Reformation

[EmilyHuene]

It gave her little pleasure hearing her scream against the pain of the collar. But she held her chin high and did not look at the woman in front of her. This of course was completely due to the fact she was blind and typically stared straight ahead of her anyways. Had she not been blinded, she would have averted her eyes and would seem much less stoic than she was now. Finally the cries ceased and Angela's head hung low. This was the first step in her submission.

"I really don't like you right now."

Since she was in the presence of her men, she would not give Angela any pleasantries. "I would imagine not. Hold on to that anger. You'll need it." Her hands curled in together in front of her while she waited for the men to finish. When they did, they would all leave without saying another word. Of course they made sure to put all the panels back so the room was once again back in tip top shape. Even if Angela somehow escaped the straps in the chair, she would not be able to get into the walls without tools.

The locks would again close her off from the rest of the world and then the torture would resume. The lights quickly heated up and sent her into the burning heat. Following that the screeching would resume. At first they were just long sessions, some five minutes, others eight to ten. This would go on and on for seemingly endless hours. The system behind the recording was meant to be random, intending on the prisoner to lose track of time. They would go in intervals of various times, and shut off for random times as well. Everything about this room was designed to disorient the prisoner and break them from within.

 

[Phantom]

After nearly two hours of non-stop torture, Angela broke. She couldn't fight it anymore. She sat in the chair, her head bent low and her hands had white knuckled onto the chair's armrests. She didn't scream, she didn't cry, she just sat there. Waiting for Ashlyn to come back in and stop the torture. She hated it. She hated the feeling of powerlessness as the screaming and lights continued to play over and over. Slowly driving Angela to the point of where she would rather endure physical torture than this little slice of hell.

As the onslaught continued, Angela's strength began to break down, and eventually her composure too. Out of no where, tears streamed down her face, "Please... Get me out of here!

 

[EmilyHuene]

Finally the torture was working. It only took two hours. That wasn't bad. Angela should be proud of herself. Ashlyn sure was. Both in Angela as well as herself. Some would say she was sadistic, but was this any better than taking a whip to her back? At least her way didn't involve any blood. Her tortures ran on time. Ashlyn had all the time in the world. Angela would start to cry out for Ashlyn to come save her, but her words would not be heard. Technically they were heard, but no one was listening. Ashlyn had by now left the immediate area and left Angela to the devices of the room and the guards watching over her. So it would go on. For how much longer? Angela wouldn't know. But four more hours would pass until everything was shut off. The lights, the sounds, everything. Now she was in a semi-dark room. The paint on the walls gave off a little residue of light still so she wasn't completely in the dark. That being said, the silence would likely be just as tormenting. She wouldn't be able to hear anything beyond her own breathing.

Nothing else happened for quite some time. Almost a full day would pass with Angela sitting in the dark. Sweaty, thirsty, alone. By now if she hadn't slipped out of her binds then that was her own problem. At this stage in the torture the prisoners were able to at least slip one hand out from all the sweat gathered in their arms/hands. Then they were able to undo the rest of the straps. It would give her no satisfaction though since the Force- collar was still locked firmly in place against her neck. And even if she did escape the chair, the walls were shut closed so she couldn't get at the wires or bulbs. All she could do for herself was lie down. She had to be exhausted. There had been no release or comfort for her. Plus with how hot it was in that room, she was bound to be dehydrated. That would likely stir up some hallucinations and definitely some voices would be heard in the silence of everything.

Then it started again. The lights came back on and the screeching began again. Each session a different time than the last, and the intervals in between the screams unpredictable. How long could Angela survive this? How much longer could she hold onto her sanity? Angela might have broken down and cried for help, but how long until she begged for death?

 

[Phantom]

Two days. That is what it took to bring Angela to the point of begging for death. She stayed in that hell for nearly two days, but she would never know it. She had long since gotten herself out of that dreaded chair, but that did nothing for her in terms of escaping. She had been able to get a few hours of uncomfortable sleep, and someone had been kind enough to give her a bucket to empty her stomach into as dehydration caught up with her. It was near the end of the second day when the lights and screaming had shut down, that she finally broke.

