[IC] Khatatas Ashana's Holo Diary

[Lord Iezkon]

Entry 1: The Flame of Cleansing

The orange-red skinned male came to life as the recorder turned on. The man of purity sat upon a simple, high back chair, wearing simple, long grey robes. He'd be leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees while his gloved hands held eachother, fingers intertwined with one another while his head was slightly lowered. The purebloods golden yellow that form his eyes would be piercing the recorders beam of light. The man's mouth opened, yet no sound came out, it's jaw seemed to be locked in place for a moment, but then, it moved, and with a click of his tongue he'd speak with a tone of secrecy.

''Today. Today is the day that Khatatas Ronith, the Acolyte has died, thrown into the void, never to return again. The Acolyte had been summoned to the laboratory at the Horuset Spire, as per usual he left as soon as he was allowed to, and as eager as ever, he knew that this was the day. The day he would ascend and become an equal in title to his dota.''

The pureblood would remain nigh unmoving, his hands however would open ever so slightly, his fingers remained locked as it happened. Then seemingly out of nowhere a small metalic rectangle shaped object would descend through the air, moving towards the floor, but then, it stopped before moving out of view. The object remained floating in front of the man for a good ten seconds. Silence filled the oxygen rich air as his eyes remained focused on the shape, then he'd take hold of the object. His right hand remaining on it's knee, while his left took hold of it. With a flick of his thumb he'd open the metalic casing, and ignite it. Revealing a small flickering flame.

''Upon arrival at the laboratory the guards that he had come to know by name, would hand him a small datachip with the coordinations for a meeting location. The Acolyte had to travel through the vast jungles of the Sith Empire's Capital planet of Dromund Kaas. Encountering wildlife in is small journey he'd sneak past or fight them directly. Eventually he reached his destination, his robes drenched and covered in mud and the blood of both animal and his own. Meeting with both Sith Cautus Horuset as well as Apprentice Zunda.
A short conversation past before the Acolyte was ordered to kneel down and while the Sith drew his lightsaber and ignited it.''

A quiet chuckle was audible through the short pause.

''I can still feel the anticipation as the cold drops of water hissed upon contact with Cautus' lightsaber. Regardless, at that point the Acolyte swore an oath of loyalty befitting to an Apprentice, Typhojem himself being witness to the entire process, and of course doing so in the tongue of noble sith, High Sith. That was the moment I, Khatatas Woashi Ronith, the Apprentice was born. My kirs, was quick to mention he loathes secrets and that if i had any, I needed to share them. Of course, I had secrets, and I shared those I care little for. As such, the most important of secrets remain hidden for the time being.

The pureblooded male would then move to sit straight in his chair, and with  a simple movement of his wrist, the black silk of the familiar robes of lesser Sith, the Acolyte robes. The Apprentice's eyes still locked on the small flame.

Sith Cautus and I conversed briefly about my first mission to Maridun, I am to leave within the next few days. We also conversed about a potential oppertunity to either destroy or convert yet another cell of remnants of the traiterous Arious Empire. I am sure to impress someone if I am able to do just that. Even so, the first order I was given, was to relieve myself of my Acolyte robes, to burn them as a sign of my first true victory and to find myself a new attire befitting of my new position. The latter, is done. The former, will be done very soon.

Silence would once more fill the air, the robes would be kept partially to the man's right. The lighter remained in his left hand. Khatatas would appear to be in a trance as he gazed at it.

It is so breathtaking isn't it? Hypnotic even. Everytime I watch the flames flickering so coyly, yet powerfull. It's radiance wakes up the flames within me, it can be as small and weak as the flame of this lighter, or as majestic and powerfull as an inferno. I will mirror the flame and relfect it outwards. I can watch it for hours and hours in silence, bonding with it. And when the flame sways, my eyes follow, it's movements, burn with a passion I need, to prove myself. The air and silence around me, only adds to the ambiance.

Khatatas would then raise his left hand, tracing it towards the bottom part of the black and grey robes of his former self. Seconds later the robes would be lighted, closing his eyes as he let the sound of fire and smell of burning silk fill his nostrills. The cloth slowly searing, scorching and turning to ash as the flames engulf it's form. The pureblooded Apprentice opened his eyes once more.

Here, I sit alone with the sacred flame, that will cleanse me of my past failures and that will light my path through the darkness that I enguld myself in. Leaving nothing behind but the dirty, grey and irrelivant ash. This is where I start to prove myself to Sith Society as a whole.

Khatatas Ronith's gaze would turn directly at the recorder before it's light would dissipate and his form would fade, the holo-recording was finished.


(*Post by Luca/Khatatas.*)

[Lord Iezkon]

Entry 2: Emotional Degradation

The male pureblood would burst to life as the recorder was turned on. The man would be sitting upon his high back chair again. His right hand resting upon his right knee, moving up and down as he moves the heel of his right feet up and down, over and over again. His left hand would be partially covering his sweat covered face. Khatatas would be wearing his simple black and dark red robes. The man's right eye would be staring furiously at the light of the recorder. His voice somewhat muffled by his hand.

''Yesterday was... educative to say the least. I have learned about my master, about myself and about the consequence of ones actions, moreso that I might have preffered. Even so, i'll start at the beginning.''

The pureblood wipes his hand across his forehead, swiping the tears of sweat away. The man sighed deeply, a mixture of emotion would be vibration through as he does. He'd lean forward and rest his arms on both knees. Staring in the recorder's light with an ominous look of anger.

''I traveled to the planet of Maridun to collect a variety of specimen for the chimera i'm constructing. I needed to collect a Carrier Butterfly for said project, whilst I was... forced to capture a Mastiff Phalone for Apprentice Soyut. In this mission I was accompanied by Corporal Katie, which surprised me with her apparent research, I didn't expect imperials to study anything at all. She proved herself to be usefull in that regard, Sith Cautus ordered her not to assist in any way however, which she followed to the letter. In any case, we traversed to Maridun, landed and not long after we did I noticed a Fwit, which was near immediatelly attacked and devoured by an adult Mastiff Phalone. I acted quickly and captured it without harming it at all, quite the feat if I say so myself. I then proceeded to catch the butterfly and bring both it and the Mastiff on board. When I was moving the large bird-like creature we were attacked by Amani, which Corporal Katie and I took care of within seconds.''

