Dark Brotherhood

[Katar the Madclaw]

[Note: Some months after the events of Party of the Damned.]

Zaaltarr strode across the sun-baked sand once more, leaving the dust and darkness of the tombs behind him. He was flanked by a pair of Tuk'ata, his hands resting upon the crest of the beasts' tri-horned heads. The shadowstrider (as he had been called during his haunt of the Shadowlands of Kashyyyk) enjoyed their company for a few meters more and then came to a stop, the folds of his cloak draping towards the surface of Korriban like liquid shadows as he lowered his hands. "Go now my friends, you have a duty to attend to, and so do I."[/i] The telepathic message was not lost on the Sith hounds, their semi-sentient minds and ability to touch the Force enabling them to comprehend the Sith's intentions. And then there was their common bond, with which they shared on a primal level: they were creatures of the night, birthed and bred as predators, given strength by the Bogan itself. Bogan. An archaic term for the Force, referred to as the Dark Side by those who knew too little of its nature. Zaaltarr himself did not divide the Force into opposing sides. In his mind, there was simply more than one way to use it. Yes, the Force was something to be used; it was not some kind of deity as the fools of the Jedi Order would have you believe. Zaal watched the Tuk'ata trot away, back in the direction of the catacombs he had been exploring for the past week. Beautiful.

Though he had had little first-hand experience with Jedi, he knew much of their teachings. The Jedi believed in one true path, that emotional detachment was necessary to utilize the power of the Ashla, or so-called Light Side of the Force properly. But they were liars. Hypocrites. Show him a Jedi who could truly fight an enemy with no emotion, no trace of aggression, and he would show you a cold-blooded killer, a psychopath. Yes, they were cold and hollow, self -righteously pushing their beliefs on those around them and striking against those who disagreed. What was worse, the Jedi shunned the notion of love, any real connection to those around them. To subject any being to such an environment -especially as a child- was cruel beyond words, and tragic indeed. So who was the monster? Love was a necessary component of growth and development, not something to lock away, as if something shameful. It was simple biology. True, the biological makeup of the galaxy's inhabitants varied, but they all operated much the same. Emotions were a crucial part of every being. They were a gauge with which sentients attained a sense of self, and they could impart the strength and focus needed to survive the challenges of life. To refute this was illogical and the height of idiocy.

Of course, most Dark Jedi and even the majority of the Sith of old had been going about things the wrong way as well. They had become slaves of their emotions, letting their thirst for knowledge twist itself into a jealous greed, pitting them against one another in a struggle both petty and meaningless. But the new Sith Order under Lord Iniquitous had great promise, and he intended to support the Overlord so long as the aim of the man's visions stayed true.

Zaaltarr swirled the sand around him idly as he continued on his way through the Valley of the Dark Lords, pushing the grains this way and that with small currents of wind. This was one of his favorite places in the galaxy. Admittedly, up until recently he hadn't seen much of the galaxy, but the Valley fascinated him more than anything. To be in a place so rich with history, amongst the tombs of some of the greatest Force-users the galaxy had ever known...it was one of the few things that put the Initiate in a good mood. In general, Zaal felt at ease amongst his fellows of the Sith Order, but he liked nothing more than to study the mysteries of the Force and peer into the unknown. He knew he was among the stronger of the Order, and yet he also realized that he had barely scratched the surface, that he had much, much more to learn. And I still need to construct a lightsaber. I have the necessary materials now, but the Lords and Ladies are bound to be too preoccupied to assist me. But Zaaltarr was not at a loss. He would turn to Xerron Delzaren, a man he had spent several years with in the Shadowlands of his homeworld. A man who had proven himself a capable warrior and whom Zaaltarr had sworn a life-debt to. But I am no longer a hunter of Kashyyyk, I am a Sith and shadowstrider. My life belongs to no one, only to that which surrounds all and binds all. Xerron and I shall be compatriots of this dark brotherhood, or nothing at all. Yes, it was time to confront his old ally as to the nature of their bond. Slowly releasing his hold on his signature in the Force, Zaaltarr opened himself up fully to the Force-link between himself and his human counterpart as he stepped through the entrance of the Sith Temple. The Wookiee headed for one of the outer courtyards that served as a practice chamber, his eyes glowing with expectation in contrast with the deep shadows of his cowl. Zaaltarr had one last test for the assassin Delzaren.

