Karys Narat iv-Adas

The kiffar let a rare smile grip his lip. He spoke calmly yet in a tone that denoted that he was of a understanding aptitude. ''Then I have made the right choice in you. Today you are a miraluka no more---but reborn as my apprentice. Come...you have much to learn in little time.'' With this Lucifer led the way pressing what seemed like a hidden code input device built into the arena wall that once pressed slid open to reveal a stairwell up to the main cavern area where the forge and everything else resided. Leading DeCaro into a certain room the sith lord searched until he found a ancient looking parchment, placing it into the miraluka's hand he spoke. ''Read this, these the tenets of the Sith are more than just words to be memorized. Learn them, understand them. They will lead you to the true power of the Force; the power of the dark side. Once you are done enlighten me with a answer to this question. What line means mosts to you and why." On the parchment was etched the sith code---written in what was now dried blood whereas years before it would be fresh. The Sith Code was as follows: 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 set me free. ((Basically choose a line which is more in line with your assassin/warrior mentality))

The kiffar gave a nod, it seemed his new would be apprentice was more informed than he had given him credit for. The sith lord spoke. ''You are right in part, the darkside does indeed glorify the strength of an individual as it does releash your inner power---a inner strength however this is where the truth becomes known. The lightside is no more difficult to master than that of the darkside it is an illusion used by the jedi to give them a air of superiority over us. In reality the darkside is freedom, a freedom of the force that the jedi would try to disway people as you away from...away from what they fear and the unknown. It is the darkside that allows us to experience every emotion, express that emotion which makes us what we are and empowers us to enhance it while the jedi must suffer emotionless...just shells of their former selfs---weak and as a sheep to the herd. The jedi would chain a false reality over your eyes we as sith destroy these chains that hold lesser men and woman and for this we are hated, branded as murderers...butchers and worse. Tell me what do you know of the delusion of the jedi, of their talk of self sacrifice when you are but a slave to yourself and the galaxy---what do you really know...will you break the chains or remain bent on one knee to the will of others.'' Lucifer waited...hoped that this man was all he thought he was. That his words would empower him with the conviction to do what must be done and break away from all he knew--to break the chains of normality and traditional morality and become something more. He hoped he stirred the hatred within his heart of the galaxy and would work towards bringing forth chaos that order would follow. ''How can you claim to deserve such power when you were but a slave...a slave to yourself and to morality. IF you wish to become my apprentice and becoem a sith you must break apart what you were. Can you truly accept the price you must pay for such freedom, such desire for revenge---can you accept that you shall be hated, despised, outcast for what you are to become, for seeing past the veil and accept that it shall be inevitable that eventually you shall be consumed by the darkside such is the price of it's use. Your answer shall decide your fate so answer faithfully and truthfully.'' The sith lord wiated for his answer....if DeCaro was willing to accept the consequances of his decision then he would have proven his worth.

Lucifer simply stood still completely unphased by the carnage...he had seen it all before, the man was arrogant much like he was at one time---yet within he felt the hatred below the surface, there was perhaps value, perhaps this man could be of some use. ''Creating death is easy, anyone can create a mastery of death but it takes a sith to truly apprechiate their work. What you have done is a accomplishement yes but one of little meaning compared to what is to come. We are all subserviant to the force it's by it's will that we meet and exist. If you are to become my student you must forget all you know, leave all you knew behind you...your past, your friends and family for this journey is a personal one from which you shall be reborn. However first you will tell me what you know of the Dark Side of it's true nature as you view it. Only by knowing what it is---what it really is will you ever be more than a tool to use.''

