Into the night.

[RC 212]

[member="Sophie Gustav"]

Location: Corsucant, Sith Temple

It was dark in the courtyard as Lias sat very still in silent meditation. The nights silence was broken by the far off sounds of repulsorshifts and young Sith acolytes walking to and fro. Lisa stood far away from it in her mind. She was back in the orphanage now, she could see the musty sheets and moldy walls. She could smell the musk of the twenty or so children crammed together.

She could feel the hatred she remembered for the place coursing through her veins, making her stronger than ever she thought she could be.

It had only been a few weeks since she had left the Ravens but already she was calling this place home. She continued to sit silently below the statue, a purple and green clad girl, with jet black hair and all manner of weapons strapped to her figure. Her breaths rose and fell, making icy crystals appear in the frigid night air.

Now she could feel something else, a light-side taint.

One eye opened as the trance was broken, and she looked forwards from beneath the stone statue of Exar Kun.....

 

[Zion Mirtis]

Courascant. Once a becon of the Republic and the Jedi Order. Now a claimed trophy planet for the Sith. Yet another example of the Jedi not being as grand and strong as Sophie had orginally thought, and all the more reason why she was glad to be rid of them. Though that did not stop her from having the awkward feeling of being among them. Yes she was offically a Sith apprentice now but it had only been a few days since she'd arrived and she still felt as though she was in the middle of the lion's den with everything around her being a danger. Everything oozed with the presence of the dark side, its power eminiating from every stone of this palace-like temple. Truly the dark side had taken over and the Sith had offical claim to everything within. The power had entranced Sophie so much she wondered why she had not joined with them sooner, as opposed to following her family's so-called destiny for her.

Today Sophie had wondered about the temple, trying to get a sense of where things were and what sort of things she would learn from being with the Sith. Her new outfit, a corest-like blue dress provided by her master, seemed to make her stand out a little more than the apprentices wearing robes or the like. She didn't care. She liked to stand out. It made her feel better. More special for it. And she intended to be as specail as among the higher ranks of Sith out there in the galaxy.

[member="Lisa Ticon"]

 

[RC 212]

[member="Sophie Gustav"]

Sophie was easy to spot. Lisa opened her other eye and tilted her head down a bit, glaring at the woman in the blue dress. With the force trance broken she felt renewed and the Dark nexus of energies swirled around her frame in an invisible but invigorating fire. Flames of vengeance and pure evil ran through her blood and up her spine.

Slowly she reached out to the woman in blue, beginning to scratch the surface of her mind. Lisa's connected and pressed hard, trying to wriggle her way into the young womans head. She could sense un-ease. A weak emotion that made her even more suspect, and Lisa's anger began to rise.

The weak must be confronted. They must adapt and overcome, or they must be exterminated.

"Who are you?" The silent words would ring in her consciousness.

 

[Zion Mirtis]

The sudden sound of a voice echoing in her mind made Sophie turn, thinking it was behind her. When there was no one there she realized what it was. Someone was speaking into her mind via the force. She'd felt the same sensation before when dealing with the first encounter of her master. She'd employed the same technique on her to demonstrate the powers of the dark side. Sophie wasn't going to fall for any tricks if the person speaking to her was trying to scare her or the like. She looked around, reaching out with the force, before looking up to the source. She could see the girl sitting above and looking as if she was in the middle of mediation. If she could Sophie would speak to her in the same manner. Instead she only thought on what to say, knowing the girl would probably hear it.

I could ask you the same question. You often talk to people through thier mind instead of using your mouth?

[member="Lisa Ticon"]

 

[RC 212]

[member="Sophie Gustav"]

Lisa chuckled to herself as steely resolve entered the mix of the girls emotions. This was more like it, a redeeming quality. As she thought her response the Dark Jedi could hear her clearly ans stood, rising ever so slowly from her meditation posture. Now standing at her full height, Lisa stepped down from the pedestal of the statue and moved towards the girl in the blue dress.

