[STORY] Udunn

[DarthVerus]

Udunn

For general information of Udunn, read here!

1049 ABY, 11th day of 11th month

Udunn, the hidden bastion of the Order of Bogan that was once found by the Sith Emperor prior to the Jedi-Sith Wars. Ever since, the barren world that was slowly tearing apart has acted as a safehome to the dark agents of the Force, with the sceptre being handed from the Sith to the newly founded order.

Around the Dark Citadel, forces of the Order of Bogan and the many servants of their grand deity had gathered for a celebration, their supposed day of reckoning and victory. Deep beneath the citadel, many servants of the Order worked tirelessly on experiments to further enhance the success of their god. In the orbit, an ancient station would rotate around the planet, waiting to be used...​

 

[DarthVerus]

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Hyperspace, 1049 ABY, nightfall, 11th day of 11th month, the reckoning​

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Listen as you read​

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As their cruiser left hyperspace, it would soon join Udunn’s orbit. Verus, with his apprentice, would pace across the corridors as he had abandoned his chambers. As he entered the hangar, he’d be met by a battalion of White Hand troopers that’d once again salute him as they did on Belsavis. The Mark IV Lambda -class shuttle was already prepared and waiting for Verus and his apprentice to board it. Verus took little time to ponder on anything else and walked forth with dictating poise, boarding the shuttle as he signaled the pilots to head for the Dark Citadel of Udunn. Their shuttle left the hangar and soon entered the planetary atmosphere of Udunn, the ancient bastion of the Sith and now the home of those who followed Bogan, the embodiment of the dark side of the Force itself. As the shuttle descended through the violent clouds and turbulent winds of the planet, it’d soon reach a dark, volcanic valley in the vicinity of the citadel, an enormous building composed of hundreds of needle-like towers. Verus stared directly at the warm sunset behind the citadel, embracing its beauty.​

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”I sense Lord Bogan already expects us, my apprentice. We shouldn’t waste time once we land.”​

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Verus spoke of Bogan as if of the highest authority in the entire universe, as he indeed was as of currently. Their shuttle would soon land on a platform that stood on the highest tower of the citadel, which was already crowded with servants of Bogan who had all come to salute Verus and his apprentice. These servants, wearing black robes and dark masks, were all lined up on each side of the platform. As their shuttle landed and the door would lay down for Verus and his apprentice to leave, they’d be met by roaring chants and applause. ”Verus, Verus, Verus, Verus, Verus…” was all that could be heard from the crowd, chanting as if in celebration. They celebrated the victorious return of their champion, the face of their order.​

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”Look on my works ye mighty, and despair."​

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Verus whispered silently, as he walked past the fanatic servants of their order. At the end of the platform stood a great door which opened as soon as he entered its vicinity, entering the grand throne room of their lord.​

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The throne room was dim, dark and gray. At the end of the room was a throne upon which a fragile, seemingly recovering man was sitting. However looks were deceiving in this case, as anyone who was attuned to the Force even in the slightest could feel the power that was anchored by the hooded, dark figure. It was as if the current of the dark side of the Force that flowed through the universe was anchored by him, as if acting as a conduit. God-like power that few possessed, the power to shape worlds and destroy them on a whim. However, this man, despite all his power, was incapable of using it. His body was incomplete, demanding something equally powerful to allow his powers to truly flourish.

He was attended by his confidants, scientists and generals that shaped the future of their order. On the right side of the stairs leading up to his throne stood his powerful envoy, spokesman, a man only known as the Voice of Bogan. And not far from him, stood a bodyguard that made sure that no one came too close to their liege. ”..Leave us.” Uttered the man on the throne, with a dry, ancient and a powerful tone. With his command, the confidants left the room as Verus walked to replace their position, kneeling and bowing as he reached the steps. He expected his apprentice to follow the suit.​

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”My lord.” ​

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Verus uttered with his head down, his tone was one of obedience and almost fear. ”..My friend, you may stand. You as well, Anathema.” Uttered the man on the throne, with a friendly but yet commanding tone. Verus stood up, bowing his head in respect while he retained his silence. ”You and your apprentice have done well. Once more you’ve returned victorious. I commend you. And I commend you as well, lady Anathema. I sense you’ve found conviction during your time on Belsavis, that is good.” the ancient man spoke, letting out a deep breath that could be felt almost through the entire room.​

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”My lord, soon our dreams will turn into frightening reality for all of our enemies.” ​

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Verus uttered obediently. The man sitting on his throne would chuckle softly, as he’d respond to Verus. ”Yes… However, the task ahead will not be simple. Few things escape my prescience, and I have foreseen that you, my friend, will have much to deal with.” The ancient man spoke, leaving Verus in wonder for a monent.​

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[LadyAnathema]

The moment the cruiser left the hyperspace and entered Udunn’s orbit, Anathema followed behind her master as they both paced across the corridors, entering the hangar where the white hand troopers saluted Verus and already prepared the Mark IV Lambda-class shuttle for them to board. She immediately matched Verus’ speed in boarding the shuttle as their shuttle took off after he signaled the pilots. As their shuttle left the hangar and started approaching Udunn she could see the warm-colored skies, dark clouds and volcanic aesthetic creeping closer to her vision. Honestly, she missed Udunn and was glad to get home. However, they were already expected, like her master sensed it she could sense it too, Bogan was awaiting their presence.

“Yes, Master.”

She knew it was of high importance to not keep Bogan waiting, he was of course their highest authority, something that Lord Verus always let her know the moment she was brought to Udun. The moment their shuttle landed on the highest tower in the citadel’s platform, an entire crowd had already been waiting outside the shuttle and she could hear their cheers and applause for her master. Anathema averted her eyes from the crowd and kept a straight posture, staring ahead of her the moment she started walking past the servants of their order, right behind her master. Not much longer, the cheerings were muted as she walked through the opening of the huge door, and that same door shut behind her and they were met by silence. They arrived in the throne room and it was as dark and gray as ever, fitting with the individual that sat on the throne at the end of the room.

