Private A Different Kind of Dark Side

[Phadia Alshu]

Location: Lost temples on the world of Crispor
Objective: Find a lost Sith holocron or information relating to it's whereabouts
Equipment: Lightsaber, two-sided dagger
Tags: Lu Ziez

Phadia exited her tie fighter into the cold arctic, the snow crunching below her feet as she moved forward. The ancient runes sprawled out in a magnificent grace in front of her. The frozen environment had preserved most of their glory, and it was almost breathtaking. Phadia closed her eyes and stopped walking as she attempted to get control of her thoughts; she knew this was important, and she had to maintain focus. The holocron she was hunting for was said to maintain ancient secrets of the Sith that could help her gain more power, something that she desired beyond understanding. She reopened her eyes and proceeded forward.

She made the long hike through the hills before the temples, her lungs hurting with each breathe. The cold air was something she was not used to, but she knew with every passing moment it would make her stronger in the long run. As she moved even closer to the large buildings, she began to sense a disturbance. It felt cold... but not in the same kind of way as the harsh environment. She sucked in a gasp of air as the shock of someone arriving before her set in. She knew that this would likely mean a fight, but she was prepared to do what she must.

Phadia finished making her way through the tundra and entered the ancient temples, as she felt the building almost vibrate with power. She knew the ancient people who once lived here must have had a strong connection with the force. She peaked her ears, listening for the presence she had felt earlier. She heard footsteps reverberate off the hall to the left, so she turned and followed. The hall led to a magnificent room with writings in a lost all over the walls, the inscriptions glittering with a gold finish. Between two pillars stood a figure, back facing towards her, looking down at something.

"Excuse me," Phadia said in her sing-song voice, "I think you're a little lost."

 

[Lu Ziez]

CRISPOR
MID RIM​

Crispor was not a system that Lu Ziez had ever visited, nor one that she was actually familiar with, though finding it was not too difficult. Deep in Silver Jedi space, the Nautolan's route down the Mara Corridor had been somewhat perilous, an engagement with the Silver Jedi fleet in her ship was a death sentence. However, she had found her way, following orders from above and took to the endeavour with open arms.

The planet was shrouded entirely in frost and a bitter wind, seemingly constantly carrying hail and sleet, whipped its way around the planet, needling whatever bare skin it could latch it's freezing teeth into. It was an entirely unpleasant experience planetside, though as the ancient ruins of some forsaken civilisation loomed ahead, the ordeal seemed almost worth it. It hadn't taken long either to locate the device she sought; the man who had ordered her to venture out into Silver space had estimated as much. No booby traps, hidden Sith spirits or lurking bandits had arrived to tackle her and so she roamed the halls of the ancient ruin with nonchalant curiosity for several hours, finally coming upon a grand hall.

The hall was marvellous; golden script danced across the wall as a burning beam of sunlight shot from a hidden slit, illuminating a red triangular object placed upon a stand in the centre of the room. This is what she had been looking for, as it would guide her to her next target on her search for an ancient Sith Holocron, which her superior yearned for deeply. She also desired the knowledge locked inside that little holocron, knowledge which would arm her with invaluable assets for securing her Darth title.

She would prove herself to the Sith Loremaster. She would not fail.

The Dark Side of the Force was so strong in this place was so strong that it seemingly helped to mask the signature of the other Sith, and in her obsession with the small holocron-esque device held in her gloved hand, she had almost neglected to sense the presence of a second until the very last moment before her reveal. The Force screamed danger.

The Apprentice's chirpy voice irritated the Nautolan, and she turned around slowly, levitating the device with telekinesis, her eyes deep with angst and distrust at the other Sith approaching her. She trusted nobody except herself, especially this far away from her Empire's borders. As an Overseer, however, she had had a hand in the instruction of great a many Acolytes and Apprentices in the various Sith Academies in Sithspace, though her face was unknown to her. "Don't distress yourself, child." she spat, taking the time to regard her for a moment, evaluating whether she would be friend or foe. "Now, I haven't seen your face before.. Enlighten me."

Phadia Alshu

 

[Phadia Alshu]

Phadia's yellow eyes followed the device as it lifted up into the air. The Mirialan's presence seemed to startle the person, and a small smile crept across her face as she became amused. She slowly moved towards the Nautolan, each step taken with precise caution, as she still didn't know whether the person meant any harm. Her intentions couldn't be great though, Phadia thought, given the snarkiness in her tone. As she made her way farther into the room, she stopped at one of the massive marble pillars and leaned against it, the cold soaking through her robes and seeping into her bones.

