What doesn’t kill you…

[Corvus Raaf]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxjZbFpBpbE

Corvus had been asked to visit Velusia due to some alleged Sith activity there. Why on earth they'd waste their time on this largely oceanic planet was beyond her - but she kept this thought from the locals. They can get tetchy like that.

Its largely volcanic islands were now being mined for ore deposits and so she’d arrived at the starport at the city of Mount Hollow - oddly situated in the shaft of an extinct volcano. She’d chased down all of the suspected sightings bar one and so made her way to a remote volcanic island that the locals had warned her to avoid as reports suggest it is liable to be affected by groundquakes and volcanic activity for the next 72 hours. But to wait for the scare to pass would have delayed her by days, so she took her ship and landed on one of the beaches and looked up at the mountain that dominated the landscape and then to the hills that surrounded it.

Wandering through the dry scrub that lined the sand, she headed towards that peak - because it was here the locals had said they’d seen a flamboyantly dressed mountain of a man wearing a black and gold trimmed tunic and jacket, a dark red shirt and black trousers and boots.

Corvus wondered what sort of threat a dandy like that could pose!

[member="Asterion"]

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Coruscant had bored him. The One Sith carved their way across the galaxy with no real sense of direction; just abusing a power that had blinded them. One planet fell after the other, but dozens more rebelled in the background to identify their weaknesses.

Asterion had touched upon Velusia after leaving the capital planet days before to collect his thoughts, to form his new plan to acquire an Apprentice; one who he could train and help understand the real history of the Sith and to stand with him as he sought those worthy to follow in the ongoing battle against the Light.

His armour and battle torn cowl remained in his small black fighter, something one could describe as being “cosy”, but Asterion just saw it as practical in getting from A-Z.

The sky above was a muted blue, spliced with dark clouds that signalled another storm on the way. The planet almost reflected Asterion and his inner mood – a volcanic core that was unpredictable, blanketed by a present threat of thunderous rage that could crack at any time if you couldn’t avoid it.

Sitting on a large rock on a clearing, with his fighter down below on the sand, Asterion was knowingly close to an active volcano, but one that hadn’t visibly been active for some time due to the crusted grey magma decorating the side of the huge mountain. Leaning forward, fingers laced together, Asterion sat in his Korriban black and gold tunic and jacket, his usual combat trousers and boots that were suitable for all terrains, and a dark shirt. It was attire that he had acquired from the planet he was born on, scavenged from others he had killed to survive and it helped detract his appearance from the usual black and silver armour. His black lightsaber hilt, however, hung to his side on his belt. The small blaster holster was always empty; the pistol stayed on the ship out of sight.

His heavily stubbled jaw bristled as his parted brown hair gently flicked with the oceanic breeze blowing in from the front, while the natural volcanic rock below kept him warm. Dark eyes looked out to the crashing waves below. He didn’t take as much time as he should to appreciate life, and his place in it, as a survivor and warrior and one who was ready to pass on his knowledge to another. No master, no lord or leader could really contain the Minotaur.

His breathing was calm and deep, and he hoped that the presence he could sense around the mountain wasn’t here to try and contain him either, because right now, he just didn’t have the patience in putting a whelp in its place.


[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

The locals had explained to her that this wasn’t actually an island. It was a mountain - just one that happened to be anchored to the seabed. As she walked over the now solid lava that once had erupted from the sea floor she realised just how warm it was. She wished she’d left her robe back on her ship, but now it was pointless going back. So she soldiered on and figured the exercise could only do her good.

She stared at the hazy blue sky and wondered if a storm was brewing. Funny things clouds - so many people could be looking at the same thing but see something completely different depending on where they were. This one looked like a…letter X, but who’s to say it wasn’t a plus sign?

She was so preoccupied that she almost tripped on the Force aura that presented itself, so sudden was it. It was on the edge of her senses and there was no telling if the owner had identified her too. But as she picked up her pace, one thing was sure - he soon would.

She kept her robe on. It may not come to a conflict, so best not to go in looking like you wanted a fight - plus that was never the Jedi way. A peaceful conflict was always the best option. Except not one Sith she’d ever met had read that part of the Jedi Code. They never came quietly. Never, ever.

So she pulled the Force close to her and simply allowed it to guide her as she closed in on the presence - which didn’t seem to be moving. Either it was oblivious to her, or sitting on a rock waiting for her. Ever the optimist she hoped he was just preoccupied.

Time to add stupid to naïve as key personality traits.