((Ok that'll do for the labyrinth I think afterall killing a Krayt is no easy feat now on to the actual training stage after a little discussion or so )) During the whole fight DeCaro was watched...Lucifer was like a ghost viewing him defeating the re-animated corpses and the Krayt Dragon. It seemed he would need a new guardian as the beast was now of little value---no more than a corpse. Allowing the miraluka to claim his prize the sith lord revealed himself, at first being as a mist and then taking physical form albeit hidden behind a hooded face that would conceal he was the same man whom DeCaro met earlier--at least for now. The kiffar spoke. ''Impressive---not many could stand such onslaught and slay a Krayt Dragon as easily. You may keep the pearl it may prove useful later. I am Darth Lucifer however you may know me by another more...familiar name...that of Draco Vaanas my alias.'' With that moment the kiffar removed his hood to reveal it was the very same kiffar as before, only this time he would see what he truly looked like...his scar which seemed to be running cross one eye--the robotic eye which although seemed like any normal eye was in fact highly sophisticated technology. Lucifer spoke again. ''Forgive the deception but it was necessary as I am sure you can understand. You passed my test however I have more questions for you questions which shall require answers...so you wish to learn the ways of the Sith. If this is true what makes you think you are worthy of joining a brotherhood as powerful as this? What have you done to deserve this power? Are you even fully aware of what that means.''

The door slowly opened as DeCaro touched the stone shaking a little as crumbs feel from the top. Inside a young mutated medium sized Krayt Dragon lurked---waiting for his meal. Once the door was open the Krayt leapt forward aiming for DeCaro---swinging one claw the beast sent him backwards before charging upon him. It was when he was on the floor a voice entered his head again...the same voice as before. ''You cannot hope to defeat this beast, if you wish to survive you will need to push out with your mind. Visualize your target with your mind, then force it away from your consciousness. This should generate a push for you..use your senses. The more will power you pour into it, the greater the force exerted toward your target. The opposite would be to draw objects to you. The same principle applies, just the opposite affect.'' The voice subsided to nothing as the Krayt neared teeth ready to bite DeCaro piece by piece.

((Not quite right the kneeling guy was supposed to go to the left, task guy middle and surveying guy final (surveying guy a metaphor for ascension and surveying the galaxy in a new light) )) DeCaro found that the door did not open, instead the whole cave like structure shook. Before long the walls began to move making it obvious he had put the wrong combination...he had to now find an alternate route inside. The ground below him where he stood seemed slightly weaker than the rest of the floor, before long the ground gave way sending him hurtling down a large shute like pipeline and into a open arena filled with one or two corpses, skulls and other assorted limbs belonging to the dead. Slowly the shambling corpses sprang to life and moved towards DeCaro. A few held what looking akin to giant axes---others were more agile moving towards him at speed wielding a sword to each arm while one or two simply shambling slowly firing blaster bolts at range...obviously when alive being of smuggler variety, all gave off a pungent smell of death and decay while they howled the odd groteseque mumble. At the end of the arena was some kind of large giant onyx door behind which stood a mutated Greater Krayt Dragon---unbeknown to DeCaro of course all he could hear was the scream...the same scream he had previosuly heard.

Although DeCaro thought it was a stairwell he would find that it was yet again another illusion---a very clever trick, a illusion within a illusion the mystery deepened. The stairwell was in reality in fact a long narrow walkway leading forward across the chasm below although it appeared to lead downwards once he stepped onto it he found it was flat and was held up by thin pillars of rock below it, the walkway itself led onwards. Once DeCaro moved forwards he would find a cave like entrance that would lead him into a opening. Upon the walls was 3 depictions all alike aside from subtle differences few would notice. The first looked akin to a man surveying all he saw, the second a man kneeling and the third to the right side was of one conducting a task of some sort---they appeared to show the depiction of apprentice rise to sith lord. DeCaro would find he was to arrange them in the correct order starting with the one he though represented the first stage to open a door that seemed to be attached to the floor (trapdoor) that would slide open if correct, if not the room would move inwards and crush him.

