No Turning Back (Taeli Rae)

[Zion Mirtis]

​

Planet: Vjun​

Location: Bast Castle​

​

It had taken a long time to find her, but Darth Raven had done it. After her knighting and shedding the former name of Sophie Gustav, Darth Raven had gone off on her own for some time and had not spoken with her master [member="Taeli Rae"] , whom she better knew as Darth Arcanix. It was for both personal growth and time to herself, needing to prove her worth from her master's own teachings. And as luck would have it many things were accomplished because of them. Darth Raven had fought many battles and slain many enemies to the One Sith, both soldier and Jedi alike. Her powers were proven to be great, and yet her heart still conflicted. She had never told her master her true feelings for her, how her heart had truly longed for her, due to her own childish mentality to think she may say otherwise. She could fight against so many, and yet trying to tell the truth seemed so hard.​

​

Only after trying to see her again for so long did Darth Raven realize Taeli was gone, apparently no one knowing where she'd went. There were rumors among some of the Sith, especially the acolytes, that she was considering to turn to the Jedi's way of thinking. Though she heard it from faced Raven's personal wrath upon receiving a server beating on them. She knew her master better than that. She knew she would never do such a thing. And yet she worried. All attempts to contact her were fruitless and a horrible thought in the back of her mind kept growing that what they said may be true. But she still refused to believe it. If Darth Arcanix was planning to go to the Jedi it may have been to spy on them or gain trust only to attack from the inside; at least that was what Darth Raven had believed.​

​

Needing to know for herself she set upon finding her. It had taken a long time, with many broken and bloody bones and parts along the way, but eventually she discovered where she was. A shuttle she "borrowed" had brought her to Vjun and the Bast Castle, an interesting location. But seeing this place, and knowing it's history, convinced Raven all the more that her suspicions were true and this was some undercover mission. But still, even as she landed the ship, she had doubts she constantly fought.​

​

Exiting the ship, dressed with a black hooded robe over her usual almost formal attire, Darth Raven set about to find her Master.​

​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Darth Raven"]

Taeli sat within the central chamber of Darth Vader's ruined castle, meditating as she practiced her Force Sight ability as she thought about the battle that had just taken place here. The Imperial Remnant, batter and bloodied, but no beaten yet, had regrouped here and been attacked by a mercenary fleet under the employ of some Sith. Taeli had participated with stealth attack on the merc fighter squadrons until the Remnant had pushed the mercs back and departed for a new safe haven.

Breathing slowly, she opened her eyes to look at the world through the Force and she sensed someone she hadn't seen in a long time. Sophie had disappeared for awhile, Taeli hadn't been certain if she fell prey to the Netherworld event or if she had just gone off to prove herself, but she was interested that the younger woman was here now. She must have sought her out when she heard Taeli had left Coruscant for parts unknown. Well, best be mum about her final destination.

She closed her presence in the Force down to a pinprick using Art of the Small, allowing her full access to her abilities while keeping herself hidden among the Force energies on the planet. She wasn't hiding from the woman, but she was certainly going to be cautious about this. She hoped to one day fix the mistake she had made, but that day might not be today.

 

[Zion Mirtis]

Following the Force Signature of [member="Taeli Rae"] wasn't hard, she had taught Raven better after all. And such a powerful Sith Lady as herself would not be hard to miss with power as grand as hers. Darth Raven always considered her among the strongest of Lords, but perhaps that may have been her own idolizing of her master at play. However as she searched she felt her master's power fade, making it hard to sense her. Odd. Raven looked around, seeing if her master was already near. No real sign. It was dark in the castle after all, but if anything this may have been her master working to make sure it wasn't an enemy. Raven became more assured of it as she thought of it.​

​

Trying to show her not to worry she called out "Master? Master Arcanix, it's me! Darth Raven. I've come looking for you." her words, vibrating off the practically empty palace.​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Darth Raven"]

She could hear Sophie's voice echoing around the the empty ruins as she called for her, and Taeli sighed. She really really really didn't like using her Darth name anymore, but then it gave away she was Sith while she was out here traveling. Not something one wants to advertise to the galaxy after all when one is trying to just blend in and learn. A flick of her mind and the lights she had strung up in the central chamber lit up to provide a soft circle of light to fill the room.

"In the central chamber," she called, using the Force to project her voice to her former apprentice. She didn't lift the suppression of her Force presence, it would do well to be cautious after all. "It's been a long time, Sophie, a very long time."

