Private Too Many Secrets

[Darth Provocatus]

Malachor Ruins

TAG: Kali'ka

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The World of Malachor was a wastland of rock. Situated on this living grave of a planet was a ancient Sith Ruins, said to contain many secrets. The Lady of Charms had come to stretch her legs, to find a holocron of Lord Maul, a Zabrak Sith Lord who had lived in the time of the Chosen One. Provocatus knew that this world was an enigma, those who believed they had discovered all its mysteries were themselves decieved. She considered if it was wise to come alone, to face the trials and mind bending defenses of this potentent nexus of the dark side of the Force. As a Darth she bore the right to come, though Bogan did not simply give rewards to the brave, one had to earn them through passion strength, power, victory, and the breaking of chains. It was said the Great Pyamid had broken many chains, and many souls, that those who were not careful could be lost to its power...

The Sith Class shuttle descended near grouping of monoliths of charcoal gray stone and engraved with red markings that had some kind of matter on them that was luminiscant, though at the moment faded. The ramp came down with its usual fan fair, steaming pour out as the Woman in her regal like dress with its open bosom and long skirt with leather armor came to stand beneath these great titans of rock. She felt it at once, the pulsating presence that drove those unworthy to the edge, to madness, but to the intiated it was as if drawing fine tabacco, stimulating to all the senses.. yes, the dark side of the Force had been called many things, a chill to the Jedi, fire of warmth to Sith, for her it was thus, a pleasent fume that filled her and she breathed out, her heart elevating in pitter patter of beats and her alertnesss becoming as if a predator seeking prey. It was an exhilerating feeling for those who chose to know the "true nature of the Force." Why the Jedi deprived themselves, she never quite understood, how could one go a whole life without passion? And how could they believe victory can be achieved without power? And in the power the violence to break bone, minds, and hearts. Indeed, the true madness she felt was them, the Abstainers she called them, and what a wasted life they lived.

The path she was to take was clear, a Great Pyramid with a point that seemed to be fashioned of a major chunk of Bled Kyber. How the builders found such a great singular piece and cut it thus was a testament to the power of the dark side, that if one had the mind to do something, it could be achieved. What gave this Darth pause was not merely majesty of these ruins, and the prospect of navigating the puzzling temple that awaited, but that she was to do so alone. It was no secret that when it came to the Force, Passion was her primary identity. Certainly she did champion the other virtues of the Code, but she lived and breathed Passion, and that was a great deal easier with someone else present. She as not afraid to be alone, it just was not preferential. It was her secret hope that this world was not truly devoid of life, that perhaps someone else was brave enough to come and delve into the depths of its secrets.

 

[Kali'ka]

A dark flake of ash carried on the wind, a black heart seeking venom to corrupt it even deeper. This was Kali'ka. Her descent into darkness was not the result of someone's nefarious scheme, no machinations of a Sith Knight or Dark Lord turned her from the Light she served. It was betrayal, it was pain and fear and hate, and it was the Amulet.

With no guidance, other than the Darkside and the Amulet, the abandoned jedi padawan who fell from grace sought her own way. The ancient ways of the Sith were alluring and seductive. But the Sith were factious, and finding her place among them difficult. She had no mentor or master. But this didn't deter the motivated Kali. With whatever resources she could find, steal, or kill for, she sought the Sith ways. As far as she could, with the Amulet to coax and aid her, the woman learned the basics of Sith sorcery, and her relentless studies filled her eager mind with Sith knowledge.

Her eyes turned to role models, those from whom she could learn, or at least glean knowledge. The Darkseekers proved an avenue, with Alina Tremiru and their ardent quest to secure artifacts rightfully belonging to the Sith. Others she followed from afar, not the least of which was Darth Ophidia and the Tsi'Kaar. Another was a mysterious Darth she had heard whispers about, one who, if the tales were true, had also found her way to the darkness by the power of an artifact. This Sith, seemingly unaligned with any faction, proved most intriguing. It was not easy to find this stranger, but fate, or the Force itself, lead Kali'ka to information that suggested this Darth was aboard a shuttle heading for, of all places, Malachor.