[Cirith An'Gol]

[Immediately after the events of The Dark Tomb of Ice on Rhen Var...]

((OOC: I'll probably modify this post when I actually get done with the duel between Xerron and Xierra (Mara's Jedi), as that hasn't started yet. Just a warning .))

Somewhere I Belong

Xerron hopped out of the ship's hold, one of the few that escaped Rhen Var, he was rested from the trip from the ice world to the dusty, dry world of Korriban. He had minor wounds only, or at-least he considered them minor, he'd been applying the knowledge he had in healing since they'd taken off. He'd looked at the wounds he'd had and smiled. They were healed for the most part, there was still evidence of his battle with that Falleen Jedi, Xierra but, it was considerably diminished now. Atleast on his body, his clothes on the other hand were cut in some places and tattered in others, the tattered ends of his black cloak made him look somewhat like a wraith as he walked the halls of the Temple. His two lightsabers, his trusty companions, still hung on his belt. He looked up into the sky, and stopped and stared at the red orb in the sky. I never thought I'd miss this place so much. At last, I'm home. No, longer do I have the doubts I had. The confrontation between myself and that Jedi was quite enlightening Xerron mused to himself, smiling as he did. At last he felt whole, complete. Ever since his uncle Xerxes' death at the hand of Trandoshan Slavers, Xerron had wandered the galaxy with this new generation of Sith, seeking a purpose, now he had it. It struck him as ironic that it was the same as the last time he'd been in the Temple. He would gain as much knowledge as possible, grow stronger in the Force, in his weaknesses and prove himself valuable to the Sith or to the Dominion, whoever wanted him first.

A familiar presence presented itself in the Force and Xerron recognized it immediately. Zaaltarr, his mysterious Wookiee companion. You couldn't ask for a more loyal friend, or a intimidating one for that matter. Then again, that Cho Wroth can be pretty intimidating too Xerron contemplated within the confines of his skull. He felt Zaaltarr's presence heighten in the force as he no doubt increased his force signature. Xerron smiled, it had been a long time since he had actually seen his Wookiee friend. Most of the time, their shared link in the Force was at the back of his mind, now it made it's way back to the front. He stalked the dark hallways like an assassin now, not making a sound even on the stone floors. He increased his force signature as well, a simple ping in the Force to let Zaaltarr know he was coming.

He followed his Wookiee compatriot's signature to a courtyard that was commonly used for training. He smiled as he rounded a corner and came out into the blaring sun light. His eyes glowed crimson in the dark shadows of his two hoods. He walked forward silently, smiling as he approached, the barest hint of mischievous amusement in his red eyes. He'd thought of sneaking up on his friend and "attacking" him just for the fun of it but, he dispelled that thought quickly. The Wookiee knew his scent anyway. Walking in a way that reflected none of the brashness or arrogance he'd once had, Xerron strode up to his long time companion and nodded as the walking carpet turned in his direction.

"Well Zaaltarr...it's been awhile. Nice to see you again my friend. Now, what would you like to talk about?" Xerron said getting right to the point, his passive scan of their Force-link revealing the information.

[Katar the Madclaw]

Zaaltarr studied the man before him, his heightened senses drinking in every detail. Though the Force-link between them had begun to fade in the months of their separation, the Darksider was rewarded with a plethora of information. Thoughts, impressions, images, memories. The scarlet glow emanating from Zaaltarr's hood dimmed as he soaked it all in through half-closed eyes. Xerron was different. He walked differently, moving with his hood angled downwards just slightly, his tell-tale swagger diminished. His aura in the Force was different as well, changed in ways subtle yet significant. Xerron's distinct scent had even altered from the last time the Wookiee had seen him. He smelled of battle, the scent of lightsabers even stronger about him than usual. Zaaltarr processed it all in mere moments, turning his considerable mental faculties back to the present.