 

[Zion Mirtis]

The sound of her voice was a relief to Raven as she hurried down the halls, picking up the hem of her cloak as to not trip. It took mere seconds, perhaps her using the Force Speed to increase her steps without realizing, but eventually she found her way into the central chamber where her master sat. She signed with great relief and joy to see her, removing her hood to reveal her face. Not much had changed about her, only the odd dark lining around her eyes; as if an indication of how far she'd gone into the darkside. She calmly walked over in front of her master and dropped to her knees, bowing to her and to be on the same level as her.​

​

Rising to meet her at eye level she said "I've missed you, Master Arcanix. I've been worried. No one had heard from you. And I heard the most awful rumors. But I'm glad you're still as I remember you." As she spoke she was fighting back the urge to hug her, wanting to stay as professional as possible in front of a Sith Lord.​

​

[member="Taeli Rae"]​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Darth Raven"]

"I missed you too, Sophie," Taeli said, a small smile on her face. She had missed seeing the person she took as her very first apprentice, and it appeared she had taken a leaf out of one her favorite Sith judging by those eye markings. They were rather similar to the ones that both Darth Bane and Darth Zannah had worn in their time.

"So what rumors are circulating about me?" she asked, pretty certain she knew what was being said, but as she had explained what she was up to to a Voice of the Dark Lord, she wanted to hear what was whispered for herself.

 

[Zion Mirtis]

Smiling Raven had blushed at the fact her master used her real name. Often she would insist others call her by her Darth name but only a handful, including her master, were ever allowed to call her by that name. She rather enjoyed hearing her say it. Answering her she said "Oh foolish things. Stupid things. They say you were running from the Sith to become a Jedi. Or that you were just abandoning the fight. But I know better. I know what you're really doing. And you don't have to fear. You're secret is safe." Knowing she would ask what secret she said "How you're planning to trick the Jedi. It's a grand plan, Master. I believe you can fool them. And then you'll tear the apart from the inside." She gave a giddy sound and finished with "Truly you are clever, my lady."​

​

[member="Taeli Rae"]​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Darth Raven"]

"I'm not out here to fight or break the Jedi," Taeli said, laughing a little. "Nor am I out here to join them in some scheme, not that wouldn't be an impossibility."

Well she was heading to Ossus, and was planning to join her sister there, but Sophie didn't need to know that. The girl would probably lose it if she found out Taeli was heading off to the people she had taken Sophie from.

"I left Coruscant to travel the galaxy to discover hidden knowledge and to study from different Force sects such as the Theran Listeners or the Fallanassi," she explained. "It's a personal quest for knowledge, nothing more than that, but I can't focus on my duties with the Sith while traveling. I'll be out of contact for long stretches of time. It's hard to get a signal in some places."

 

[Zion Mirtis]

More relief came over Raven as she heard her master's words. She believed her. Despite the odd feeling she had she believed her. She nodded, understanding, as tears were forming on her eyes. She was just so relived and yet so conflicted that she couldn't help but tear a little at at least knowing that her master was alive, safe, and not doing anything crazy. She sighed with relief, shaking a little, as she nodded more, trying to wipe her eyes.​

​

"I'm sorry, Master." she said, trying to rub them now. "It's just...I didn't know what to think. With everyone saying everything I... I just don't know. But I understand that you want to look for more things to make you stronger." She perked. "I could some with you. I want to be strong as well. It can be like the old times." she leaned forward with a very enthused look.​

​

[member="Taeli Rae"]​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Darth Raven"]

"No, I'm sorry Sophie, it's a personal quest for enlightenment," Taeli said, an apologetic look on her face. "I didn't even bring my newest apprentice with me on this quest, and she's my sister. This is something I have to do . . . by myself, for myself."

She had noted the tears in Sophie's eyes, even as she rubbed them. The younger woman was certainly relieved that Taeli said she wasn't off to join the Jedi or betray the Sith, but then words were words, and with her presence hidden, it would be impossible to sense the deception.

"My apologies, Sophie, truly my deepest apologies, perhaps whenever I return I'll be able to teach you what I learned on my sojourn," Taeli said. "Also apologies for keeping my presence hidden, there was a battle in the region recently and I'm taking extra precautions.

 

[Zion Mirtis]

Raven's heart...Sophie's, felt a little broken when [member="Taeli Rae"] told her she could not come. Even as she insisted it was a personal mission and that not even her sister, who she remembered meeting before, was coming it didn't help Sophie any better. She missed her master so much and now, for her to have to leave again, it was still painful. Despite that she understood and knew that when she returned she would teach her what she knew. She kept nodding while fighting back tears before breaking her own rule. She reached over and hugged her master, holding her tight.​

​

"I've just missed you so much, master. I heard about the Netherworld...and when you were involved...I thought the worst. And then this.... I must look foolish to you." She pulled back giving an awkward laugh "I'm crying like a child when I should be stronger than that."​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Darth Raven"]

"Nonsense Sophie," Taeli said, returning the hug lightly. "Showing weakness, showing sadness, is just another form of strength. Strength of character, strength of being human. I had thought I had taught you that, that one needs to retain their humanity or they lose themselves to the darkness too much and become the monsters whispered of in the dark of night."

