- Location
- america
May The Invisible Hand Be With You - (Star Wars CK2-Style Quest)
- Thread starter Dr. Snark
- Start date
- Sci-Fi
-
- Tags
- star wars canon what canon tsundere dice ck2 quest actions have consequences all the credits all work and no play makes ciaran a dull girl best sister capitalism ho! despairing qm teetotaller society member gotta catch 'em all insanity looting off the rails sage dice approaching spicy sheev tsundere asajj
Panory
The Omake Dragon
- Location
- New York
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Learning from your mistakes is a good thing. If you don't make mistakes however, learning from your enemy's is almost as good.
fictionfan
Please sir, may I have some Meows?
- Location
- Tempe, AZ
Not sure what you implying.
Panory
The Omake Dragon
- Location
- New York
- Pronouns
- He/Him
In Total War, Tann got a little too big for her britches and taunted Thrawn, who promptly informed her why that was a bad idea. So Thrawn doesn't gloat, but it wasn't his mistake he learned from.
UbeOne
Daydreaming CPU
- Location
- Philippines
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Actually, it's better to learn from the mistakes of others as compared to learning from your own.
Both are useful though.
Panory
The Omake Dragon
- Location
- New York
- Pronouns
- He/Him
So apparently Anakin murders the fuck out of him in the year BBY 21 on some planet called Metalorn. The year we just completed this turn. So we're probably a bit late to kidnap him, unless @Dr. Snark is retconning his demise.
NexysDhyArchen
Throne Breaker
Anakin and Obi-wan are pretty much assigned to spying on us and the CNS. So unless they get called away, I believe we can assume the dates of Canon missions are out. Not to say some other Jedi took on that task.
- Location
- Latvia, Riga
Padme, Organa, Jedi Order, .. Jar-Jar .. Those are some Republic Senators or ties with Senators that have some utility and capability to affect Chancellors decisions while possessing strong moral and principles. How would some of them react to such events? Would they be against some of Palps more aggressive suggestions with long-term negative affects?
Indeed. As Otto von Bismarck put it:
Though I've always heard the more pithy version:
And I could have sworn I originally saw it attributed to Ben Franklin.
Oh well.
UbeOne
Daydreaming CPU
- Location
- Philippines
- Pronouns
- She/Her
I think that was a Confucius quote.And I could have sworn I originally saw it attributed to Ben Franklin.
Panory
The Omake Dragon
- Location
- New York
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Just reading the plot synopsis of the Star Wars: A New Droid Army, and while Anakin investigating a distress signal from Tatooine about rabid Womp Rats might have slipped under our radar/never happened, I don't think we'd miss a droid army attacking from the undercity of Corsuscant in an attempt to destroy the Jedi archives, which is independent of Anakin's actions.
But now that I've read it, I kind of want this game's story to play out in some capacity. It introduces four Dark Jedi (Saato, Trenox, Vinoc, and Karoc) all of whom die. An army of battle droids covered in cortosis, meaning they can block lightsabers. The introduction and death of Vandalor, Tann's lover. The capture of Wat Tambor, which Ciaran might be able to make stick since we don't really like the Techno Union anyways and he has some anti-jedi cortosis battle droids we want. And Anakin kills a projection/doppelganger of Count Dooku. Because Dooku can do that.
If nothing else, I want the droids. The only reason the Jedi knew where to look to blow up the factory is because Palpatine let the info leak because he was afraid the droids would be too effective at fighting Jedi and would tip the balance of the war to the CIS too heavily.
Interlude - Echoes of Malachor
Dr. Snark
Exactly As Planned...Probably
- Location
- Right where I want to be
- Pronouns
- He/His/Him
Oracle, Ciaran's Office
"Ciaran."
The woman in question jolted upwards from her desk covered in datpads, starcharts, and other forms of research on the Malachor system before leaning backward with a pained moan. "How long have I been in here again?" she asked Asajj.
"You've been in here for the past three days. The only reason I was able to get in here was because PR-1 was starting to get concerned for your health. Speaking of which." Asajj passed her a box containing a basic meal and water, which Ciaran quickly devoured. "Something's clearly wrong since you haven't infuriated me even once since I've gotten in here," Asajj commented as Ciaran finished eating. "You're going to Malachor aren't you?"
Ciaran didn't look at Asajj, but began to reorganize her desk as she spoke. "Yes, and I would prefer if you wouldn't tell anyone about it for obvious rea-"
"I'm going with you."
Ciaran's head whipped towards Asajj, her face unreadable for a brief moment. "Normally I'd make some pithy comment about enjoying a private getaway for the two of us or something, but you do understand that going with me on my journey is going to be unbelievably dangerous, right?"
"Which is why you need someone capable of withstanding the Force energy in the system and capable of fending off whatever it will throw at you," Asajj countered.
Ciaran was silent for a moment. "While that is true, I know you must have your own reasons for wanting to go, and I won't pry." She looked at Asajj with an expression of seriousness that the Nightsister had never seen before. "We leave tomorrow then."
Malachor System
Wrong.
This system was wrong in both the physical sense and in the way the Force felt within it.
Ciaran had to pass the Scimitar's controls over to Asajj as the navigation systems had been going haywire, the computers picking up planetary gravity wells in empty space and displaying phantom planets forcing the two of them to manually find their way to Malachor II. But that was nothing compared to what they felt through the Force.
It was as though the system was...diseased. Ciaran had taken off her visor as her Force vision was like looking through murky water, the mere act of looking through the Force making her nauseous. As they traveled through the system both Ciaran and Asajj were constantly feeling a sense of unease, as if the system itself was displeased at their trespassing into forbidden space.
The two of them had made a silent agreement to take the straightest path to Malachor II and more importantly not go anywhere near the remains of Malachor V. Despite that, the two were dead silent as the Scimitar slowly worked its way through the system towards the desolate world of Malachor II.
Once the ship had gotten closer, the silence on board was finally broken. "Do you even know where this place is?" Asajj asked quietly as Ciaran closed her eyes, trying to control the sense of nausea that came from looking through the Force. Though her vision was murky, she did see a bright spot on the planet, and simply pointed towards the location in question, Asajj guiding the Scimitar in for a landing.
Eventually, Asajj managed to land the Scimitar close to the Sith complex and the two disembarked, constantly looking around for signs of anything, but seeing nothing. They slowly entered the menacing building, the both of them reflexively reaching for their weapons as they entered it despite the eerie silence.
"Darth Traya, I am Ciaran. If you are here, I wish to speak with you," the Miraluka in question shouted into the darkness of the complex. There was silence as both Ciaran and Asajj waited, then the two of them felt the tiniest tug from the Force.
Come closer in.