"Yes. It has,"[/i] Zaaltarr replied, his mind replaying the events of the last several months. "You've changed, Xerron. I can see it in your gait, smell it on your tattered robes."[/i] The shadowstrider continued to study his comrade, blood-red eyes watching intently as Dark Side power coiled and swirled around the assassin's body. "You've faced the Jedi in battle,"[/i] Zaaltarr said matter-of-factly in the privacy of Xerron's mind. It was a statement meant to draw out comment from the human. Zaaltarr had long been aware of Xerron's insecurities, and he now wanted to hear something from the man's own mouth that would put the matter to rest. After all, he had to make sure his human counterpart's loyalties had not changed as well. However, upon sensing Xerron's hesitation, the Sith Prophet realized that he probably was not going to receive a clear answer just yet. For the moment, he let the matter drop and moved on.

"Something else has changed since we last saw each other my friend. Whatever your convictions, my allegiance falls to the Dark Side and the new Sith Order. To that end, I have decided to renounce the practices of my people. I hereby cast-off my enslavement to their ideals and the debt of life that I had believed myself to owe to your Uncle, and thereby to you."[/i]

Zaaltarr was certain he knew how Xerron was going to react, though he found himself watching the man's face for a clue out of habit.

[Cirith An'Gol]

"Something else has changed since we last saw each other my friend. Whatever your convictions, my allegiance falls to the Dark Side and the new Sith Order. To that end, I have decided to renounce the practices of my people. I hereby cast-off my enslavement to their ideals and the debt of life that I had believed myself to owe to your Uncle, and thereby to you." Zaaltarr had said to him after noting the changes in his Human friend, and stating the obvious. Xerron had fought Jedi.

"Yes I have"[/i] Xerron replied simply in reply to his friend's observation. "As for the matter of your life-debt, worry not, I've never viewed you as my property, nor will I ever, such a thing is below me. We are partners, compatriots in the rising Sith Empire. Besides, if you have ever acted as my servant you've been a very poor one my friend"[/i] Xerron smiled as he completed this thought, the mirth being transferred between the two of them. Zaaltarr acting as someone's pet was like asking a Krayyt Dragon to be gentle with it's meal.

"I am still loyal to the Dark Side my friend, fear not. I will not betray my friends and those that have proven themselves allies but, I am loyal to neither the Sith or the Jedi, or any force using group any longer. I am here to grow in power and knowledge only. I care nothing for the petty rivalry between the Sith and the Jedi Order, they are both fools in their deluded ways. Lord Iniquitous earns my faith only because he does not appear to be as deluded as the rest, as I am sure you have already concluded on your own"[/i] Xerron replied easily, though the tone and feeling that the message would be sent with would be like that of a plain blade of cortosis, surprisingly sharp in its focus, and uncompromising. There was no doubt in Xerron's mind that this was the path that was meant for him and him alone, and the sureness of his decision resounded within his very being. At one time the assassin would've been unsure about his life and where it would lead. That was no longer the case, the experiences of Rhen Var had changed him forever, for good or ill. It wasn't just his mentality that changed, he was physically stronger as well.

Years of practice with dueling had toned his body to an athletic peak, his arms and legs were now stronger than before, and his torso was now ripped in lean muscle. He could last longer in a fight than he could before, and he was a hair more agile than he had been before their first mission on Muunilinst. The majority of this was covered by his dark robes though, so he wasn't expecting a comment about his physique.

