31

THE PAST

Nox stared at the two Jedi , The two individuals suspended in bacta tanks apon the eternal fleet flagship .

Letha and Nadia grell , Scarred and disfigured to the point of being unrecognisable .

Letha had it the worst , Her hair were few in strands as it flowed over her scarred head , The genetic traits of the miralukan woman , The coverings of her eyes had severe scarring along side the rest of her face .

She was bare to the world apart from wraps that covered her modesty , Skin flaked from her and hung from her arms and legs .

It was a miracle the Jedi was even alive , Nox attested that to her sheer connection to the force , It was impressive that a Jedi could hold such a connection , Greater than the annoying Jedi Knights and that slave of the empire of a wrath.

The bacta worked to heal her injuries as best as it could , But he knew she would never be the same , He had stripped her of her connection to the force , A small trickle compared to the ocean it was before .

The Jedi would never allow her active duty again , The military wouldn't take her nor would she be able to get a job . No her life was ruined whether she awoke or not .

Nox crossed his arms over his chest as he glared at her , His fingers tapping at his elbows as he thought .

" You had such promise , Yet you threw it away to become a pawn of the Jedi , You could've been the third most powerful being in the galaxy , Yet you chose to serve , Pathetic " Nox droned as he glared before turning his attention to the silver haired apprentice .

The apprentice had significantly lesser injuries , A lightsaber through the chest , Some scarring from their battle and light burns . She would be fine albeit abit weaker in terms of use of the force from the effects of the lightning he had subjected her and the rest of the Jedi to .

But none the less she would be fine .

" Republic forces are retreating from the surface of Iokath and fleeing back to their nearest stronghold " Scorpio announced as she entered the med bay .

" Commit to a full planetary scan , I doubt they didn't leave some sort of retaliation behind . Be careful of any traps , They wouldn't simply leave our world without so much as a fuck you " Nox told the droid who agreed with his assessment .

" Committing all able forces to perform full sweep of Iokath , What would you like us to do with ... them " Scorpio asked in reference to the healing Jedi .

" Prepare to transfer the miralukan to my lab on the surface , Keep the sarkhai comatose here , When the other Jedi awake , Have them frozen in Carbonite , I don't want them breaking out " Nox ordered as Scorpio relayed his orders to the rest of the ship .

THE PRESENT

Nox landed the ship atop a red stone plateau overlooking a valley .

He sat in his chair for a few moments as he thought , staring out towards the fauna below through the cockpit window .

" Keep your weapon on you at all times " Nox announced as he heaved himself from his chair and made his way out of the bridge .

" Don't I always " Vaylin retorted as she pulled a clean cloak from the wardrobe within Nox's quarters .

The black haired sith Lord cast a glance to the high justice as he made his way to an armour rack built into the wall of his bedroom which held his sith cultists helmet placed apon the racks head.

Already wearing the rest of the armour , Nox grabbed the black helmet as he turned it in his grip , The helmets sensors making the clasps on the helmet open , Allowing the man to raise it and slide it onto his head , The clasps clamping together once more to fit snuggly on his head , A hiss escaping vents on the side and front of the mask .

" Ready " The modulated voice of Nox asked as he turned to the woman , Double checking his lightsaber was clipped to his belt .

" As always " Vaylin sashayed out of the room , An audible chuckle resonating from Nox as he followed after .

Opening the ramp to the ship as they entered the cargo hold , The winds of the planet blew strands of Vaylin hand around as the ramp hit the stone below with a solid thump .

Walking down the ramp with a wide gait , Nox observed the plateau they were on , Red in colour as it cracked and crumbled under foot .

Clouds passed by around the plateau , Noting the height they landed on , Nox approached the edge of the towering mass of rock , Gazing down towards the forest below .

" Down there huh " Vaylin popped up over his shoulder as she too looked down , Nox nodding in turn before he simply stepped forward and off the side of the plateau .

" Show off " Vaylin huffed before stepping back a few steps before running forward and leaping to follow .

Nox stared at the interface of his suit , Analysing its systems as he fell through the sky , Clouds blowing past his black form .

He could absentmindedly hear the mad giggles of Vaylin as she fell at the same rate he did .

The animals of the wildlife were uneasy , Even the mightiest of the night sisters pets looked at the shadows in instinctual terror .

The lands looked bleak , The light of the sun became dim as shadows extended from the trees as if moving on their own .

The dark aura of the man manifesting in an almost visible shade over the planet .

The rancor herds , In there semi-sentient societies huddled together as they protected their herd mother's , Primitive weapons in their grips as they stood on alert .

The clans of the planet in their respective territories , Especially their force sensitive's within , Knew something was afront , As the planet around them seemed to intensify it's dark aura , As if the planet itself was being affected by whatever was apon it .

The night brothers slunk within their homes , Hiding away from the rest of planet under the watchful eye of their night sister overlord.

The night sisters themselves awaited word from Talzin as she worked within her Hut to break the shroud of the force to locate the anomaly .

The rest of the clans felt the itch , The chill rising from the bases of their spines as their force sensitive clan leaders gathered their members .

" Get your mounts , We have a hunt " The night mother queen Zalem decreed as she stared into the force , Feeling whatever was nearby staring back at her people .

Nox tore through the canopy of the fauna of dathomir before slamming into the ground feet first , Cratering the ground underfoot while causing Ravens native to the planet to scatter to the skies .

Dusting off his armour , Nox stood to full height while Vaylin slowed her descent before landing with a few small steps , The woman breathing in deeply as the felt the sheer life force the planet exuded .

" Where should we begin our search " Vaylin asked as she peered at the pensive Nox .

" We're heading towards the coast first " Nox decreed before turning and facing the direction he needed to head in .

Vaylin followed after Nox he he stepped into the mist that perpetually covered the grounds , Slinking into the red darkness of the trees together .

The leader of the singing mountain clan Aug Djo stood beside her clans men within the mountain fortress , A flick of her fingers mobilised the clan as the descended from the fortress into the mountains below , Beginning the hunt for the dark one on their world.

The night sister clan flew over their lands , Leaping through the trees as the assassins searched at breakneck speeds .

The beast tamers pushed trees out of their path as they spread their search , Zalem garbed in her red clothing and pale skin exploded into a green glowing shroud that ascended into the sky as she too joined the search .

All the while talzin focussed , Searching for the source of the sun blocking shade that had descended into their lands .

Vaylin could practically see the inky dark bleeding from Nox , His aura bled into the lands , Tendrils of snaking dark side energy manifest leapt from him and into the shadows of the trees , Burrowing into the ground to begin their own search at the will of their maker .

Her lord was almost a beacon of the Darkside as he called out to anyone of dark side origin , Bating them , Fear personified as the usual hostile species of dathomir cowered as they passed , Submissive as they held themselves low to the ground and slowly moved away as not to aggravate the malicious entity before them .

