Strike First, Strike Hard (Kita/Warv)

[Kell Sangros]

He watched the fight with interest, Watching Kita go on the offensive and basically staying on the offensive made him proud. She had taken alot of his teachings and tips and applied them, her technique was more refined, and she moved with confidence. The warrior in her was beginning to emerge. When the fight was over he walked up to Kita, he knew it was still not easy for her to take a life.

”That man was not a prisoner, he had committed crimes, murdered the Emperor’s soldiers, defied his perfect rule, you gave him a better death than he deserved, this was a test, not of loyalty for I know you are loyal to our Emperor, but a test to see if you could apply what I taught you and your quick victory answered that question”

He was proud of her, not for killing the man, but when the battle started it was like a switch flipped and the warrior the fighter took control. She would be a very powerful Sith when she came into her power, and she was already proving to be a formidable warrior. She was tougher than she looked, tougher than she acted.

”Your next battle will not be to the death, take a few minutes to rest your next fight will be two on one, and if you ask me it’s not a fair fight for them” He cracked a rare grin at that.

The next fight would be against two troopers in hand to hand, no weapons, troopers trained by his men and by proxy Warvanus himself.

[Kita_Ikari]

”That man was not a prisoner, he had committed crimes, murdered the Emperor’s soldiers, defied his perfect rule, you gave him a better death than he deserved, this was a test, not of loyalty for I know you are loyal to our Emperor, but a test to see if you could apply what I taught you and your quick victory answered that question.”

Kita was silent for a second as her nexu purred in her arms. She wasn't sure at first if to believe Warvanus, but he had never steered her wrong before when it came to her training. Even if the man had been a criminal and deserved his death, Kita still wished to uphold her own promise to help someone from the prison itself in the future.

"I should take what you say with all seriousness, but forgive me when I say I wonder if your just saying that to make me feel better. However, i doubt you would lie to me about something at all. So i'll take it to heart." She replied with a slight smile. She couldn't hide her thoughts from her battle master. Kita wasn't anything if not honest. However most of the time she preferred to keep her thoughts to herself.

”Your next battle will not be to the death, take a few minutes to rest your next fight will be two on one, and if you ask me it’s not a fair fight for them.”

Kita gave a smile at his comment. "Honestly I think you give me to much credit." She replied. "I'm learning from you and Lord Tormentous after all." She sat near the edge of the gazebo in the grass and laid on her back for a moment closing her eyes. The baby nexu kneeded his claws on Kita's jacket happily and laid on her chest protectively while keeping watch as guards dragged the man's body off.

[Kell Sangros]

Warvanus was not one to pour fluff or empty gestures into anything, he had never lied to Kita , there was a time he had deceived her on the wreckage of the Maleovent but he had not lied to her. Nor did he downplay or overplay her abilities.

The two troopers came into the Oasis clad in Tera Kasi style Gis the traditional training uniform for students and Masters alike. He gave them a nod as they took their place. There would be no weapons. He waited for Kita to return to the dueling mat. He gave each trooper a Red flag to wear, indicating they were the Red Team and Kita the white.

When she did return to the mat Warvanus spoke

” When the droid raises a flag the winning team is to step back, this is not a fight to the death, this is a lesson for both teams” He said looking first at the troopers and then to his student. It was true it was a lesson for both, For Kita she would learn to take on more than one opponent at the same time, for the troopers they were selected for their lack of teamwork here they would be forced to work together to claim victory or not.

Warvanus stood in his usual spot. When both sides were ready ”Begin”

[Kita_Ikari]

Petting her nexu, she heard him growl slightly and opened one eye to see what her new companion was warning her about. Two clones had entered the training area, both in traditional training outfits. It was obvious that it was already time for battle round two. Sighing, she set Warv in the grass and got up leaving her weapon behind and entered the gazebo facing her new opponents. The two clones looked annoyed at each other as if they had just been fighting earlier before taking their flags from Warvanus. Kita made a mental note of this as she prepared for the round.

”When the droid raises a flag the winning team is to step back, this is not a fight to the death, this is a lesson for both teams.”

Kita nodded in acknowledgement as she figured out her first move. The two clones stared back at her ready to bring down the Sith apprentice.

"Begin."

Never having fought more then one opponent before, Kita had to be extra careful in being overpowered by the two. Even if they did seem incompetent to working together. Both split in different directions in hopes of attacking her from different directions. Keeping a eye on them both, she could only fight one at a time at this point.