Her starfighter settled onto the hard dry ground, landing repulsors kicking up ancient, choking dust. The pilot shut down the craft and climbed out of the cockpit, taking nothing but a short, phrik alloy staff which fit into a harness on her back. The raven-haired woman coughed lightly at the arid dusty air, then set her gaze on her surroundings. One mahogany eye, the other a crimson cybernetic orb, took in the towering columns and ancient structure beyond with a sense of reverence. This was a place rich with Sith history, a place of dark legacy. And now, it was part of her history.

The acolyte's fit figure was covered in a black leather bodysuit from head to toe, a black cape draped over her shoulders. The sorceress began to tread the cracked ground. Her olive features bore the tattoos of a Kiffar. Her gaze fell to the other point of interest on the planet's surface, the shuttle craft sitting just outside the cryptic pillar. From the vessel stalked a tall, feminine figure, likewise clad in black, but with a much more voluptuous figure. Surely this was Darth Provocatus.

With a confident stride, Kali'ka drew closer to the mysterious figure. Eager, a bit anxious, but most of all, excited. Would she be welcomed, or shunned? Or would she be slain outright for her audacity?

Tag: Darth Provocatus

 

[Darth Provocatus]

The Lady of Charms was making her way among the columns, coming to the central point of interest, the Pyramid, When she heard the sound of a star fighter settling down gently. So she was not alone after all.. that would make this journey more interesting. She could sense the approach of the One who had come, they carried themselves with purpose, and she felt it.. the presence of their mutual fumes, the Darkness itself. Provocatus did not draw saber hilt, rather she began to walk with a gate most graceful as she came to meet this other dark pilgrim. Catching sight of her, the Darth was delighted to see it was a girl, who bore the vestments of the Sith. It was quite possible she was from The Order itself, which would be auspicious. Already she had participated in dealing with a Light Side Cult on Taris with some Tsis'kaar, to meet another who was devoted to the dark ways was a treat.

She was mot striking, the markings she bore were not familiar to her, though she knew had great significance, much like the Sisters of Dathomir who marked themselves with their dark magick. She saw that this Acolyte of Darkness had some sort of staff on their back, and no sign of a saber. This might be advantageous, since often in these labyrinths of the Force "only what you take with you," would be part of the challenges. With a fond wave of her smooth white hand she said,
"Hello there! I see I am not the only one who has been drawn to this forsaken place."

An assumption, she was not certain of what this Sister of Shadow sought, as far as she was aware, there was no bounty on her and she had not offended the hierarchy of the Sith Order, rather she had given purpose to some Asssasins of Taris, and had not pledged herself to other dark side cults. She had not yet chosen to worship the Living Dead, the Eternal Father, or the Shadows of Tsis'kaar. The dark side would suffice for now, and when it came to cults of personality, she had her own strong personality and she was content to get to know everyone, form bonds, and help them grow in the virtues of the Sith Code.

Here on a planet that was a wasteland, a sarcophagus, two beating hearts had come, they probably sounded as drums in deep of the Pyramid, perhaps stirring already was lurked down there. Provocatus kept drawing closer, her hands gesturing far from her belt to make clear she had no intent of striking down the Woman before her. She stood for a moment at base of one of the monoliths, and looking at the strips of red-orange, saw it light up at their proximity, the very presence of these two vessels of the Darkness seeming to stir a grid that traveled to the Great Pyramid.
"It seems we two have awakened these transmitters.. and soon the Great Temple may open to us."

She gave a great smile as she now was within the distance of striking if she had drawn her weapon. The Dark Lady was greatly galvanized by this encounter, the prospect of taking the path foward with another was prickling her passion.