A flick of his wrist obliterated a boulder blocking their path , Turning it to dust under the crushing power before they continued their walk .

Vaylin watched as a raven peeled from Nox's shadow , Landing on a branch as it hopped to face them , It's glowing red eyes looking around before giving a wail that had no business belonging to the bird before it ascended to the skies and began to fly towards the south .

" Vaylin " Nox held out his armoured hand for her to take , The woman eagerly taking his hand before the duo evaporated in an implosion of energy.

Ros Lai , The one dubbed under the name of the rancor by her nightsister clan , Looked up to the raven that landed ahead of her in the clearing , Tilting its head to the side as its iridescent glowing pools of red stared at her with intelligence that should not belong to the bird.

The hag of a woman reached her arm upwards for the bird to land on , Her curiosity peaked at the birds unique attributes .

The bird wailed at her as it leapt from its branch , Swooping her before nipping at her finger , Tearing at the skin before flying by her .

She quickly swivelled in place , However found the raven to have simply vanished from the clearing all together.

Not even a second after their departure , Nox and Vaylin materialised at the red sanded beaches of dathomir , Both Nox and vaylin could feel the life teeming below the surface , Both small and monstrously large creatures dwelled just below the blood oceans .

Momentarily , Nox disengaged his helmet before slowly raising from his head , His locks falling from within to fall easily beside his head .

Holding it at his side , Nox took a deep breath , The Briny scent of the ocean assaulting his senses . A small smile escaped his lips as he exhaled .

A few more moments passed as Nox simply stared out with an apathetic gaze .

" The clans are no doubt sending out hunting parties , They'll either engage each other or co-operate to find us " Nox stated neutrally as the wind blew the hair on his head .

" What is it you wish for me to do " Vaylin asked , Nox clasping his arms behind as back as he went back to staring out at the ocean .

" These witches are said to be some of the most dangerous people in the galaxy , I want to test that , Hunt these hunters , Sow discord , Show them fear , Make the tribes fight. Become the feared apex predator if these lands , That is my order to you " Nox turned to the woman and lifted her chin with his pointed finger " As your lord , And as your lover , Your most avid supporter , I ask you to use everything you know , Everything I've taught you , Show them their place , Make them cower under the heel of the most powerful woman in the galaxy , they will fear you by week's end , Inspire stories of your grandeur for generations to come , Brand them , In the pain you know all so well ... make them suffer as I know only you can "

Vaylin felt her heartbeat faster , Her lords intense gaze conveying the absolute belief he had in her as his eyes glowed , the already hopelessly in love woman swooned under his praise and attention .

She shook slightly in anticipation , Her jaw clenching as excitement soon took over . She could feel his touch revitalising her , Drawing her nearer instinctively by a mere touch of his finger .

" I'll do whatever you ask , Whatever it takes , I won't disappoint you " Vaylin vowed as Nox chuckled , Audible to the woman as he moved his finger from her chin to hold her cheek gently .

" I know you won't , You never have " The woman leant her hand into his hand at his words , Closing her eyes as she nuzzled it slightly .

" I will call for you when the time comes " Nox Lowered his arm as Vaylin leant up onto the tips of her toes , Catching his lips in her own as she pulled him too her , Her hand on the back of his head , The man simply allowed her to do so as he placed his hands on her hips .

Before long the lip lock ended as Vaylin lowered herself , A sly smile on her lips as she grabbed her hood , Pulling it up and over her head , Leaving the only thing visible to be her coy smile .

" I'll see you shortly ... love " Vaylin spoke before turning , Lowering herself to the ground before surging forward in a series of after images .

Nox watched the woman enter the foliage before feeling her speed off deeper into the vegetation .

For the moment Nox turned back to the waters ahead , Casting one final glance before pulling his helmet up and over his head , Lowering it on with a resounding hiss as it clicked into place .

" Galaxies greatest hunters indeed " Nox chuckled before the force drew around him, His form becoming shrouded in misty purple energy before he evaporated and vanished to the naked eye alongside anyone's senses .

Zalem stopped in her tracks alongside her troop of night sisters , The woman scowled deeply , Both worry and anticipation seeping into her very bones .

A smirk made its way to her face , What she had discovered to be the source of the great dark to taint their land , First appearing in a forest several kilometres away . Had instantaneously appeared at the coastline nearby .

Into he spur of the moment she and her sisters had rushed forward to where she best predicted they would be , It was difficult , The sheer power radiated from what she had sensed to be a fellow darksider blanketed the land , shrouding it in their dark radiance .

Because of the sheer area this beings power washed over , It was impossible to tell exactly where they were , But there was still a trace , Where the shroud was so intense it would choke them , Drown them in despair as the weight of the very galaxy bore down apon any who deliberately gazed apon it .

She knew , Only one truly tried and tested , Intrinsically connected with the darkest depths of the force would be able to tell the difference between the planet wide shroud and the source of said shroud.

But she knew to be weary , She knew it was intentional , A sort of lure , A test .

And she was proven correct as she and the other members of the night sisters neared under her guidance , The source simply vanished from her senses , Completely and utterly .

They stepped out onto the beachfront , Surveying the land as they slowly spread out .

Nothing remained but the shroud hanging over them , No footprints , No scents , No shadows . Simply gone .

" Be weary , Something was here ... recently " Zalem ordered , She could feel the almost mocking feeling resonating through the force , A sinister chuckle peeling through the forest around them before the forest went silent once more .

AEOS PRIME

Standing on the shores of the island they found themselves on , The city of offworlder's and locals behind them while the Jedi's mountain was high above in the background , Ice covered peaks that held a stark contrast to the rest of the large island .

Vas'lucis stood in nothing but tight shorts as his master wore his wraps .

" This an A99 aqua breather , Use it if you need , But we will be focussing on using the force to sustain you in a hostile environment " Sifo handed the apparatus to his Padawan as the teenager gave his thanks .

The duo waded deeper into the waters and soon began to float as they tread .

The two were watched by the local aeosians , Some hunters having recently arrived back to the surface .

" Ready " Sifo asked as he took a deep breath .

" Ready " Vas replied as he did the same before the two fully submerged themselves .

Sifo observed his apprentice as they dove , The light from the surface slowly becoming another shade of blue , Life forms of all sizes swimming around .

The apprentice looked around in apparent wander , The force flowing through him as he held his breath .

Sifo , As always was amazing at the proficiency the teenager showed .

Indeed , The boy appeared to be a prodigy at everything he did in ways of the force . The way the force sung around the boy , Flowed through him unimpeded awed the Jedi master whenever he was able to lay witness to the feats the boy performed .

The Jedi master also noted that the boy was not arrogant , Able to see his faults and actively tried to fix them .