The two slowly moved forward, both of them ready to ignite their weapons as they entered what appeared to be a large central chamber. The room was circular with black walls surrounding it and a ceiling that was several stories above the intruders. While there was nothing present in the room itself, there were three doors leading from it; the one behind Ciaran and Asajj and two to either side.
As the two glanced around to see if there was anything else in the room, a figure dressed in a dark robe suddenly appeared, as though she had been there the entire time. On reflex, Ciaran and Asajj ignited their weapons, though the figure did not react in any way.
"...Darth Traya?" Ciaran quietly asked.
"It has been millennia since anyone has dared to set foot in this forsaken place," came the voice of an old woman as Darth Traya turned to face the two intruders, most of her face hidden under her hood. "Though I see you are not mere thieves or scavengers. The fact that you knew to come here to seek me out is only further proof of that. So what are you searching for? Power? Knowledge?"
"Understanding," Ciaran responded as she took a step forward.
"Have the teachings of the Jedi and Sith not been enough for you?" Traya questioned. "Surely you could find the understanding you seek anywhere in the galaxy."
"No, I couldn't. Those teachings are...tainted by the arrogance of their creators, their belief that they are the only ones who are right," Ciaran explained. "I have come here to speak with someone who rejects the teachings of both the Jedi and Sith."
"As you believe you have if I understand your implications?"
"Yes."
"We shall see how true that is." Traya turned to face Asajj. "And what of you? You stand as though you are a proud Sith despite your ignorance. What do you believe you can find here that is irreplaceable?"
Asajj briefly clenches her fists at Traya's words before she replies, "Resolve. To go through the trials of this place and return a stronger person for it."
"It has been tested I see, I can sense the feelings of betrayal from you though you try to bury them. Do you truly believe this place will hold answers for you?"
Asajj closes her eyes in thought before opening them again. "That is why I am here. To see if there are answers."
"You are uncertain then, perhaps even desperate." Traya looks at both of the visitors in turn, her face unreadable before speaking again. "In fact that is what both of you are. Lost. Uncertain. Searching for answers to questions when you have rejected every other answer given to you, answers that any other would be content with."
"Just because people are content with those answers doesn't mean they're right," Ciaran said, her violet eyes shining as she stared down Traya.
"What we are looking for...is something that neither of us are willing to be given," Asajj said as she stepped forward to stand next to Ciaran. "That is why were are here. To find what we are looking for ourselves."
Silence descends on the room. Then...
"How interesting."
With those words Traya vanished, though her voice was still audible as it echoed through the room.
"If you truly believe those words then come in further. However your paths must diverge at this point; what lies beyond is for each of you alone."
As the room fell silent Ciaran and Asajj shared a brief look before moving to opposite doors, journeying further into the depths of the temple...
--------
The corridor Asajj walked through was dark and lightless, though it remained uniform as she continued to walk down the halls.
"There is much fear in you still." Traya's voice echoed through her mind. "You act as though you are willing to change but I sense that you still carry that fear of pain within you."
Asajj stopped short at that before continuing through the hall, increasing her pace as her hands began to drift towards her lightsabers.
"You fell into the trap of believing that power would let you overcome that fear. But in the end your fear only grew, did it not?"
Asajj was now beginning to run through the hall, her hands now actively gripping her lightsabers.
"Perhaps returning to where that fear began will provide...clarity."
All of a sudden Asajj stopped as the world around her had suddenly changed from a light-less corridor to an arid wasteland surrounded by mountains, that felt oddly familiar to her before she realized where she was: Rattatak. The first home that she remembered. But why-
"Asajj, are you alright?"
The Nightsister whirled around in shock to see a man she had seen die in her arms, the first man to ever teach her about the Force: Ky Narec, looking quite lively despite being long dead. "M-Narec?"
Ky placed a hand on Asajj's shoulder, a look of concern on his face. "Are you alright, my Padawan? I know that fighting against the warlords has been strenuous but-"
Asajj jolted back reflexively. "You-you're dead...I held you as-"
Ky held up a hand. "Asajj, breathe. Calm yourself, and let go of your fear. Remember, fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to-"
"Suffering."
Ky and Asajj turned towards the man who had uttered the word. Though "man" may have been a charitable description given that his skin was more comparable to stone, with what appeared to be cracks running all over his body. His face was similarly disfigured, with his right eye a milky white while the other gazed at Ky and Asajj, the rage within it visible to the both of them.
"What are you!?" Ky asked, reaching for his lighsaber as Asajj did the same with hers.
"I am Sion," the figure said, his deep voice echoing through the area as he strode forward and ignited his lightsaber. "And I have come to remind your pupil about the meaning of pain."
Before Ky could properly react, Asajj knocked him away with a powerful Force push, sending him flying into the distance. Drawing her still red lightsabers, she charged at Sion and to her surprise managed to impale him through the chest easily.
Then Sion grabbed her arm holding the impaling lightsaber with his free hand, dragging her forward as he glared at her. "Did you think it would be that simple?" he said mockingly before kneeing her in the gut, causing Asajj to double over as Sion continued to tightly grip her arm, locking her in place. "No matter how strong you are it means nothing. There is no escape from the pain." He wound up for another blow before suddenly letting go of Asajj, allowing her to stagger backwards as Ky leaped forward with lightsaber in hand to begin dueling Sion himself. Recovering and quickly checking to make sure she still had both of her sabers, Asajj charged forward to assist her first master in fending off Sion.
And that was all they could do: fend him off. While the two of them combined managed to score a number of blows on him, Sion was undeterred, shrugging off the wounds the pair inflicted as they healed themselves, new scars appearing to join the rest covering his body. Eventually though it seemed that the attacks temporarily overwhelmed Sion as he hunched over, still alive but temporarily unable to fight back.
"RUN!" shouted Ky as he and Ventress ran as fast as they could from the nigh-immortal Sion as he slowly began to stand back up and stride forward after the retreating duo, looking unconcerned at the fact that they were escaping.
Seeing this, Ky suddenly stopped and turned to face Sion as he slowly advanced while Asajj looked at him in shock. "Master, what are you doing? We can't kill him, we have to-"
"You have to run Asajj. I will at least keep him from following you for a few moments," Ky said resolutely as he settled into a fighting stance.
"Are you out of your mind, Master? You cannot beat him," Asajj said, her voice beginning to waver.
"I know," he said quietly before looking back at Asajj with a sad smile on his face. "But I can stall him."
"Don't say that, we can-"
"Asajj." Ky said calmly but firmly. "I have no illusions about what's going to happen. As much as I wish I could stay, we both know that won't be happening." He looked back at Sion, who was slowly getting closer. "I can't imagine how much this is going to hurt you, but you have to let me go."
Asajj closed her eyes before walking up to Ky's side and settling into a fighting stance.
