In umbris potestas est [Closed]

[Anesia Jy'Vun]

Alpha et Omega

The promise of life was never guaranteed. The time of life was never forever. Death was the inevitable.

Or so they said.

To harness true power, it simply did not take one’s lifetime. It took many.

Many perished thinking they knew it, or only began to scratch the surface. There were also those who never knew it.

Power and becoming it took time, patience, blood, and sacrifice. It must be bred and raised.

Nova Estate - Ambria
2301 GST

The once picturesque building now rested in shambles, having gone through decades of mother nature's destructive temperament, raids, and wars. It was because of the harvested generations that what was left was still intact.

Nova estate once held a massive castle-inspired structure just behind Lake Natth built of the planet's rocks and stalagmites and etched in *old text and runes along the base and windows of the structure. Desert vegetation crawled along its walls in intricate design, the blooms bright and contrast against the pale exterior. Four watchtowers were vacant, seemingly almost hidden with the wild, climbing brush and cacti.

From a distance, the site seemed almost tranquil, with the reflection of the petite castle swimming at the shore of Lake Natth.

Though many Jedi labored to keep the planet peaceful, it was just not so; not in that lake of dark souls. Power dwelt there, dark and ancient.

Now it all seemed macabre, with the walls red washed in Ambria sand and fallen walls amidst the dark, murky waters. The Darkside was embedded and imprinted here.

“Excieo,” exaltation held in this generation’s voice, evenly flowing in the desert, “haeres.”

“Degero iterum, o mea umbra creatrix,” the tandem of voices chimed, they were only the few four, “Degero iterum, o mea umbra creatrix!” The holocron lit what was left of the stalagmite strewn walls.

Their hoods were drawn masking their faces, all ever so tilted to a frail frame of a woman on a stone pedestal. Even with the eerie glow, all identity was cast in shadows. Steady, low breathes caused the ebon haired woman’s chest to rise and fall; it was the only proof physically that the body held life. Unnamed, she was the exact physical replica of her maker- though years younger than the Master’s last known appearance. This particular clone held the age of twenty-two.

Many Sith holocrons that were spoke of were made in weeks or months. Darth Ferrius took years creating each one of hers. Devotion, she always said. Patience. Perfection. Such things needed to be precise with no room for failure.

Death was a release in this instance, to allow knowledge to be passed on.

At the head of the altar just atop the crown of the subject’s head was the holocron. Dark, ravenous power slid in thin streams of something more malleable than smoke. These violet tendrils reached around to three of the four hooded women, nay touching the clone. Each dropped moments after being consumed, turning into lumps of garb on the stone threshold.

The elusive power of the Darkside came forth from the lake, reaching with cold ghost hands. They reached for freedom and Ferrius’ power snapped with carnal jaws, ensnaring them further into her concubine trap. A three dimensional holograph flickered, the painted massacre of lips mangled into a smile. It said no words, merely stood as if knowing.

There was no where for these souls to go aside from the crumpled bodies of sacrifice strewn at the base of the pedestal. Each rose, as if on strings, the havoc of war within their carcasses to become a shell was apparent. There was as many as three in two of them, and too many to count still fighting for the other. The lone hooded woman still lit with life stood motionless, chants and curses springing from her lips on whispers.

Power of knowledge was indeed passed down through generations. The woman had offered them the last chance they would ever get and dangling power in front of a Sith’s eyes was akin to waving a toy at a child. There was never any doubt that they would comply.

Night was taken back, darkness fell and only the light of the moon was emptied into the hallowed, broken walls of Nova Estate.

Abrupt maniacal laughter resounded on Ambria then, through ancient vocals not heard in the desert for hundreds of years.. Anesia sat half-erect on the altar, holocron closed in her hands. Glowing embers for eyes were wide, wild, and fueled with the power she was drunk on. Dark, wavy hair framed her thin boned, milky visage- her lips the color of ripe berries. All that she donned was a pale cream colored slip that encased her rather slender physique. There were no shoes for her feet, no coat for the cold desert night. Chill bumps scattered along her flesh and still she sat, laughing.

Laughing at the Galaxy.

 

[Anesia Jy'Vun]

The night sky filled with it's luminous stars offered tranquility to the madness. A mostly destroyed castle offered this view from within, seeing as how the ceiling was rubble and scattered across the property. Anesia had not moved from her pedestal, in fact, the spent holocron was still cradled in her palm. Her neck was arched back and her now violet infused, russet orbs shot straight up. It had been hours since she deviated from the forever sight of the Galaxy on Ambria. Perhaps she felt lost in it and small, or perhaps she was counting the stars.