"I go by Phadia," she said in her best back-country accent. The mockery brought up a bubbling laugh, and she knew she sounded half-mad as she did her best to intimidate the Sith. Returning to her normal voice, she continued "I am here on official business on behalf of my master."

Phadia's eyes once again darted from the Nautolan to the device. She tried moving it towards her, but it did not budge. Concentrating, she attempted to center in on it, willing the force around her to move the object, but was still met with resistance. She even moved her hand up, beckoning towards it, but the others person will bent over her own. Her brow furrowed in frustration as her eyes moved back and locked on to Nautolan once again. Her power was strong, Phadia had to give her that, but she needed that object.

"Your power is impressive. May I ask who you are?" She said haughtily.

 

[Lu Ziez]

The Mirialan's words were not very effective on the Sith Overseer, who's amphibious face remained nonchalant and passive as she spoke in a strange accent. It seemed many Sith aspirants went through this stage; a stage of insanity and hubris supported by their growing control over the Dark Side. The Bogan was a slippery master, and only the strongest were able to bend it to her will. She felt the tug of the Force on the pyramid, hovering above her green hands, but nothing more. A smile crept its sly way across her lips, painting her face for a brief moment with a triumphant light. Arrogance is the downfall of all great Sith. Do not underestimate her for even a second. She whispered to herself, stepping slowly down the tiered platform, eyes glaring with unreadable intent at the Mirialan. Her orbs, swirling with a dark crimson edge were typically devoid of emotion for non-Nautolans, to her, they betrayed her feelings of mistrust and a natural curiosity to toy with the Apprentice. "Never heard of you." she retorted, allowing her telekinetic grip on the map to subside, before placing it into a suitable pocket within her cloak.

"Official business on behalf of your master..." she echoed, now beginning to circle around the other Sith, taking a good look at her form, mentally preparing herself and plotting for the inevitable battle. She was Mirialan, that was for sure. Juyo? Ataru? Which form would she take and would her own Makashi be able to effectively counter her inevitable speed and flexibility. Probably. Their difference in command over the Force had already been demonstrated, with Lu being clearly much more powerful than the other. For now, she would engage Phadia Alshu in this verbal exchange. "So you're a child." Not waiting for protest, she continued.

"My name is Lu Ziez. I am Sith." stated resolutely, before elaborating "I imagine your master's and my own interests overlap somewhat. Tell me more about him." she pressed, seeking to confirm her mounting suspicions. She had not heard of this, Phadia character mentioned amongst the ranks of Sith who had defected from the Sith Empire to join Darth Voyance's league of heretics, but the mention of a master may just be more recognisable.

Lu came to a stop where she began, the pacing allowing her to keep her rapidly cooling frame somewhat active in the bitter environment of Crispor.

 

[Phadia Alshu]

Phadia cringed inside at the question. Her analytical mind told her that the Lu Ziez's power, combined with the fact she did not recognize her, meant she likely belonged to The Sith Empire. She knew this could lead to altercation, given her motivations likely wouldn't line up with her Phadia's. She she shoved her uneasiness aside and lifted her chin up, her red flowing hair tousling around her neck. "Always defend that which you are prideful in". Her masters words rang through her head as she began to speak.

"I apprentice under Darth Avernus, but do not mistake my inexperience for weakness" she stated sharply.

She bit her lip as she considered her next words carefully. On one hand, Phadia knew going to battle with the Sith over the device would mean a heavy wound or death. Though she was more willing to die than return from this mission a failure, her death served no one, especially not herself.

"That device is part of a set, and it seems you have the last piece I need. Let me have it and I won't show you what years of training under Avernus has taught me" she said, instilling each word with false confidence.

 

[Lu Ziez]

The name of Darth Avernus pricked up untouched emotions within Lu Ziez, and at once she felt the familiar tingling of the Dark Side coursing through her blackened veins, the surge of power filling her, infiltrating every fibre and sinew of her amphibious body, her heart quickening as she prepared her body for battle through the Dark Side. Such heresy would not be tolerated, and her rage at the Mirialan's treachery was difficult to keep under control; to an appropriate level where she could actually wield it. From the folds of her robes, she summoned a lightsaber the cool metal of her curved-hilt resting comfortably and with invaluable experience in her gloved hand. Her fingers toyed with the ignition, the blade cracking into life, bathing the grand hall in the trademark red glow of the Sith.