"No not always. You reak of fear and the Lightside girl, what is your name?"

 

[Zion Mirtis]

"Gustav." she said blunty. "And I'm not afraid. At least not of you." She stood her ground and kept a more bold posture as she'd spoken to her. She did, however, following up by explaining "I was only a Jedi Padawan a few days ago before I came here. I've seen the true power in the dark side, and I want to learn from it. That should explain whatever remains of the lightside in me. And you? You don't seem the usual Sith apprentice, in fact I can sense a little light in you as well."

[member="Lisa Ticon"]

 

[RC 212]

[member="Sophie Gustav"]

Lisa smiled. Her eyes shot darkness forth into the other womans. Sophie she was called? Very interesting. A newly converted Jedi paddy surely was hungry for as much of the Darkside as they could get. Lisa remembered when she had first felt that power, intoxicating and aromatic almost. The thrill of her first kill in the orphanage ran like fire through her veins making her crave more.

Death, Destruction, Chaos, all things she worshipped as a young girl, and now came to pass onto others as a young woman.

"There is but little light left within me. I never fully mastered the concept of light or dark, but I have the ability to vaguely tap the more....weak side of the force if I so wish."

Lisa did not disclose that her recent rampages and the body count she had acquired were quickly changing what was left of her innocent demeanor into a black hole.

"How many innocents have you killed? How did you get here?"

Lisa's mind whirled as she analysed Sophie. She could find a friend in this one perhaps, if she was willing to help Lisa with a few things, she could certainly provide her a stepping stone into the night.

 

[Zion Mirtis]

Sophie had perked when she' heard her emphasize on the weak side of the force. Obviously it was a slight against her in some way, not that Sophie could blame her all that much. She was still an apprentice who'd only recently sided with the Sith after being with Jedi for over a few months. It was understandable that her strength in the dark side was minimum for now. She didn't say anything but she knew that this [member="Lisa Ticon"] would need to be watched on her words.

She did look both confused and disgusted, however, when she'd asked her next question. Sophie replied "I haven't killed anyone! And I came here with my master after she found me on Ossus. If you must know."

 

[RC 212]

[member="Sophie Gustav"]

"So what drew you, the power?"

Lisa kept an eye on her, sensing her to be now very perturbed by her play on words. As the night grew long she was running out of time. She had planned to set out after her meditation and go collect a few debts. As it was the woman before her this Sophie had yet to even taste any of the real essence of the dark side. She was still naive, having never taken a life out of anger or cold blood.

"How would you like to feel some real power run through your veins tonight? I have a few...errands to run in the undercity. Old debts that need to be paid to me. Come with me, I'll give you my own little initiation. That's if your master would allow it of course!"

Lisa laughed rudely at the last part of her sentence. As of yet she had no Master and was no ones ward. She ran freely, doing the things she pleased and learning how she wished. Her only mentor was Kezeroth, who seemed to hardly be around.

 

[Zion Mirtis]

Sophie had recoiled somewhat when asked why she was brought over to the dark side. She wasn't sure how to fully answer but, after thinking on it, just up and said "Part of it was. But the other part was for the knowledge. I want to learn to be strong. And my master proved that the Sith see strength through knowledge, unlike the Jedi who still depend on thier old teachings for guidence." Then the offer of coming with her was brought up, something else Sophie contemplated on. If anything if she went with her she would likely be a little more accepted among the rest of the One Sith for helping her. On the other hand her master would likely be cross with her for going out on her own. After enough internal debate Sophie looked to [member="Lisa Ticon"] and said "Let me get my cloak." After a few minutes of rushing to her room and then back to Lisa Sophie had a black robe already tied around her with the hood soon to be over her head, a little nod indicating she was ready.

 

[RC 212]

[member="Sophie Gustav"]

As Sophie had been going to grab her cloak Lisa had prepared a small airspeeder out side and sat in the drivers seat with the repulsors running full blast. She grinned as Sophie came up and nodded. Tonight would be fun, she'd get to show the young Sithling how darkside energies really worked, and maybe impart what little wisdom she had learned herself.

