Home is where the heart is?

[Gav Mortis]

Several hours had passed since arriving at Correlia with Live Wire, during which time Gav had taken it upon himself to stroll about the TSO site on Correlia and familiarize himself with it's layout once again. Alone he visited the many military structures and facilities, slipping past security at his will and leaving without trace. He didn't care to establish conversation with anyone or to bother presenting identification. Secondly he visited the private museum which contained artifacts of a time long lost, relics from the times of the Sith Council. Then the library where he sat for some time, not caring to read but to simply allow the air of calm intellect to seep through his pores.

Finally, he went on a private tour of the Order's palace ruins. Here he manouvered his way about immense chunks of stone and durasteel, taking time to look out for any articles of interest which might have survived the blast. He found few things; a broken vase, a leather boot which was disfigured through burning and a damaged diary which belonged to a woman now deceased. She was killed in the blast and had been writing in it when the explosion occured evidently, due to unfinished sentance. It was a shame she never had the chance to resolve the problems she and her husband were enduring.

Now wandering through the thick woods on the outskirts of a suburban town near to the TSO site, Gav had been collecting small logs of wood which he carried under his left arm. He finally arrived at a small opening in the forest where trees where scarce but surrounded the open patch of land. Here, he placed the logs down in the center, soon after he was sat down on the grass next to a glowing fire. The flames licked and cracked in the air, flickering in the dark night.

Gav sighed, he'd had a busy day, checking out his old home for the first time in a long time however, here he was more comfortable. For a while, he simply stared at the flames dancing about, until he reached into his robing and took from an internal pocket a small leather bound book. He ran his fingers across it's smooth surface, feeling the undulations of the small lettering of the books title. Written in an ancient language it looked like mere symbols.

Opening the book, he came to his knees before the fire and began speaking.

"The next chapter of fate unfolds before us all. Lord Mahru, give me the power to be it's author. Hear my words."

He bowed his head and kissed the open page as he did. Then he returned it to the pocket where he'd kept it and closed his eyes and went still.

[Jeseth Cloak]

Jeseth leaned against a tree, small shavings of wood fluttering slowly to the ground as he carved away at something. Everything had begun to take shape... A small light flickered to life ahead of him, perhaps only a half a kilometer away. He quickly glanced down at the unfinnished carving and noticed that the distraction had been enough to cause him to miss, and now blood was running down his hand, dripping profusely.

Damn it.

Jeseth tossed the now-bloody carving to the floor and sucked on the wound for a moment, draining it of blood before reaching for Ascension. The blue glow of the blade errupted before his eyes with a snap-hiss, crackling slightly in the oist night's air. He gritted his teeth and moved the blade just slightly over the wound, cauterizing it in a smokey fizle of flesh and light.

He deactivated the saber and began to walk foward, realizing that he would be needing to depart from Corellia soon. Jeseth had lingered at TSO for much too long, and soon he would be needing to attend to many matters on Vjun... including his newly taken apprentice, <a href=http://pub23.ezboard.com/fthesithorderdiscussionchamber.showMessage?topicID =462.topic>Graem D. Snowbringer</a>.

As the minutes passed, he came closer and closer to the flickering orange-yellow light ahead, finally making it out to be nothing more than a mere fire. A familiar presence accompanied that fire... a presence not felt since...

Mortis.

As he stepped into the clearing, the yellow fires light shinning in a chaotic dance upon his eyes, he could clearly see the one who had started the small blaze: Gav Mortis.

"Goodevening."


<img src=http://www16.brinkster.com/jesethsworkshop/Jeseth.jpg>
<img src=http://www16.brinkster.com/jesethsworkshop/Jeseth_LS.jpg height=33 width=380>

[Seth Darkserpent]

"You can't tell me what to do!" The drunken man stumbled across the floor to Seth. In one hand he held a blaster tightly. In his other hand he had a bottle of Corellian Whiskey. Before reaching Seth, he took another swig of the bottle.

Seth just stood there, his armor gleaming in the dark lights of the bar. He stretched both of his hands and smacked them together. At the same time, the bottle cracked. The pieces of glass floated in thin air. The man looked at them, one eye opened. He fell back and began to scream for no reason at all.

"Yer one of dem sorcerer evil side things!" He cried. The man edged backwards, Seth could hear his heart poundings.

"Ignorance is bliss." Seth laughed through the Force. His sound filled the man's mind. Seth motioned with one hand and watched the man raise off the floor. The piecs of glass from the broken bottle, went at him, controlled by Seth. One piece hit his shoulder, another his shin. Most of the smaller pieces pelted his stomach. The man fell to the floor and jerked for a while. Then he stopped.

Seth noticed the Bartender off in the side. He was crouched in a corner. At such a late time of the night, they were the only two living beings. Seth rolled up the bottom edge of his mask and spat on the dead man. He took a handful of credits out of his pouch and threw them at the crouched bartender. The Sith quickly spun around and left.

"What a sight to see." Seth thought. [/i]Coronet. So many souls, so little time. Seth entered an alley, hopping over a wall of durocrete. He slipped and fell on his back. There was a strong presence in the Force. Seth had never met the famous signature he was feeling, yet he had felt him before. He was the one called...Gav. Yes, Gav Mortis.

Seth's eyes flickered a few times. An idea came to mind. He ran past an alley into the open street. Seth ran in front of a landspeeder and stopped it with his Telekinetic Force powers. He ran to the side andgrabbed the driver. He threw him onto the road. Seth leaped into the landspeeder and flew off. He would have to reach Mortis, and fast. Once again, curiousity got the better of him.

[Live Wire]

*Live Wire had spent the day helping with the clean up process and having baby Ariel checked up by the TSO medical staff. She wanted to be sure the traumatic kidnapping hadn't taken too much of a toll on the baby's health.

There were makeshift quarters and some of the TSO staff were staying on the TSO ships in orbit. LW prefered to stay on the Strike until the construction was finished. LW had found a new nanny to watch over Ariel since Seth had murdered her other caretaker.

She left the baby sleeping and heavilly guarded and headed back to the contruction site. She had seen Morgan storm out of the Hangar bay when she arrived and hadn't seen him since. She had tried calling him through the force but he was ignoring her.

She hadn't seen Gav either but that didnt worry her. He was probably off trying to get used to being home again. It was a strange feeling to have him back and it would take some getting used to. She had just made the decision to put his death past her and move on with her life when here he was again in her life and turning it upside down.

After searching for Morgan and not finding him she was getting the distinct impression that he didnt want to see her, but that wasnt going to stop her. She sent out one last message to him.

Morgan, where are you? We have to talk

[Gav Mortis]

Kneeling comfortably, Gav did not move to acknowledge the arrival of Cloak, his face was that of a man in deep, solemn thought and concentration. The features of his face were somewhat disorientated by the flickering glow of yellow and orange from the fire before him. All was silent except for the crackling of the burning wood and the crunching of grass under the approaching Jeseth's feet.

As he neared, Jeseth heard a voice in his head, Good evening Jeseth. It was Gav's voice, he was speaking to him telepathically although his voice was still a simple whisper through the rippling Force. Come, take a seat around the fire.

Jeseth looked on for a moment, Gav didn't seem to move and there was always something odd about communicating with someone who conciously seems to be asleep. Jeseth had his own initially doubts however cautiously sat on the opposite side to the fire as Gav and closed his eyes likewise.