Khatatas paused for a moment, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath before moving on.

''We traveled back towards the Horuset Spire I delivered the butterfly and the Amani, got praised and scolded by Sith Cautus before I was greeted by four Viper guards, who would take me and the Mastiff to Apprentice Soyut's estate. He was impressed that I was able to pull this off, especially without harming the creature. We conversed briefly and then I proceeded to ask on what was wrong with my master, since everyone around me seems to be telling me not to become him, yet they didn't explain why. Soyut... seemed to be enoying my question, cruelty and sadism were very much apparent. We went inside and he showed me various holorecordings and told me the stories of my master's past faliures. That... was the first strike for today.''

The man of purity moved back, resting against the back of his chair, looking up towards the ceiling. He seemed genuinely lost for several moments.

Throughout the day I had been training with Apprentice Zunda, she taught me the basics and fundamentals of form V Djem So, Shien. Afterwards I practiced one of the Acolytes for training until I was notified of the test results on the Amani slime I had been studying earlier that day, it seems that I was right, the slime covering their body is indeed poisonous, something I will certainly use in the future. In any case. Later, Apprentice Siors contacted me, he wanted to discuss the battle plan for our job of protecting Zhoxo, a contact I acquired during my trials, he and his business will be usefull in the future. Either way, Apprentice Siors humiliated me in front of the new Acolyte, I didn't respond at the time. I'll have my revenge sooner or later, one way or the other, perhaps i'll desecrate his face in the most shamefull ways possible. Strike two.

The orange-red skinned being stood up, both hands clawed as he slides his sharpened talons against one another, creating a screeching noise, something that appaeared to be calming the pureblood down somehow. His eyes were slowly burning up with an intensity, his body trembling and his breathing steadily increasing in it's frequency, signing that he was close to exploding.

''Then, there was the mission to collect the missing rations and crystals from the ilum operation, that the group previously weren't able to because.... Lord Saud had to give birth'' He'd say with annoyance. ''The mission itself was relatively easy, however once we located the supplies, we were attacked by a Jurgoran, a large amphibious creature that I eventually took three blood samples from. Near the end of the fight the beast would rush me, attack me. Which I tried to take advantage of, my attempt failed however and was instead crushed underneath it's weight. Then, suddenly everything went black. Physical pain triggered something, my earlier doubts of my master, the death of Lythare... that damned fool, why did he had to be as weak as to die! And the memories, the images, the connection to my people all of them killed, and I can still feel it deep within the corners of my mind. It all fired through my psyche, everything went black and then next moment I stand atop of it's corpse. It... it was an oddly satisfying sensation. Strike three.''

Khatatas would be walking from one side of the recorder's side to the other, his physical posture seemingly on the verge of collapsing while his voice was one of intense emotion, not one, not two, no, all of his emotions surging through his entire body. His trembling increases, his breathing increases, his emotions boil.

Then finally, once we're back. I went to take care of my wounds, my dota, Jen'kaar joined me. We had a short conversation on how we're both doing at the present time. And then I remembered, I saw this as the perfect oppertunity to confess my feelings for her, and inform her of my wish for her to take my hand. And...... as suspected, she doesn't like me the way I like her. She smiled once i told her why I like her the way I do, she told me she was flattered, but that's where it stopped and when the reasons not to came flowing in. First, because Soyut would probably beat me. Second, because she is focussing on improving herself. Third,she merely cares for me as family and it will never be more than that. Fourth, she. Feels. More attracted to those who are stronger than herself or  know exactly how to handle her? What does that even mean!? It doesn't matter, i'm slowly earning Soyut's respect, i'll become stronger, i'll just have to train harder and prove to her that I am stronger, she must like me if I do that, right? Right!? But then... I said something stupid. She told me that she's currently a nobody and that, that wouldn't be helpfull due to my chance of becoming the heir to House Ronith. And what did i say? I didn't care, I said that I didn't care about any of that and that I won't ever be able to lead anything or anyone. She just left after that.''

Khatatas then suddenly stopped walking for a moment, he appeared to be calming down as the silence filled th air for a good twenty seconds or so. But then with a loud scream of confusion, anger, hate and rage he'd take the chair in his hands and violantly starts to slam it against the ground, throw it about the room and eventually it hits the holo-recorder, causing it to break and thus ending the recording.

[Lord Iezkon]

Entry 3: The Mark of Burning Failure

The electronic blue flickered to life as the recorder turned on. The room was engulfed in a darkness, nothing would be seen and the recording would be devoid of sound for a good minute or so. But then suddenly a small flame appeared in the center of view, illuminating the erea ever so slightly. The small flickering flame waved and bend as it revealed the bare, trained chest of the pureblood. The dim light of the flame would shift out of place to the right first, revealing a candle, just before it would be lighted, then he moved to the left, revealing yet another candle, only to be lit. The moving flame shifted once more from it's location, and over to the center, lighting a final candle. Once the third candle had been lit, the smaller flame would dissapear, while the three flames would offer a dim lighting in the room, revealing that the man of purity would currently be sitting in a meditative position, simple leather boots and trousers would be worn, while his chest and arms would be stripped from their clothing. The man's face would remain hidden within the shadows however.

''Zûtawturwasa. Shurs. Sariji. Those are the three words that describe my first week as an Apprentice. I made larger mistakes than I normally would, if I would've truly thought about my actions before acting, and because of this... I will make sure to never forget them.''

The recording flickered for a moment, indicating it wasn't completely repaired since the last entry. Once the image would be normal once more, the glowing golden yellow of his eyes would be visible in the darkness and a metal object would be hovering over the central flame, a 'Z' shaped metal, being licked by the flames as it was slowly heated.

