Premonitions of Fate

[Orion Darkstar]

Artist​

​

Region: Deep Core​

System: Tython System​

Planet: Tython​

Location: Dagger Tooth Valley​

Time: 12:43:28​

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The last time he had heard anything of Tython was when he was a child. His father had always spoke of the days when Jedi trained tirelessly in their glorious temples. Those days, however, had little meaning in the present days of the galaxy. Ripe for the picking the Sith had swept through conquering the planet and its resources. Even now the presence of the force was still felt among its inhabitants. Tython had always been a jewel, exuding energy of the force with ease. Its attraction were its ruins and other cities that, now, still prospered. Kevros on the other hand was not here for either. A dream had brought him here, no; the force had shown him a way, a way to deal with the things yet to come. Facing these occurrences felt right and in all aspects, smart. Ignoring one's fate was an arrogant way to live and Kevros would not be subject to such weakness.

The gravel below crunched under his thick, worn boots. The smell of iron reaching his senses. The heat was worse than they had told him. Specks of sand lifted to the air as it crashed into his long black cloak, a cross-like crest weaved on each side. The wind was a rare occurrence and the hot air made it hard to breath. Regardless of these circumstances Kevros stood along the edge of a cliff, peering down into the canyon to see what was below. The crevice held no signs of life and the shade that cooled it soon began to fade as the sunlight tore through its cracks. His mask served him here, preventing the sand from reaching his face and worse his eyes. Barren and desolate it came, like an alarm going off in his head.

The force had taught him enough to know that what was close by was clearly following the wrong path. Grinning under his Kovani mask he jumped off the cliff, the force imbuing him with springs as he took off. Perfect in his execution he landed, the bits of rocks around him scattered to the side. Twenty-Three meters between the cliff he previously stood on and the one he now seized control of. From here he could see the vast desert, sand dunes stretching for miles. The mountains that towered in the backdrop of the sandy wasteland gave beauty to the unpleasant area.

Gripping onto his shoulder he fixed his golden arm guard shifting it forward. Then as he turned to find the source of his visions, he froze. Something had entered the canyon. Kevros quickly leaned over the narrow over-hang. Squinting he finally saw a moving silhouette, too dark to make out any appearance Kevros shook his head. Clenching his teeth he realized he had to...

Readying himself he stepped off the ledge his cloak flapping in the air behind him. His descent was fast and just before impact he called on the force. Embracing the darkside he sent out a small burst of energy with his right arm at the ground forcing him backwards. This allowed him to free fall until he reached the cracked and starved ground. His action was quiet, allowing him to hopefully stay unnoticed.

Kevros' fingers reached for his side, tapping on the silver hilt hidden away under his cloak. He knelled behind a rather large rock, waiting, disturbed at the thought of a incoming threat. His vision was coming true, his mind telling him one thing.

Is it the Jedi?

[member="Levi Shied"]

 

[Levi Shied]

"Your training is coming along quite well, but now you will test your skills out in the world. You are to travel to Dagger Tooth Valley for one week, and survive using your powers and wits." The words of his master rang through Levi's mind. He knew something of the sort would have to be done soon, but he did not expect it at this pace. Dagger Tooth Valley was a mostly barren part of Tython, with many canyons and long stretches of desert dunes, it was not a place anyone would want to come to of their own will.

He entered the canyon, using his cane to help him traverse the rough terrain. He held his left hand above his eyes to block as much sand as he could from entering them. he grabbed a small canteen of water from his side, and delighted as the cool liquid washed the back of his throat. "It's going to be a long week." When he returned though he would be one step closer towards his goal, power, and if that meant that he must stay out in this treacherous place for a bit, so be it.

"This is absurd, We shouldn't be here at all." Eran continued to berate this idea from within Levi. "Levi can't handle the conditions out here on his own, that ignorant Jedi just wants to see him fail that's all. Now I won't be able to train in the night either, His body wouldn't be able to handle everything." Eran contemplated how, once he was strong enough, would strike down the Jedi training them. He was already farther along than Levi due to him being able to absorb his knowledge and training and use it to advance his own. It brought a smile to his face thinking about Avlis' reaction when Eran came out and the last thing in he would see is Eran's eyes and know the truth only when it was too late.

Levi continued his way through the canyon, when he thought he saw something coming down into the canyon. It was most likely just a vulture, looking for its next meal. He thought little of it and continued forward. All of a sudden he stopped, a little ways in front of him was a large rock, on it were unfamiliar markings he couldn't make out from his distance, something in his mind pulled at him to investigate further.

Eran had felt something, like a dim aura had arrived in the canyon. It felt dark but Eran was unsure of its power, he had to find out what it was. "If it's what i think it is, this trip to this worthless canyon will have served a greater purpose after all".