She knew that his physique did not match the amount of power this man held, his looks would fool anyone. He was not alone in this room as he was attended by his personnel such as confidants, scientists, generals, a spokesman, and a bodyguard pretty much all of the important individuals within their order. The moment Bogan spoke, commanding his personnel to leave, she inched closer just beside Verus and imitated his movements. She too, kneeled and bowed down in front of Bogan, with her head lowered as much as possible to show immense respect.

Unlike Verus, she dared not to speak. In circumstances like these, she would only speak when spoken to as she feared to overstep, disrespect, or interrupt anything. The moment she was permitted to stand, she too, stood up still with her head bowed and avoiding eye contact with Bogan as she left the talking to her master for now.​

 

[DarthVerus]

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Lord Verus, Master of the Order of Bogan​

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1049 ABY, 11th day of 11th month, Udunn, the One Reborn​

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Listen as you read​

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Verus would look slightly taken aback as he’d quickly question the remarks of his master. He knew that there was a possibility of Jedi intervention, but he didn’t think of it as something that would prove problematic. He’d slain and captured many Jedi during his years in the servitude of the Order of Bogan, and so far none had proven a challenge.​

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“What have you foreseen, my lord? Is there more to the threat we’re facing?”​

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Verus uttered with interest, albeit his mask modulated his tone to be rather indifferent although that wasn’t the case. The ancient man sitting on his throne chuckled with his dry voice, as his laugh would echo through the throne room in a menacing manner. As the laughter came to an end, he’d let a deep breath out of his lungs as he’d proceed to speak. “My friend, echoes of your past. Your Jedi past will come to face you. I can not see who, or how, however.. I do see that your conviction will be challenged.” the ancient man would then use his arms to support himself to rise from his throne, using them as leverage to stand on his own legs. As he’d stand, he’d shift his sight from Verus to Anathema. To Bogan, she’d long been nothing but a pawn, much like Verus himself. However, his prescience had revealed something about her future that made him worry, albeit he didn’t admit it nor show any indications of fear before his servants. He’d seen her future, a future of chaos where she’d ascended to power equal to that of his kind. He’d try and stare right into her mind, using his might to see her intentions. However, more than likely, he’d see nothing.​

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He raised his head, revealing his face and his crimson, red eyes glistering through the darkness of the throne room. His eye color, facial features, the markings across his face, all of it indicated that he was much more than he let on. His expression was one of anger, however he resumed his nearly jovial facial expression. He’d once more speak, with a dry and an an ancient voice. "I see much in your future, lady Anathema. You will make your master proud, I am sure. Now my friends, time is of essence. Leave, the Star Forge awaits its inevitable rebirth." he commanded his servants and dismissed them on their duties, as he'd once more sit on his throne. With Verus hearing his lord, he'd promptly respond to his command.​

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"Yes, my lord."​

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With Bogans command, Verus turned around and began walking forward to leave the throne room and return to their shuttle. As he walked out of the throne room, he turned his head towards his apprentice as he spoke.​

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"He tried to hide it, my apprentice. But he fears your destiny, as he should. I've always taught you to be more than a Jedi or a dark warrior, my apprentice. Hence, we must resume your training as we take command of the Star Forge. That is the first step... Towards the inevitable."​

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[LadyAnathema]

While her face remained stoic and expressionless, she felt internally taken aback when Bogan foresaw that they might face more trouble than expected. Of course, Master Verus had warned her that the upcoming events would cost them more caution and cause a hiccup, but she never thought they posed more of a threat than her master did. Anathema became even more confused once Bogan was asked about his vision, and his first response was menacing laughter that echoed through the room, something that made her feel rather uneasy. As much as she wanted to exchange looks with her master for a second, she remained with her head slightly lowered. Based on the following words Bogan shared with them, it seemed that the Jedi they would face would be connected to her master's past life… perhaps they would face someone he had a close connection with. Anathema knew of his past comrades' existence. Verus was pretty open about his past as a Jedi, so she knew their names, but she never guessed that any of his comrades survived that day.

The Jedi did not remain the focus of her thoughts for much longer. Her head which was once lowered, slightly rose so she directly looked at Bogan who was looking back at her. The fragile-appearing man, who was once sitting was now standing and staring intensively at her. Her body language revealed her slowly becoming a little uneasy, mostly because of the silence in the room and the unexpected attention to herself. She could not tell whether the staring was negative or positive, and she truly wanted to remain on their leader's good side for multiple reasons. Her facial expressions no longer remained controlled as her eyes widened the moment Bogan's face was revealed, as it was the first time she had seen his face and his following words made her even more surprised. He had seen her future, and knowing that in this future she made her master proud made her feel slightly proud in that moment as well, even though she might not even be close to that future yet. Her eyes lit up only for a few seconds before her face returned to her stoic expression as it was time for them to leave the room. She too, responded to his command before she turned around to leave the throne room.

“Yes, my lord.”

With that said, the moment they had left the throne room as they made their way to their shuttle she turned to Lord Verus who spoke to her and revealed the truth of Bogan’s vision. It left her quite puzzled, but it explained why things felt so… intense and awkward.

“Yes, master, especially with our warnings of the Jedi… I am excited to resume training. Back in the throne room, did he try to read my mind?”​

 

[DarthVerus]

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Lord Verus, Master or the Order of Bogan​

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1049 ABY, 11th day of 11th month, Udunn, the Witch​

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Listen as you read​

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Verus walked forth, slowly but with reassured poise and air about him. He was certain that his plans would eventually come to fruition. The only person he had to convince, however, was his apprentice. And for that reason, he’d take her to meet a certain ancient witch before departing into orbit to finally enact the next phase of their plan and most importantly—Anathema’s training. Verus smiled beneath his mask, with warmth, as he listened to his apprentice. He did sense the worry in her, but it wasn’t her that should be worried.​

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”Yes, my apprentice. I sensed that he tried to look into your mind, to see whether you’re plotting against him. His prescience is powerful, he has seen a future where you’ve reached great power. And that is the future that awaits us, my apprentice. I wish you to see it yourself. That you are inevitable.” ​

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Verus spoke with almost a gentle, however, determined tone. He expected his apprentice to follow him as he entered their shuttle, as he’d order the pilots to fly to an alternative coordinate.​

