Kamino

[Oblivion]

No matter how many times he may be gone and re-enter, each trip remained the same as the last. Once again alone, navigating through the abyssmal down pour of the heavens that freely flowed upon the surface continously year round. It would bother him more if he remained on the surface, yet each time, yet again, he ventured back below, deep underneath the ocean currents to the bottom depths where the concealed laboratory lay.

 

Without much as a single noise, the cloaked man, soaked thoroughly from the brief travel it took from the ship to the hydrolift, entered his office once more. Far less contemporary then most, the spacious room was more like a seperate section of the builiding within itself. There were marked corridors and chambers where specific experiments and studies were to be performed. Remained hidden in the back was his own private chambers, a place to truly call just his own, shared by no other with the... exception of one.

 

Removing the cloak and ringing out the long strands of glossy silver hair, he stepped into the refresher, cleansing quickly before exiting with more casual attire upon him. A buttoned white shirt, black slacks with matching black boots, the person who originally walked in would look entirely different then before. Shortly following, without rest, he took the most commonly seen position at his work table. Drawing upon a smooth trim pen, his mind lost focus of his surrondings as ideas and projects of old were reworked for both Mechis III and his own personal agenda.

[Oblivion]

The strange communication link was received by Imperial networks, evaluating the decrypted code as unusual but based on its textual basis and proximity of the signal, little attention was given to such a message. That is, with exception of one imparticular. An almost frantic voice had channeled a very close ranged link to be received to the Cruento Umbra.

 

"...Hello?" A very fuzzy, disassembled picture came onscreen of a very tall and slender man, "...Visitors at last, I've been listening to these frequencies for months now in search for help. Please, you must listen to me. I desperately need your assistance... Land on the south docking bay away from the Imperial stations to the north. Hurry, it is very urgent that--..."

 

The feed was cut short by a tremor caused from the sky, as often as the storm frequencies tended to assault public accessed connections.

[Oblivion]

Not soon after they had landed did someone of very tall stature greet them back on the south docking bay, a hood that extended far beyond the average reach of a human's neck. It became very evident as the glint of the man's eyes were shown, more of the face revealed. This was no man at all.

 

"You actually listened to me... The others believed I was foolish to rely on such devices for help, but here you are at last. Our saviors."

 

The alien bowed low before rising slowly back upwards, a bit more puzzled expression on its face.

 

"My apologises, masters... You do not know a thing about me. My name is Kelmar, a native to these regions. This was once our homeland before the Empire arrived. They were diplomatic at first, offering supplies such as medicine and nourishment to the citizens, beyond what the cloning corporations could ever provide. Now... Look at me..."

 

He took off the long hood, showing the extent of the gas burns and slashes that were made during the day of execution.

 

"...This is what happens to tolerance. I barely escaped with my life when they systematically wiped out our entire population. I am one of the few remenant and I fear the extent of my injuries will not prevade me to live much longer..."

 

"Please... We dwell underground, by the sewage systems near the ocean's surface. I must find a way to excuate the younger ones who might have a chance of life else where. There is no more hope here."

 

After that, he became very silent, very nervously checking around for any patrolling troopers that wandered off to these regions.

[Oblivion]

"Slave, yes, anything... I will show you."

 

In the moment of exhilerating bliss, the alien frantically wrapped himself up to keep from getting cold, leaving the most noticeable part of his body exposed: his head. He traveled down a couple blocks, stopping from time to time whenever he heard noises. At last, after moving from one shadow to the next, a grate in the street level was revealed, the native prying it open with his long slender fingers.

 

"Only a bit longer 'til--"

 

Suddenly, a volley of lasers traveled swift through the air in the blink of an eye. The projectiles ripped through the unarmed Kamonian torso, reducing him to shreds of sections in four seconds flat. Boots stomped along the ground as troopers rushed in, fortified in the background, knowing full well the plan for this particular nuiscance.

 

"Hold it right there!"

 

A trooper with a yellow line down the face of his mask approached the two with a large plasma rifle drawn while the rest of the platoon had their standard blasters at the ready just as well, bent at the knee, about twenty of them together.

 

"Get down on the ground right now. Hands where I can see them."

 

After the orders were issued, two of the troopers approached Nox and Kirloor, bangles armed in their hands for the arrest...

[Oblivion]

Out of the training regimends the troops had followed from basic to present, none such course helped entirely with dealing with beings such as these two. Acting like they were casual contributors to the fleeting rebel class of natives on Kamino was the biggest flaw. Five men had died directly as result, including the captain.

 

A long battle ensued, more numbers dying with few concentrated shots to prove their efforts. With only few remaining at this point, encountering what seemed to be an inner beast revealed in one of the two men, each cadet reached for their waistline, grabbing their side and rolled a small, cylindrical orb that near instanteously released a vile concution into the air. It was dense, attacking the senses directly.

 

The rebreathers outfitted on the troops allowed them to breathe easy, visors filtering the hazey green smog to see just as clearly as before. They took witness as the other two had become exposed to the noxious chemicals that entered through their lungs, paralyzing the circulatory system and, soon thereafter, rendering them unconscious.

 

After the smoke had cleared, only seven remained from the original twenty. Even masked behind their helmets, their body showed heavy fatigue from the moment; physically and mentally. As much as they had sought action before this time, it was a rude awakening to how ugly true combat could be.

 

"Uhm, alright, men." The last trooper with chain of command decided to speak after the akward silence after the fight had immediately calmed. He was obviously nervous, adrenanline still pumping vigorously through his system.

 

"Take the bangles and tie 'em up good. I want these scum bags put in the deepest cell we got. Be sure to cover their wounds up so we can pass them off from infirmary. They don't deserve a good clean up, whoever they were. Let 'em bleed, I say."

 

There was no arguing with head of command, especially if the others felt the same way. The rest of the troopers channeled into headquarters, requesting crews to come in and examine the area, cleanse the scene and move the bodies. It'd be a rough night for a lot of the men tonight.