Levi stared at the rock, trying to decipher any meaning to the symbols on it, then out of the corner of his eye, he saw a crouched figure wearing a golden mask. He froze not knowing what would happen next.

[member="Kevros Kovani"]

 

[Orion Darkstar]

The pace of the figure was slow, sluggish even. Not only was it an annoyance to Kevros at how leisurely the person approached, but he also couldn't gauge whether if the force around them was dark and light. It was almost like a ball of black and white pulling away from each other. The closer the clearly confused individual got, Kevros began to take note of his staggering limp. His brow raised, contemplating what he saw before him.

This....This is the Jedi? His aura tells me the light side of the force is flowing through him. Then what is this other feeling? Like an itch I can't shake it, odd..

Kevros took a gander at him as he peeked from behind the rock. A black padawan outfit seemed unique for a Jedi and even now he was unsure if the wobbling fool was capable of such feats. He felt it the peering eyes shifting towards him. His instinct was always something he trusted and as such stepped out from behind the rock to reveal himself. Tall and hidden behind his mask he tilted his head sideways as he sized up the young man before him. Kevros was young but his mind was much older. Then, he felt it, again the clashing forces of light and dark began to cloud his judgement.

Who is this guy? I can't get a definite read, even as I stand in front of him. Perhaps I could use him? My dream showed potential in my visitor and if this is the man I encountered, I can twist him into a useful tool.

His head finally turned upright and walked slowly forward. He wasn't too sure what to say, regardless the silence between the two would only make him less likely to succeed.

"Magnificent, no? These very canyons used to be lively and verdant. It's amazing what time can do when no ones watching."
Kevros held a cold tone.
"Do you still see the beauty in it?" Kevros asked.

He waited to see if the man before him was as complicated as he thought. The force warning him to stay alert.

[member="Levi Shied"]

 

[Levi Shied]

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, is it not?" Levi replied, using the cliche without even thinking about his response. The man that had revealed himself from behind the large stone was staring at him. He seemed to be sizing him up, which to Levi could not be a good thing. Levi knew he was no physical marvel, and because of that, others saw him as weak. Levi felt the man's cold eyes go over his body, almost as if he was being scanned. Levi noticed the man holding his hand at his side, almost waiting for something to happen, though he was unsure what it could be. Then the thought struck him, "Why is he even out here, perhaps he is here to kill me, to leave me here to rot in this canyon, to be left here like this stone tablet." He certainly looked the part, He wore dark robes and a golden mask to conceal his face, all he could see were those eyes of his.Then he decided the best thing to do would be to address this man, after all, assuming his intentions would get him nowhere.

"What is he doing?" Eran thought, the man was just staring at them after his initial words. Then he felt it, almost as if a wave was washing over his brain "Aren't you the curious one, you can sense me, impressive, but i wonder if you know what it is you can sense." Eran felt confident that the man before them was a Jedi of some sort, by the looks of him, a dark one. "This is working out quite nicely i must admit, what i wanted most, came to find me instead." Eran noticed the man tensed up slightly, his hand at his side, "Do you wish to strike me down, i wonder?" Eran knew that if Levi was to come to blows with this man, he would surely lose, he was a crippled after all, and his force powers were just beginning to show growth. If it came to confrontation, he would have to step in, and fight this battle. He needed to make his intentions clear though, sensing that even his power would not be enough to take down this man, should he become a foe.

(Simultaneously)

"I'm Levi, and you are?"
"Listen now, we need to talk"

[member="Kevros Kovani"]

 

[Orion Darkstar]

Intently he listened, the response made a smile grow on his pale face. The person before him had wit, something he rarely ran into these days. Intrigued he lifted his hand to the air and waved it about.

"Wrong, beauty doesn't matter. What matters is the power to keep it that way." Kevros wasn't sure of his own words, but they held truth. Finally he clenched his fist his eyes narrowing in on the new toy in front of him.

The heat was still a factor, if a fight were to happen, Kevros would be no stranger to the conditions. He fought in pitch black, smoke, frigid cold and even against a Dark Jedi Master. His training had forced him into a lot of unorthodox situations and while he grew tired of them, they always helped him gain the upper hand in a fight. The man before him seemed calm and while no threats could be seen, Kevros was no dummy. The cane that continued to hold the man up was well crafted, the arrangement of eagles showing true woodcraft at its finest. It seemed peculiar that someone close to his age needed such a tool. The limp that had plagued the man before him clearly was due reason, but something was off, Kevros knew it.

I should be wary of him, but what's his game and why is he here?