Xerron's mind briefly wandered back to the battle on the frozen wastes of Rhen Var but, just as quickly he returned to the events of the present. He looked to his friend and stretched his own senses out, seeing what changes, if any, there were to his companion. From all appearances Zaaltarr looked and felt the same but, there was a stronger sense of conviction in his friend as well that hadn't been there before. Then there was his aura, the majority of it felt the saem but, there was a slight tang that hadn't been there before. Xerron felt a sense of accomplishment to his friend that fed the conviction within him.

"I see your time of meditation and study has paid off. I sense you are no longer willing to sit on the side-lines and watch. So, tell me my friend. What would you have of me?"[/i] Xerron asked pointedly once again, getting straight to the heart of the matter.

[Katar the Madclaw]

Zaaltarr sniffed at the human's thoughts. He was no one's pet, and anyone foolish enough to even think of treating him that way would find out for themselves just how easily a Wookiee could tear someone's arm from its socket. Still, what Xerron said was true. He had never shown such gross disrespect or treated him as some kind of slave. He had been foolish at times, even annoying, but never disrespectful. The Wookiee crossed his arms in contemplation of the Human's question, the folds of his sleeves coiling like serpents. Yes, what would he have of him? Xerron gave reassurance of his goodwill towards those who had proven themselves his allies, but his contempt for the Sith Order was a potential conflict.

"If you were truly loyal to the Dark Side as you say my friend, then you would prove loyal to its' legacy; to the legacy of the Sith Lords and the Order which they founded. But we will speak of this at another time..." The Wookiee's voice trailed off, his hand withdrawing from the depths of his cloak, a small pouch within his balled fist. Zaaltarr held out his fist for Xerron to see, his fingers parting slowly like the mouth of a bizarre flower. Using a single, jagged claw to pull at the string, Zaaltarr lifted the contents of the pouch up into the air and held them there in the space between them. "I have carried these crystals for many decades and I believe they will serve me well in crafting a lightsaber. However, I would have your assistance with the more... technical aspects, as such are not my forte." Zaaltarr lowered the three crystals into Xerron's waiting hand, watching quietly as the Human examined them: synth, barab, and dragite.

[Cirith An'Gol]

Xerron wasn't suprised that his friend encouraged him to prove himself loyal to the Sith Order but, his critiques were unwaranted and irritating, the assassin felt his anger grow with each growing moment. That is until Zaaltarr asked for his help and handed Xerron three lightsaber crystals Synth, Barab and Dragite. Xerron knew immediately what the combination of crystals would produce in a lightsaber's blade. The energy would burn tremendously intense, almost looking on the verge of utter collapse, like a living bout of plasma like flame but, it would hold it's form and it would be an intimidating weapon to behold, especially in the hands of one such as Zaaltarr. For a moment, Xerron was speechless. One moment he was encouraging something that did not need encouragement, and the next he was asking for Xerron's help in the construction of his first lightsaber.

Xerron looked upon his Wookiee companion, suprise still on his face. Zaaltarr was right about one thing, the intricate work of constructing and using a lightsaber wasn't his forte, but, it was one such thing Xerron did extremely well. Xerron smiled, he now had a barganing chip in which he could use. The assassin craved knowledge and growth in power, and it was clear from the way Zaaltarr walked and his general presence that he had learned much in his time of solitude.

Xerron closed his fist around the lightsaber crystals and nodded "I will help you construct your lightsaber, and I will even train you in the arts of using the weapon but, in return you will have to help me grow both in knowledge and power. Improve on my weaknesses as I will be doing with you" the assassin smiled, genuinely pleased at the turn of events.

"If that is unacceptable to you, then you can find out how to construct your weapon on your own, as many Sith before us have done. As you have pointed out already we have no debt to each other, so something of mutual benefit must be provided. Is that satisfactory to you?" Xerron said as he held the lightsaber crystals before the Wookiee.

[Katar the Madclaw]

"...Is that satisfactory to you?"