"Asajj, I told you to-"
"If I were to leave you to die now, I don't think I could ever forgive myself," she said. "Which I why I refuse to leave."
"You're going to die, and if the way he fights is any indication it will be a painful death," Ky said, no emotion in his voice.
"I know," replied Asajj as Sion reached them, standing a few feet away.
"Your master is right, girl. Your death by my hands will be slow and agonizing, your life ending only when I allow it to end," Sion growled out as he clenched his fist for emphasis.
"So come kill me then," replied Asajj. "Whatever you do to me...leaving my master behind to suffer the same would be far worse."
"So that is your answer? Very well."
Suddenly Ky and Sion vanished along with the scenery of Rattatak, leaving Asajj standing in front of Traya once again.
"You have passed," she said, her face remaining neutral. "Though you were afraid, you managed to overcome that fear for the sake of another."
"...He is long dead," Asajj quietly replied. "Just because I was able to stay at his side-"
"Were you expecting to miraculously overcome your flaws in one swift motion?" Traya said as she interrupted Asajj. "You have been given the chance to begin walking a new path, but you must complete the rest of that journey yourself."
Once again, Traya vanished, a door behind her now visible to Asajj.
"Go on then. If your companion has survived her trial she will be arriving in the next room shortly."
--------
As Ciaran made her way through a hall identical to the one Asajj had, she too was contacted by Traya.
"Your companion is easily understood in motivation but you are...different. You believe that the Force is nothing more than a tool for you to use, another way for you to gain power for yourself."
"While I wouldn't put it so callously, you are right," Ciaran responded.
"And yet you rely on it so much more than you realize, Miraluka. While you may have eyes of your own now, before you could not see without the Force, and because of that one might say that you are subservient to it. Yet here you are, arrogantly dismissing the Force as a mere tool while searching for more ways to satisfy your hunger for knowledge, for power, for anything so long as you alone could benefit from it. Yes...I see now the lesson that you must learn."
Before Ciaran could respond the hallway around her suddenly disappeared, replaced with a view of a verdant green mountainside, sloping upwards towards a white peak and a wide ocean visible as Ciaran looked downwards. It seemed somewhat familiar to Ciaran but she couldn't quite place it.
Suddenly she felt something. Or rather...
[-----------------]
All of a sudden, she could feel the Force dying, her Force vision starting to go black as the Force seemed to vanish, the wildlife around her decayed rapidly, the ocean dried up within a moment, and the very air around her began to go still. To Ciaran's horror she realized what was happening and finally understood where she was when she saw the [-----------------] above the planet.
This was Katarr. It was dying because it was being consumed by a being that struck fear into every Miraluka to this day. A monster that had consumed an entire world in but a moment.
And then, it appeared in front of her, the [-----------------] making Ciaran nearly vomit as her Force vision was unable to fully comprehend the [-----------------] contained within the abomination in front of her wearing a black robe and a bone-white mask that she recognized instantly.
Nihilus.
The being that any Miraluka knew to fear from a young age, the being who was described as a walking void in the Force, and as she looked at it in horror Ciaran could see the [-----------------] for herself, the sight similar to a black hole being visible from the lack of light within it.
Suddenly it spoke in a language that Ciaran didn't recognize and never wanted to.
"/\|\\|/\//////!"
Then it drew it's lightsaber and charged at Ciaran, who was only barely able to block it in time with her lightfoil, straining to keep Nihilus from pushing her down before she was able to disengage and backpedal away from it, settling into the Form II that she learned from Dooku so long ago.
"What makes you different from him?"
Nihilus charged at her and while Ciaran was able to deflect its blows she was rapidly being overwhelmed, unable to use the precognitive abilities she had gained from her Luka Sene training as Nihilus' [-----------------] blocked her vision. To her horror she began to realize that her blows were more imprecise, and it was more difficult for her to react to Nihilus' attacks in time to block them.
"Do you not consume much like he does, with reckless abandon and uncaring of the consequences?"
Falling back on nothing more than sheer reflexes at this point, Ciaran fought in a life-or-death struggle against Nihilus, desperately blocking its blows as it continued to relentlessly advance, the [-----------------] within it beginning to fray at her very core. Out of desperation, she drew a holdout blaster from her side and attempted to fire a few rounds into its stomach, though Nihilus effortlessly blocked the shots with its lightsaber before quickly disarming her of both blaster and lightfoil, hurling them away as it held its saber to Ciaran's throat.
"In the end, what do you leave behind as you consume without end?"
Ciaran's eyes closed tight as memories start flashing through her mind at a breakneck pace. The ceremony on Naboo where she was declared a planetary hero for helping rebuild the planet even after she had taken so much from it. Grateful Kaleesh and later Grievous himself bowing to her, lending their immense skills as warriors to her after she had saved them from the Huk. Reporters declaring her a hero for creating a humanitarian organization that made her look better and allowed her informant networks to spread. The tears in the eyes of the Lurmen and Tarisans thanking her for the ceasefire she had helped create for the sake of her own reputation and preventing the Separatists from advancing.
Selfish actions, every single one of them. And those actions had left the galaxy a better place for them. Not all of what she had done had left something of value behind but still-
Ciaran opened her eyes.
The wind began to blow again.
In spite of the [-----------------] in front of her, Ciaran began to feel the Force again. She quickly used it to grab her lightfoil, yanking it back into her hand and reigniting it as she charged at the man in front of her. Even with the [-----------------] throwing her vision off she began to see Nihlius' attacks coming with her Force vision, deflecting them effortlessly as she pushed him back-
-right into the line of fire of the blaster Nilhilus had knocked out of her hand.
She reached out and pressed down on the trigger with the Force as she pressed the attack on Nihilus, leaving him unable to block the bolt that impacted him in his spine.
"//////////////!"
Quickly taking advantage of the opening, Ciaran quickly sliced the arm that held the lightsaber off, then stabbed Nihilus in the chest.
"//////////////-"
With that, Ciaran deactivated her lightfoil, letting Nihlus' lifeless body topple backwards before she did as well, breathing heavily as the adrenaline left her system.
"Most impressive."
Ciaran staggered to her feet gasping for breath as she noticed that the surroundings had changed back to a normal room with Traya standing before her once again. "Don't...patronize me...that wasn't really Nihilus," Ciaran managed to get out between gaps for air.
"Of course not, you would have certainly perished to the real thing. Still, you were able to fight even as the Force was taken away from you and you were able to determine what separates you from him. Is that not enough for you?" Traya responded.
"Up yours old hag."
"Well then let me ask you this; what was it like, feeling the Force being consumed by him?"
Ciaran closed her eyes. "Horrible. I could feel everything around me dying as he consumed the Force."