She was lying on the floor, using her jacket as a pillow waiting for the screaming to stop. Once they did, one would be able to here her sobs from the other side of the door, "Please... Just kill me already. This is torture enough. Please, just end me so that my suffering could end. Ashlyn! I know you're out there, just answer me! Is this what you wanted?! Me screaming for you to give me death? Come on in here and show me the good inquisitor pup they made you into!"

 

[EmilyHuene]

"Please... Just kill me already. This is torture enough. Please, just end me so that my suffering could end. Ashlyn! I know you're out there, just answer me! Is this what you wanted?! Me screaming for you to give me death? Come on in here and show me the good inquisitor pup they made you into!"

The men outside would make a few notes on their data sheets and then the head guard would look to one of the storm troopers at the door, "Inform the priestess her prisoner is requesting her." The trooper nodded as best as he could within his helmet and then left to find Ashlyn. But Ashlyn was not so kind as to drop what she was doing and come running for Angela. It would be late into the next day before she finally came around, and that included yet another long session of torture in between.

Yet again in the black Angela would find herself alone. But in the silence she'd hear the door unlock and slide open. Light from the other room would flood into this one, leaving a silhouette of Ashlyn in the doorway. She was posed quite metaphorically like her savior. Her hands would reach out, gently offering Angela to come to her. "Come here," she beckoned like she was talking to a frightened child. "Come to me."

 

[Phantom]

Angela winced as the door opened and Ashlyn walked through. Standing up slowly, she walked towards the other woman, stopping about a foot from her and bowed her head, "Please... Please don't make me go through that again." She spoke in a small voice, all sense of defiance had been beaten out of her. Right now, she would do anything for water and food. Ashlyn had done it. Angela was broken, and wouldn't be in any position to pose a formidable threat any time soon. Angela started to become light-headed, the dehydration taking over and causing her to fall into Ashlyn's arms, unconscious.

 

[EmilyHuene]

"Please... Please don't make me go through that again."

"Shhh," she would say like a loving mother. "Everything is alright, hun."

Angela would then lose consciousness and fall into her friend's arms. Ashlyn had no trouble supporting her weight and would hold her there for a minute before the troopers came in to collect her. They already knew what the next step was. They carried her by arm and leg, one walking backwards like they were moving furniture. So they weren't the smartest of troopers but Ashlyn didn't bother offering an easier way for them to move about. As a group they left the floor they were on and headed higher into the tower. Not that Angela would see any of this.

She would be awoken some several minutes later as metal shackles were being placed on her wrists. They were cold, a quick relief to her hot skin. The room too was cold, slighter colder than average. Ashlyn did this for Angela. She did this to seem like she was being comforting. But that was all part of the ruse. From her arms spread outwards her feet too would be spread apart and strapped in with the chains. She was now in a 'spread eagle' position as it was called. She then moved behind the bed -the frame taking up only the middle of the room as opposed to it being against a wall- and raised Angela's head with one hand while her other tipped a glass gently to her lips, coarsening her to drink. Yes it was drugged. Yes it would make Angela more sleepy. But could she complain as thirsty as she was?

"Drink, Angela. Drink."

 

[Phantom]

Angela woke up slowly and took a sip from the water, letting the cool drink wash down her throat and relieve the dryness and pain she felt. She continued to drink until the glass was empty, only then did she care about how she was positioned. She looked around the room to get her bearings, taking in the shackles and the cool temperature of the room into account before finally looking to Ashlyn.

She moved her hand to touch Ashlyn, but the chain prevented her from doing that. She opened her mouth to speak, the words croaking out of her throat, "Thank... You... I don't deserve this..."