"Hop in lets go!"

 

[Zion Mirtis]

With a little more confident smirk Sophie took the passanger seat, pulling her hood over head head to conceal it. Her robes were a little more closed as well, wanting to stay in the shadows as much as possible tonight. As they speed on Sophie had to admire the view of the city wide planet from above and afar. She'd seen it before but never from this angel. It was like the stars in space nad been switched from the surface and were scattered about here instead.

"Where are we going?" she finally asked, looking to [member="Lisa Ticon"]

 

[RC 212]

[member="Sophie Gustav"]

"You'll see."

[Twenty minutes later]

Lisa stopped the speeder just short of an old rusted out shop. The under-city was a dangerous place and he senses prickled with warnings and gut instincts. This place was a haven for all sorts of scum and even some Rakghouls were rumoured to be down here.

"Come on follow me."

As the dark street lamps buzzed she walked over to the shop and opened the door with a swift kick from her boot.

A family sat at the table eating dinner, it appeared to be a bar of sorts. Lisa knew what it really was, slave trading hub, where people were sold off to the highest bidder. A small mousy man with gray hair stood up, eyes going wide at the terrifying sight of the black haired woman and Sophie.

"No I have your money, I swear!"

Lisa scowled. Fear came out the man's every pore and the animal within her began to stir. As she walked ever closer to the table, boots clicking a steady beat her hands began to coalesce a dark energy. Purplish black and barley visible it pulsed with a thrum.

"It's too late for that now kardak, you had your chance to pay me, now I want all your money."

"No you filthy vermin, I have to feed my family."

Lisa growled, a great rage rising up from within as the man grovelled.

"Don't worry you foolish old man, you wont have to feed them much longer, and you should have thought about them before you bought my wares at a front and never paid the debt!"

With a swiftness born of the force she leaped onto the table, lifting his wife straight out of her chair with the force. She floated straight up into Lisa's outstretched palm, like a cattle to the slaughter.

"Sophie, kill the sons."

 

[Zion Mirtis]

Upon arriving at the spot Sophie looked both curious and concerned. What were they here for? She could see the family inside, making her remember her time with her own family, before Lisa had already told her to follow. Sophie did but keot herself hidden with the cloack over her head and body. When they busted in, the man almost pleading for his life for his money and family Sophie stood in the doorway, looking confused on what to do. She watched as Lisa dealt with him before looking to her to kill the sons. She gasped before looking to the frightended children nearby, the fear in thier eyes reflecting on her own uncertian nature.

Looking back to Lisa she asked "Can....can't I kill him instead? I don't think I can do it..."

[member="Lisa Ticon"]

 

[RC 212]

[member="Sophie Gustav"]

"Fair enough, Ill kill the sons, you kill him, we'll be square."

At that moment he leped towards her exposing a vibroknife and attempted a vicious swing. Lisa was already on the move however, as he moved in she leaped away with a burst of force imbued speed and slit the wife’s throat. Blood sprayed across the table and the man painting him in crimson ichor.

Lisa howled maniacally tossing the body of the dying woman aside. The pain and agony of her life leaving her body resonated deeply in the force. Lisa felt the desperation of the man like a white hot fire. It travelled the length of her body like a shock of ice water and she roared again, letting the darkside fully into her being, perverting every cell with it's evil energy.

Her hand now freed snapped out towards the children. Dark black streaks of electricity began to dance between her fingertips. The kids tried to run but it was much to late for them Lisa snarled unleashing the pent up rage and drawing upon the memory of when her mentor had electrocuted her. The power and sheer ferocity transferred into her stream.

Lightning purple and black lanced out from her fingertips in a cascade, splitting to hit both children. The howled in pain as they fell, massive bolts arcing between them in an evil colored rainbow. Lisa pushed harder,s ending every evil fiber of her being into the torrent. Burning flesh began to thrust it's way into her nostrils.