 

--

 

Deep down inside a dark room, the two recent prisoners were left hanging by their bound wrists, stripped of clothing down to the bare minimum from complete exposure. One dim light hung overhead while a figure who stood in the foreground of this single beam of light stood vigilantly, injecting them each with a serum laced with the antidote to their ailments. Pools of blood collected under either of them, still no treatment to any of the wounds.

 

A voice called out, too unclear and distorted to their fragile minds coming out of the ailment to properly recognize.

 

"You may open your eyes... That is, if you remember how to blink..."

[Oblivion]

A low yet rising chuckle came from his lips, echoing off the walls as it became more twisted and sinister in tone. After a fair fit of laughter, the sound came to a rest, the once dim light becoming brighter, enough to see all of him. In the same casual outfit he had on earlier, there the man remarked by Nox's faint words stood, hands folded together.

 

"Hahaha... Yes, yes... It is I. I was informed of what happened and rushed here. Heh, to be perfectly honest, I never heard such rich detail of humor when they handed me the report."

 

Trails of laughter still escaped his lips as he unfolded a piece of parchment, a trooper's detail on the situation they had faced with the troublesome duo.

 

"Aiding a fugitive in pursuit of escape, a native no less, while assaulting the local authorities, killing ten men and leaving three mortally wounded. Now, the Imperials are our allies and the sparce natives who still managed to escape are condemned to death on sight, but..."

 

He paused, containing himself before speaking again.

 

"...This. This makes it all worth while. I'm surprised the two of you did such damage in such a short amount of time, given you were faced against troopers no less. Splendid job. Not to mention, they were able to find the rest of their group and neutralize them all shortly after your arrest. You have done us all a great favor in that regard."

 

The shangles instantly released, although led to a small discomforting fall from above down below, saturated in a pool of their own blood to match.

 

"Now, with exception of one other, I have chain of command over this facility when his presence is not present. It is in my best judgement that I see you two freed since, given the same scenario and attitude I had at one point in my life, I would have reacted the same way to hostility. Perhaps not even able to take down one trooper, no less thirteen."

 

He began to walk off, a wide opening light surronding the cell as a medical team poured inside, carefully pulling them off from the ground and administering some length of momentary treatment before they were to be escorted to the surface's medical wing. Just before leaving, admist the hectic work of the medical team, the man remarked.

 

"You have both made me proud this day. Once you're able, take the lift down to the science quarters at the bottom of the ocean. There, you'll find me in my office. Farewell."

[Oblivion]

Droning along the work, making delicate patterns on a few designs that had intrigued him as of late, the arrival of the two men was refreshing, even if time did not expire so much between their last visit. Gently placing down the pen, he turned the chair to the attention of his new guests, elbows resting in somber fashion upon each arm rest.

 

It was only after the other human decided to speak that he felt so inclined himself, raising a 'brow as if brought to instant fancy over the subject, a gesture that promoted the smallest sense of conspiracy with it.

 

"My, my, that's a fairly large accusation. Might I ask why you feel this way?"

[Oblivion]

He merely grinned at Kirloor's outburst, well aware of what feelings were made to him in that regard. The man sighed a bit, raised his hand to meet against the edge of his chin and stared at the two while they spoke. Narrowing his focus slightly, he leaned back carefully against the seat he lay rested in, folding his fingers across one another as he did so.

 

"Astounding detective work, but I must say my hand in this was limited at best. Natives have been an issue ever since the occupation, but always a limited one due to the growing amount of problems we had on the surface. They were easily overlooked and never much cared for. I'm surprised any lasted this long; most likely by stealing our own rations."

 

"You must also understand something about this planet. It is a well kept secret, even after brief exposures over time. Visitors are few and the Kamonians have an intimate understanding of a friendly signal from an Imperial communications line by now. The timing must have been a coincidence, as I assure you I have been in my study for quite some time before I checked up on you two."

 

"But that's beside the point," He remarked, slowly getting up from his seat, "There is much to do and too short a time to show it all in."

 

"The reason I brought you here was for a more intimate understanding of the studies you shall be doing in my quarters. Around you are countless artifacts from different time eras, predominantly focused on the Guilded Age of the Sith. Included are more extensive series of novels, biographies, and epilogues of the former greats that can be found on every corner. Weapons of all shapes and sizes can be found along the walls; some crafted by my own handywork and those of others as well."

 

He stretched his hands out, a certain lost vigor in his voice restoring to him.

 

"Witness it now. This shall be the area where you will truly grow. My former master showed me long ago that disciplines tied closely to the Force yet not solely reliant upon it fosters great strength, beyond that of any of its kind. This is a rare option, indeed, and I want to share my knowledge and all that I have to offer to the future generations of Sith."

 

It was at this point he began to wander off towards the wall, plucking a long and broad ancient sword as if it was nothing more then a feather, waving it about deftly left and right as he continued to speak.

 

"From what I understand based on our limited previous encounters is that you both have a talent with being physical adept in combat, skills with a blade. I shall teach you to use the Force as your subordinate to craft alloid that can pierce any armor, splinter any shield, and shatter any opponent's defenses. Deadly in design, you will not only gain a further depth of how it is to wield the darkness around you, but also how to use it for your very will; the root of any power that stems from the Force."

 

Once the long winded explaination had been finished, Oblivion gingerly set the ancient blade back upon its proper holster mounted across the wall, turning his heel to direct his full focus back to the apprentices, eyebrows raised inquizzitvely.

 

"Now is the time to ask what you will. The freedom to speak openly will be removed once you agree to these terms. Only until I see the results I desire will they be reclaimed. Is this understood?"

[Oblivion]

The laughter almost came back after witnessing them both bow, yet had resisted the temptation to show any hint of it. It was not the least bit humorous, a very solemn occassion where the two had to cast aside their pride to gain wisdom in its place. The vow of silence was not truly necessary in learning the skills required, yet was fundamental to this idea. He would not allow them to stray for this very cause.

 

"I'm glad we have an understanding... Don't try my patience with breaking this bond at any time, either. This trust must be mutual. I would hate to see any of you fall from my grace when I see such potential before me."

