End Of A Dynasty?

Darth Jadus, the ancient and feared Sith Lord, stood in the dense forest of Nal Hutta's wastelands. The air was thick with the scent of decay, and the only sound was the distant howls of some unknown beast. It was the perfect place for him to train his new apprentice, Darth Krayt.

Krayt was a few meters away, his pale skin gleaming in the dim light that filtered through the canopy of leaves above. His eyes were fixed on Jadus, watching every move the older Sith made. Krayt's muscles were tense, ready for the training session to begin.

Jadus activated his lightsaber, the sound of the plasma blade cutting through the air sending a shiver down Krayt's spine. Jadus was a formidable opponent, and Krayt knew that he had a lot to learn.

The training began, and Jadus unleashed a flurry of attacks, his lightsaber a blur as it danced around Krayt. Krayt blocked and parried as best as he could, but Jadus was too skilled, pushing him back with every strike.

Then, Jadus began to unleash his full arsenal of dark side abilities. Force lightning shot from his fingertips, striking the ground around Krayt and sending up sparks. Krayt gritted his teeth and pushed back, using the Force to deflect the bolts of energy.

Next, Jadus used Force Quake, causing the ground beneath Krayt's feet to shake violently. Krayt stumbled, but managed to stay on his feet, using the Force to steady himself. Jadus then used Force Push, sending Krayt flying back several meters.

'Why?' Krayt whispered, the question echoing in the silence of the forest. 'Why send me on these dangerous missions? You are powerful enough to do it yourself.'

His words were met with the sound of heavy, metallic footsteps as Darth Jadus emerged from the undergrowth. His imposing figure, clad in armor that seemed to be a part of his very being, towered over Krayt. The metal mask that concealed his face didn't prevent him from exuding an aura of chilling menace. His red eyes, glowing with an inner power, held Krayt's gaze.

'You are questioning my decisions, Krayt?' Jadus' voice, a guttural rumble that seemed to emanate from the very earth, sent a shiver down Krayt's spine.

'I am simply seeking clarity, Master,' Krayt responded, keeping his voice steady despite the tremor in his limbs. 'I am a Sith, yearning to prove my worth. I crave knowledge, but you provide little.'

A faint chuckle emanated from Jadus, a sound that seemed to claw its way through the metal of his mask. 'Patience, young one,' Jadus said, his voice laced with a sardonic amusement. 'You will learn in time.'

'In time?' Krayt's voice rose, frustration replacing the simmering anger. 'How long must I wait? I am not a tool to be used and discarded at your whim!'

Jadus' towering form seemed to shift slightly, an almost imperceptible movement, yet it sent a wave of heat radiating from him. Krayt felt his own Force energy responding, a prickling sensation as if something within him were being stirred awake.

'You are not a tool, Krayt,' Jadus said, his gaze holding Krayt's unblinking. 'You are a student, and I, your master. And a master does not simply throw a weapon at its target. He hones and shapes it, forges it into something… more.'

'More?' Krayt's voice was tinged with uncertainty. He had always thought of Jadus as an unyielding, unfeeling entity, a formidable force of destruction, but now, there was a hint of... concern in Jadus's tone.

'More powerful, more cunning, more… ruthless,' Jadus said, the word rolling off his tongue like a stone tumbling down a mountain. 'You have the potential to be more than a mere Sith. You could become something truly formidable, a ruler, a leader of this galaxy.'

Krayt's breath caught in his throat. The idea, the ambition, took root within him like a seed planted in fertile ground. He had always craved power, but Jadus' words seemed to reveal a path, a destiny that transcended mere ambition. It was a path towards true dominion.

'But why me?' Krayt asked, the question born out of a mix of disbelief and cautious hope. 'There are countless Sith who have served you longer, who have proven their loyalty.'

Jadus turned, his masked face bathed in the flickering shadows, and walked away from Krayt. The metal of his armor, shimmering faintly in the dim light, seemed to emanate an ethereal glow.

'The others,' Jadus said, his voice echoing through the forest, 'are merely pawns. They serve my purposes, but they lack the spark... the hunger that burns within you, Krayt.' His voice took on a rasping edge, a morbid quality, as he continued, 'I am dying, Krayt. My cybernetics are failing, my life force fading. I need someone to carry on my legacy, someone to continue my work.'

The revelation struck Krayt like a physical blow. He had always considered Jadus to be a force of nature, a being of almost mythical power. The thought of him dying, weakening, was almost incomprehensible.

'But you have always been so strong,' Krayt whispered, a sense of disbelief creeping into his voice. 'You have survived for centuries. How could you…'

Jadus turned back, his red eyes boring into Krayt's. He extended a hand, his metal claws glinting menacingly.

'The dark side is a powerful tool, Krayt,' Jadus said, his voice dripping with a chilling certainty. 'But it is also a double-edged sword. It can grant unimaginable power, but it also consumes, destroys. I have tasted its power, and I have also tasted its bitterness. Now, I am paying the price.'

Jadus resumed his attacks, his lightsaber cutting through the air with a hiss. 'Because you have potential, Krayt. And because I sense a hunger in you, a hunger for power and a hunger for more.'

They continued their sparring match, and Jadus proved to be the superior fighter. He beat Krayt down, physically and mentally, until Krayt was on his knees, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

Jadus stood over him, his lightsaber held loosely in his hand. 'You have much to learn, Krayt. But I believe you have what it takes to become a great Sith Lord. And when I am gone, it will be your turn to take my place.'

Krayt looked up at Jadus, his eyes filled with a fierce determination. He would not let Jadus down. He would become a great Sith Lord, and he would honor Jadus's memory by maintaining his empire and leading his army.