The kids collapsed in a head, smoke marking the passage of their deaths, very quiet and now very still...

 

[Zion Mirtis]

Sophie was a little relieved to know she wouldn't kill children. She wasn't ready for that. Not yet. Perhaps, if ever, then she would already be more intuned with the dark side. Instead as Lisa dealt with the others she turned her attention to the man, who tried to run. Quickly she reached out with the force and blocked his path before using it to pull him back in a violent thrust. He flew across the room and back in front of her, hitting the ground hard as he landed. She looked down at him as he watched his family being sluahgtered by Lisa, something Sophie had to turn her back to. But that didn't stop the noises from pouring into her ears as she heard, and seeing the look in his eyes meant it was truly horrible.

Reaching her hand out she gave a small "I'm sorry..." before using the force to choke the life out of him. In a few moments he was gone and Sophie let his body drop like an old fish to the ground.

[member="Lisa Ticon"]

 

[RC 212]

[member="Sophie Gustav"]

Lisa chuckled in the corner as she watched the girl struggle with the idea of killing Kadrak. The children, the mom, the dad all dead. There was a deepening ebb and flow of darkness that tainted this place now, pulsing like a beacon, pounding like waves. Lisa was not sure Sophia fully understood the Dark side just yet, but she'd learn.

"Keep in mind that this man made a living by selling other beings into slavery. So does that make us the evil ones or him?"

It was all a matter of perception to her. Either way Lisa didn't care. She knelt down and washed her hands in the blood of the fallen, smearing it on her face in two dark lines of crimson. The Dark energies of the force flowed into her from the act, binding the dead tormented souls to her, giving her elation.

"Here paint your face with their blood, it's an ancient Sith ritual after making a sacrifice. More Sith Magic than anything. Expand your senses, feel the anger inside you. You have just committed what the jedi call a terrible act, a desecration of the force. The force is a tool Sophia, but a living flowing one. What you feed it it, it will return. Give up the light and open yourself to the force fully in this very room, you'll feel it's power.... The Darkside"

 

[Zion Mirtis]

Upon hearing that the man she killed, and his family, were involved in slave trade had made it a little better. Only a little. Sophie had not killed anyone before, and having done so with the force felt so different than killing with her own bare hands. Still, knowing he was dead meant no more would suffer because of him. She still kept a grimmanced face even as Lisa told her to pain her face with the blood of the fallen as part of a Sith ritual. If it was for the cause of gaining power in the dark side then Sophie would obey. She removed her hood and knelt down, taking whips of blood on her finger tips. She made one long mark from her forehead to the tip of her nose. After that she made two lines under each eye, feeling like some tribal warrior from one of the lesser developed planets. She could feel something empowring about it, just not as grand as Lisa made it seem. She looked to her friend with a more darkened twinge in her eyes.

[member="Lisa Ticon"]

 

[RC 212]

[member="Sophie Gustav"]

"Reach out Sophie, what do you feel? When I imagine the darkside it's like a beast within me. If I feed it it grows and so too does my power. When I gain more power I can do bigger and better things."

Lisa was unsure how she was handling it. Here in the room the darkside was strong. This place had become a force nexus of dark energy from the killing of the family, but the tainted force would not reside here forever.

"Do you have any bad memories, memories of pain or extreme discomfort, of a time you were greatly angered perhaps?"

 

[Zion Mirtis]

Thinking on how she really felt Sophie didn't have a direct answer. He feelings were mixed and conflicted to where she couldn't think of a direct word for what she felt. It didn't matter though once she'd asked if there were any painful memories Sophie had. There were a few. The more recent ones were of her defeat at the woman who would soon become her master, but there were others. Her time in the Jedi Order wasn't perfect as her ideals were sometimes shot down by the masters of the students who thought they knew better. She always had a sense they were laughing at her from behind or when her back was turned. And then there were points in her childhood, like when she was bullied or teased, that provoked more emotion out of her.

Sophie looked away but answered Lisa with "I have...a few..."

[member="Lisa Ticon"]