A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…

The stars and planets shined in the black space above as a ship jumped out of hyperspace. It slowly flew with its unmoving wings towards a planet that was a ghastly color with nothing but shadowed greens and blues. The ship flying through the space was a dark grey with a symbol of purple. All around the planet was a fleet of crude grey battle stations.

The traveling spaceship passed by the fleet and entered the sphere of the planet’s sky. It flew over the jungles of the dark below. Animals and monsters roared and jumped at the sound of the ship in the sky. A speck of a small city loomed at the end of the viewpoint, but the ship approached it quickly until it was seen to be a city of tall skyscrapers.

The shuttle entered the symmetrical grey city that possessed flags and banners in red, white, and black that appeared on towers, streets, and flying-by shuttles. The ship flew towards a tall dark building that was a mixture of a pyramid and skyscraper with many people in dark clothing within and without. The ship circled the building and landed on a pad. The engine turned off while a latch created noises as it opened. 

White smoke flew out contrasted with the dark inside of the ship. A figure slowly made their way down the latch door and into the light. The stars made the night setting bright as it revealed his image.

 His whole body except for his head was covered. He wore pieces of dark silver armor underneath his robes in blacks, purples, and reds. His face was colored in blood-red and had sharp and thorn-like features. The top of his head was covered in slick black hair that had a hair tail in the back held together by silver. The bridge of his nose and his ears were ornamented in silver with designs engraved into them. 

As he marched down slowly, his black cape dragged behind him and he breathed in the air he welcomed himself to.

Dromund Kaas… The grand capital of our Empire, the dark figure pridefully thought to himself. Kullig’s bright yellow eyes perceived dark soldiers who stood in two parallel lines that made a sort of way for him towards the pyramidic tower, the Citadel. On the Citadel were banners of the Sith Order, a white dot with a four-rayed sun around it.

The troopers’ armor was made of a black material. Their helmets had two parts, one part was inside and the outside protecting the head and running down the back and the sides of the neck. Red striped down on the center of the outer helmet where a white symbol of the Sith Order marked the forehead. A silver vizor inside the helmet covered the whole face of the soldiers, a tactic used to instill fear into enemies. It was also a marking that they were not just individuals but their identity was the Sith Empire.

The great feeling of being part of something greater and powerful thrilled him as he walked in front of each pair of men who were the backbone of the Imperial military. Kullig believed that everything should submit to the Empire. After he passed each paralleled pair, they would bow their heads and salute to him. This was custom for a Sith lord who was part of the Dark Council.

Thunder rumbled in the sky after he passed the last pair of soldiers. When he finally reached the entrance of the Citadel, two figures clothed in red came towards him. Imperial Guards.

They wore stark red armor atop their red robes and capes. Each held an electro-staff as their weapon. They too, like the soldiers, wore helmets. Unlike the troopers, their helmets did not droop around the necks. A small black vizor made it possible for the guards to see through. Attached to the top of their helmets were two asymmetrical crests. As Kullig and the Guards approached one another, the Guards bowed their heads to him.

“Welcome, Lord Kullig,” one of the Imperial Guards spoke in his masked voice, “Your master, Ragnar, awaits.”

Both of the guards turned around and walked forward with Kullig following behind them. The Citadel was a massive work of construction that filled Kullig with pride. 

He was tasked with being in charge of the reinstated Dark Council’s Sphere of Ancient Knowledge, a subdivision of Ragnar’s Sphere of Sith Doctrine. He loved the respect he received from his position, but he still desired more. He wanted to be Sith Master, which was only achieved by killing one’s master. 

To Kullig, the thought of Ragnar suppressed his positivity. Ragnar was a cruel master who would punish any imperfections in Sith ways. Kullig has done everything to please his master and Empire, but his master would not grant him the title of Darth. It was one of the ultimate goals of a Sith to be renamed into a “Dark Lord” in the ancient tongue of his forefathers.

