Ask Nar Shaddaa As Below, So Above

[Renfry]

Renfry was caught off guard by Malicia's words. From the possessed outburst to this was quite the transition, and Renfry could only assume one thing.

Thank you, I'm flattered, but you're avoiding the question, she said. Whether it was Malicia's choice or the spirits' she wasn't sure. Still, a compliment was always nice: real or fake.

A moment later, however, the Sith answered. She saw no point or reason in drawing the question out any longer.

From what you've told me, it sounds like you've absorbed the spirits of others. It started in the pit. They've formed some sort of... collective inside you. They want to grow their own numbers and by extension their own power. But they have a mind of their own, she said, knowing they were likely hearing her as well. She was on guard to them having a violent reaction.

If you let them, they'll completely consume you, she stated gravely. Renfry's bedside manner could certainly use some work, but the information was not only true, but probably something Malicia already suspected.

The more you feed it, the more powerful it will grow, she said. @Dread

 

[Darth Malicia]

Malicia was glad that Renfry accepted her compliment, but the whispers began to rage again the more they heard. They became louder and louder and louder and Malicia stepped backwards clenching her head again. She fought against their bid to take control, but this time she found it somehow... a little easier to maintain control. Perhaps they'd.... it had exhausted itself from exerting its will over her earlier?

"So I will..." she paused, continuing to fight against the whispers, trying to speak over them. "...I will lose the fight for dominance in the end."

Perhaps to Renfry, complete silence fell between the two. To Malicia, her ears were filled with the thrumming of rushing blood and the drumming of her quickened heartbeats. The whispers inside of the Darth's mind continued to scream in protest and the whole world was nearly drowned out around her.

That was, until she spoke again, "Because I will not stop. I cannot stop." And with her last words, the whispers settled, drifting off into a silence that Malicia had not had in so long. They should've known that that was what she'd come to. Maybe they simply needed to hear her say it? Finally, she was able to compose herself in a small way again. Her hands slowly, carefully moved away from her head, though they lingered closely. "Tell me, do you think that I will, at least, join the collective in the end?"

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry watched and listened. Though there seemed to be silence, she could guess there was a war within Malicia. She knew what it felt like as well. The Shaman of Dathomir spent their whole lives training to dampen the song of the Spirits lest they go mad. She wasn't sure if she could teach that to Malicia, though. These voices weren't outside, but within. And invited within at that.

The more you feed, the stronger they'll grow. Even a Sith Lord can only stand alone for so long, she said. Yes, eventually she would lose the fight if she continued, but even the way that Renfry had phrased that planted an idea in her mind. Probably a terrible idea, but an idea.

Then you've already made your decision, she said as Malicia declared that she wouldn't and couldn't stop. That left only the question of dampening, which... Renfry was doubtful about.

Probably, she said. She couldn't say for certain, but it made sense that a portion of her would remain. But you won't have control anymore, she said. Aware of what was happening, perhaps giving a small influence, but retaining control of herself? Almost certainly not.

Renfry reached up and rubbed her face, her mind rifling through rituals, teachings, and rumors she had heard and learned over the years to come up with something that might help.

In truth, I'm not sure there's much to do to prevent it or postpone it, she said. She could think of one thing that might possibly help, but it could also possibly make things much worse as well.

I could try to do something to slow it down, but it could also make it worse, she said honestly. @Dread

 

[Darth Malicia]

The Nightsister reiterated that she'd lose control. Even as a Sith Lord, she did not have the ability to overcome the power of the entity taking over her. But there was still some comfort there. At very least, Renfry said it was likely that she'd join the collective. Part of her already felt like she belonged in it. Was it possible that her spirit was already partly consumed? Maybe, maybe not. None of this was her expertise.

Malicia only nodded when Renfry said she wasn't sure there was much she could do. But, then she heard the next line. Both her hands fell back to her sides slowly as she fell into her thoughts.

Her hunger stirred at the offer, or rather, her entity did. Not as loudly as it might've in the past. She wondered why. Perhaps it was more patient than she thought? Maybe it thought it would benefit from the offer? Her thoughts drifted until she looked back up.