Whilst this was happening, Gav's breathing had slowed dramatically along with his heartbeat; it seemed as though his vital signs were fading and that he was slipping into a coma. not a bead of sweat could be seen on his brow despite his distance from the licking flames. Under this external layer of serenity was something else, locked away deep within his being, something which he deliberately kept supressed for the safety of those around him but most importantly himself.

Within these walls of subconscious supression, there was an immeasureable amount of pressure building which continuously added to the stress being inflicted upon his mental barriers. However over time, he had trained himself to devellop his mental strength to hold back this enormous reservoir of darkness and day by day it grew and eventually the flood gates will either open or burst. The Sith knew the consequences of this flood of darkness, it was inevitable that one day he will become so saturated in evil that even his most diabolical desires will be insufficient to quench the insasiable hateful thirst that lies beneath the surface.

Tell me Jeseth, what do you know of the Sith?

At this moment Seth opened his eyes, looking about cautiously, not knowing what to expect. It was not often he'd simply sit with an individual he didn't know very well in the middle of the night. Once he was satisfied there was currently little to be doubtful of he turned back to his meditation when suddenly something caught his eye.

The fire before him flickered, the flames danced about as usual, radiating it's glowing aura and heat. However, something odd began to happen, Jeseth noticed that the black discoloring of the logs in the fire seemed to rise up slowly through individual flames as though liquid. Small strands of black winded their way up through the fire and began to diffuse throughout it like ink in water. It wasn't long before the fire as a whole no longer burned a moody red and yellow but now consisted solely of black flames. It was a most peculiar spectacle, the black fire danced about mystifyingly and the small opening turned much darker and was mainly lit by what moonlight could penetrate the surrounding tree canopies.

[Morgan Evanar]

Fine...

Through all the confusion, the hurt, it was all he could manage. It was so simple before. Now? Breathing seemed to cause questions of existence, of his validity. Why now, why this?

She had been wrong. Morgan desperately wanted to see her, but simply couldn't acknowlege her call, each one reminding him of what may be, what might happen. He didn't want to even brush her mind slightly with his emotions, but in the end, this fell to need.

Morgan sat six meters up in a massive oak, five west kilometers from where the TSO palace once stood. The air had finally begun to really cool, and if it continued to, drop, one might be able to see their breath.

He pulled his legs up underneath his chin, the air feeling much colder than it really was. Morgan shivered slightly as the breeze picked up, and he wraped his coat around him for warmth.

"Cathrine, where are you?" he whsipered, words flowing away with the cool breeze.

[Jeseth Cloak]

Jeseth regarded the man, watching as the flames began to take on a strange color. He could only ponder how Gav had achieved the spectable, for in all his time studying the arts of the Sith, he had never come across such a dazling incantation.

I know... A great deal, though perhaps not enough.

The Dark Jedi watched Gav, then finally closed his eyes and summoned to the surface all which he had learned throughout his time...

The Sith were an ancient race of insect-like humanoids, characterized by their dark red skin, cranial horns, and long bony chins. There were several subspecies of Sith, each with its own place in their society. Some were slaves, other were warriors, and the highest caste of all were the magicians. They lived in a remote sector of the ancient galaxy, and were unknown to most until a group of Jedi Knights discovered their existence. The early Sith regarded the Dark Jedi as gods. The Force-sensitive Sith magicians proved to have control over the Dark Side of the Force, and the Jedi took many of their tomes and teachings back to study. They hoped to determine ways to avoid the Dark Side, but a group of Jedi found the allure of the Dark Side and the Sith teachings too powerful. They rose up against their Masters, but were not yet powerful enough to defeat them. The Dark Jedi were banished from the Old Republic, and chose to flee across the galaxy to the worlds of the true Sith. Over the millennia, the two groups intermingled, until very little pure Sith blood remained. One of the early Dark Lords of the Sith was Marka Ragnos, who was succeeded by Naga Sadow. Freedon Nadd was a later Dark Lord who was caught by the Jedi Knights on Onderon and entombed there. Nadd's spirit invaded the body and mind of Exar Kun, who eventually became a Dark Lord himself. They developed a rigid hierarchy of magicians and warriors, with the leadership of the brotherhood falling to the current Dark Lord of the Sith. The Sith wrote expansive volumes on the control and use of the Dark Side, and described incredible manifestations of power. Later, they were able to created amulets and weaponry that could assist the user in controlling the Dark Side. These devices amplified the Dark Side, making the user incredibly powerful. Much of the Sith lore was hidden on various worlds when the ancient Jedi Knights first sought to eradicate the Sith. Some was stored on Korriban, some on the moon of Yavin 4. Since that time, the term Sith has come to represent this ancient brotherhood which learned how to harness the Dark Side of the Force and twist it to perform many evil acts.

A new breed of Sith Lords was founded some 2,000 years before the Battle of Yavin by a rogue Jedi Knight who yearned to learn more of the Dark Side of the Force. Together with about 50 followers, this rogue fled the Old Republic and established his own Sith order. With galactic domination on their agenda, these new Sith Lords quickly became distrustful of each other and abusive of their dark side powers. In a short time, they had nearly wiped themselves out again. One Sith Lord remained, a man by the name of Darth Bane. He swore that the Sith would never again vanish from the galaxy, but also made certain that they never grew beyond their means. He established a rigid code by which there could only be a single Sith Lord and a single Sith apprentice. When the Lord finally expired, his current apprentice was promoted and allowed to take their own student. This pairing continued for the next several centuries until Darth Sidious rose to power as the Sith Lord. Sidious eventually took Darth Maul as his apprentice, and hoped to take control of the galaxy by bringing the Old Republic down from the inside. However, Maul was destroyed by Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Sidious’ plans were thwarted. Decades later, Emperor Palpatine established Darth Vader as the last Dark Lord through the rigorous training he gave him...

Little knowledge of the Sith Empire remains. Much of Sith history before the time of Naga Sadow, before the time of Marka Ragnos - 1000 years before the time of Ulic Qel-Droma and Exar Kun - remains masked in shadow, hidden by Sith devotees before the war, or in its aftermath by the Jedi...

Jeseth continued to maintain his composure, allowing himself to be drawn into the waves of destructive emotions which were brooding around the Sith Master. Gav Mortis somehow knew what it was that he sought.

I have studied The Book of Anger in detail... Unfortunately, it has not taught me all which I desired to learn - I know there is more to it. Out there there are those who have the answers, and so I still seek them.

Gav knew at that moment that Jeseth was reffering to him...

[Live Wire]

*she heared the word "fine" echo through her mind and that momentary mental link let her establish his positition. As she got closer to his position she could begin to sense the mixed emotions...he wanted to see her but was afraid of what she might say to him.

In all honesty she didn't know what she was going to say to him, all she knew was that she needed to see him. She had so many conflicting emotions that she didn't know what to feel.

She wound her way through the trees and stopped and looked up. Morgan was sitting in the tree hugging his knees to his chest. The cold air stung her eyes and made them tearfull as she climbed up the tree and sat next to him.

They just looked at each other silent...unsure what to say....scared of what might be said. After a few moments she laid her head on his shoulder*

[Lady Vader]

*LV stood near the rubble, watching as the constructon droids went to work, clearing the large chunks, making room for the new foundation and structure*

*just a few hours ago, she had been on Byss, tending to Anbira who had suffered a tragic amnesia attack... she felt like her world was falling apart around her, but she would stand firm and build it up again... she had lived through many trials, but she had always persevered*

*and this would eyt again be one of those times of perseverence*

[Morgan Evanar]

Graudually, the breeze stilled. Morgan inhaled slowly, and exhaled slower still. He pulled his arms away from his legs, removing his coat, and wrapped it around her.

