In the Concrete Jungle...

[Hakan Venttuss]

Lo-Budget Droid/Shipworks Inc. - Nar Shaddaa​

Nar Shaddaa, what a planet this was. Nothing but a massive expanded slum, some have even dubbed this place "worse than Tatooine". But, it was a place that, unfortunately, a certain future-sith called home.
That bright prospect was known as Hakan Venttuss, although this poor brother of seven had no idea what resided in him apart from despair and hatred, feeling like he would be stuck in this dump for the rest of his seemingly-worthless existence. He was being paid for the job he was doing here, but that was the only thing stopping what he was doing from being dubbed as bona-fide slavery.

The shirtless 17 year old stood at a modest 5"10 with a very solid build due to lifting up heavy ship parts, which infact he was doing now, as he attempted to push a hyperdrive into a smuggler's ship.
His usually pure white hair was stained by oil, splatters of oil on his chest, staining his khaki work pants and black work boots, his fingers completely blackened by the tough nature of the work he was doing.
He grunted as he pushed it up the ship's cargo ramp, beads of blackened, murky, blackened sweat dripping off his hair and forehead, he grit his teeth, this hyperdrive wasn't light, then again so wasn't the rusted cargo ship in front of him, so it needed a big hyperdrive.
After a few minutes he had pushed it into its proper location. Then focusing on the proper wiring. And with that it was time he tested the connections.
Walking to the front of the ship he started it up, the display reading.

Engine Systems: Active
Hyperdrive Systems: ...

And as the second status report popped up, the hyperdrive made a whining noise, and then a pop, as smoke billowed out of it, oops.
Well, it was a crappy hyperdrive, but his Rodian boss was having none of it as he screeched at him incomprehensibly to step outside, well. Even he knew what he was in for now.
The Rodian ordered him to put his hands behind his head and stand on his knees, which he did, not mustering up the courage to defy his employer.
The Rodian unfurled a whip from his belt, and with a swift crack, struck poor Hakan straight on his back, opening up his skin, blood slowly cascading down his back as he let out a yelp, tears forming instinctively in his eyes.
@[member=[COLOR=rgb(200,199,198)]Kära Vi'dreya][/COLOR]

 

[Lief]

From the shadows she watched, bathed in darkness; the Force had led her here, to the lower sector of Nar Shaddaa. As with most city-planets, the grime seemed to collect down here, away from the tourist traps, and slavery seemed to reign supreme. Of course, for the most part it was hidden behind false pretences; but money did not make freedom. The slavery did not bother the Sith Lady who made her way through the city-planet. Her business dealt with such, not openly of course, and many of her servants were in-fact slaves.

But her destination today was not the spice dens or run-down cantina's this sector had to offer... On the contrary, it was instead a small business of starship workers. As ever, she did not know exactly who she was looking for, not by sight. But her trust in the Force was grater than many of her kin', she had no desire to undermine it. After all, the Force had been her only companion for many years, all that had kept her going.

She did not approach the building right away, instead watching from afar. A ship had been docked down, and it seemed she was being drawn toward it. Kära did not have to move, however, as moments later a boy was called from inside. Obediently he left the ship and did an odd thing; he simply crouched down, ready for a whipping. That was something Kära never did to her slaves: they were raised into obedience, not broken.

With a frown she watched, as he took the beating. Something inside the Sith bristled; the Force had sent her here, she would not see a child of the Force's will harmed in such a way. As such, and without warning, she stepped forward. The Rodian began to feel severe pain spreading through his body, like wild fire it spread under his skin. "Pathetic creature; he who must assert his power in such a manner does not hold any true power" she spat, in Umbarese as opposed to Galactic Basic.

Her hand moved partially, and the Rodian was flung aside. Kära's attention was already away from the Rodian, however, and focused instead upon the child the Force had sent her to: a slave.

@[member="Hakan Venttuss"]

 

[Hakan Venttuss]

Hakan's face was contorted in what was obviously a perpetual wince as yet another scar would be added on the tanned skin of his bruised, scarred back, he sniffled a little, reaching his hand around to dab the wound with his fingers, inspecting them afterwards, bleeding. Just like every other time, yep, he had definitely gotten another scar now. Wonderful, absolutely wonderful.