One on her left came at her and attempted to punch her in the face. Grabbing his hand in her fist, she stunned him with her reflexes and swiftly twisted his wrist upwards and back towards his arm causing him to fall to his knees on the ground. Kita pushed his wrist and arm further listening to the trooper yell in pain pleading for her to let go. She gave him a kick to the back, shoving him onto the gazebo floor as she released him. However taking care of the first guy made her forget the second one.

Turning, she was met with the 2nd trooper holding her tightly with his arms around her neck to try and make her either pass out or subdue her. The young sith apprentice wasn't going to have it though. Thinking fast, she side stepped onto his right foot causing him to loosen his grip as pain shot in his foot. Then he was quickly met with a hard elbow to the side. The trooper bowled over and she took the chance to backfist him in the nose before bringing it down onto the guys groin. He had crumbled to the ground in a groaning heap. Smirking, she caugh movement from the corner of her eye as the 1st trooper came back at her and managing to tackle her to the ground. She landed on her back with a thud as he attempted holding her wrist down against the ground.

Kita wedged her right knee between his legs and shifted her weight to push his own leg and body to the side causing his own weight to be used against him and giving her the advantage to throw him off of her. As she quickly rolled upwards to her feet, her blue gaze watched as he tumbled into one of the gazebo poles...

[Kell Sangros]

Warvanus watched with a mixture of pride and anger. He was proud of Kita, she kept showing her determination and talent for battle. He did feel anger at the pair of troopers who were very sloppy in their technique. They proved one thing to the Warrior-King. They proved they were not worthy to serve him. They would need to prove themselves or die.

The War-Bringer walked onto the mat. The trooper who had hit into a pole staggered, Warvanus threw a front hook kick, his foot connecting with the troopers jaw, a crack could be heard as he hit the floor clenching his face. He looked at the second trooper.

”Try it” he said goading to the remaining trooper

The trooper obliged him, started throwing a series of punches, all of which Warvanus blocked as if he was training. His technique and movement was flawless and smooth, the level of competance one would expect from a Master. The last punch thrown Warvanus grabbed the fist kicked the trooper in the side the same side that was exposed cuz of Warvanus having his fist. He let loose a couple of kicks and released the arm. The trooper threw a kick at which Warvanus grabbed his foot then using his own leg he kneed the trooper at his exposed knee hitting the right spot with the right amount of pressure, another crack could be heard, the trooper cried out. Warvanus threw another kick, then released the leg and finished him with a roundhouse to the face. The second trooper fell clutching his leg. He stood over them disgusted.

”You two are pathetic, your form, your technique and your tactics were sloppy at best, you have shown you are NOT worthy of serving under me. You will have a week to prove yourselves or you will die by my hand”

Normally he would have just killed them. He looked back at Kita. His expression changing.

“You did well my student,but one thing to remember is always be mindful of your surroundings, and the location of your opponent” He nodded approvingly “I think that today’s lesson is concluded”

She was free to explore, or train or rest. She had earned it.

[Kita_Ikari]

Hearing the crack to the troopers jaw, Kita flinched at the sound and watched as Warvanus continued, turning to the next trooper. She clenched her jaw as he threw multiple punches and another crack was heard as her battle masters knee broke the other troopers bone in his leg.

”You two are pathetic, your form, your technique and your tactics were sloppy at best, you have shown you are NOT worthy of serving under me. You will have a week to prove yourselves or you will die by my hand”

The young Sith apprentice thought it was pretty harsh for him to beat them so severely and then expect them to be able to prove themselves in a week of breaking a limb. She bite her tounge at saying anything about it being unfair to them. "This is the Sith. Of course the masters have the right to kill their staff if they view them as a liability to their victory. Still she gave a worried glance at the threat given to them and decided to turn away to look over at her Nexu.

Warv the nexu cub walked over to the troopers and peed on them both in response to their utter failure before bounding over happily to Kita. "...You shouldn't be doing that...unless I tell you too..." She whispered to the cub as she picked him up. He gave her a disappointed look and then whined softly before sulking in her arms.

She turned to Warvanus as his expression quickly changed from outrage to a more kind expression.

“You did well my student, but one thing to remember is always be mindful of your surroundings, and the location of your opponent. I think that today’s lesson is concluded.”

She smiled slightly before glancing down at her nexu cub. "Your getting a bath." She stated as she started brushing dirt out from his fur with her hand.

[Kell Sangros]

He gave the Nexu an approving grin and watched as the troopers were taken to the medical wing. When Kita exited to give her Nexu a bath , the Warrior King retreated as well to his own private sanctum. This room had been largely unused as of late. The currents of the Dark Side were in motion and Warvanus knew that the time was getting close, he had almost everything prepared, but the most important thing to him was that Kita was ready. In her he placed his hopes for the Sith but most of all for his Emperor. He had been spending so much time meditating, and the Dark Side had been silent, offering no wisdom or guidance. He was truly alone… or was he?