''I have been humiliated, and no, I am not reffering to what happened with Apprentice Vaenra. All of it was on me, I didn't think, I was blinded by emotion, the Lorekeeper would most likely see more than I did, I lost control, I need to regain it. Control over my mind, my body, my spirit. The reputation that I am destroying, and not just that of my own, but that of my family as well.''

The image flicker again. This time, the male's fists would be hovering above the left and right candles. The glowing golden yellow's gaze would remain locked on the light of the recorder, not blinking, not even once. The metal would start to glow a gentle orange. A shaky breath would become audible as both fists suddenly opened, clawing his hands as he does, revealing the elonged, sharpened talons. And as he does, a granular substance would dive into the candle's flames, causing them to increase it's intensity for but a moment, while the fire itself turned into a sickly green. The man would hold his clawed hands there, in place.

''I previously mentioned that I shall mirror the flame as it lights my path through the darkness that I engulf myself in. Now, with my own failure and breaking my vow in such a short peroid of time. I shall take the punishment of the flames and mark my own flesh, and they will force me to strive for improvement, they will be a reminder of that, what I should not do.''

At those words, the pureblood would then take the grip of the metal into his right hand, shift his left arm, so that his lower arm is completely revealed in the dim light. The man's eyes shift from their place and lock onto his forearm, another shaky breath became audible before the 'Z' would rush in, and with hissing sound the hot metal would mark the purebloods flesh. The recording would flicker once more, and the room was once more devoid of light and sound. Then the recording stopped.

[Lord Iezkon]

Entry 4: Comprehension, Deconstruction & Reconstruction

The pureblood would step into frame and is quick to descend upon the high-backed chair in the center of the recording. The Apprentice is currently wearing his black and dark red coloured trenchcoat, all of the metal plating had been removed, as well as his utility belt. He'd sigh deeply in exhaustion, leaning forward onto his knees as he does so.

''The last few days forced me to think, to comprehend, to understand my flaws and qualities. After my defeat and humiliation at the hands of Apprentice Vaenra I have spoken to a variety of people. First with Apprentice Temekel, who patched my up through a painfull session with her use of Tnimi. She suggested something, a way to regain a proper reputation. To hunt, to fight and to kill a Jedi. I was unsure what to think at the time, i was to focused on my defeat. Not long after that, Apprentice Zhaixe visited me, and made me see that I just need to be smarter, need to find my own path and follow it through till the end.''

Khatatas would run his left hand through his jet black hair that was currently at shoulder length, dropped down with locks of hair swept to the right, partially covering his eye. Creating a rather interesting new look for the Apprentice.

''It has come to my attention that, ever since my defeat at Vaenra's hands that a variety of people are trying to 'help' me, to 'change' or 'mold' me. This was quite annoying, especially the attempts from Apprentice Black and Vaenra. They don't seem to understand that I will not accept their offers, I will not be in their debts, even if I did need their help. Even so, I was aware of the fact that I needed to start evolving. This was once again explained during a meeting between my Dota, Apprentice Zutauha... and Apprentice Soyut. I had a brief conversation with the latter today as well. I wished to know what my flaws are according to him. They have been explained and I understood. The first step has been achieved. Comprehension.''

The man of purity would open his mouth widely as he yawned shamelessly, doing so while leaning back against the chair. He'd raise his chin ever so slightly, revealing the bags underneath his eyes. His left hand slowly traced towards his abdoment and rested there, while his right remained resting comfortably on his knee.

''The second step will be more of a challange. Deconstruction. I am to destroy my flaws in order to build them back up in their desired form. However, the question is: How do I do that without damaging my reputation, or what's left of it at least. Normally, I couldn't care less about my own reputation, but thanks to the insight of Sith Cautus and Apprentice Soyut, I am now able to see that by increasing my own reputation, I improve that of House Ronith as a whole. As such I shall proceed to think on a variety of ways to go about this.''

The pureblooded man would raise his right hand and rubs his eyes for a moment as he fell silent for a good twenty seconds or so. His exhaustion clearly visible.

''In the conversation I had previously with Apprentice Soyut we spoke about the third and final step. I doubt that he'll describe it as such however. Reconstruction. In this step, I or am to salvage the broken down variables and reshape them into their desired form. In this case, my reputation. I mentioned the three options I could think of that might be of use. The first being the most direct, being that I have to defeat and humiliate Apprentice Vaenra, get revenge. However, it has been made clear that she is not worth enough to bother. The second was the suggestion done by Apprentice Temekel, to hunt, fight and kill a Jedi. This also has been made clear to be foolish without having the right reputation to build upon, which I do not have in the present time. Soyut, did offer to hunt with me once I have proven my value, something I gladly accepted. But then the third one, that is my ticket to regain my lost reputation. The remnant cell of the Arious that I was notified on by Sith Frost. Destroy, convert or capture them. The latter being the best option out of the three according to Apprentice Soyut. I shall be preparing to do just that, however I do not think I can wait too long, otherwise they might be notified of my plans or perhaps another might find them before I even get the chance to act.''

Khatatas would close his eyes and rest his head on the back of the chair, breathing slowly as the fatigue was pulling him to the lands of his twisted nightmares. Ten seconds of silence go by and he remains there. Twenty seconds go by and still nothing happens. Thirty second have passed and a quiet sigh could be heard.

''About ten minutes prior to my conversation with Soyut I had been summoned by my Kirs, Sith Cautus. My first task was one of endurance and combat he said. After getting permission from Apprentice Soyut to leave his estate I took a shuttle from Dromund Fells to the Horuset Spire on Dromund Kaas. As usual I met up with my master in the laboratory, I was prepared and dressed into my recently bought set of armour. We left for the Dromund Kaas spaceport and entered a fury-class interceptor. Quite the ship, I need one of those one of these days. In any case. We took off and I had to hand over all my GPS related equipment as well as my helmet with the bioscanner attachment. I was going to be dropped of at a small island and required to hunt my prey. I was not informed on the prey, not the general flora or fauna, nor the planet in general. He really wanted this to remain secret. He lead be to believe I was hunting yet another beast. Was I wrong however.''