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”Take us to the caves of Nürn.”​

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He commanded the pilots as he then turned to his apprentice, resuming to speak.​

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”I will take you to the Red Witch of Nürn. She’s an oracle, an ancient prescient being that has lived here for thousands of years, longer than us. You will then see your inevitable future, the future that changes all. On Belsavis, I promised you that the shackles of fate would be broken once our plans will come to fruition. That future is what breaks them. I am certain of it.”​

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Verus uttered, as the shuttle took off to carry them into the arid wilderlands of Nürn—a place where those adjacent to the Order of Bogan rarely went. It was an ancient ground where the Sith of old often went to delve into the truths of the dark side of the Force, and one festered by gigantic spiders. He’d never taken Anathema there before. However, as the reckoning was on their hands, he believed it was time for her know more about herself, and moreso, her future.​

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[LadyAnathema]

The reveal of a vision about her brought excitement to her, but also, striked some nerves within her. She knew that she was always trained for something far different rather than just serving the order of Bogan, in the end, she truly served Lord Verus before Bogan. That is how she was wired to think, in other words, it was how she was raised. She still found it hard to believe, because the potential seen within her many years ago would now be reality… she just did not know WHEN she would become powerful in this reality. And it seemed that Bogan, who desperately wanted to reach into her mind to find that same answer, could not find anything. Now, it was time for her to take the first steps toward their goals and she was according to both Bogan and Verus… inevitable.

“I did think I sensed something trying to intrude on my mind, now I realize it was not just anxiety or anything.”

Anathema followed him to the shuttle and entered it, it seemed to be the next location that would be the start of her training. Or so, that is what she thought at first. As her master ordered the pilots to take them to the caves of Nürn, she looked quite puzzled because this was not the location they were supposed to go.

“Changes of plans, Master?”

She responded with surprise to the new coordinates. That is when Verus explained to her, where they would be going next and what they would do at that location. Anathema was going to be exposed to her future through the Red Witch of Nürn, but her information about the witch was nonexistent. This was the first time she ever learned about her existence.

“The Red Witch of Nürn? Who exactly is this woman… and how is she still alive under the influence of Lord Bogan?”

Anathema would think that a powerful individual like that could potentially be a threat to Bogan, so either she served under him or would be wiped out. This would be the first time however, she would ever go to meet her or let alone travel to Nürn. She had no idea what awaited her other by the things she was told. However, she surely was excited to see the future her.​

 

[DarthVerus]

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Lord Verus, Master of the Order or Bogan​

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1049 ABY, nightfall, 11th day of 11th month, Udunn, the Witch, the Deity and the Prophecy​

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Listen as you read​

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The shuttle flew in the upper atmosphere of the planet, with the desolate ranges of Nürn being located on the far side of the planet, the northern hemisphere as opposed to the Dark Citadel which lay far in the south. Between them were the many long dead oceans that now lacked water or barely any flora or fauna at all. If one was to look out of the passenger’s windows, there would be little to see. A ruin of what once was. That was the influence the dark side of the Force had on the planet, or on life itself. When there is no inbetween or balance, the cycle of life itself loses its virtue and function. But that wasn’t of essence yet, or important to their cause as of now. However, seeing how the Sith and now Bogan affected the order of all existence, Verus sought to prevent it from occurring. He also, however, saw that Ashla and the Jedi alone were equally dangerous because for as long as they existed, the dark side would always find a way to return to meet them. They prevented life itself from evolving and developing out of its own choice, hence something else was required. A reset, as he viewed it. He listened to his apprentice as he smiled beneath his mask, recalling their meeting with Bogan. She began to understand the grand scheme of things.​

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”Your instincts didn’t fail you, my young apprentice. And no, this was part of my plan, but not Bogan’s. I warn you now, my apprentice. Now that he does view you as a threat, we must play our cards well and not reveal them until the very end. I’ve played this game with him for over a decade. We’re well ahead, however we must not underestimate him. His prescience is indeed powerful, he is immensely powerful as it is. However his hubris prevents him from seeing the entirety of things. His hubris will also be his downfall.” ​

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Verus spoke with confidence, but with slight worry. He knew he could trust the pilots and that they wouldn’t report any of such things forward as they were his personnel, however he’d never dare to speak of such things within the premises of the Dark Citadel. Even now, he was careful that his thoughts and emotions were under control, sharp as ever. For as long as they were on Udunn, there was a risk of Bogan sensing them. He sensed that this turn of events perhaps even gave more confidence to his apprentice, which is what he wished for her. However, only the visions of the Red Witch of Nürn would confirm her future.​

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”The Red Witch of Nürn is merely a folkname, what most know her as. Her true name is Vanna, a powerful nightsister who was banished into exile over a thousand years ago and has lived here since, far before our order occupied this world. She is allowed to live, for as long as she doesn’t stand in Bogan’s way. She is powerful, however far from capable of standing against Bogan on her own. I have provided her protection and supplies during my years here, while she has provided me with knowledge and visions. She foresaw me finding you on Onderon, all those years ago.”​

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Verus spoke with wisdom and knowledgeable poise. He however withheld much about his relationship to the witch—that they were in fact far more than mere confidants to one another. But that was something he still held close to his heart, and wouldn’t risk revealing such knowledge even to his apprentice. The shuttle would then begin its descent and finally land near the entrance to the cave systems of Nürn, located deep within the mountains. As the hydraulic door would open, Verus would step outside the shuttle as he’d stare into the abyss of the cave entrance.​

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”We will not take long, keep the engines warm.”​

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He ordered the pilots to wait, as he’d then slowly begin to walk into the caves. As he began walking, he looked over his shoulder as he expected his apprentice to follow.​

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”Be wary, my apprentice. Keep your lightsaber close. Those caves are inhabited by beasts, and they do not enjoy intruders.”​

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[LadyAnathema]

As their shuttle flew in the upper atmosphere of the planet anything recognizable to Anathema disappeared from her sight. For the longest of the travel, the only view was dead waters that separated the Dark Citadel from Nürn. Her eyes occasionally fell upon the passenger windows, she wanted to take in a new environment just out of interest and curiosity. Despite all her years of living on this planet, she only knew so little of this planet. Which is ironic, because she has had the opportunity to travel through tiny bits of other planets. The lack of any living being on this part of the planet, was mostly due to the events that happened before her existence… it was tragic in a way. Back to the conversation between her and her master, he revealed that now because she had been viewed as a threat it was important for them to be careful around Bogan. She understood what he meant by that very well because the slightest slip-up could mean bad things for her and her master as well.