Attempting to ignore the dripping crimson and sharp, sharp pain in his back he felt his anger flare up, all the rage and hatred, he did this because he needed to feed his family. He had to put up with this with no way of retaliating, and the poor pay meant he would deal with watching his mother slowly get sicker and sicker, a part of her slowly dying every single night, he had to surpress this however. He couldn't let his anger show, but he was sick of it, sick of taking every beating, every whipping and every sort of abuse in the book. This rage was borderline murderous intent at this point, all the suffering and all the pain he was going through formed a void inside him.

He could tell the Rodian was preparing another lash for him, he closed his eyes in anticipation, not wanting to see the impending pain arrive at its destination. But, the delay lasted longer than he expected and with that he heard a voice out of nowhere, it was incomprehensible to him as it was a language he couldn't recognize, but he heard the Rodian scream in agony, causing him to quickly turn his head, a surprised expression on his face.
The speed of which he turned his head allowed him to get a glimpse of the Rodian employer take a flight, he quickly turned around again behind him only to see a lady, how did his boss suddenly fly off like that? Obviously there was only one answer, The Force.
Hakan didn't know who to trust at this point, was she here to kill him too? He couldn't tell, he was defenseless at this point, the previous lash fatiguing him and he probably wouldn't be able to fight back even if an attack was launched so it was now time to see what the intentions of this Force-User were.
Incapable of mustering the will to speak, he just waited. Waited for an input in any way.
@[member="Kära Vi'dreya"]

 

[Lief]

The boy just stared at her, and it was obvious that he was pained and perhaps even scared. Stepping closer to him the woman lowered her gaze, not once taking her eyes off him. Another broken thing for the collection, it seems. The Force could be cruel sometimes. With a sigh she lowered herself to a crouch before him, her head tilting slowly to the left hand side. "What is your name?" she asked, in Galactic Basic this time. While awaiting his reply she did something odd, at least considering who she was. She reached out and settled a hand upon him. Through her hand she coursed the Force, allowing it to race through his body. Kära was no healer, however she knew how to remove any possible infections - given how filthy this place was - and how to ensure that his mind did not receive the sensation of pain.

Thus with Detoxify flowing through the body of the boy, any dirt or infection was cleansed from his being. Around this time his mind was tricked into ignoring the pain the lashes had caused. "Turn around" she said, and for whatever reason her voice was tender: the Force had led her here, to him, the least she could do was ensure he was fit to be transported away from this cesspool of a city-planet. From the background a tiny little droid beeped along, a series-2 Astromech. The funny little droid halted in place beside its mistress, with a soft boop. While the droid began its analysis of the boy before her, ensuring that the only issue with his health was the lash at his back and likely malnourishment, the Sith Lady reached into her robes and fumbled for some Bacta salve.

Now all she had to do was wait for answers and compliance from the boy.

@[member="Hakan Venttuss"]

 

[Hakan Venttuss]

It may have been unusual for someone who was almost an adult to be scared, but after spending his entire life getting lashed and being malnourished being scared wasn't difficult. Hakan looked up meekly, what did she want with him? Was this a mere change of employment or was this something else? But he decided to comply, he wasn't going to put up a fight against a woman who pretty much sent a strong Rodian employer sailing across an entire shipyard, that'd be suicide. Besides his back refused to move properly due to the lashes so he was in no position to put up a fight. Adding the fact that he was hardly nourished so he'd probably just end up throwing up and passing out if he even attempted a proper combat.

"Hakan. My name's Hakan, Hakan Venttuss." He quickly replied, just as meek as the way he looked at her, and with that she reached out and touched him, strange sight. Someone who looked like royalty touching someone who could be considered a slave, it was like something coming out of a medieval book of lore. But amazingly whatever stinging, searing pain the lashing had given him had somehow faded away from his mind. It was as if she was some kind of being sent by a deity themselves as she possessed some kind of healing touch, he was somewhat shocked, very shocked as a matter fact.