TAG: Kali'ka

 

[Kali'ka]

As she tread the wasteland into the midst of the rune-covered monoliths, Kali'ka soaked in the darkness that emanated from the place. The Dark Side still saturated the ancient place. As she drew nearer the tall, lithe woman, Kali sensed her as well. As the darksider turned to walk towards her, Kali fet her presence, strong, confident, and lacking hostile intent. The woman, she was certain, was Darth Provocatus herself. The alluring sway of her gate was both graceful and cavalier. Kali's eyes did not waver from the approaching figure, the rate of her heart increasing with each step. The two women progressed, until they stood face to face.

The silence was broken by the warm greeting of the Darth. The informality of it compelled Kali to relax a bit. "Yes, there is alot here to draw the interest of someone willing to seek it." Kali replied with a small smile. So close now, the sorceress could study the true subject of her journey to Malachor. Darth Provocatus was physically impressive, markedly hourglass of figure, and tall enough that Kali had to look up at her to meet the woman's gaze. That gaze was the most curious shade of lavender.

Kali'ka steeled herself. The pervasive presence of the planet's Dark Side licked at her, and coupled with the unexpectedly powerful presence of her fellow Sith, The acolyte feared she might swoon. No. She seized control of herself, focusing on her purpose, to saturate herself in the things of the Sith and the Dark Side. This woman, and now this place, could do that.

Standing a bit straighter, the Kiffar Sith tore her gaze from the mesmerizing woman to look up at the monoliths, following the Darth's own gaze. The nearest pillars now glowing where the pattersns were etched into their surface. Darth Provocatus spoke in the plural.

"...and soon the Great Temple may open to us."

Without question or interrogation, The superior Sith included Kali'ka in her expedition. The acolyte's heart soared, a smirk of satisfaction touching her plush lips. "I am Kali'ka." She introduced herself, offering a slight bow of her head to the Darth. "... and I came here to find you."

Tag: Darth Provocatus

 

[Darth Provocatus]

The Darth could sense it, the feelings of this Acolyte boiling to surface or rather peeking, as magma was want to do below a rocky surface, he tribal marks even looking as the earth above the flames. She sensed that her form was pleasing, her presence even intoxicating, which made Provocatus began to jiggle as she was want to do when she was pleased, she was now very close to this Companion who she now saw greater potential in that merely a partner in the puzzles to come.
"Kali, was a beautiful name. Mine is well provoking haha, and since you admit to having come to find me, you probably know it by now, though I believe the proper exchange of names is a good tradition, I am Darth Provocatus."

She crossing her arms in a restful and playful manner gave her a look over at this closer distance.
"You came seeking me? How curious. I hope it is not a bounty, as far as I know.. I have not offended anyone in the Order, nor tilted with any Jedi to warrant hunters."
She gave wryly smirk, she was being playful now with her words, she did not detect guile in this Woman who's presence was as perfume to her, she drew closer taking a wiff, her neckline and bosom coming close.
"No.. I think not. I can discern no malcontent Then again, I have been wrong before."
She gave smile that bore her pearly white teeth.
"You should know that in the Code, I embody Passion in its many forms. I believe it is passion that is central to what makes us Disciples of the Dark, and without it we become merely mirrors of the Light Siders. It is passion that drives us, that creates us, that molds us, and makes us into Lords. The Jedi think cutting themselves off from this makes them strong, in truth they deny the birthright of all, though we Sith are able to pursue it to the fullness in the Force. Forgive me.. I do not mean to preach, I am passionate about.. ha.. passion."

She was finding herself carried away by these feelings, the fumes of the planet and the presence of this Kali had made her enter a state of ecstasy in the Force. Provocatus found herself easily given to relationships, to bonds and ties. It was in them she felt that Passion of which she spoke grow and flow, making her feel such euphoria, that it became as a drug. There was potential dangers, not everyone was worthy of such connection, and the dark side tended to pit its disciples against one another in conflict, to determine who was worthy. There was a false sense of security in the mantel of Darth, that perhaps this One might wish to learn and not commit the Rule of Two tradition. And maybe.. they were interested beyond the aspirations of power too...