"Knowing that, seeing and feeling what it means for the Force to be absent, do you still dismiss it as a mere tool?"
Ciaran looked at Traya. "I...no."
"Then you are learning." After saying that Traya vanished, letting Ciaran see the door that was behind her. "Your companion has completed her trial, you should hurry lest she believe that you died during yours."
--------
Eventually Ciaran arrived to see Asajj, who was clearly uninterested in talking about what she had gone through. Ciaran silently nodded at her, not understanding the exact details but knowing that she would not want to talk about what she had been through.
"You have both done quite well," said Traya, appearing once again. "The trials you faced pushed you to your limits, yet you have survived them. Have you found your answers, then?"
Ciaran and Asajj both considered the question for a moment, then nodded in affirmation.
"Then my business is concluded...with you," Traya said, pointing to Asajj. "If you would leave the two of us in private? I assure you that she will not be harmed, though it may take some time before our conversation is concluded. The door behind you will take you back to the entrance now that your trial is over."
Asajj glanced at Ciaran, who nodded affirmatively. Asajj returned the nod and exited the door behind her as Ciaran turned back to Traya. "Aren't you done with the whole 'mysterious mentor' act?" Ciaran snarked, her normal personality reasserting itself after everything.
"I am the ghost of an old woman, there is little else I can do but speak," Traya shot back in kind before throwing back her hood, revealing that both of her eyes were a uniform milky white. "And I would speak to you about the one aspect of yourself that was not a part of your trial."
Ciaran folded her arms. "If you're talking about me rejecting both the Jedi and the Sith, I meant what I said at the beginning. I am neither of those, I don't ascribe to either group's teachings, and that's not going to change even after what I've experienced here."
"And I could sense that as you fought the echo of Nihilus. Your actions are motivated by personal gain in the vein of many Sith, but the results of your actions often resemble the ideals of the Jedi, creating peace and bringing life."
"I've found that in the long run that investing in things, whether they be people or planets, is far more valuable then simply taking whatever you can from the wreckage." Ciaran smirked. "Though there is certainly nothing wrong with looting from an enemy. Still, the fact of the matter is that I have found that creating peace and bringing life is far more beneficial to me than causing strife and ruin like most Sith want to do, but to do that effectively I have to be far more ruthless than any normal Jedi would stand for."
"Then perhaps..." Traya muttered to herself. "While there are certainly others who have felt as you have from what I have seen you are likely the most successful of them. As such...yes, I believe you would be worthy."
"Of...?"
"Carrying the mantle of Darth Traya."
Ciaran took a step backwards in shock before recovering and narrowing her eyes. "I thought I made it clear that I am not a Sith."
"It is merely a title," Traya explained, "and given its history any who hear it would understand the implications of you using it." Ciaran was still glaring at Traya as she continued unabated. "When I was alive I too rejected the Jedi and the Sith, but I admit that in the end I became too reliant on the dark side. However you have managed to achieve a balance both in thought and spirit, and for that you are worthy of carrying on my legacy."
"I see..." Ciaran warily responded.
"Do with the title as you will, I give it to you because there must always be a Darth Traya. Though there is one other thing I wanted to discuss with you before you left, concerning something unique about you I sensed as you entered the temple."
"Uh...what would that be?" Ciaran asked, earnestly confused.
"Are you aware of the concept of a 'fracture' in the Force, or perhaps the term 'shatterpoint?'" Traya asked, and Ciaran shook her head in response. "I am not surprised as it is a rare ability held by only a few. A fracture can mean two things. The first definition is that it is the weak point in a physical object that can be used to break them if the Force is pushed into it. The second is a fracture in events, a point in time where even the slightest of influences can cause dramatically different results."
Ciaran frowned. "And this is going where...?"
"Have there ever been times in your life when it seemed as though an undertaking of yours was going to fail, only for events to suddenly shift to your favor?" Traya asked, causing Ciaran to consider the question.
"Perhaps...are you suggesting that it was because I was affecting the fractures in events that you mentioned?"
"It does not seem to be an ability you control yourself and I don't believe you ever could given its nature. From what I can sense it is more akin to a reflexive response to events, changing potentially negative outcomes into positive ones, though only rarely."
"Assuming I believe you, how did I get that kind of ability? That seems like nothing that anyone's ever seen or heard of before, why would I of all people get something like that?"
"You were on the brink of death at one point during your life, correct?" Traya asked, causing Ciaran to wince as she remembered the attack that nearly ended her life. "It seems as though that event combined with the influence of some other Force entity caused that power to awaken within you. It is truly extraordinary, though I would suggest that you not rely too heavily on it now that you are aware of its existence."
"...I'll keep it in mind," Ciaran said warily, "though from what you said, is it possible for me to learn about affecting physical fractures?"
"I can place you on the path to learning it, but you must finish that training yourself. Follow me." Traya walked away as Ciaran followed her. "Does Ventress know-"
"She has been informed that you will be here slightly longer," Traya interrupted before the two arrived in a room containing a table with a red sphere placed in a hole the middle of it for decoration.
"Look at that sphere through your Force vision closely. Though it may seem flawless, there are still weak points within it."
Ciaran closed her eyes and focused her view on the sphere, trying to concentrate on it.
"Since this is your first time attempting this, allow me to guide you," Traya's voice echoed in her mind as suddenly Ciaran was able to notice small cracks running along the sphere, though they seemed to almost blend into it. "Good. Now try to push the Force into the cracks." Ciaran focused, reached out and tried to guide the energy into the cracks...
The sphere visibly cracked though did not break as Ciaran fell out of her trance, exhausted.
"It is a start, then. Continue training on it and it will become a powerful tool," Traya commented as Ciaran nodded and began to leave before suddenly stopping and turning back to Traya. "If you're willing to indulge my curiosity, you knew what Revan and Meetra were like, right?"
Traya was silent before responding. "Revan was a brilliant man who was as strong in mind as he was in the Force. As for Meetra...she is and will always be my greatest disciple."
Ciaran nodded. "Then I thank you for everything you have taught me, Darth Traya."
"You are Darth Traya now. At this moment...I believe Kreia would suffice. It is the name Meetra knew me by."
"Then thank you, Kreia."
Results: Ciaran gains "Darth Traya" trait, ability to train "Shatterpoint" power. Reroll revealed to be "Fracture Manipulation" ability. Asajj's "Vectivus' Personal Guidance" trait has upgraded to "Exile's Resolution."
AN: Phew! Now this was something I was itching to write up the second the idea for visiting Malachor popped into my head during the interlude with Vectivus, and it was so so so much fun to write. I loved being able to have Kreia be Kreia, I loved the chance to use Sion and Nihilus as such meaningful antagonists to Asajj and Ciaran respectively, and I loved being able to have Ciaran's rejection of both Jedi and Sith teachings mean something. This is probably my favorite thing I've written so far, and unquestionably my longest at over 5k words. Worth every minute.