"Cathrine," he whispered quietly into the cold night air,"where do we stand in all of this?"

[Live Wire]

*she was unable to look up at him so she just left her head resting on his shoulder. So many thoughts going through her mind..her heart was pulling her in two different directions. And she had Ariel to think about.....the more she thought the more her head hurt.*

I....I don't know anymore.

*she choked up as she said it.*

I know that I love you...but its not that simple anymore

[Morgan Evanar]

Everything falls apart.

falls

apart.

Morgan couldn't move. He sat frozen, terrified. No one had ever loved him before, and now the one person who did, was torn between him and somone else.

Part of his universe died the moment she wasn't sure of where he stood in hers.

"I'm sorry Cathrine." he eeked out. "I'm so sorry I came and complicated things."

[Seth Darkserpent]

"I can feel you now Gav." Seth whispered to himself.

The stolen landspeeder crossed the Corellian plains rather quickly. The cool air of the night darted by Seth, pushing his hood back more often then not. Underneath his hood he wore his newly polished metal crown.

There is another. The voice inside his head whispered. Seth reached out with the Force. He could feel another Force signature. A most recognizable one. The one known as Jeseth Cloak. Seth allowed a small grin to form on his face. It had been quite a while since he'd seen Jeseth.

Seth gazed at the sky. He saw smoke billowing out from behind a thick forest. There was a fire near, Seth knew that much.

"That is where they are." He thought to himself. Seth continued on with the landspeeder and stopped at the edge of the forest.

"I'm coming." He whispered. Seth waited a few moments in silence to gaze at the stars in the sky. At a most unexpected moment he broke out into a sprint, entering the forest.

The Sith darted through the trees, their Force signatures nearing. He could feel them both even stronger now. He dodged past the large trunks, leaping over fallen logs. Seth did his best to avoid the predator animals of the night.

Then he stopped a few meters away from the edge of a clearing. Seth bent down on one knee, trying to catch his breath. Slowly it came back to him. He walked to the edge of the trees and peered past one. A large campfire had started in the clearing, obviously by the power of the Dark Side. He spotted Gav, GAV MORTIS, ALIVE! Jeseth was seated near him too.

Seth thought it would be best to stay in the forest for now. They had probably already sensed him anyway.

[Live Wire]

*she took Morgan's face in her hands and looked him in the eyes sternly*

Don't you ever be sorry for coming into my life!! My god you saved me!

*She just sat there for a moment, the pain in his eyes mirroring the pain in her own.*

I wish I knew what to say to make you feel better. Please don't think Im questioning how I feel about you cause that hasn't changed!

[Gav Mortis]

Remaining still, Gav initially answered Jeseth with a prolonged silence, his heart was now beating about four times a minute, silently air slipped in and out of his lungs whilst his conciousness slipped deeper and deeper into the viscous swamp of coarse, negative emotions. In which he was able to soak up the power from the dark sespool all around, it oozed through his pores, penetrating his being, releasing his very spirit and consuming it in it's corrupt, evil form.

You know a great deal?

Gav's question echoed inside Jeseths head, there was a brief moments pause before he continued.

Well Jeseth, you are knowledgeable however you know nothing of the Sith. To know the ways of Sith you must become a true Sith. In order to resurrect the ancient ways of the Sith one must be entirely dedicated and focused. All concepts of good and evil are irrelivant, there is no right or wrong, good or evil, there is only the one truth. The Sith didn't study the Force, there were no such things as powers or sorcery, they're all simple common misconceptions.

What you are asking me to do is impossible. What you do not realise is that the ways of the Sith relies on power, true, but not from the Force, but from faith. For me to take you on your journey, you must understand, you must become a Sith in the heart, mind and spirit. Do you believe you can do what very few are capable of? Will you become my Disciple?

[Morgan Evanar]

Morgan held her hands to his face, warm in the cool night air. He stared at her with his cat-eyes for long minutes, and then took her right hand to his lips and kissed it. He shook his head slightly, side to side. Wrapping his arms around her, Morgan pulled her closer, and looked into the dark night sky, lacking words for the new emotions he felt.

"Catherine, I'm scared."

[Jeseth Cloak]

Jeseth's breathing had also slowed, but his heart now beat faster. Gav did know more, and it was a great deal more. He had overlooked the finer points of the Sith Arts... but perhaps in his quest for order he had neglected that which he knew he would not understand. He did indeed require now a mentor, but not merely a guide... Being a Sith would mean more, and so now it was time for him to fully embrace that theology.

I am capable... my master.

Jeseth continued to lower himself into the trance, avoiding a fall, reaching out to the pain and suffering generated by all living things - sometimes through their actions, other times through their inactions.

[Live Wire]

I know you are. Im scared too.

*A tear rolled down her cheek. It felt so good to be in his arms. She wished she could explain to him what she was going through right now but she expected he wouldn't understand. Hell, she didnt even understand it herself.

She felt worse for Morgan then she did for herself. It was bad enough her own life was complicated but to drag Morgan down a long with her pained her to no end.*

I really wish I knew what to say. I know this isnt easy for you and Im so sorry!

[Gav Mortis]

Whilst Jeseth pondered what Gav had told him, Seth Darkserpent who was standing in the dark perimeter of trees about the opening, heard a voice whisper into his ear.

Take a seat Seth

He looked around, there was no-one there.

- - - - - - - - -

Deep within his own subconciousness, a strong sense of satisfaction accompanied the answer Jeseth gave to Gav. His answer was simple and honest, he had been open about what he wanted and he excells in discipline and devotion to the Sith. For a while now, Gav had been delving into Jeseths mind whilst he was slipping into a trance-like state, briefly he could feel what Jeseth felt, think what Jeseth thought and in essence become Jeseth. By doing this, Gav was able to achieve a vague level of understanding with how this indivdual works. The experience told Gav that Jeseth had great potential and upon all of this, Gav gave his answer.

Very well. Jeseth Cloak, you are now a Disciple of the Sith Arts. Under my guidance your perspective of life will change, I will assist you in nurturing your emotions to allow you to utilize them to their true potential and show you the path to what you have been searching for so long, you must walk that path. Trust me, it will not be easy. It requires the utmost faith and dedication, one of which you possess already.

Now, be still. Your trial shall commence shortly.

With that, Gav allowed himself to completely slip into the Dark Side, leaving the realm of the physical his conciousness became one with the darkness in a chaotic storm of power within the force.

[Darth Viscera]

Viscera followed the child, still not certain of where he was being led.

[Morgan Evanar]

"I need..." he stuttered. Morgan sighed and started again.

"I need some space. I don't want to do anything stupid to make this more complicated that it already is." As pathetic as it was, he was doing his best to... something. Morgan had never been so unsure of himself his whole life. Regretfuly, he released Catherine from his arms, staring into her obsidian eyes. Suddenly, he looked away and pushed himself away from the branch, landing with a soft thud before litterally dissapearing into the night.

"Damnit! Damnit all! Everywhere I go, I screw up somone's life."

[Seth Darkserpent]

Seth stepped out from the shadow of the forest. His black cloak made him look more like a shadow himself then an actual living being. He had deducted that Gav had spoken to him through the Dark Side.

Seth walked around the fire and took a seat near Jeseth and Gav. He took a moment to stare at Gav. His face was motionless. Seth knew he was obviously in some sort of trance.

He turned, his eyes meeting Jeseth's cold, icy stare. Seth nodded as a sign of respect to Jeseth. Seth's stare dropped to the floor. He did not know what to say at this point. He could feel the Dark Side energy radiating from Gav. Something he had not felt in a long time. Such evil, such power. T'was what Seth craved. He silently waited for something to happen.