 

Raising a finger upwards, he calmly gestured for them to rise and meet him in the room opposite of where they were, directing with the same digit as he did. Inside, a smoldering heat could be felt. Even he, Oblivion, rolled up his sleeves to his elbows once he drew near to the billowing furnance in the center of the vast chamber. The furnance was large and cylindrical, three floors tall and wide as his entire study.

 

"To my right, there is a stockpile of any materials you will require for this particular experiment. For my own work, I've requested certain kinds of metals shipped from many planets, each with unique properties, as you will soon see..."

 

Grasping a solid bar of a dark metal alloid, the man held it for them both to see before anchoring it down on the large slab that had been veered at an angle to allow the blunting process to become smoother in form when struck. Beside it was a hammer, no more then the length of his forearm, and bludgeoned the dense piece of material, instantly causing a large dent to appear in the center.

 

"Have you any idea what this is?... Obsidian alloid from Teres, one the hardest known metals in the galaxy: dark materia as its more common alias. A square inch of this can withstand the pressures of several destroyer ships colliding at it from a point without breaking. The ionic pattern that alligns itself to form this is so complex in its structure that the process of even solidifying it into a bar takes several months to produce under extreme pressure..."

 

"...To continue, this was not produced by pure strength at all. Faith in the darkness to guide your hand, to respond to the amount of force and recoil felt by the blow, and controlling the severity of the strike makes this possible. This is only a demonstration, mind you, since no person has been able to properly wield a weapon created from this material. The weight alone is enough to drain even the most powerful of Sith Warriors in rigorous combat, a feat I myself have not been able to obtain."

 

Clasping his hands together, he brought over two different trays of varying stones, minerals, and metals alike. Placing them upon the large slab he had already worked at, he stepped aside, keeping both hands folded as he stood.

 

"Now then, I require you both to concentrate on the environment around you. Formal meditation has no bounds here. Strength in the darkness is either immediate or nothing at all. You must open your mind to travel into the material you wish to mold, bend its structure to your own demands, and never cease until it is had conformed to your desires."

 

"I will monitor your progress from afar, this time..." As he turned for the door, the man leaned up against the door side with a quirky look upon his face, "Need I not remind you of your vow to me, my apprentices."

 

--

 

Without much else, he strode off very swiftly towards the left. There was once more a break in his duties to pursue a sensation that had eluded him until now. It had been so faint, so inrecognizable, that only a traitorous scent could have lured it about.

 

Wasting no time, Oblivion had cornered the wandering being at long last, casting a brillant light to fill the entire area around them. Glaring at the woman whose back had been turned to him, a concealed dagger that had been folded against his formal attire was revealed, encrusted with jewels and ancient markings.

 

"Speak, girl. Who are you and how did you manage to gain entry into my laboratory?"

Edited November 21, 2006 by Guest

[Oblivion]

"Tiana... Tiana..."

 

The name struck a chord inside, a slender string that had twisted from the tight holds his heart clenched had unwound. The most deep repressed emotions traveled along this spiney network, wandering back inside, using the string for guidance. Where there was once absence of feeling had been brought back, able to feel the blood that coursed through his veins.

 

"...No. It can't be. You look so-- so much... younger."

 

In that moment of revitalization, the man had dropped to one knee, clutching his chest. A sensation over came him, drew life from his body, then miraculously enough had disappeared just the same. Blinking rapidly, unsure what had happened, Oblivion immediately tried to recompose himself, standing once again yet leaning heavily on a table beside him.

 

"You must excuse me, my dear. I-- I don't feel quite like myself anymore, as I have gathered you are not entirely sure of yourself, it seems... Something happened here without my knowledge; something I will find out indefinitly, for both our sakes."

 

Taking a slow and praticed step forward, he tried to move closer to her, tossing the knife aside without much care. Eventually, he was able to stand closeby, his cold paled hands grasping around her own slender hands.

 

"...Have you returned from your travels? Did you complete what I had asked?"

[Oblivion]

A slight tinge of distaste fell upon his facial features, furrowing his eyebrows a tad as he took the slightest step back. So the travel did not occur, yet she remained. Sighing lightly, he raised his eyes to her own.

 

"Later on, perhaps. You are here and that is most important," A thought struck him almost mid-sentence, turning his neck around quickly before redirected back forward, "Oh, and did I mention, we have guests. They will be staying here for a while so I believe you should get aquainted with them. They are my apprentices; the very position you so refuted long ago, if you can remember that much."

 

The man took a step forward, flashing a sneering expression with hands still wrapped with hers, urging her to move with as they began to walk in unison.

 

"...Now I must be content with a companion. Unless, of course, you have changed your mind...?"

[Oblivion]

Lowering his eyes a tad bit, the same familiar mix between a grin and a sneer was ever present still. Dealing with amnesia was not far from educating the ill informed, giving a heavier sigh as he readied his speech with a dull cough before responding.

 

"Remind me to recheck my alchemical supplies later on. I believe you may have stumbled onto a few too many unstable substances of mine in the storage room..."

 

After a good bit of laughter was exchanged, he looked once again directly towards her. "Allow me to put it all into context for you. This is an underwater facility on the bottom of a planet called Kamino's ocean. I am Oblivion, master of all you see and shall ever witness. You were brought her as a prisoner though I found your attitude endearing to call you my own; or atleast from what I can recall, my companion..."

 

"Search deep into your heart. You will find what I speak of is true."

[Oblivion]

"How you doubt me so, dearest. I meant no humor in saying what I have said. With time, you will further understand those words."

 

"As per your last question," He stood carefully in mid-stride, examining the ends of his shoes before looking forward, "You were neither. It may be easy to have lied and said you were one, perhaps believing so much as to eventually take up the desired role. Even though my expectations still remain in you joining the supreme Sith Order one day, I made my mind up about the matter long ago."

 

"Like the scarce yellow-eyed plant that is found growing under the face of dark desolate shadows on Dathomir, it requires many years to plant a twig, no less to bloom. Only after witnessing these plants myself have a better understanding of this kind of patience... and what rewards it reaps."

