Doing a bit of studying

[Richie B.]

Korriban:
Sith burial site
​

Asher was still climbing his way up in learning about the dark side, its many secrets and pieces of lore. The long history it has, both forgotten and remembered. Korriban was such a world for the Annoo-Dat to learn about that. In fact it was the reason he was even risking going into one of these sites, despites the many rumors of Sith spirits and beasts. Asher figured if he could get some hidden knowledge, some edge against those that attempt to bring him down. Maybe Asher could get the jump on them, and if he can get some lost power Asher could do more then just live under another's boot. He could eventually replace him, Darth Cain had him training and getting catch up to the others, and so Asher needs to both surpass what is expected of him and hide the fact he is ahead of schedule. The only way in doing that is learning where others had failed and where the few succeeded.

Yet sadly for the acolyte he was sure his presence here would be notice and those that were jealous of his training with Darth Cain would attempt to get revenge. Despite the man's opinion on passions, Asher always felt revenge a good emotion to encourage one's rage and need for power. It was why he was here for partially. Get revenge on those that think him just a tool, so now he had a transcript in one hand as he read the writings about some long dead lord of the Sith. Talked about how the Lord would trap his enemies to use as experiments, something that intrigued the young acolytes fancy. Asher though knew he wouldn't have a good place to do such a thing, maybe use some of the old Sith's rooms but not for now. Other Sith might discover such things but for a limited time use could be fun leaving his enemies somewhere that he can torture for a short time for now.

He had his pistol with him of course no way he would leave without it. He knew despite the lie the Empire tell itself Sith will always try and kill one another for power. It was how it should be and most be even Asher could tell. So he was here reading about what the Sith lord did, the rituals he would practice and technique he would learn from simply torturing his prisoners. The idea of having such power over another made Asher desire more. And so he read sure of two things, that his desire would grow and that others will come to show him his supposed place.

 

[Richie B.]

As the Annoo-Dat continued to decipher the words and continue reading he felt something. His training wasn't complete yet but he was sure of it, something's was coming to him. Either it be students or Sith beast, Asher was prepared and ready to see what he can do to them. Wanting nothing more then to see about trying some of the rituals he read in the tablet. Sure he wasn't there in his training yet, but he could at least imagine it as he used more mundane ways of bringing out the pain and suffering of those that would intrude on him. Would he try to use his pistol or should be see about simply forcing those that come here into more strange torment.

But Asher didn't stop and see those that had come here until they were just walking into the burial site, from what he could tell it was two acolytes. Which didn't surprise Asher, especially after what he could tell from the Dark Lord, not many got to train with him and so any that did had a target on their back. But still that two acolytes coming at him like this reminded Asher of the days on Nar Shadda, when he would ambush people in the dirty alleys. Here he was now getting the same treatment, but this time Asher will show those fools what one does. Fight and kill those that would try and take from you what is yours.

"Hey Maluk, look who we found." The larger of the two said, judging by his tone he wasn't the smartest, and slowly Asher began to piece together the dynamic of these two.

"Yea look's like the alien that is getting some special treatment from Darth Cain. Wonder why he is all alone?" Could have been a real question but Asher decided to ignore it, he knew what was coming and wasn't afraid of the fight.

Turning around, only after placing the transcript down Asher faced the two humans and got his first real look at the pair, one was large and full of scars on his face, no doubt a brute and a fighter before he joined the Sith. The other was smaller but still of average size for a human, had long blonde hair and looked nice, if Asher had to guess. They all looked the same in the end to Asher.

A small smile grew on the Annoo-Dat's face knowing that he would get some good experience and possible start his soon to be frequent torture of those that thought that can take him. Both had vibroswords and no doubt were trained in using them. And probably had some force training and was more advance then Asher, but the Annoo-Dat didn't worry. Sure that his desire was stronger and that alone would be enough.

Pulling out his pistol he watched as the two grew from joking to serious as they pulled out their weapons, probably surprise by Asher's lack of talking. And once Asher fired they were already jumping out of the way attempting to flank Asher from both sides. And so the fight started.

 

[Richie B.]