 

[EmilyHuene]

The drug, which had a mild mint flavor, would have a strong affect on Angela, though not all at once. First, body would start to relax to a calm numbing feeling. That was to good part. The second was she'd start seeing things. Hallucinations of her past, things she wished were true, of events that tormented her to this day. Being that it was a calming drug, Angela wouldn't have any sort of panic or anxiety attack due to the hallucinations. Mostly she saw stuff that wasn't there. Sometimes, subjects would often see relatives who had passed. This is where the third part came. The calm aura one would experience likely got them into sharing secrets. Whether or not they were any value of the person listening to the conversation was entirely hit or miss. It's situations like this which gave the drug the name The Devil's Tongue.

"Thank... You... I don't deserve this..."

Staying out of reach or Angela, "You are sick. There is something inside you plaguing you with doubt. You must be cleansed of this. Accept the pain I have put you through and accept what is to come. Trust in me as you once had so I may save you. Only then will you be healed."

 

[Phantom]

Angela nodded, wincing as the hallucinations continued. She wasn't sure if it Ashlyn was actually here, or if it was all an illusion. But still, she gave in. "I trust you. I always have, Ashlyn."

What Angela said was true. The two women had been through quite a lot, and maybe it was the drug speaking for her, but Angela truly did trust Ashlyn and wanted her to get rid of whatever sickness was ailing her.

 

[EmilyHuene]

"I trust you. I always have, Ashlyn."

What occurred next was a long session of therapy. That truly was the best way to describe what Ashlyn was doing to her. Angela would find herself blabbing about just about everything that had ever bothered her. From her parents, to her upbringing, even the littlest things in her life like when she couldn't find a shirt that fit. She couldn't help herself; the drug forced her to. She just continued to ramble on in no particular rhyme or reason. While she spoke, Ashlyn's hands would trail behind Angela's head and begin to rub at the tender spot behind her ears. As she did, she focused on the Dark side of the Force and allowed it to enter into Angela's mind. She needed to be cleansed and reminded of what really mattered. This would also allow Ashlyn to show her friend the true meaning of her belief in it. Fear, anger...useless emotions. Unshakable faith was the strongest way to connect to the Force. This is what Ashlyn wanted Angela to learn. It was something that took her years and sleepless nights to figure out. Angela had twenty four hours.

Eventually Angela would fall asleep under the drugs influence and their session ended. Ashlyn retreated from her friends mind and would unshackle her from the bed. The collar would stay on, it had to. She then went to the door and locked it, making sure no one could interrupt them. When she was sure she had a few minutes if peace, she went to the bed and cradled Angela in her arms like she used to. This would be the last time she would ever be able to. There was so much worry in her heart for this woman. Tomorrow she would face her test. Ashlyn had tried her hardest to convert Angela before her time ran out and her prisoner was transferred to the Grand Inquisitor: Darth Adava. Also known as Alexia Morr, Ashlyn's other half.

Ashlyn was gone by the time Angela woke up the next morning as several guards came in. These troopers were wearing black and were not meant to be messed with. They would take Angela and walk her out of the halls of the palace. They went down the lift to the main floor and escorted her to the front pavilion of what used to be the Jedi temple. Waiting for her was Ashlyn who was wearing ceremonial priestess robes; her face covered by her hood. In the center of the court yard was a pillar where Angela would be shackled to it with her arms above her head. Ashlyn said nothing as she watched in silence.

A loud hum of an engine would soon be heard as the Grand Inquisitor's ship headed toward them. Ashlyn quickly moved forward and planted a kiss on Angela's lips. Still she said nothing and moved out of the way for what was to happen. Her bond mate would feel Ashlyn's fear despite the fact she desperately tried to bury it. But they both had a job to do. Their mission was greater than their mortal feelings. If Angela could not prove her worth, then she would be purged in Holy fire.

 

[Valen Pelora]

Darth Adava, Grand Inquisitor of the Imperial Inquisition, stared out at the whirring lights of Coruscant. The Dauntless moved effortlessly through the throngs of traffic. Her pilots broadcasted the transponder coded to her station. The crowded traffic parted, or was removed. She wore simple black robes, high black heels, and a stark white tunic. Her robes were covered in blood red runes. The language of the dead and of the Darkness. Her Lightsaber hung loosely at her hip. The Grand Inquisitor cut a beautiful and imposing figure. She watched as the Dauntless descended towards a broad open courtyard. She could just barely make out a tall marble pillar and the chained figure. As they got closer, the figure became clearer. Adava fought to control her breathing. She wrapped herself in the Darkside. She breathed the sweet nectar of the Darkness. It was calling to her. It was demanding justice. It demanded faith.