The half-sleeping pureblood released a half-hearted chuckle out of amusement.

''My master escorted me towards the ramp of the spacecraft as we had landed, he told me I would meet my prey in thirty seconds exact. He was wrong, I counted and I had to wait for thirty-two seconds. Regardless there was a very skinny girl, dressed in a tank top and simple shorts. She had brown hair and.... blue eyes if I recall correctly. Since I was told that she was going to be my prey I used my force sense so that I would be able to lock onto her presence, and it felt nauseating. The light side, she was a Jedi. I instantly felt the anger from Lythare return to me. Sith Cautus threw a concussion blade to her as a means of arming her, which I interrupted. I am not going to hand my enemy a weapon if I can use it instead. I had to give the Jedi a ten second headstart, which I did, I was confidant that I could take her in her current condition without a weapon. The moment I started to count she started to run, to which I followed once finished. But due to the uselessness of following someone faster than you and a headstart I had to be smart instead. I naturally memorised the man of island and noticed that the woman was moving around it, so I just went through it instead. And... I noticed that the trees were pecular, as if they were enchanted or cursed through Kizia perhaps? I also noticed that there were quite a few camara's and not to mention the probe droid that watched my every move. Either way, I continued and tried to approached her stealthed and my presence dampened, she then caught me off guard and regained her weapon. She was quick, acrobatic, she was using the fourth form of lightsaber combat, Ataru. At first I didn't think, but then when I did the fight was over quicker than I had expected. I turned her own force of radical movements and speed against her through simple pulls and pushes. And with the power of timing, Shiim strikes and force shock I was able to defeat her. I patched her up and carried her back. She begged me to kill her, and I saw a great oppertunity. I leanred that Sith Cautus used her as his play thing, to try and convert her, but was unable to. My master's incompetance gave me an advantage over her. I was able to persuade her that the Sith are supirour, that we offer freedom, that she'd lose no matter what she choose but that by enrolling in the Academy she still had a chance, that she had to use the despair my master had created and before long. She accepted, she will be sent off to Korriban, if my Kirs is not to possessive over her. I thought that Apprentice Temekel would take care of that....''

Khatatas shaked his head as he sighed. He'd slowly push himself to his feet, realeasing a variety of grunts and groans as he did. He'd take the trenchcoat off and eventually move out of frame. Mere seconds later the recording would stop.

[Lord Iezkon]

Entry 5: Unexplainable Feelings

Khatatas came walking into view, completely dressed into his new set of black and white set of formal clothing. The high collar of the trenchcoat covering his entire neck and part of the back of his head. The man's elonged hair and metalic black half-mask would shelter most of the pureblood's face. hiding it from view as he closed in on the center chair. The golden yellow of his left eye would stare at the light of the recorder with a piercing gaze of affection.

''A compelling sensation rushes through me... it makes the small flame of a candle brighten into a majestic inferno of burning passion. Intelligence. Wisdom. Beauty. Kindness. It's all present, everything I seek. It's.... unexplainable, hard to wrap my head around, it's so... overwhelming, you know? It doesn't sound crazy, does it? No.... I don't think it does.''

The man of purity clips the white bracers off of his wrist and placed them besides him on the pedestal cupboard. He then proceeded to pull the cloth from each of his fingers before eventually removing the gloves entirely, floating them over to the bracers, joining them.

''It's her... I can't help but marvel at the sensation of being close, it's like i'm being pulled it. It's an influence I can't explain. Everytime she and I talk, I find it hard to find the words. It's like she occupies my mind, but not hostile, it's like i'm being charmed. Not like that would be all too hard, she is very beautifull after all.''

The pureblood tilts his head to the left and the circle around till he stops at the right, a multitide of quiet cracks could be heard through the temporary silence.

''I even felt the need to show my abilities off, as I practiced Tnimi on the Togruta filth... I was able to stop the bleeding of her wound on the left calf, it seems that I damaged the skin tissue around it however, and the alien even went as far as to pull away when I tried to take a sample of the creatures blood. If it wasn't for her.... I probably would've punished her, perhaps I should proceed with caution, I do not want to be viewed as weaker than I already am, let alone follow the ways of heresy. Regrdless, I should proceed to push Apprentice Temekel for that long promised less- ''

Khatatas coughed once harshly, then cleared his throat as he pushed himself up to his feet. Both of his hands traced towards the small behind his back, clasping together. The man performed a deep, well practiced bow before moving out of view, the recording ended not long after.

[Lord Iezkon]

Entry 6: Hostile take over

The darkness surrounded the man, engulfed him as he was sitting there, meditating. The pecular helmet was clearly visible, each and every detail jumping into the image. An intricate silver pattern engraved into the matte black of the helmet's surface, it formed a arachnids web on the front with a long-legged spider positioned in it's center, forming the masks visage. The sides were covered with centipede-looking creatures that crawled over and moved towards the back. A smaller mechanism was visible but unclear near the mouth erea, and two small vents would be apparent on both sides at the jawline, which would moments later, erupt a small amount of heated steam to break the silence as it stared forwards. A distorted voice would soon follow.

''I've recently delivered a detailed report of the operation dubbed as 'Knowledge of the Ancients' to Lord Kalkoran. I might have 'forgotten' to mention a set of variables that he most certainly would've liked to know. However, they are not necessary for him to be aware of just yet...''

The masked pureblood raised both hands ever so slightly from their resting position on his knees, with the palm facing the ceiling, his hands opened, then he'd shift them to the sides, so that his palms would face one another. Moments later a pale blue, almost white coloured, fist-sized danite crystal would float into view and be locked into place between the man's gloved hands.

''This is one of said variables that I did not mention... it has a very faint, unpure aura of the light side, one can only hope that it will be of use, perhaps it can be corrupted, be used for an amulet I wonder. It was almost to easy to obtain it. We walked unto a goldmine of artifacts and relics, being sold by mere scum. The man who 'sold' me this crystal has no right to call himself a merchant of any kind, he just traded it for a curved dagger and a broken 'stealth' grenade that Sith Cautus presented to me prior to the operation.''

