more might expose her in a belief or view that was viewed poorly.

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Illyria"]

((Get rid of that ugly green Witch tag ))


Clearly Illyria was able to match Kaida with her brevity. Who knew, maybe they'd have become friends if Illyria wasn't a Dashdae Eldorai - or Kaida a loyalist Angelii. Then again, the Seraph was probably too much of an alpha queen to get on with someone who was similar to her.


"Textbook definition," Sumiko commented sarcastically. "Alchemy is more than another power in your repertoire; it is an art. Through it, we exact our will upon biological entities and inanimate object, and alter them per our design. We can alter life at a fundamental level, creating great and terrible beasts in our image, along with weapons of destruction. Souldrinker, my ring and the Rakghouls are examples. It was the art that allowed the ancient Jen'ari to interbreed with the Sith species in the first place. The Jedi, in their narrow-minded dogmatism, frown upon such scientific pursuits, so afraid of power that they chain themselves and damn those who strive to fulfil their potential."


Of course, there was Alkahest, but there was no need to tell Illyria about that yet. Besides, her words were still technically true since a number of Jedi still considered it borderline heretical. "You will learn this art and help me create devices to sell on the market or enhance our own power. We shall walk upon the road paved by the great alchemists of the past, and in time surpass them." Tall order, but she was a Sith and thus had a big ego.

 

[Illyria]

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]

Illyria nodded curtly. It sounded to her like a longer explanation of what she said, with a few added extras.

Sumiko did not lack for ambition, but which Sith did?

“I understand. I will assist you,” she said briefly. “It sounds interesting,” she added, allowing a rare personal comment out from her watchful demeanour.

“Can it only be used for destruction or for positive uses as well?” she asked.

She was, after all, an Eldorai, and the whole Dark Side aspect of the Force was something she had trouble with even after having two Sith teachers.

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Illyria"]


Sumiko chuckled a bit. "When is the destruction of your enemies not a positive use? To see them driven before you and hear the lamentations of their loved ones. Or to poison their minds so that they become their agents of their own demise without you having to lift a finger," she said sarcastically.


"Fancy poetry aside, you can use it to create devices such as talismans that strengthen your connection to Darkness or grant you abilities. The greatest alchemists could enhance their life span," she left that hang and walked over to a cupboard, retrieving a few items.


"Time is of the essence, so you shall be learning on the job. Today, our goal shall be to robes imbued with the power of the Dark Side." They were not at all intended to be a counter to certain robes produced by the heretical school of Alkahest.

 

[Illyria]

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]

“Those are useful, it cannot be denied, but mere destruction is a means, not an end,” Illyria commented.

However, it was not time for a philosophical discussion. Rather, it was time to create Dark Side robes. Illyria knew some of this from the enchanted vestments some Eldorai wore, but she said nothing and waited for Sumiko to continue.

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Illyria"]


Surprisingly, Sumiko did not seem offended. Then again, this was probably no surprise since she disliked violence for the sake of it. Perhaps she'd just wanted to test Illyria's reaction. "That is why I picked you. You know that violence cannot become a crutch. Few Sith understand that. That is why many waste their time and energy with pointless acts of destruction to sate their killing urges. They hate Jedi because they've been taught to and need something to give their own nihilism meaning. When they're not bickering about who should be Dark Lord." Nice Sumiko was like a smiling crocodile. Hopefully she didn't want Illyria's body.


Regardless, she fetched some occult paraphernalia and a set of black robes. Sith liked black. It was kind of the team colour. "We will have to feed the essence of the Dark Side into the cloth to enchant it, right down to the fibres. The materiel will not be as strong as metal, where the alchemical process can make the molecular bonds unbreakable, but it will suffice. Blood is the first step. Dark power requires sacrifice and blood is a good reagent. Fetch the prisoner from cell three, then hang her upside down. She'll find a meaning in death she lacked in life."

 

[Illyria]

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]

“The galaxy is a grim place. However I want to be Lady of subjects in order rather than corpses in chaos.”
Lawful evil at its finest.

She nodded and headed away to get the prisoner. Unlike another Sith from so long ago, Illyria took no delight or pleasure in the fear of the wretched creature. As she snatched the quivering woman up she injected a sedative into her, and after it had taken effect she carried her into the workroom.

When the woman was hung up by her ankles Illyria positioned her over a trough so the blood would be caught. A long knife was prepared and she drew it, ready for Sumiko’s order.
She did not flinch for a second. She would do it, and not think twice about it.

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Illyria"]


Sumiko got no pleasure from inflicting pain on others. She loved to proke her superiority and it delighted her when she was feared and obeyed. But sadism was beyond her.


Indeed, unlike many Sith, the Atrisian did not even hate Jedi. The order's philosophy was absurd and atavistic, but she did not feel bound to stoke the flames of hatred inside her belly just because the ancient Jen'jidai had been exiled. Or because Jedi had wiped out the Sith on so many occasions. They were simply in her way. Ancient grudges were such a...waste of time. What mattered were her own interests, that was all.


She looked dispassionate when Illyria brought in the captive and hung her up by the ankles. The helpless woman might as well have ben an insect of a piece of meat. "Cut her throat. I will start the ritual once the trough has been filled with blood," she ordered blandly.

 

[Illyria]

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]
Without any hesitation or hint of remorse Illyria did the deed with the knife. The slash was not wild, just enough to sever the jugular at the right place and direct the flow into the waiting trough.

Fastidiously, she carefully cleaned the knife and her hands in a bowl of water.

The body would be taken down and disposed of in an environmentally friendly way. Who said that Sith were not for a green future!

Illyria looked to Sumiko, awaiting the next step.