This was Anesia though, so one could never tell with certainty.

"Perhaps a walk on the grounds would help you re-" the hooded woman gestured, stepping forth from the shadows, but was quickly silenced by the nimble flick of Anesia's wrist. The Sith's fingers curled inward in a beckoning motion, then closed into a fist. It was brief, and she slid her gaze to the woman's- past her hood.

The action was a beautiful reminder on what she was, "That will not be necessary. I have more than enough recollection for now, Mistress Niverra." She released her choke hold and smiled prettily.

It was a heavy burden to collect one's thoughts, desires, past.... power and knowledge. There was nothing of "her own" to remember as a clone. She was Anesia - the process was just not complete. There were many more stations to visit and people to possess. Power to consume. Trials and personal experience to succumb to.

Dawn was approaching, the cool desert air fleeing from it's foe, and warmth soon found comfort on her skin. "The shuttle is ready, Master," Niverra interjected, breaking the silence that expired with the night. There was only a nod given in response. The Sith stood with her re-purposed body for the first time and walked to the exit overlooking the lake.

Soul-stealing, treacherous, beautiful lake. She remembered now, when she swam in it for the first time, and a faint amusing smile licked her lips.

Anesia was in limbo in a myriad of ways that couldn't be counted, she knew full and well she was in a weak state. Leaving this sanctuary in this condition was noxious at best. It was also futile to her existence that she go as well. There was nothing more she could learn from here at this time.

The three of the four were left to protect the reliquary at all costs. This was for her reassurance that it would be untouched without direct, heinous assault or death to any persons should they enter without permission.

It is time, voice on wind, offering silence to the Estate for now. Though she was in a weakened state, Anesia was not impuissant, she only lacked the knowledge of being a Master. It would all come to pass, but for now, she boarded the shuttle without a second thought.

 

[Anesia Jy'Vun]

Outer Rim Space
CSS-1 Corellian Star Shuttle
The Divine [Divinus]


The likes of meditation were... utilized by mostly Jedi; where inner peace, serenity, and a center of being was not only a common practice, but one that was cardinal in the teachings of the Light Side. Some say it was thought to also purge negative air, thoughts, or emotions. This was not to say that the Jedi were alone in Galaxy when it came to finding their inner beings and enhancing the connection to the Force. It was a tool with many uses.

What many did not know was that Darth Ferrius had began as one of the guardians of the galaxy [loosely], as her father before her. It was no fleeting thing and while she was never part of the Jedi Order, the dark-haired girl was trained in the religion, the way, since the age of five.

Even after her descent into darkness, Anesia was still an avid practitioner. This, the way in which she meditated, often times warred with her adoption and allegiance of and with the Darkside. A many Sith were affronted by the very meaning of peace. Jy'Vun begged to differ when it came to oneself and thus utilized the enemies ritual, incorporating it into her daily routine to reap the benefits.


---
"Close your eyes, Ane," whispered the voice of Tavion Jy'Vun, his calloused hands lightly upon the young girl's shoulders.

She was always anxious, her father knew. But gifted, and with promise enough to be scary. So much that he made the decision on his own to not take her to The Jedi Temple, but to train her himself. Tavion would have to face her decision once she reached the voice of reason, there was no doubt. For now though, the Jedi had to temper his six-year-old daughter, for his own sake as well as hers. Anesia had to learn to be still, to be quiet, to control her emotions.

How does one... pacify a young girl?

A game.

Many.

Rewards and praise.

That was at least, how it began.

Thump. A small bag of marbles seemingly fell from thin air and delicate, small hands lifted in time to catch the leather pouch before they would crash to the floor. Anesia smiled then, ear-to-ear at her father upon completing the small task. Wide brown eyes searched the bag first and one-by-one they floated out until they were above both their heads. All twelve vibrant marbles in a colorful carousel run by the mind of a child.

The more she was able to do seemed to make her father more happy. That and she yearned for that attention that came fewer times a year than she liked.

"ANEEEEEEESIA!" rang her mother's voice from a distance, but loud enough that it threatened to break the girl's concentration.

Anesia struggled then, the tiny glass balls faltering, gravity pulling. The same could almost be said about her father's face. Stubborn as she was anxious, the marbles nearly to the floor came back up in a burst of speed, moving now in circular formations. Her mother of course, was still yelling. It was the smile she shared with her father that made it worth it.