"I'll take the gamble. I will become one with it some day anyway. If there is a chance to have more time in control, I don't want to pass it up," she said, the expression on her face still somewhat distant. She'd finally accepted her fate but it was hard to fully process so quickly. She still felt somewhat disconnected from the gravity of it all.

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry wasn't so sure she'd feel that way after she heard the situation. It would simultaneously help and make the situation work. But, Renfry was simply here to present the information. It was up to the other woman to make the decision.

Right now you're keeping them all at bay by yourself, she said, as she'd stated earlier. Eventually even with all of Malicia's power, she would be overcome.

If you had help, it might slow the process, she said. The crux of the problem was that "getting help" was inherently dangerous.

We could summon another spirit - a strong one - and you could let it in. The two of you together could keep them at bay for longer, she said. She didn't feel the need to explain how the plan could backfire. It meant counting on the spirit to keep its end of the deal, and it also meant she'd be sharing her body with someone else... although, she already was, so that was moot. @Dread

 

[Darth Malicia]

Without thinking, Malicia's eyebrow raised. It was certainly a proposal. Another entity in her head, taking up room and distracting her? It gave her pause, though her expression remained mostly the same. That was probably a bad thing. She was so use to having something in her head that she was considering adding another despite the annoyance and risk.

"Why would a spirit agree to that?" she asked, though she wasn't sure even Renfry knew the answer. "Wouldn't it be added to the collective in the end?" she added.

And the entity inside her seemed unconvinced. She could hear the whispers start to come back and it made her close her eyes and breath in, choosing not to fight them and instead allowing them to have their say. Part of her wanted to quiet them, but she was starting to feel fatigued. It had been a long day, and the planets sun was setting. The creeping darkness only added to her feelings.

"Maybe it can wait till the morning, if you'll give me more of your time," she said. "Are there places to rest here?"

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry found it odd how little most of the Orders of offworlders knew about the world beyond this one. They had many strange terms for the Shadow and tried to quantify it, but ignored fundamental aspects. It baffled her, and yet she knew there were a great many things about it that she didn't know either.

Certain spirits want back into this world and need a body for that. If you're offering even a portion of yours, that's opportunity for them, she said. The Sith spirits were a prime example in this case. They wanted to cheat death and continue on after, and they would be just the type to assist Malicia.

Yes, they would, she confirmed, and most would still be willing. Part of a body was greater than no body.

The sky began to grow dark and Renfry sensed that Malicia was growing fatigued. She, herself, was getting a bit tired as well, so she gave a nod. It was just as well to Renfry, the more her skills were used the better for her in the long run. A ritual like this could potentially take some time, as well. She'd want to be rested for whatever might come.

If you're fine with some rough living, she said, motioning up the hill behind her leading toward the base of the mountains. They could always sleep on their ships, but there were also a set of caves very nearby as well. She didn't dare take Malicia to the Felucian village for multiple reasons. @Dread

 

[Darth Malicia]

It was interesting information, and it made her start to think. If she was going to become one with a spirit entity, it was probably best to understand what she could before then.

However Malicia began walking towards where the Nightsister pointed instead of answering at first. "My youth was spent in cages and chains, eating rats and insects to survive. I can handle "rough" living," she stated after a few seconds. It was said plainly, absolutely no shame in her voice or in the emotions she gave off.

She was Cadre. The reminder of what she was helped boost her mood slightly. Even facing an end to control over her own body, she'd endure. Power over everything. Over the chance to ever end up being enslaved ever again.

Still, her mood could only be lifted so much against the realization and her fatigue. She was so exhausted that she simply reached up and took the mask off her face, closing her eyes for a moments peace to breath in direct air. Renfry already knew more about her than even her Cadre brother, so what was a face? And a second later she pulled the hood off her head, suddenly feeling the desire to shed a layer of her armour. But, that could come later.