The two were fast enough to dodge the bolts, but Asher wasn't worried once they got closer this fight would change quickly. Even if they had the assistance of the force, Asher was still biologically stronger then them both. Maluk was coming to his right but eventually about 8 meters out he stopped and stretch out his hands like he was concentrating. Realizing what was up Asher was about to shot at Maluk but the big guy got behind him.

Realizing a bit late what was happening Asher jumped to the right but got a nice slash into his left shoulder for the delay. Firing two blind shots at the big guy, and only successfully gave him a few burns on his left side. But the big guy didn't seem to care much about it, and Asher quickly let out a few curses in a low growl but that was when three chunks o stone started flying at him. Rolling to the left and away from the two got safely away before getting crushed, and successfully getting to a crouching position. He saw the two slowly get closer clearly smiling and enjoying this, which only made Asher more pissed then before.

"You two are so dead." Getting up the big guy once again charged and the other began to pick up a few stones to chuck at him.

But this time Asher was prepared, as the man charged Asher fired a single shot but the man jumped out of the way. Sadly for him Asher followed and tackled the man to the ground. Quickly keeping his two hands on the hands holding the vibrosword the other two were spent pounding the brute. It was how things were back on Nar Shadda and the Annoo-Dat was glad to see he was still the physical master. He notice the other Sith rushing to his friend's help the blade out ready to stab at the creature on top of his friend. But Asher was prepared and firing two shots to keep the other Sith from getting closer. Maluk was smart and focused on staying alive and sadly for his friend that meant Asher had time to fire a single shot into the chest of the large human.

Leaving only Maluk left to fight. Picking up the vibrosword from the corpse Asher turned towards Maluk.

"You're next." Was all that was said before the Annoo-Dat charged.

 

[Richie B.]

Asher leaped into action the smaller human having watched his partner died seemed unaffected and completely focus on surviving. Something the Annoo-Dat could respect, though he still hated the humans for trying to kill him. Their blades smacked against each other, and sparks fly as the two didn't let up, for this was a fight to the death. The two acolytes knew any mistake would cause them to die, so they focus on anyway to get the other to mess up. Yet Asher knew he could simply end this with a shot from his pistol. But that seemed boring to him thankfully Asher was stronger but the younger man had more experience. With each blow Asher could tell the man's arms were getting more tired.

With each strike Asher knew it was only a matter of time, even with the force empowering Maluk, the Annoo-Dat got a similar but less boast thanks to the strong presence from the Dark side. Now the Annoo-Dat watched as the small human try and gain some sort of distance, but Asher didn't let up.

"So you are a coward!" Asher said wanting to cause the man to mess up, and it seemed to actually have some effect.

At first Maluk didn't have much power in his swings, but now he seemed pissed and pushing against Asher. With the sudden aggression Asher was caught off guard. With little training and unsure how to properly defend the Annoo-Dat had to go back. Slowly retreating, and once they had their blades locked, Asher looked at the anger and hate in the other acolyte's eye. An with a smile he fired a single shot into the man's stomach. Ending the acolyte and sending him to where his friend went.

"And like that, you die." With a powerful stomp, the Annoo-Dat crushed the man's skull under his foot.

Grabbing the two bodies and keeping the vibroblades as a trophy, Asher moved them into a small room within the burial site, sure that they won't be missed and that if they were ever discovered no one would care. This gave the acolyte something to focus on, the death of the two others, having read in a few transcripts that those strong in the force can sense death. So taking a moment Asher went on his knees and tried to feel around him, drawing in the sense of power, of the cold that surrounded him and slowly but surely he felt it the death and anger, the fear and rage and it felt good.

 

[Richie B.]

Asher could feel it and he was surprise more people didn't want this feeling. It was power, the Annoo-Dat felt it flowing into his veins like this dark side was within him giving him everything that he needed. It wasn't peace, it wasn't joy, it was anger and rage but it felt right. So Asher would take the time to concentrate on it allowing to wash over him, and feeding into his power. So now the acolyte could understand the loyalty for the dark side, and the Sith in large but that wasn't in Asher to be loyal. It wasn't in him to desire to be a part of something, he felt the power and knew now one thing, that he shall be in control of it all the Dark side and the Sith. His ambitions may be grand but it was just a small step, and nothing would stop him. Asher would not allow it.