Levi, the name was simple and strong. Of course like all the rest he seemed human, a trait that Kevros slowly started to ignore as a weakness. Still, Kevros detested most them, however, the more he met the less he found their arrogance. It was an odd complex forged by the pits of his youth. He couldn't help that he hated them, it was just natural.

Right at the start of his speech Levi made Kevros stunned. His voice took on two characteristics, one taking on a more vulnerable tone. The other deep and frighteningly different. Like a freak let out of its cage, Kevros just stared, his lush green eyes turning to slits.

Two voices? What the hell is going on? Is this man sane? Interesting....

Taking a moment to get settled he stepped closer once more, his boots crushing the small rocks beneath. He came to a conclusion, he would address both of the voices he heard. Not only would this help him figure out if what he heard was real, but if Levi, himself was aware.

"Levi nice to meet you, I'm Kevros. Say...what brought you here?"

Kevros replied, contemplating what to say next.

"I'm listening. What is it that you seek?"

Kevros wasn't sure how it would play out and one thing was certain. Something darker was present...

[member="Levi Shied"]

 

[Levi Shied]

Levi started to speak, but was cut short, Kevros had asked a second question before he had time to answer the first one. Now silence fell between them, and Levi decided to just answer both questions he was asked. "I'm out here for my Jedi training, I have been tasked with survival in this canyon for one week by my master. As for what i seek, at this point and time it would be shelter, but on a bigger scale, power. I wish to become strong in the ways of the Force."

Eran laughed to himself, he had seen the small glimpse of fear and uncertainty strike in Kevros' eyes. He regained his calm demeanor quickly though, fast enough that Levi had not seen it. " What's the matter, did i confuse the Jedi?" He spoke with a hint of smugness in his voice, he wanted to see how Kevros would react. "I can assure you that this is no trick, I am simply speaking to you telepathically. Now as for what i seek, it is aligned with that of Levi. I seek power also. what i need is someone who can teach the darker side of the force though, away from prying Jedi eyes at the temple." Eran knew that if could he was able to set this plan in motion, he could make great strides in far less time, he could sense the power of Kevros, it was indeed great. "I need you to convince Levi to join you, to show him the power he could wield if he studied under your guidance."

Levi was nervous, his head hung low, it had been a few minutes since he had replied to Kevros. The masked man just stood there, like he was concentrated on something else entirely. "What brings you all the way out to this side of Tython?" asked Levi, hoping to get a response from the man, while deep down, hoping he wasn't here to kill him for invading his territory or seeing something he wasn't supposed too. "I should prepare for the worst, There's a chance I will have to fight Kevros. I just hope that my last trip for survival, isn't my last" Levi looked up, mentally preparing to call upon the Force, should he need to.

[member="Kevros Kovani"]

 

[Orion Darkstar]

Kevros was intrigued, the wobbling fool had no idea what he was. The Padawan could easily have been struck down. To Kevros, Levi seemed to have little potential for a future in the arts of the darkside, but none the less, he would try and twist the teachings of the Jedi against him.

"Jedi training? Here, in such a wasteful crevice..." Kevros said, moving his right hand back down to his side. "Shelter, why I know just the place." Kevros grew sly. "As for power, I can show you the way, tell me what have the Jedi taught you, padawan?"

The sudden change in tone made him look to his sides, staying composed through the confusion. Then it hit him, telepathy. The voice was cold, with an aging scratch that erupted in his mind.

<<"What's the matter, did i confuse the Jedi?" >>

Like a needle it poked at him, the voice of another intruding through the force. He had no choice but to interact with the incompetence that presented itself. After the final message was received, Kevros snapped back.

<< A Jedi? Arrogance will get you nowhere with me. The fact that you even think you are worthy after such a insult is astounding. >>

Kevros realized what the voice had said, it was another person inside the young man Levi.

Was it not apparent to Levi, that such a thing hid within? Or was this a trick? Judging from the other half it had to be real, but to what extent did Kevros want to take it?

<< You say, I need to teach him. Yet, you refuse to respect me with an introduction. I could end your miserable life right now, swiftly at that. Give me a reason I shouldn't. >>

Kevros observed Levi, he seemed tense. The force was clearly a presence between the two, like a blizzard of energy tangling itself at the center. The heat was washed away in seconds as shadows began to rip through the chasm they stood in. Responding to the tense situation, Kevros slid his left arm underneath his cloak for a moment, his fingers tapping on the hilt of his saber. If Levi's other half came for him he would be ready.

Calm and collected, Kevros answered the padawan.

"Here in this barren wasteland...you see, the force brought me to you Levi. Not only that, there is a cave not far from here that holds something for my research in the arts of alchemy, I'll spare you the details. Do you know of the art?"

Kevros' lips began to curl into a sinister grin, keeping one thought to himself.