The concept of letting himself go and allowing the force to guide him was originally an issue for the boy , Something Sifo saw was the boy seemed to fear not being in control of his life . But after a long heartfelt conversation between the master and apprentice , Sifo was proud to see the boy took his advice to heart . And shortly after channelling the light side was something the boy had no problem with , And meditation became easier .

Sifo would admit , And openly had admitted to the boy he was fearful , As it was the origin of his stutter .

The boy was sympathetic , And frequently assisted Sifo with his nightmares , Which the Jedi master noted were becoming more and more infrequent , Slowly fading into the memories of his past .

And Sifo was not blinded as to why . The force had one last singular goal for him , To train the teen in the ways of the force , And it openly rewarded him the more they progressed .

His previous nightmares were often overtaken by the appearance of his apprentice in the far future , Warding off unseen enemies as he protected the innocent from the claws of tyrants .

Sifo had no illusions that he was meant to die on the shuttle to oba diah . That something or someone had moved to eliminate him , But he was saved , And given his last task by the force .

In the end , Sifo was Greatful and threw himself wholeheartedly into training his new apprentice , For what he could see , This boy was the last hope he had of changing what was to come .

The boys attitude made him a prime Jedi candidate , the emotions a true Jedi should have were present , He cared for those around him and was more than willing to help anyone in need .

He mourned for those lost but never caved into hate or sorrow . After learning that the dead became one with the force he rejoiced for them .

Yes , Sifo was confident and trusted in his apprentice , And the boy had shown to be Greatful for his master's attitude .

The duo soon levelled out a hundred of so metres from the surface .

The coral was a few metres below them as fish swam freely and without fear .

Sifo cats his attention to Vas'lucis as the Jedi finally ram out of breath , Using the A99 breather to take a breath before taking it out of his mouth to continue their practice .

' This way ' Sifo telepathically communicated to his apprentice as they moved by some of the larger wildlife , Sharks looking at them while octupi moved between the corals .

Vas'lucis noted that forty metres ahead was a group of Aeosian hunters that were out on a hunt .

The leader of the hunt turned his attention to them before surging through the water towards them before levelling out before them .

' What's going on ' Sifo asked the water bound humanoid as it turned its attention to him , Opening it's mouth to communicate .

" One of our last parties was attacked by a saberjowl that was kept captive along with its young on a smugglers ship , The predator has been endangering our people as of late , We're rescuing a group trapped by the beast in the deep , We would ask your assistance " The Aeosian hunter leader asked of the Jedi master as Vas'lucis looked at him .

' I am going to help them , Would you like to come or return to the surface ' Sifo asked Vas'lucis as the boy thought of his response .

' I would like to help but I don't have a weapon ' Vas motioned to his weapon less form .

' I will help but my apprentice here needs a weapon ' Sifo motioned at the shirtless boy beside him , The Aeosian regarding the boy before pulling out a vibro spear and handing it to the boy .

" come , We must hurry " Sifo and Vas followed after the hunter leader as the rest of the group had already departed .

Holding onto the vibro spear as they swam , Vas decided to simply focus on the event ahead of them as he placed the A99 breather in his mouth at the approval from the Jedi master .

Before long the trio came to a dark descent below , The reef dropping off below showed the last of the hunter group diving off .

' It will be hard to see down there , Use what I've taught you , Let the force be your eyes in the dark ' Sifo instructed as Vas'lucis nodded and dove down alongside the lead hunter and Jedi master .

The light soon bled away into sheer darkness as the temperature dropped .

After half an hour of simply sweeping down , What seemed to be seafloor appeared below , Glowing from bioluminescence , Fauna of all sorts , Flower like in their appearance that glowed all sorts of colours .

With his feet slowly hitting the ground below , Churning up soot and dirt into the area around them , Sifo landing a moment later as the lead hunter joined the rest a few metres above their dimly lit environment .

Approaching once more , The leader hunter handed them what appeared to be a small device .

" We found these on the smugglers ship , we must spread out to search , Use these to send a warning and your location if you find anything " The hunter leader gave them their devices as Vas'lucis looked at the bright screen .

' Thank you ' Sifo nodded as the hunter and the rest of the group parted ways and spread out .

' I'll go this way , You take that passage , Don't worry , The force will guide us ' Sifo pat the boy on the shoulder before Vas'lucis nodded , The Jedi master soon turning and disappearing over the reefs not covered by the hunters .

With spear in hand , Vas'lucis under an arch as he swam surveying the glowing fauna as he entered what appeared to be an underwater cave .

Volcanic vents and plumes spewed up and vented through the cave , Building atop the surface in a grey and black ooze that flowed with the water .

Small groups of fish rapidly swam through the tunnel , Vas'lucis was weary as he followed the tunnel , The hiss of his re-breather as it let bubbled out of its side .

Movement from within the tunnel echoes throughout , Vas could feel the lifeforms within the tunnel , Some were old but many felt younger , It appeared that this tunnel was used by some species to nurture their young .

Eggs were planted around as Vas made to avoid the sacks as he decided to simply float down the tunnel .

Some species of pink squishy squid like fish followed him , Their small and stumpy tentacles propelling them through the water in their naive belief that they were safe .

Vas'lucis turned to the three that followed him as the eyes of the squid locked on him , eight eyes facing every direction around them looked around in curiousity as Vas held a hand out to the three .

The three bulbous creatures floated around his arm as they studied it before gently nudging their jelly like membranes across his flesh , Rubbing against him affectionately . The warmth he emitted soothing the youngsters .

Soon the trio of squid like creatures swam closer and latched onto his shoulders and side harmlessly , Simply deciding to rest on him as they decided he was indeed safe .

Vas'lucis chuckled at their behaviour , Feeling their total trust in him as he gently propelled himself forward through the water , Making sure no to jostle the tiny bulbous creatures that looked around as he swam . A sound almost akin to a squeal of delight escaped the creatures.

Swimming deeper into the tunnel as it twisted and winded , Occasionally making sure the small creatures were safe before he spotted the end of the tunnel .

Swimming to a stop at the end of the tunnel , Another small cove lay below , A resonating feeling of distress catching his attention as he swam , The small bulbous creatures still attached to him as they too seemed to want to explore the outside of the tunnel they knew .

Swimming into the opening , The sand below and the luminous lights showed something struggling under a large fallen rock .

Swimming closer Vas'lucis regarded the fish about half the size he was . It was green in colour , It's mouth forming a pointed snout cried out into the water as it struggled against the rocks pushing down apon it , It's long tail attempting to strike at the rock as it struggled .

Swimming up to the creature , Vas'lucis felt the creatures eyes on him , Dim in the light as it's urgency was easily conveyed .

Resting his hand atop the creatures head , Pulling away slightly as it snapped at him in fear , Vas attempted to calm the creature once more as he rested his hand gently on its head . The creature , Deciding he wasn't attempting to attack let him do so as he looked for a way to release it .