Looking down and grabbing only a handful of sand into his grasp, noticing the ash of the long dead lords those that had power and failed. Those that were more experience and more power and how they failed. This didn't discourage him in fact it had the opposite effect, Asher realized that the dark side was the one that kept them from succeeding. Those now dead lords didn't have enough passion, rage and drive to do what was needed, survive and conquer the power. To not allow anything to get in-between them and what they needed. Immortality, unlimited power, and control over all. The future was before him, though Asher could tell it may take years before anything solid comes forth but with enough patience and his strength, Asher will become more then just emperor. Asher will become a god, a pure being of power.

Maybe it was just the planet, or the Sith burial site but Asher was sure it was not controlling him, no Asher knew one day he will be controlling the Dark side. Now after his little session, Asher got up and returned to the Sith tablet and continued to read the story of the rituals and tortures the Sith lord used. Most of them he never heard of and no doubt he would talk with Darth Cain about it. Though if he didn't prove his worth he might not get that chance.

But behind the Sith was a slight glow of red, despite it all Asher didn't notice it. The source was like a crystal filling up with either the dark side or the souls of the dead acolytes. Eventually slowly the gears began to move, the old magics started to work again. No doubt it needed the violence but whatever the case Asher paid little attention as the system did its thing. Once he was half way though, a small pedestal came out and on it was a red crystal. A kyber crystal, a red one at that. Turning and facing it the acolyte was shocked, not expecting this or thinking this would happen. Looking around the young man snatched the crystal sensing the natural dark side energy. Placing it into his pocket knowing one day it will be inside his lightsaber.

He now had two vibroblades and a crystal for his future lightsaber. But he wasn't complete going to have to keep the Sith tablet with him. Maybe it would disturb the spirits here but Asher doesn't care for them. Those that failed and died.

 

[Richie B.]

With the knowledge of the tablet, providing a good source of inspiration on what he should begin to learn and what powers come with the Dark side. He gained just a slight bit of wisdom from it, the dark side grew stronger with negative emotions and though pain and death. With this knowledge he knew one thing was for sure, Asher will need to cause more blood shed and kill more that would be in his way. No such thing as mercy, only control and power which is what Asher shall have.

Asher continued to read, making sure he had everything from the tablet memorized and took it from its resting place, and prepared to leave. Heading to the large temple of the Sith with a relic in one hand and two new weapons on his back. Sure it wasn't much but Asher trusted that with small steps came big leap forwards. All he needed to do was be patient and watch the fruit of his labor take shape, he just needed to find a way of getting close enough to Darth Cain and learn the secrets.

Once he did that, discovered what there was to know from him, and make sure Cain falls like the rest of these old lords. So Asher was almost out when he felt a cold shiver down his spine, a dark presence clearly didn't like him taking the tablet. Sure if he took it and presented it to Cain maybe get some more brownie points to get something out of the crazy man. Doing so might run the risk of disturbing the old ghosts here, and surprisingly Asher was fine with this, in fact he wanted it. He would show the old spirits and lords that he wasn't afraid that he was powerful enough to defy them. And with that Asher will eventually take it so that even the lords of today will learn about him, and how he would turn them all to ash.

 

[Richie B.]

The young acolyte was about to step out when a scream was heard deeper in the site, what was scary was that it sounded like Maluk and the other large man. But they should be dead, not like Asher messed up when he shot them. Knowing that this most be some work of the ancient dark side magic and his desire to learn more of the mysterious, he decided to go back down the burial site. Slowly taking out of the vibroblades and a pistol hoping that this would just require a few swipes and everything would be good, but as he headed down he heard muttering between a few people. It was strange their voices were all different he was sure of that. But they all sounded very similar, as if speaking from the same source. But that wasn't possible right?

As Asher was outside the site which he killed the two other acolytes, taking a peek he was surprised by what he saw, dozens of spirits surrounding the two bodies. Yet now they were standing up, their eyes glowing but still their bodies were still broken. Whatever it was these spirits gave the form movement after death.