As they walked, Malicia thought to change the subject somewhat. Her eyes turned to gaze over the form of the woman walking by her. Still beautiful. It made her regret resisting her baser instincts, now that she had limited time. What came from her lips did not reflect her thoughts though, "You asked for a favour in return for all of this. If I may ask, what ambitions do you have? What can I expect this favour to be?" It was a direct question, one she doubted many Sith would answer plainly. It was probably her tiredness, but she wasn't in the mood to be subtle.

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry was a bit surprised by the revelation, but then, that made sense. It also meant that Malicia wouldn't be put off by sleeping on the ground for the night. That was good at least.

As they walked, she also stripped off the mask and hood that she always wore. Renfry was surprised by that as well, but again didn't let it show. She wasn't sure if that was something telling or not about that gesture, but took note and tried not to read into it further.

I'm not sure what it will be, she said honestly. She was not a particularly subtle woman herself, and so didn't enjoy the dancing around topics that many people tried to do.

Probably some sort of information, she said. Knowledge was one of her greatest aims. She wanted to become an expert in everything arcane and abnormal, though not everyone had that information to give. She was sure she would find something. Or perhaps it would be something else: backing in an operation or venture. She couldn't yet be sure, but her services were rare enough to not feel terrible about requiring some form of compensation for her assistance.

A few minutes later they arrived at the cave, and Renfry moved toward the back of the cave to ensure that they were alone before setting up a small glyph of protection from anything that might emerge.

She returned several minutes later and sat down with her back against the wall, groaning and stretching before taking a deep breath.

We should probably get some sleep, she said. If the other woman even slept. It seemed like a common theme that other Sith didn't actually sleep. @Dread

 

[Darth Malicia]

The small Darth followed Renfry to the back of the cave, deciding to strip a layer of her armour. Just the coat top, leaving what was underneath—the layer that tautly embraced her body. It felt refreshing to shed at least one layer, even against her better judgment.

Before the Darth managed to sit down, Renfry returned from whatever she was doing and sat down. Malicia stared for a moment and contemplated something. She'd resisted advances before, resisted her Cadre brothers teasing and more, all to prove that she did not need to be close to anyone.

But, now that she knew that her will had an end something overcame her. Curiosity maybe. The Darth knelled in front of Renfry, who she wasn't sure would appreciate the gesture. Her stare remained distant, something that had become default to her, though she was engaged in the woman's reactions. If Renfry seemed to pull away or get defensive, the Darth would pull back and go to a corner of her own. Otherwise, she'd stay kneeling in front of the woman.

"Have you ever wondered what it is like to enjoy another woman for a night?" Malicia asked bluntly. Her fingertips brushing against Renfry's delicate jawline before crooking under her chin to raise her eyes to meet her own. She leaned towards her after, brushing her lips against the Nightsisters. "I didn't lie when I said you were beautiful."

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry's eyes widened a bit as the Darth knelt in front of her. She could guess where this was going and realized it was probably at least partially her own fault.

Oh... she said, not quite managing to hide her surprise. I, uh, appreciate that, she said, speaking up before the other woman kissed her.

But unfortunately women - even beautiful ones - aren't quite to my taste, she said, smiling warmly. Her compliment was sincere and she gave no hint that she was offended by the other woman's gesture. She was flattered, and had no interest in making the other woman uncomfortable.

I should have... well, clarified that, but got a bit distracted with our conversation, she said, feeling awkward now not for what Malicia had done but for what she had failed to do. It had seemed like it was an attempt to change the topic from what they'd been talking about at the time.

Now she felt like the one who should change the subject to something else.

You asked me earlier if I liked being a Sith. Do you? she asked. The question was genuine. Each Sith she'd met was quite different and all seemed to have their own complex story of how they'd come and why they stayed. Even if Malicia had been born into it, she was certainly strong enough that she could leave now if she wanted to, and yet she stayed. @Dread

 

[Darth Malicia]

Malicia tipped her head at the other woman's surprise and stumbling. It wasn't what she'd expected at all. She'd expected either interest or a very violent, aggressive reaction. But, now she was realizing her expectations were probably due to how her siblings behaved.

"As you wish," the small Darth answered, pushing herself back to her feet to find her own corner. She sat down on it, back against the wall. Her eyes closed as her body finally hit the ground and relaxed.