Also, in true KOTOR II fashion, I had to get a bit meta with Ciaran's reroll ability. Yes, Shatterpoints/Fractures like Kreia described are a thing in Star Wars, and it just made too much sense for the reroll to be a part of that.
...Any resemblance the ability when used on physical objects has to the Mystic Eyes of Death Perception from the Nasuverse is purely coincidental, probably. Any references that result from the fact that Ciaran got said ability when she nearly died are also coincidental as Teron wrote that part before I made it a thing. I'm totally blameless. Really.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this. I really do.
"Ciaran."
The woman in question jolted upwards from her desk covered in datpads, starcharts, and other forms of research on the Malachor system before leaning backward with a pained moan. "How long have I been in here again?" she asked Asajj.
"You've been in here for the past three days. The only reason I was able to get in here was because PR-1 was starting to get concerned for your health. Speaking of which." Asajj passed her a box containing a basic meal and water, which Ciaran quickly devoured. "Something's clearly wrong since you haven't infuriated me even once since I've gotten in here," Asajj commented as Ciaran finished eating. "You're going to Malachor aren't you?"
Ciaran didn't look at Asajj, but began to reorganize her desk as she spoke. "Yes, and I would prefer if you wouldn't tell anyone about it for obvious rea-"
"I'm going with you."
Ciaran's head whipped towards Asajj, her face unreadable for a brief moment. "Normally I'd make some pithy comment about enjoying a private getaway for the two of us or something, but you do understand that going with me on my journey is going to be unbelievably dangerous, right?"
"Which is why you need someone capable of withstanding the Force energy in the system and capable of fending off whatever it will throw at you," Asajj countered.
Ciaran was silent for a moment. "While that is true, I know you must have your own reasons for wanting to go, and I won't pry." She looked at Asajj with an expression of seriousness that the Nightsister had never seen before. "We leave tomorrow then."
Malachor System
Wrong.
This system was wrong in both the physical sense and in the way the Force felt within it.
Ciaran had to pass the Scimitar's controls over to Asajj as the navigation systems had been going haywire, the computers picking up planetary gravity wells in empty space and displaying phantom planets forcing the two of them to manually find their way to Malachor II. But that was nothing compared to what they felt through the Force.
It was as though the system was...diseased. Ciaran had taken off her visor as her Force vision was like looking through murky water, the mere act of looking through the Force making her nauseous. As they traveled through the system both Ciaran and Asajj were constantly feeling a sense of unease, as if the system itself was displeased at their trespassing into forbidden space.
The two of them had made a silent agreement to take the straightest path to Malachor II and more importantly not go anywhere near the remains of Malachor V. Despite that, the two were dead silent as the Scimitar slowly worked its way through the system towards the desolate world of Malachor II.
Once the ship had gotten closer, the silence on board was finally broken. "Do you even know where this place is?" Asajj asked quietly as Ciaran closed her eyes, trying to control the sense of nausea that came from looking through the Force. Though her vision was murky, she did see a bright spot on the planet, and simply pointed towards the location in question, Asajj guiding the Scimitar in for a landing.
Eventually, Asajj managed to land the Scimitar close to the Sith complex and the two disembarked, constantly looking around for signs of anything, but seeing nothing. They slowly entered the menacing building, the both of them reflexively reaching for their weapons as they entered it despite the eerie silence.
"Darth Traya, I am Ciaran. If you are here, I wish to speak with you," the Miraluka in question shouted into the darkness of the complex. There was silence as both Ciaran and Asajj waited, then the two of them felt the tiniest tug from the Force.
Come closer in.
The two slowly moved forward, both of them ready to ignite their weapons as they entered what appeared to be a large central chamber. The room was circular with black walls surrounding it and a ceiling that was several stories above the intruders. While there was nothing present in the room itself, there were three doors leading from it; the one behind Ciaran and Asajj and two to either side.
As the two glanced around to see if there was anything else in the room, a figure dressed in a dark robe suddenly appeared, as though she had been there the entire time. On reflex, Ciaran and Asajj ignited their weapons, though the figure did not react in any way.
"...Darth Traya?" Ciaran quietly asked.
"It has been millennia since anyone has dared to set foot in this forsaken place," came the voice of an old woman as Darth Traya turned to face the two intruders, most of her face hidden under her hood. "Though I see you are not mere thieves or scavengers. The fact that you knew to come here to seek me out is only further proof of that. So what are you searching for? Power? Knowledge?"
"Understanding," Ciaran responded as she took a step forward.
"Have the teachings of the Jedi and Sith not been enough for you?" Traya questioned. "Surely you could find the understanding you seek anywhere in the galaxy."
"No, I couldn't. Those teachings are...tainted by the arrogance of their creators, their belief that they are the only ones who are right," Ciaran explained. "I have come here to speak with someone who rejects the teachings of both the Jedi and Sith."
"As you believe you have if I understand your implications?"
"Yes."
"We shall see how true that is." Traya turned to face Asajj. "And what of you? You stand as though you are a proud Sith despite your ignorance. What do you believe you can find here that is irreplaceable?"
Asajj briefly clenches her fists at Traya's words before she replies, "Resolve. To go through the trials of this place and return a stronger person for it."
"It has been tested I see, I can sense the feelings of betrayal from you though you try to bury them. Do you truly believe this place will hold answers for you?"
Asajj closes her eyes in thought before opening them again. "That is why I am here. To see if there are answers."
"You are uncertain then, perhaps even desperate." Traya looks at both of the visitors in turn, her face unreadable before speaking again. "In fact that is what both of you are. Lost. Uncertain. Searching for answers to questions when you have rejected every other answer given to you, answers that any other would be content with."
"Just because people are content with those answers doesn't mean they're right," Ciaran said, her violet eyes shining as she stared down Traya.
"What we are looking for...is something that neither of us are willing to be given," Asajj said as she stepped forward to stand next to Ciaran. "That is why were are here. To find what we are looking for ourselves."
Silence descends on the room. Then...
"How interesting."
With those words Traya vanished, though her voice was still audible as it echoed through the room.
"If you truly believe those words then come in further. However your paths must diverge at this point; what lies beyond is for each of you alone."
As the room fell silent Ciaran and Asajj shared a brief look before moving to opposite doors, journeying further into the depths of the temple...
--------
The corridor Asajj walked through was dark and lightless, though it remained uniform as she continued to walk down the halls.
"There is much fear in you still." Traya's voice echoed through her mind. "You act as though you are willing to change but I sense that you still carry that fear of pain within you."
Asajj stopped short at that before continuing through the hall, increasing her pace as her hands began to drift towards her lightsabers.