Anger flooded the Sith Knight, a tidal wave of emotion which she could use in the inevitable duel she would have with the Apprentice. Pragmatism soon replaced her blind fury at the Apostate's statement. This Mirialan could lead her to Darth Avernus himself, and from there she could take out one of the heretic Sith Lords who had split from the Empire. That would gain her favour amongst the higher Lords... But first she had to test Phadia's worth.

Her words fell on deaf ears and Ziez glared with malicious intent at the Mirialan, the hiss of her lightsaber filling the room with an eerie atmosphere. "I am curious to see where your master has failed." she spoke calmly, pointing her blade at the other woman, before saluting in the typical style of a Makashi user. "Now. If you wish to take this from me, You shall have to prise it from my dead body."

Phadia Alshu

 

[Phadia Alshu]

Phadia winced, seeing the actions before Lu had taken them. Precognition was a gift Phadia had learned to value, but it could be ominous. As the words actually came out of the amphibious creature's mouth, Phadia reached for her own lightsaber, quickly grasping it and assuming form. She could fill the air vibrate with the power of both blades extended. She quickly moved away from the pillar, not wanting to get trapped against it. Phadia could feel Lu's anger and thought she may be struggling to keep it under control. A smile flashed across her face. If this was a weakness she could exploit, the Nautolan was sure to make a grave mistake within combat.

"I'll be glad to oblige. But be wary, my master has had very little shortcomings" she said mockingly, while winking on the last word.

She let out another maniacal laugh and lunged at her enemy. Her arm shot out, arcing wide, her blade just barely missing the Nautolan.

 

[Lu Ziez]

The Overseer could barely stifle her amusement, not even moving a muscle as the Apprentice's blade missed her, her attack unbalanced by arrogance and hubris. Such weaknesses were easy to exploit with the art of Dun Moch and perhaps it was an opportunity to instruct this learner on the more intricate details of lightsaber combat. "Pathetic." she hissed, not taking the chance to sever the Mirialan in two, or thrust her blade into her midriff, and instead slid backwards, one hand gripping her blade with pressure only practise can bring. "Makashi, or the Contention Form is the second form of lightsaber combat, and the one you will be up against today, Padawan." the Nautolan mocked, withholding her attack for a moment, before elaborating on the form. "I use my feet to levy an advantage, I use my blade to procure precise and deadly strikes with minimal effort; strikes, which against your shoddy bladework should be simple." A smile worked its way across her face this time, and again she awaited the attack of the other woman.

With these few moments of Dun Moch, Ziez had attempted to throw the Mirialan off-balance and yet also calmed herself and allowed the anger that had threatened to bubble above the surface to die down and be more efficiently channelled into the Sith Knight, preventing silly mistakes by heightening her reactions and speed. This could all be a facade; and the Mirialan could in fact be a Sith Lady in hiding waiting for the Nautolan's confidence to peak before quickly dismantling her. Or, it could be a silly child who would lead the Sith Empire to her traitorous master's lair. Either way, she awaited her second assault, her lightsaber this time held in a more defensive position to await the inevitable flurry of rage-imbued assaults against her blade.

Phadia Alshu

 

[Phadia Alshu]

Phadia raised her eyebrows at the sith's words. Though she understood the strengths of all the fighting styles, she herself favored Ataru, never giving your partner a break until you wore them down. She breathed in with intention, observing each molecule in the force around her. Phadia knew she would have to remain focused and driven to defeat the Nautolan.

"Makashi may be a favored form for you, but it typically relies on outsmarting your opponent, and I highly doubt that'll be happening today" she stated cooley.

She took another few steps for her, concentrating her energy on her footwork, before swinging out widely again. The Nautolan met her blow with ease. She pushed through and swung again, this time their blades becoming locked. Her eye's shot up and met with Lu Ziez 's, and Phadia could see the arrogance behind them.

 

[Lu Ziez]

Lu met the other Sith's strikes with ease, the first one deflecting off her blade with a simple flourish to misdirect it. Each strike was whispered to the Nautolan before the other Sith had even so much as conceived its possibility within her mind. As their two blades locked, the Nautolan's eyes flashed with anger as she channelled it through her body, the one hand she held on her lightsaber easily repelling the Acolyte with surprising power.

With a resounding push, she attempted to force the Mirialan from the lock with her own blade, before starting her own onslaught. She would move forward, footwork without fault and not giving a moment's respite, her drills and training apparent in her merciless flurry of precise and calculating strikes, the Force augmenting her speed and concentration. Her aim was to disarm, with that by severing a hand or the Mirialan's lightsaber in two, Ziez was not fussy.

