To Corvus, the only noise he registered at that singular moment was the hum of lightsabers.
Jax & Ror were clashing in the background, ever so slowly moving towards the chanting Jedi. Corvus didn't worry about the teen, knowing that Ror was heavily damaged, and being baited into some mines. Moreover, he couldn't be bothered to give his attention to Jax when someone as imposing as Darth Kern was his opponent.
Red collided with twin blue again and again, yet Corvus felt as if Kern was holding back. Meanwhile, Keira seemed happy to maintain this stalemate, and probed for weaknesses.
With Corvus lurking invisibly nearby, Kern could not fully commit without exposing his flank.
Thus, a brief deadlock had ensued, and Kern had settled for maintaining the current pace. Flashing his fangs, and constantly moving so his side was towards Corvus' direction, Kern was like a caged animal expecting an attack.
Despite his confident demeanor, Kern must have inhaled some of that poison gas, and as it wasn't a Force ability, could not be absorbed by that amulet. Doubtlessly, he wasn't at his best.
Furthermore, he had recently unleashed an overwhelming amount of Force Lightning. Now Jedi/Sith didn't have some energy bar, but no one could throw around Force powers willy nilly, and not experience exhaustion.
The ashen Zabrak surely had enough energy in the tank to end the fight, but it was risky.
By this point, Corvus was rather certain that Kern did not have a 100% lock on him, and could only estimate his general location.
Positioned a little more than 10 to 20ft behind the Zabrak-and constantly moving at/away from him-Corvus was in a sweet spot where he could evade any sweeping blows, but should Kern become locked in place, or lose his mobility, Corvus would be in a prime spot to swoop in and end him.
And so a bit of a waiting game had developed.
Corvus was in a dilemma. If he joined the fight this very moment, Kern would stop holding back, and go all out. Without the threat of being assassinated, he would be free to act without restraint. However, simply by being in his blind spot, it pressured the Sith. It was sort of like living in a bad neighborhood, and knowing that two houses next to yours had been vandalized.
With that knowledge, it would be a matter of if, not when your own house was burglarized. With that kind of feeling creeping down your neck, you would want to take defensive measures like putting bars on your windows or reinforcing the door/lock. Which was exactly what Kern was doing. His posture, and economy of motion was all geared towards clinical, searching attacks. At the same time, he was inviting Keira to go on the offensive, BAITING Corvus to strike him. It was a dangerous game of chicken. If he revealed himself, then whether he and Keira could take Kern, or if they would be helplessly slaughtered was anyone's guess.
However, the long con could only play in their favor. This slower mode of combat gave Jax & the Jedi time to finish up on their ends, and combine forces against Kern. But from Corvus's POV, that would be the plan if they were fighting like conventional Jedi.
But since when did Corvus play fair?
From his position, Corvus had slowly-ever so slowly-been siphoning away the darkside energies from both the ashen skinned Zabrak, and his amulet.
What was so sinister about this act, was that Ilum was a lightside Force Nexus. Meaning not only were lightside powers stronger, and cost less to cast, but the inverse was true too! Darkside powers became less powerful, and cost more to cast!
Kern was already under a debuff, but like a slow acting, diabolical poison, Corvus was actively diluting Kern's connection to the Force!
It was as Corvus had taught the kids, and Keira when they had their duel. Not every solution needed to be solved with flashy moves, and full frontal assaults!
Smirking to himself, Corvus watched on as both Keira and Kern met again and again.
Keira's superior form-which could overcome the likes of weaker Jedi Masters such as Paratus-clashed again and again with the single lightsaber in Kern's hands.
Corvus patiently waited, like a shark sitting still. The second he smelt blood, he would become the predator.
During this time, Corvus didn't only let his presence serve as a threat, or focus solely on draining these darkside energies.
Whenever it looked like Keira was struggling, or Kern was about to triumph, Corvus would drop a poisoned dart from his inventory, and [Force Push] it at Kern's back.
Just now, Corvus had launched another dart, and the Zabrak narrowly dodged it, and parried aside Keira's lightsabers.
"Worms! I will feed you to worms!" Kern snarled as his figurative rage meter broke.
The poor bastard reminded Corvus of when he would play a game, and he got juggled 2v1 by two players who were individually worse than him.
Kern's frustration, his rage, and anger at the unfairness of the situation.