“That is true. I ought to be more careful from now on.”


She figured that while this meant something great for their plans, another type of risk would come along with it. She could no longer remain in the shadows and would no longer be viewed as one of the many individuals who worked under Bogan’s rule. This change will be even greater than she would ever think it to be, in both positive and negative aspects. Her eyes wandered around the shuttle and lingered for a second on the pilots. She heard a hint of worry in her master's tone because she figured that the warning was not only about Bogan but also about the way they spoke and what they were speaking of. She tried her best to avoid certain phrases and remained neutral and collected for the most part.

Whenever she switched the topic and asked about the Red Witch of Nürn, it was revealed that her true name was Vanna, a nightsister who was banished over a thousand years ago. Anathema was genuinely interested in her existence, mostly because she was still alive today and if it was not for her vision to her master, little Anyshah would probably be stuck in that horrible village today… or perhaps in an even worse position than that.

“I never knew things were set in stone like that… fate truly is powerful.”

Anathema followed behind Verus once the hydraulic door opened. She then saw the dark abyss of the cave entrance, and she too, started walking into the caves at an unhurried pace. She then listened to her master's warning about the beasts that roam and live in these caves. Tightening her loosened the grip on the lightsaber, however, she did not enable her transmitters just yet.
“...Lovely…”, She remarked sarcastically but in a soft tone. It is not like she was afraid or anything, but she found humor in the sense that things were never going to be chill during their excursions.​

 

[DarthVerus]

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Lord Verus, Master of the Order of Bogan​

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1049 ABY, nightfall, 11th day of 11th month, Udunn, the ghosts of Nürn​

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Listen as you read​

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Verus took silent, careful steps as he walked deeper into the caves. As the light of the world outside waned, he reached out for the hilt of his lightsaber with his right hand. As he’d done so, he’d lay his right arm at his side as his emitter would be angled down to point the ground at thirty degrees in comparison to the rest of his body as he’d ignite his crimson blade, releasing a violently crackling sound prior to settling to its calming hum. As he’d walk forward, he’d retain his usual calm and cold aura. He only looked forward, disregarding what could or could not lurk behind them—he trusted in his instincts and the tells of the Force entirely. He instructed his apprentice to do the same, using this opportunity to train her.​

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”Trust in your instincts, and the Force. Do not bother yourself with what you hear or see. If you let your senses be immersed, no threat will come as a surprise.” ​

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As Verus spoke, his distorted and modulated voice echoed within the vast maze of caves and tunnels. And it quickly became obvious that his voice wasn’t the only one haunting this maze. Whispering sounds, as if coming from the walls themselves, began echoing all across and it was certain that his apprentice would be able to hear them as well. Witchcraft, the presence of nightsister magick was evident. These haunting voices were soon followed by the appearance of a dark green mist that seemed to permeate through the cave in its entirety.​

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”This is her doing, do not let yourself be distracted. Dathomirian magick, keep your mind in the present. They’re masters of deceit and illusion.”​

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Verus kept walking, and while he retained his sanity and clarity—he was worried that his apprentice might be challenged. Soon, amongst the mist, apparitions would emerge. Soldiers, former comrades, his former master—all of whom he discarded. However, one of them stood out even to Verus, an apparition of his former Jedi apprentice: Jeh’Kant kai. The apparitions were personal, and not for others to see. It was likely that Anathema would face demons of her own in her path. He saw the apparition of Jeh’Kant in disarray, as if being a child lost. ”Master, why did you send me away? Master!” The illusion was indeed impressive, but with the guidance of the Force, Verus knew it to be a mere illusion.​

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”I repeat, do not get distracted. If you do, it will lead to death.” ​

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Verus uttered, as he began hearing crawling and dozens of steps echoing from a distance, halting his step and movement as if immediately. All of the sudden, from amongst the mist, dozens of undead soldiers and cultists would emerge—all running towards him and his apprentice in erratic fashion. As the first of the undead soldiers would reach Verus’ position, he would slash his in upward fashion as his blade was pointed down—cutting through the soldier, slashing him in half without effort. As the next two would come, he’d halt both of their movements with the power of the Force—stopping them in their tracks before slamming them into the wall. However, far more would come and suddenly the crawling that he heard before were enormous spiders, native to the caves of Udunn. Dozens of them would close in on from behind their position, attacking his apprentice while the undead would attack from the front: effectively surrounding them.​

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”Stand your ground! Use the Force as your weapon, fight the spiders with lightning!” ​

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Verus commanded his apprentice, bracing for combat.​

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[LadyAnathema]

Anathema walked behind her master cautiously, almost tip-toeing to lower the sounds of her feet hitting the ground and potentially making any rustling sounds that may invite and bring unwanted creatures to them. The deeper they wandered through the cave, the darker it became, yet she walked forward without any struggle. She showed no fear of the dark, she believed that these beasts despite how dangerous they were would prove how dangerous she could be too. Then, she moved the arm wielding the emitter to her side as she ignited the crimson blades on each side. Once more the cave was filled with a loud crackling sound because of the blades being enabled. Anathema copied her master's poise and she too, trusted in her instincts as he guided her to do so.

“Yes, master.”

I must let my senses be immersed, what is happening around me is not relevant… only the Force. Anathema closed herself off for a moment trying to fully connect with the force and let her senses be influenced by instincts. As their voices echoed through the caves and tunnels, what soon seemed to be their voices revealed whispers of others. This is witchcraft…? She thought to herself as she saw a dark mist spreading through the cave and surrounding them. Her master confirmed indeed that it was witchcraft, dathomirian magick to be exact. This was no time for distractions, she allowed herself to remain in the present as her master told her to be.

“I will not allow her to distract me.”