[Live Wire]

*Her first instinct was to go after him but she knew if he didn't want to be found then she wouldn't find him. She could feel his pain and it was like a knife to her heart. IT was hurting him but she had to be honest...she wouldn't lie. It was true she was conflicted and she honestly couldn't see a way out that would keep everyone from getting hurt.

She felt like she was in an emotional tug of war and her body was the rope. To hurt a friend was something she tried hardest to avoid but it looked like she wouldn't be able to prevent it.*

you didn't screw up my life *she whispered* You saved it

[Darth Viscera]

Viscera was led to an opening in the forest outside the palace, and noticed Gav Mortis, Jeseth Cloak, and Seth Darkserpent gathered around a fire. He turned around, and saw that the ghostly figure was gone. Turning around again, he greeted those gathered.

[Gav Mortis]

OOC:

Sorry about the delay.


IC:

Viscera stepped into the clearing, breaking the gentle silence that had matured over time between the three already seated about the fire. The grass crunched beneath his feet as he neared and feeling obliged to imitate the others out of politeness, he crouched and finding his own place, knelt on the grass. Bowing his head and closing his eyes he began to slip into deep meditation, the only sound was that of his breathing and the crackling of burning wood.

Several hours passed and not a word was spoken, not a gesture made and there was no sign of it ever ending. Slowly, Gav's breathing accelerated and he was now inhaling roughly eight times a minute when his face twitched slightly, then his right shoulder until his fingers began to randomnly twitch. Gradually, his conciousness was returning to the physical realm and he was once again becoming accustomed to having to use his muscles; the twitching was merely a result of the enduring meditation he had experienced.

His eyes suddenly opened and once they had adjusted to suit the light they were wide and bright; he was clearly refreshed after yesterdays ordeal. After a moments experimentation with his arms and fingers he was satisfied and slowly stood, attempting to make as little noise as possible. For a while, he simply walked about the clearing taking in deep breaths of the crisp, chilly air and began circling the trio of Sith about the fire, closely observing each one in their unconcious state. Finally he came to a hault, back at where he had been meditating and crouching, he leaned forward towards the fire, allowing his outstretched fingertips to come into contact with the naked black flame. It was cold to touch, but it was now gaining heat and it's colour began to alter, shortly after the flames that were once black were now burning a bright yellow and orange.

Now radiating it's heat and bright aura, the fire lit up the clearing once again, deep into the forest once again, shadows flickered and it seemed, to the untrained eye that there was movement all around. Gav now stood and looked on as the others began to wake, slowly they took control of their bodies once again and their weary eyes gazed all around surveying the area and each other.

"Good morning," said Gav in a clear, unstrained voice; breaking the awkward silence, "I trust you all had a satisfying nights rest."

At this, the three shared the same look of disbelief; their bones and muscles ached after sitting in the same position for so long and they felt drained from the intense meditation. However Gav continued.

"You have an enduring day ahead of you; for this you must be both mentally and physically prepared!" he said in an undyingly confident tone, he then began to progressively circle the group sat around the fire.

"During our time here, I have peared into your very souls; I felt what you feel, I thought what you think; in essence, for a brief period of time I became each of you. Now I know enough and I see you for who you all really are and quite frankly, it is laughable. You are actually bold enough to call yourselves Sith or even Dark Jedi?" he paused after the rhetorical question.

Suddenly, he stopped and crouched down next to Darth Viscera who refused to make eye contact with him and so Gav whispered into his ear in a spiteful, bitter tone.

"Darth Viscera! The great Imperial Diktat! You undoubtedly have plenty to be proud of don't you?

You rebuilt the Empire and now it is once again the ruling galactical superpower with an endless armada of powerful ships, billions of troops and loyal planets I am sure you have no worries...no fears...

One day, your reign of power will come to an abrubt end. When you least expect it you will witness everything into which you have poured your very spirit be destroyed and cease to exist. It will be that day when you will realise your greatest mistake this life and resultantly, the next. When all this happens, what will save you? Your fearless troops? Loyal planets? Or your enormous fleets? The answer to this is nothing. All that will be left is one pathetic, weak, defenseless little man who will whimper and cry himself to sleep of a night until one day he will realise there is nothing left and end it all.

Your delusional confidence is atrocious, you, Darth Viscera, are a failure and the very sight of you sickens me!"

After regurgitating the last few words Gav spat in disgust over Visceras cheek, then stood and walked onto Seth.

"And Seth Darkserpent," he began, once again crouching down alongside him, "You are a great traveller; but not of cities or worlds but of yourself."

"Still it is evident that you still have not found a place for yourself in the scheme of things and you like to sample new things and go through phases. Currently, you are at the "I want to be an almighty Sith" stage and I wonder, how long it will last. There will come a time, mark my words; when you will come to a point in your life and realise you have accomplished nothing and you wasted all oppurtunities trying to impress others and satisfy what they want. You are weak minded and futile. As a result of your foolishness and naive perspective, I foresee a very premature death on your behalf. Death comes to us all but to you, it is nearer than you think. You will continue to hide from reality, from who you really are and you are a coward and a great failure, an awful excuse for a pausing he came closer and into his ear, bitterly added, "...Naga!"

Gav stood and walked on, now coming to Jeseth who eyed him curiously and then averted his gaze when Gav came to crouch down by him.

"Jeseth, that look tells me you probably already know what I am going to tell you. Or is you are afraid of what I am going to tell you is true?"

Jeseth didn't acknowledge Gav's reamrk and allowed him to continue.

"Jeseth Cloak; Jedi turned Dark Jedi now requesting guidance into the ways of the Sith. Do you even know what you want? It is your kind I loath most of all; to me you are nothing less than a Jedi who couldn't quite make the grade and is simply a Jedi reject, to even talk to you sickens me. All you want is power, I can feel the greed and hunger slowly driving you insane; you have no direction and you wil inevitably destroy yourself. You like the Dark Arts but you have no control over them, you simply submerse yourself into the Dark Side not knowing what you are doing. The Dark Jedi in general are a group of Jedi rejects. I know you envy your brother and wish you too could be like him but secretly know you can't accomplish it, so you come to me. You will fail because you are weak and without direction, it is inevitable you will die at your brothers hands. You and everything you represent disgusts me!" he finished and began to stand, as he did he took a firm grip of Jeseths hair and tearing at it, Jeseths head was pulled forward.

Suddenly it snapped back and he was able to see Gav retracting his knee away from his now bloodied nose which stung sharply.

"We have wasted too much time already," Gav added as he walked away from the group, "Here your real training shall begin and for two of you, that training will also end on these grounds. You are to fight to the death and the survivor will continue his journey into the Darkness."

"To become a true Sith, one must find the Path of Daragon and walk it, this will lead him to the Steps of Damu Rae where he will endure the most servere of all trials and only then, when you enter the Temple of Bahat Mahru will you be a Sith," he turned on the perimeter of the clearing and standing beneath a tree he clasped his hands and said, "Begin!"

[Seth Darkserpent]

Seth had his head bowed down. His eyes stared into the fire as he felt the hatred and embarrassment inside. It was a gut wrenching feeling in his stomach that made him want to kill someone or something. Gav's words echoed in his head. Especially one word.

<font size=1>Failure...Failure...Failure...Failure...Failure...
Failure...Failure...Failure...Failure...Failure...
Failure...Failure...Failure...Failure...Failure...