 

After briefly analyzing his own words, the man could not help to grin, "Yes. Me. Patient. My face does not reflect the more new-aged Sith that seem to be in such large supply. I have witnessed Lords above their powers, not just now, but through the centuries, tarnishing what was once a prestine and honored pratice. Anger has its place, but so do many other emotions that tend to get overlooked..."

 

His eyes looked deeply through her own, taking the tip of his forefinger and flicking it softly against the bottom curve of her chin.

 

"But I'm rambling," The grip on her hand tightened momentarily as he once more persuaded she follow in his step once more, "I'm sure the apprentices have finished by now in the tasks I've given them. Come."

 

Without wasting another moment of time, the Sith Master had re-entered the furnance where smolting ore could be smelt half way down the hall. A heavier cloud of smoke rose over their heads, the flames bellowing out of its confines oridinarily in steady intervals.

 

He moved his hand against each crafted piece, judging it carefully with a warding eye. Gently placing each down after a few minutes of study, his pale grey eyes examined them once more before finally speaking.

 

"Tell me the significance of what you have created and why you think I have assigned such a rudamentary task to you all, starting with you." One finger gestured over towards the zabrak, more curious to hear what was on his mind then the other after seeing both finished products...

[Oblivion]

"A noble endeavor... Though, I must be blunt. The rise of your kind will never exist. Retribution for sins born of another race can not be met on a grand scale, as their shall always be those who will resist to such titles or are too resistant to undergo the necessary processes to attain atonement. I have not touched up much on this topic personally for its possible negative outcomes upon your mind, where you yourself may be offended by these words but it must be said, here and now."

 

Crossing his arms, the man's eyes never strayed its narrow gaze upon him. Cold and remorseless as it may seem, he was clear and concise to the point, "I understand you to be different. While many races do exist in the galaxy today, their time is dwindling. The infested urban environment that clings to the heart of the impure and impulsive alien gene will strain, giving way to only the strongest to prevail. The dominant Sith brotherhood will see that these policies are to be upheld, as well as overseeing the extermination of every other member who does not agree with the conduct of this new order."

 

"But enough politics and morale codes," The idea was cast off with the flicker of his hand, "The armor suits you well, both in design and purpose. I am pleased."

 

"And to you? What of your creation?" The attention now focused upon Nox, a slightly narrowed focus falling upon him.

[Oblivion]

Snickering a bit at the last comment, he gently lowered his head in agreement, "Yes, yes, you very well may be. Let us hope that the goal you seek is one of many. It would be most unwise to focus on purely that alone."

 

Counting each rythmic step taken in gentle long strides, he wandered and paced like someone far older then he. Alas, after a brief moment of debating, he turned around slowly, looking over his shoulder as the majority of his back still was shown to his students.

 

"Hmm, as hard as I may try to limit such faith in the Force, I no less find it hard to carry away from the subject for too long. Your minds yearn from it, make no mistake of that. Typical, yes."

 

Tapping the edge of his chin lightly, the empty grey pools that were his eyes scanned the dimly light area; scheming, a state he always seemed to be in.

 

"First, the right environment must be attained. Quiet, away from civilized technology and science. There is only one room that I know of that would present the desired effect."

 

Leading the way, he kept in the same pattern of gentle strides. Each leg formed perfectly over the other. Once and again, his waist would pivet at an odd angle, a faint metallic sound escaping before being readjusted. It would not take long over the course of long and twisted corridors to lead down into an empty pit. Lights that had revealed the way thus far faded as the staircase led further down until there was nothing.

 

"Here," He stood in place at last, "Construction never touched these walls, as for some odd reason I could not see it developed. They had originally planned it to house the furnance. In truth, it would make much more sense but... no matter. It will serve its purpose."

 

"Now then," Clasping his hands over one another, breathing deeply in and out, his entire body began to shift upwards, hovering several feet above the ground until his eyes reopened, arms spread wide to either side.

 

"Shadows... or the Dark Side as the term is utterly misused... is a doorway. The steady stream mimics that of the Light, always elusive in its place. Neither here nor there, but everywhere. It begins in your blood, midichlorians stimulating your nerve reciptors and awakening the full brain capacity to become one with its energies..."

 

"Emotions unlock it... as you both know from before. As any skill is attained, pratice is required to reach this potential. The most common form is through meditation, though the Sith pratice it far different then the Jedi arts. Alone, in solitude, something else awakens... What it is, I can not say... For me, they were demonic in form. I had to face death numerous times to seize their throat and claim them for my own... The darkness has been a loyal servant and ally to me ever since."

 

"Normally, any instructor would wait until a certain time to demand this, but I am different... I believe this will produce all the results you require in the Force or leave you with nothing, cast into oblivion. Either way, your mind is more destructive then any sword you wield, but can also turn upon you just as quick. The shadows are seductive, always looking for new victims..."

 

Descending back down to the ground, he looked at both of them directly in the eyes, even admist pure darkness...

 

"...Don't become one of them. Face your fears entirely and you have no more enemies, only obstacles that can be surpassed. Fight your pain and sorrow and begin to live life as it was intended, in darkness..."

[Oblivion]

Monitoring the progress of an apprentice seemed to be a guilty pleasure at times, knowing full well the pain that must be executed to result in such strives for knowledge. Not often did he have the instinct to relish in the occassion, allowing more of that persuasive darkness that once allured him so at a younger age to penetrate him, divide him; even for just a brief moment. In the end, he was able to remain in control of this emotion, drawing the sweet blade out as easily as it had slipped inwards.

 

Suddenly, as if on the brink of becoming incoherent and deaf to his ears, a voice was heard. It echoed inside his mind, growing, building, until it was crystal clear was had been exchanged. He knew this voice. The girl. The desire. Flashing an eye at her from the corner of his glare, he took a few steps back to stand over the young woman, bringing the edge of his fingertips to her cheek.

 

"If it had taken a thousand more years, I would have easily waited them all just to hear those words spoken from your lips," Trailing his hand down, he lightly traced the surface of her lips when spoken, slowly bringing the same hand back down as it had before.