She had a feeling that Sophie might have been slipping further into the darkness, without much care about how deep the rabbit hole went. It happened too often for her liking, even if she didn't consider herself a Sith anymore. It was one reason why those that used the dark side without being human became . . . well . . . the stereotype.

 

[Zion Mirtis]

"I know. And I understand, Mater." Sophie said, all the more happy her hug was returned. "But that's why I only focus on the power. As long as I'm strong with the Force and the darkside, no one can stop me. Nor you. That's why I wanted to come. But...but if you want me to stay I will. I just wish I knew where you were going next." She felt all the more conflicted, biting her lip while thinking, before suggesting "Is there anyway you can let me know? Or contact me? Just so I know you're safe?" She was almost pleading to [member="Taeli Rae"] at this point.​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Darth Raven"]

"I can give you this," Taeli said, handing Sophie a comlink from within the satchel sitting next to her. The tip of her lightsaber could be seen within, but that wasn't the only one she had on her. Her shoto was hidden on her belt's back holster and she had her hidden blade underneath the sleeve of her dress. She didn't think she would need her weapons, but one never knew. Sophie seemed just a bit obsessed with power now.

"If you need to reach me, you'll be able to with this, but I wouldn't expect me to come to Coruscant anytime soon," she said. "I'm going to be sticking to obscure places and the Outer Rim for now."

 

[Zion Mirtis]

Taking the commlink Sophie looked it over, after spotting her master's weapons as well. It was good to see she was prepared as always, something Sophie had often done as well as a precaution. Hearing her explain to reach her through it gave Sophie a little more relief. When [member="Taeli Rae"] spoke of going to the Outer Rim she thought how there were plenty of planets with secrets she could find. Plenty to be seen and heard and learned if she tried hard enough.​

​

"I understand, Master." she said before putting the commlink away. After that she said "Sorry for my outbursts, it's just... I...." she shied away from finishing.​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Darth Raven"]

"No need to apologize, Sophie," Taeli said, waving it away as she got to her feet. "I've been having to spend hours and hours, and weeks upon weeks with my sister in getting her to mellow out. Emotional outbursts happen, they aren't bad things, you just can't let your emotions rule you. I taught you that too. Emotions are fine to have, but letting them rule you is not a good idea. It just leads to a bad place few ever return from."

Was she getting a little preachy? Yes, she supposed she was. Was she giving Sophie a hidden lesson and warning about continuing along her current path, a path she had started the girl on to her lasting regret now? Yes, she hoped she might be able to redeem her eventually, fix the mistake she made in her . . . oh what was a good word . . . hurry to prove herself as a Sith Knight. She had been younger and reckless then. Not so anymore, such things happened after the events she had been through.

 

[Zion Mirtis]

Sophie watched as she stood and didn't seem to upset over her words. Sophie just sat there and listened to her, confused. She was telling her not to let emotion rule her? But that was the point of the Sith, wasn't it? Yes, not to get carried away, but going down a dark path was what the Sith strove for in the first place. She seemed a little too happy. Something was wrong here. Sophie still sat where she was as she looked at her master, giving an odd look.​

​

"I...I don't think I understand, Master. Doesn't emotion give me power to begin with? You taught me that as well." ​

​

[member="Taeli Rae"]​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Darth Raven"]

"Emotion gives power, yes, but then all emotions can do that," Taeli said, shrugging a bit. She hadn't used darker emotions to fuel her powers since her trip to Ruusan. "It's letting them control you that is the dangerous thing, instead of being in control of them. Power is all well and good, Sophie, but knowledge is better to have. My apologies if I sound preachy, a lot has happened since you left on your test of your power, and such experiences have a way of changing someone's view of the galaxy. It ages you in some ways, makes one more . . . wary than before."

 

[Zion Mirtis]

The more she spoke the more Sophie wasn't convinced. Something was wrong with [member="Taeli Rae"] and Raven could feel it, not so much in the force but in her gut. "Master?" she asked. "Why didn't you tell anyone what you were doing?" She began to catch a flaw in her story and asked "Why not let them know that you were just going on a journey to find power if you were intended to come back? Why not lave a message or anything?" She gave her master the odd look, indicating she was wary now.​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Darth Raven"]

"Because I'm not sure what the end result for me will be," Taeli replied, noting the wariness forming in Sophie's stance. "I can't predict if I will be the same person at the end of my journey as I am at the beginning. You ask why I should tell others, but why should I? Tell my rivals that I plan to travel to Pydyr or the Kathol Rift, places of powerful Force techniques? Yes, that would be a great idea. Give them time to prepare surprises for me along the way? No thanks."