[member="Asterion"]

 

[Stephanie Swail]

His fingers brushed up over his black stubble and into his eye sockets, rubbing gently as a number of thoughts raced through his mind. Since parting with the Empire of the Hand weeks ago, it was further evidence that the galaxy was being swallowed up by mindless beings without any clear sense of direction. They picked up broken pieces of ideas long gone by and tried to stick them together under a misshapen and ill-informed direction.

That wasn’t the way for a Sith Knight. Maybe one day the right Order would come to him, but for now he had his own agenda and his own goals.

And what made him exhale in frustration was the Force tremor he felt around the mountain. He had come here for peace, to be away from the chaos – but chaos always seemed to find him. Jedi rogues, Sith Lords – who did this aura belong to now.

He knew there was a confrontation eminent, there always was. It was up to Asterion how quickly it was ended. He wasn’t going to run or hide. He was here first. This was his time, and it was not the privilege of another to muscle their way in with some other agenda; capture or kill. It was surely one.

Dark eyes bore out between his fingers as he brought them down, resting his elbows on his knees as he looked out and waited for the figure to crest the clearing behind him and make themselves, and their intention, known.


[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus was not used to playing the role of the hunter. Or did it count if the prey was waiting for you? Either way, she was decidedly taking the lead and for her it was a new experience. It wasn’t that she would jump straight into a fight, but nor was she willing to just chat with her dance-partner and allow them to lead.

So she continued to walk purposefully and as she crested the hill she was climbing she saw a clearing up ahead and a man. He looked tired. Tired and mean. Tired and mean and decidedly angry. There was a way he simply sat there, elbows on knees, waiting for her arrival.

He’d sensed her coming that much was assured. He’d chosen to neither run nor stand and prepare to fight. He was either arrogant, assured of himself or just plain stubborn. Or perhaps a blend of all three.

She resisted the urge to drop her cloak just yet. Momentarily closing her eyes, she entered Center of Being. Usually she’d have faced a dozen insults by now – and historically she played the quiet card. Now it seemed the roles were reversed – and she found this slightly unsettling. Empty vessels made most noise didn’t they? His Force aura was strong and he had the appearance of a warrior.

Slowing her walk she continued to approach him but halted when she’d got to within twenty feet. Hands on hips, her saber and shoto were clearly visible, dangling from her belt. Nodding to the man she stared him down, her violet eyes unblinking. “Locals said there was a Sith around here. It makes them uneasy and the local businesses find that sort of thing impacts on their profits. It seems the workers don’t take kindly to the threat of death. So…care to explain what you’re doing here?”

[member="Asterion"]

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Asterion felt the Jedi first before hearing her voice…and it was a her, how unusual.

Lifting his chin and running his fingers down his neck, he listened and continued looking out to the dark horizon. Her aura was strong; that of a Master; strong with discipline, of nerve and of determination.

A voice that was soft and full of purpose wrapped itself around him as she spoke. The Knight simply stayed still and breathed deeply at her lecture. Why was it all Jedi had to announce themselves with a righteous purpose? Why couldn’t they be honest in their drive to control, to hunt and to destroy? They were one step away from the Dark Side and they knew it.

”So now this all comes down to profit. Funny, here I was minding my own business not bothering with anyone.”

His voice was low, not a growl, but devoid of emotion but full of distaste for her already. Who was she anyway to act on behalf of an entire population.

That was her control.

”I’ve not threatened anyone, I’ve not talked to anyone and I’ve not faced anyone. So you tell me something, Jedi.”

This was her hunt.

Asterion turned his head slightly to the right to aim his conversation out to her.

”What are YOU doing here.”

This was her out to destroy. Unprovoked and unnecessary. The Dark Side wins.


[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

He was a brute of a man, she’d give him that. So many Sith were women and it wasn’t until she saw him that this thought occurred to her. Her usual challenge was overcoming subtlety, cruelty and trickery. Now she could be wrong but she suspected this was going to be a different sort of encounter.

And he avoided looking at her initially. She found this, disconcerting. And finally he spoke, his voice deep and as strong as he looked, a hint of gravel to it. And she paid him the courtesy of speaking, this might yet end peacefully. Except when he’d finished she was less sure.

“This is a Republic planet and the corporation pays taxes to ensure basic things like safety. Now where they come from, a Sith wandering around doesn’t constitute not bothering.”

She could tell instantly he didn’t like her.