Letting his hand off its head , The three bulbous lifeforms looking at the new fish curiously with all their eyes studying it .

Putting his hand on the rock , And feet against the wall above the creature , Vas tried pushing against the wall , The distress of the creature growing as the rock didn't budge .

' Come on ... push ... push ' Vas closed his eyes as he concentrated , Allowing the force to flow through him as it augmented his abilities . Before long the rock budged ever so slightly as he pushed harder and harder .

The strain on his arms forcing the blood vessels in his arms to bulge . Veins on his forehead pulsing with the blood rush as he grit his teeth .

The force easily replied to his urgency as energy gathered and flowed through him , The fallen tower of stone groaning under the newfound strength of the teen .

Further exertion from the teen heaved , A force push rupturing from his outstretched arms as the pillar was propped into the far wall where it slammed into the wall and fell into pieces .

Breathing hard into the re-breather , Vas let himself lower onto the ocean floor , The Freed creature rising from its previously stuck position as it regarded it's new environment .

Rising from the bed floor , The fish was revealed to be a reptile with three sets of fins along with a soft dorsal shell , It turned to Vas and slowly approached cautiously .

Vas slowly rose form the ocean floor and began to float again as the reptile flexed itself and bared it's fanged teeth .

With it seeing no outward reaction from the teen , The reptile relaxed and approached closer before circling , Examining the teen before nudging against him and the shivering bulbous creatures .

Using the force , The teen sent out soothing waves of energy towards the creatures around him , Calming them as he examined his situation .

He didn't have long to look around though as a series of rapid pings resonated from the device strapped around his waist .

Pulling it up , Vas eyes widened before he began to swim up from the bottom of the floor and over the cove and towards the location shown on the device .

The Reptile in fast pursuit of its newfound saviour while the bulbous lifeforms clung excitedly to him .

The scene he found himself in made him draw his vibro spear , The group of hunters were engaging with what appeared to be a much much larger variant of the creature he saved , Using its fins to bat them from its form as it attempted to bite them . It's long tail fin striking and sending some careening through the water .

A group of injured huddled at the bottom behind a large outcrop of rocks , Obviously from the first hunting party .

' It seems you've made some friends ' Vas looked at the approaching Sifo as the Jedi pulled out his lightsaber and activated it , The plasma blade sizzling the water .

' The tunnel had some interesting things In it ' Vas replied as he swam forward with the vibro spear to help the hunters .

The massive saberjowl was deceptively strong and fast as it slammed into one of the attacking hunters , In response the amphibian hunters in turn latched onto its back and stabbed into its back , Bouncing from its shell as it rotated and shook them off .

The saberjowl swallowed one of the hunters whole and moved to another as it spurred through the waters .

Sifo Caught the creature by one of its fins as it passed , Keeping a firm grip as the velocity threatened to throw him off .

Rearing his lightsaber , Sifo stabbed the bottom of the beast as it let loose a bellow of pain , Stopping in its movements before violently shaking itself and slamming into the seafloor , Forcing Sifo to left go and avoid getting flattened .

The saberjowl snapped its maw at a second hunter , Seperating the man in half as what remained spewed blood into the open water as he sank .

With the force flowing through his body , Vas hefted his vibro spear and hurled it at the massive reptiles face .

The spear lodged itself into the side of the beasts jaw , Forcing the beast to turn to him and tense , Opening its maw and surging forward .

In a split moment , Vas picked up a dropped spear and held it Infront of him .

As the beast was apon him , He forced the blade in between the top and bottom jaws of the creature , Blade facing upwards as it attempted to close its mouth .

The creature felt excruciating pain at the attempt and immediately opened its mouth back to its widest , Allowing Vas to swim to the side and around the reptile as it recovered .

After gaining adequate distance , Vas made sure all three of the bulbous squids were safe as he noticed he now had the sole attention of the saberjowl .

' Oh damn ' Vas thought as Sifo noticed the teen predicament . Most of the hunting party was down for the count while the lead hunter joined him at his side , Two spears in his grasp as the Jedi master nodded .

With a surge , All four in the equation moved , Sifo used to the force to propel himself at the creature , The hunter at his side just as fast due to this being his natural hunting ground .

The reptile speared through the water at Vas as the teen swam as fast as he could , Reaching out with the force as slamming the creature away from him with a colossal force push that churned the water , Shockwaves blasting the two apart .

Lightsaber in hand , Sifo attached himself to the reptiles shell and began to carve into the surface of the armour .

The lead hunter slammed into the side of the reptile , His spear sliding under the protective plates of the reptile as it grew enraged .

The creature let out a world shacking roar as it whipped around , Up and down , Against rocks and coral as it tried to dislodge the two .

The creature proved to be far more resilient than both thought as it spotted archway and B-lined at it .

The creature slammed into the archway and managed to muscled its way through, Forcing the Jedi and hunter off as they slammed into the archway before they could react .

With its attacks off it and down for the count , The reptile turned to its last opponent , The teen with the three squids attached to him .

Vas , Scowled at the reptile as it circled , Spear held Infront of him as he held its long handle .

The reptile was about to begin it's assault was it felt itself being bitten , The previous offspring of the creature Vas had rescued attacked it's mother with ferocity , It's amass jaws clamping onto the mother's fins as it tore chunks from the larger creature .

Taking the chance , Vas swam forward and thrust the spear into the eye of the reptile in it's distracted state .

The spear delved deep into the eye socket before simply stopping against the bone of the inside of the skull .

The spear jut from its skull as it roared and knocked Vas away with its snout . Shaking itself The juvenile was dislodged and sent away as it rolled through the water .

With no weapon in hand , Vas swam as the creature turned to him once more , He was unarmed and facing against the larger creature .

But he didn't back down , He simply stared at the beast with a scowl , Prepared to do whatever he had to in order to subdue the creature . He began to draw apon the force , Channeling it through him as much as he could as it began to approach .

As if sensing the danger , The three bulbous squids shook and repositioned themselves , Staring the creature dead on , Sensing it's ferocity and want to end them .

In a panic the three Squid like creatures let out a high pitch wail that vibrated the water around them , The reptile forced to divert its path at the wail released by the three as the clung to their safety .

The reptile shook its head as it turned back to the four , opening its maw and responding with an equally powerful roar .

But none present were expecting a third roar , Far deeper in tone than the first two as the rocks around them shook under the pressure .

The reptile turned to the black open waters around them , It's eyes glancing around as it detected movement .

The first sign was the cave the Vas had come out of , A tentacle larger than the cave itself blew the cave apart ,what appeared to be claws and feelers on the bottom along with suction pads . The tentacle flexed , Up turning the tunnel as it tore the roof away , Revealing the tentacle to be far larger than previously thought , Leading off onto a large body rising over the reef .