TAG: Kali'ka

 

[Kali'ka]

Darth Provacatus' lavender gaze lingered on Kali, clearly studying the acolyte. The attention brought a heat to Kali's cheeks, but she did not avert her gaze. She wished to show strength before the Sith she had traveled to meet. In reality, the arcane Darkness of that ancient place, and the palpable presence of the Darth, were intoxicating. While many Sith carry an air of sinister aloofness or bravado, Provocatus was informal and quite charming. Kali had heard hearsay that charm was where this Sith woman's powers lay, in the subtle, seductive manipulation and control of others. Even if true, Kali welcomed the refreshingly casual approach.

Kali chuckled lightly at Provocatus' comment about bounty hunters, then composed herself. Kali saw the smirk on those plush black lips revealing the woman's playfulness. "I am not a bounty hunter. I am just a learner, looking for knowledge." Kali offered with her own smirk, her humility unfeigned before the Darth.

Provacatus' monologue about passion intrigued Kali'ka. The acolyte hung on the words spilling from those lips, the passionate speech itself stirring the passion of the fallen jedi padawan. The words resonated viscerally within Kali, as if Provacatus spoke directly to the desires and wants of the acolyte's dark being. Kali took a step towards Provocatus, excited by the woman's message, her eyes fixed on those captivating lavendar orbs.

"I was taught that passion was an obstacle, something to bury. I know in my being it is a power I can't deny, and the more I nurture it, the more powerful I feel." Kali found that, In fact, giving to passion offered an incredible pleasure and a sense of purpose. "But undoing what was learned is not always easy." She added with a tone of frustration.


Tag: Darth Provocatus

 

[Darth Provocatus]

Provocatus was enjoying the flow that was between them, she could feel the excitement in this acolyte, which in turn made her so and she kept smiling as they drew closer to one another, her eyes informing Kali'ka that she was welcome to draw as close as she wanted. This was the very center of what this Darth found intoxicating, the passion between souls, that was amplified by the Passion of the Force itself. When she said that she was a "Learner, seeking knowledge," this made The Lady of Charms almost purr.
"We always are learning, while I respect the Master and Apprentice tradition, I believe that we never stop learning till we leave this galaxy for the Netherworld. I additionally believe a Master learns from their Apprentice as much as the Apprentice from the Master. It is a partnership, a bond most sacred. I find the Rule of Two method of shattering that bond rather.. outdated.. I understand the concept is based on Power and Victory emphasized in the creed, and perhaps a shattering of Chains.. however, there is a reason The Jedi are numerous, trust is important, and I believe there is room for reform in the Sith in this regard. Though I probably find myself alone in that reasoning."

The Learner then revealed something, that she had been taught that Passion was an "obstacle," the teaching of the Jedi. To this Provocatus extending her hand out as a sign of comfort said,
"Unlearning what you have learned,'" ironic she was quoting a Jedi Master by saying that, "actually places you in good stead. You understand better than most what the absence of passion is like, let no one make you feel shame for that, your journey to the dark side is unique, you have a perspective that should be appreciated, not derided by those born in it. I have found many of greatest Sith were once paladins of the Light, they understand the gravity of our choice, what it means to live without passion and conform to tenets that tell you to deny your desires for the 'greater good."

The Darth hoped that she had not been too preachy, she felt the words spur forth from her heart. She saw in this Woman something of great potential, and she felt an instant connect, as if indeed this was a destined meeting. More than that there was she detected a warmth between them that she found unmistakable, a fire that they had been discussing, as if two flames were feeding on one another to grow. This she had not experianced in this level of intensity with anyone else.

 

[Kali'ka]

The dry, arid breeze kicked up, tugging lightly at their garments, tossing Kali's raven-black locks. But the acolyte barely noticed it. She was fixed upon her companion, listening to the taller, charismatic Sith woman. It was more than Kali'ka could have hoped for after her daring, uninvited pursuit of the mysterious Darth. With little more than an introduction and a confession on the acolyte's part, Darth Provocatus happily shared her thoughts on several matters. Kai was not only encouraged by the impromptu lessons from the unique perspective of the charismatic woman, but was drawn even stronger to her.