"You fell into the trap of believing that power would let you overcome that fear. But in the end your fear only grew, did it not?"
Asajj was now beginning to run through the hall, her hands now actively gripping her lightsabers.
"Perhaps returning to where that fear began will provide...clarity."
All of a sudden Asajj stopped as the world around her had suddenly changed from a light-less corridor to an arid wasteland surrounded by mountains, that felt oddly familiar to her before she realized where she was: Rattatak. The first home that she remembered. But why-
"Asajj, are you alright?"
The Nightsister whirled around in shock to see a man she had seen die in her arms, the first man to ever teach her about the Force: Ky Narec, looking quite lively despite being long dead. "M-Narec?"
Ky placed a hand on Asajj's shoulder, a look of concern on his face. "Are you alright, my Padawan? I know that fighting against the warlords has been strenuous but-"
Asajj jolted back reflexively. "You-you're dead...I held you as-"
Ky held up a hand. "Asajj, breathe. Calm yourself, and let go of your fear. Remember, fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to-"
"Suffering."
Ky and Asajj turned towards the man who had uttered the word. Though "man" may have been a charitable description given that his skin was more comparable to stone, with what appeared to be cracks running all over his body. His face was similarly disfigured, with his right eye a milky white while the other gazed at Ky and Asajj, the rage within it visible to the both of them.
"What are you!?" Ky asked, reaching for his lighsaber as Asajj did the same with hers.
"I am Sion," the figure said, his deep voice echoing through the area as he strode forward and ignited his lightsaber. "And I have come to remind your pupil about the meaning of pain."
Before Ky could properly react, Asajj knocked him away with a powerful Force push, sending him flying into the distance. Drawing her still red lightsabers, she charged at Sion and to her surprise managed to impale him through the chest easily.
Then Sion grabbed her arm holding the impaling lightsaber with his free hand, dragging her forward as he glared at her. "Did you think it would be that simple?" he said mockingly before kneeing her in the gut, causing Asajj to double over as Sion continued to tightly grip her arm, locking her in place. "No matter how strong you are it means nothing. There is no escape from the pain." He wound up for another blow before suddenly letting go of Asajj, allowing her to stagger backwards as Ky leaped forward with lightsaber in hand to begin dueling Sion himself. Recovering and quickly checking to make sure she still had both of her sabers, Asajj charged forward to assist her first master in fending off Sion.
And that was all they could do: fend him off. While the two of them combined managed to score a number of blows on him, Sion was undeterred, shrugging off the wounds the pair inflicted as they healed themselves, new scars appearing to join the rest covering his body. Eventually though it seemed that the attacks temporarily overwhelmed Sion as he hunched over, still alive but temporarily unable to fight back.
"RUN!" shouted Ky as he and Ventress ran as fast as they could from the nigh-immortal Sion as he slowly began to stand back up and stride forward after the retreating duo, looking unconcerned at the fact that they were escaping.
Seeing this, Ky suddenly stopped and turned to face Sion as he slowly advanced while Asajj looked at him in shock. "Master, what are you doing? We can't kill him, we have to-"
"You have to run Asajj. I will at least keep him from following you for a few moments," Ky said resolutely as he settled into a fighting stance.
"Are you out of your mind, Master? You cannot beat him," Asajj said, her voice beginning to waver.
"I know," he said quietly before looking back at Asajj with a sad smile on his face. "But I can stall him."
"Don't say that, we can-"
"Asajj." Ky said calmly but firmly. "I have no illusions about what's going to happen. As much as I wish I could stay, we both know that won't be happening." He looked back at Sion, who was slowly getting closer. "I can't imagine how much this is going to hurt you, but you have to let me go."
Asajj closed her eyes before walking up to Ky's side and settling into a fighting stance.
"Asajj, I told you to-"
"If I were to leave you to die now, I don't think I could ever forgive myself," she said. "Which I why I refuse to leave."
"You're going to die, and if the way he fights is any indication it will be a painful death," Ky said, no emotion in his voice.
"I know," replied Asajj as Sion reached them, standing a few feet away.
"Your master is right, girl. Your death by my hands will be slow and agonizing, your life ending only when I allow it to end," Sion growled out as he clenched his fist for emphasis.
"So come kill me then," replied Asajj. "Whatever you do to me...leaving my master behind to suffer the same would be far worse."
"So that is your answer? Very well."
Suddenly Ky and Sion vanished along with the scenery of Rattatak, leaving Asajj standing in front of Traya once again.
"You have passed," she said, her face remaining neutral. "Though you were afraid, you managed to overcome that fear for the sake of another."
"...He is long dead," Asajj quietly replied. "Just because I was able to stay at his side-"
"Were you expecting to miraculously overcome your flaws in one swift motion?" Traya said as she interrupted Asajj. "You have been given the chance to begin walking a new path, but you must complete the rest of that journey yourself."
Once again, Traya vanished, a door behind her now visible to Asajj.
"Go on then. If your companion has survived her trial she will be arriving in the next room shortly."
--------
As Ciaran made her way through a hall identical to the one Asajj had, she too was contacted by Traya.
"Your companion is easily understood in motivation but you are...different. You believe that the Force is nothing more than a tool for you to use, another way for you to gain power for yourself."
"While I wouldn't put it so callously, you are right," Ciaran responded.
"And yet you rely on it so much more than you realize, Miraluka. While you may have eyes of your own now, before you could not see without the Force, and because of that one might say that you are subservient to it. Yet here you are, arrogantly dismissing the Force as a mere tool while searching for more ways to satisfy your hunger for knowledge, for power, for anything so long as you alone could benefit from it. Yes...I see now the lesson that you must learn."
Before Ciaran could respond the hallway around her suddenly disappeared, replaced with a view of a verdant green mountainside, sloping upwards towards a white peak and a wide ocean visible as Ciaran looked downwards. It seemed somewhat familiar to Ciaran but she couldn't quite place it.
Suddenly she felt something. Or rather...
[-----------------]
All of a sudden, she could feel the Force dying, her Force vision starting to go black as the Force seemed to vanish, the wildlife around her decayed rapidly, the ocean dried up within a moment, and the very air around her began to go still. To Ciaran's horror she realized what was happening and finally understood where she was when she saw the [-----------------] above the planet.
This was Katarr. It was dying because it was being consumed by a being that struck fear into every Miraluka to this day. A monster that had consumed an entire world in but a moment.
And then, it appeared in front of her, the [-----------------] making Ciaran nearly vomit as her Force vision was unable to fully comprehend the [-----------------] contained within the abomination in front of her wearing a black robe and a bone-white mask that she recognized instantly.
Nihilus.