"Damnit I should be the one to gets out I have been here the longest." One of the spirits wailed, clearly they didn't like it here and needed a way to leave.

Possibly they were trapped here by the experiments the Lord did, if that was so maybe he should be here for when they realize he was here. Doubting in his abilities to stop all these spirits which were old and formless Asher needed to get out. So turning around he figured it would be clear but a single ghost was there waiting for him, and quickly jumped into his being.

 

[Richie B.]

With the ghost attempting to invade his body, he screamed and yell jumping back into the opening of the room with dozens of other spirits now all looking at the thrashing form of Asher. The Annoo-Dat felt the being inside his skull trying to claw his way though his psych. But the acolyte will was holding strong, his desire for power wouldn't be stopped nor would his hunger for revenge end here. But it seemed the spirit had a similar drive and resolve and such not just the one came flying into him. No 3 or more attempted to gain control, of the mind and the body. But Asher fought them off and continued to stay in somewhat control.

"Give it to me!" Was all the acolyte heard as they all screamed in his head damning and wailing, banging against his mind and everything they could get their hands on.

Was the Sith of the past so persistent in life maybe these fools wouldn't have died, but they had their chance and now they were dead. So they had no right to demand a second go at things. Asher pulled himself to the open room, as the remaining spirits and the two dead bodies stood staring at his form as he tried to keep himself together. It was hard, the yelling made it impossible for him to think, all he felt was that it would be better inside the room, he couldn't let these spirits out with his body. Not that he cared but if anyone was leaving this place it was him. The anger and fear of losing himself began to build slowly but it wasn't as if there wasn't plenty of things to be pissed at right now. And that anger and fear gave him focus, power what his master screamed and yelled at him about almost constantly.

"GET OUT OF MY MIND!" Asher screamed make sure if anyone came by they would think him made or worse.

But Asher cared little only that he was returned to a single soul body, that these spirits left him. They were dripping of fear and anger, and inside him gave Asher strength, his own rage was build up with their own. It felt painful to have such rage without anyway of releasing it, and he needed to release it soon. Asher could feel the dark side within him growing but he hadn't learned anyway of getting it out of him.

"I SAID GET OUT!" And with that Asher screamed and didn't stop until a pulse of dark side energy explode from his position, it was purple and it went out from all directions sending the spirits within him out.

He wasn't sure how he did it but the dark side finally answered his call, and granted a moment of power. Slowly getting up through the exhaustion and knowing that the other spirits might try something he looked around to see them all a step back. They weren't afraid but they wouldn't risk a fight.

 

[Richie B.]

Asher watched as the remaining spirits just circled him, eyeing him up wondering if he was worth the risk. The other spirits were no doubt just recovering but still the acolyte felt proud for his true first dark side use. Sure it wasn't planned nor was it expected but still he was able to push out several weak Sith spirits trying to invade him and that was a step in the right direction. Eventually he would get a hang of it and once he does, Asher planned on making many trips down here where he can just thrash these old spirits around.

"Now I want to know what the hell your doing here?" Asher was sure they were just trying to find a way of getting out of their predicament, though he figured he might be also able to use this.

"We want freedom!" Was all of their response which wasn't surprising but a bit creepy for the Annoo-Dat whose closely supernatural encounter is dreams.

Looking around he took a single step back, the tablet still in his hand. Though Asher was sure he would make it out of here he wanted to see what he could get from this. Sure he only came for a tablet but now he might actually found something useful here. Not just information from dead Sith, which to gain favor from Cain but spirits to which he could experiment on. All he needed was bodies for them.

"I see, now I can tell you are enjoying those two bodies I left here, what if I offered more?" Asher could almost see all of them get excited, but first he needed them to understand what he was planning.

"I'm not offering this for free, you know the cost of such things. What I want in exchange of bodies is a bit of understand from what you all know. You were all once Sith, and I shall one day rule over them. So once I return, I expect knowledge." Asher waited to see how this would get a reaction from them hopefully not one that got him getting eaten by angry spirits.

 

[Richie B.]