Co-operating willingly he turned himself around as he heard a series of beeps and boops, astromech droid. He could tell just by the sounds they made, he worked with way too many of these things in this industry, he expected that it was just doing an analysis. Astromech droids being very versatile in that way as they were capable of performing many different tasks.
"...Are you a Jedi?..." He asked, completely out of the blue.
@[member="Kära Vi'dreya"]

 

[Lief]

Good, he could recall his name. At least as far as she could tell. He seemed a little disorientated all the same, it would not be worthwhile having him die so soon. Definitely not. Bringing forth the salve she applied a heavy layer across his back, the Bacta working almost immediately to knit together the skin and keep out any infection. "Hakan" she repeated, with a small nod of her head. Then she reached out to his arm and tried to encourage him to stand. "I am no Jedi" she said, managing a grim smile. That was the first time she had ever been mistaken for such. How odd a sensation it was, how strange it felt to hear it.

For whatever reason she barely reacted, however. Sure, it was somewhat of an insult... Yet even a Sith could and should show compassion somewhere along the line. He who was forever destructive could reign over only ashes. And ashes made for poor company. "Come on, let's get you out of here" she murmured, turning her gaze across to the Rodian who had begun to move. Leaning the boy against her little R2 droid she turned around and faced the Rodian. "A credit for your troubles" she said, throwing a credit chip in his direction. He could find himself a new slave for all she cared.

Without another word she turned and began to escort the boy away. The drop-ship she had used was not too far, and once aboard the Judgement the boy could rest and begin to heal. She had already sensed his sensitivity in the Force and knew why she had been guided here. But there was no use kicking a fallen horse. No, his training would not begin until he was well nourished and capable to perform well.

@[member="Hakan Venttuss"]

 

[Hakan Venttuss]

The sickly-sweet smell of bacta was almost foreign to him, bacta was usually never applied to his wounds, justifying the immense scarring on his body because whenever Hakan suffered a work-related injury they'd just bandage him up and hope for the best. But it was relieving to feel a proper product which actually had an effect on his healing, a slight tingling-stinging sensation coursing through his body as the almost clear-blue product worked its magic and accelerated the young man's healing procedures, his injuries being taken care of it was only nourishment which remained, but that could be obtained.

He didn't know what laid in store but if this woman was as powerful as she was and not a Jedi, high chances were that she was a Sith and the grim smile convinced him that his speculations were true, which posed no problem to Hakan. The young man being rather oriented towards the Dark Side himself, his heart full of abuse, despair and hatred. His eyes radiating with the flames of anger. Telltale signs of a future Sith. Besides if the Jedi were around to restore order, why were they never there for him? They knew of the suffering Nar-Shadaa slum residents dealt with yet they never acted. If the Sith were the ones offering him his freedom and aiding him, he'd devote himself to their cause.

The teenager had so many questions and so little time. But his energy levels were low and he couldn't really muster up a conversation. The answers could wait for later but in the meantime he walked along with his savior, glancing a glare of death towards the Rodian as he boarded the dropship, his mind was a haze as so many questions fluttered. He may never see his family again. But this was for the best.
Hakan was a tough, fast-healing kid who had survived and thrived off the nitty-gritty streets of Nar-Shadaa, he'd be fit to train in no time, not after some rest and some proper nourishment however. And for some reason he felt as if things would brighten up as if he was going to achieve something. It was a very bizarre premonition, but the possibility was there and he had to remain optimistic for once in his life as he had essentially been removed from the rock-bottom position of his life.
@[member="Kära Vi'dreya"]

 

[Lief]

Kära led the boy away to her dropship, grateful that her trip to Nar Shaddaa had been so short. Once onboard the boy was seated for the journey between land and the Judgement, her Star Destroyer. The ship was far from orbit, which meant the journey took quite a while to make. "Rest" she had instructed the boy, while she comm'd ahead to explain the situation to the crew. When the ship finally docked into the hangar bay a medical team was on hand, removing Hakan from her presence to see to his well-being. Food was prepared and set before him, ready for when he awoke; it was basic and humble, yet at the same time wholly fulfilling and nutritional.