I've got you now...

[member="Levi Shied"]

 

[Levi Shied]

Eran once again laughed, this time out loud to Kevros.

<< Hah, you sound angry for one who seems to like his composure. I merely jest of course, and as for who I am, I am Eran. >>

Eran did not wish to offend the Sith further, for he now saw that anger did indeed live within Kevros.

Levi was relieved to hear Kevros speak. He was surprised by his answer though. The force brought him here to find...me? Maybe he has me confused for someone else. Nobody goes out of their way to search for someone like me, someone....weak. The thought came into his mind with barely any effort, it had always been the case for Levi though. A spark of curiosity grew inside Levi, Kevros had told him that there was a cave nearby, he could possibly use it for shelter for the duration of his training. "I do not know anything of alchemy, but if you wouldn't mind, I would like to accompany you to the cave you mentioned." Levi waited anxiously for Kevros to reply, I might even learn something more about the force if i stick with him. Levi did not see the smile growing on Kevros' face.

Eran, listening to Levi and Kevros converse, suddenly got a feeling of dread. It came from seemingly nowhere, then he saw what had caused it. Kevros had slid his arm under his cloak, perhaps to grab at a weapon. Had his comments truly offended the sith to react in such a violent manner? He spoke with Kevros once again.

<< Kevros, I feel we may have gotten off on the wrong foot. In truth, you are just the break I have been searching for. I am seeking a master in the dark ways of the force, and would want nothing more than to train under you. >>

Eran was unsure if his words fell on deaf ears, but as Kevros finished telling Levi that he was sent here by the force, Eran knew that Kevros' ties to the force were great, and now more than ever needed to get him to accept him as a student. "there is a cave not far from here that holds something for my research in the arts of alchemy, I'll spare you the details. Do you know of the art?" No sooner did the words leave Kevros' mouth did Eran see the smile grow on his face. In truth in brought a feeling of slight fear to Eran, he had a feeling he knew what came next.

<< you wouldn't fight a crippled would you now? >>

Eran knew the answer, he just hoped it might stall him long enough to be prepared.

[member="Kevros Kovani"]

 

[Orion Darkstar]

Kevros knew that Levi was oblivious to the stirrings of Eran's greater scheme. The mere thought of such a dangerous individual, proved difficult to understand. Although, Kevros saw potential in him regardless. All he needed to do was entice him with the teachings of the darkside. If Levi was to be a success, Kevros would need to show him the truth.

<< Anger is merely a tool, Eran. >>

The light breeze started again the tiny specks of sand shifting around the splintering rocks nearby. The overhang of the cliff above, hid them from any vessels scanning the area. Tython as a planet garnered more than just a strong connection to the force, but also rare fauna, that was only native in the deepest of its desert regions. Kevros had been searching for days for it, the Dagger Tooth Valley had told him of the Silik Lizard breeding grounds. The cave was the best of guesses, if he were to take it alive it would be much easier with a reliable force user. That's where Levi came in.

"Accompany me..." A tickle grew in his throat as he coughed. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt, I must warn you however, Silik Lizards are formidable at best."

Kevros didn't know what he wanted to do with the Jedi, for now this would give him time to hopefully turn the young padawan into another fallen. That's what Kevros called them, Jedi who turned, he called them 'The Fallen.' Tapping into the force, Kevros listened to Eran's plea. Thinking on it, in Kovani fashion retorted.

<< Wrong foot...heh, I'd say that the odds are stacked against you. You think the mere idea of wanting power is enough? You have to strive for it, the fact that your locked away inside that worthless body tells me one thing, You're weak. >>

He felt it. The darkside was with him now, the tendrils of the darkness shrouded him, telling him of Eran's fear. It was time to push them boith.

<< Still blind to my intentions, you think fighting you will give me gain? You're both truly lost...>>

Taking a quick moment he released his mind from the force, staring at the clueless Levi. The tension grew stale and with it Kevros' patience. If he were to find the Silik lizard they would need to move soon.

"Do you still want to come, Jedi?" The alluring manner in which Kevros said it was well executed.

He waited, hoping for the real layers of his intentions to be planted.

[member="Levi Shied"]

 

[Levi Shied]

"Of course I want to come, there isn't much else to do out here anyway." Levi replied with hopefulness. The fact that Kevros still held interest in him, brought a smile to his face. It had been a long time since he went on an expedition with someone, he mostly kept to himself after his father passed.

Stunned at Kevros' words, Eran contemplated over them. I may be in this body, but that does not make me as weak as he believes. Eran thought, knowing full well what he was capable of. The other words though, "You're both truly lost.." he knew they rang true. He had no direction in which to go, no path to follow, to further his training. He needed Kevros's to take him on as an apprentice, or be left always wanting what was out of his grasp.