"Quite,"[/i] Zaaltarr replied as he took back the crystals. He was almost impressed with Xerron's concise evaluation of their present situation. Right down to business, he really has changed. I like it.

"Let us proceed then. I believe I have all the materials required," the shadowstrider said, moving off a little ways to clear off a spot in which they could begin their work.

Zaaltarr removed his outer cloak and slung it over his shoulder, revealing the close-fitting black robes beneath that showed off the Wookiee's rather large musculature. Pulling up the hood at the back of his shadowsilk tunic, Zaaltarr once again adorned his face in shadows, the crimson glow of his Force-emblazoned eyes shining once more. Removing the satchel tied to the back of his utility belt, Zaaltarr seated himself on the sun-baked earth and emptied the bag's contents. Sifting through the pile, the Sith separated out several metallic materials, a power cell, and other intricacies.

Securing the rest within the satchel, Zaaltarr returned the bag to its place and waited for Xerron to join him, imbuing the three crystals within his palm with Force energy sheerly out of a habit born of decades.

[Cirith An'Gol]

"Quite" Zaaltarr replied, through their shared link the assassin felt that his Wookie friend was impressed with his reponse, he might've even liked it "Then let us proceed. I believe I have all the materials required." Xerron had to admit, knowing that Zaal liked the new him made him glad, though he would never admit to it openly. Zaaltarr moved to a spot on the ground and sat down after removing his more cumbersome cloak, and throwing it over his shoulder. Then he took out a satchel and removed the crystals and some lightsaber components.

Xerron looked at the peices spread out on the ground and walked over. He shrugged off his cloak and sat cross legged on the ground across from his friend, then began counting off the individual components. A Diatium Power Cell, focusing crystal, the primary crystal, cycling field energizers, energy modulation circuits, magnetic Stabilizing Ring, Focusing Crsytal Activator, Power Vortex Ring, Power Field Conducter and Inert Power Insulator. Good, looks like everythings here Xerron thought as he began to close his eyes and put the varying peices together with the Force alone.

Gently the peices lifted a few inches into the air and began organizing themselves into their proper placement. Then the lightsaber housing itself lifted into the air, screws unwound their way out of their placements and drifted in orbit around the bigger peices, and the lightsaber opened up like a hand, the hand grip seperating into two seperate peices after detaching from the top half of the weapon that actually emitted the blade. Slowly Xerron began fitting the peices together and everything began clicking into place. Xerron's mind was clear, only a picture of the lightsaber's construction remained. Finally the two halves of the lightsaber met and the screws returned to their places, then the top half of the lightsaber drifted forward and met with it's bottom half. The lightsaber was complete at last. It seemed like hours that went by in Xerron's mind but, in actuality the whole process took about twenty minutes.

Xerron opened his eyes and Zaaltarr's lightsaber floated before him, the assassin looked to his friend and the lightsaber obeyed his unsaid command, drifting easily within the Wookiee's reach.
"It is done." Xerron stood and wiped the red dust of Korriban from his tunic and cloak "Now if you are ready, onto the other tasks at hand. You need to learn how to use your new weapon, and I need to learn to better myself as a warrior not only in the physical arts but, in the force as well. I will teach you the art of Shii-Cho first, as it is the basic form of swordplay. We will go through your knowledge of the form, the movements of basic attacks, of parrying, learn the body target zones and then do some practice drills, it will take some time you will not master Shii-Cho today or tomarrow, you must hone your body and mind, drill the movements into your muscles so that doing them is mere reflex. Since you have only the one blade, I shall accomadate you and use only one of mine."

Xerron took off his cloak and laid it on the ground, a second later one of his lightsabers on his belt snapped into his right hand, with his other hand he adjusted the power to that of a training saber, it would be enough to sting and possibly burn but, it wouldn't be powerful enough to cause serious harm. "Adjust your power setting to that of a training saber and attack me when you are ready" Xerron flipped the lightsaber around so the blade would extend toward his Wookiee companion and waited for him to begin.