Kullig felt he deserved that ancient name that would make him a better servant to the Empire and the Emperor. He had served many Sith teachers and surpassed them. For years Kullig served Ragnar, and it frustrated Kullig to stay in his lower position. There was the alternative to the waiting game, by defeating the master by the blade. Then he would become both a Darth and Sith Master. 

The Sith apprentice had controlled himself from this act of bloodshed. Kullig was more peaceful than most Sith, but he still contained a passion for domination. Yet, his pragmatic side told him to wait longer until he was ready to kill Ragnar. He feared failing the Empire by throwing his life away to death. Everything must serve the Empire.

As Lord Kullig and the Imperial Guard entered the Citadel, the lighting changed from a bright starry night to a huge, black chamber. Kullig saw many Sith within the Citadel walking and conversing. He saw Lords he had met in the past, and some he didn’t know. Most of the Sith were either human or Pureblood, but there were some aliens scattered. Kullig could tell a few faces held begrudging looks at the aliens.

Only in the past few centuries did the Empire allow aliens to have more rights. The majority of the Sith were humans or “Purebloods” that descended from the founders of the Order and Empire. Purebloods were human-Sith hybrids named for their resemblance to the true Sith species who possessed red-orange skin along with thorny and tentacle-like features. Kullig himself was one of them.

The Sith Lord himself once disliked all aliens because that was what he was taught to do. It was a pride to descend from their ancestors who were close to the Dark Side. Over time, though, Kullig saw the dignity in the aliens and that they were capable of greatness. 

He learned this by being part of the Order of Revan, a secret group that taught both Jedi and Sith teachings. They showed him that all species had the right to be seen as equals, and also that the Force as a whole should be used and not be separated from the Light and Dark Sides. This is the reason Revanites were despised by most of the Sith who considered them as false teachers. Kullig’s master, Darth Ragnar, himself outwardly opposed it, along with aliens being in political power. 

At the end of one of the halls that led to Ragnar’s chamber, the red Imperial Guards stood at each side and hit the floors with their silver staffs as a sign of their stop. The red Sith Lord made his way into the long room until he was in front of Ragnar’s huge chamber door. 

He then stood in front of a computer system. Kullig saw his face scanned by the computer and then he spoke the entrance pass, the Sith Code: 

“Peace is a lie. There is only Passion.

Through Passion, I gain Strength.

Through Strength, I gain Power.

Through Power, I gain Victory.

Through Victory my chains are Broken.

The Force shall free me.”

The doors opened and Kullig stepped inside of Ragnar’s chamber. It was darker than the rest of the Citadel, and it always unnerved Kullig whenever he had to meet Ragnar there. 

The chamber’s dark floors were stark clean but also had rugs that had intricate designs of silver and gold. On the walls were shelves that contained artifacts and relics that held Sith's influence over them, some of which Kullig himself retrieved from his expeditions.

Although Kullig was in charge of Ancient Knowledge, he didn’t always agree with what knowledge he came upon. Most of the Sith held doctrines that Kullig once believed in, but now he doubted them. Ever since Kullig was a child, he was indoctrinated into the Sith culture. He learned the Imperial structure, the history of his ancestors, and the Sith Code that taught him to be one in the Dark Side of the Force. 

Yet, Kullig was a curious person who always wanted to learn on his own path. This curiosity led him to the Order of Revan which taught otherwise on the Force.

He stepped past a corridor and then that was when he saw Ragnar. Ragnar was towards the direction of Kullig, expecting him. Ragnar was a human who wore ragged robes that were all black, with some silver accessories. On his head was a black hood and a mask that completely covered the top half of his face. His half-mask was dark grey with a light grey symbol of an eye in the middle. The bottom of his face was ugly pale and had dark veins surrounding his mouth. 

His body has corrupted more since the last time… Kullig perceived. It was what happened to Sith who grew deeper in the Dark Side, their body would start deteriorating.

“Greetings, Kullig,” the master said in a deep voice, “You’ve made it in time.” Ragnar motioned with his pale, wrinkled hand for his apprentice to come forward. Kullig obeyed and knelt in front of the Dark Lord.

“I listen to what you have to say, Master.” Kullig closed his eyes and waited for his master to speak.