<< You're right, I need your help, I need purpose, training means nothing if it is squandered. >>

He hoped that perhaps showing a level head would show Kevros that he was not as useless as he appeared.

Levi followed behind Kevros still holding a smile on his face, still oblivious of what was transpiring between Kevros and Eran. He knew one thing though, he wanted to show off some of what he learned, in hopes that Kevros might take some notice. I wonder what a Silik lizard is? His mind trailed off, and then he noticed a cave entrance in the distance. That must be the place. He thought, and started to move at a slightly faster pace.

[member="Kevros Kovani"]

 

[Orion Darkstar]

They had reached it, the wide opening of the orange, rocky archway, inviting them in for a place to stay. The time it spent getting there showed true in the sun, growing dimmer as evening sprang upon them. This was perfect for the hunt, if the lizard had left for a last minute meal, it would return shortly. If it didn't, remained to be seen. He ran his fingers across the bumpy walls of the entrance, lifting them to his nose, he sniffed.

"There's liquid along the walls, I think we found its lair. This must be the spinal fluids, odd."

Bending down he spotted something else, a footprint. His golden mask arched over his shoulder as he looked at Levi.

"Are you scared? Come here, already. Footprints, I think someone else is here."

Kevros examined the rest of the area, the force told him nothing of another, inside the cavern. He knew Eran heard him through Levi, but Eran still needed to be addressed.

<< Tell me, Eran. What would I gain from teaching you anything? There are things that even I must learn, why waste my time with a miscreant that can't even dominate a limping fool like Levi?>>

Kevros had enough, the fact that Eran even thought of such an idea agitated him. How was he supposed to teach a person inside of another anyway? It was a preposterous offer, unless Kvros was missing the bigger picture. Perhaps Levi wasn't as useless as he seemed. Standing back up he stepped forward into the cave, a dim light coming from beyond. Waving Levi forward, Kevros asked him something dangerous and could determine whether or not they would meet swords.

"Do you know of the darkside, Levi?"

[member="Levi Shied"]

 

[Levi Shied]

Levi stood there, stunned, the cold words ran through his head once more. "Do you know of the darkside, Levi?" He had heard of the darkside, though not much outside of tales from the miners at the bar back on Ilum. Stories of powerful beings wielding the force for nefarious reasons. If he is asking, then i can assume, Kevros must be sith? He then realized that he had not actually answered Kevros,

"I have heard of the darkside. Truth be told though, my knowledge is limited to what I have heard as drunken ramblings. Why is it that you question me on such a topic?" Levi asked Kevros, hoping to get Kevros to reveal more information on himself.

Eran had felt it, Levi's core had gone cold at the question, his pulse spiked, and his hands had went clammy. Was being so direct the correct choice for a subject so delicate? Considering who Kevros appeared to be, odds were, this was not his first time doing this. He decided not to question Kevros on this, for the time being at least, it was quite possible that Levi did not need much convincing if shown what he sought for.

Just then commotion erupted from deep within the cave. It sounded as though someone was yelling. As Levi listened, the noise seemed to be getting closer, like it was coming right for them.

"IT'S HEADING TOWARDS THE EXIT, DON'T LET IT GET OUT OF THE CAVE, WE'LL NEVER CATCH IT IN THE DESERT."

A creature which Levi could only assume was a Silik lizard was stomping towards them, with 3 men chasing behind with guns and nets. He instinctively looked at Kevros to see what he would do. I might get to see what a sith can do. Though he didn't know it, at that time, He and Eran held the same small smile.

[member="Kevros Kovani"]

 

[Orion Darkstar]

Kevros stopped, the sudden tap of a noise in the distance made him alert. Nothing came, instead of worrying over what might be, he focused on what was, Levi.

" I only asked because you mentioned the attainment of power, are you not a Jedi? Those who seek power, at least the one's I've ran into are Sith. I know you aren't a Sith, the force clouds your true allegiance. Are you confused about the path you've chosen Levi?"

Kevros had to be careful, Eran wanted power, but if he couldn't dominate Levi, then what for? He was missing a piece of the puzzle. Like canvas in the dark, Kevros tried to see the true painting. Never, in all his journey's had he come into contact with such a unique person before.

A loud booming voice ruptured from the cave, Kevros turning to the approaching intruders. Along with them came a large lizard, its tail lengthy and six legs trudging through the sand. It lunged towards both of them. Kevros, with ease sidestepping the beast as it slid by, rushing for the exit. Barely missing Levi, Kevros shook his head.

The three that followed behind were well equipped and from the sights of it were hunters. Kevros could not allow the beast to get away, nor could he have any of the hunters take his specimen for his alchemy projects.