The Dauntless landed with a small shudder and she marched to the back of the Star Courier. The landing ramp was down by the time she arrived. Lady Adava descended the landing ramp, flanked by six Templar, and radiating Darkness. She displayed all the terrible power she could muster. The Darkside accepted nothing less. She felt Ashlyn. She felt the nervousness. She banished any thoughts of her bond mate. She was here as the Grand Inquisitor, the herald of the faith, the Darksides chosen servant. She would test the faith of a heretic. If the unfaithful failed she would be burned. Her heels clicked on the duracrete. Her Lightsaber hilt snapped into her hand. It sprang to life with the telltale snap-hiss. The blade wielded by the dead Dark Lord shinned ruby red. She took one deep breath and dove into the Dark. She was the Darkness. She spoke for the Empire. Her eyes lit with Inquisitorial fire. They burned a deep red.

“Heretic. Unfaithful. Nonbeliever.” Her voice echoed. “You forsook your vows. Abandoned your faith. Betrayed your Empire.” She reached out in the Force and yanked on the chains. They broke from the pillar. “You have one chance to atone. To prove to Darkness your faith remains unbroken.” Adava reached into the pocket of her robes and tossed a plain silver hilt of a Lightsaber on the ground. “Prove you love the Darkness above all else. Prove you will always place the faith first.” Adava’s lips curved into a wicked smile. “Cut off your hand and give it to me.” Her left-hand burst into flames. The immolation begging to be used. @EmilyHuene @Phantom

 

[Phantom]

Angela winced as she was awoken, she didn't like it, but she allowed the group of troopers to lead her outside, where Ashlyn was waiting for her. She looked down at her feet as she was shackled to the pillar. When they were done, she held her head high, if she were to go down, she'd at least have her dignity, or what was left of it anyways. But whatever was left of it shattered when Ashlyn kissed her, she had no idea why Ashlyn did it, and Angela hated it. Pulling back, her mouth curved into a small frown, "You shouldn't have done that."

Angela held her head high as Darth Adava descended the cargo ramp of her personal ship. As she got closer, Angela's chains were pulled from the pillar, causing her to wince and stumble forwards. Angela walked forward slowly, timidly picking up the saber. She ignited it, the crimson blade shimmering in her hand. She put it close to her wrist, she looked to Ashlyn, and cut her left-hand off.

The pain was unbearable, she crumple to the ground, the unignited saber still in her hand, she wasn't done. She brought the saber to her neck and cut off the collar, and did the same with the chains. Fighting through the pain, she stood, and raised both the saber and the hand with the force, and floated them over to Adava, "A gift for you, Your Majesty.

 

[EmilyHuene]

To the side of the main walkway, two Sith stood by to watch what was to happen. One of which was Valerie Black, the other her twin. Neither of them seemed too thrilled. They weren't the only ones who'd come to witness the spectacle, but they were the only ones not out looking for blood. At least Valerie wasn't; she couldn't be sure about her brother. Sometimes he was a tough read, even for her.

"I thought she was going to turn her over to us. Not pass her over to the Grand Kriffing Inquisitor. If she kills her, she's no good to us."

Valerie grumbled while the woman in black strut toward them. Her aura was powerful. Truly terrifying. This is exactly the type of person her mother wished for her to avoid. Valerie understood why. This woman was the perfect personification of evil. And it made her sick.

"You shouldn't have done that."

OK. So what was going on here? The priestess who'd been theoretically converting this prisoner had just gone and kissed her. It didn't exactly feel like a good luck charm or anything. Even from her far off spot she felt that there was something more to them. It also made her sick. The woman left left the prisoner and moved to the side of the Grand Inquisitor as if they were best buds. Over confidence? Something more intimate? Not that Valerie could really say anything with her own personal secret.