The spirits seemed to be discussing the possibility but Asher didn't trust them on bit. No those with nothing to lose and a willingness to not die were dangerous. which meant he needed to be careful, not telling what these spirits could do. But Asher began to put away the sword knowing it won't have any effect on these spirits. Hopefully they would listen to him, but no doubt they have plans of their own so Asher was only going to wait so long before he rushed out of there and without making any sort of deals.

Of course that was when one of them decided to open his force damn mouth, sending Asher wishing he just left, when he could. He didn't have the training nor the energy to keep on removing ghosts from his body. This spirit was more faded then the others no doubt running low on whatever it was that kept them here.

"What if we just took your body instead?" The ghost took a step forward daring Asher, but the realized he needed to show a strong front he knew they saw him push out spirits from his body before have to bluff and say he can do it again.

"You saw what I need, really think it will work this time? No be happy I don't destroy you while I can." Asher watched the spirit take a step back, cowards about death it seemed, that or they didn't want to take risk when they can have more.

So the spirits began to talk amongst themselves, like they were unsure of what to do next. So Asher figured he needed to take charge of the situation, though he wasn't 100% sure about this. But if he could get them to listen to him, maybe he can learn more secrets then just the tablet can show.

"Now listen I am willing to kill more if it means I get the knowledge that I seek, you already see my work. Now I most leave its the only way for you to get more bodies to be free." With that Asher began to walk backwards but keeping a eye out for any movement from the ghosts.

 

[Richie B.]

Asher watched the ghosts seemingly remain passive for a few more moments probably sizing him up, his appearance would give him out as a brute. Which wasn't wrong but Asher like to think of himself as more then just that. As a being that would one day be the strongest in the galaxy, if that meant he needed to be a brute then so be it. So there he stood in judgement by the now dead Sith, who were all victims of a more powerful Sith lord. Funny how complicated his life had become after getting dragged into the Sith my Darth Cain, though now he found a path to true power.

"Now listen here you ghosts, I am walking out now, you can play with each other all day long just know the next time I will give you a good treat. Possibly a life person to which get some revenge on. I'm sure that will be a whole lot of fun right?" Asher was surprise by his anger at the beginning but it did seem to catch the spirits attention and many seemed to nod when he was finished.

Which was good he didn't need anymore questions or them attempting to attack him, it became clear that he could control them though not enough to be useful in the long run. But these spirits could be useful to break one's spirit. And if he could break his enemies spirit then he can use that to ensure his power, when the enemy is too afraid to challenge him.

"Now those two bodies are not free, and I won't ask for much but tell me how would one use the Force to feel for those that are a threat?" Sure it was probably a beginner question but the spirits didn't seem willing to charge and challenge him yet, for now they knew the best way for them to get stronger was for them to help him.

And if he can give them more bodies and anger, fear and other powerful emotions they might be back to a stronger form, maybe not able to leave but enough to be feared once more. Which should work fine with him, so long as they were able to be used my him.

 

[Richie B.]

The spirits slowly began to spoke, one talked about how the force allowed one to feel the universe around them without the senses and that with the force one could escape the body and use it to explore the galaxy. Another spoke of the power the dark side can grant and how it would allow one to use very explosive powers against ones enemies, which intrigued the acolyte a bit more then the sensing powers but the acolyte knew that all of it was needed to become more powerful. Next another spoke of it granting the user mind altering powers allowing one to shape their environment and how it was the one ability that everyone tries hardest to master, to move objects with the mind could be very useful.

Asher was shocked honestly, it was one thing to read about it and fight with Sith, but it was another to get the grand tales and long history, the bigger scope of the power. The bits that the current enemies that Asher had could not bring to bare, the reason why so many flocked to the Sith it was these stories that made Asher realize why the Dark side called to him. That the Dark side was power and it granted one power, the stories included past Sith lords destroying their enemies a thousand ways in a thousand lifetimes. How one used asteroids another used his brain to outsmart them. Each story had wisdom, had purpose to bring one into believing more of the power the dark side has.