Power, confidence and allure emanated from the beautiful Provocatus, mingled lasciviously with dark energy. Kali felt it viscerally enamored by her presence and attention. The striving with her emotions, pinpointed with precision by the Darth as her passions, could cease. The rose even as Provocatus lauded her unique perspective as a former jedi. "I don't want to deny it, I want to embrace my passion, let it course through me, feed me, free me..." Kali spoke with excitment, her heart rate climbing as she drew closer, physically and socially, to the seductive Sith agent. Provocatus knew what Kali'ka needed, freedom to explore her new liberty in the Dark Side.

Her desires were courted. She looked at the physically stunning Provacatus, and then to the imposing structure before them. She wanted both, to offer herself to one and to plunder the treasures of the other.


Tag: Darth Provocatus

 

[Darth Provocatus]

The Lady of Charms felt an impulse to reach out her hand and place it on Kali'ka shoulder.
"Yes.. passion is the key. I can help you with this. Together we can feast on these feelings, and allow them to make us stronger."
She stood there as the breeze made her tunic blow, and her heart began to beat with a racing pace. This was the center of her connection to the Force, Passion, and she was thrilled that this One wanted to drink deep of it. Coming to this world she had only thought she would find the Holocron she was after, and instead she felt something more precious, a person after her own heart.

"Let us together venture into ecstasies of Passion! To feel all things and become strengthened by it! For I cannot on my own sustain it, Two there must always be as Banite Creed correctly states. Though I would remove the obligatory betrayal, why drink of delights and then shatter access for some small demonstration of superiority? If even that is what it can be called, few Sith I know directly challenge their Masters, they tend to 'kill them in their sleep."

As the feelings began to churn in the cauldron of her own heart, the great monoliths all lit up and beams began to connect from the tops that all began to like a net head to the top crystal of the Pyramid. Seeing this Provocatus gave a great smile,
"It is as if this place is blessing our meeting.. our feelings. Oh I can taste the richness.. can you?" Turning she then offering her naked hand, the smooth flesh almost glistening beneath the light of the nearest monolith that bathed them in a coral red light,
"Take my hand, and together we will see what rapture awaits us.."
She was beaming with a great smile, this had been beyond her wildest hopes, to have someone so ready to learn the Fruit of Passion, the key to the dark side in every way. Perhaps together they could be a beacon in the Dark, a Red Flame of sensuality that would show those trapped in the dogmas of the Light that not all darkness is a fright, that it can be smooth, sweet, and beautiful. Yes this was the Beautiful Side of the Darkness, and it was time the galaxy saw it, and understood.

 

[Kali'ka]

The woman's hand reached to rest on Kali's shoulder. A wave of sensation coursed through the acolyte's body at the touch. An offer was made to guide the fallen jedi into a realm once forbidden as one of that order, to indulge and explore her own passion, to find that fire and let it burn with the power of the dark side. Kali's appetite's had already been whetted by Provocatus, and the Darth's seductive monologue enticed the Kiffar acolyte all the more, making her hungry for the adventure.

Dark eyes tore from the alluring Darth to the stone pillars towering over them. They came to life, searing beams of light connecting them and in turn the distant peak of the Sith structure. Perhaps Provocatus was right, perhaps the stirring passion between the women was already creating power beyond them both. Kali turned back to Provocatus, nodding and smirking as she looked up at the taller woman. The tattooed sorceress did feel it, a visceral vibration that heated her core and made her heart swell. It also licked at dark places Kali had left untended. A mischievous smirk touched the Kiffar's full lips. "Yes, I do feel it."