”Your sorrow is delicious to the Dark Side Darth Warvanus” A voice said carrying with it the echo of hundreds of displaced voices. He was the only being in the room. The voice continued

”The Dark Side always demands a price, Darth Warvanus , to stake your claim you sacrificed your wife, to achieve immense power you had to sacrifice your hand, to be where you are you had to sacrifice comradery, the Dark Side always demands a price, always decrees to destroy which that one loves that is why the Sith are stronger, you know what must be done”

Warvanus weighed the specters words, they rang true to the tenants of the order as his thoughts turned to his Emperor the voice resumed
”You must destroy that which you love, you let yourself become attached, the Emperor does not share power”

Warvanus clenched his fist as he spoke for the first time since entering his own sanctum

”It cannot be done, it will end in my own death, but yes I have become attached, Finally an Emperor sits on the throne of skulls who is worthy , who provides me and my blade enemies to smite in his name, for the good of the Sith, Why would I ever want to betray my Emperor? An Emperor who feels more like a mentor, a brother”

He clenched his fist till his knuckles were white

”I WILL NOT DO IT!!!! He yelled his voice oozing with hatred and anger.

A being now stood before him it had taken a couple of steps towards the Warrior King. He had seen this Sith before once, and yet he was eternally connected to him, by blood.

His ancestor Darth Desectivus looked at his descendant, of all in his line it was Warvanus who made the long dead Sith Lord pleased in what he had become.

”Blood of my Blood you will do this, for if you don’t you will never shed the shackles that hold you back even now, it is not feats of power I speak but you have a great work ahead of you my son, and to be set on this path you must destroy your devotion to your Emperor there is no other way

Through Victory my Chains are Broken “

Warvanus was silent as Desectivus continued his employ to his descendant

”This will make the Sith stronger, either by you sitting on the throne of skulls or through your death”

He turned his back on the specter it was taking all his control to not unleash the dark side on the apparition but it would be as useful as emptying a sinking boat of water by using a paper cup. He had no choice. It was in this moment that he realized that he truly hated the Sith itself. What they become, what they were reduced to. Tormentous could change that and what he was being pressured to do by the Dark Side itself and by the Krath there was no escape. He narrowed his eyes and slowly turned around to cast the intruder from his sanctum only to find that he was once again alone… but the specter spoke one last time

”He is still out there, hunting you my son”

He ignored it but deep down that was the uneasiness he felt while on Khar Delba. His Progenitor was out there. He needed to destroy him once and for all. He just left his sanctum. Heading to no particular place in the citadel.

[Kell Sangros]

=3 WEEKS LATER=
The Farewell

The time was drawing near, the crossroads of his destiny were upon him and the path he was about to tread was not one he did so willingly for he knew the outcome and the consequences. He did not have time to explain it to her and maybe it was best he did not. But still it needed to be done. The Krath were right in their reasoning’s although he did not agree with it, He had setup the holographic message to respond to her touch her fingerprint. It was for her eyes and ears alone, he began to speak into the recorder.

”Kita, if you are seeing this I have most likely died. I am sure by now you have many questions, and during our brief time together I have never lied to you. So I hope you believe me when I say, the actions you have heard are probably true. I did challenge our Master for the throne against my better judgment and if you are seeing this then It is safe to assume that I have failed. I cannot go into what events brought me to this, but know that even in my death my only wish was to serve our Master. I had to be the one that did this as other forces are at work. Know that the Emperor is stronger for the outcome. My death I am sure made sure of that. Do not believe everything you may hear as I am know there are forces within and outside the glorious Sith Empire that seek to erode us especially from within. I have given you full access to my citadel, anything you wish to have that are inside my walls, are yours, and my library, use the library learn from the lore I have amassed learn and grow in power and formability in short this world, this citadel is now yours”

He paused here before continuing. He held up the dagger to the recorder.

“ This is another parting gift to you, this vibroblade I know you have one that was in need of repair, this one is fully functional, and it possesses fine craftsmanship, keep it on you and when you use it know my fighting spirit fights with you. For you have the potential to be great, greater than myself and dare I even say greater than the Emperor himself. If you ever need to center yourself the Tera Kasi temples are at your disposal they might even be able to reach me if by some miracle I still live. If I do not seek out the one called Tanum Po-Kal he was a Master who trained me in the arts of the Teras Kasi. He will help you just show him the emblem inside the vibroblade ”

He held up a datastick and a small emblem and inserted it into the handle of the vibroblade.