Then came the challenge. Cut off your own hand, or die. Not exactly much of a choice. Sure it was painful. But.....pain was simple. She wondered what this grand warrior was looking for. So, sure enough, the woman ignited the blade and off it went. But then so too did the collar and the chains. Where was she going with this...

The prisoner then lifted both the fallen hand and then saber over to the Dark Lord. That was more of a test than anything. But Valerie wasn't convinced. It still felt, to her, that the girl was just doing this to save her own skin. She scoffed and looked to her brother to see what he felt about all of this.

 

[Taz]

Virion looked on from the shield of the glass. He stood with an emotionless expression as the young woman was tortured. Much of what had transpired had left the Templar confused, not that he would show it outwardly.

In truth he expected the rogue to put up a bit more of a fight at the start. When it didn't happen, Virion became disinterested and less so after handing over to this "confessor". The hand was an interesting change however.

She would of made us a powerful ally had we kept her yo ourselves. What is done is done now. The Dark Side has other plans, as does the Grand Inquisitor. Her fate belongs to Adava now.

Virion would then turn and depart from the scene. Perhaps a good steak and brandy was in order. For some odd reason he was suddenly very hungrey.

 

[EmilyHuene]

"You shouldn't have done that."

Ashlyn was taken aback. Such hatred in her words. Her brow furrowed and she turned away, giving her old friend the cold shoulder. Didn't she see the past few days had been in preparation of what was to come? Didn't Angela see that what Ashlyn was doing was all in an effort to save her friend's life? Apparently not. Angela once again chose her side and she chose wrong. If Angela was going to be that way, then it was clear who Ashlyn would stand by. She joined Lady Adava as she met with the heretic and pulled her from her restraints. Her blade illuminated with a sizzle and Ashlyn could feel the power in her bond.

“Heretic. Unfaithful. Nonbeliever. You forsook your vows. Abandoned your faith. Betrayed your Empire. You have one chance to atone. To prove to Darkness your faith remains unbroken. Prove you love the Darkness above all else. Prove you will always place the faith first.”

Ashlyn had a puzzled expression on her face when the saber dropped to the ground. Did she expect to duel Angela? Surely her bond mate was stronger, she was the Grand Inquisitor after all. Angela wouldn't even have a chance. How was a mere fight going to prove her worth? Or, was her new lover simply trying to see if Angela would fight and defend herself...or let herself perish at the hands of another? In a cruel way, it would feel like the two were fighting over her. Even still, Ashlyn didn't like giving an enemy a weapon. Her right hand reached down and stroked the double blade at her hip. It was Angela who taught her how to craft and use a saber, and it was in her footsteps that Ashlyn created one to mimic Angela's own duel staff. It was all cruel irony

“Cut off your hand and give it to me.”

Oh.

Oh!

Well Ashlyn did not expect that. This was the true test of Faith and submission. To cut off one's hand was a perfect way to challenge someone. Sure they could always get it repaired with a robotic one, but it would never be the same or as strong. Ashlyn's hand left her saber and subconsciously rubbed her thumb across her hand. She couldn't imagine losing one of them. For a normal person it was bad enough, but Ashlyn used her hands so often when trying to see. Without one of those tools, she would have even more of a handicap.

A second hiss of a blade snapped Ashlyn back into focus. Angela had taken the saber and ignited it. Reacting to the sound Ashlyn would return her hand back to the blade, just in case. She hesitated. Then cut her own wrist from her arm. At first Ashlyn expected her old ties to bring up a twinge of pain in Ashlyn's heart when she heard Angela scream. But she didn't. She had cut off her hand and also cut off Ashlyn. That was why she hesitated. Somehow...someway...Ashlyn felt like Angela had died. She couldn't explain this feeling she was experiencing. But her old friend was not the girl in front of her. Ashlyn didn't even recognize the voice she heard crying in pain.

"A gift for you, Your Majesty.