Looking down at the offered hand, Kali'ka took it in her own, another sensation trilled along her nerves at the feel of the soft, feminine hand in her own. But it didn't fade, it became a humming undercurrent of excitement that invigorated Kali. The acolyte had pursued Darth Provocatus in hopes of gleaning some Sith knowledge from the woman. But Kali found much more as she strode hand in hand. "Teach me." She crooned in an oiled voice, her gaze volleying between the mysterious and arcane structure ahead, and the beautiful Sith mentor beside her.

Tag: Darth Provocatus

 

[Darth Provocatus]

TAG: Kali'ka

The connection was kinetic, Provocatus could feel it, a spark between them that grew into a warmth between their respective bodies. As they held hands, she felt the passion stirring, bubbling to the surface, and the monoliths were responding to it, and making a trail of light. Kali confirmed that she felt it, and more than that she asked to be taught. To those words the Lady of Charms leaned in to kiss her brow, and said,
"Others would leave harmful mark, or spark your shoulder with burning kyber. I in contrast believe in gentleness between Teacher and Pupil. You have consented to learning, which means you already have the mark of wisdom, for you now shall learn much as I will from you."

The great end of pyramid began to open at a point, with smoke rising up from the base, and pouring out was something like black smoke that when it touched the monoliths, they began to melt, looking at Kali she said, "We must make haste! Its a trap! Get to high ground!"
She began to scale up one of monoliths having let go of the Disciple's hand and climbing up she said,
"Stay high, and keep moving till we are free of the cloud! Use your passion to live!"
Leaping from one monolith's top to another, she began to skip and skate above, using the Force to give her great leverage to leap and making it to another pillar's top, keeping moving and not looking back at the black cloud that was following and forming a mouth with skull like eyes, it even sounded as if it was growling. This clearly was some sort of failsafe, a measure to consume the unworthy, but they were not unworthy, they were chosen by the dark side to rise and they were doing this literally at the moment.

Provocatus leap, he boots of lavander kicking off another monolith's top, when she almost tumbled, but she immolating his amethyst blade, dug it into one of the pillars and began to climb using it as she got back on top and kept leaping, it was evident that the cloud was pressing them further and further out, towards a cliff, the choices were turning grim, but melting was not the optimal one, and so she began to scan the pillars for Kali to discern where she was. In her mind the best course of action would be to leap off and use her weapon to dig into wall of the cliff side, and hang poised there, perhaps then the cloud would cross above and dissipate, though there was a risk it could go down and force you to chose to burn above or fall to the abyss below. This was a test, no doubt to devise if they would be admitted within the Temple. What Provocatus could feel was the fear of death, and it spurred her to make calculations, keep moving, and hope that the plan to use the cliff side for cover would pay off...

 

[Kali'ka]

This was unexpected. She was accustomed to the dynamic between a jedi and a padawan, which could be friendly but held a certain formality. what she knew of the Sith mentor-pupil relationship was harsh and often painful. But what Darth Provocatus offered in her demeanor, and the warm clasp of her hand, was something quite different. It smacked of a sensuality that resonated in Kali'ka viscerally.

The press of a soft kiss to her head spread the warmth even more fully through her body. For the first time in a very long time, Kali felt like she belonged somewhere. That place was at Provocatus' side. "Yes, Mistress." Kali responded with a soft coo and a flash of a demure grin. Her dark eyes lifted again to the monoliths and the light they emitted and the mysterious pyramid ahead.

An opening appeared within the ancient Sith structure, as if welcoming the two Dark sisters. But it was anything but welcoming. Black, deadly smoke belched forth from the cavernous opening, enveloping the monoliths. Kali felt her new master's hand slip from hers, the seductive voice now firm and urgent as the Darth urged Kali to get above the lethal cloud.

Kali began to scale the nearest monolith. The roughly hewn stone pillars were strafed with small seams and uneven surfaces that allowed the athletic acolyte to climb atop the stone monument. She began to leap from one to the next, mirroring her companion, trying to cling to the Force to help her keep balance and avoid falling. The meaning or intent behind the billowing inky smoke, whether trap or test, Kali had no time to decide. Kali gasped as she saw Provocatus slip, a bright lightsaber blade igniting to pierce the basalt stone for purchase. The acolyte sighed in relief and moved on.