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Illyria"]


Sumiko approved of her apprentice's precision and cleanliness. The body would be disposed of by letting Akuma eat it. Sith were not only environmentally friendly, but also animal lovers. The crimson liquid filled the trough and Sumiko stretched out her right hand.


"Join with me and feel the Force," she commanded. Her hand performed complex gestures while she chanted. Words of power left her lips, dark and malevolent, for it was Sithese. Illyria would feel a cold chill as the room's temperature suddenly began to drop. Perhaps she'd also hear disembodied whispers. A feeling of dread and despair permeated the room. Oily tendrils of dark energy seemed to leap from Sumiko's fingertips. Suddenly, the blood began to swirl around in the trough, acquiring a darker hue.

 

[Illyria]

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]

A brief reluctance, not because it was blood but because she valued her skin to be clean. Still, she did as was instructed and dipped her hand into the crimson pool.

She could feel her Mistress’ power flowing through it. The blood was life, and her words were twisting and controlling it.

“I feel it,” she said softly. She clenched her fist, feeling the sticky, warm liquid flowing through her fingers.

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Illyria"]


"Good girl. Keep stirring. As we mould the blood, we can mould and shape living beings. It just takes time, effort and will." Sumiko was not reticient about dipping her hand into the crimson pool and rubbing across it with her finger. Obviously after rolling up her sleeves. Soon the process was complete.


"Basic blood magic. Now we shall soak the robes into it," the Sith Lady instructed and gestured to Illyria to pick up the cloth and proceed accordingly. The blood had been corrupted, now it would pass on its power and infuse the robe.

 

[Illyria]

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]
Illyria obediently took the robes and soaked them in the blood, ensuring every fold and length was properly submerged.

Rolling up her own sleeves, Illyria knelt down and put both hands into the tub to ensure the cloth stayed under the surface.

With her perceptions in the Force she reached out, seeing the blood as a lake of roiling dark liquid, soaking into the robes steadily.

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Illyria"]


The blood magic ritual would bond the robes to the Dark Side. Any darkside adept who wore them would benefit from a strengthened connection, whilst someone who did not walk the dark path would risk corruption and other negative effects.


However, there was a price. Due to the blood infusion, the robes might have a strange, faint odour or always look a bit damp. Unlike the Alkahest robes, these would be cooling instead of warming. Like a flood of dark scarlet liquid, the blood soaked into the dark robes.


"Good. Now we shall bind the Force through the blood into the fibres of the robe. When it is done, they will be infused with the Art and the dark power will forever be bonded with them. Only the strongest adepts of the Light will be able to undo the bonding." If that happened, the robes would lose their power. Her perception expanded as she viewed the robes not through her physical eyes, but through the Force.


With a gesture of her hand, she began to channel the Dark Side and cast her spell. She drew not only on her own power, but also that of Souldrinker. Darkness engulfed the chamber. It was by no means a physical darkness, though there was much of that as well. Rather it was a spiritual one, a darkness that seemed all-consuming. As the dark power flooded the blood-soaked robes, the room became so full of the Dark Side that the Light was smothered.


The corrupted Force energies would permeate the robes, tainting them forever. Her voice rose into a chant as she spoke in the malevolent, forbidden tongue of the Sith. "Gkat zuj a’daro Karazud'un." In time, this was a language Illyria would have to learn, but for now playing a support role and following her mistress' lead sufficed.

 

[Illyria]

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]
The Force was amazing. On both the most macro and micro levels it pervaded and bonded everything in the universe.

As Sumiko spoke, her acolyte could sense the power flowing from her. The ancient Sith language certainly had an effect, and Illyria knew well of powers the Eldorai possessed with similar incantations.

Look closer

The robe was of fairly standard, though nice design. The simple mass of the cloth though at a smaller level broke down into thousands of fibres woven together.

As Illyria knelt there she could sense the fibres being intruded and filled with the corrupted blood. This was not simply liquid wetting the cloth, this was it entering the fibres, bonding them harder than durasteel wire.

“It’s…magnificent…” Illyria whispered.

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Illyria"]


The Force was infinite. One's ability to use it was not. However, one could still do many great and terrifying things with it. Such as pull down Star Destroyers from low orbit, create suns...eat suns...consume entire planets...hmm, which of these powers is the most ridiculous?


Well, Sumiko could not do anything of that sort. Nor did she really have the desire to. Overdramatic stunts that looked cool on the holotelly were not her style. This, by contrast, was.


"Indeed it is. This is but a taste of what we can accomplish. Alchemy is more than another power in your arsenal; it is an Art. Together, we shall create wonderful and terrifying things," she smiled broadly. Even that looked a bit disturbing.


Now the robes' fibres were bonded harder than durasteel wire. It would allow an appropriately imbued robe to resist a lightsabre's strike, though that resistance, would have its limitations, and strengthen the wearer against Force attacks. The dark aura would smother the Light, though a powerful Light Side Master would be able to cleanse it.


"I shall teach you Sithese so that you can perform the incantations yourself. We shall also delve into the magicks of the Nightsisters, the Bando Gora and of your own people." Maybe they could do the Galaxy a favour by creating a toxin to eradicate the Yuuzhan Vong.

 

[Illyria]

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]
Illyria looked up at her. “I wish to learn whatever you can teach me,” she said softly.

Standing, she pulled her hands from the blood. In the view of the Force she could see the darkness cling to it as it dripped slowly into the vat.

Fetching a cloth she wiped down her hands somewhat, then fetched a rod and extracted the sodden robes from the tub, hanging it up to drip dry.

“Is there anything else we do to it?” Illyria asked.