 

"I must hear it aloud. Tell me what your heart has already... Shout it into the darkness and it will hear you. If it replies, then you may take the place the others already have. Travel deep inside and find what the abyss has in store for you."

 

"But I warn you," The back of his head now turned away, staring into what would become shortly her destination inside the shadows, "Even I can not protect you once you enter. If you really are to be one of the Sith Order, then you must accept the role the shadows give to you until you are ready to fully control them for your own."

 

Then, once more, his pale slender face turned back towards Tiana, "Be mindful of this fear, I sense. As the shadows may manipulate such emotions and grant you with it power, any hope for future control is lost. Keep to that grey path you lead when this occurs... Try to just... darken the tone, as it were. You will never be fully commited to the darkness, just as you will never fully be commited to me, but you may just find some solace in it."

Edited December 13, 2006 by Guest

[Oblivion]

Always the ever vigilant one but never guiding, he was merely the observer of darkness. A perfect metaphor for the situation, as it seemed, since the black essence arose in patterns far different from how his former students, his master, even himself had reacted when the time came to confront the abyss with eyes unclouded by light. Physical attributes meant nothing; a pure mental test of will and belief of life and death in all its aspects. It was something that had to be achieved for the individual and could not be interfered.

 

Whispering into the darkness, only his voice could be heard clearly when no other sounds or images could be seen or heard,

 

"Perhaps you know why this same darkness gave me this name... Why where there is the absence of being, absence of all the essences that make up life, it is all led into oblivion... It is eternal... and it is good."

 

Taking a deep breath, concentrating, he brought himself inwards to reach out to Tiana. The reassuring touch, the only thing that could be felt with eyes now blind, with all other senses now crushed, it was him. Only him.

 

"You have been stripped of your sight and there will no doubt be more obstacles in the path you now lead, but for now, you have survived... Linger, as I have lingered, past this moment and keep it with you... forever... Let it stay ever constant in your mind... This moment is paramount to all other experiences you have encountered or ever shall encounter..."

 

The muscles and tendons in his hand tensed as his fingers beared more weight against her skin, bringing with it a desire for pain. It was by this sensation of pain that led her to feel once again, escaping the clutches of the abyss and brought her back out into the candle lit light that surronded them before her journey.

 

"Nox," His eyes fell upon the other man, a warding finger brought up to call him nearest to him, "Take her to my quarters and allow her rest... You have both succeeded in your tasks in very unique ways... You both deserve ample time to recover from this day before we move onto anything else. Farewell."

 

Once assured that the man knew of these instruction and had taken care of Tiana, he rested his hand against the back of her neck one last time, touching her mind briefly to relay a mental message to be heard inside her head,

 

Tiana, if you can hear me... I want you to know that I am grateful for what you have done this day. You resisted as you always have, but now you know the true power of the darkness and its potency... Remember what I have said and know that I will always love you for who you are, regardless of what path you choose... Interestingly enough, only after having witnessed this, did I truly understand those words... And how much I missed you before. You are apart of me, forever, just as the darkness is...

 

Closing his eyes, the image of the Sith Master disappeared before them, melding in with the surronding shadows and vanishing completly...

[Oblivion]

Stumbling out from what appeared mere darkness, his form could be seen akwardly moving towards his chambers. It would have appeared, from afar, that he had been wounded of some sort by his erratic movements; even the concealed metallic limbs that comprised his former legs were part way shown through long sharp tears in the cloth he wore. The man was incapable of moving on his own any further before falling backwards into his own bed, the other half which occupied the still sleeping form of Tiana.

 

Even though there were no windows to show light, no sense of relative time given in the underground research chambers, it was presently morning when he finally made his way back from his journeys. Fully exhausted, chest rising up and down rapidly as he sweat from head to toe, blood leaking from other smaller areas where he had been scarred throughout the night.

 

"...It's done, my love," Though she slept and his voice was hoarse, the words never the less came shortly before he lost all conscious thought, "This path of mine, I have purpose once again in my past... He will die, as well as that disgraceful offspring."

 

Finally completly exasperated, his eyes rolled back and his entire body went numb for that moment. He felt paralyzed, unable to continue being awake, and sleep was able to come easy to him in this moment. A long, restful slumber that was direly needed...

[Oblivion]

During the night, deep within the farthest recesses of his mind, the link to the abyssal spirits became connected. There was no room for control, only the purest will of the shadow which forbade only those who knew of its origins to be commanded. An energy source like none other, the same source which amplified his normal reaches within the dark side's path to be increased phenomenally at great cost. Souls which had been reaped were offered as sacrificed, as well as future promises to delve into the pool of collected wisdom from many thousands of years. Even someone like him was only offered a droplet in exchange for what limitations his mortal body and mind had to offer.

 

Once awakened many hours later, a latent act of vampirism had collectively drew in the source of flesh through the heightened sense of the force, finding himself more then usual. Body completly envigorated, aware completly of his surrondings, he felt a sensation much like when he first knew of the dark side. Young, vibrant, it was so new to him then, so alive. Now, for the first time, in a long time, it felt much like that moment.

 

Bringing both legs over the edge of the bed, still fully clothed in his scarred outfit, he felt Tiana's movement nearby. Usually, someone of his capabilities could sense where and when one moved at a distance. Now, it felt that he could hone in on any particular spot, regardless of its relative reach away from his own, and present himself to enter that foreign realm through the nearby shadows. A shapeshifting portal opened up at the mouth of the doorway where the darkness was deepest, entering out the slender silver locked man.

 

"How do you feel?..." His voice was longing, yet distant. There was a gentle calm about his aura, one that was far more inviting then per usual, yet still confusing. Eyes wandering around the room, the man felt slightly lost or puzzled, yet would constantly revert to concentrate on her face, even smile once or twice.

[Oblivion]

"Good," He mentioned very casually, intrigued as to why she would have to ask him the same in turn. Very rarely were his emotions inqueried; only knowledge and wisdom tied him to the reigns of dominance over those who sought his consule.