“You see, your presence alone is a threat. And as to why I’m here, I was invited. The people that govern this planet, they asked me to come here and ask you politely to leave.”

She wasn’t going to provoke him any more than she probably already had. She could almost empathise with him. Almost. But there was a country mile between that and true empathy.

“So what’s it going to be?”

[member="Asterion"]

 

[Stephanie Swail]

All he could hear apart from the natural movement of the plates under the mountains, under the soft crash of the waves below and the rumble of the thunder in the distance, was a desperate Jedi preaching.

Rolling his tongue across his bottom teeth, Asterion flexed his right hand slowly but firmly. His knuckles turned white with bone; veins rose as the blood pumped and his heart maintained a steady beat. More proof that the Jedi thought they could police the entire galaxy.

"I'm not wandering and I'm not bothering anyone, sweetheart."

The irritation was bubbling away - the lava steadily replacing the blood that filled his veins and his muscles. He knew the Jedi way and he knew the Sith. Question was, when did Asterion ever play by the rules of what was expected.

"What are you going to do, Jedi, when I continue to sit here without posing a threat to anyone. I know your codes, your practices and your moral ethics."

Dark eyes looked up at the clouds above and his skin bristled with the cool breeze wrapping around him.

"Now. Go and find someone else to waste your time with because I don't have any to waste on you."

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

She was aware that the planet was telling her something. Over and above any warning the Force was sharing, the ground was trembling. A romantic would suggest it was some classic foreshadowing of what was about to happen. Corvus was always more pragmatic. It was volcanic activity – no more and no less. How soon it manifested itself in something more powerful was anyone’s guess. Unless you had a degree in the subject and the correct equipment of course. She had neither.

And there was a sound she wasn’t used to thrown in for good measure. She was familiar with constant repartee and jibes. Or at least banter. This Sith? He seemed the quiet and reflective type. She was almost surprised he wasn’t wearing glasses and smoking a pipe.

His response to her sounded measured. She had expected things to heat up by now. Either that or diffuse. Instead this seemed to be building…brewing…bubbling.. Glancing at the volcano, the metaphor wasn’t lost on her.

Ignoring the sweetheart jibe, she sighed audibly. “You’re here and you’re not wanted. That makes it bothering in my book. And I appreciate your reflections on my Code.” Her face showed no appreciation. Neither did her voice. “You have been asked to move along and if I have to I’ll have no choice but to arrest you and see what else we can add to your currently very slim rap sheet.”

She sighed again. “I’m giving you a chance here. You know my Code. I will do whatever it takes if I have to. Only you can dictate what that entails.” She shook her head in quiet resignation.

Why, oh why did they never come quietly?

[member="Asterion"]

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBo5OW7Un1c

His breathing was slow and steady, and he felt the irritation and annoyance surging inside him; the fact she was still here prattling on was enough to irk him, but to continue to lecture what he should be doing? That was plain rude.

Dark eyes came back down to the ground and his head again cocked sideways slightly as she spoke – that silky voice devoid of reasoning but full of intent, a typical robotic Jedi prophet.

Why did they all have to be so predictable?

He didn’t have time for this, and he was just about done with being spoken to like a whelp.

Pushing down on his knees with his hands, Asterion rose and turned, moving away from the rock he sat on to face the Jedi. He looked straight past how pretty she was for your average Jedi warrior, and instead saw nothing but the ego of the Jedi once more trying to contain him.

He stayed still, arms by his side, fists clenched. His breathing was deep and steady, but his dark eyes burned with the hate of being pushed out of a place he wanted to be.

Feeding on the natural darkness around him, Asterion didn’t break his gaze with her and held it for a second, picturing her skull between his hands as she fell before the Knight.

”Come then. Arrest me.”

His heart raced in anticipation; feeling her prodding of his mind with the Force to know things weren’t going how she had foreseen.

Control. Hunt. Destroy.


[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Yep, he was a volcano all right.

She wasn't sure if he was goading or taunting her but the intent was there. He wasn't moving and he wasn't going to make the first move. Another first in a day of them. She stepped forward, still in Center of Being. Her sabers were still clipped her her belt.

But she wasn't stupid. She kept out of immediate saber range and slowed. "The problem is that your words and your actions - they're sending me conflicting signals. Your mouth - now that has the right idea but the rest of your body hasn't got the message yet."

She felt her body momentarily tense but relaxed it. 'Trust in the Force' she told herself. She took another step forward. If he grabbed his saber and swung now, she'd be in range. But that was a risk she'd just have to take. "Come on, neither of us needs to get hurt here."

