Lightside Sith 027

Umalor was one of the few cities of the nomadic pig people, the Chevin. It was built like an old medieval fort, with black towers, and long walls. Where once their flags & banners fluttered in the wind, new, crudely drawn symbols of the Confederacy took their place. 

Thousands of former slaves waited along Umalor’s battlements. They carried blaster rifles taken from their old masters, and though many held the weapons awkwardly, they held them with determination. They had been armed before the Republic fleet had entered the system, and were ready to fight to the last man. 

Kane had them propped up like toy soldiers, not really expecting much of them in a fight. In fact, they were much more useful as witnesses. To view in plain sight what the Jedi, what the Republic really were. Overthrowing their masters was but one step in the process of earning their loyalty…and truthfully, Kane wanted to see how many-if any-Lightside Points could be farmed off of revealing Jedi hypocrisy. 

He stood alone upon the open plain, his black cloak stirring around his boots in the dry wind. The crimson skin and sharp ridges of his face made his expression seem naturally severe, but there was unmistakable amusement in his golden eyes.

Behind him, at a respectful distance, waited Ventress and a small honor guard of Chev soldiers. Qui-Gon was of course, afk again, and Durge had been sent on an important mission. 

Farther back, Umalor’s gates remained open. Outwardly this was both a gesture of confidence and invitation. But in reality, it was a fallback plan in case the Jedi decided to cheat. He also left a few explosives, and other surprises buried around the open plain. Of course, Kane didn't intend on using them, and if he lost, he would leave with dignity. But if they didn't want to let him leave, well, no one could accuse him of playing dirty by that point! 

The agreement between both parties was a duel to determine the owner of Vinsoth. If he lost, he was to cede the planet, and depart. Should Ferus lose, the Republic would be the ones to leave. Theoretically, it was that simple. 

Adding some spice to this engagement, however, was a new quest of his. During the freedom of Vinsoth, he had achieved enough exp to promote, reaching the 5,000/5,000 threshold required to advance to (Sith Lord low). Except this shitty System wasn't so easy, unfortunately, he apparently couldn't just go farming planet to planet and become Sidious level after two months of travel. 

[Lightside Sith Promotion Quest

1: Convert a Jedi to the Darkside 0/1

2: Gaslight an enemy into turning traitor 0/1

3: Reveal a leader’s secret resulting in the dissolution of a group 0/1]

Part one, he could sort of understand. In fact, it was quite convenient that he was facing some Jedi right at this moment…but the other two options were truly diabolical. Clucking his tongue, Kane decided he would plant the seeds for Ferus's fall today. Directly converting the teen whilst his master was around was unrealistic. But perhaps showing off the freed slaves-people who were helplessly repressed under the Republic-might shake his world view. 

As Kane was musing to himself, a trio of LAAT's circled around them in the sky, before landing a little ways out from him. About 50 clone troopers swiftly departed, and began setting up behind some rocks, or searching for what little cover they could in the tall grass of the plains. 

Leaving the boys dressed in white plastic behind, the Jedi finally made their appearance. Dressed in a red form fitting combat suit, the short haired, blue eyed Master strode toward him with a look on her face practically spelling murder. 

Siri Tachi approached with one hand resting near her lightsaber. Her Padawan walked beside her, his posture straight despite trace glimmers of haunting fatigue in his aura. Ferus Olin looked every inch the protagonist of some Japanese isekai. He had a strand of white hair on his mostly brown hair, and was classically good looking. 

The Republic delegation halted twenty paces away, to which Kane politely inclined his head. 

“Master Tachi, Padawan Olin, welcome to Vinsoth.” He said in a smooth tone, his gaze then drifted toward the Venators hovering in the atmosphere. “You have brought an impressive number of heavily armed visitors. One might almost mistake this for an invasion.”

“The Republic has come to restore a lawful government.” Siri stated, as if it were inevitable. 

“How reassuring.” Kane sarcastically remarked. 

“The Confederacy incited a rebellion, armed insurgents, and seized the planetary capital. What you have done-butchering the Chevin-goes against the Yavin Code. Obi-Wan may think highly of you, but I see you for the scum you are, Sith.” Siri practically spat that line out, her eyes icy & frigid. 

Kane glanced back at Umalor, then at some hovering drones nearby that were there to broadcast this momentous event. 

“An interesting description. I overthrew slaveholders, armed their victims, and permitted the people of Vinsoth to choose their own leaders. But I understand, when the Republic does it, it is liberation. When anyone else does it, it is an act of tyranny.” Kane said, curling his lips. 