 

"Discern and hope. Yes, I believe best describes how I feel. What troubles me is that I have not been advised by our great Dark Lord on recent events in quite some time. I could care less about the Empire's endeavors, for I still feel our mutual dependence is for self-gain in the end. Military and modern civilization are things of the past, anyways. Or, should I say, will be."

 

A decitant broad smile slipped through the folds of his mouth after such depressing information was adressed, "But there is hope. Hope in myself and the will of the Krath. There is an entire planet being set in our name, devoted to our cause, and shall be nearing completion shortly. This time, more then ever, must I take the orders from tomes of olde to account. It is stated to begin with the betrayers, the ignorant, then the wise."

 

"Causes far greater then yourself offer empowerment, my dear. I know few can see the galaxy as I see, but believe me, it is for the better. Allowed enough time and effort, the scriptures will hold their anicent promises of a better life for all Sith and to all people. The Age of the Twilight will come and in darkness, all will be defined, purified, and reborn in the shadow's likeness; the perfect mold which life was intended to be led."

 

Lowering his focus, the man breathed deep before resuming, "Being blind is a divine trait. Did you know it was preferred in a bizarre intellectual twist?... You see, it is as the metaphor best describes 'When men are blind, man can truly see.' You can learn much about yourself in such a state. Come, take my hand and walk with me..."

 

Gracely lowering his arm to match her length, his slender digits formed around her left palm, grasping it so and folded them around her own fingers. A soft, envigorating sensation flowed from the man's touch, resembling a kindling fire that could be seen as familiar to her now; a trait he used in the Force in the beginning during their first days of encountering one another.

[Oblivion]

"The fact that one single event continues to persist through numerous accounts does not make it definite in the least. Light and dark are mere symbols for the forces at work to be defined as, but not entirely so. Light can be misused, purity lost, just as the darkness can be used for an ultimate good. You must realize that, as cold and malice as some of my plans are, the end result can be something seen as great good."

 

A reverent yet sly smirk appeared upon his facial features, allowing her to press her weight against his hand for support as they continued to walk in stride, "So then, just as much, light and dark can in theory coexist in this twilight. Time and age would cease and we would carry on freely; the land of no dominion when all matter can be reconstructed to fit all civilization, not just the rich or knowledgeable. Isolationism and imperialism will have no bounds in an entirely free world populated by intelligent beings."

 

A small sigh escaped his lips, cornering around the long bend that ended up opening into a large spiraling staircase. He admired the looks of them, ordering numerous to be built that emptied and built up to his chambers; some ending in dead ends at times. Without proper guidance or keen awareness, one could easily lose their way in the dark narrow hallways.

 

"Tell me, your attitude seems different then the first we met. I sense... someone of the past that worries you so, to some level. Tell me, who is this man? Why are you so concerned for him?" His opposite hand graced her opposite shoulder, the side of his palm cupping around the nape of her neck, "...And why am I not involved in your thoughts as he?"

[Oblivion]

Never dwelling on the subject of her past, it was intriguing to know of this information at long last. It is true that she became more then a slave girl to him, assuming responsibility for the actions that led to her capture and ultimately proven to be a worthy companion, even when contradictory to his own beliefs. She was resiliant, outspoken, and unlike any other woman he had known, as well as the only one who could put up with him for more then an hour or so.

 

"We will monitor this feeling at the very least... It would be adequate to prepare for such an encounter if you feel it is to be. I know I have neglected from teaching you anything more advanced then what I had told all my other pupils. If you wish it, I will share my knowledge more intimately so that you may be fit when the time arises, regardless of the circumstances."

 

As he spoke, his mouth drew closer and closer to her ear, spouting soft whispers that barely be overheard. At last, the feverous intent that had built up could not be relinquished any further. A tight arm wrapped across her lower back, locking hips in place with one another. The strong, yet gentle black aura that could be sensed earlier took visual form, blending from his body and surronding hers.

 

"...Is this what you desire?"

[Oblivion]

He leaned in as to speak one last phrase, declaring with great tone yet still soft enough to be heard as a mere whisper, "Why not have both, I say..."

 

With that, the man slowly began to withdraw, relinquishing the aura that had been presented and raised himself back to stand high once again before her. "If it weren't for the urgency I sense within this situation, I would have you here and now. But, as it is, we must make haste with your teachings... The others may have a harder time recovering from the ordeal so my time is fully yours."

 

Each hand clinging onto one another in front of his brow, tension built then soothed before he was able to compose himself, lying back within the subtle darkness which kept him sane.

 

"Hmm, well, your eye sight may be a weakness that may be exploited. That must first be mastered, as well finding ways to conquer those without your weakness. As you see the world, you may hold both the light and the darkness at your disposal as your technique. The condeming blackness you now view shall overcome those not blind with a brillant light that distracts and disarms opponents, leaving you time to strike without hesitation."

 

Holding an arm to her shoulder, he leaned as a way to support her body as they walked once more down a narrow corridor, "Inside my lab, I may have the ingredients necessary to compile such a device. In the meantime, I want you to further attune yourself with the surronding shadow. Let your knowledge of the Force lead you to its depths and be able to overcome it in order to overcome your own disabilites."

 

The metallic limbs that kept him balanced in stride at all times barely made any noise at all, concealed by his slacks and dark attire most the time. He smiled in amusement upon dwelling on the nature of this very subject, finding it all too familiar with his previous predicament when both legs were lost upon that dreadful planet of Nhagathul.

 

Once inside the scientific chambers of the facility, he parted with her to start on developing such a contraption that would release intense light in order to blind victims into submission. Frigg buds harvested from the bottom of Kamino's lush sea had enough energy to fuel an entire household for three days, resiliant plants that took in the nutrients that flushed down into the darkness, attracting lesser inverberates with a bright light that is still rumored to be bright enough to sparkle at the surface, thousands of leagues underneath the great city. He began his laborous task of setting them in proper sealed environments to grow, grinding material into dirt, then mixing it with a few other chemicals to keep the longevity of the substance controlled...