Lee's life was ended quickly at DeCaro's hand...it was a cruel game that he did not survive while the miraluka did but such was the force and the nature of existence, fate was a cruel master--both cold and calculating. After making his way past the traps as he turned left DeCaro was confronted by a path splitting into two seperate ways both seemingly identical one led down a stairwell while the other to a large gaping drop---or so it seemed. Above the right path (the gaping hole) was a ancient looking text written in the old sith languagage which read 'Let your eyes not decieve your judgement, let your senses guide you'. ((Basically choose the way one is real the other a illusion make the right choice or you may be in for a bit of trouble Oh and try to seperate your psost into paragraph's if you can it makes it easier on the eyes sorry and helps it flow better. (Look above for examples on paragraphs) ))

DeCaro had made the right choice...upon taking the right path he was confronted by inconspicious hallway that only had one way---forward. Little did he know just why the hallway was so empty other than the few skeletal remains that lay about upon the floor. If one were to look closer..much closer they would find several intricate traps varying from large razor blades, swinging pendulums, hidden floor spike pits to poison tipped arrowheads that shot via a unique contraption. These traps were set off by any who entered stepping upon any of the stones upon the floor regardless of where they stepped. The presence seemed to be beckoning DeCaro and his mysterious follower Lee into the deadly array---at the far end was a sharp left turn that led into who knows what, whatever was there was obscured by the view.

((Lucifer isn't inside a cave in fact his hidden hideout is built into the cliff face itself so there was no need to climb. However for the sake of the storyline I shall let that slide this time maybe havng you enter a cave above the hideout for the purposes of training.)) IC: The presence grew in intesity as DeCaro entered deeper inside, to one who viewed through the force it would be a nearly overwhelming sight for the darkside covered this place in a think layer or so it seemed. From within the darkness a chilling scream of some unknown origin was heard...yet there was no going back the enrtance sealed shut of it's own accord. The only way was forward into the abyss and towards whatever was down inside. Yet within DeCaro's head he heard a distinct voice...almost familiar yet he could not place exactly whom it was and where he had heard it before. ''Very good...you have come far already miraluka. Yet if you wish to harvest the sweet scent of knowing and complete your journey then you must first prove yoruself to me. Survive my labyrinth and you shall be found worthy---as for your friend if he wishes to remain alive then he too must prove his worth before my eyes. Now go...prove your worth.'' With thsoe words a black onyx door opened up ahead that descending downwards into a vast labyrinth within which lay many dangers...both seen and unseen.

An eerily blue/green glow filled the air with a un-natural tinge as was the norm in the Byss skyline. The 'presence' seemed to be directing DeCaro and his newfound friend towards a vast beach where the smell of the fresh sea air, rushed and washed away the stale air that had been recycled during the journey. It's dark waters crashed against many rocks at the base of the cliffs to which they was headed for, where an observation post once stood. The redish-orange sand, bathed their feet as they treaded toward the base of the cliff. Bulky, gray clouds formations hung in the skies above, casting large patches of shadow across the landscape...it truly was the sight and sounds as to give the impression this was where nightmares were born and bred--this was where legends were made or broken.

The Black Heart descended onto Byss landing just by the cliffside. Lucifer was back...this was where he felt most alive, where he could truly be himself and empowered with the darkside. The planet had a certain appeal to the kiffar sith lord it was why he choose this planet over any other to be his power base, the fact that his former master had trained him here was of little consequance in the final decision---he found a certain aroma about the landcsape the fact that the planet was naturally attuned to the darkside only further fueled his decision. Making his way to the hidden cave entrance Lucifer waited, not letting his presence be know either through the force or visually, he would be unseen by all until he felt he needed to reveal himself. His guest had been given a hint that he was on this planet but not the exact location that was where his true test lied...if DeCaro could follow the strong scent of the darkside, if he were truly attuned he would find a lingering trail that would direct him towards a inconspicious looking cliff face. The sith lord would appear not to be there, truly invisible to the naked eye and once the miraluka was at the location Lucifer would reveal himself in his own way.

The Black Heart made it's way up out of the atmosphere of Coruscant and onwards to Byss the pilots intended destination.

A inconspicious Lamba Class shuttle makes one brief stop before heading to Coruscant or more specifically The Galactic Gunshop. ((Continue Galactic Gunshop))

A inconspicious shuttlecraft arrived through the atmosphere of Vjun landing clsoe to the Lamba Class shuttle that was still on the surface. Opening up the sith lord Lucifer exited briefly before heading to his own craft the Lamba Class shuttle before heading back into the depths of space and for Coruscant thereafter.