Sifo turned both alarmed and horrified at what had appeared . Many more tentacles than eight protruded from its lower form , Countless eyes littered the top of its body , Glowing blue as psychic energy bled from the creature .

Sifo practically recoiled at the sheer animosity bleeding from it as it opened its gaping maw of horrifically large begged teeth .

' How is there a summa vernimoth here of all places ' Sifo recoiled at the psyonic waves of energy the creature released as it sent it's tentacles forward at the threat to its young .

The saberjowl tried to escape the obviously far superior creature before it was electrified by the stingers of the vernimoth , The creature simply latching onto its massive form and dragging the wailing lifeform towards its mouth .

Sifo along with the hunters watched as the creature was dragged into the mouth before the vernimoth slammed it's mouth shut tight , Slicing the smaller monster to shreds and crushing it under the strength .

With the abrupt end of the saberjowl , The hunters became meek towards the creature they worshipped .

Swimming sedately as it came closer , It's many eyes looking at each one of them at the same time , Searching for its young .

Sifo felt his heart quicken as the vernimoth passed him , Ignoring him entirely as it found what is was looking for .

It stopped shy of Vas as he stared at the titanic creature , It's eyes focussed solely on him , It's teeth visible from where he was .

One of its innumerable tentacles came forward and touched one of its young .

The small summa refused to detach from Vas as they stubbornly clung to him . The trio communicating with the massive creature , Refusing to detach from their new source of warmth and safety .

The mother of the unbelievably dangerous creatures regarded them for a moment before turning its attention to Vas , Analysing him with its intelligent gaze .

He felt a pressure apon his mind as he was the focus of the psyonic waves from the creature , It's unbelievably intelligent mind making a decision .

He got a vague idea of what the creature wanted from him as it peered at him .

' I will ' Was his only thought as the creature seemed to accept his reply , Communicating with its young before slowly receding and passing off into the dark depths of the ocean , Moving towards another batch of its young to check on them .

The newborn summa vernimoth , Silently clung to Vas as Sifo approached along with the recovering hunters .

The lead hunter regarding both Vas and the babies with reverence .

' So ' Sifo began as the eyes of the baby summa looked at him , Each one of the babies opening a newly developed eye as the Jedi made no move to remove them from his apprentice .

' That happened ' Vas replied as the rest of the hunters began to move towards the surface .

" I believe it wouldn't be to out of line to ask you to attend a party in honor of you and the slaying of the beast " The hunter offered as sifo agreed to attend .

The juvenile saberjowl approached slowly as the hunter drew his spear .

Vas quickly moving and holding the spear of the hunter to stop his attack of the babe .

' Master ... I think they can be tamed instead of killed off ' Vas showed the creature in it's sedated swimming as the master nodded at the quick thinking .

' My apprentice says he believes they can be tamed and trained , And from what we see , I don't think he is wrong ' Sifo communicated with the hunter as he lowered his spear .

" I shall think on this , But this one will be ... left alone as long as it is non hostile " The hunter regarded the creature before departing , The juvenile saberjowl following behind as the Jedi began to swim to the surface .

Sifo regarded and stayed clear from the summa babies that floated around the cold Vas , Occasionally bumping into the teen affectionately and resting on him .

" So ... we're raising them " Sifo asked as he watched his apprentice feed the babies with a pieces of fish .

" From the history of the vernimoth and what we know of it , That vernimoth is not stuck in the ocean , Simply choosing to hunt in the waters as it holds no need to breath but more sources of food . And from what we saw it is incredibly intelligent . It has trusted its young to me ... us ... I think I'd rather not disappoint it " Vas replied as Sifo thought on what would happen if the babies grew upset at them , His face losing its colour at the untold destruction their mother could inflict apon the small village they were looking at .

" To think they knew about it , It's been here so long they worship it as a deity . Well ... they're not entirely wrong , they're recorded to be nigh unstoppable when attacked . Congratulations my young Padawan , It seems you've been blessed by their gods " Sifo smiled at the teen as he rolled his eyes in response .

The juvenile saberjowl swam through the waters throughout the village mote and waterways , The hunter having spoken with the village elders and earned approval from said elders to tame the creatures .

A search party had been sent out to round up the rest of the juveniles and bring them to the surface to be imprinted apon by a designated hunter .

Said lead hunter was now approaching the master and apprentice , bowing to Vas before asking permission to sit from the apprentice .

" You don't need to ask " Vas smiled kindly as the amphibious humanoid sat down and ate with them .

" I wanted to thank you once again for your assistance , I fear without you we would have perished this day " The man spoke to both as the summa newborn stared at the man before returning to float around Vas .

" May I ask what your name is " Vas asked as the hunter turned to the teen .

" Ees el Kadir , May I ask your names " Ees asked as Vas and Sifo both smiled .

" My name if Sifo Dyas , And this is my apprentice Vas'lucis " Sifo introduced as vas nodded fed the newborn summa once more .

" It is a pleasure to meet you , You've earned our respect and a place amoungst our village , Please if there is anything we can do to assist you , We would be happy to accommodate " Ees vowed with the approval of anyone listening .

" We'll be staying out of the way mostly , But I'm sure we'll come down regularly to assist in what we can " Sifo replied as the shark like man nodded and smiled .

" You're too kind , Really , But we'll be fore than happy to have you along for a hunt , Your assistance is more than appreciated " Ees told the two as Sifo smiled while Vas played with the vernimoth .

Soon after Ees moved back into the festivities while Sifo and Vas simply watched .

" You did good today , In the face of such a terrible beast you didn't back down , You stood your ground and prepared yourself for what was to come , You accepted it . I'm proud of you " Sifo Dyas turned to Vas'lucis as the teen sank into his chair , A small smile forming on his face as he rubbed his eyes .

" Thank you ... master " Vas stated simply , Conveying all he needed to say with those two words alone .

Sitting up and stretching , Vas stood from the chair He sat on and popped a few joints .

" I think I'm going to turn in for the night " Vas yawned as Sifo stood alongside his apprentice .

" The locals have provided accommodation for us , But I believe it would be best for us to return to our .. home in the morning , Anyone could show up at any time , We don't need our enemies getting word of you before you're ready " Sifo placed his hand on his apprentice's shoulder .

" I agree , We'll head out first thing in the morning , I'll have to get something to feed these guys with before we depart , See you in the morning master " Vas bowed before turning and heading deeper into the village , Many of the locals bidding him well and clearing a path , No doubt having heard of the occurrence earlier that day .

Watching the young man As he departed , The summa sitting on his shoulders each looked around curiously . Many stayed clear from the summa prefering to worship the newborns rather than touch them .

Deciding to turn in himself , Sifo made his way through the village , Greeted warmly as the villagers passed by , The accommodation given to him being a wooden Hutt , a bed along with the essentials provided for the society it was made by .

Moving to the bed , Sifo layed on-top of the soft fabric and quickly fell into his slumber .