Kali focused her passion to live, her fear and her desire to stay with Provocatus, wrapping those strong emotions around the Darkside to help her keep up. A slip of the boot nearly sent her to the ground, but small, strong hands dug into a stony crack and the acolyte was able to scramble back atop the monolith.

Ahead, the cliff face loomed. She looked to Provocatus as he drew up to the monolith next to her. From her back she pulled out what appeared to be a phrik handle. It extended to about a meter in length. Then, a long, thick blade of plasma ignited at one end. A force pike. It was Provacatus' use of her lightsaber to keep from falling that gave her the idea, and she assumed the Darth had the same thought.

Looking behind her, the black smoke drew closer and closer. Looking to Provocatus, Kali turned to the cliff wall and made a desperate leap towards the cliff, the pike's haft held in both hands over her head. As she came against the stony cliff, the blade of the weapon penetrated the rock. Holding tight to it, Kali's boots swayed frantically until the met the wall, toes pressed to the tiniest ledge. Her gaze swung out, looking for Provocatus.

Tag: Darth Provocatus

 

[Darth Provocatus]

Provocatus leapt from the Great Monlith, her body suspending in the air as the cliff edge neared, her lavender claps and tunic flowing as if tails as she then turned in mid air to put her feet down as she fell, he blade of amethyst dug into the side of rocky cliff, she sliding down towards an abyss, a trail of molten orange painting the rock as brush, then it went black as she held in place and hoped in her heart that Kali'ka was following her example. She saw the great smoke coming over the edge like a wave spraying up on to the rock shelf. The smoke was beginning to descend and little and so she slid down further, shouting up it Kali could hear her,
"Use a means to slide down the cliff, till it cannot reach us!"

She drew his saber hilt back and let herself fall a little and then dug it back in making a new bright molten steak. She descending into shadow, her saber the only light now from where she now hung. The Darth was rather worried about her Potential Acolyte, unlike Sith Masters who used harsh methods and hoped for harm to help their apprentices rise in power, she felt that was cruel, being strong was important, but allowing your acolyte to become comatose, permanently damaged on purpose was folly. She cared for Kali, they had only met, but with the kiss she felt her spirit rise up and though her response had been rather reticent, there was deep feeling there. She was rather frustrated such a sweet exchange was interrupted by this chaos. Though that was nature of the dark side, it did not care about your time tables and desires, it would demand attention at any moment, and so it did.

There poised above the great shadow below, she coughed as some dirt began to slide down, the cloud did not seem to reach her down there, she holding on to her durasteel handle for dear life. It was quite a symbolic scene, a Darth hanging over the dark, surrounded by it, and dangling above death, any moment her hold could be lost and she would be plunged into the shadow.

 

[Kali'ka]

As her new mentor called to her to descend the cliff face, the rock around the plasma blade of Kali'ka's pike began to melt. She planted her feet against the rock and gripped the long phrik alloy haft to follow Provocatus' instructions. Her gaze darted from the giant billowing black cloud to the figure not far off. The Darth was sliding down the cliff, the light of her blade disappearing as she shut if off and plummeted into the darkness of the abyss, only to have it appear again as the woman again used it to anchor herself in the stone.

Kali could see she would have to follow her companion to escape the lethal cloud, and she began to work the thick light blade to slide down the roc face, but it wasn't fast enough. Her gut was in knots, watching the inky mist draw near, and seeing the bottomless blackness of the abyss...and the tiny dot of light from Provocatus' blade.

Taking a deep breath, Kali'ka switched off the weapon's blade and she began to fall. Gripping the Force, she used it to help keep her in contact with the cliff, her hand lightly in contact with the uneven stone as it sped past her. Seeing the glow of Provocatus' blade grow brighter, she reignited the pike against the rock to slow her descent, until she could fully thrust it into the cliff and stop herself close to her master.