Lucifer gave a nod of apprechiation briefly speaking before he made his way back through the way he came. ''You need not worry about that I shall be sure to cover my tracks. Our secret shall remain safe I shall only be a stones throw away should you need help. Let Haphaestus know he has my support in whichever direction he takes for the order and that should he need me I will most likely be on Byss where my sanctuary resides.'' With that the kiffar began the journey back but not before picking up a few blocks of the Darkmetal as he had been told he could, they would play a vital part in what he had in store for his new weapons. After returning to the outside world just as he had been informed a faceless droid waited with a shuttlecraft. Deciding to let the droid fly the craft the sith lord entered before instructing him to make the way to Vjun where he would retrieve the ship he had left behind, once there he would re-acquire it and make his way to Coruscant...he needed to check up on how his real ships modifications were doing among other things. Slowly the ship ascended before leaving atmosphere for Vjun.

Lucifer felt the change, it was a strange feeling to be connected to so many...to be apart of something bigger than himself and anything other than the sith order, but yet here he was. Giving a nod of gratitude the sith lord spoke albeit it was with his voice but rather of the mind, it was not even via using the force the bond allowed him to speak and Dominus would hear his words regardless. I feel our new bond. I accept you as brother long may we be as one, may our enemies fear us and our allies made stronger. It is true I have some things to take care of however I am at somewhat a disadvantage my ship was left behind on Vjun. If alternate transport were arranged it would be apprechiated that I can retrieve it.

Lucifer listened before moving with Dominus deeper into cavern. It seemed he was just shown some kind of new force technique...which in his books was always a good thing, one could never be without too much knowledge. He understood the concept, how they were a conduit, a instrument or rather one part of the process it took two to make a whole weapon. He would heed Dominus advice and practice as time went on but for now he focused on what was before him. Listening to what he said about the Darkmetal the kiffar decided on his choice---it seemed he would need to repalce his sabre, despite the fact he had grown quite fond of the object much blood and sweat had gone into it's construction, literally however he would do as he needed to be done. His choice was made quickly he would replace his cortosis schimitars with the Darkmetal although that was not to say he would forget his sabre completely...the blade would serve him just as well as his new swords. The two curved swords would serve as a fear inspiring sight to his enemies with the crimson black as well as provide the necessary protection from sabre blades with a cortosis lined edge, he envisioned the design of both in his head and set it at the back of his mind to access at a later date. For now he focused on his current task and as instructed opened his mind after giving a nod although a little wary at first initially he gave in knowing it would serve to aid him later should he need it, afterall such a bond would provide easy access to allies who would aid in times of need just by feeling him in the force and to a extent see what he was going through. He would not go back, not now...he had come too far to get to this point and thus he opened his mind up like an open book ready to read more or less. It was only then that the sith lord spoke. ''It is done.''

Lucifer gave a nod acknowledging what Dominus said as he continued his focus. Listening to the sith master's voice inside his head allowing him to freely roam to a degree but not so far as to view all he knew, afterall allowing anyone too far could be dangerous. The kiffar sith lord only allowed him to speak inside his mind nothing beyond that. Listening Lucifer focusing as asked on absorbing the heat allowing it to become part of him almost rather than allowing to flow by him. Slowly he could feel the change...the heat began to subside when the sith lord let the heat flow through his body like some kind of wire allowing electricity to pass through using him as the conductor or conduit. No longer did he feel the burning sensation nor did his skin burn, in fact it felt more like the heat was a breeze flowing over him and through him. The sith lord spoke. ''I have done as asked. I can no longer feel the heat of this place...I feel comfortable as opposed to burning.''