Vas himself layed within his very much larger Hutt , Ornaments and many other decorative items lining the room with a stunning view of the whole village visible form the deck out front .

The summa that he was now forced to raise lay snug against him , The largest of the trio laying atop him comfortably , A blanket had been provided for him that now covered his legs as he brought it up to cover the summa and provide them with the warmth they wanted .

Closing his eyes , allowed his body to sleep as everything went black .

Nox stood over the hologram of some blueprints form Scorpio as he thought .

' Who could have thought it would migrate to a better feeding ground to birth its young , Well their development cycles are shrouded in mystery , But to be intelligent enough to diverge from its regular pattern ... and then communicate ... its potential is amazing ' Nox thought , His scientific mind coming into play as he drummed his fingers over the table . Bringing out his Holo disk , Sending a call to the exact person he wanted , Nox awaited her answer .

And before long the droid he wanted appeared on Holo , turning to him wand giving him a bow .

" My lord " Scorpio awaited his response .

" Scorpio , I have a new project for you to begin preparing for " Nox smirked as she looked up at him , Eager to learn something new . And she listened , Growing ever more interested as he went on , And by the end of it , Had had a thousand plans and designs ready to begin implementation .

" I will begin at once my lord " Scorpio finished as Nox dismissed her before shutting the Holo away .

" Now my dear little hunters , What have you been doing " Nox left the confines of the ship to stare out towards the red planet ahead , The sun's beginning to set , He could feel Vaylin's satisfaction , No doubt indulging herself at this very moment , He could feel the fear of the group she was terrorising , And he drew it in , Fed on the carnage and fear she provided , Feeling it empower him , rejuvenating him as he basked in the feelings bare before him .

He could practically taste the blood Vaylin spilt , The connection and bond the two shared providing him glimpses of what she was performing in his name , The blood caking the ground as she wielded weapons of an opposing clan , Using it to slaughter the fearful mountain clans scouting party , Leaving the evidence of the river clans presence with the scattering of weapons that didn't belong to the fallen mountain clan members as she all but faded into the dark of the blood red planet like a wraith of the night , The mountain clan would retaliate at the river clan , And so and so forth until none trusted each other , All the while the eery sight of Vaylin prowling the lands would become a thing of legends , As she carved a bloody swath through those that were native to the planet , And all at his orders .

" My vicious dragon " Nox chuckled as the forests dimmed under the shadow he cast over the world .

Vaylin stood still , Brown cloak obscuring everything but the bottom of her chin , She held a bloody sword used by one of the local clans , The blood freely running down the blade as bodies were littered around her .

The pale skinned human subspecies around her were in various states , Open stomachs , Missing arms and legs , Heads torn clean from the rest of the body . One or two of them were even skewered on trees through their stomachs .

She was enjoying herself , Committing herself to the slaughter as blood caked her face . She let loose a mad cackle as she tore the head off one of the still struggling clans women that was trying to crawl away . Grabbing the silver haired woman by the sides of her head and began to pull .

Vaylin could feel two sets of eyes on her , two of another group searching the forest . And under their gaze , she made a show .

She and her sister were the youngest of the hunt from the river clan . They were all selected by the leader of their clan , The old woman was a seer as much as she was their spiritual leader , Their elder mother khlan taught each and every one of them . She was old , But she loved each and every one of them . She taught them the value of all life , The teachings of peace , Harmony , To surrender ones self to the grasp do the light father for he would take care of them , Guide then to where they were meant to be in life , To their destined futures. She was the rock of their society , She was cherished and loved .

They all knew something was wrong that day , The air was colder and caught in their throats , Red waters became tar like and the shadows everywhere began to stretch and reach out and the sun no longer provided them any warmth , Just dim light .

Every living creature was spooked and hid , All these together provided a bad omen to their leader , So they were rounded up and task to find the source of the problem ,But to be weary and on guard at all times , To rely on each other to keep themselves safe.

And so Kel and her twin sister Noesu scoured the forest with six others of their clan , Splitting off in groups of two to cover more ground , But always within calling distance .

That was when they had found the trail , Signs of battle against , Shreds of clothing easily evident of other clans , Discarded weapons showing signs of use .

Grave thorn hung over them as blood seemingly dripped down from their tall branches , Hydraatis were torn and had their barb's simply scattered .

They had followed the path ... and now they stared at one of the most horrific things the twins had ever seen .

A few hundred feet away , A group of twelve of another clan were dead , a wraith covered in blood and gore tore into what remained of their bodies as if playing , Twisted cries of joy and cheer assaulted their ears , Like steel grinding against steel , Obviously woman in their sound but twisted and warped non the less .

The wraith lifted a blood dripping arm of one of the hunters gushed over the beast as it bathed in it gleefully .

The twins noticed one survivor playing dead amongst her kin , She and noticed them as she crawled silently as the beasts back was turned .

Her movements were slow , Her eyes pleasing at them to help , But the woman's fate was sealed as she nudged the hilt of a weapon of a one of her dead sisters , Hitting the ground with a loud clang.

With a jerk the wraith twisted at an unnatural angle , hem of the things hood black as night while it reached under its own legs and grabbed at the woman's ankle .

That moment sparked the last vestiges of the woman's life , She screamed and cried as she was dragged by the warped and gnarled claws of the beast .

The shadows leapt out from the grave thorn as they covered the screaming woman and the wraith , The sisters backed up as the wraith placed it's hands on the sides of the struggling woman's head as she plead and screamed .

The sisters could hear what sounded like cracking , The woman's struggles growing as she attacked with ferocity .

It ended in a moment of explosive blood and gore , With one final scream of agony the woman's head exploding under the hands of the wraith , The head spraying blood , Gore and brain matter over the wraith and land , Bone shards flying over and pieces of brain simply fell to the ground with a squish .

A fountain of blood sprayed from the now headless body , Spraying into the hood of the wraith as it lowered its arms and simply stood .

The sisters , Pale and barely holding their food in their stomachs backed away from the trail and clearing at the far end .

Their movements obviously noticed by the wraith as it's good slowly turned to them , Their hearts nearly stopped at what they saw , No face , No defining features but the shadowy dark and beady glowing eyes not dissimilar to their sun .

It fully turned to face them before it seemed to glide over the land , No footsteps seen under the robes which helped to make the sisters believe this to be some dark being .

They turn tail and bolted through the forest , Leaping from tree to tree as they helped each other escape .

They never looked back , They couldn't feel it but they knew it was following , By the sick joyful laugh from just a few paces behind .

They spotted another two of their original group ahead as they doubled their speed in their desperation .

The twins looked at each other , Silent in their plan of action to save the other two , They leapt down from the trees and simply barreled into the two , Lifting them off their feet and into their arms as they sprinted as fast as they could .