"Contact me the moment he awakens" she said to the medical team, as she made her way from the medical centre towards the bridge of the ship. "Make headway towards Teth, it is time to get back on track." There was much and more the Sith Lady had to tend to, and for now Hakan required his rest. Then, and only then, would he be ready to partake in her training regime. "Oh, and find @[member='Thyrian Ashborn']" she commanded, "I have need of him."

@[member="Hakan Venttuss"]

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

The man known as the Ashborn was sat meditating within his chambers aboard the Judgement, with his own ship - the Vhailor - sitting safely within the hangar much like himself. His master had demanded his presence, and he would abide by her word. His schooling of her younger brother, Xavier, had progressed well enough, and so he was able to direct his attention to other matters, such as his Queen. It didn't matter what her wishes were; he would see them fulfilled nonetheless. At the moment, however, he was in deep thoughts. There were still images of he who his master had described as his brother, Thurion. Since his rebirth, the visions had taken place in first person rather than third person, and he now experiences what he did before with his own eyes. He could feel his muscles and sinews tense up as he witnessed his brother's expression of sheer panic and hopelessness, just before he himself was fire and flames consumed and fell into darkness. His own screams woke him up from his meditative state, just like it always would. Thyrian snapped awake with sweat covering his naked upper-body, as strong and fit as could be, with his ashen skin branding him as one who has burned within the furnaces of the underworld itself. A knock was heard on his locked door, followed by the voice of one of Kära's servants.

Breathing heavily, the titan arose and immidiately dressed himself appropriately before stepping outside. The man from one of his master's medical teams could not help but flinch at the sudden sight of the ashen man, seemingly more machine than man in how he moved, yet his trembling voice managed to utter the words: "My Lord Taral, are you... alright?" Upon hearing the meek words, Thyrian paused and looked down at the poor man. "Yes... I'm fine. You've done your duty, now go about your buisness", he replied with the booming voice of his, keeping an authoritarian tone as he spoke yet without any malice. The man was already afraid to look at him, much like most others throughout his existence. Even now, when human, he was still regarded a monster in the eyes of his peers. Once the poor sod had vanished from his sight, Thyrian sighed and remained stood in place for a moment. But he was then reminded of his master wishing to see him, and quickly made his way to the bridge. Once stood before the meager frame of his beloved Queen, the Ashborn dropped to his knees. "What is thy command, my master?"

@[member="Kära Vi'dreya"] @[member="Hakan Venttuss"]

 

[Hakan Venttuss]

Hakan figured this would be a great time to catch up on his sleep, which the lady commanded him to do anyway, and he did so, leaning back and getting himself more comfortable on the seat and letting the sheer weight of his eyelids trail him into a deep sleep, pretty much silent in his slumber he didn't feel the sheer length of this dropship journey. He wouldn't have been too interested by it in any case he had already flown a ship before, but this lady was equipped with some fancy crafts which he wouldn't mind having a go with in all due time. If he was staying that is he still had no clue what was going on.

The medical team moved Hakan away from the "Queen"'s presence and proceeded to tend to him in the medical ward, stripping him down and placing the oxygen mask over his face and placing him in the Bacta machine, allowing his cut to heal properly and accelerate the healing process and also properly heal any of his previous wounds which were left badly treated. They let the adolescent marinate in the blue fluid for a moment until the machine read that he was in full health.

Removing him from the machine the medics put a standard hospital gown on him and placed him in one of the beds, waiting for the anesthetic to wear off.
Throughout Hakan's slumber, terrible thoughts rose through his head. The death of his father: A Mandalorian Bounty Hunter who lived his life making a not-so-honest living but enough to feed the family but with no extra luxuries. Those were good times. Hakan must have only been about four back then, but he was seeing this vision as if it was only yesterday. He could see his father getting pushed into the trash compactor at his future workplace, all because he failed a spice delivery, he could hear his father's bones crack and reduced into nothing but mere paste, and Hakan was there to see it all. The suffering, the death and most of all: the hatred.