Looking at Levi he yelled.

"Don't let the Silik get away!"

Turning to the three hunters he stood, silent and brooding. Shifting his eyes to Levi one last time, he realized he couldn't display his power. Eran would learn from it, judging by the mixture of it all, Eran seemed to be knowledgeable of the force. He couldn't feed the fire with more sticks. Changing his initial course of action, he waved the hunters forward.

"The beast where did it go?" The tall well armored man asked.
"Yea what ya do let it get away?" Asked another of his lackeys.

Kevros turned to face Levi, the beast missing from the cave.

Great.

[member="Levi Shied"]

 

[Levi Shied]

Levi saw the irritation in Kevros' eyes as he looked back and saw that the Silik lizard was no where to be found. Levi couldn't believe it, I already messed up, At that moment he felt like like a knot was building in his stomach. He had no time to reflect though, one of the hunters had walked over to him and began yelling.

"How could you let it go right past you? Don't you know how much its spinal fluid goes for? What are you even doing here?"

The barrage of questions put Levi in a state of duress He turned to look at Kevros, he held the same cold look on his face that he had from their initial meeting. He doesn't care about me, I was delusional to think otherwise. What do I do now though? His mind was racing and then he just stopped, Everything went black.

Levi was turning into a mess, the men had reached the mouth of the cave where they stood. The one in armor kept yelling at Levi, harassing him over the stupid lizard they had come to obtain. I've had about enough of this, we aren't to blame here anyway, Kevros let the Silik slip by and only then did he say something to Levi. It was never going to be caught... That's when it hit him, This was Kevros' plan, he wanted to see Levi stand on his own, he let the blame fall on him on purpose. He saw Kevros staring not at Levi, no, he felt his presence inside his mind, he was looking at him. If that's what you truly want, then so be it."

It happened quickly, Levi's body went limp for a split second, then it seemed to jerk back to life, as if a defibrillator had struck it. The man's spit hit his face as he continued to yell at him. Levi looked up at the man, but something was different. His eyes once a deep blue color, had been replaced by black orbs that seemed endless and void of life, The color of his skin had gone from a healthy hue to a sickly pale. He no longer seemed to be leaning against his cane, but instead gripped it in anticipation.

"Wha.... wha... what are you?" the man stammered as he saw that the crippled man in front of him had transformed before his very eyes to something else entirely.

"What's the matter? Your wiggling tongue seems to have stopped, is something the matter?"
A evil grin spilled over his face, he knew that the hunters would be no match for him. In one quick motion he pulled a yellow lightsaber from the cane he held in his right hand. and sliced the man's head off. The other 2 men raised there rifles to fire at him, he blocked the rounds with ease, raised his hand and force pushed one of them into the cave wall with tremendous force. He was dead no doubt. The remaining man started to cry and wet himself, it was a pitiful sight.

"Pl..pl...please... don't kill me, I'll do whatever you want, just spare me. I won't tell anyone what i saw today, no one outside of this cave has to know what happened here."

"Oh, don't worry about that, no one will."

The lightsaber made one final slice and the man fell to the ground. Eran put the lightsaber back into the cane. He bent down and he searched the man, he spotted some vials labeled: Silik. He turned to Kevros and walked over to him.

"I believe you were looking for these? Pleasure to finally meet face to face, I'm Eran."

[member="Kevros Kovani"]

 

[Orion Darkstar]

There were things in the galaxy that were truly at their core unique. Levi was just that, a vulnerable weak man. At the start Kevros thought what anyone would think of a limping padawan. Now, like a cornered dog, he waited to see how he would react. It wasn't anything personal, but when push came to shove, Kevros wanted answers.

The bounty hunter chewed into him, the lizard slipping away wasn't even Levi's fault. Kevros had played a nasty trick, forcing the padawan into a life threatening situation meant he would see both sides of the same coin. If Eran wanted training, Kevros figured there would have to be a time that Eran dominated the rest of Levi's mind. This was how he would know.

He watched intently as Levi's body went slightly limp, like a machine losing its power. The hunter lashing out towards him stepped back, Levi's mannerisms changing. The once leaning Jedi, now turned stiff and his skin losing color. This was it, the missing piece. The display of his facial expression showed it all, Kevros called on the devil. The sinister grin that reached Levi's face, sent tiny strands of hair on Kevros' neck to stand. Not out of fear, no; mere excitement as he watched the inner monster at work.

Deceived is how he felt when the cane was ignited into a vibrant sunset. A canesaber, how perfect and rich was it that such a weapon existed for those with such afflictions. Except the limp was gone, Levi's wobble expunged from existence as he made quick work of the yelling barbarian in front of him. Kevros' eyes widened in satisfaction through the slits of his Kovani mask.