" What the hell are you doing " The cries of the Scout chief of their group bellowed as her silver hair bounced with each step Li took .

" R...run ... we must run " Li cried out as she and her sister leapt over another series of branches while the other , The fourth struggled in noesu's arms .

" Put me down " Morten the Scout leader of their group cried as Li shook her head .

Foresight was the only thing that saved the four as Li and Noesu stopped in their tracks as the wraith appeared on a branch not too far from them ahead .

Li and Noesu looked horrified as they nearly collapsed , Morten took notice as long with the forth , Sena , The oldest of them .

Both Sena and Morten lowered themselves from the hold of Li and Noesu as the twins shook .

" Who is that " Morten asked as she took out her bow and took aim .

" Not who ... what " Li backed away , Morten taking notice at their actions and turning to study the creature .

She didn't have much time as it raised its finger to point at them , An ear splitting screech bellowing from under the black shadowed hood .

Morten and the three leapt to the side and off the branch as where they stood exploded as the wraith appeared and slammed into its surface .

Morten and Sena soon understood the panic of Li and neosu as the wrath tore the tree from the ground and hefted it over its shoulders .

" We... we have to escape " Noesu stuttered as she scurried back on her elbows before rolling onto her feet .

Morten , Now seeing looked at her sisters as she suddenly drew her bow and shot an arrow into the hood of the wraith .

Horrified as the arrow seemed to simply sink into the darkness before vanishing .

She lowered her arms slowly as the wraith seemed to growl , Still gelding the tree over its head before arching its back and tossing the tree their way with all its might .

" Get to our sisters , Gather them up and escape " Morten cried out as Li and Noesu took off into the undergrowth , The tree slammed and tumbled across the gap between them while Morten and Sena broke off into different directions to gather their sisters and flee .

Vaylin stood watching from afar as she made use of the knowledge granted to her by her love .

The shadow demon she had made under her control took to chasing the hunters , Two more appearing as she cast them to chase the now three groups .

She watched gleefully as they ran , Drinking in the fear and terror they emitted .

She made sure the demons did not catch their prey , For they had to convince the group that a wraith of the dark had beset their land , They needed to spread word , Give life and fear to the legend that would start today , Make it spread to the clans , And soon enough , They would fear her , Just as they should , As she stood so far above their pathetic existences . She relished the mission given to her , And so she dropped to solid land , dispelling one of the shadow demons to take its place ... she wanted to hunt to .

So with a mad cackle she sped through the swampland faster than any of the demons she had made , Breaking apart bone thorns with the sheer speed she impacted them at , And before long she was chasing Morten herself , Intensifying her glee as her face was still dark under hood , Covered in blood and gore as her eyes Shon wickedly .

But voice low as a whisper , A small series of words escaped her lips as the hunter sped up .

" Give me my fun" Vaylin's voice assaulted the ears of the hunter who had heard her sick whispers .

Nox could feel the fear flowing form the swampland , No doubt Vaylin was enjoying herself .

Right now he was masquerading as a surviving clan sister , Laying flat against a rock as an illusion fell into place , Changing his features to that of a pale skinned well endowed woman with silver eyes and white hair.

His armour changed from his sith cultist armour to wraps of the mountain clan , He looked just like one of the corpses in the swampland , No doubt vaylin's work after he had found it , This he destroyed the body and taken its likeness as his own .

To anyone else , He was a woman , They could touch her and the illusion wouldn't break , The fabric of his clothing would be felt by any who would touch it . His illusions were so powerful , His control unmatched . Even their perception of him on the force was different , Having felt the sister he made to mimic in , Weaving it into his illusion , Pushing apon the minds of anybody around him .

So the group of night sisters who stumbled apon him were non the wiser as they moved to assist his womanly form .

" What happened " A red Garbed woman asked as she gently lifted Nox from the rock he sat against .

" De...Demon of the swamps ... dead ... they're all dead " Tears ran down his cheeks as the woman and others joined her in assisting him in his guise .

" Gather everyone , We're heading back , Help me carry her " The Scout leader ordered as another sister put her arms sunder Nox's right and they moved to drag him out of the swamps , Being careful not to injure Nox as they moved as quickly as possible .

And so the night sisters all but invited Nox inside their compound as they carried him , All missing the smirk playing on the siths lips as they assisted him .

NAR SHADDAA

Aurra discreetly watched HK transverse the lower levels of the smugglers moon .

She had changed from her regular outfit , Put on a wig and shaped it to hide her implants . Her outfit was like many scoundrels , A jacket , Jeans and undershirt , But a blaster on her hip non the less .

The locals seemed to fear the droid as it passed , It wore a new cape with a symbol which seemed to spook the locals much to the woman's curiosity .

' What are you up to my metal friend ' Aurra thought as a twilek child seemed to quake as the droid passed , No doubt seeming the symbol on the droids cape .

As the droid rounded a corner , Aurra quickly approached the child before kneeling down .

" Are you okay sweetheart " Aurra asked as the child jumped at her touch .

" P...Please don't hurt me , I...I didn't mean to bump into him " The twilek child cried out in fear .

" I'm not going to hurt you child , Who do you think will hurt you " The child seemed to realise she wasn't going to be hurt , But appeared fearful anyways .

" I... I... please leave me alone , I don't want to upset anybody " The twilek child broke from aurra's touch and fled the scene .

Her curiosity was at an all time high as she once more spotted the droid and once more took to following it through the bowels of the smugglers moon.

Hours ... that's how long she had followed him for , It had been difficult at some parts to follow the droid , It was deceptively fast and difficult to point out when I really wanted to blend in . But it appeared not to care , or fear being known as it seemed people feared the droid , Curious .

And now the droid had entered some kind of establishment . And waiting a few minutes , Aurra followed behind as she saw patrons enter .

Apon entering the establishment , Aurra noted the decor , Obviously very well funded , She noted some if not most of the patrons were well off , Obviously part of the higher class of the moon .

There appeared to be absolutely no sign of the droid , Having simply vanished apon entry .

Slinking into the background , Aurra sat at one of the many tables around the building .

" So rude ... " A woman grumbled as she made her way to the bar .

" Something wrong ma'am " The bartender asked as the woman scoffed .

" That droid that came in just pushed me out of the way and left through the back " Hearing those words , Aurra leapt from the table and rushed towards the back of the establishment , Making her way to the backdoor before rushing out and attempting to find her query .

In the end she found nothing , It didn't take her long to realise she'd been had .

She punched the wall in anger at her failure before a sigh escaped her lips .

Another plan coming to mind as she decided to return to her ship .

" We have the same target , I'll have to get there first " Aurra growled before making her way to the spaceport .

DATHOMIR

Zalem stared ahead at the lands of dathomir , The day's events fresh in mind .

The clans had met under her request , As their queen they had come together .

The surviving sister that had been brought to the forest had shown signs of trauma , Regression in some states and would babble about the shadow of the swamps .