Renfry's question stirred her back from almost immediately falling asleep, "I'm not Sith," she answered, though she felt herself question her own answer almost as quickly as she'd been ripped back from drifting off. "At least, not exactly. I'm Cadre," she added without anymore context. There was no real reason to get into more detail, especially if the question was simply an attempt to change the subject.

Once again, the Darth closed her eyes and she'd drift off to sleep if Renfry didn't speak up again. The whispers in her head were still mostly quiet. It was probably best that they hadn't went to a village if one existed, since she doubted she'd have enough mental energy to resist much more of its pestering.

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry was surprised and interested in the difference between Cadre and Sith. But then, she was still a Nightsister on some level, wasn't she? Perhaps it wasn't all that different. She was about to ask a follow up question, but got the impression the other woman would rather sleep, so she simply filed it away for the morning.

She closed her eyes as well and let sleep take her, enjoying the feeling of the cool night air and the world's vibrant Shadow wrapping around her.

---​

Renfry awoke the next morning as the sun started to come up. The light was just creeping over the horizon and she could sense that the world was starting to come alive in its morning routine.

She stood and stretched, her mind turning to hunting, the ritual, and of course the woman she was here with. Her question from the night before still bugged her mind, and she waited until she saw the other woman was stirring to speak up.

Morning, she said. How do you feel? she asked. It was only partially a pleasantry. Whatever they did today would be difficult, and the Darth would need to be ready for it if they were to succeed. @Dread

 

[Darth Malicia]

Waking up, Malicia could not help but notice that she felt different. Not hugely, yet change was there. Knowing that she had limited time, being armed with new knowledge on what she and/or it was, it both frightened and strengthened her.

She knew that all of this information ultimately pushed her forward and that she belonged with the collective... it was just hard letting go of control. She'd be here, though she did not know what the being and personality taking over would be like, not exactly. It would most certainly commit its time to securing its ability to feed and to feed.... was it that different from her already?

At first she stood quietly while she lost herself momentarily in thought, grabbing her coat and mask to put them back on. "Different," she said after the pause. It was the best way to sum it all up. Though it probably wasn't what Renfry was looking for. "But well enough, I assume, for this ritual," she added. Another whisper she could handle, even if she couldn't understand it too. As long as it worked to slow things down. And, in the end, the collective got a powerful life force to consume.

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry wasn't really expecting that answer, but she supposed it would have to do. She hoped the other woman was ready for the ritual.

Her stomach growled slightly and she pulled out some jerky from her pack, offering some to Malicia and taking some for herself. She didn't want to spend the time actually hunting today, there just wasn't time.

She started heading out of the cave, munching as she went, and heading toward where she knew she could perform the ritual. It would be a small clearing with a little waterfall leading into a pool. It was an area she'd used in the past and would do well for what they needed to do.

What did you mean that Cadre and Sith aren't the same? she asked without warning. You don't see yourself as Sith? she asked, knowing she didn't have a great deal of time to raise her questions before she had to get to work. @Dread

 

[Darth Malicia]

She accepted the food without pause, taking a bite right away. Sometimes she forgot food even existed. The Dark Side often fueled her body enough to continue on for days without thinking about other sustenances.

Soon the Darth fell into rhythm with Renfry's steps, following her out of the cave. A few footsteps later she raised her eyebrow at the Nightsister. She hasn't expected that to be the next thing she asked.

Of course, it wasn't like Malicia was secretive about the Cadre, that much she'd made clear to Renfry. She was an open book, and it wasn't just because she bore no shame. Part of it was because she still sought the last Cadre-Master. Maybe, one day, someone might know about the project, or someone she told might stumble on someone who knew and come back to her.

"I... the Cadre are not Sith because we were not raised Sith. And the Cadre-Masters made it very clear that we were not like them. That we were not Sith. We did not have the freedom they did. We were only meant to be assassins that utilized the Dark Side, and near mindless tools for them to use until the day we died," she answered plainly, though there was a hint of anger in her voice.