A distorted, sharp and shadowy chuckle would be released as the crystal slowly floated away from view, and as it did, Khatatas' wrists shifted once more, allowing his palms to face the ceiling once more.

''During the entirety of the mission all four of us had the idea of... how to say this? instead of destroying the smuggling ring 'reshape' it. Perhaps use them to our advantage.'' A drawn out sigh would become audible through the distortion of the mask. ''As soon as we met the smugglers Apprentices Siors and Annabelle engaged the enemy with little to no thought, whilst the Specialist and I were forced to shut the alarms down and cut the smugglers only escape route off. And I must say, my efforts went rather smooth, much more than I expected when using the sixth form of lightsaber combat for the first time. Regardless, once we had disposed of the opposition Apprentice Annabelle had found the holocron we were to retrieve, whilst Apprentice Siors gathered the information on the ringleader and it's hideout.''

The custom made mask would raise it's chin in a sense of supiriourity, and as it continued speaking a long vibroblade of sith design would come into view from above, slowly descending until it reached the gloved hands of the Neophyte.

''We took the scums ship, which is where I found and took this blade, it makes one wonder how mere smugglers were able to get their hands on such items of value. It has already proven to be most usefull against those unworthy of possessing items such as this one. We had soon arrived at the ring's hideout, and it's leader was just waiting for us together with only two 'guards', possibly expecting his fellow worms. Apprentice Annabelle disposed the first, whilst  I beheaded the second. And..... Apprentice Siors just stood there, shouting like the dewback herder he is. 'This is a hostile take over' he yelled like a madman, as if the actions of the others were not obvious enough to understand that. Ha! The fool...''

The blade would float up ever so slightly, allowing the man to remove his left hand from underneath it while his right moved up to hold the hilt, keeping it at a roughly fourt-five degree angle as the tip rested on his knee once more. Khatatas would run the back of his index finger across the blades surface.

''Either way, we killed their leader and took the smuggling ring over. Apprentice Siors named himself the new ringleader, i'll allow it for now. He assigned me to management and strategy, whilst... he assigned Specialist Srano to be in control of Security. I can't believe he allowed an imperial to lead anything. It doesn't matter, for now i'll assist in it's growth before I'll take control of it with the assistance of Apprentice S-.''

The man's sentence was cut short by another eruption of heated steam. He'd be silent afterwards, unmoving and seconds later the recording stopped.

[Lord Iezkon]

Entry 7: The Beginning of the End of Everything.


There was only darkness, yet there was light. There was silence, yet there was sound. There was cold, yet warmth. In the center of the image was a single flame, flickering coyly, sending of a radiance of light as it licked the blackness of the room, casting shadows over nothing but the arachnid covered helmet. The four eyes of the spider would flare into a bright red as a silhouette appeared behind it. The form moved, it descended into a sitting position, causing the man of purity to be revealed within the image. His eyes closed slowly, inhaling deeply before opening his eyes once more. The sleeves of his robes were rolled up, causing the 'z' shaped brandmarks to be within view of the recording. He finally spoke, exhaustion and curiousity audible.

''It's been weeks since my last entry, and.... a great many things worthy of note have happened, but today, I will only cover one, and most certainly the one that has the most weight to it.'' A long drawn out sigh could be heard, yet his form didn't appear to be moving. ''Months ago, whilst I was still and Acolyte, I assisted in reclaiming the outpost on Upekzar alongside my dota's and Apprentice Tashha. It was after this event, that I had recieved an encrypted message as well as two datachips. I was able to listen to the message, the datachips however were taken from me as well as a copy of the message by my dota, Zutauha. The person who send me this, congratulated me on passing a trial they had set up. Now I am unsure what the actual trial was, perhaps it was the reclamation of the outpost, or it might even have been the curse that was placed on me. Regardless it was odd, but it didn't stop there...''

The pureblood moved his hands to remove the helmet from it's place, turn it around in his grip and stare at it for several moments.

''Mere seconds after I was chosen by 'Sith' Cautus as his Apprentice, I recieved yet another message as well as holo-images and the coordinations of Mustafar...'' Khatatas would flick his wrist to the left and then there was a long moment of silence, only a quiet murmur could be heard, yet nothing was clear. But then, moments later a shadowy, unnatural voice would exhale deeply before it’d speak.

''Greetings, Ronith, once again congratulations on passing the first phase of our trials for you. I should mention that we require you to improve yourself…. And your position in order to qualify for the next phase.'' The entity speaking would once again be silent for a moment, until the click of it’s tongue would break it. ''Go to the Mustafar system and prove yourself to be worthy to both us and the purebloods of tradition. Of course, we expect you not to believe us, so we were generous enough to send the proof  of the traitors with this message.'' The voice released a sharp chuckle of supiriourity. ''Good luck… Ronith. And always remember, we’ll be watching.''

The audio message would come to a stop, causing the pureblood to place the helmet back to it's previous location on the table. His eyes moving up to look directly into the recorder's lens.

So, with these holo-images of soldiers wearing the Arious insignia, I went to Lord Saud and requested permission to see them out and capture them, she denied my request, instead I was allowed to go there, gather more intel and report back. So that is what I did but.... I returned with many more questions and little to no answers... The man of purity ran his left hand through his hair as he continued. ''Upon arrival, it didn't take long before I encountered a large, mostly molten droid and mere minutes later a similar, much larger one. It activated, and I disabled it after a bried confrontation. The droid itself released humanoid screams, it appeared to be sentient. It was very old and had sustained much heat damage as well as lightsaber cuts in it's armor. Now, I only just now discovered these droids were Basilisk War Droids, first seen in the Great Sith War. I will find someone skilled in the field of robotic engineering and try to rebuild them, if I recall correctly, Apprentice Tashha is one of such individuals.''

Khatatas shifts his right hand to the side, and seconds later a small leatherbound journal would be pulled into his hand along side a pencil. He'd note something down before sending both items back to their previous location off-screen.