What came next was what really caught his eye, the force push flinging another into the far north wall of the cavern. His connection in the force was so fluent, but sloppy. The last hunter pleaded for his life and with little hesitation Levi struck him down. This was no longer Levi, it had to Eran. Kevros had cracked the code and the reward was a monster.

Holding his hand out the vials rolled back and forth in his palm, until he gripped onto them. Kevros wasn't a fool and as such stayed on guard. He wasn't sure how to really entertain Eran, so instead, Kevros turned away. Walking for the exit. It was quite a sight to see Eran in action, he held promise. The only problem that plagued him was Levi.

Sighing he shook his head, his golden shoulder guard shifting as he walked. Finally he acknowledged Eran and replied.

"Kevros, as you already know." Kevros paused looking out into the night, the canyon had turned cold, the temperature dropping rapidly. "So you stopped hiding, that was an impressive display, but sloppy. Are you familiar with the Sith code, Eran?" The air grew heavy, his breath slithering out into the night like a ghastly ghost.

He turned back towards Eran as he pressed the clip on the back of his head. The mask loosened, Kevros catching it with his free hand. His pale face showed youth, and his lush green eyes were soft. His long spiky hair falling to his shoulders, strands of it hunching over his forehead. He figured revealing himself would show some form of respect, even for a monster like Eran.

Kevros realized something about himself at the last minute.

I'm a different breed of monster too...

[member="Levi Shied"]

 

[Levi Shied]

"No, I'm afraid I don't know the Sith code. Would you care to enlighten me on it?"

Then Kevros turned away from him, Eran heard a small *click*, and saw Kevros's mask fall into his hand. He had not expected this, Kevros was clearly a man who enjoyed his secrecy, but why then, remove the mask? Eran watched as Kevros' hair fell into its natural place, it came down to his shoulders and covered the top of his face. Eran could see the eyes that hid behind the mask more clearly now, a soft yet strong green resided in them. He was younger than Eran expected, he couldn't of been much older than himself. Why do this now though? Eran was confused on why Kevros would reveal himself to him, a man he had just met. Perhaps it was a gesture of understanding? Does he use perhaps see a similarity between us? When it came down to it, the reason could be as cryptic as the man who stood before him.

"I appreciate you doing that, more than you might realize. It has been quite some time since I got to train on living targets, I'm sure it looked sloppy. So does this mean you are willing to accept my request for training?"

Eran waited with anticipation, knowing that this was one of those moments that would change the course of life.

[member="Kevros Kovani"]

 

[Orion Darkstar]

A large boulder sat to the left of him, placing his mask on top of it he looked at Eran. The thought of teaching another person intrigued him. Unfortunately, Kevros had his own training to complete. While powerful in the force and capable of lightsaber combat beyond his years, Kevros still sought more. His master had taught him many things throughout their sessions. Perhaps teaching Eran wasn't out of the question.

"The Sith code is ancient, each sentence gripping at the underlying truth of the Jedi. It's not just some code that defies our adversaries, it speaks to us, as one. Connecting us all through the darkside of the force. I'm surprised you don't know the words."

Kevros knew it wasn't his place to teach but helping a potential ally for the future seemed like the right play.

"Remember these words and the force shall guide you Eran."

Kevros sighed and looked down to the barren ground as he began to recant.

"Peace is a lie, there is only passion.
Through passion, I gain strength.
Through strength, I gain Power.
Through Power, I gain Victory.
Through Victory, my chains are broken.
The force shall free me. "

The words were vast in their meaning. So many deciphered the code differently, guiding themselves to what they truly thought it meant. That was the beauty in it, the Sith garnered what they wanted. Breaking themselves from the shackles of life. Eran had a long way to go and learning the ways of the Sith were his first steps to greatness.

"I must be honest with you Eran, I am in no position to teach. I may be strong in the force and the arts of the darkside but I can not give you false hope. All I can do is guide you, perhaps when I am sfar stronger you can seek my true wisdom."

His pale face showed little expression, if any. The slithering cold grab at him as he took in a deep breath. The frigid temperatures warning him to find shelter. Grabbing his mask he walked toward Eran, shifting his gaze to the two dead bodies near the entrance.

"A fire, these men had to have come prepared. We should stay the night in the cave. If the Silik comes back, I may be able to teach you more. For now, we'll freeze if we don't."

Kevros examined the inner walls of the cave once more. Something still bothering him about the hunters that were dealt with. Stepping over the dead hunter he bent slightly over and grabbed a long spoon, a ladle at its end.

"Lucky us, they probably already had a fire going. Maybe, even food."

Kevros smiled, his face lifting into a wicked success. The howling moans of Tython, bellowed in the nightly air.