Not once did she halt in her tracks, as she kept on walking down the path behind her master as she ignored any of the whispers that could potentially distract her. Although, these whispers tried so desperately to catch her attention, through many voices and many images. Amongst the mist, she would see faceless people staring right at her. Of course, they were not entirely faceless, but their faces were blurry to Anathema. Though their clothes were too familiar, ah yes… the people of her village from back then. She could only hear yelling and shouting all with angered and fear-induced tones. “You are a monster!”, “You should have never been born!”, “You will be the death of us all”, “It is all your people’s fault!”, “You do not deserve to have a name!”. She could hear these screams all at once, and over and over again. She heard sentences like these many times as a child, and she would have thought they would get to her like they did back then, but right now she felt mostly numb. The voice of her master stood out and was the clearest to hear, reminding her once more that these were just illusions.

“These illusions are so aggravating.”


Just like that, the shouting and yelling had stopped and these villagers were all replaced by these undead soldiers and cultists who barged at her and her master, to attack them. The moment these individuals got close to Anathema, she spun her blades in a slight circular motion, with a swing toward two of the soldier's necks, beheading the two of them in the process. Then, going for the next two she swung in a circular motion at one of the soldiers horizontally, slicing through the upper and lower body of the undead soldier and right after raising her blades in the air as she sliced downwards through half of the other soldier. That is when she heard the crawlings of the enormous spiders who closed in on their position about to attack Anathema first.

“So disgusting! I did not expect them to look like that!”

She made an expression of disgust while she raised her free hand and directed it in the way of the approaching spiders. From her palms, traveling through her fingertips she unleashed a discharge of electrical energy and aimed it at the closest spiders from the front. As these spiders were about to pounce on her they were electrocuted midair and fell harshly to the floor, briefly blocking the spiders that followed behind them and it brought Anathema some time to create the distance between, bracing for battle as well.​

 

[DarthVerus]

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Lord Verus, Master of the Order of Bogsn​

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1049 ABY, nightfall, 11th day of 11th month, Udunn, the ghosts of Nürn​

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Listen as you read​

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The cave corridor was utterly closed, with the dozens turning quickly into hundreds. The flood of the undead seemed to have no end, and the beastly spiders were just the same. Verus spun and swung about gracefully like almost a dancer, his lightsaber appearing like a blurry crimson flame as he dispatched one dead after another but to little avail. The more he managed to defeat, the more would come. He looked over his shoulder to see his apprentice fight the spiders with all her might, but they were indeed cornered. It all began to feel familiar, eerily familiar. His senses became distraught for but a fraction of a millisecond, and it felt as if his entire world shifted around him. “Jeh’Kant…” he heard within the depths of his mind, despite not even thinking of it. “Is this an illusion? No… It’s… It’s that battle.” He thought to himself as the dark walls of the cave suddenly turned bright white. He was no longer in the cave at all, but in a corridor between a hangar bay and a blown blast door which led to another corridor, filled by Tengean sentinels on each side of the corridor. The floor was filled by dead bodies of troopers who had fought hard for the Galactic Alliance, however their fight turned out to be nothing but a massacre. Him and his apprentice were surrounded, back to back—with nowhere left to go.​

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1032 ABY, 11th day of the 11th month, Ambush in the Lothal Sector​

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”Master, we can get through! I see our ship!” Cain heard his padawan screaming, while he, already exhausted from the battle that had raged on for hours without end. The Tengeans boarded their ship through their boarding pods, effective in that they breached the hull of the ship itself in order to board squadrons worth of soldiers. They had sent hundreds of them to target the many sections of their battleship, the Vermillion, a Mark IX Starhawk -class cruiser. The assault rendered most of the operating systems of the ship broken, making them incapable of fleeing. It was a tactic that the Tengeans had employed well during their campaign. Cain spun and swung his lightsaber through the assaulting sentinels, however it seemed that their influx wouldn’t stop at all. As he looked over his shoulder, he saw his apprentice fighting valiantly, however he knew he had to find a solution quickly. The Tengeans wouldn’t stop coming, and the chances of them both making it were slimming down by the second. For a split second, he immersed his senses into the Force and allowed it to flow through him like a wild river. He reached out his right hand out towards the direction of his apprentice while still holding his lightsaber between his thumb and the ring finger, and his left hand towards the direction of the broken blast door.​

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”Run Jeh’Kant! You have to leave, now!” ​

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He screamed, as suddenly the Tengean sentinels as if froze in their advance—with Cain holding hundreds of them in place. He allowed his apprentice a short timeframe to make it to their ship, as he couldn’t hold it out for long.​

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Present day, the Caves of Nürn​

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Verus was positioned identically to how he was during that fateful day on the Vermillion, except that now instead of holding the spiders and the undead in their place—he’d release a violent current of crimson lightning that bypassed the position of his apprentice, leaving her unharmed. And instead of ordering Anathema to run—he asked her to fight with him.​

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”Anathema, feed on your emotions! Join your lightning with mine!” ​

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He commanded his apprentice, as his lightning would surge on and pierce hundreds of their foes at once in an attempt to stop their advances.​

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[DarthVerus]

TIME UPDATE​

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The galactic standard day turns to the 12th day of the 11th month, with Life Day celebrations beginning to take place across the Core Worlds and other minor populations across the galaxy.​

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[LadyAnathema]

There seemed to come no end to the incoming threats that attacked her and her master without hesitation. Who knows how long the two of them have been fighting against the spiders and the undead? Anathema, opposing her master's movements, moved with agility, similar to a ballerina but with more aggressiveness. It was the way she always fought, and there was no lie there was a small part where she enjoyed swaying her lightsaber around in the most file and gruesome ways to get rid of the numbers that attacked them. There was no use, however, with every spider or soldier she slashed through the more of them increased from the back as if they were multiplying. Her master too, fought with everything he had, and yet the two of them were cornered.

“I don’t see us getting out of this any time soon Master… what do we do?”

She questioned her master, when she looked over at him she saw him distraught and he seemed disconnected for only a moment.

“Master?!”

She shouted with a hint of worry, trying to get him out of the trans he seemed to be in.