"Yes, mother," she paused, directing the objects just above Maryn's head, "of course, mother."

Put them away, lest your mother kills me.

After a small display of pouting, purple, blue, and green glass balls funneled back into the small leather bag.

Have you been 'dreaming' again, Anesia?

---


Gods help me.

Within the confines of the meditation chamber on the Divinus, Anesia stirred from her mused state. Aphotic amber eyes blinked open in a slow revealing from her milk-white lids and long, sooty lashes. It had been days, she realized, mouth parched. From within the shrouds of ceremonial robes, a woman of lithe stature rose, her frame hidden by the expanse and layers of various fabrics in ebon, ianthine, and plum with the barest innuendo of gold. Her very movements seemed to be slowed by it, or perhaps it was just how it appeared. They put on their own show of covetous colors.

The clone's head thumped from thoughts not of her own creating, from something akin to fitting pieces to a puzzle that only now seemed to fill in along an edge. Memories in the form of visceral acts that bombarded every sense as if it was real time. As if they... were hers. Who am I?

You are a monster.

No. Some part for now was untainted, where the light blossomed to reveal such a side painted in discipline, protection, and never waning peace. It was that door the young, pale hand reached for. Scents of the cool clean water of the Solleu river, of Valanie and Kibo flowers, and the barest hint of Trillium soap. The ectype reminisced, falling for the ruse of webs of a life that was to be hers and drew nearer to the comforts it offered. Her face projected hope, a smile even curling upon her plush, pink lips.

You are the dark.

With a startled expression, dark brown eyes widened and her breath came in short, hard gasps. There was no one, the girl realized, arched brows drawn up in confusion. The voice was familiar. Again, she reached for meditation, for serenity -something she desired- but the funnel of power merely thickened until it coated her mind and coaxed the inner thoughts like honeyed poison. The voice was familiar because it was hers. Reality hit and the very bones of the replica shook in terror and in...

You are madness.

 

[Anesia Jy'Vun]

Do you know what it feels like to be... haunted?

...I do.​

​

​

​

There was no one. Not a soul. There never had been. Nothing to fill a void that had been the constant.



Long onyx lacquered nails scraped, the pads of identity-less fingers kneaded the soft, foreign fabric of her robes. A simple, thick volume of parchment rested before her eyes, nearly eighty pages in. It had been the second to be delved into since the welcome to space and others rested neatly inside a small wooden, though intricate chest in the back of the chamber along with coded works and a few scrapbooks of stills. The girl had gone through half of the memorabilia and stopped, happening upon what appeared to be a diary. It had taken over a week to finish the first and Anesia could hardly wait to get to the next. A single picture was off to the side and she stared at it, knowingly, but not.

Spoiler

A moment longer, and it was back to the manuscript before her.

"He said my father would be gone a long while this time. I wonder why he does not also leave... I wish he would. My mother, like in a many things, seems to not share in my distrust and dislike of the man. In fact, she acts like she enjoys it! I learned recently that our family was a secret, or my mother and father's relationship was. Then my brother and I too. Master Koronos told me that my father never spoke of me, that the Jedi Council knew nothing of our existence. I do not know why he tells me these things. It has only been in the last six years that this man has been apart of our lives. I do not remember him when I was little, but he seems to know everything. I do not like it. My dear mother must have told him and I cannot fathom why. Does she have to? But why? Davik does not like him either, but he is busy in the mines. I miss him and I wish he was home more. My brother is annoying and thinks he knows everything. I still love him though. He looks just like father. Maybe that is why mother cannot stand to look at him for more than a few minutes? Maybe he makes her feel guilty? The Jedi does not like my brother. He watches him suspiciously every time he visits. Davik told the man that he knew what he was doing. That was two months ago and I have not seen my brother since. I feel like my family is falling apart and there is nothing I can do to stop it. Where is my brother? What does he know? Naddy adores Jerrico. He gives her gifts though, like he did when I was small. My little sister is always with him or my mother. They do not yell at her to go away. I wish my mother was like that with me. I miss my father.

I am a young woman now, or so Master Korronos says, and I must take in care my appearance. That man has taken it upon himself to act as my father and tell me what I can and cannot wear, who I can talk to! He is not my father! While he does train me, I wish he did not. What is so different now? Just last year, my father's mentor paid little to no mind to me. Now, he is around every corner I turn and even wakes me in the morning. He is here nearly every day now. My mother yells at me more now and blames me for his sudden... affections. I do not want it and I never have. I told her this and she does not believe me! My own mother! She told me that "I just can not be happy with the things I have, so I have to take from others." What did I take? She will not explain it to me and so I am left to my own thoughts and Jerrico's ever looming shadow. He feels like a ghost and reminds me nothing of my father. I wonder how my own father could stand him for as many years as he has. Perhaps I will ask him next time he visits.