[Oblivion]

The final phases were nearing completion, the successful harvest and extraction of the potent seedlings went flawlessly. While it was a process he had not treated in quite a while, it was no less a procedure that commenced without fail under the guided hands of the master wielding such materials. A true scientist at heart, the feeling of completing an original design was no more thrilling then the next; each qually as compelling.

 

Kept from her, the man crept with his creation towards where she had praticed on learning balance while blind, opening a small valve in the cylindrical module that released a concentrated beam of light to strike across the surface, brillant enough to detect by any one person's perspective.

 

"Interesting how now you balance holding onto the Force for direction and guidance... Somewhere, right now, a young girl is doing the same..."

[Oblivion]

Without dwelling on the previous subject, Oblivion's arms raised high the contraption which bore the light. A strange fancy became of him, holding it up as a token of reverent which was to be humbly bestowed upon a new vessel for its ownership. The tips of those long pale fingers grasped tenderly across the smooth metal plate that felt of nothing, weighed nothing. A slender hook kept its balance upon his ring finger, the clever device dangling more as a charm then of a weapon.

 

"This... is a gift. To show and to keep part of my knowledge and ability with you. Whenever you encounter the darkness, it shall be as rough as your attitude towards it. The smallest tinge of adjustment... and,"

 

His voice trailed off, pressing the face of the slender locket against his palm before the fullest potential of the gift was shown. The sheer brillance of a hot, engulfing white light surged from its core, shinning out and illuminating every object in the intense thick glare.

 

Even he, whose eyes could naturally see, needed to take precautions in the demonstration. Pieces of his already malleable armor formed around his eyelids, offering temporary protection from the rays before the locket clasped shut again, darkness restored to the room.

 

"Instant distraction. Any man will be rendered blind without the proper equipment to block the rays. As one with the Force naturally does not rely so much on their eyes, any human being who has sight does not wish to see it pried from them unwantedly. It is unnatural and will you give you the proper window of oppertunity to unleash a killing blow while your enemy is disarmed."

 

The metal which anchored on the top of locklet freely expanded, thinning and thickening to the faintest touch. His hands stretched the material so that it fit across her neck, the perfect disguise to a perfect weapon. His hands so lingered upon her shoulders, slowly extracting with a tasteful smirk.

 

"Keep it with you, always. Use it only when it is necessary for it can not be used twice within the hour. The budded core is rumored to be eternal in the wavering waters of the sea, but the procedure to enhance those former surrondings are limited by what effects could be enhanced by alchemy. As such, I want this weapon also to be secretive and coveted as our love... so that you may now harness both the light and darkness as your ally."

[Oblivion]

"Good..."

 

After the exchange was met, something peculiar came over him. Fatigue weighed down upon his body, the metallic limbs his upper torso rested upon shifting back to handle the change in pressure. A hand grasped her shoulder for support, easing back as the callibrations in his leg network adjusted, jawing back slowly in a steady motion before he remained completly upright once more.

 

"...Heh, remember this... Even with wisdom and knowledge, it's easy to get carried away once in a while. My communications afar through the dark tendrils have left me... shall I say,... more vulnerable to the physical elements. I should have known better,"

 

Fortunate for the design, Tethyn had kept the lab quarters closeby to the outerlaying stations, soon finding a comfortable lounge to ease himself upon and reclining back against the padded mesh.

 

"Aaah, well, this isn't good. I feel numb from the chest down... My body now rejects me... I feel even older then that miserable teacher of mine..."

 

Tension filled his eyes as the shadows began to gather inwards, gradually granting himself relief from whatever sources had turned upon his body all the sudden. Beads of sweat forme as the long strands of silken grey hair fell past his shoulders, displayed dangling across the head of the chair he now rested upon.

 

"...It's him, then, isn't it? It's always been... More then just the code, he has been the scourge that becomes toxic within my blood. Once a noble Sith warrior, he now shuns the darkness entirely, taking a path I can never see possible... yet... Have I changed so much since then?... Am I truly this evil he sees me for now?... Has... he... forgotten about me?"

 

The questions went without direction to whom, though it could be thought he was speaking to both an imaginary figure and Tiana alike. Those empty eyes which reflected little light drew the faintest of it in, a single hand reaching up slowly as if to touch something well beyond his reach.

[Oblivion]

"A teacher, yes... He is my father, or should have been," The conformative armor that layered across his flesh, light and inevasive as it was, felt hindering as heat began to swell inside him. At the pure thought of the motion, it became undone and unraveled out from his sleeves and ankles, pooling into the organic matter which had created it. A breath of air now fully escaped his lungs, fingers franticly stripping the buttons away across his chest.

 

"...I can't help but feel for him so. Even now, after all we've been through, I still think about him the most... But why?" The ends of his hands pried deep into the softened material that comprised the very lounge he laid upon. Stress enduced markings formed, veins predominantly showing as an extreme pressure began to exert from his fingertips.

 

"I am now in command!... I have what I have searched all my life for. Every article known of the Sith, studied our history, our lineage as far as it has passed; the ancient art of alchemy, controlling the elements, and learning what it truly means to become one with the darkness... knowing how far the abyss runs through... everything! My words have influenced my own students, masses; I have changed history through my own power and will!"

 

His eyes began to roll back as silence overcame him, breathing becoming less eradict, more controlled. Finally, Tethyn spoke in his usual smooth tone that was not filled with an once of rage, "...Yet, I know he possess more... He may be weak now in body, but the spirit which guides him now proves that merely by its existance that the ancient teachings have much to learn. This--this middle ground, so to speak. Not grey, not black, not light... It is purely unique... I'm sorry that I can not explain further. I may never be capable of."

 

"That is why I must see him, put an end to what I should have long ago. Only then will I be free from my past to look to a new future; a future with you..."

 

Tethyn slowly began to sit upright, eyes showing a former luster that had been never shown before. In this light, he was human. Not as a Sith, not as a master, not as anything higher then her; purely himself. His hands sought hers, bringing himself closer as he bent over at the edge of the furniture now.

 

"...When our past is sorted out, promise me that your future lies with mine. I do not want to lose you... As far as I commit myself to the darkness, I know somehow that you are what guides me back... Not a figure of light, but the perfect equal in its opposites."