The being that any Miraluka knew to fear from a young age, the being who was described as a walking void in the Force, and as she looked at it in horror Ciaran could see the [-----------------] for herself, the sight similar to a black hole being visible from the lack of light within it.
Suddenly it spoke in a language that Ciaran didn't recognize and never wanted to.
"/\|\\|/\//////!"
Then it drew it's lightsaber and charged at Ciaran, who was only barely able to block it in time with her lightfoil, straining to keep Nihilus from pushing her down before she was able to disengage and backpedal away from it, settling into the Form II that she learned from Dooku so long ago.
"What makes you different from him?"
Nihilus charged at her and while Ciaran was able to deflect its blows she was rapidly being overwhelmed, unable to use the precognitive abilities she had gained from her Luka Sene training as Nihilus' [-----------------] blocked her vision. To her horror she began to realize that her blows were more imprecise, and it was more difficult for her to react to Nihilus' attacks in time to block them.
"Do you not consume much like he does, with reckless abandon and uncaring of the consequences?"
Falling back on nothing more than sheer reflexes at this point, Ciaran fought in a life-or-death struggle against Nihilus, desperately blocking its blows as it continued to relentlessly advance, the [-----------------] within it beginning to fray at her very core. Out of desperation, she drew a holdout blaster from her side and attempted to fire a few rounds into its stomach, though Nihilus effortlessly blocked the shots with its lightsaber before quickly disarming her of both blaster and lightfoil, hurling them away as it held its saber to Ciaran's throat.
"In the end, what do you leave behind as you consume without end?"
Ciaran's eyes closed tight as memories start flashing through her mind at a breakneck pace. The ceremony on Naboo where she was declared a planetary hero for helping rebuild the planet even after she had taken so much from it. Grateful Kaleesh and later Grievous himself bowing to her, lending their immense skills as warriors to her after she had saved them from the Huk. Reporters declaring her a hero for creating a humanitarian organization that made her look better and allowed her informant networks to spread. The tears in the eyes of the Lurmen and Tarisans thanking her for the ceasefire she had helped create for the sake of her own reputation and preventing the Separatists from advancing.
Selfish actions, every single one of them. And those actions had left the galaxy a better place for them. Not all of what she had done had left something of value behind but still-
Ciaran opened her eyes.
The wind began to blow again.
In spite of the [-----------------] in front of her, Ciaran began to feel the Force again. She quickly used it to grab her lightfoil, yanking it back into her hand and reigniting it as she charged at the man in front of her. Even with the [-----------------] throwing her vision off she began to see Nihlius' attacks coming with her Force vision, deflecting them effortlessly as she pushed him back-
-right into the line of fire of the blaster Nilhilus had knocked out of her hand.
She reached out and pressed down on the trigger with the Force as she pressed the attack on Nihilus, leaving him unable to block the bolt that impacted him in his spine.
"//////////////!"
Quickly taking advantage of the opening, Ciaran quickly sliced the arm that held the lightsaber off, then stabbed Nihilus in the chest.
"//////////////-"
With that, Ciaran deactivated her lightfoil, letting Nihlus' lifeless body topple backwards before she did as well, breathing heavily as the adrenaline left her system.
"Most impressive."
Ciaran staggered to her feet gasping for breath as she noticed that the surroundings had changed back to a normal room with Traya standing before her once again. "Don't...patronize me...that wasn't really Nihilus," Ciaran managed to get out between gaps for air.
"Of course not, you would have certainly perished to the real thing. Still, you were able to fight even as the Force was taken away from you and you were able to determine what separates you from him. Is that not enough for you?" Traya responded.
"Up yours old hag."
"Well then let me ask you this; what was it like, feeling the Force being consumed by him?"
Ciaran closed her eyes. "Horrible. I could feel everything around me dying as he consumed the Force."
"Knowing that, seeing and feeling what it means for the Force to be absent, do you still dismiss it as a mere tool?"
Ciaran looked at Traya. "I...no."
"Then you are learning." After saying that Traya vanished, letting Ciaran see the door that was behind her. "Your companion has completed her trial, you should hurry lest she believe that you died during yours."
--------
Eventually Ciaran arrived to see Asajj, who was clearly uninterested in talking about what she had gone through. Ciaran silently nodded at her, not understanding the exact details but knowing that she would not want to talk about what she had been through.
"You have both done quite well," said Traya, appearing once again. "The trials you faced pushed you to your limits, yet you have survived them. Have you found your answers, then?"
Ciaran and Asajj both considered the question for a moment, then nodded in affirmation.
"Then my business is concluded...with you," Traya said, pointing to Asajj. "If you would leave the two of us in private? I assure you that she will not be harmed, though it may take some time before our conversation is concluded. The door behind you will take you back to the entrance now that your trial is over."
Asajj glanced at Ciaran, who nodded affirmatively. Asajj returned the nod and exited the door behind her as Ciaran turned back to Traya. "Aren't you done with the whole 'mysterious mentor' act?" Ciaran snarked, her normal personality reasserting itself after everything.
"I am the ghost of an old woman, there is little else I can do but speak," Traya shot back in kind before throwing back her hood, revealing that both of her eyes were a uniform milky white. "And I would speak to you about the one aspect of yourself that was not a part of your trial."
Ciaran folded her arms. "If you're talking about me rejecting both the Jedi and the Sith, I meant what I said at the beginning. I am neither of those, I don't ascribe to either group's teachings, and that's not going to change even after what I've experienced here."
"And I could sense that as you fought the echo of Nihilus. Your actions are motivated by personal gain in the vein of many Sith, but the results of your actions often resemble the ideals of the Jedi, creating peace and bringing life."
"I've found that in the long run that investing in things, whether they be people or planets, is far more valuable then simply taking whatever you can from the wreckage." Ciaran smirked. "Though there is certainly nothing wrong with looting from an enemy. Still, the fact of the matter is that I have found that creating peace and bringing life is far more beneficial to me than causing strife and ruin like most Sith want to do, but to do that effectively I have to be far more ruthless than any normal Jedi would stand for."
"Then perhaps..." Traya muttered to herself. "While there are certainly others who have felt as you have from what I have seen you are likely the most successful of them. As such...yes, I believe you would be worthy."
"Of...?"
"Carrying the mantle of Darth Traya."
Ciaran took a step backwards in shock before recovering and narrowing her eyes. "I thought I made it clear that I am not a Sith."
"It is merely a title," Traya explained, "and given its history any who hear it would understand the implications of you using it." Ciaran was still glaring at Traya as she continued unabated. "When I was alive I too rejected the Jedi and the Sith, but I admit that in the end I became too reliant on the dark side. However you have managed to achieve a balance both in thought and spirit, and for that you are worthy of carrying on my legacy."
"I see..." Ciaran warily responded.