Lucifer was fading in and out despite his efforts the heat was beginning to affect his mind. Hullicinations starting appearing before Dominus snapped him out of it again and the kiffar sith lord despite this listened not deterred by the heat. He could literally feel his skin blister slightly on his right side as the smell of lightly seered flesh filled the air. Listening Lucifer's mind was opened to another revelation, one he took in---it seemed much that he thought that was, was not true but yet another falsehood. Focusing within the force Lucifer let go of all perception as he knew it of the force instead listening and doing as asked...focusing outwards instead of inside himself, literally focusing within the air around him until it became a almost intoxicating liqour, a new brand of alcaholic beverage. Doing it quickly as he was instructed the kiffar found that what was once seering heat became as nothing as he found a new release from the world around him, the air became part of him as he became part of it, he truly began to understand the force, not as he knew it before, this time it was different, stronger even until the pain became as nothing and he did not succumb to the hullucinations as before but instead his mind was clear. Everything was changing for the sith lord, all he knew was gone and replaced with something greater, the misguided view of before was as nothing.

Lucifer listened as they descened intot he fortress bowels....if it was not the darkside then what was this feeling he felt, strange it seemed he was find a whole new side to the force he never knew existed---all he had known was that there were two sides never another more potent form of it as was the case here. As he followed the kiffar continued to listen and acted accordingly. Latching outwards with the force he felt his way avoiding the black death that was the lava around them. As they moved further in the heat increased until it became almost unbearable and would have killed him had he not been trained to resist such pain. Hearing the question Lucifer answered. ''I am ready for whatever awaits me--if this be another test I shall do what is necessary.'' The sith lord's conviction was absolute, he had come far and faced himself---he would not falter now, not when so close.

Lucifer slowly roused from what seemed like lifetime of sleep. A little groggy he awoke to a unknown location, surrounded by what appeared to be more faceless droids and Dominus himself. Feeling the area through the force he was fully woken, the darkside was truly strong here wherever here was. The kiffar spoke rubbing his head a little somehow having the feeling he had a somewhat long journey less he would not have been out quite so long, the only drawback of it he could fathom was that his newly acquired ship was nowhere in sight less he had to make his own way out of wherever he was and to another destination...however he worked out in the end the positives outweighed the risk by far. ''I take it we have arrived. I can feel the darkside coursing through here, wherever here is.''

Lucifer listened before considering what was said...he ahd gone far already and thus the decision was made all the more simpler--having seen what he saw there was no reason not to continue on, less he would have gotten the mark upon his hand for nothing. The kiffar spoke, his seriousness evident of his choice. ''I have been through much to get to this point. I have come far along this journey already it was inevitable that I end up where I stand now..less I would not have recieved this mark. I know now I have been guided, by Rivan's will...for within the temple hidden beneath the chateau I was confronted by his spirit and journeyed inwards after such a trial as to be remembered I recieved his mark upon my hand. Much was revealed to me that night, thus my decision stands--I shall continue this path regardless of risk and accept the terms.'' With this the sith lord turned his wrist slightly to reveal the mark Rivan had given him, the one that he was told would serve as proof of his trust in the kiffar and of facing one part of the trials towards the Alcazarin's.

Lucifer looked towards the droid giving a acknowledging nod before stepping away from the bar speaking briefly...he didn't really care much for droids however in this instance he was willing to let the fact slide for it was obvious the faceless droid was a minion of Dominus sent to collect him for what lay ahead. ''Lead the way.'' With that the sith lord waited stepping beside the faceless, emotionless entity---in many ways it mirrored himself.

A unconspicious ship entered and tore it's way through the bleak atmosphere that made up Vjun. The Lambda class shuttle hurtled towards the ground like a fireball entering hell...it wad the sign that something or someone had returned as the frigid air burned up the outer hull until subsiding once the ship was beyond the rim of space and within the planets grasp. Lucifer was back. He spread out his influence, his inner darkness to signal to whomever was near that he was here...it may have been days, weeks, months...but finally he had come to where his destiny lay. Landing on the ouskirts of the city the kiffar opened the entrance ramp before walking the distance through the acidic rainfall covering himself in a hooded robe as to protect from it's affects into Bitter End. Finding the same pub he had before visited he waited knowing that if Dominus and the others were on Vjun at all they would soon find him knowing he was here via his spreading of what lay within his soul---his influence within the darkside blackening all in the force like a intoxicating cloud.