It was simply:
Sublime.
Self satisfied smugness aside, Corvus knew that this next part would be the most dangerous.
As Kern's anger began to be unleashed, it physically manifested, and a slight red sheen covered him as a Sith Fury started to occupy his psyche, and pressed down upon any lifeform in the area.
Fortunately, Corvus had cast [Force Aura] on everyone, and this blind rage was nowhere near the focused mental ice pick that Maw had delivered.
"Grah!" Kern wordlessly snarled, and began to beat down on Keira with an unmatched ferocity.
Keira matched him blow for blow, demonstrating her technical knowledge, but she couldn't keep up against his speed and strength! Kern's flow was simply overwhelming.
The Mirialan had been pushed back against a wall, and her room to maneuver had all but evaporated.
'I have to go now!' Corvus sharply inhaled, and sprinted at Kern's back.
As he bore down on the Sith, Corvus ignited his lightsabers, and lunged at Kern's side, but the damned Zabrak had been prepared!
Unleashing a brief shock from one hand-just like when Dooku zapped Obi-Wan-Kern forced Corvus to block with both his lightsabers, and pushed him back.
This act of physical contact revealed himself to the world, and had such a concussive power to it, Corvus dragged his feet in the ground before he was able to disperse the lightning.
Brandishing his blades, Corvus was going to rejoin the fight, when he saw something that made his blood run cold.
Kern slipped underneath Keira's guard, and stabbed her clean through the chest. Crimson light exited the green beauty's back, at the same time, twin blue bars winked out just as they cut through Kern's amulet, and were about to pierce his torso.
Corvus wanted to shout, or snarl, but instead he silently gripped his lightsabers tightly, and gave Kern a death glare.
Kern smiled at Corvus with a mouthful of black teeth, and then one of Keira's lightsabers flew out of her lifeless hand into his grip.
Entering Pause, Corvus checked [Revitalize] and double checked that he only had 5 minutes to resurrect the dead.
With her dying act, Keira had broken the chain that would set Corvus free. Free to murder this fuck.
Un-Pausing, Corvus took immediate action, and shot out both [Slow] & [Force Suppression].
Twin red orbs the size of basketballs flew towards Kern, but unlike Maw, this Dark Adept was not so arrogant. Dodging one, and then batting the other to the side, Kern licked his lips as he lunged at Corvus.
Lightsabers could interact with Force Lightning, so this wasn't exactly a surprise, but Corvus was undeterred.
Faster than him the Dark Adept may be, but Corvus had stopped holding back, and began to absorb as much darkside energy as was possible through his Jedi Shadow ability.
"You must be a Sith Assassin. Did Sidious train you to slay my master?" Kern snarled as he came in for an attack.
Corvus remained silent as all his focus went into Pause-buffering, and registering each attack that came at him. Every split second, it was something new.
'Overhead' Parry.
'Sideswipe, no stab!' Jump back.
'Diagonal into flourish at my foot then upward swipe at the left arm.' Straight stab at his chest, test his focus.
That's it, make him work for it!
Corvus channeled Form VII to his best, and moved like a Vornskr, wild and unpredictable.
Clashing sabers, Corvus and Kern then pulled apart, and briefly caught their breaths.
In that moment, Corvus decided to take the Zabrak's words, and turn them into a deceptive ploy.
"Dooku is dead. Slain by Skywalker's hand. Serve my master, and you will have a place in his new order." Corvus bullshitted in an effort to buy time.
"Lies, Tyranus would never-"
"Skywalker is Sidious's apprentice. The Chosen One cut Dooku's head and hands clean off. Join the Emperor, and you might just live." Corvus said in a 100% truthful tone, and channeled the very best of his Persuade trait.
'Come on asshole, buy the bait already!' Corvus thought to himself, and eyed Keira's rapidly cooling corpse in worry.
"I sense no falsehood in your words. Yet why should I bow my head to a lesser being like you, worm?" Kern spat to the side, and held his lightsabers at the ready.
"I have quite the silver tongue, if you hadn't noticed. I fear death, but could convince the Empire to take you in." Corvus said with a wide smile on his face.
"...yes, yes I can see that. A lesser being using words to live longer." Kern said, and slowly prowled closer.
Corvus smiled in a disarming fashion, and disabled his lightsabers. If Kern acted like a typical darksider, then there was only one expected course of action left to him.