Zalem had almost ordered her death , But then a group from the frenzied river clan had come in , Screaming and panicked , Followed by some kind of apparition , And apon entering the safety of their home to apparition vanished into thin air .

The tale they spoke shook the clans as they listened , The leaders under Zalem's orders had convened to discuss what had fallen apon them .

A wraith , Made out of shadows Garbed in unfamiliar robes , Darkness obscured whatever lay beneath as many of them had seen . Twelve hunting parties had not returned , And now they understood why .

Each one of the sisters had the impression that they were all followed regardless of splitting up .

Zalem thought over the information provided , The ... thing was strong , Undoubtedly as it had slaughtered so many of their kin .

" And what of the survivor " Zalem asked as one of the mountain clan stood .

" Her name is Rol , A bright spirited girl with great aspirations , But ... she and two biological sisters with that group with her ... she's alone now , And from what we can see , She'll never be the same " Aus Djo stood with her daughter Augwynne , The woman obviously saddened at the girls fate .

" I believe i may be able to help her recover if you'll allow me , It saddens me to see such things happen , I'd be honoured to assist " Mother Khlan offered which was accepted by aug .

" What are we to do about the wraith " Aug turned to Zalem as the woman squinted , Her dark powers surprisingly frustrating her as they offered no assistance .

" It is connected to the descended dark no doubt , Find it , Find a way to bind it if not dispell it , If it is not the source then it should lead us to it " Zalem ordered before moving to leave the meeting .

Aug motioned Khlan along towards the house containing Rol .

" Please ... The girl is important to many of us " Aug begged as Khlan entered the hobble .

" Do not fear , I shall do anything I can "

Ros Lai entered the clan village slowly , The disguised woman hated the village which had long since tortured and abused her .

Her mother Zalem had even allowed such things to happen , So she took on the look of an old had , Decrepit and ugly to hide her beauty from her mother , Since the day her mother killed her father , She had used to force to appear deformed , Which had lead to her appearance.

Apon entry she heard whispers of the swamps terror , Passing by clans woman gave her valuable insight .

She spotted sisters crying apon each other , Scarred and scared .

She secretly took joy in their suffering before a flutter on the edge of her vision caught her attention .

' Is that ... it is ' The same raven from earlier entered the village and landed in the window of one of the huts .

Moving slowly , Ros approached the hut as she watched the raven enter the window of said building , The force came to her as she felt three signatures within , Two heading towards the exit as she spied two clan mother's exit .

Seeing the women leave , She grew doubly interested as they left .

Her eyes widened to remarkable degrees as she neared , Feeling something she'd never expected to feel in the village .

A pressure made itself snug on her mind , Staying as she tried to dispel it , But she was nowhere near strong enough even as she struggled .

' An illusion ... an impossibly powerful one ' Ros thought as she entered the flaps of the hut , The raven sat atop a table , Very evidently remembering her as it stared at her with its glowing eyes .

All her instincts rallied and tried to force her to leave , Her eyes landing on the source of her unease .

The only hint that something was off as she stared at the frail looking woman sleeping on her bed was the initial pressure apon her mind when she neared . Infact as she winced , The pressure was still there if not building , Squeezing her mind like it was ... searching .

The realisation that she was compromised forced her to draw her weapon and made to strike at what she had accurately assumed to be the source of the pressure .

She was half way through her stab when the woman's eyes snapped open , Her arms froze against her will and she was lifted from her feet and slammed into the far wall .

The back of her head impacted the stone before she was dragged face first into the wall behind the woman who hadn't even raised her arms , Simply moved her eyes , As her face hit the stone she felt her nose shatter before once more being sent flailing back against the far wall , Her head wrung as her concentration broke , The illusion hiding her falling off , Dragged from her by the one contorting her with the force .

And with a final slam she hit the ground hard as she breathed ragged breaths , Her supple features flush against the ground as she groaned , Red hair sprawled on the ground as tears welled in her eyes .

Her revenge against her mother would be all for naught if she was to die right here and now , But for all she pushed she couldn't move , She was pressed face down into the ground in a kneeling position as blood sprayed from her nose .

It was agony as the pressure intensified , The stone under her forehead cracking as her head was raised by the force and slammed into its surface .

She could practically feel her bones crack under the pressure .

" Please ... s...stop...I...Im sorry " Ros cried out as she all but gave up or resisting .

But what came next was far worse than physical agony , She felt it enter her mind , Tearing into her memories , Studying her , She cried at the agony as it tore into her , Her wails unheard as they never left the hut courtesy of the one torturing her .

" You are ... interesting " A voice that was definitely not a woman's assaulted her beating mind as the pressure let up .

Her head was forcefully raised from the ground as she was made to look at the woman .

Black eyes stared into hers as the raven landed on the woman's shoulder and regarded her .

" Such ... anger ... thirst for revenge against your own mother , Yes ... you will be of use to me ... " The woman stood , Hands clasped behind her back as the woman circled Ros .

The red head shivered under the scrutinising gaze of the thing circling her.

She had a seeking suspicion , The source of the dark was not the supposed wraith in the swamps ... but the thing Infront of her .

" You would be correct , Now what am I to do with you , You see ... I came here with a purpose ... two actually , But that is threatened by your knowledge of me not being who I say I am " The thing stopped Infront of her as she was forced to raise her head higher .

" Please ...d...don't kill me " Ros all but begged as the thing knelt down to be barely a few inches from her face.

" You ... yes you have something that I want . Pledge yourself to my servitude ... and I may let you live " The thing hissed as he grabbed her neck and lifted her by his outstretched arm with deceptive strength .

She could feel the pressure on her neck increase slowly over time , Tongues of black swimming on the edge of her vision .

It registered like fire on her mind as she was forcefully asphyxiated by the grip on her neck .

" I... yes ... " Ros clutched at the arm on her neck , Desperately trying to release the grip as her legs swung wildly .

" Vow it ... pledge yourself " The tongues of dark grew as blood spat from her throat , the sensations she felt as her neck began to creak as the thing started to close its hand .

' I ... pledge myself to your servitude , To do as you say , My life is yours do as you please ' She attempted to say but it came out as a simply wheeze , None the less it understood her , Letting her go with a scoff before discarding her to the side , Dropping her onto the ground without care .

The air that entered her lungs was a blessing she wouldn't soon forget , She simply layed there , Breathing , Staring at the wall with a vacant stare .

With a scoff the thing turned and went to lay back down in it's bed .

" Now ... tell me what your ... mother found " The thing demanded as it layed back , It's arms behind its head as it stared at the roof .

" Mother ... describes it as an infinity gate " Ros managed to say as she attempted to rise from her position .

" That is ... very interesting , Tell me everything " Ros finally managed to sit up as she stared at the thing laying in the bed , But did as was told .