For the plan that was quickly hatching within her mind, she needed the learner alive.

Phadia Alshu

 

[Phadia Alshu]

Phadia was thrown back as she felt the force reverberate around her, but she managed to land slyly on her feet. She reassumed form quickly and watched as Lu came closer. And just like that, the Nautolan was on her. Phadia managed to meet the first few blows with ease, but one got past her, slicing her arm. She embraced the pain and let it empower her. I will not fail, she said in her head, her passion and drive only further fueling her power. Phadia continued meeting her blows, blade to blade, for what seemed to stretch on forever. However, Phadia enjoyed the fight, with dueling always being a hobby of hers. She even came to admire Lu Ziez 's form and footwork. She knew if she did manage to live, she would take lessons with her from this battle. Suddenly, Phadia felt a shooting pain in her left hand. She looked down, and saw blood dripping from it. Lu had managed to take it off cleanly, though most of the flesh had cauterized over from her blade. Anger surged through her at the sight. Though she was left hand dominant, she refused to give up this fight. She rolled over where the hand had fallen, and picked up her blade once again. She began circling the Nautolan, knowing she would have to go on the defensive from here on out.

 

[Lu Ziez]

Elation coursed through her body as she won the battle, for the moment. In a whirlwind of crimson blades, the Nautolan's form had prevailed and her lightsaber cleanly scored two hits; one burning her flesh on her arm and the next cleaving it clean off in one fell swoop. With this, she moved backwards, her voice and blade filling the room with a deep hiss and boom as she spoke her next poisonous words.

"Impressive..." Lu hissed contemptuously, allowing a moment to judge the younger apprentice before her, feeling her anger seeth within her and the pain. "Your form is inept, your lightsaber, a plaything." she mocked further, twirling her blade whilst lunging forward, her body imbued with the strength of the Dark Side for one final, rage-driven onslaught against the child's defences. With effort, she initiated a saber-lock, pressing down with all her weight and power against the Mirialan's blade, pushing her back to unbalance her and ultimately push her saber back; back to her face with the effect of scoring her eyes and blinding her. "You can do so much better, Padawan..." she snarled, before continuing with careful lexis. "It seems you have chosen the wrong side of this, Holy War. Mistakes can be forgiven, young one. You can join me."

Phadia Alshu

 

[Phadia Alshu]

The blades came precariously close to Phadia's face as the Nautolan snapped out the words. She could feel the force behind the blade, pushing ever so closer to her eyes. She let her power and focus flow through her, and pushed back with all her might. After a few seconds, she was able to move her blade out of the lock and danced away with beautiful footwork.

"I will never join your rotten empire; it's time is limited before it is dismantled" She growled back while circling Lu.

She then lunged with renewed vigor, eager to end this match. She may have lost a hand, but she would not be defeated. She slashed at her legs with a wide arc, then doubled back, going for her arm. While doing so, Phadia leg flung out in an attempt at tripping the nautolan. If she could get her off her feet, maybe that would be the advantage she needed to end this.

 

[Lu Ziez]

Lu's feet moved in similar fashion, stepping out of danger from a swift retribution, before she had a chance to end the battle, choosing now to ignore the Mirialan, the Force warned her of the danger and her feet instinctively leaped over the arc, her blade quickly redirected the strike away from her arm, opening up Phadia's defences. With the low sweep inevitable at this point, and dark energy coursed through her veins quickly, culminating in a powerful blast of Force lightning from her free hand, aiming to strike her enemy squarely in the chest. The stream of dark energy did not relent as she fell backwards, and she allowed her lightsaber to deactivate and fall to the ground beside her as her second hand joined in the brutal assault.

A true Sith did not need their lightsaber to kill, and this Nautolan was far from beaten, even from this compromised position.

Phadia Alshu

 

[Phadia Alshu]

Phadia let slip a victorious smile as she managed to knock over the sith, but it quickly faded as a moment of recognition flashed before her eyes. In in, she saw a bright light emanating from the Nautolan's hands. Her own hands flew up instinctually, and she was almost too late as the blast erupted in front of her. Her own lightening met Lu's in a loud thunderous clap, the sheer force of it pushing her back. She managed to regain her balance and steady herself as the stream continued out of her hands. It was almost a wondrous sight to behold, the air so charged with static it made your hair stand up. Phadia pushed herself more, but her string of lightening was losing ground against the Nautolan's. She dropped her focus and instantly rolled, the bolt putting a hole in the wall behind where she had just been standing.

"Is that the best you can do?" She called out tauntingly.