The dream seemingly shifted to the future, him returning to his family. Their hut burned down, bodies nothing but charred flesh on black bones, everything felt so real, he could feel their carbonized flesh and hear the flames crackle, he could feel the tears stream down his cheeks, and he tossed and turned in his sleep until he woke up suddenly, panting and looking around. "Medical bay..." He noted in his mind, he felt somewhat repulsed by the feeling of bacta in his nostrils and the fact that he smelled of such a sickly-sweet substance, but he ignored it and took a proper look around the room and there was what he needed most: food. Glorious food!

He took the dish, and damn this looked better than what he usually ate, it was mostly just grains back there, anything that was cheap and could get their hands on, he quickly dug in eating like a kid who hadn't eaten in ages which is precisely what he was.
He noticed someone watching him from behind the transparisteel window, and immediately the stranger went off to notify Kära that Hakan was indeed awake, Hakan ignored what was happening and instead decided to focus on his meal, he needed the nutrition.

@[member="Kära Vi'dreya"] @[member="Thyrian Ashborn"]

 

[Lief]

Kära was informed that Hakan had awoken just before Thyrian arrived. Perfect timing. The young woman turned her sights across to the kneeling Ashborn and settled a hand to his cheek. This wasn't something she usually did, in fact it had only happened in the most desperate of situations, when he required calming. Right now, however? Well right now Thyrian was perfectly fine, yet she did so anyway. "Phoenix" she whispered gently, and none of the crew even acknowledged them. They were trained to notice only things of importance to their task. "I have need of you in the medical bay, in the form of a young man. His name is Hakan; I'm taking him for an Apprentice... But first he must rest."

Biting her lip she slipped the hand from his cheek down to his chest, biding him to rise. "I need him mentally prepared for what is to come. I need you to talk to him, explain it to him." Truth be told Kära had business elsewhere, in the form of a meeting. "And make sure the ship is well maintained in my absence, I will return in a few days." With that the small woman removed her hand and slipped away, knowing that Thyrian would do as she had bid. Of that she had no doubt.

@[member="Hakan Venttuss"] @[member="Thyrian Ashborn"]

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

The soft palm of her hand upon his cheek caused him such comfort that he wished the moment would last until time froze and collapsed in on itself. Her equally soft words in the form of her affectionate nickname for him sent shivers down his spine the likes of which he had yet to experience. Smiling ever so slightly, the Ashborn couldn't help but nuzzle into her touch. At her bidding he rose to tower over her, casting a huge shadow for her to conceal herself within. "It will be done, Snowflake", he replied softly as he settled a hand over hers upon his chest. Once her command had been issued, she stepped away from him. Never had it caused him more pain to see her leave his presence; it took a lot to not act on his instincts, which begged him not to allow her to leave. They had not spent as much time together as he would have liked, lately, as she seemed to always be pre-occupied with her work and plotting schemes for the future. His heart yearned for him to grab hold of Kära and embrace her while never letting go of her, but his brain told him she would never allow such to occur - which he knew was the truth. Even now as he had come back to the woman he loved from death's clutches did she act as if she withheld no emotion at all. She must have known he cared deeply for her at this point; she was like his spouse, his baby sister, and his daughter - all in one perfect blend.

Nevertheless, he would do as she asked of him, just like he always would. Once she had left his sight, Thyrian set off towards the medical bay, where he soon found the boy eating happily. He looked too young to be an adult, yet too grown up to be regarded as a child. Much like Xavier, he thought, yet hopefully not as... hateful. The boy's back was facing him, so he remained unnoticed as he stepped into the room. This was a very large ship, meaning the two were hardly the only ones aboard it; medical staff coupled with general crewmembers littered the halls and many quarters of the ship, but with apprenticeship under Kära came the benefits of getting what they wanted from the crew, including time in solitude and silence. The boy seemed to be greatly enjoying his food - who was he to interrupt such pleasures? The Ashborn remained stood in the doorway, watching the young man eat loudly.