[member="Levi Shied"]

 

[Levi Shied]

He listened as the words left Kevros' mouth, the sith code, it felt foreign yet familiar. Kevros recited it as if it was his thousandth time doing so. Eran contemplated the words, thinking on their meaning, then Kevros spoke once more. Disappointment set in, Eran knew that there was a good possibility his encounter with Kevros would end this way. I'm just lucky it came this far honestly, he could've just killed me and left me in the desert to die. I should consider the time i have spent with him to be a gift. Eran decided to not dwell on it any further, and as he did, a chill ran through his body. The once sweltering desert had transformed into a plane of cold night air, a kind that you felt in your lungs as it hit. Kevros noticed it as well and mentioned starting a fire.

"Sounds like a solid plan. Any chance you know how deep this cave goes?"

Eran waited for a reply, but none came. Kevros seemed to have ignored the question, now looking at one of the dead hunters left by Eran. He reached down and picked up something, a ladle, at that point Eran's stomach growled, he had become hungry since his quarrel with the hunters. Kevros seemed pleased with the discovery, and smiled as he spoke of finding the hunter's base camp deeper inside the cave.

Eran walked alongside Kevros, heading deeper into the cave, after several minutes of walking into what seemed like an endless tunnel, a small light appeared in the distance. They had found the camp, and with it, their chance at a meal drew closer. Then Eran felt it, a tingle in the back of his mind, he knew that it was going to happen sooner or later, Levi's brain was starting to realize it was not in control of his body. No, I'm not finished yet, I need more time. He would have to leave soon, but he pushed the feeling back, Eran wasn't ready to give the reins back just quite yet, he wanted to spend more time with Kevros. He looked over to him now, a stern look in his eyes as he trudged forward to the light ahead of them.

[member="Kevros Kovani"]

 

[Orion Darkstar]

Kevros ignored his question, playing with the elongated spoon in is hand. Twirling it about he walked around the bend of the caverns twisty trail. A wide opening with sharp, jagged spires of rock growing from both, ground and ceiling. The wide area housed a small bundle of sticks and a smell of freshly burned wood. Tools and packages of miscellaneous survival gear was scattered about. The hot burning coals that rested in the center began to die down. Moving to the stack of twigs, Kevros bent over and snatched a few up. Tossing them to coals. A tiny crackle reached the quite cave, turning to the far end of the opening he saw the trail continued even deeper.

"We can find what we need here, see if you can find a pot. Maybe some food too."

Reaching into a small bag he found a few books and some cloth. Sliding a large log towards the fire he began to tear the pages from one of the large books in his hand. setting his mask and spoon to the side of him. Rolling the pages of the book into a crinkle, he threw them at the red, hot coals. A bright flame reached the air. The snapping intensity of the lit cave revealed the rest of the grotto. A small waterhole surrounded by stalagmites, revealing itself.

"After I get this brewing, I want you to try something." Kevros said, his intentions for the growth of Eran. "You see this large book?" Kevros paused, the flames sweltering with an undying rage. "I want you to lift it with the force."

This should teach him to focus, controlling a small area is much harder than a larger one. Control, Eran, that is what you will need. Let's see how useful you really are..

[member="Levi Shied"]

 

[Levi Shied]

Eran was confused to say the least. Lift a book with the force, what good would that do? He has already seen me toss around a full grown man with my power. Eran was now deeper in the cavern from the campsite the hunters had set up. There is something he isn't telling me obviously, or he is trying to make a mockery of me. Of course there was no way he could tell with Kevros. Eran let out a sigh as he saw the end of the tunnel appear. Of course it's a dead end, what else would it be? Eran let out a sigh, and his stomach growled once more, keeping his control on Levi's body and brain would prove difficult on an empty stomach. He would just have to persevere as long as he could.

Turning around to head back to the camp, Eran felt as if eyes were following his every move. He saw nothing of the sort though. Still feeling uneasy, he quickened his pace back to Kevros. He's not going to be happy when i come back with empty handed, but at this point I am used to his disappointment by now. Eran made it back to the camp and started to speak,

"Kevros, I couldn't find anyth-"

He stopped, Kevros was nowhere to be found. The fire was still going strong though. Where did he go? I haven't been gone that for all that long, perhaps he went to look for food also. If he doesn't return soon, it won't be me he finds back here at the camp. Eran felt the irritation become stronger, Levi's mind was fighting him for control. He had maybe an hour left at most, before he had to retreat back into Levi's mind. As for where Kevros was though, Eran could only guess, there were many tunnels connected to this main chamber. Eran focusing on Kevros' absence, did not hear the footsteps approach from behind.

[member="Kevros Kovani"]