"Die!" Kern suddenly yelled, and went to pierce Corvus's chest with a double thrusted attack. It was a move he had done against Keira, and was soundly within Corvus's predictions.
Corvus maintained his smile, and took the lightsabers directly onto his Cortosis-Weave robes.
Kern's blades short circuited, causing the ashen Zabrak to stumble towards Corvus. He wanted to pull back, and was a second away from doing so, but his body's momentum had already been moving in Corvus's direction.
Fear colored the Zabrak's eyes as blue azure ignited with a snap hiss, and reflected off his ashen colored face.
Twirling his blades, Corvus cut off Kern's arms, and then swiped at his legs.
[Force Pushing] Kern roughly onto the ground, Corvus turned his back on him.
"You're less than worms, less than dirt, Sith." Corvus sharply intoned, then snapped his fingers.
Emerging from the tunnel, the pair of mating razhak worms that had been lying in wait dropped down, and began to wriggle on top of Kern, and began to super heat their bodies as they got down to business.
Corvus had been luring Kern to this spot for an ambush, and had been buying time with words. However, he knew how predictably backstabbing darksiders were, and decided to rub some salt in his wounds. If Kern had somehow dodged that point blank, over-confident attack, the razhak's would've fallen on top of him like they were now.
"Worms!" Kern howled his final word, and then proceeded to melt like the Nazi's from Indiana Jones who opened the Ark.
[+0exp]
Zero exp never tasted so sweet.
After confirming the Sith's demise, Corvus rushed to Keira's side.
A singular cauterized tiny hole pierced her chest, otherwise, the well toned green alien looked rather peaceful, as if she had accepted the outcome.
Seconds later, Jax came running up to his side. He was sweaty, and looked tired, but victory sang in the Force, and cloaked him in an aura of triumph.
"You have emerged victorious. Congratulations, Jax, you are one step closer to Knighthood." Corvus complimented.
Secretly, he was pleased with this Padawan's progress, because when Jax advanced to Jedi Knight, that would fulfill one of his Jedi Master quest conditions.
"Master!" Jax said in concern when he saw Keira's corpse.
"Watch, and learn." Corvus silently intoned.
He had instructed Jax on theory, and shown off the abstract method of combat that was expected of Jedi Shadows. Now was the time to show off his mastery of the Force. The Mentor ability would boost his personal disciples comprehension by 10%. Hopefully Jax would glean something from this.
Entering Pause, Corvus tried to determine if he had gone past the 5 minute limit, but found that he wasn't 100% certain. He wasn't going to take any chances. After casting [Heal] on her, closing up the wound, he invested 2 more of his floating Force Points into [Revitalize] bringing it up to level 3.
The ability now read [Resurrect those who have died-or are near death-within thirty minutes of their passing. Can be used up to 3 times on one individual.]
While the jump in the time allotted didn't drastically increase, Corvus wasn't entirely disappointed. Previously, the text said that it could only revive the same person once. Now there were a few additional opportunities for resurrection.
Glancing at the dead gorgodons, Corvus felt some guilt, as his actions had led to their deaths. Yeah, they would have eaten him if they came face to face with him, but Corvus wanted to try and live up to a Je'daiis ideals.
Once he brought Keira back, he would return the smelly bipedal lizards too. Glancing at the herd, Corvus also saw the burnt corpse of the Dark Adept who was betrayed by Ror. Without his mask on, Corvus saw that it was a kid no older than 15 or 16. In fact, it was a white haired human girl.
Corvus knew it was probably a stupid idea, but adding another Force sensitive to his ranks could be beneficial…besides, who else would be more open to turning to the Path of the Jedi than a Dark Adept who was literally stabbed in the chest, and betrayed for power?
Since he could absorb darkside energies, and tell truth from lies, Corvus decided he would also give this kid a second chance. If she proved herself irredeemable after his questioning, then Corvus would put an end to her. From a practical standpoint, this act would also help advance his Path of the Jedi quest. That was a long road to accomplish, and one he needed to grind, since it was a prerequisite for the Jedi Master quest.
Mind made up, Corvus un-Paused, and waved his hand at Keira, casting [Revitalize].
The green alien gasped as air entered her lungs, and snapped her eyes open.
Corvus gently smiled down at her, and cast [Valor] so he could calm her down.