So there it was. The woman did as she was told and submitted to the Dark Lord. Ashlyn reached out with her bond hoping to understand what was going on in her head. Was that enough to prove her worth? Would Angela's life be spared? Ashlyn had promised to give Angela over to the Condorro twins if she succeeded in her conversion; this was told to Darth Adava prior to her arrival. The priestess looked into the Force and felt one of the twins walking away. Maybe he felt that the girl was destined to die and that Adava would kill her off. But the girl stayed. She needed to hear the end of this.

 

[Valen Pelora]

Darth Adava breathed the Darkness. She was wreathed in the Darkside. She watched as the unfaithful carefully followed her instructions. The Grand Inquisitor did not care about physical pain. She did not care if the heretic sliced her hand from her wrist. What mattered was the soul. A faithless could easily cut off their limb to avoid death. A Jedi would maim themselves to prove their devotion to the Darkside. A lost hand or a lost life, was an easy choice. It was more difficult to hide your true nature. She studied the heart of the girl. Her faith did not waver. She gave herself to the Darkness. That would be enough, for now. Adava snatched the Lightsaber and hand from the air. The Darkside flowed through her body, burning in her left hand. She grabbed the bodiless limb and poured the holy fire into the flesh. The hand burned, dropping to the ground as a charred husk. Adava clipped the anonymous Lightsaber to her belt. Darth’s Solom’s returned to its familiar place on her side. She eyed the newly maimed Sith up and down.

“You’ve earned a second chance, one you did not deserve. You owe your life to Ashlyn.” Her voice was cold hard steel. Disgust dripped on her words. “One mistake, one moment of doubt, and I will kill you myself. You serve the Darkness as you never have before. Your life depends on your success.” She turned and marched from the courtyard. She locked eyes with Ashlyn but for a moment. The bond thrummed between them. Her feelings were clear. Do not make me regret this. She did not believe in second chances. She did not believe in redemption. She had done this for Ashlyn, and for love. Adava would hunt and kill the girl if that faith was broken. Her heels clicked on the landing ramp as the Grand Inquisitor left Coruscant. @Phantom @EmilyHuene

 

[Phantom]

Angela's sigh of relief was quite audible when Adava spoke again, she gave a slight nod to the Grand inquisitor as she left. Once Adava was gone, Angela ripped off a section of her shirt and wrapped it around her stump of an arm. She would then walk up to Ashlyn, a sincere look upon her face, "I said what I said because it hurt e too much to be reminded of what we used to be. You have a right to hate me and loathe me. I understand all that you did for me, and I appreciate it." Angela wrapped Ashlyn in a quick hug before pulling away and walking over to where Valerie was standing.

"I understand that I am to be your humble servant until you deem fit that I have fulfilled the Grand Inquisitor's wishes. What would you have me do?"

 

[EmilyHuene]

"I said what I said because it hurt e too much to be reminded of what we used to be. You have a right to hate me and loathe me. I understand all that you did for me, and I appreciate it."

Ashlyn said nothing in response to her, nor did she react when Angela came to give her a hug. She simply stood there wishing it was over. Angela had made her choice and was given a second chance to make sure she would not fail them again. But Ashlyn knew that the two of them were over. She never wanted to see Angela again. Too much pain had gone into his relationship. Too much heartache. Her love now belonged to the Grand Inquisitor as it had for many years now. That was the power of the bond between their souls. So as Angela turned away from Ashlyn so too would she leave her behind. Ashlyn stomped off with her heels clacking against the ground as she followed after her bond mate.

"I understand that I am to be your humble servant until you deem fit that I have fulfilled the Grand Inquisitor's wishes. What would you have me do?"

Valerie looked on impassively as the girls had given each other their final goodbyes. She then looked at the woman who came before her and shyed her head downwards. Valerie would cross her arms and then speak in a manner of fact tone, "You are to become my bodyguard. It will be your job to make sure both myself and my brother stay out of harm's reach. Should anything happen to either of us you'll sure to be hunted down and disposed of. Remember that. We're all expendable here." She'd then turn and go to follow after her brother with the expectation that her new bodyguard would follow.

~END THREAD~​