After her shout, everything she knew to be reality was altered, and the dark and crowded area they were in was gone along with the spiders and undead. For only a moment she found herself face to face with a woman, a woman she could not quite analyze what her features were as her face was pretty blurry. That woman's skin color, however, resembled Anathema’s own. The entire room remained a blur but filled with bright lights that only brought the blurry face into focus no matter how much her eyes averted from the woman's face. That same room was filled with the echoed hummings that came from the woman’s lips, but it was hard to recognize what melody was hummed in the first place. Then, the humming stopped and she could hear a soft high-pitched voice speaking to her. “Anyshah… We will leave you soon.” The woman's voice sounded shaky, perhaps filled with frustration and despair, these were not the only words the woman shared with her but she felt as if she started to lose connection to this environment. Was this an infant memory? Anathema could not quite comprehend what this flashback meant, why it popped up now, and what it meant. She guessed this was the departure of her and her caregiver. To this day, she never found out what happened to them… or why she was alone in all these years, so why now? It seemed so irrelevant.

Anathema’s eyes lost vision as her eyelids closed, and the moment she opened her eyes again she was brought back to reality… the cave. She stood near her master, as the distance between them got closed even more because they were pushed back so much. Did she black out for a moment? Was this the night sisters doing as well, or was this something completely unrelated? She was overall surprised that she remained unharmed in the short time she was detached from reality. Then, she heard her master, who snapped out of his trance as he released a violent crimson of lightning that targeted all their enemies aside from her. He asked her to combine her lightning with his and so, she did exactly that.

“Yes, Master!”

Anathema released a violent wave of lightning that strengthened her masters, her lightning was filled with rage, and any intent to hurt their enemies only worsened the electricity shocks.​

 

[DarthVerus]

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Lord Verus, Master of the Order of Bogan​

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1049 ABY, midnight, 12th day of 11th month, Udunn, the ghosts of Nürn​

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Listen as you read ​

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After the thunderous barrage of lightning, the cave was only filled with smoke and debris and by the looks of it, the onslaught had ended as the green mist seemingly dispersed and faded away. Verus walked on top of the corpses that had just attacked them, still cautious in case they reanimated once more. However, it did seem that they were no longer controlled by the dathomirian magick—something he could deduce through the Force alone. He turned his head slightly over his shoulder, looking at his apprentice.

“They are no longer a threat. You did well, my apprentice.”

Verus spoke with certainty and calmness in his voice as he began marching forward, expecting his apprentice to follow the suit. He only wondered as to why the witch seemed so cautious and attacked them, given that him and her were very familiar. However, he believed he knew the answer. He had brought along a guest, something the witch likely didn’t prefer. And, he knew there was far more than her own life that the witch defended these days, and his own presence might’ve agitated her as he hadn’t visited her in quite a while. He however left the speculation aside.

“As you see, witches of Dathomir are very powerful and not to be taken lightly. They wield the Force in a way unlike us, they can reanimate the dead, conjure powerful illusions, among many other things. Not unlike your kind, they once came to our galaxy from a distant world. They were among the first to ride the purrgil, and traveled between galaxies.”

Verus spoke, lecturing his apprentice on the dathomirian witches and past. As he walked forward, he noticed a small stream of water that flowed alongside the walls of the cave—that stream would lead them to the right cavern, most certainly. As he walked forward, they’d soon come across an entrance to the witches’ lair. It differed from the rest of the cave complex entirely, as it contained flora and even fauna of different kinds—birds, insects of vast plethora. It held constructs, statues of Great Mothers of past days and a home built into the stone walls of the cave itself. The fauna weren’t native to the planet, that was certain. It hosted a pond of water, and a stream which all appeared to be pristine and clean. It had vegetation of all kinds, with trees filled with fruits and various other consumables being grown in the cavern. And by the edge of the pond, sat a beautiful, mystifying woman with dark hair and red eyes. She wore traditional nightsister robes of black and red, and her forehead was marked with an insignia of her kind. It was Vanna, the Red Witch of Nürn. She gazed at Verus with almost as if anger, however, with uneasy warmth. As if love, perhaps.​

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“Vanna.”

Verus uttered with gentleness and warmth, greeting the nightsister with a gentle bow of his head as he began walking forward slowly as he breathed in the atmosphere of the cavern. As he walked, the witch responded to him fiercely.

“Did we not agree on you never bringing others here? If you wonder why you had to fight, it was because you broke that agreement. And… You were meant to visit me earlier, two months ago to be exact. You’ve broken our trust.”

She spoke with conviction and fierceness to her voice. Her tone was soft, seducing even, however rough. She had an accent that differed largely from his own, with it being notable that she was indeed born on Dathomir. Verus kept walking as he seemed confident enough to approach her despite her anger—as if being used to it. It was clear that their encounters were rather frequent, and the two had worked together in the past for many times.

“I apologize, my lady. I’ve brought Anathema, my apprentice. I have come to ask for you to look into her future, with the threads of destiny.”

Verus uttered as he introduced his apprentice to the witch.​

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[LadyAnathema]

It was over. Moments ago, the undead and spiders were being electrocuted by not only her master but Anathema herself, and right now there was no sense of life left of them. The cave reeked of smoke and debris and the green mist faded away. Anathema let out a sigh of relief the moment the green mist faded away and she could no longer sense any violent intentions from their now-defeated enemies. At that same moment, her master confirmed them to no longer be a threat to them and was told that she did well. She smiled proudly to herself for a moment, only to return to her poker face right after because they had to go on.

“Thank you, master.”

She spoke with gratitude and pride in her voice. She then followed after her master once he began marching forward. Still, she remained cautious hoping not to trigger something that brings the dead back to being undead. However, nothing of the sort happened as they continued on their way to the witch of Dathomir. During their walk, her master lectured her about the witches of Dathomir, and Anathema listened to him with fascination.

“Amazing, I never would have thought the Force was capable of sorcery like this. These witches are not to be messed with.”