@[member="Kära Vi'dreya"] @[member="Hakan Venttuss"]

 

[Hakan Venttuss]

As he tucked into his meal he wondered what was going on here, half of his mind got hard at work making potential scenarios. Granted that it was just paranoia but he still wondered what on Earth he was doing here, eating was a way to keep him occupied but his subconscious was still hard at work making his emotions a living nightmare. However the woman who rescued him seemed rather kind-hearted to have freed him from such abuse and he'd probably be eternally grateful if a life of suffering wasn't awaiting him later on.

Needless to say he felt much better, all the stinging from the recent lash and any lashes before it were completely gone however none of the scars would be. The fresh wounds healed no problem but the scars only slightly faded slightly yet his torso was still littered with them, sign of a man who had gone through real hardships to get to this point, a point which he had no way of fathoming. What was this place? Obviously a ship. If it was the woman's ship she had quite the equipment at her disposal, even servants. This place was getting interesting, and while he was given proper treatment he still stood with his guard up. Kinda tense. He still had no clue what was going to happen so he wasn't prepared to relax entirely just yet.

Feeling a lot fuller than he had in ages he rested the plate, yet he felt as if he was being watched the entire time, he took a glance around the bay to see if anybody was in the ward and surely enough after leaning out to see behind his hospital bed, there was a visitor in the doorway. An absolute tower of a man who stood a good 9 inches over Hakan, he didn't really say anything. Just a meek "Hello sir." Good place to start, it was better than saying nothing to him, he had also better show some form of character to not seem broken, he also had to show some form of respect. Hakan could feel an air of power and responsibility in this man and he definitely wanted to show some form of basic respect to not degenerate any first impressions.

@[member="Thyrian Ashborn"] @[member="Kära Vi'dreya"]

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

Thyrian didn't answer, instead stepping inside the room with a slight nod towards the young man. He seemed friendly enough, but the Ashborn knew better than to trust the company of strangers. That said, this one was now the property of his master, and as such under his protection. Walking up to the white-haired youngster, Thyrian presented him with some gear which he'd procured for him. Placing the objects on the bedside table, his fiery gaze was set on that of Hakan's. "If you would stand a chance to apprentice under Darth Kyros, you will need these", he said as he showed him the objects. He did not say what they were or what they were for - that was for him to figure out. He'd find out eventually, in any case. The hilt of a lightsaber would be instantly recognisable, however, even if it was only made for training. His real blade would have to be created by his own hand, just like every other apprentice. The Ashborn had no love of hospitals or medical equipment; they gave him terrible sensations from when he was being operated on by the Sith scientists back on Dromund Kaas. That was before Kära had found him, and given him purpose. This was all over a decade ago, and he'd died in her service once only to be brought back in his current form to serve her once more. No rest for the wicked, it seemed.

Before taking his leave, Thyrian turned back to the lad in the hospital bed. "Know this: your training under Master Kyros will be excruciating. She will break you only to rebuild you, both mentally and physically. Nothing will prepare you for what you're about to undergo. You will know to call her 'master' sooner or later." He had done as Kära had asked of him, and with no further pleasantries he turned and walked away, out of the room. He didn't even drop his name, for he was not required to be remembered at the moment. The young man had enough to think about for the foreseeable future.

@[member="Kära Vi'dreya"] @[member="Hakan Venttuss"]

 

[Hakan Venttuss]

He glanced at the objects he was presented with, a black set of robes, a black cloak and a white sash, the robes in particular looked good, as they had a high collar with a red brim, pretty sinister looking. And he could tell that these were well made. Hah, these must've been Sith robes. Or so he thought anyway. But the fact that there was a lightsaber hilt there along with the classic belt simply reinforced this speculation. Especially when the taller man voiced that he would be "Dark Kyros"'s apprentice. He assumed that was the woman who picked him up. He knew that Darth was a Sith title, he knew that much. So he was working with the Sith now. Interesting.

This was a lot for him to take in, he pretty much stared at his gear long after the man left the room, completely speechless. All of this happened in the space of one short day, he was a slave, then he was suddenly a Sith. Strange, but his life would be better this way.
But all the talk of the 'training' being excruciating and that he'd be 'broken' was a little hard to stomach, he needed more sleep and he needed more time to prepare himself for whatever was coming.

@[member="Kära Vi'dreya"] @[member="Thyrian Ashborn"]