Dark eyes shot upward, seeing the cloud move over the gap above, but descending no further. Looking down, there was only darkness. Then she turned her gaze to Provocatus, the woman's ivory features, her lavender eyes slightly discolored in the yellow glow of her lightsaber blade. The acolyte's strong grip held into her weapon's haft, one foot planted on the tiniest ledge, the other dangling over the darkness.

"What now, Mistress?" Kali'ka inquired, her voice controlled but edged with real concern.

Tag: Darth Provocatus

 

[Kali'ka]

Posted in error

 

[Darth Provocatus]

The Lady of Charms hung over chasm with her blade crackling in the rock as it held her. Only the beam that came from her kyber was keeping her from plunging into the shadows below. To her delight, Kali'ka not only had survived the Cloud she was sliding down and began to fall as she had, and then with her own weapon stalled her descent, so that they were now beside one another. Provocatus smiling as she looked at The Acolyte,
"I do not know what is more exhilarating, the gentle touch or this.. being poised above death itself."

When the Apprentice asked her what to do next, she began to reach out in Force, her eyes with their bright lavander began to burn and she searching above to see if the Cloud had dissipated or recoiled. To her great relief she saw that it had in fact, risen back above the edge and that meant most likely it was gone altogether.
"From the Sight I can see that the Cloud have lifted. We must scale our way back to the top."
The Dark Mistress gave a smile as she began to using her footing, digging the blade in sporadically as handle to help keep her aloft, the progress was slow and perilous and gave them some time to speak with one another.
"I sensed before the Cloud interrupted something.. a feeling.. I do not want to put you on the spot. Nor goad you to reveal anything you are not ready to do, so instead I will say that upon touching I could feel something myself.. it is what I believe is essential to the path we walk. Not to quote dead men, but Plagueis once said to his apprentice, 'Remember why the Sith are more powerful than the Jedi, Sidious: because we are not afraid to feel. We embrace the spectrum of emotions, from the heights of transcendent joy to the depths of hatred and despair. Fearless, we welcome whatever paths the dark side sets us on, and whatever destiny it lays out for us."(Darth Plagueis, Jacen Luceno).

 

[Kali'ka]

At Provocatus' words, Kali'ka lifted her gaze. The cyber-optic eye scanned through several spectrums, confirming what the Darth had seen, the lethal cloud was gone. Looking back to her new companion, the acolyte performed the same scan on her. Not to be invasive, but to determine if she had sustained any injuring during the harrowing flight from the deadly mist. She felt a bond already with the woman, and cared for her well-being. A strange notion, but it lined up with everything Provocatus had already taught her about how her ways. The seductive Sith spy shunned the power-hungry back-biting of other Sith, even with their proteges.

The acolyte shifted, her feet, giving relief to fatiguing muscles. If they didn't move soon, their arms would grow to weary to hold onto their precarious anchors. As if reading her mind, Provocatus began the tedious work of scaling back up the cliff face. Kali'ka followed, the Sith pair using their weapons to aid them as they sought every crack, ledge and outcropping they could to find purchase and push themselves upward. their effort was punctuated by grunts and deep breaths. Slender, lean corded muscles of the woman strove to propel them higher.

Even as they labored to find safety, Provcatus was teaching. She listened. The woman probed, but respectfully. Kali wondered exactly what it was that the Darth felt when they touched, what was it inside her that resonated with the words of the revered Darth Plaguseis. Again, the lesson was that emotions were not to be subuded, but experienced to their fullest. Was there a passion Provocatus saw? A trait she herself did not recognize?

"What is it you saw, Mistress? I have nothing that I won't open to you." Kali'ka replied willfully. Provocatus had been the first to show true interest in the fallen jedi padawan, to accept her as is and so freely shared dark wisdom. Even though they were roughly the same age, the Darth was her senior in the ways of the Dark Side, a mentor. There was something about the woman that drew Kali to her. Whether it was the Dark side, her own roiling emotions and passions, or a cocktail of both, the acolyte could not confirm.

Darth Provocatus