“Rise.” 

Kullig obeyed and looked at Ragnar’s face. He couldn’t help but always feel like Ragnar was watching him through his mask’s eye. He knew that Ragnar wore the mask as a way to cut off his sense of sight to depend on the Force’s surroundings.

“As you know,” Ragnar lisped, “there will be a joining of the Dark Council in the citadel. You, Kullig, must obey my project that I’ve plan-,” Ragnar then started to cough violently. Kullig backed a step away. 

Ragnar, after his cough had stopped, continued, “I plan to use data containing Sith who belong to dangerous groups and philosophies that endanger the Empire. This is where you come in.”

Kullig listened to his master eagerly. His mind was always set in stone to protect his Empire, even if the quest was from the bloody Darth Ragnar.

“You, Kullig, will only stand with my decision on how to commit this. Afterward, you will receive what you’ve been wanting ever since your youth. If you follow through, you will become a Darth,” Ragnar rasped at the last word.

Kullig stared at his master. His work had finally come to fruition. His master and other Sith will more fully see his worth. Kullig still doubted in his mind why Ragnar would do this. “If I may ask, Master,” Kullig questioned. Ragnar gestured for him to continue. “What do you plan to do with this information?”

“There is only one way for groups such as the Order of Revan to be destroyed,” Ragnar passionately started.

Kullig froze. His master was after the Revanites. Kullig’s Order. The same order that the Sith, especially those in charge of Sith Doctrine, have been trying to exterminate. Did Ragnar know if Kullig was part of them? If he did, why would he grant him the title of Darth afterward?

 “We will find them out of the rot which they came from,” Ragnar angrily hissed, “and make their blood spill until they live no more...”

Thinking, Kullig was wondering how to deal with this. The blood of many people would be spilled, including his if he was on the data. That blood wouldn’t only be the Revanites but also the Empire itself. 

The Revanites had started to grow since the events of Revan’s Shadow, reborn again after their persecution. It would certainly start a type of war, and a war was something the Sith Empire needed to stay away from if it wanted to combat the infamous Galactic Republic.

Ragnar made a motion with his hand. “I know you are troubled by the sound of screams and the sight of red, but this is the way of the Sith. We must free ourselves from our chains¸ including your soft side for them.”

Kullig had to guard his mind by using the Force. Was Ragnar implying that he knew Kullig was a Revanite? Kullig couldn’t tell.

“It would be such a shame to see bodies of the Sith lay on the ground, Kullig,” Ragnar began to muse, “To see such wasted potential for Sith to be part of those heretics.”

Kullig then spoke without permission, “It’ll damage the Empire, my master. Even if the Revanites are wrong, we need to do it pragmatically.”

“I am the one who decides what to do, Kullig,” Ragnar snarled. His sharp, deteriorating teeth showed. “You may depart, Apprentice, before the Dark Council joins together. If you obey my words, you will be a step closer to being a Lord equal to me.”

Kullig bowed his head and left the forsaken chamber. While Kullig left the Citadel itself, he minded the state was what was to happen next. Ragnar had hinted to Kullig that he already knew of his Revanite affiliation, yet Ragnar was allowing Kullig to become Dark Lord if he followed through with the plan. 

Would Ragnar even allow me to live, or is he using me? Kullig questioned. His desire to become Darth would be fulfilled! His fellow Sith would look upon him in admiration and higher respect, something which he believed to deserve. He would be granted more responsibility to serve the Sith Empire.

His Revanites, though, would suffer once Ragnar started the persecution. He couldn’t kill Ragnar yet. He needed more time, but he and the Revanites did not have enough time for him to strengthen.

The Sith searched for answers within himself but couldn’t figure out how to handle what was going to happen. There is only one person that I can receive help from. 

The sound of moving and rustling wet plants went through the jungle. The Sith Pureblood was heading toward the Revanite Compound where his companion was. Kullig was near. He looked behind himself to see if anyone followed, even though he would’ve normally sensed it in the Force. His anxiety had spiked ever since he met with Ragnar.