“ The emblem is my crest, show it to the Masters and they will welcome you for training and learning, especially the one who trained me, the datastick inside is a map to the temples that know me, and now it is time to bid you farewell my favorite student, It has been an honor in training you and you have surpassed every expectation. Of all who have come before me, you surpassed them all, My only regret is that I could not train you in the ways of the Force or bear witness on the mighty Sith you will become. Till we meet again”

With that the recorder turned off. He placed the dagger in an ornate box and laid it on the bed she used when she was at his citadel training. He laid the message on top of it. He withdrew one more item it was another datastick it was a backup of his digital library, and laid it on the bed. He hoped that his citadel would be spared, but he had planned to relocate his power base to Khar Delba but the Dark Side had other plans for the Warrior-King. If anything he was leaving this world, and his citadel to her. He did not know if she would be allowed to keep it, but there was no one else. Not even his apprentice that he now had suspicions about.

He walked to the door and looked about the room he had given her. Now this whole citadel was hers, He could only hope that she could hold it. With an air of finality he turned and left. He committed this sanctuary to memory for he knew the chances of walking its halls again were slim to none. Now he would walk the next part of his path, and either rise or meet the madness and darkness that awaited him in the void.

[Kita_Ikari]

Entering her room, Kita had went over to her weapons rack and set her vibrolance on it for the time being. She had entered her battle masters training room in hopes of learning some new techniques but quickly found it empty. She was confused at this since Warvanus had always usually been there when she arrived in the afternoon.

As she turned around she noticed something sitting on her bed. Walking over, she picked up the holographic recorder and examined it while quickly noticing a box underneath it. A part of her didn't have a good feeling about this since this all seemed odd and out of character.

Slowly pressing her index finger on the device, it had activated showing Warvanus as he started explaining the reasons for the recording. "Kita, if you are seeing this I have most likely died. A rock had hit in the pit of her stomach as she turned to sit on the mattress. "Dead?" Kita didn't want to believe that, but still felt a sadness develop within her. Warvanus was not one to easily kill.

"I am sure by now you have many questions, and during our brief time together I have never lied to you. So I hope you believe me when I say, the actions you have heard are probably true. I did challenge our Master for the throne against my better judgment and if you are seeing this then It is safe to assume that I have failed."

"WHAT!?!" The young Sith apprentice held the device tightly in her hands at this piece of information. Warvanus never seemed like the type to want the throne. Knowing he had challenged her master for the throne at all not only shocked her and feel deep sadness, but angered her as well. He was her masters right hand. Loyal in all aspects. "Why!? Why would you do that!?" She yelled to the device trying to hold back her tears. Of course it was the Sith way...he had been Lord Tormentous apprentice after all. But still...it didn't seem right.

"I cannot go into what events brought me to this, but know that even in my death my only wish was to serve our Master. I had to be the one that did this as other forces are at work. Know that the Emperor is stronger for the outcome. My death I am sure made sure of that. Do not believe everything you may hear as I am know there are forces within and outside the glorious Sith Empire that seek to erode us especially from within."

Indeed Kita knew anyone within the Sith empire could easily be planning to take over as the next Sith Lord and take out her Master and beloved Jacobi. She would do anything to keep him alive. Kita always did feel a deep sense of loyalty to those she loved and gave her all for them. Even if it killed her. Which to stay with Jacobi and help him, she was already doing that just by being trained by Tormentous himself. It was a cocktail of trouble and danger she was willing to take to see her Mandolorian happy and stay with him.

Quietly her Nexu pushed open her bedroom door with his nose and stuck his head in looking for his owner Kita. Sensing how upset she was, the nexu cub Warv had approached her and climbed up her leg to sit in her lap looking at her in curiosity before staring at the hologram she held. Kita placed a hand on the cub and began stroking his back as her battle master continued his message.

"I have given you full access to my citadel, anything you wish to have that are inside my walls, are yours, and my library, use the library learn from the lore I have amassed learn and grow in power and formability in short this world, this citadel is now yours.”

Mixed emotions. That's what she felt. Kita was happy to know at least from all of this there was something good coming from the awful news.Owning his Citadel gave her a place to run to if she needed solitude or a place to study and train while her Master was busy with his plans and solo missions. Kita never thought she would ever own a place of her own.

“This is another parting gift to you, this vibroblade I know you have one that was in need of repair, this one is fully functional, and it possesses fine craftsmanship, keep it on you and when you use it know my fighting spirit fights with you. For you have the potential to be great, greater than myself and dare I even say greater than the Emperor himself. If you ever need to center yourself the Tera Kasi temples are at your disposal they might even be able to reach me if by some miracle I still live. If I do not seek out the one called Tanum Po-Kal he was a Master who trained me in the arts of the Teras Kasi. He will help you just show him the emblem inside the vibroblade.”