“The Republic does not sanction slavery.” Siri stated. 

“Of course not. It merely recognizes governments that practice it. How many planets under your preview engage in the practice? Why haven't the Jedi stopped it?” Kane asked with a raised eyebrow. 

“You are stalling, your reinforcements will not arrive in time. Whatever clever ploy you think you are doing, it will not work, Sith.” Siri declared with narrowed eyes. 

“I am conversing. It is a custom among civilized beings. But perhaps I hoped too much from you Jedi.” Kane tsked, shaking his head like a disappointed parent. 

“You called for this meeting. State your terms, we're done playing games.” Siri demanded, taking a threatening step forward. 

Kane spread his hands wide in an empty and unthreatening gesture. 

“They are exceedingly simple. There is no reason for thousands to die merely so that your Senate can replace one flag with another. I therefore propose a contest between champions. One duel. If your champion wins, I withdraw my forces from Umalor and recognize Republic authority over Vinsoth.”

“And if you win?” Siri asked, speaking like this only due to a hovering drone that was floating next to her. 

“The Republic fleet leaves, the Chev remain free, and the new government retains the right to determine its own allegiance.” Kane shrugged, as if it were obvious. 

Siri regarded him with open suspicion. “You expect us to believe Count Dooku authorized you to wager an entire world on a duel?”

“Count Dooku has great confidence in me. Lord Renstar is a man of many talents, after all.” Kane chuckled, making light of himself. 

“That isn’t what I asked.” Siri probed. 

“Attempting to sew divisions between Master & Apprentice? How very…Jedi of you.” Kane replied, refusing to give the glib woman an inch. 

Ferus looked past him, toward the walls, and asked a question that seemed to be at the forefront of his mind. “And if we refuse?”

“Then the Chev defend their freedom.” Kane shrugged. “Should you slay me now, you would only prove yourselves the villains. Making me a martyr, thousands of worlds would see the truth of the Jedi.” 

Siri followed his gaze to the battlements. She could feel the fear emanating from the city, but beneath it lay resolve. The Chev would fight. That was the trap. Not a military one, but a moral one. She clenched her jaw tight, and stared intently at Kane. If he grows up, he'll be another Dooku. No, worse. I won't let that happen. 

“...I will fight you.” Ferus reluctantly agreed, slowly drawing the hilt of his lightsaber, a blue light soon sprang into existence. 

Kane smiled at this. 

“At last, an honest answer. The Jedi Order is wasted on you, Ferus. In time, perhaps you will see things my way.” 

After making that declaration, his red saber was ignited, shining upon his dark robes. 

“Say when.” Kane cockily said, flourishing his blade, and standing in one of Makashi's primary stances. 

“He wants you angry, annoyed, depressed. Do not give him what he wants.” Siri warned her student, before stepping away. 

“I have never lost to Skywalker. I won't lose now.” Ferus declared, steadying himself in the Force. 

Across the field, Kane raised his blade in an elegant Makashi salute.

“Go.” Ferus softly said, then disappeared in a blur of motion. 

Kane didn't underestimate his enemy, and attacked with everything he had. 

Their blades met at the center of the plain.

Ferus struck first, fast and direct. Kane turned the blow aside with a subtle movement of his wrist, pivoting it to the side, he met each offense by flowing like water, practically intangible in the face of this aggression. The Padawan followed with a second cut, then a third, each arriving from a different angle. Taught in the classic Form VI, Ferus incorporated every fighting style-I through VI-into his form, yet to Kane, no matter how talented Ferus was, this battle was like meeting a Journeyman who knew a bit of everything. Meanwhile, thanks to the System, he was at the peak of Form II & III! 

Kane yielded ground smoothly.

His style was controlled almost to the point of arrogance. His feet traced narrow lines through the grass, his scarlet blade flicking outward in concise parries. He wasted nothing. Each deflection guided Ferus’s weapon a fraction farther than necessary, forcing the Padawan to recover before attacking again, slowly but surely exhausting him. 

Ferus adjusted to the battle quickly, recognizing he had fallen into the enemy's tempo. He feinted high, reversed his grip, and swept low.

Kane saw the feint for what it was, and jumped over the blade. Ferus met him as he landed, driving forward with both hands upon his hilt. Blue and red collided in a burst of light. Kane slid backward, his boots cutting twin furrows through the earth.