Sure Asher was clever enough to understand most of these stories were sometimes stretch but still it gave him imagination on what was to come. And what he needed to do to get it, he realized how easy it would be to simply continue to learn from these old spirits but understand he needed flesh and blood also. Asher would not limit himself and these ghost made Asher realize he will need to learn more. Form more people.

And once the stories were done Asher made sure he still had everything on him. And soon began to think of who he will bring down here next. Most likely he should bring one of the competition he had for the position of the dark lords apprentice. Though he would need help make sure none suspected him. So that once he was the last one left all will silently know his strength. Even if he leaves a few alive but broken.

 

[Richie B.]

Asher was up and checking out the site seeing rooms where torture was once done in, and where the sith lord was buried in. Asher began to learn how to sense more and more every day. And even he knew that the dead lord still lived in that tome, so Asher would wait before challenging the master of this place. He continued to plan out how he could hide his enemies here, now he could leave them to be tortured by the spirits before releasing them. It would be easy and even if they told others if he got enough power no one would question him.

So he made sure to continue to do some training in here, while also reading up on the other writing in this site. So long as he knew where everything was and how to see with the force soon Asher can begin more dangerous training and eventually maybe how to destroy theses spirits. Which would be fun and give Asher a sense of power that he didn't have previously which help encourage his training.

Yet the spirits made sure to keep away, knowing that he might still destroy the only bodies they had, left. They had learned to share though they still eyed the acolyte up and down every so often. But they mostly left him alone to his own devices. Though how long that lasted was up for debate, with the kyber crystal Asher saw though the force it was strong in the dark side baked for years within this tome without any escape. And now Asher was its master.

 

[Richie B.]

So with most of what he needed done, Asher began to leave the tome prepared to give what he had to the Dark lord not before copying the tablet for himself so he can read it later. Leaving the place didn't prove as hard as he was originally expecting. They did form a wall at the door like they wouldn't let him leave, but as soon as Asher took a step closer they parted enough so he could. And with that Asher was out of the tome, and despite him only being sure before now he can confirm that the spirits were trapped at their place of death. Which made the acolyte wonder how many more spirits there were on this world and if they were all trapped. It was a interesting concept but not something he was ready to explore yet.

Traveling back to the temple wasn't hard he saw a few other acolytes exploring places some of which wouldn't survive, a few were sparring each other. Yet he can see a few keep their eyes on him. If they knew he would be ambush they wouldn't say but it was clear he wasn't expected to survive today. That he was suppose to have died and stayed with those other spirits for all of time. It brought a smile to Asher face knowing he survived but how true and pure these other acolytes were. They should have helped but they are only out for themselves like it should be, and one day the rest of the Sith order would understand that too. Asher rarely hears about Sith openly fighting one another and that made him sick. They should fight more often weed out the weak. Let the strong rule and claim victory.

"One day I shall rule." Asher said softly as he climbed into the temple ready to copy the tablet and then fly back to Tund where his master was.

 

[Richie B.]

Asher went to the library where he began working on writing down the tablet and using the translation he had to make sure it was in the language he could speak. While there he also picked up something to make sure he had a good necklace for the kyber crystal until he can get a lightsaber for it. Which might be a few years till he got one but he was willing to wait. Though there was one last thing he did before leaving, he looked around a made sure to take holoclips of fools he might bring down the burial site soon. He would keep his word so that the spirits may teach him when his master was too busy, and when he needed more. When he needed victims to suffer and enemies to break.

He discovered a good secret, a powerful one, that the spirits and the dead can't be used to fight battles, but it can be used to ensure the enemy breaks. With that Asher can work on so much knowing that one day he might even bring his mother here, where she can suffer. With those he left broken and the spirits that require pain to survive. It would be justices, it would be right and it would be never ending pain for his mother. She created a monster when left him, Darth Cain shall carve him into a more powerful tool, but only Asher will decide what becomes of him.

And the acolyte only had one goal. So once it was done the Sith took the nearest ship to Tund, where he will present what he had to the stuffy preachers. Knowing one day he will stuff them with cotton one day. All he needed to do now as survive, win and get stronger. An then he will let his power do what was needed. Weeding out the weak from his soon to be empire.

#End thread