<font size=2>Seth could not even block that thought out of his mind. He could feel the drums beating in his head. The madness within was once again trying to escape. Seth closed his eyes and clenched his fists. He had to learn control over his mental urges. He had to learn how to calm himself, but at the same time keep enough anger to fuel his power.

<FONT SIZE=1>"I...can't...fi--fight!"

<font size=2>Seth was beginning to doubt his own abilities. This made him even angrier. He no longer saw Viscera and Jeseth, his allies. He saw two enemies, two enemies that were waiting to be killed. Two enemies who needed to be killed.

Seth could no longer control his own actions. His hand swung down and grasped the hilt of his sword. It made a slicing sound as he pulled it out of it's sheath. Blood marks still stained the sword in Seth's mind. He knew in reality the sword was clean and polished. But blood stained it in his mind's eyes. The same thing with his gauntlets. He could see the blood dripping from it. All those lives he had killed and sacrificed.

He watched as the purple energy, amplified by the encased dark side crystal encompassed the sword. He watched as it hardened, now not even a lightsaber could sever his blade. Powered by his own hatred he had hardened the sword to block even lightsabers. Then his body began to twitch.

"My...life..is..not...a...waste! I AM NOT A FAILURE!" Seth shrieked into the morning sky. He took one gauntlet off his sword hilt, only holding it with one hand now. Seth jumped to the side of the fire and then leapt at Viscera, slashing downwards.

[Darth Viscera]

The sword never connected with Viscera. Instead, it simply flew away, a victim of Viscera's still-limited power over the force. Viscera shook his head, revealed his dissappointment in his friend, who so readily behaved like a simple Apprentice.

"Simple-minded fool, are you so eager to allow blind rage to control you? His tricks may be demoralizing, but they are merely words, spoken by a melancholy man. You must bend your anger to your will. The force will consume you if you seek to allow it to dominate you. You must dominate it first, and that can only be achieved through control, and prudence."

He reflected on the disturbing visions that Gav Mortis had created inside of him now, disassembling them.

"I will do as my master instructs, for that is my destiny. If he instructs me to rebuild his Empire so he may once again command it, then I will do that. If he instructs me to destroy myself, as my task is complete, then I will do that. Your disheartening prediction will never occur."

"I will not fight Seth or Jeseth to the death. It serves no purpose but your own amusement."

[Seth Darkserpent]

Seth recalled his sword and held it firmly. He managed to gain a little control over himself, after hearing Viscera's words. Seth could feel the rage trying to take over again. He closed his eyes and tried what Viscera said to do. He had to control the anger and bend it to his will.

"Master Gav has instructed us to fight each other." Seth shouted. "Since you are so keen on obeying his orders, you will fight..."

Seth swiped his sword downwards, cutting right through the soil. He kicked a rock into the air and watched it float up to his hand's level. Seth grabbed the rock and crushed it with his gauntlet. He could feel the strength that the Dark Side offered.

A shrill wind passed, as Seth's black cloak floated to the side. His eyes narrowed into slits as he stared at Viscera.

"...Or...you...will...die." Seth finished, managing to keep a state of calmness in his voice.

He reached out with his hand, manipulating the air around Viscera as he grabbed his neck with the Force. He could see that Viscera was choking. Seth kept his concentration, squeezing harder every ten seconds.

[Darth Viscera]

Viscera reached out to the force, and erected a protective force sphere around his person. He struggled, and managed to regain his composure, and most of all, his breath. His words were struggled.

"This....is not the time. Calm yourself, or I will destroy you."

[Jeseth Cloak]

Jeseth's mind began to nearly race, the blood on his nose and bit of tattered hair possing little more than a minimal worry. Gav knew of his role in all this... he had managed to decipher that Jeseth was, indeed, a Dark Jedi. He raised a brow, a bit thankful that perhaps the Sith's inward gaze had nly caught that much of his fears, for he certainly had never envied Warren Azalin. If anything, he was disgusted by the man... A man so lowly in nature that he would not but even waste his time with an attempt to take his life; Living was Warren Azalin's punishment, and it was one which was both humurous and nourishing to watch.

The Dark Jedi felt up for his hair, noticing how easily it had broken away from his head in his sickened state. His body had never been quite the same since...

"You are to fight to the death and the survivor will continue his journey into the Darkness."

Jeseth watched as Seth made his approach toward's Viscera, then analyzed the situation. So, Gav wanted him to destroy these two? It perhaps did serve no purpose beyong his master's satisfaction, but such were the ways of the Sith, and those were ways which he would wholly embrace along his journey... Conjuring up his recent cache of aggressive feelings, unattened pain, and anger, Jeseth drew Disorder from his belt, allowing it's lust for blood and death to fuel his own.

<a href=http://www.method.org/sith/mm/lightsaber1.wav>Snap-hiss.</a>

Yes, my master.

Jeseth's teeth gritted together as he watched Seth prepair for an impending attack upon Viscera - Viscera, who for now, would not fight. Sparks raced through's Jeseth's teeth and nails, visibly running through the tiny arteries and viens within his eyes. Sessions of constant pain and anger durring his studies had served him well... and now he would exercise them.


A blue streak raced through the air, it's deeply saturated energy striking Seth unrelentlessly. Sparks chipped and crackled all over the man's body as Jeseth's extending his left hand just a bit further from his body, driving the immense charge of energy onward, pouring it into the aggressor's body violently, smoke rising up from his flesh.

The cracking and sparking died away, only the yellow light of the fire illuminating the trio within the clearing. Jeseth narrowed his eyes at Seth, allowing there to be just another moment of silence before the Dark Jedi grinned knowingly at Seth's expression. The display of pain continued on, Jeseth attempting to push his abilities to the their limit. In the past he had only been able to keep the flow going for so long... but he would continue this one if he had to santify it with his life.

A mere seconds later, Jeseth took a few deep breaths, and allowed the stream of glowing death to fade away into his black-gloved hand. Disorder still hummed readily in his tightened grip. The blood which had caked around his nose was noticably dry now, and it seemed that the injury may have strategic in nature. The Dark Jedi's mind felt light and detached, a probable result of the bloods flow. He played over the other details Gav had mentioned... He would find the Path of Daragon... Though it was the only detail which he even remotely recognized.

[Darth Viscera]

Viscera glared at Seth as the force lightning coursed through his veins. No doubt the man was cursing the fact that he was not facing in the right direction to deflect such an attack with his weapon. Smoke rose up from his wounded flesh, creating a sickening odor, that of charred flesh, an odor which resembled that of death somewhat.

Viscera unhooked his lightsaber. Igniting it, he slashed Seth across his chest with the weapon, and watched as blood soaked throughout his clothes, the sudden trauma causing Seth to collapse to the ground.

Viscera contemplated this idiotic task, remembered the names, Gav and Jori Daragon, the explorers who inadvertenly caused the Great Hyperspace War by landing on Korriban during the funeral of Marka Ragnos, the dark lord of the sith, five thousand years earlier.

The Path of Daragon could quite possibly mean the elusive hyperspace route to Korriban, but he had not heard of the Steps of Damu Rae, nor the Temple of Bahat Mahru.

[Seth Darkserpent]

Seth only felt one thing at this moment. He felt pain. It seemed both Viscera and Jeseth had decided to double team and attack him. Quite a smart move on their part. Seth was far from out of the battle. His skin could be healed with Bacta, and his chest would soon heal also.