She admired them truthfully, something about magic was very interesting to her even though she never really knew why that was. Then, as they got closer to the witches’ lair she noticed how the environment slowly started to change from its grim and dark atmosphere to a more lively and nature-based one. There were various sorts of animals, one that looked far from terrifying, flora, greens, and even beautiful architecture such as statues. She was starting to think they were on a completely different planet for a second. Then, she could see a woman near a pond. As beautiful as Anathema thought she was, the witch’s anger was overwhelmingly present and it made the young apprentice halt in her movements for once. Usually, Anathema did not care to cross boundaries and felt confident in doing whatever she pleased but she felt it would not end well for her if she disrespected this witch in any form. She was kind of afraid of the woman. Shit… she looks like she could stone the both of us right here and there! …Maybe if I don’t talk or move she’ll just let out the anger on Master Verus… yeah he’s got it! She thought to herself.

Anathema stayed back a huge distance from her master and ‘Vanna’, but still in view distance for the both of them. She honestly wanted to remain silent for the time, but when her master mentioned why she was brought along she felt Vanna’s gaze on her and it forced her to say something. “Yes… I uhh… I would like to see my future!” She uttered shyly, and quite submissively which is a very unusual tone she would normally use. Please… don’t kill me! ​

 

[DarthVerus]

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Lord Verus, Master of the Order of Bogan​

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1049 ABY, nightfall, 12th day of 11th month, Udunn, the ghosts of Nürn​

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Listen as you read​

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Verus stood in silence, and while he didn’t even look at his apprentice he could feel her nervousness and lack of ease in the presence of the revered nightsister. He wasn’t surprised, Vanna was a woman unlike she’d ever met—she held remarkable power in her grasp, intimidating power. The bond between a master and an apprentice was similarly powerful, through the Force he could sense and feel almost every emotion and thought that went through her mind. As such, he could also do the same in reverse—instead of reading her mind, he reached to her through the Force to soothe her mind and calm her down by projecting his calmness onto her. He wasn’t her father, but he indeed tried to be as much like a father as he could. Something he’d done many times before when she was faced by fear or had delved too far into her rage. Although they wielded the dark side of the Force, Verus had taught her not to wield her emotions blindly or without rationale to stabilize it. All of this happened in utmost silence and in but a fraction of a moment. As this transpired, his apprentice had just introduced herself to the witch. Vanna looked at her with intrigue, with her crimson gaze as if vying to peer through his apprentice. She slowly stood up as a soft grin appeared across her lips, beginning to walk towards her through the pond.

”Ah, so I finally meet you. I foresaw your master finding you…”

The nightsister spoke with almost a soothing, but nonetheless a threatening tone. She had barely taken but a couple steps during her speech as her body suddenly dispersed into a cloud of green mist, spreading across the water. Almost in the same instant, she reappeared right behind Anathema—nearly touching her skin as she was inhaling the scent of her hair, walking around her as the nails of her right hand crawled across her arm as the witch walked around her, circling to stand face to face right in front of her. Verus knew that this would disturb his apprentice, maintaining his connection to her as he spoke to her through the Force, soothing and calming her. ”Remain calm, my apprentice. Be present, do not mind her.” He reassured her as he stood still next to his apprentice, remaining silent during as the nightsister measured Anathema.

”Interesting… Fragile, certainly not strong in the Force. And yet… When I look at you, I see limitless power in your future. I will grant your wish, girl.”

As Vanna spoke now, her voice was polyphonic in tone as if a thousand nightsisters spoke through her. She sounded terrifying, and her presence in the Force was equally terrifying. Her eyes turned entirely pitch black, from her irides to her sclerae, as she now reached for Anathema’s forehead with the index finger of her right hand. As her finger tip made contact with Anathema’s forehead, she could feel as if all flow of time momentarily flowed through her—the threads of time, of past, present, and future. In Anathema’s mind’s eye, she couldn’t see anything but blur until some images formulated and became almost as if real, nearly tangible. A dark, pitch black hole amidst, surrounded by a field of debris.​

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In the vision, Anathema would approach it, without minding the void of space as if being utterly unaffected by it. She’d then use the Force to rip the hole apart, releasing countless legions of eldritch, ancient creatures into space with Anathema leading them to war. The next image contained Anathema soaking herself in water from a container, and drinking from another container—turning and transforming her into something more than a mere, mortal Force-sensitive. And the last image showed her standing triumphant over Bogan’s corpse. After these images were shown, Vanna suddenly collapsed as her grip on Verus’ apprentice ceased. She sat on the floor, as if cold from sweat. The vision did demand much of her power, it seems. And it certainly unsettled her. She gazed at Verus in disbelief, and almost as if sadness. She gathered her breath, and slowly stood back up to her feet as she continued to stare at Verus.

”She will bring chaos. She.. The threads of fate and destiny have spoken.”

She spoke as if she was trembling, turning away as she slowly walked back to the pond. Verus followed her, almost as if in worry.

”Vanna, you must rest.”

Verus remarked with tenderness and care, as he followed her to sit on the rocks she had sat on before. He undressed his coat, putting it over Vanna’s shoulders as he saw her distress, and moreso, he felt something within Vanna that weakened her. He hadn’t seen her in such a state ever before, and he only knew one thing that could lead one to such a state. He turned to his apprentice briefly, also worrying for her as such a vision could disorient anyone, whether one wielded the Force or not.

”Apprentice, are you alright?”

Verus spoke, as he turned his sight and focus back on Vanna.​

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[LadyAnathema]

While her exterior stance and expression might not completely betray how she felt on the inside, if it was up for Anathema to tell everything from her own point of view she was visibly shaking in her boots. Of course, this was only her anxiety making everything seem even worse than it actually was. That is until she felt a shift. All of a she found tranquility and comfort, that was not developed on her own. It was her master calming her through her the Force. And suddenly she felt at ease and nothing seemed frightening any longer. In times like these she felt grateful that she was under her master’s care, even though the two were not family through blood, Lord Verus is the closest thing she ever had to a parental figure. Of course she would never say that out loud, or refer to him anything other than her master. Even though, she knew that he was aware of how she felt because they were connected through the Force.