''Then I noticed two individuals approaching me, so I ducked into cover, and managed to hide my presence from the entirely near the wall of a courtyard. Most of the black surface of Mustafar is covered in magma rivers and black rock, which is also covered in thick layers of ash. Now, while near the wall I noticed some sort of carving on the outside, and upon removing most of the ash they appeared to be symbols.... of the Jedi Order, it was hard to tell how old it was exactly... I then continued to move to a batter vantage point, and these individuals I mentioned earlier, were armed soldiers, both of them having a perverted version of the Arious insignia.'' Khatatas paused for a moment. ''I also noticed a large holocron being present in the center of this courtyard, so I waited until these soldiers finished their patrol and went back into the gates of their base. I proceeded to inspect the holocron immediatelly after, and was approached by a human of sith blood, hardly force sensitive with his weapon drawn. He had this odd, tattoo. A serpentine creature in a circular shape, eating it's own tail. We fought, but it seems he was merely a distraction for the others to leave. He alongside various imperial crafts, without their imperial logo's fled the scene...''

The pureblooded man would lift both hands to run his temples accompanied by a long, drawn-out sigh.

''I inspected the holocron, which seemed to be a mere shelf, it was hollow, the true holocron was gone. I could've expected as much of course. After this I returned and now i'm here... explaining this to a recorder... I will proceed with my investigation, for now my training will resume.'' Seconds after the recorder stopped.

[Lord Iezkon]

Entry 8: Shattering the Illusion


The recorder turned on in the electronic blue as per usual, revealing Khatatas Ronith. Dressed in simplistic, black robes that covered his slim build. Sat atop the high-backed chair, he had his elbows leaning on his knees, his head resting in both hands. His gaze was locked on the floor, a cloak of eternal melancholy that held a tight embrace over his form.

''Fear is like a fire. If you can control it, it can cook for you. It can heat your home. But... if you can't control it, it will burn everything around you and destroy you. Fear is your friend and your worst enemy...''

The man lowered his left hand, letting the shine from the low lighting hit the black talons. Swirling each finger around, his hand opening, and clenching. Eventually a spark would erupt and burst life into a small flickering flame, dancing casually in the palm of his hand, through his fingers and around the claws. His gaze was drawn to it, locked on to it as the hypnotic fire continued to dance, it was truly breathtaking.

''This will be my last entry... I am certain that once anyone discovers my thoughts I will be branded a heretic..'' A chuckle of cruel amusement left his mouth as the golden yellow of his eyes remained locked on the flames. ''It seems I am falling after all, it seems I am getting closer to what my grandfather was... does this mean he was wrong? That I am wrong? Or could it mean that traditions will no longer serve me, will no longer serve the Sith?''

''After careful considerations of past events and present beliefs I have come to understand things I sometimes wish I hadn't. The disappearance of Vitiate, his return and the destruction of so many of our people on Ziost. Did Tradition serve us well? No. Did the gods hear our call? Did they respond? No. Not long after that, Zakuul came. And again, it was a sign, it showed us tradition in any shape or form is not what will make us strong. It us what makes us weak.

Clenching his hand again, the flickering sphere of flames would vanish, a small puff of white smoke rising from his hands as it was revealed his flesh was burned by his own flames. He could not control the fire properly. He could not control his fear properly.

''Tradition is an illusion. The gods are an illusion. Unity is an illusion. Each barrier must be shattered by the force of one's will. One must stand on the top, yet power is always shared. Much like the dynamic between a master, and an apprentice. There are those who seek to deceive, manipulate and intimidate. Others use shows of strength. Everyone has their focus, their ambitions elsewhere. Yet none seem to be able to allign thier goals for the good of the empire... and I to, are incapable of doing this.''
''From the moment I was an Acolyte i sought to support, to protect. This has not changed, I merely found a more suitable way. I made many mistakes. The death of Lythare... the destruction of the Ashana... the escape of the Serpent Sworn.. the death of Ayinon and even the death of Myra.. At first I blamed the gods for not helping our people, for not helping me. Then I blamed tradition as a whole, I still do. But... that isn't quite right... All losses in this galaxy are due a lack of individual ability. If I have to curse something, I have to curse my own weaknesses.''

Khatatas moved up and was simply silent, his infernal gaze locked on the lens of the recorder, speaking quietly he repeated himself once more. ''All losses in this galaxy are due a lack of individual ability. If I have to curse something, I have to curse my own weaknesses.....'' The man of pure blood would exhale softly and lean forwards once more. ''I can no longer blame anything but myself, I can no longer belief anything but my own strength. I am tormented by an unwordly hunger, yet I do not know how to satisfy it. The longing for something, no, someone. My life will forerver be in shackles, I will find the satisfaction I so desperately desire and obtain the strength to protect them. Henceforth... I will rise even when i fall, I will become the flame that guards, the fire that burns and the phoenix that survives until the end...

He would look down, the whirlpool of emotions washing over him, freezing him as he is thrown into a cell by a mental construct created to protect himself. The spider's web has been torn apart. The arachnid has been burned, and from it's ashes something new arises.

[Lord Iezkon]

Entry 9: Repulsive Opportunities

The recorder flickered to life, revealing the Neophyte in the usual holographic blue. Causing some features to be visible, whereas others were not. Pacing back and forth as he stood clad in robes of black armoured in intricate plates of silver. Splatters of crimson notable across the outfit, drops of the liquid still stealthily sneaking it's way down to the ground without apparent notice.

‘’Yes, yes, I know… I said it was my last one but my life is to be recorded, whenever I will meet my end, they need to know of what I did, and how did it…’’

The Neophyte halted in his steps for a short moment, his golden gaze shifting, locking on the center of the recorder’s lens.