I made a few new friends today and it took sneaking out to do it! It felt good to get away. I had only planned to be gone for a couple hours, just long enough to meditate behind the waterfalls. Half of that time had passed and then I was found. The first face was a young man close to my age, maybe a little older. Dem was handsome with dimples in his cheeks, sandy brown hair and light green eyes that appeared as though they belonged in the forest. He had nearly ran me over in his attempt to clear the water without falling. The other four came almost instantly behind him. Just as I was, they were all shocked to see me as I was them. Two of the five were twins. Their names were Jerimiah and Macayla Black and they both shared pale skin, almost white, but blond hair, and small angular faces. They were pretty, but I was almost afraid to touch them. Jenna was the other girl, freckle-faced with flaming red hair that I could have swore was fire! I don't think she liked me. Her eyes felt like daggers every time she looked at me. Maverick was the last to appear, clearly older than the rest, but rather lanky, with glasses that hung from his hidden ears and pointed nose. We all talked for hours, chased each other through the caverns, and snacked on berries.

Never had I had so much fun! I forgot what it felt like. But, like many things in my life, it ended. The sky was black when I looked up to it and what seemed like a little time was in fact, hours. I had been at the falls all day and most of the night. I told them I had to go, that I might see them soon. There was no sense in promising anything, I just might be locked up as soon as I got back. Dem offered to walk me home and even though I protested, he did it anyways. I admit that I enjoyed the company, but the look on Jenna's face made me almost regret it. I could feel her stare even through the brush as we walked side-by-side, out of the other four's view. The journey home took at least an hour by foot and Dem trekked along with me the entire way. He asked me what I liked to do and about my family. I did not share everything, but I tried to tell him what truth I could. When he smiles at me I feel as though I had butterflies in my stomach. Tried as I did, I could not keep my eyes off of him and I am unsure if it was because he was always looking and smiling at me, or if it was because he was something new to look at. When we arrived at my family's property line, I stopped and he took my hand. He asked when he would see me again. I shook my head at him and he frowned. He frowned! I never seen him frown, not the whole day and I wondered how I could make that go away.

Regret filled me and it still does. I had to tell him more of the truth, to make him understand. Dem kissed my cheek and told me with a half-crooked smile that he would see me soon whether my family allowed it or not. I only nodded and gave him a smile in return. I wish that could happen, but I knew Korronos would not allow it. He left me in silence and I made it through the door with as much. That was two hours ago and for two hours I was lectured and then whipped for disappearing. It was worth it though, even if Jerrico was just outside my door now. He had wanted to be in my room, but my mother was reverently against it. Thank the gods for small things and my mother for being a mother for once. I told them nothing of the children I met, only that I was meditating and lost track of time. He knows I keep a journal, so I have to have two. One that I do not care that he reads and this. I am not my mother and I will not share everything with him. He does not believe my story and he will in no doubt be searching for the truth on the morrow.

I do not like the way he looks at me, the way his eyes travel. I did not realize what it was until now. Dem and I shared a look close to that. Master Korronos' held more... heat. I can only say that it makes me feel nervous and like I have done something wrong. The butterflies disappeared and was replaced by rocks in my stomach. My welts were on fire, my back and my thighs. I could feel the blood drying to the fabric of my dress. I changed and he watched intently. I know because I could see his reflection in my bedroom window. Dread lumped in my throat and I felt sick. I do not think I ever dressed so quickly. I should have just suffered with the pain in the morning when the dress would have reopened my wounds. I would not feel like the object that I felt like now. If my mother finds out..."


With the heaviest of sighs, Anesia glanced away from the chirography that defied the test of time- hundreds of years- and wondered who kept it all safe and why. Those were always the questions, were they not? Testaments, codes, plans, pictures, secrets, and... what appeared to be experiments all stowed away. The very words she read had her stricken with nausea and as much as she could claim it to be fiction, the young woman knew better. It was truth and every bit of black and white.

"We are two days out from the Chommell Sector and will be arriving on Naboo six hours and thirty-one minutes from now."

This was the last place she wanted to visit. Alas, destinations were out of her hands for now. Something told her that a visit to the Kovis household was in order, even though the people had been long gone for centuries.