For the first time, his smile faltered. Although he was confident in his skills, and had seen through his foe, it truly could not be understated how powerful Ferus was. The main character of his own spin-off book series, Ferus had the potential to be as great as Windu in Legends if only he had trained. In the current era, he was a peak Padawan, and rival to Skywalker. 

Now, whilst Kane was slightly on the backfoot, Ferus advanced, attempting to capitalize on this minor, yet exceedingly important discrepancy. 

The duel carried them across the field in a storm of color. Kane’s Makashi was elegant, and mercilessly efficient, but Ferus refused to be confined by its rhythm. He shifted angles of attack constantly, blending disciplined sequences with sudden bursts of speed, and the occasional flicker of the Force. Sometimes the ground would shake, or a blade of grass would snag its way into the laces of Kane's shoes. Truly when used by someone who understood it, Niman became a sinister lightsaber Form! 

Twice, Ferus's blade passed close enough to scorch Kane’s tunic. On the third exchange, Ferus caught him across the shoulder with a grazing cut.

Kane retreated, looking worse for wear, and rapidly created distance in an attempt to gain control of the fight. 

“You’re not as good as you think you are. Kane, is it? You have a tendency to shift your weight awkwardly on the right.” Ferus slowly remarked, offering genuine advice. 

“Lecturing me in the middle of a battle? Truly, you are a Jedi. However, I know something you don't know.” Kane said in a teasing tone. 

“And what is that?” Ferus asked, feeling dread well up in his stomach. 

“I am not left handed!” Kane declared, swapping his saber, he tossed his cut up cloak at Ferus's face with a powerful [Force Push]. 

Ferus cut through it, and swiped behind him as Kane had also jumped. However, something inconceivable occurred! Kane ‘double-jumped’ midair, and fell down directly on the crown of Ferus’s head! 

The sudden attack nearly took Ferus through his cranium! Ferus twisted aside and caught the scarlet blade against his own. Kane rotated around the bind, using the curved hilt of his lightsaber, aiming at the wrists. Ferus withdrew, avoided the thrust, and answered with a powerful diagonal cut.

Instead of meeting it with Makashi, Kane changed tactics. His stance tightened as he drew his blade inward. The next few attacks were met with the ultimate defense, it was Soresu! 

Ferus’s blow struck a compact guard and rebounded. He attacked again, only to meet another flawless barrier. Kane ceased contesting the Padawan’s strength with strength, and adopted a patient gait.

“Ferus! Break away, recover your stamina!” Siri shouted from far away, concerned coloring her voice. 

Ferus heard her, and hesitated. Victory was in sight. If he pressed forward now, he felt that he could win. Exhausted as he was, the Sith must be even more so! 

He struck again.

And again.

Kane gave ground beneath the assault, defending with Soresu until the two appeared wrapped in a cage of blue and scarlet light. Ferus drove him toward a patch of pale grass near a low rise.

Kane stumbled, to which Ferus triumphantly surged forward. Their blades locked, and for an instant they stood face-to-face.

“You feel guilty for surviving Geonosis. Your friends are all dead, and for what? Some mongrel slavers? Is this your greater good?” Kane hissed through clenched teeth.

Ferus shoved him back. “Be silent!”

“Think about it, hero. Today, the people love the Jedi. But the longer this war drags on, the more lives you sacrifice in the name of the ‘greater good’ heh, they'll turn on you soon enough. Is it better to be reviled as a hypocrite leaving trillions to suffer, or to be condemned as a war criminal who saves lives and fights against a corrupt system with everything he has?!” Kane roared, channeling his emotions to keep up with the young genius. 

Ferus reeled backwards, his control finally fracturing. He then brought his lightsaber down with enough force to cleave through Kane’s guard. However, he over extended himself, and plunged his leg into a tightly packed hole, becoming stuck. 

‘All according to plan.’ Kane thought with a smirk. 

Having said what he needed to say, Kane had brought the fight to a specific spot. Knowing the terrain ahead of time before this duel, this was but one of several surprises he had set up ahead of time. 

Acting quickly, his scarlet blade flashed.

Ferus wrenched himself sideways, dislodging himself at great cost. Kane’s weapon missed his neck, but the pommel of the curved hilt struck his wrist. Ferus’s fingers opened involuntarily. His lightsaber spun away, extinguishing as it vanished into the grass.

Ferus threw out a hand.