‘’Two tasks are completed. The first I succeeded, I merely had to complete an operation for Apprentice Tashha, his ally. The second was… a bigger challenge. ‘’Collect me an amulet, the more you bring me, the higher the quality and you shall win.’’ This in and of itself was difficult, I only recently started my lessons with Occularis on Sith Alchemy. But on top of that… I had to prove myself superior to Aregra. Of course I had lost, I was given two days and never forged a single amulet before. To find a tomb that might have one would’ve taken too long. I had to find another way. And I did. A lethan twi’lek, a recently risen Lord of the Sith. Rhiaz. I have reluctantly worked with her before, she had claimed on many occasions to track and collect treasures of old. What she asked for in return though, was…. unsettling. The thought of it physically disgusted me, but I don’t think it was because she is an alien… No, it was just... She was as repulsive as they come, a complete lack of hygiene and no doubt stuck in the mindset as a former whore and slave amongst the Hutts whom shared her.’’

A long drawn out sigh was released from the man, raising his left hand to pinch the bridge of his nose. He shakes his head for a moment before the ziosti accent continued to carry his voice.

‘’As horrible as it was, it held opportunity, there was potential. So… I accepted her offer but only under the condition that it happened in a location of my choosing far away from the empire so no one would discover it. She accepted and handed me the amulet I requested. It still wasn’t enough of course and I lost to Aregra, but it mattered little. I could take the initiative, I had planned ahead. And this time, I would not fail. I told Soyut about what had happened, but I did of course not tell him of my plans yet, that would’ve set me up to fail, to live up to higher expectations that I know I cannot meet as of yet.’’

The man made a swift flick of his left wrist, violently pulling the high-backed chair to his grip, turning it around as he descended himself upon it's seat. Taking a short moment to breathe and focus, both forearms resting atop his knees.

‘’I had sent her the coordinates of the abandoned Jedi Temple on Mustafar, I had memorised every single trap and their mechanics. There was nothing I left up to chance, even the courtyard grounds were rigged with hidden mines that could be remotely detonated by me and me alone. She arrived in her shuttle with an imperial escort, I took her to the one room that contained most of the traps and she followed. She truly believed to have her… wish come true within seconds. Just as I turned around and locked her within the chamber, as she looked at me with this… fearful innocence, all kinds of thoughts ran through my head. Was it just a mask to throw me off-guard? Was it sincere? And if it was sincere, should I still proceed? I asked her a single question, intruding on her presence to discern truth from deceit. I had to be certain, my mind was to remain clear and focused. ‘Why are you afraid?’ I felt her fear increasing, she activated her saberstaff. She had no rational thought left, was I really about to… just kill her? It felt wrong, I know it was wrong, but there is no doubt in my mind that I would be disowned by Zutauha if she ever heard of my thoughts on this… I just had to, somehow, someway finish what I started here and now but… in the end I couldn’t do anything more than set off the deadliest trap I knew was within this chamber, the thousand and one poison needles. I just stood there cowardly, watching this surprisingly innocent Sith be brought down by a trap, set by the Jedi of all things!  But she didn’t die. She was left alive, barely, but still living. Her heart continued to beat and it caused my own to skip a beat or two, the risk, the gamble was starting to affect me physically, I got nauseous and felt an aching sensation in the back of my head. I had to do something to fix this or else I might’ve gotten in a situation far worse than this. I could hardly breathe and in my panicked state I cut through the hollow table of stone and hid her body within, hoping that her escort would not realise she was there, hoping she made no sound. I ran back to her escort and I am certain that my condition helped in convincing them that a powerful Jedi had snuck in from the back of the temple, fought her as she tried to protect me only… to be captured. They believed it and entered the chamber. Fearful of what might happen if they discovered and told anyone I had to seal the chamber, leave them in there, leave them to starve…. I couldn’t forgive myself, but I couldn’t just wait until they got out or before back-up arrived. I brought Rhiaz back to an abandoned warehouse that I use sometimes for meetings I don’t want anyone to find out about. I was certain no one would be able to find her there. I stripped her of anything she had on her, tied her to a pillar and put a shock collar around her neck. I kept her alive just long enough until Soyut could finally arrive, I presented Rhiaz before him and offered the twi’lek a chance to live. She had to accept, I wouldn’t have been able to strike her down like that... I gave her her lightsaber and we fought, as our blades clashed and lightning struck, I could feel her despair, it felt sickening, her spirit had already been broken and I couldn’t keep going much longer, not because I physically couldn’t. Simply because I wasn’t ready for it. It was almost as if she knew what I felt, she just… gave up. Her barrier was broken and she no longer put it back up she.. died without much resistance.’’

A shaky breath left his mouth, rubbing his eyes for a moment. Mental exhaustion growing apparent.

‘’Soyut seemed to approve of what I did, but he left without a word spoken. He merely watched. I am almost certain that he knew, that he knew what I was thinking, what I was feeling. And what did he approve of? Me capturing and killing her? The conflict I was experiencing and still finished her of? Or was it just the death of another alien lord and he couldn’t care less about it being by my hand? I could’ve cried, I… desperately wanted, no, still want him to acknowledge me. I don’t even care anymore how. As family? His cousin. His future apprentice! I don’t care, just…. Just make me know!’’ As he continued to speak his frustration grew more apparent, his form gesturing with obvious envy, anger and frustration. His chest rising and falling rapidly, rational thought leaving his conscious thought for several moments. ‘’But he didn’t… he still hasn’t. He only cleared out Rhiaz’ apartment before I could. All I could keep was her body and her lightsaber, and I don’t know what I am supposed to do with them. Her lightsaber, just an empty ‘trophy’ to brag about like those idiots Vaenra and Cerberus? And her body? I am a Ronith, I am supposed to perform the ceremonies and burial of the dead. But, I guess I could better make use of it. Occularis did tell me that… ingredients like these are useful in Alchemy. I don’t know what I should do yet… i’ll need to think about it.’’

A very long moment of silence echoed through the room with uneasy intentions, he had to recollect himself. Stretching and balling his hands repeatedly as he was temporarily left in deep thought.