Unlike the last few times he had tried this ability on her, this time, Keira did not resist it.
During this short amount of time, she stared him down, and Corvus felt as if a Force Bond could develop, but when he reached out, she pulled back.
Her reaction reminded him of a skittish cat.
Smiling down at her, Corvus couldn't help himself, and ruffled her hair.
Keira blinked, and then swatted his hand away. "I will check up on Linyin and the rest." Keira muttered, then walked away.
"I'll be here when you're ready." Corvus softly intoned, and then stood up to regard the gorgodons, and the acolyte.
"Are you thinking of bringing the aliens back to life?" Jax asked in a curious tone.
"Astute as always, my apprentice. Yes, I wielded them as a weapon, it is only fitting that I try to give back to them."
"But they would have eaten us if you hadn't lured them away." Jax stated.
"That is simply their nature. A beast will always act towards survival. To the gorgodons, we are within the scope of their hunting grounds, and serve as sustenance. We are the invaders. By using them, it is only right that we give back what we have taken."
"But what if you didn't possess the ability to bring them back?" Jax pressed.
Corvus glanced at his student, and was pleased when Jax met his gaze without shying away. It was good to be challenged like this.
"A worthy question, Jax. Some Jedi choose to be selfless through and through. They would not have wielded the gorgodons as weapons like me. I respect their commitment to their principles. Yet life, often, is not so simple.
Recall our discussion regarding selfishness. Self sacrifice can be noble, and in some cases, inspirational. Keira, for example, removed Kern's amulet in an act of sacrifice.
From a rational perspective, if that self sacrifice does not hold weight, or impact, it is not worth it.
If I did not possess [Revitalize], I would do what I had done 10 out of 10 times.
It was my responsibility to protect Zork, Linyin, Yon, and Paratus. If I was by myself, or none of them were in a trance, then perhaps I would opt towards a path that avoided conflict.
I hope this answer offers up some clarification." Corvus said in an academic tone.
"I still have my doubts, but I can see where you are coming from, master. Thank you for your guidance." Jax lightly bowed.
"Thank you, Jax, for your curiosity. There will come a day where my explanations do not sit right with you, or do not make sense. This is a good thing. I am not some all knowing God. Your journey through the Force is ultimately yours alone. Pursue the path that you think best suits you. I am merely a torchbearer lighting but one singular path, you are your own guide." Corvus smiled at the white haired teen, and then began to cast [Heal] on the charred, and damaged gorgodon corpses. "Now observe once again, as I explore my path."
Thanks to the AOE feature, and low cost due to Ilum's Force Nexus nature, Corvus finished up in record time.
[Revitalize] also became AOE after its upgrade, and Corvus rez'd all the aliens, and then directed them elsewhere with [Beast Trick].
At the same time, the white haired girl snapped her eyes open, and tried to rise, however, Corvus had tied her up ahead of time, preventing any movement.
Hitting her with [Force Suppression] for good measure, Corvus rendered this Padawan-tier Dark Adept practically useless.
Jax, meanwhile, silently observed everything from behind. Corvus could feel his interest radiating in the Force, yet he ignored him in favor of observing the girl.
"What is your name?" Corvus asked.
The teen glanced over his shoulder, and grimaced when she saw the melted remains of Kern, and she glanced up at Corvus with a horror stricken expression.
"Master brought you back from the dead after your own companions betrayed you. Answer him." Jax coldly intoned.
The girl flinched, and stared at the ground.
Corvus, meanwhile, nudged Jax through the Force, sending his encouragement. It would be helpful to have a 'bad cop' during this interrogation.
"Janna."
Lie.
"Your name, girl." Corvus squatted, and forcibly lifted her chin so that he could look her in the eye.
"Your master is dead, Dooku is dead. The Jedi will not murder in cold blood." Corvus softly intoned.
"But master, where would we imprison her? The ship doesn't have enough room."
"Good point, my apprentice. The icy dungeons of Ilum would be perfect to suit my aim-"
"Triss, it's Triss, okay?" The girl-Triss-hurriedly answered.
Truth.
Corvus pulled his hand back, and nodded.
"How long have you been learning the Force, Triss?" Corvus asked.
"Since I was little. My parents sold me to Count Dooku, and I have been training at the academy ever since. This was my first mission, to build my lightsaber, and ambush Jedi. I haven't killed anyone, please don't leave me here!" Triss explained as if her life depended on it.