"Do with the title as you will, I give it to you because there must always be a Darth Traya. Though there is one other thing I wanted to discuss with you before you left, concerning something unique about you I sensed as you entered the temple."
"Uh...what would that be?" Ciaran asked, earnestly confused.
"Are you aware of the concept of a 'fracture' in the Force, or perhaps the term 'shatterpoint?'" Traya asked, and Ciaran shook her head in response. "I am not surprised as it is a rare ability held by only a few. A fracture can mean two things. The first definition is that it is the weak point in a physical object that can be used to break them if the Force is pushed into it. The second is a fracture in events, a point in time where even the slightest of influences can cause dramatically different results."
Ciaran frowned. "And this is going where...?"
"Have there ever been times in your life when it seemed as though an undertaking of yours was going to fail, only for events to suddenly shift to your favor?" Traya asked, causing Ciaran to consider the question.
"Perhaps...are you suggesting that it was because I was affecting the fractures in events that you mentioned?"
"It does not seem to be an ability you control yourself and I don't believe you ever could given its nature. From what I can sense it is more akin to a reflexive response to events, changing potentially negative outcomes into positive ones, though only rarely."
"Assuming I believe you, how did I get that kind of ability? That seems like nothing that anyone's ever seen or heard of before, why would I of all people get something like that?"
"You were on the brink of death at one point during your life, correct?" Traya asked, causing Ciaran to wince as she remembered the attack that nearly ended her life. "It seems as though that event combined with the influence of some other Force entity caused that power to awaken within you. It is truly extraordinary, though I would suggest that you not rely too heavily on it now that you are aware of its existence."
"...I'll keep it in mind," Ciaran said warily, "though from what you said, is it possible for me to learn about affecting physical fractures?"
"I can place you on the path to learning it, but you must finish that training yourself. Follow me." Traya walked away as Ciaran followed her. "Does Ventress know-"
"She has been informed that you will be here slightly longer," Traya interrupted before the two arrived in a room containing a table with a red sphere placed in a hole the middle of it for decoration.
"Look at that sphere through your Force vision closely. Though it may seem flawless, there are still weak points within it."
Ciaran closed her eyes and focused her view on the sphere, trying to concentrate on it.
"Since this is your first time attempting this, allow me to guide you," Traya's voice echoed in her mind as suddenly Ciaran was able to notice small cracks running along the sphere, though they seemed to almost blend into it. "Good. Now try to push the Force into the cracks." Ciaran focused, reached out and tried to guide the energy into the cracks...
The sphere visibly cracked though did not break as Ciaran fell out of her trance, exhausted.
"It is a start, then. Continue training on it and it will become a powerful tool," Traya commented as Ciaran nodded and began to leave before suddenly stopping and turning back to Traya. "If you're willing to indulge my curiosity, you knew what Revan and Meetra were like, right?"
Traya was silent before responding. "Revan was a brilliant man who was as strong in mind as he was in the Force. As for Meetra...she is and will always be my greatest disciple."
Ciaran nodded. "Then I thank you for everything you have taught me, Darth Traya."
"You are Darth Traya now. At this moment...I believe Kreia would suffice. It is the name Meetra knew me by."
"Then thank you, Kreia."
Results: Ciaran gains "Darth Traya" trait, ability to train "Shatterpoint" power. Reroll revealed to be "Fracture Manipulation" ability. Asajj's "Vectivus' Personal Guidance" trait has upgraded to "Exile's Resolution."
AN: Phew! Now this was something I was itching to write up the second the idea for visiting Malachor popped into my head during the interlude with Vectivus, and it was so so so much fun to write. I loved being able to have Kreia be Kreia, I loved the chance to use Sion and Nihilus as such meaningful antagonists to Asajj and Ciaran respectively, and I loved being able to have Ciaran's rejection of both Jedi and Sith teachings mean something. This is probably my favorite thing I've written so far, and unquestionably my longest at over 5k words. Worth every minute.
Also, in true KOTOR II fashion, I had to get a bit meta with Ciaran's reroll ability. Yes, Shatterpoints/Fractures like Kreia described are a thing in Star Wars, and it just made too much sense for the reroll to be a part of that.
...Any resemblance the ability when used on physical objects has to the Mystic Eyes of Death Perception from the Nasuverse is purely coincidental, probably. Any references that result from the fact that Ciaran got said ability when she nearly died are also coincidental as Teron wrote that part before I made it a thing. I'm totally blameless. Really.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this. I really do.
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Dr. Snark
Exactly As Planned...Probably
- Location
- Right where I want to be
- Pronouns
- He/His/Him
*keels over in an exhausted but happy daze*
This last thing took a lot out of me; I know that there are the traits I need to add and omakes to comment on and reorganizing the threadmarks and all that but I'm taking a breather right now cause I kind of need one. All of that will get updated tomorrow.
Edit: Dammit all I forgot about a thing that I needed to do for Nihilus' part due to stupid forum limitations. So if it seems weird, give me a minute so I can make it properly weird.
And done. Fucking site program trying to ruin an awesome idea. I showed it!
This last thing took a lot out of me; I know that there are the traits I need to add and omakes to comment on and reorganizing the threadmarks and all that but I'm taking a breather right now cause I kind of need one. All of that will get updated tomorrow.
Edit: Dammit all I forgot about a thing that I needed to do for Nihilus' part due to stupid forum limitations. So if it seems weird, give me a minute so I can make it properly weird.
And done. Fucking site program trying to ruin an awesome idea. I showed it!
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- Location
- madison
damn, I knew this was going to be heavy when Ciaran didn't throw innuendo at Ventress. It's fitting that even after that Ciaran hasn't found the full answer to what she's seeking, but she's been put on the path to finding it herself.
Khepri14
Thus kindly I scatter...
- Location
- Following the wind
This reads weird. Saying "In the long run" twice... almost makes it a double negative to me. It's the closest way to describe it as words are failing me right now. It would be better/smoother to say either:
"I've found that in the long run that investing in things, whether they be people or planets, is far more valuable then simply taking whatever you can from the wreckage."
or:
"I've found that investing in things, whether they be people or planets, is far more valuable in the long run then simply taking whatever you can from the wreckage."
Careful Ciaran your roots are showing.
Panory
The Omake Dragon
- Location
- New York
- Pronouns
- He/Him
And you have more than earned it. Enjoy your rest.
Is it just me that keeps seeing Asajj's recent behaviour towards Ciaran as very... tsundere?
- Location
- america
i see it as a more sister/sibling thing honestly
we annoy the fuck out of her but still care about her(kinda)
she deals with it and doesn't rip out our tonsils(barley)
like all big/little siblings
- Location
- madison
they certainly sound crazy, though we'll see exactly what they do when they show up.