The Force caught Kane squarely and hurled him backward. The Pureblood Sith struck the earth, rolled, and came up on one knee. Ferus tore his leg free and called his weapon back. Blue light returned just as Kane reached him.

The duel erupted anew.

Ferus attacked with desperate speed, and Kane met him in kind. Their blades snapped and hissed, each seeking an opening that vanished almost as soon as it appeared. Ferus cut through a stone boulder. Kane slashed apart a spray of dirt thrown toward his eyes. They circled, collided, separated, and charged again.

Kane's blade twisted around Ferus’s in a tight Makashi bind. He turned his wrist, stepped across the Padawan’s centerline, and used Ferus’s own momentum against him. The blue lightsaber flew from Ferus’s hand once more, landing in Kane's offhand. 

Before Ferus could fight back, the point of Kane’s scarlet blade stopped beneath his chin.

Kane breathed heavily. Blood ran from a cut above one eye, and one sleeve hung scorched and ragged. His expression held no triumph, only intense concentration.

Just as Kane attained victory, Siri’s lightsaber was in her hand, ready to go. 

“If you touch him-!” She threatened. 

“Yes, yes, then I'll be the first to die. Forgive this lowly Sith, for he oh, I don't know, spared your student in a duel. Perhaps a little humility is in order, hrm?” Kane asked in a sarcastically petulant tone of voice. 

Siri ground her teeth, whilst Ferus suddenly started to laugh. “Good fight. I look forward to our next match.”

Kane blinked his eyes. Wait a minute, isn't this kid supposed to be super depressed? 

An outstretched hand confused Kane even more. “Names Ferus Olin…what you said. I'll think about it.” 

+10 LP

“Kane Renstar…the pleasure is all mine.” Kane deactivated his lightsaber, and went to shake his hand. 

“Treacherous Sith, I knew you would take him hostage!” Siri declared, running at him. 

“Renstar! You can't trust a Jedi!” Ventress shouted from near the city walls. 

Kane sighed. 

“Sorry.” Ferus apologized. 

“Me too.” He muttered, then chanting a short spell, he activated the Sith runes he had carved into the area. 

Yeah, this was the other surprise he had prepared besides the explosives. A second later, a hundreds of blue phantoms visible only to Force Sensitives rose from the ground. They could only manifest for a second-given Kane's weak skill with the spell & their lack of Force Sensitivity-but a second was more than enough. These ghosts were Chev that had been brutally murdered. Letting loose with wails of horror, a thick Darkside psychic scream stunlocked Siri in place. 

“The Republic damned us.”

“Jedi. Liars. Liars!”

That said, she was a Jedi Master, and took only a single second to recover. Siri was about to lunge forward, when Durge suddenly burst from the dirt. The tentacle alien extended a pair of electric wires from a wrist mounted gadget, shocking her unconscious. 

Kane swallowed a mouthful of dry saliva, pleased that his contingency plan worked. He didn't expect the Jedi to be so domineering, but just in case, he had prepared for the worst. 

“Please don't kill her.” Ferus plead for his Master. 

“Oh? How noble. Breaking the agreement, I believe it is within my rights as the victor to do what I want. Isn't that right, Durge?” Kane asked in a slow, superior, asshole-filled tone. 

“I can end her right now.” Durge added on, holding a vibroknife to her throat. 

“Don't!” Ferus stepped forward, holding a hand out. 

“Such fear, it wafts off you like an elixir.” Kane remarked. “And here I thought you Jedi were puritans. Tsk, tsk. Well, hero, here's the deal, I can let her go, so long as you honor the original deal, and-” 

“Deal!” Ferus rushed to agree. 

“Let me finish. She can go free, but you must remain as my prisoner. How about it?” 

Ferus's hair covered his eyes, and he clenched his fists so tight, he almost drew blood. 

“...do what you want with me.” Ferus ultimately agreed, practically losing himself to despair. 

“What a fool. You should kill him where he stands.” Ventress hissed with contempt, arriving just a moment after Siri collapsed. 

Kane nodded at her in appreciation. He never knew she was so ride or die. Considering Siri outmatched them, he was somewhat touched. 

“I appreciate the assistance.” Kane said, petting her on the bald head lightly, like one might reluctantly touch a gross grandparent.

Ventress responded with violence, elbowing him in the ribs, and strutting off muttering about hair products. 

Ferus gave him a quizzical look, as Kane practically lost all his aura. 

“Ahem! Welcome, Ferus Olin, to Team Renstar!”