That really done it. Hot tears fell down her face before wiping them away as she opened the box and picked up the vibroblade attaching it to her belt in a sheath. Kita didn't really think she would ever be able to meet up to Warvanus status. Much less her Master Lord Tormentous status. But it felt good to know someone believed in her at least. Kita's nexu licked her hand in response and she stared down at him giving her pet a pat on the head with a small smile to reassure him she would be ok.

“The emblem is my crest, show it to the Masters and they will welcome you for training and learning, especially the one who trained me, the datastick inside is a map to the temples that know me, and now it is time to bid you farewell my favorite student, It has been an honor in training you and you have surpassed every expectation. Of all who have come before me, you surpassed them all, My only regret is that I could not train you in the ways of the Force or bear witness on the mighty Sith you will become. Till we meet again.”

As the message turned off, Kita put the holo message in the ornate box and locked it before sighing and holding her nexu close. Obviously she was going to need to find the masters later on that taught Warvanus in order to finish her battle training and also take advantage of the library. Did the staff at this place even know she was set at the new owner? Possibly. If Warvanus left this note and everything, then it was certain he had already informed everyone else here that the care of the staff and his home were now Kita's. "Weird..."

A small smile broke on her lips as she recalled his praise to her achievements thus far. It wasn't a plan for her to join the sith at first, but everything she had experienced so far had indeed led her down this path of uncertainty. For whatever reason her destiny laid here whether it was for good or bad. It was just a feeling she had that never went away. The outcome of staying with the Sith was still a mystery of what was awaiting her in the future. But she knew now over these past several months and weeks training back and forth with Tormentous and Warvanus that this is where she was meant to be. Surely the same was for her battle master needing to take on the Sith lord himself.

Getting up, she cradled Warv in her left arm while holding the box in other. Approaching her weapons cabinet, she put the box inside and locked it while keeping the holo message with her for now. She would possibly need to make a copy of it in case it was stolen or damaged. With that done she grabbed the copy of his digital library datastick, setting it and the holo message in her pouch on her belt. The baby nexu mewed and purred as it looked up at her sweetly begging for food.

"Yea yea...i'll get you lunch you little monster. But afterwards we have got business to take care of." She said lowly as she thought about getting a copy made of the message and hidden away somewhere for safe keeping. With that she left the room and headed for the kitchens. It was going to be hard walking through these halls now knowing Warvanus was gone...

[Kell Sangros]

=One week prior=

Warvanus’ responsibility was to train Kita for battle, but in the end she needed more what he would teach her. She was the Emperor’s apprentice his chosen, but that would not stop him from what he was about to do. All the Force using Sith needed to be strong if the Sith Order was to not only survive but thrive. In that regard he would help in her training in the ways of the Force. The Emperor would either see his wisdom or he would not.

When Kita arrived he had her sit on the ground, in the Oasis, there he sat across from her. ” Today we are going to do something different” he began and before she could ask what he launched into the lesson.

“As you know, the Force is separated into three aspects, some call them heads, but they are all part of the same whole. With Sense you learned how to feel around you whether it was life, the force itself or a prickling in your perceptions warning you of danger. With Control you learned to take the surrounding energies around you and to bend them to your will, to control not only your own energy but the energy around you. The force is everywhere, and has a hand in everything” He let those words sink in before he came to the heart of the lesson

”Today I am going to teach you how to manipulate those energies, which is the heart of Alter, during my apprenticeship this was the single most difficult aspect for me to Master but in the end I did, With Alter you can move objects with just a thought” With that he had with Telekinesis willed the small stone in between them to rise six inches in the air as soon as he had done this it lowered with a controlled descent. He then held out a hand palm facing upward as he summoned the Dark Side (Force Lightning) his hand began to show the lightning dancing between his finger as if he was holding something to show.

“ With the marriage of the three aspects you can perform feats like this and other feats some consider unnatural” He gave a nod towards his hand , the lightning subsided from his hand as he once again placed it on his lap. Had he used his prosthetic one he would have shorted it out.

”What we are going to do today is we are going to open the door to you on the realm of Altering, what I want you to do is stretch out, touch the stone with the Force become familiar with it, and then I want you to try to make it rise, I do not expect you to but with practice and study you will. I want you to show me that you have the power to alter the force energy around the stone. Summon your most potent of emotions let the Dark Side fill you let its power flow through you, bend it to your will and once you do that bend the energy around this stone to your will”

He sat and watched as Kita would make this attempt.

OOC: Begin Alter Level 1 400 Word Count