[member="Asterion"]

 

[Stephanie Swail]

As the Jedi started to walk forward, Asterion welcomed it.

"Two lightsabers. What's wrong? Nervous?"

Each step was full of hesitation but also full of duty; a duty to police the planet and take him in. The Sith held his arms out wide, his weapon visible and his face set in stone.

"If you're going to do something, do it quick."

And then...he moved.

With the Force energy brimming at his palms that had been bubbling away from sheer anger, he snapped his arms down to send a shockwave out towards the Jedi, aiming to knock her balance and send her sprawling backwards - it was all he needed to move down to rip the hilt from his belt to grip in his palm.

"Too slow."

And with his right boot he raised it and slammed it down into the rocky ground using the Force as a barrier to rupture the ground around him, trying to create a sense of disorientation and uneven terrain. With a snarl on his face, he held his hilt outwards, aimed behind his back.

"Come on, Jedi - let's see that blade of yours! Do what your kind do best and attack when provoked."

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACYI5QpiUPs

Well at least the jibes had started. This felt more familiar territory. And with the benefit of hindsight, this is when she should have reacted. He’d caught her off-guard. The Force knew what he was up to. The Force tried to warn her but she wasn’t listening. She was too focused on him and his differences to the Sith she’d faced before.

Too much not in the here and now.

She felt the Force wave coming and leaped backwards. She did her best to pull the Force to her, to enter Force Valor but her efforts were clumsy and slow. She performed a full somersault using his energy to fuel the leap but landed awkwardly and fell to one knee. As she discarded her robe he acted again and instead of getting up, she was on both knees now. The ground was all broken up – she assumed though his actions rather than the volcano’s but the end result was the same.

Her hands were in front of her – palms on the ground, a reflex action that had stopped her falling flat on her face. She may need a manicure when this was over, but she’d have to check her nails later – because right now she was staring up at a beast of a man with a face that could sour blue milk and he held his saber ready to activate.

A combination of the Force now screaming at her to listen and self-preservation meant she lifted her right hand off the ground and her saber flew to her outstretched palm. But she didn’t activate it yet. Closing her eyes momentarily she tried to tell the Force that she had paid attention and was most certainly back in the here and now.

Her violet eyes locked onto his and she spoke slowly and calmly. ”A Jedi only activates his saber when he is prepared to take a life. It’s not too late for you to end this now.” After all, she had to plan to succeed before resorting to Plan B.

[member="Asterion"]

 

[Stephanie Swail]

She was quick and nimble, but clumsy. Stupid? No. Just clumsy – putting all her focus into the here and now, not thinking a few steps ahead. However, Asterion nodded slowly as she used his repulsion and arrived back on the floor, not on her feet but still in a position ready to pounce like an animal.

The saber flew to her hand.

Asterion hovered over the activation button on his hilt, but her words stopped him. Oh, how he relished the feeling of fear from a Jedi and that desperation to stop them crossing the line.

He started to walk towards her with power and intent.

”So take my life and be the thing you swore to destroy – a cold-blooded murderer.”

With her body scrambling back as expected, Asterion as in range of her, not stopping to balance on the terrain and he brought his right arm upwards, hilt in hand, moving with the rhythm of his walk, aiming for her stomach.

If she was still clumsy enough to expect a blade, then on impact he would use his momentum to take her in hand, and toss her across the rocks.

He hadn’t had a plaything for a while.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

She felt his approach as much as she saw it. He was a formidable foe but she had other attributes – some he may not be expecting.

She saw his hand on his saber, he hadn’t ignited it yet and the Force hadn’t nudged her to activate hers either. So she waited for his move.

”I do not want to take anyone’s life. I am a Jedi. But if I have to, I shall.” The conversations were shorter than she was used to.

He continued to advance on her and she both sensed and saw his saber hilt swing in an arc upwards. She realised he was not going to use his blade. He intended to punch her to death if he could. Now what was it that Tracyn had taught her all those years ago when she’d first arrived on Ossus? Never punch with a telegraphed warning. Her Teräs Käsi training kicked in. Her response was a short blow, hardly any pull-back in her arm. The power came only from the speed. It wasn’t called Steel Hands for nothing. Usually it was a blow that could shatter a dummy or break three ribs. But that was with a decent fighting stance and good balance. What she managed to do with her left hand was force the blow up, stopping the full force hitting her in the solar plexus. Again, Tracyn told her never to hit there – but now was not the time to give the Sith lessons.