Darth Viscera stood beside Seth who now lay limp on the floor. Seth was waiting for the right moment as Viscera just stood there. Seth figured he was probably thinking of what Gav said. The Path of Daragon reminded him of Jori and Gav Daragon, famous for starting the war with the Republic and the Sith all those years ago.

The Steps of Damu Rae could be those great steps that led to the Masoleum of the Sith on Korriban. Or they could even be the steps leading to this...temple? Yes, The Temple of Bahut Mahru. Mahru, Seth had heard this name before. Possibly he was a Dark lord of the Sith? If Seth survived this little excersize, he would have to find out why the name sounded familiar.

Now is the time to strike! The voice in his head screamed out. Seth clenched his sword with his fading power and turned around, jabbing his sword straight for Viscera's ankle. The Sith noticed the attack and tried to avoid it. Seth's sword caught the end of Viscera's ankle, cutting his achilles tendon.

Seth instantly floated upwards, using his powers of the Dark that he had learned as...as...Naga. He could barely move his joints, save his sword arm. He bit his lower lip and quickly kicked forward, scoring a hit on Viscera's chest. The Sith was knocked backwards, no longer able to walk since his achilles tendon had been severly damaged. Seth's mind faltered for a split second, casuing him to fall back on the ground. He knelt on one knee, staring into Jeseth's cold eyes.

Instantly, a fiery log from the fire rose behind Jeseth and flew straight at him. Seth wondered if the Dark Jedi could turn around quick enough to dodge it. He kept his senses open incase Viscera decided to attack.

Seth felt a sickening feeling in his stomach. He had already experienced death once before. He would NOT experience it again. He himself could no longer walk or use his joints as much as he wanted to. Seth figured that the Force Lightning would've tired Jeseth somewhat.

[Gav Mortis]

Gav watched as the onslaught continued with a look of dissatisfaction directed at Darth Viscera and his behaviour, his hands still clasped he neared somewhat watching as Viscera idly stood there in thought whilst the others fought.

Whilst stood there like some sort of fool, Viscera was suddenly propelled some thirty feet into the air at a ferocious velocity. Gav looked on calmy, his hands clasped he allowed a sly grin to come over his face as he released the Sith from his telekinetic grasp and releasing him allowed him to plummet to the ground.

After crashing through a tree canopy and landing uncomfortably to say the least Viscera was adressed by Gav, who still stood in the clearing with a stern glance.

"Viscera your behaviour reflects the principles of a Jedi! Unleash all your hatred and aggression onto your opponents or they will unleash theirs unto you!"

"Now Viscera, make a decision, release the fire within!"

[Darth Viscera]

Viscera lay on the ground, staring at his leg. His achilles tendon was ruptured, and the limb lay in an odd, unnatural fashion. A piece of bone protruded from his flesh above the knee. The leg would only be a hindrance to him, it would have to come off. He reached inside his cloak, and was irritated to find that he had no sterile pads or wound dressings with him. He unhooked his belt and tossed it aside for easy access, then ripped off a piece of his cloak which was roughly 2 feet long by 6 inches wide.

He over at his leg, found that he could not see it clearly. Removing his lightsaber and igniting it, he opened his mind to the force, brought an image of his leg into his mind's eye. The leg was severed with one quick motion, and Viscera moved quickly, knew that hell would arrive soon. He deactivated his saber, tossed it aside as quickly as he could manage, and grabbed the strip of cloth. He wrapped it around the area that had once held his leg, tried his best to cover the wound. Grabbing the belt, he wrapped it around that area, tightened and buckled it. He tossed a hankerchief quickly into his mouth, knew what was coming.

It was then that the sharp, hollow pain arrived, and he bit down hard on the hankerchief, muffling his inhuman screams. He removed a small package from a pocket inside his cloak, looked down at the small pill. When the screaming stopped, he threw it down, into his throat, swallowed it dry.

[Jeseth Cloak]

Jeseth watched as Seth executed his attack on Viscera, then continued to fall to one knee. This was it, Seth was finnished. The Dark Jedi's hand extended outward to complete the electric lashing, and it was just at that moment that he heard a small crackle behind him. Turning quickly, Jeseth brought his saber up against a firey log, severing it in half. One of the pieces impacted against his arm, burning through his coat and into his flesh.

The second piece dashed past him, landing off into the underbrush of the forest, lighting it aflame. Twigs and fallen leaves began to burn crisply, their pain sounding out throiugh the air. Jeseth's saber made a quick circular motion toward's the fire, spreading it in a Force-enduced push. The flames slowly began to surround the combatants, smoke swirling up from the forest floor.

Viscera...

Jeseth watched him severe his leg, almost wincing at the sight. Memories raced back through his mind as he remembered the loss of his hand those many years ago... It had been the last lesson that Xixor had taught him, and perhaps one of the best. Physical pain was near meaningless to him now, but his mind was not exempt from those taxing trials. He too often felt remorse for his action, though never had he lacked the resolve to carry them out.

Another hum sounded out through the smoke, which had now begun burning into Jeseth's eyes. The block of wood that had begun the blaze hurled it's self toward's Seth upon Jeseth's command.

[Seth Darkserpent]

Seth applied some Force energy to his arm as he swiped the sword, just in time to slice the log in half. The wood cracked in half and fell to the floor before his feet. Seth managed to force a grin. His powers weren't gone, not yet. He tried to stand himself up, but his efforts were only smited by the pain from the gash on his stomach.

"Je--Je--Jeseth?"

Seth began to crouch his way to the Dark Jedi. He raised his sword and pointed it at his own stomach.

"D-Do me a favor?"

Seth stopped only a few feet from the Dark Jedi who was waiting for the right moment to kill Seth. Seth dropped his sword momentarily, still in his crouched position. He looked up at the Dark Jedi.

<font size=4>"DIE!"

<font size=2>Seth pushed his head forward and watched as the unprepared Jeseth was pushed backwards by the Force. Jeseth landed on his back. Suddenly, clumps of dirt and wood all caught on fire began to rise off the ground. All of them headed for Jeseth.

[Darth Viscera]

THWACK!

The severed lag bashed into Seth's skull from behind, knocking him unconscious finally. Seth fell to the ground, and Viscera was visible to Jeseth now, standing erect, holding his severed leg in his right hand and grinning maniacally.

"Here, let me help you up," Viscera said between struggled breaths, and kneeled down in an attempt to reach Jeseth. Losing his balance, Viscera fell head-first onto the ground beside his friend, nearly suffering a concussion.

"How...did we....get ourselves into this....mess?" Viscera weezed, then tossed his leg aside.

[Seth Darkserpent]

Seth watched as everything went black. Darth Viscera had attacked him from behind with his severed leg. Luckily, Seth didn't fully go unconscious. The chain mail he wore on his head served a purpose.

The Sith lay on the ground. He did not know much of healing techniques, they were light side traits. He did not even want to try them. Seth rolled on his back, opposite of Viscera and reached into his pouch slowly. He pulled out a bacta needle the size of his finger. Seth quietly stabbed it into his veins. He went limp as the Bacta entered. In mere minutes, he would regain some health. Then he would have to kill them both. Yes, both of them.

[Jeseth Cloak]

Jeseth's wings wrapped up around him quickly, defelcting the mass of firy twigs and leaves that were tossed towards him. The smoke was growing denser now, fading into the natural darkness of the night. The Dark Jedi's wings charred noticably, then spread, tossing aside a great deal of the thick smoke, giving him a clear view of Viscera and Seth. A loud crack pierced through the sound of flames as the syringe Seth had used was driven deep into his arm, Jeseth's boot stomping it hard, crushing the hand that cradled it as well. Blood shot up from the massive wound as the Jeseth bared his fangs at Seth, watching the bacta leak back out of his system slowly.