 

He turned his head away slowly, relinquishing his arms to be folded behind the furniture in a very relaxed and open posture, "I must be rambling on again now... I still find it hard how you put up with me. Perhaps it would have been better if you were deaf then blind."

[Oblivion]

A smooth exhaust of lust flashed across his eyes as she lay beside him, adjusting his body slightly to accommodate her. In the vast pool of knowledge which collected within him, the presence of an insignificant flower petal, spiralling downwards to drop upon its surface, could create ripples to extend for miles. Having attuned his body to conform around weapons was one matter, what a far different pratice it was to conform around a woman. Although, despite this factor, he was at ease. Her comforting demeanor set him still, allowed his previous thoughts to linger as those ripples had before fading away entirely.

 

The top of his chest raised suddenly as the slightlest indication of changing weight opted himself to remove himself gently from her side, caressing the length of her hair shortly after doing so. He remained seated beside her on that same couch, lightly pressing his lips against her cheek, "I was right in having believed in you, was I not?"

 

Hands lightly pressed against the edge of the furniture to help propel him forward, back leaning up to stand upright and full once again. Arms raised slowly behind his head, releasing a wide yawn, before resting back in that same stoic pose that seemed fitting for the Sith Master; calm, yet essertive, completly in control once more.

 

"...We have a visitor. From what I can sense, it may very well be an old acquantiance of mine. It is entirely of your own accord if you would wish to join us. He must not know of these facilities yet, so I shall meet him upon the surface. I won't be long."

 

Fetching his hanging cloak and adorning the full ensemble upon his frame, the silver haired gentleman folded the long flowing locks behind his ears. As always, he walked in typical leisure stride, not wasting time but also not rushing with his affairs...

 

--

 

The imperial network still affixed to controlling the populace and concealing operations upon Kamino's surface had given Mister Antilles permission to land his vessel on the landing platform C-12, located east from his current standby position. Shortly afterwards, the foreign visitor was also issued to be met with an offical who would then escort him to the waiting chambers at one of the large military constructs outside the landing platforms. An experienced trooper, fully armed, waited outside in the constant downpour nearby where Dash was to land, arms folded across the sturdy handle of the E-11 carbine.

[Oblivion]

"...In all my years,"

 

A quieted voice cut through the air as the familiar sound of the automatic doors opening commenced, entering in the figure of the host at hand. Unlike his guest, he remained impervious of the rain from dampening his cloak in any way, almost gliding into the room by some other means then his legs alone.

 

"Never had I thought to see you again; not now, atleast," The man's face was shrouded by the veil of shadow which proceeded past his face, cut off by the chin where only the faintest of light shown through. Each careful, marauding step forward kept his temporary fascade intact until he, himself, rested upon the seat opposite of Dash's own, removing the hood as he did so.

 

There, at last, the face of the past was shown again. The former fiery adolescent had been transformed to a far older, far more complacent looking man with distinguished features. Both eyes were still lifeless pools of emotion, deep circles imprinted around them, yet his face was smooth, eliminating the common visual of age. Thin strands of silver patterened hair fell down past his shoulders, parted evenly side to side in formal fashion. In his chair, he examined this other being before him some more before leaning far back in his chair, arms now crossed against his wide chest.

 

"You seem troubled by something,... but it is not me. Curious..."

 

As he spoke, a droid brought in two steaming cups of ground tea. A large kettle was placed in the center piece and displayed out between the two. Tethyn, in his good nature, offered the opposing cup to his guest before himself, grasping for his own the second and last. He drank but a taste before setting the goblet back down with a more concerned expression upon his pale facial features.

 

"...You also know what I am capable of, don't you?... I'm sure a man as keen as yourself can sense it by now... especially when a man senses the nature of the darkness for the first time... of pain and suffering, atleast. He can see everything in its true light, the way it was meant to be seen all along..."

[Oblivion]

"Do you know why I exist? Hmm?..."

 

He held the cup upon the tips of his fingers, examining it from the bottom, posed near where his eye now upturned, "It is true of my power... I sought for it long and hard; many lives having been spent in my quest for knowledge. But that alone can kill a man, you see. It is as endless as time itself."

 

"What I'm about to tell you may come as a shock, but listen closely... The darkness holds the key to many things, but it is not for all... This pain you may experience now, how futile and fleeting it is. There is no denying it... You are confused, perhaps afraid, but you do not possess the necessary mindset to confront the abyss as so few others truly have before you."

 

With a heavy sigh, blown throughout the small fog the smoldering tea billowed out, the cold grey steel eyes returned back to meet his humble guest once again, still as if he was staring back into nothingness.

 

"Oblivion, the realm where all darkness leads... It is the strongest, most inner core one can achieve to attune in the dark side, yet it also disleading in its ways. In darkness, when blinded by all things you have known, taken away from everything that was once worthy, do you come to understand yourself in a better way... but also, begin to understand your own demise and the deaths of others."

 

"It is an astranged feeling, for sure... But you also must understand that I have been assumed command of its threshold for a reason. I must keep those destinys that can not bear its weight from entering, allow the confused and angered to toil with themselves only to die without knowing the truth of it all. The deeper understanding we all seek, we all hope for..."

 

"I am sorry," The final cusp of heated water was finished at the deepest crane of his neck folding back, relishing in the last drop before laying it peacefully down before him. "You are not meant to reside with the darkness. I can not help you achieve what it is you come to seek of me."

 

There was a pause, granted the gravity of his words, before speaking again more solemly, perhaps even with some emotion. "...I would not speak it if it was not the truth. Your brother, on the other hand... He has done well in my shadows... He has become a great man, powerful and wise... Through him may you begin to understand the other half, from the lies you have been treated with all your life to the truth. It is the truth you must come to terms not only through him, but through yourself..."

 

He folded his arms, lowered his eyes in respect before rising back to his feet once again...

 

"Although I may not provide you with what you wish, tell me... Do you still look upon me as an evil being?... for what I have done to you before?... for what I will continue to do?"