The blow glanced her ribs and a tell-tale crack said one was going to need more than a quick bacta-pack. The pain was momentary as the force of the hit sent her falling backwards and she landed with a thump on her posterior. Now that hurt.

But rather than try another manoeuvre, she sat where she was and pulled the Force to her. When he made his next move, she’d be ready for him.

[member="Asterion"]

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Shaking the ache from his fist and flexing his hand, Asterion looked down on the girl and shook his head.

”Why are you even here? What did you hope to gain by sticking your authority where it wasn’t needed?”

He pointed his right hand, holding the hilt, down to her.

”You just push people to breaking point, goading them. You’re a coward who will push others to strike first and then act in self-defence as a reason to take their life.”

Turning his head, he looked up at the volcanic terrain around them, both on their level and up above.

”I’m going to enjoy this.”

With a snarl, he pulled his boot back and shuffled forward to land a kick in her right side.

What did she expect when she poked and prodded the Minotaur? He wasn’t here to play by the rules and she’d know that by now.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

She looked up at him. On the plus side she seemed to have hurt his hand. On the down side he looked even more angry than before.

“I’m here because I was invited. Because I was asked to move you on. None of this...” She waved her hand at the devastation he’d caused. “Is about me. This is all your doing.”

She sensed his motion a fraction before she saw it. With Force Valor she was able to leap just before his boot connected. She travelled a good twenty feet in the air and somersaulting over his head she landed behind him and facing his back. “OK,” she said, “We’ll play it your way.”

And she ignited her saber, the violet blade pointing towards the ground to her right. “I’m genuinely sorry it’s come to this.” Her eyes were gazing directly into the back of his head, she was not going to attack him from behind - at least not until the fight started proper. “I’ve given you a couple of shots. I’m afraid the gloves are now proverbially off.”

[member="Asterion"]

 

[Stephanie Swail]

As he followed through where her ribs should have been, Asterion moved and looked up and over as the Jedi jumped with the Force carrying her like the wind. She landed just as gentle. It was obvious she was now finding her feet.

Asterion turned to face her, about to speak - the violet blade burst into life.

"Violet? Never seen one of those before."

Looking into her eyes, ignoring the blade humming below her, the Sith sighed and span the hilt in his hand, looking at it. He then flicked his eyes to the Jedi.

He activated the crimson blade with a snap-hiss, the red illuminating his face.

"I'm afraid mine isn't as glamorous - but it's just as deadly."

The blades hummed together in unison, and the low rumble beneath their feet signalled there was just as much activity underneath the soil as there was about to be above it. With a satisfying snarl, Asterion swung his arm hard and fast, the blade moving towards her head vertically.


[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus smiled as he commented on her saber. “Well I’d like to say I’ve never met a Sith before that fights dirty - but I’d be lying.”

She watched as his own saber ignited and suddenly there was a more familiar feel to the situation. Two Force-users facing off in a dance to the death. And then she felt it and she knew he did too - that rumble underfoot said they weren't the only ones fighting today. The volcano was ready to rumble too.

And she brought her attention back to her opponent just as he swung for her. With his power she couldn’t risk blocking him - the force of the blow could shatter her forearm. So she parried his blade to her right and at the same time her shoto snapped to her left hand and a tell-tale snap-hiss would tell him she’d ignited it in the same movement, its blade jabbing directly at his ribs.

She may be know for her preference of Soresu but since creating her shoto on Tatooine, she’d been working just as hard on the sixth Form. But the efficiency of movement carried from her usual style and the use of speed and grace over power. Even a novice could see their two styles were so very different yet in an odd way complimentary.

[member="Asterion"]

 

[Stephanie Swail]

The second ignition from the Jedi caught his attention, and caused a reflex retreat in his footing to avoid a surprise attack. He exhaled slightly at the sudden swipe. It seemed this was more than an arrest warrant - it was a culling of Sith.

"Seems I'm not the only one fighting dirty, sweetheart."

Gripping the crimson blade in his right hand, he stood back and assessed the situation - this was unlike anything he'd faced before. The fact his confrontation with Jedi has resulted more in physical and verbal barrages compared to saber skills was his greatest Achilles heel. This would be a test not to win, but to survive.

He lunged in a single powerful motion that he hoped would attract both blades of hers to block and scissor, and in doing do would sweep the legs from under her. It was balance and disorientation that would be his greatest target to get the upper hand on this one.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]