Truth.
"What abilities were you taught?"
"I can uh, jump good, and, and I'm fast with the training blade!" Triss said, as if her worth was being judged by a prospective buyer, and failure to be sold meant going to a terrible fate.
Truth-Lie.
"Relax. Breathe. You will be my prisoner for two months. In that time, I shall judge your character, not your skill with a blade." Corvus smirked when he saw her flinch as he realized her little flub.
"If you prove yourself worthy, perhaps there shall be a place for you in the Jedi Order. However, if I find you wanting, then I shall deposit you on a planet inhabited by sentients. Do you find such terms agreeable?" Corvus said, and focused on her signature in the Force.
"I don't have a choice, do I?" Triss bitterly smiled.
"We could always leave you here." Jax shrugged.
"I agree!" Triss exclaimed, and widened her eyes as fear gripped her heart.
Corvus glanced at Jax with an expression that said 'a bit overkill, don't you think?'
Jax shrugged as if to say 'I'm only following your lead, Master.'
Shaking his head, Corvus smiled, and clapped his student on the shoulder.
"Very well, Triss. Know that I have brought you back from beyond the grave. It is not the Jedi way to senselessly slaughter, but should you harm my people, I will end you. Do I make myself clear?"
"Crystal clear, master!" Triss bowed her head, and submitted herself.
Corvus nodded, then took Jax to the side.
"What do you think?" Corvus asked.
"You are very merciful, Master…I do not think I would be so charitable." Jax struggled to say.
"I too wonder if this is a mistake. However, one of the greatest Jedi, Revan, was a Jedi turned Sith who redeemed himself and became the savior of the Jedi. Even Master Yoda once fought his own demons before emerging as the brilliant Grandmaster of the Order. Some of the greatest forces for good were once the most heinous of villains." Corvus said with a wistful expression, and turned to admire the various crystals within the cavern.
"Is that why you have used Revan as your pseudonym? To remind yourself of the Light?" Jax questioned.
"..."
Truthfully, Corvus just thought Revan was a cool symbol of rebellion. But when Jax posed that question, it really made Corvus think. He frequently straddled the line between good and evil.
Perhaps using the moniker of Revan was a good tool to remind himself of who he was, and what he fought for.
"Your insight is impeccable, Jax. I find myself appreciating your company more so every day. I am pleased to be your master." Corvus lightly bowed towards Jax, and nodded in pride.
"I am undeserving of such high praise." Jax hurriedly lifted Corvus from his bow, and had a look of embarrassment cross his face.
"Haha, very well. Did you learn anything from my healing session?"
"..." This time, it was Jax's turn to turn his head away.
"No worries. Perhaps healing is not your forte, we can try something else ano-"
"No. Respectfully, Master, I would very much like to learn how to heal." Jax put his foot down, and all but demanded.
Corvus saw the fire in Jax's eyes, and knew that Order 66 had scarred this boy deeply, yet he still persisted to be better. He respected and admired such conviction.
"I understand." Corvus replied with as much weight and seriousness as he could muster.
This serious episode was broken when something within the cavern began to shake and rumble.
Looking over towards the direction of the chanting Jedi, Corvus saw a rainbow shimmer into existence in the air, and through it, he learned of the hyperlane to Tython!
"Amazing." Jax muttered in awe.
Corvus wordlessly nodded along.
This rainbow didn't only transcribe a location, but it also carried with it the light, and a song produced by all the kyber crystals within this cavern.
The Living Force was heavy in the air, and a magical, otherworldly atmosphere inhabited the air.
For the first time since he arrived on Ilum, he felt how alive this planet was.
All around him, the crystals sang a melody that could only be described as blissful harmony.
It was without a doubt the most beautiful thing Corvus had ever experienced in his life.
His lightsaber, which was clipped to his belt-the first one he had awoken with on Coruscant-unbuckled itself, and floated in the air in front of him.
Blue azure ignited in front of his eyes, and as soon as he saw the beam to his lightsaber, Corvus felt that nascent connection from long ago, as well as an invitation.
Without missing a beat, he grasped the hilt to his lightsaber, and entered a mindscape.
Excitement gripped his heart, as today would be the day he created a Force Bond with his kyber crystal!