Spining around quickly, his sliced through the tree he had been tossed by, and utlizied a bit of the Force to pull it in his direction. Jeseth's form blurred in the smoke as he vanished, allowing the massive trunk to continue falling toward's the others.

Forgive me, friend Viscera, but tis what my master has commanded of me.

[Darth Viscera]

Viscera yelped, looked in surprise at the new threat the falling tree represented. Suspending it in the air with the force, Viscera quickly rolled out of the way, and then allowed it to continue its crash.

[Seth Darkserpent]

"Stupid f***s."

Seth watched as the tree missed him. He had used the Force to throw it away. But now he could only rely on the Dark Side.

Jeseth had sustained the least amount of damage in the fight. Seth was by far the weakest at the moment. Even Viscera who didn't have a leg still had a far better chance then him.

"I...am...going...to...die? AGAIN?!"

He tried to stare up, but blood began to leak from his mouth. Gav had predicted this. A premature death. Seth examined his wounds. He had a charred body, a gash in his stomach, and an even deeper gash on his arm. His sword arm.
Seth raised one hand into the air, unsure of his he did it. His gauntlets fell off.

The Sith rose up with the Force. His mask and armor drenched with blood as he stared coldly into Jeseth's eyes just a meter away.

"I will kill you first Dark Jedi."

A large branch rose off the ground. Seth controlled it with the Force and launched it at the Dark Jedi. Jeseth brought up his saber and managed to destroy the branch. Just as he finished slashing it, one of Seth's gauntlet's grabbed hold of Jeseth's neck. The other stabbed into his wrist and began to spin. Seth now sat on the floor, manipulating his gloves with the Force. One clenched Jeseth as the claws binded themselves together, and the other clawed into his lightsaber arm wrist.

[Jeseth Cloak]

Jeseth's right arm clanged as the gauntlet began to drill into it, the outter layer of artificial flesh shreding away, revealing the inner workings of his prostectic appendage. His teeth were clentched, breaths being drawn quickly and raggedly through the narrow opening allowed by Seth's glove. Jeseth's free hand reached up and grabed the gauntlet, crushing it as blood spattered forth from his lips. He coughed breifly, dripping a bit of the red fluid across his feet. The smashed gauntlet sped through the air, striking down the remaining weapon in a loud crack. Jeseth turned his attention to Seth, tossing the broken gauntlet to the ground and placing his foot over the top of the remaining one.

The Dark Jedi spit out a bit more of the blood, feeling his throat grow grainy and rough. He couldn't afford to speak, as it would only cause more internal bleeding.

Interesting choice of words...

Jeseth tossed the saber toward's Seth, it's spiralling light blurring into a deathly red disc of destruction, heading right for the Sith's chest.

[Seth Darkserpent]

Seth raised his sword with the Force, watching as Jeseth's lightsaber contacted with it. He reached out with his hand and de-activated the saber, pushing it away.

"D-d--did--didn't t-thh--think...it-d co-come to th--th--this."

Seth focused on the Force, calling on the Dark energy around him. He could feel the hatred from Gav, Jeseth and Viscera. He could feel the evil on this very planet. Seth closed his eyes and held out his arms as wide as his aching bones permitted. A blinding flash made Jeseth and Viscera shield their eyes for a moment.

When the flash faded away, three Seth were standing in front of both of them. Seth made sure to spread out his presence so Viscera and Jeseth could not tell the difference.

"Which one is the real one?!" They all said in unison.

[Darth Viscera]

The tree was still in the air, falling to the ground. Viscera caught it with the force, and in one swift motion, sent the trunk forward, using his force sense to detect which was the true Seth. It slammed into Seth's head at better than 30 kilometers per hour, bashing his skull. The tree then crashed to the ground.

[Jeseth Cloak]

Jeseth watched as Viscera's attack left a silence in the smoke-filled and now roaring clearing. Fire licked at their bodies, threatening to consume them all. Jeseth called his saber back to his half-functioning hand, swallowing down the blood and growing slightly dizzy from the inhalation of toxins, which now freely floated through the air, and caused his vision to become even more obscured and hazzed.

He turned to Viscera, watching him there on the floor, then glanced at Seth quickly. The fire was begining would kill them all, but it would not kill Jeseth. He ducked down breifly, swallowing another bit of blood, then Force jumped into the air, saummersaulting above the 6 meters of flames, and landing warrily just outside of the burning circle, smoke still thick in his lung. He rose, looking through the fire and prepairing for any incomming attack.

[Seth Darkserpent]

Seth leaned down on one knee and crashed to the floor managing to keep his head up by a log. His eyes were narrow slits now as they observed everything around them. He could barely even tell the difference between anything. He felt the Force still. He was just too angry at himself to not feel it. He had never been this angry before. Unfortunately he couldn't utilize all this anger into power. He was too weak.

<font size=1>Failure...Failure...Failure
Failure...Failure...Failure
Failure...Failure...Failure

<font size=2>Seth's head fell to the floor with a thud as it began to bleed. He had been double teamed on. Those who he considered friends had killed him. He had expected it. Or at least Seth thought he was dying. It felt exactly like before. Another failure...

Everything went black as Seth drifted into unconsciousness.

[Darth Viscera]

Grabbing hold of his severed leg, Viscera used the force to propel himself upwards, and he hovered over the flames in the opposite direction of Jeseth. Landing beyond the flames, he collapsed safely onto the ground, exhausted and in a state of total pain.

[Gav Mortis]

Watching on with sadistic delight, Gav cannot help but be entertained by the events that have transpired. All three had proven themselves to some degree and he was satisfied and decided to bring the proceedings to an end.

The outskirts of the clearing had begun to caught fire, several tree canopies were now alight from the blazing flames that soared high into the air. Gav looked up noticing that soon it would be sunrise and that was when the real work would take place. Suddenly he caught sight of Viscera who was soaring through the air, over the flames away from Jeseth Cloak.

Gav chuckled at Viscera's condition for a moment then a nasty spark of inspiration brought about a grin and he readied himself. Taking his lightsaber in his hand he began to run in Viscera's direction, although by nature Gav's size allowed him to be very fast and agile, he wouldn't make it in time and suddenly exploded into a blur of light as he sped to the point with increadible speed.

As Viscera came in for a landing he heard a high pitched hum from behind and looking down he saw a black, glowing blade pass straight through his remaining upper thigh. He screamed out in agony as the wound was instantaneously cauterized and he fell flat on his face with a thud. He could hear Gav burst into laughter at the sight of his legless body and him crashing to the floor.

Soon Gav calmed himself and turned to Jeseth who had a sopmewhat suprised look on his face and for a moment, it seemed as though when he looked into Gav's eyes he seemed to be sucked into them and the diabolical darkness evil within.

"You're turn, Jedi!" Gav hissed bitterly at Jeseth who in all the recent events was taken aback with some suprise.

The two reasonably distanced, therefore Gav ran towards him and once near all it took was one quick lunge forward for Gav to be within striking distance. In his right hand, he swung the lightsaber anticlockwise to his side and with the same speed and technique passed the blade to his left hand in front of him with impressive nimble skill. Jeseth was somewhat bewildered by the rapid, unorthadox manouver and as Gav finished his lunge with a clockwise turn of the blade to his left side, he took it in both hands and brought it down upon Jeseth as though to severe him in half.