She could hear a waterfall in the distance and looked around for a moment before continuing, "I suppose I am technically Sith now, but no one recruited me or my siblings. We took Sith titles and did as we pleased once we killed our Cadre-Masters."

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry listened, picking up a great deal from what the woman explained. She had spoken to Asminys of his experience slightly, but he was a bit more... closed about it. Or perhaps it was because Renfry, herself, had not actually joined the Sith yet at that point.

She thought about all of that for a moment, beginning to understand what Malicia meant about feeling as if she were in limbo. Renfry wasn't opposed to being someone's weapon - she'd basically signed up for just that - but it didn't stunt her ability to grow and function. In fact, it was just the opposite. If Malicia had been expected to be mindless, never growing, and always inferior... well, only one thing really came to Renfry's mind.

Your masters sound like jerks, she said bluntly as was her way. She understood why the masters had been killed. Renfry may well have done the same in her shoes.

You seem to have embraced the Sith in spite of them, though, she said. At least that was how Renfry perceived it, but then, Renfry wasn't always the most perceptive person.

Besides, killing them and seizing the title for yourself seems very Sith, she added with a shrug. @Dread

 

[Darth Malicia]

Malicia smiled some when Renfry called the Cadre-Masters jerks. The usual reaction was a quietness or intrigue over the subject, maybe a bit of both. Not... this. The Nightsister was certainly unique in her own way.

"I have, haven't I?" Malicia said quietly, eyes drifting off to the distance. She had, in a way, embraced the Sith. "It does all sound very Sith, doesn't it. I suppose I still have things I must shed to move on..." she mumbled, though mostly to herself. Renfry might not understand, but Malicia was starting to think not identifying as Sith might be a leftover effect from her Cadre-Masters programming.

The sounds of the waterfall increased until the two were right beside it and Malicia stopped. "Why here?" she asked, wanting some grasp of what was happening and why.

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

The area was nice and peaceful. It was the kind of location that Renfry could have simply sat and relaxed, meditated, or written for hours if she were alone. And yet, that wasn't why she was here now. It had a secondary role, and Malicia now inquired about it.

The pool makes channeling the planet's energy easier, she explained. She often found channeling into or through water to be easier as it could be made to store the energy temporarily, not unlike a battery with the proper preparation.

She came to stand in front of the water, standing in silence for a moment as she thought. There were a couple of different approaches she could take with this, and she wasn't sure which was the better option.

There were two rituals she needed to perform, but the strain of performing one while the other was "on hold" would likely be too much for her.

We'll need to do one ritual to make your mind more... amenable to the spirit, and another to actually summon it here, she said, placing a hand over her mouth and rubbing her chin as she thought. She enjoyed the puzzle and she knew she had the knowledge to solve it.

I'll summon it first so you can speak to it, she said, when another thought struck her.

Do you have anything important to you? she asked before realizing that was a wildly nonspecific question and shook her her head.

An item or object that has some importance to you that I could bind the spirit to?, she asked. She could make due without one, but it was better if she didn't have to. @Dread

 

[Darth Malicia]

Malicia's eyes drifted to the pool, staring into it. All of this was certainly far out of her expertise. Was that a bad thing considering her situation?

Making her mind more amenable didn't sound too appealing either, though she wasn't going to say no at this point. This was the path she'd chosen and she committed to nothing lightly. "And will there be a third ritual to return my mind to normal, or will the effect wear off after awhile?" she asked.

When Renfry asked for a personal item, she hesitated for a second. There was one thing, besides her lightsaber, that was personal to her, and it was more feminine than she liked to admit. Still... she reminded herself that Renfry, while likely unwittingly, knew more about her than anyone else. Even though the woman barely knew her, it was still more than most.

The small Darth eye'd Renfry quietly for a handful of seconds, finally choosing to reach into one of her pockets. She pulled out a larger vile. There was no liquid in the vile, instead carefully sat a black rose, lifeless and twisted by the Dark Side. Slowly, she handed it to Renfry. "It was a gift..." she said, trying eliminate the guiltiness of owning such a thing from her tone and expression.

@Phoenix