‘’The fact that Soyut cleared out Rhiaz’ apartment caused me notable issues as Lord Onar of the Sphere of Law and Justice summoned me the day after. I was accused of the the murder of Lord Rhiaz. I had two days, again, two days, to get myself the evidence to prove my innocence on this matter and if I failed, I was to be executed. I had no idea where to begin, I asked Lord Zel-Maras for advice, but instead of just offering me what I asked for, he offered me more. He would make sure I would never be harmed or ‘falsely’ accused of anything so long as I kept providing him with food for his house and handed him any imperial traitor I came across. I did of course accept, probably too quickly… but he did as he said and came with ‘evidence’ that proved I could not be the one to have killed the twi’lek. I am still surprised with how he managed to obtain this, I wasn’t even shown or told what this proof was. And perhaps, this is for the best, it will likely make me a bigger target to know the ins and outs of his operations. But… it makes me wonder. How did he obtain the proof? Did he forge the evidence? Did he have favours with Lord Onar? Or maybe he is just very persuasive, I have seen and felt his Waves of Darkness, anyone would be crippled and surrounder under such crushing dread. However he got me free, he managed to do it and i’m glad. But before Zel-Maras left he told me that there was a loose end that needed to be taken care of if I wanted to prevent this issue from returning, he said he wouldn’t be able to get me out of this same incident twice in a row. Lord Rhiaz’ sister knew about what happened…’’

Khatatas tapped his fingertips against each other nervously, a simple melody ringing true because of it's soft thuds that resonated throughout the room calmly. He opened his mouth to continue only to stop himself, deciding on his own words for a moment.

‘’Before I could even discover where her sister lived she called me instead, desiring to know the truth. I made myself much bigger than I truly am, I acted like an apathetic Lord of the Sith, she was a Neophyte that wanted information on her sister from me. She so desperately wanted to know, she told me there won’t ever be a chance for her to be recognized by her own family anymore. It… struck me’’ He lowers his head, resting it within the palm of both hands. Sighing deeply. ‘’I want the same, I feel as though I shouldn’t take that opportunity from others, yet I did unknowingly. Despite this, I… didn’t manage to show her this however, I just couldn’t. I wanted to sympathise with her, I wanted to tell her what I knew, about what I did. I just couldn’t. I want to be acknowledged more, I still had family to try and be recognized by. She did not. It was only logical.’’ The man stated, trying to convince himself more so than the potential viewer. ‘’I gave her a task and if she managed to complete it I said I would tell her what I knew. And she did exactly as I asked of her. She brought me back a young Tuk’ata as well as four K’lor’slugs, one of which had the potential to become a Broodmother, a queen. I gave this one to Lord Sanguinis. As the girl, Sazriva begged me to tell her I still couldn’t. I removed her limbs during a fight that took much longer than her older sister’s, her will wasn’t broken and it was admirable, but it was too late for her and I ended up feeding her to my recently acquired Tuk’ata. Once again I couldn’t truly finish her personally. Why is that? It is a weakness I should not have, a chain that I must break somehow. Perhaps, the underworld will help me understand how a lack of morals offers freedom. It is why I had sent the remains towards a fighting pit on Cyrkon, to be used as a literal meat shield for the gladiators of the Hutts. Hopefully they can teach me what Cautus could not...’’

The pureblood raised his head and looked directly into the recorder’s lens. Hands clenching, a soft smile appearing on his visage.

‘’After all this he finally came to me. His words made me so happy. ‘’You have taken initiative and proven to me you are the superior choice over Neophyte Kalkoran, your apprenticeship under me is secured. You will be mine once I ascend.’’ I was speechless, I couldn’t do anything but nod. Words could not describe how I felt. But… I don’t think that was the only reason. The rush I experienced during these gambles. The manipulation of these vulnerable woman. Even if I felt guilty when it occurred I can’t help but feel… exhilarated right now. I fear I won’t be able to stop now, it scares me, I don’t want to become another cold-hearted Sith...’’

At was as he finished the sentence that the recorder halted, ending the recording for this entry.

[Lord Iezkon]

Entry 10: Competition

With a flicker of light the holographic blue burst to life, revealing the recently risen Sith Apprentice. Sat atop the high-backed chair whilst dressed in robes of black, red and grey. Yet despite the blurred details and lacking colours beyond shades of blue, it was obvious that they were the traditional robes befitting for an apprentice.

‘’I did it! I finally did it! My mistakes almost made me fail, made me lose the favour I worked so hard for but I didn’t! I still have it, I am his apprentice now! The Sith Apprentice of the Sith Mohtoni. I just know that he will be the perfect master, I just know he will be nothing like Sith Cautus!’’

Leaning his form forward a little, left hand rising to rub across the still small facial tendrils formed across his chin, thinking for a moment before he continues to speak. The usual ziosti accent carrying his voice.

‘’But… I was surprised when we had our first lesson, I met the other recently ascended apprentice. A one-eyed human originating from Onderon, Uldrinn Yuran-Tol. I have spoken with him only briefly, revealing very little beyond his goal of becoming a spymaster. According to Sith Mohtoni, he is my rival, my challenger to become the heir to his legacy. Surely this human from republic space wouldn’t be capable of surpassing me and become the heir to his legacy?’’ The pureblood shook his head for a moment. ‘’No, of course not. I am his family, no matter what, so long as I don’t fail I should be perfectly fine!’’

Khatatas releases a long drawn out sigh as he shook his head once more. ‘’Oh who am I kidding? He has never acknowledged me as his family, the fact that he chose me as his apprentice is a step in the right direction, but to say that it makes me impervious to future failures compared to Uldrinn is ridiculous… I should prepare myself for what is to come. The Onderonian doesn't have any failures or ruined reputation about him, he will be a far bigger foe than even Rhiaz.’’


Distant footsteps and indistinct chatter could be heard slowly but surely growing more apparent on the background. The pureblood briefly turns his head towards his right before looking back swiftly, rising to his feet.

‘’I have to go now, they don't need to know I have a diary like this! I can't imagine what they might think of me if they find out!’’Khatatas could be seen rushing out of the room, the sound of a door opening and then closing again was made audible before there were several long seconds of silence and no video footage before the door could be heard opening again. Seconds later the recording turned off.