Instinctively, Jeseth brought his saber up horizontally above his head to stop Gav's swing however to his suprise the blades did not clash. To his shock, Jeseth saw the lightsaber he had held above his head fall to the ground and still holding was his hand and attached to that, his entire arm. Suddenly the pain hit him and he cried out in agony as he realised his arm from the shoulder had been completely severed and could see the smoke from his shoulder and the smell of burning flesh was revolting.

Gav's grin of sadistic pleasure returned and then his face changed to that of aggression as he drilled Jeseth in the gut with a powerful rising knee. Placing his hand on Jeseth's head, who was in a now severly weakened state, Gav pushed him to the floor.

"Look at the pair of you!" shouted gav as he moved to Viscera and dragged him over to Jeseth.

Gripping them by their hair he forced them to look at each other, their noses met.

"Stare into each others eyes, look deep! Witness each others pain. Feel their discomfort and agony. Enjoy it because it will in time become the most pleasureable feeling you will experience!"

Shoving them away, Gav stood from his crouched position with the disciple's and took out a comm-link.

"This is Gav. I want medical transports at these co-ordinates immediatly. Enough for three severly incapacitated men. You have three minutes!" he ordered, then deactivated the comm.

He navigated his way about the fire to check on Seth, who had been unconcsious for some time now.


OOC:

I appologise to both Jeseth and Viscera for the severity of Gav's attack. I would never carry out such attacks usually but under the intense circumstances of this training I thought it would be suitable. Please don't see it as God-moding, it's just a way of effectively portraying Gav's strict training methods. If you strongly disagree with this then I appologise and will edit it.

By the way, I'll explain OOC the attack Gav did on Jeseth. It's something I have used for a very long time now. What happens is that Gav simply gets his opponent to raise their lightsaber horizontally over their head whilst he brings his lightsaber down upon it vertically. But just before the blades make contact he quickly deactivates the blade so that its arc passes through the defensive position of his opponents blade. Then quickly reactivating his lightsaber, he is free to severely damage his opponent, for example, severing their arm. But since dismemberment is illegal under normal circumstances, he usually just cuts across their chest.

But since this is simply training, I thought I'd make the attack a little more severe. Don't worry, any injuries sustained in this thread will be resolved momentarily.

[Seth Darkserpent]

Seth first awoke to the tingling feeling in his arm. He raised it up and noticed how a small flame hjad caught on and was beginning to burn through his clothing. He could feel the searing pain through his arm. For a few moments he let it burn ashamed at his second failure.

Instantly, the heat became unbearable. Seth watched as the line of fire slowly moved down his shirt. Quickly he ripped off that piece of his shirt and threw it away. Seth examined the wound. His skin was black and charred.

Seth felt a little better. He looked around and examined the fire. Jeseth and Viscera weren't in sight. Suddenly, he felt a strong presence in the Force. Gav Mortis was approaching.

He managed to stand on one knee. The gash was stinging even more then before. Instantly Seth bowed his head.


"Forgive my failure Master. The other two could not best me alone so they had to team up to defeat me. I await your punishment."

Seth's voice was hoarse and weak. He felt dizzy and nautious as he tried to stand up again. Seth fell down, still trying to keep eye contact with the evil being in front of him.

[Jeseth Cloak]

Jeseth spit blood to the leaves before him, his eyes overcome with a watery haze, his body reacting in a state of shock. He remembered this all too well... The hum of his saber <a href=http://www.method.org/sith/mm/lightsaber2.wav>died away</a> suddenly, leaving him only with his thoughts, and the sound of the burning and crackling fire surrounding him.



"Jeseth, pay attention. Head up, hands parallel to your pike! Mistakes can be fatal... Your family sent you here to learn, and you will do that. Your grandfather has -"

Jeseth cut Xixor off, glarring in aggitation.

"I'm aware; Lets continue."

Xixor smirked, giving the young man a once over with his green-rimmed eyes, which now burned with an fixated intensity. The two engaged once more in a quick brush, the pikes humming much more softly than a saber usually did. A clang sounded out as Jeseth's pike rolled across the ground, deactivating. To him, it was all over - They would simply begin again. Blood field his field of vision as he watched Xixor deliver a final swing, severing his hand. The appendage all but exploded from the impact, blood flowing freely from the massive wound.



He had screamed then, and cried, like a child - for at the time, that was merely what he was. A child... It was the last time he saw the Prince. Jeseth had recieved a gift. The pain from the wound shocked him, but he still remained calm, allowing only the energy to flow through him, ignoring the pain. He knew if the wound cauterized, he'd have no hope of reattaching his arm. With one quick motion, Jeseth clawed at the wound at his shoulder, tearing away a thin layer of charred and crisp flesh. He tossed it to the ground, glarring up at his master. Disorder slid out from beneath the severed arm, clapping against the fleshy palm of his right hand. The two locked eyes for a moment, and it would have made Gav wonder if Jeseth had intentions to continue on with the attack. The Dark Jedi clipped the saber to his belt, turning his smoke-stained face to the fire. Seth lay there, the flames raging on around him.

"Will he be left to die, my master?"

The winged student looked up at Gav, half expecting to be knocked past the viel between conciousness and unconciousness. Jeseth knew that the Stih Master could just as easily continue to dispense punishment upon him, his abilities to fight back adequately being at a much lower point... but he knew, too, that it would be punishment he would accept, if it all led him toward's the one true path which he was destined to walk.

[Gav Mortis]

Now that his hunger had been temporarily been satisfied, the diabolical hatred that seemed to burn in Gav's eyes had subsided into a cold, empty look. When asked "Will he be left to die?" Gav simply ignored the question which seemed to be no more than childish curiosity.

Instead he asked rhetorically, "Is it important?"

Nearing Seth who was on one knee, evidently exhausted and beaten; his skin was a dark, charred colour, his eyes bloodshot and hazey and his head seemed to infrequently droop wearily on his neck.

"Forgive my failure Master. The other two could not best me alone so they had to team up to defeat me. I await your punishment."

Gav's face showed a distinct degree of disgust as Seth grovelled in a child-like manner, his attitude similar to that of Jeseth's, both seemed to have some sort of childish immaturity about them; it was irritating.

"Seth..." came the solemn voice, at which he looked up.

Gav's boot immediatly connected with Seth's grazed chin which was now very much bloody, he collapsed at the force of the forward thrust of Gav's kick and after that remained silent.

"Had you not gave yourself an excuse you would still be knealt but since both of you are so intent on punishment, perhaps that can be arranged at a later date; I'll check my diary!" a sly grin crept upon his face and he continued, now looking more serious "None of you failed. Each of you showed by the way you fought different aspects of yourselves and now I can build upon it. You all have potential and with the proper nourishment, it will grow. Now rest."

Suddenly the medical transports arrived and within moments all three were hauled off towards the medical center (http://pub23.ezboard.com/fthesithorderdiscussionchamber.showMessage?topicID =531.topic) where they would undergo severe, prolonged operations to amend their disfigurements.

OOC:

I think this a good place to end this particular thread. If any of you wish, you may start a roleplay in the medical center in which Gav will teach you some Sith Lore and whatnot but individually.

I don't want you guys to think I'm killing three birds with one stone so if you ever want to do something more one-on-one based, feel free to do so and I'll be glad to participate. For example, the medical center is a good place to start individual training.

I hope to start another roleplay for the three of you in three days time in which we all go to Korriban where I will assign you different quests, etc. which should be fun. If you wish to address me about your training any time feel free to do so. In the mean time feel free to start an individual training thread but please don't do it in the training grounds as I think training should be roleplayed than that.