Right after she calmed down by the help of her master, Vanna replied back to her as she made her way to Anathema. A grin appeared on her face, and her mood as a whole seemed to shift as she no longer seemed to hold any anger to them but rather intrigued. Although that did not erase any intimidation from the woman, as Anathema picked up her threatening tone beneath the smoothness. In the blink of an eye her physical body faded into mist and soon would reappear behind Anathema. The young apprentice remained still and steady in her position. She trusted to be in good hands, after all this was someone her master protected which meant she was to be trusted. She kept herself calm and collective like her master advised her to be and completely surrendered to the night sister for her to do her work.

Vanna was measuring her up it and just when Anathema thought she could not get any scarier she could her voice echoing in her head, although in actuality it was because there were many other voices to be heard. It was al she heard and from the moment she felt Vanna’s finger on her forehead everything went blurry. That is until certain images were imprinted into her mind, through the Force of the night sister. Anathema lost touch to reality and all she could see, feel even, was her flying through that formed image as she approached the red circle even closer. Inside that red circle, was a pitch black hole that ripped apart once Anathema came in close contact with it. From then on, the first image; herself on the front fields leading a dozen of soldiers to war. The next one, she saw herself being soaked into water from an container and drinking water from another container as this led to a transformation into something the current she could never understand was even possible. Something beyond mortality. And the last image, that confirmed the fears of Bogan and in some way her own… the death of Lord Bogan by the hands of her from the future.

From there on, a bright light that adjusted back to the lights of reality as the colors of the environment became focused and Anathema realized the vision had ended. Her eyes were wide open as she forgot how to breathe even for a second out of the shock from these images. While she was conscious in the present physically, her mind was a haze taking in all of the information that overwhelmed her she did not even realize Vanna who collapsed to the ground.

“That…. Is me?”

Anathema could not quite describe how she felt. Maybe because she was still processing everything, but she felt very lightheaded for a few moments. Of course she grasped control and adjusted back after a minutes, that is when her master had finished comforting her and spoken out to Anathema. She had to put the words together in her brain a little bit to make out what he said so she took some time to respond.

“I am okay… I think?”

She sounded puzzled, still taken aback by these visions. Despite having seen who she would turn out to be, and knowing who she is know made her interested it where she came from and how it is possible she will get to that position. What am I?​

 

[DarthVerus]

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Lord Verus, Master of the Order of Bogan​

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Hyperspace, 1049 ABY, midnight, 12th day of 11th month, Visions of Future​

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As Vanna sat exhausted and powerless on her rock, Verus reached with his right hand to touch her left shoulder. He reached her with the Force, perceiving her state of being. He had never seen her as drained and weak, thus something must’ve been wrong. The Force almost as if allowed him to perceive into her, and he saw what he sought for. A child, growing within Vanna. Powerful in the Force, he could sense it. It was his child. He now understood why the witch was so protective when they entered her caves, she protected something more than herself. This matter certainly turned into a concern within Verus’ mind, because if Bogan found out about this development he could use it as leverage. That’s something he couldn’t afford as of now, not at this stage. Seeing as Vanna had confirmed that his plan would come to fruition, he could no longer back away from his vision. Anathema was bound to become the pinnacle of his plan, and that was something he was well prepared to die for.

”T-That is you, girl… A future that awaits you. However, it is a future that will require many sacrifices and death.”

Vanna spoke with a weakened, trembling tone as she replied to the young Anathema. Verus looked at Anathema, nodding with confirmation.

”My apprentice, we shall discuss this as we leave for the Starforge. Go, tell the pilot of our shuttle to prepare for a takeoff. I will follow you swiftly.”

He commanded his apprentice with a tone of affirmation and demand nonetheless, as he expected his apprentice to follow his orders, giving himself and Vanna a moment of solitude and discussion. He then turned his sight onto the nightsister, as he still held her shoulder with care and tenderness.

”Vanna, I will arrange your departure from Udunn. You can no longer stay here, not with our child.”

He uttered to Vanna with almost as if worry, as she then placed her head on his shoulder, shrugging off his hand from her shoulder in order to make space.

”If you leave and follow your plan… You will die. Don’t leave. Stay with us.”

She replied, with a tear in her eye. Her voice still trembled, and she was obviously weak. He placed his head against hers, leaning on her.

”I can not. I must see this through. I won’t die, I promise.”

He responded, as he turned his eyes onto the tunnel.​

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[LadyAnathema]

She felt excitement and gained some confidence because it was written in the stars and sealed in fate that she would grow powerful enough to help fulfill her master's goal and rebirth a new world that she believed was something she wanted and needed. There was a mixture of emotions resting within her because, at the same time, she knew she would lose a lot of people’s lives to make their dreams come true. It was not like she cared about everyone within their organization, but certain individuals were her own little ‘family’ and she worried what would happen to them in this same future. These visions only showed her at the front of the battlefields, ruling over the soldiers… where was her master? All these feelings started to make her feel conflicted, but she knew, it was best to push away whatever puzzling and sadness she had for now. She still had to work hard towards that future, if she would not give it her all… who knows if her fate will remain the same.

Anathema looked in Vanna’s direction, moments ago she seemed lively, intimidating and so powerful, and now there was barely any left of it. She could see how worried her master was about her current state, and this made Anathema feel a little bit of guilt. Vanna only confirmed her worries to be true, there were going to be a lot of sacrifices for her own future. That only made this moment feel even more bittersweet to her. However, this was how it was meant to be… she would do nothing to alter that. Anathema wanted to ask if Vanna was doing alright, but she felt it was not her place right now because obviously she was not alright and her master was comforting her anyway. Right at that moment Lord Verus had ordered her to prepare for take-off, and she decided against speaking to Vanna.

“Yes, of course, I will see you in a bit Master.”

She turned her back against them and left the witches’ lair right away. She hurried through the dark path of the cave, going the exact same way they came from when they first entered the cave. It did not take too long for Anathema to reach the end of the cave, as she started seeing the light creeping in closer to her vision. Her eyes slowly adjusted to the brighter lights, a little overwhelmed due to walking in the dark. She rushed to their shuttle, seeing the pilot had spotted her, and awaited her to reach him.

“We are pretty much done here, Lord Verus wants you to prepare for takeoff right away. He will be here shortly.”

She commanded them with the instructions of her master. She then entered the shuttle, immediately expecting the pilots to do their work with haste.​