He found the secret entrance to the Revanite compound. It was a solid steel door with a peephole. Kullig set in the password and waited for a Revanite to let him in. He saw a set of eyes and a moment later the door opened.

Kullig entered the compound. He thanked his Revanite with a bow of a head, and the Revanite did the same to him. 

Here was a place where the political structures of the other orders and governments were void. This was its own Order, regardless of where members came from. Even those not Force-sentient were a part of them. 

The compound inside was part of the jungle, yet fortified to keep them hidden from the Empire. Above them was free, where the stars and night sky could be seen from where one stood. There were tents as a communal place where around him were Force-users and regulars who wore purple and red robes to signify their affiliation with Lord Revan. Kullig himself partially wore those colors along with his main black robe.

The legendary Revan was a figure who changed between being a Jedi and a Sith. He eventually left both Orders and founded his own philosophy that allowed him to be one with the Force, and he became known as Revan Reborn. The Revan left a mark for centuries that allowed Sith and Jedi to come together and follow his teaching that one needed to be reborn and become the Force.

Walking on the paths, Kullig searched for his companion and then he heard her voice speak. He followed where her presence came from and went towards it. Arriving, Kullig saw her teaching young Revanite students.

Raala was a blue Togruta. Togrutas were humanoids that had head montrals, striped in white and grey, that was divided into three parts. Her fair, blue face had sharp, white markings below and above her eyes. She wore red and blue robes but her shoulders and arms were bare, except for her hands, a tradition she kept from her Togruta tribe.

“…to hear the calling of the Force, one must need to understand yourself and be at peace. To achieve this, it is easier to recite the Grey Code. Now, we’ll finish Learning.”

“Yes, Teacher,” the Revanite students replied. They all stood up and, with Raala, grabbed their lightsabers. Vshhh! Most of the lightsabers were purple, like his, a sign of their mixture of passion and serenity. The students with their teacher began to recite the passage:

“There is no peace without a passion to create

There is no passion without peace to guide

Knowledge fades without the strength to act

Power blinds without the serenity to see

There is freedom in life

There is purpose in death

The Force is all things and I am the Force”

When Kullig and Raala were younger, they had taught each other the codes of the Sith and Jedi respectively. Both of them expressed what they thought was wrong with them. Raala then found the Grey Code. It was a code that was independent of the orders but used both teachings that the coder saw were true.

Raala opened her eyes and her gaze met with Kullig’s. Yellow met purple. Kullig’s memory of meeting her flooded into his mind. 

Before the age of twenty, he started his initiation into the Order of Revan. He was already a strong Sith and high in political power for a young one, and he had noticed some of the Revanites were wary of him. 

The Revanites had paired him with someone whom he would have to acquaintance to be a full member of the Order. The Revanites created the idea to pair a Jedi and Sith together to make them learn and work together. 

He had agreed, but when the Pureblood and Togruta saw each other they felt reluctant. The Togruta saw only a vicious monster, while the Pureblood perceived a lowly creature. Yet, over time through their adventures and journeys, Kullig and Raala saw each others’ dignity past their appearances. 

The students dispersed and Raala came up to Kullig slowly. He could see curiosity in her face.

“What brings you here, Kullig?” Raala questioned inquisitively.

“I need to speak with you, it is urgent,” Kullig said quietly.

“Is it for the ears outside to hear?”

“Not for now.”

“Then follow me.” 

Raala turned towards her home right behind her, which was a big tent that was similar to the other tents at the compound. It was a humbling and safe way to relocate if they ever needed to. 

Entering inside, Kullig peered around the inside of the home. It contained artifacts, but not those like Ragnar’s. These were artifacts that didn’t contain spells or dark intentions behind them. They were simple relics and pieces of art that made Raala’s tent feel welcoming.

“May I see your lightsaber, companion,” Raala looked at his side.

Kullig grabbed his lightsaber and handed it to the blue Revanite. She opened its hilt and held the kyber crystal from inside. The kyber crystal was a material that was strongly connected to the Force and made a blade out of energy when the hilt was turned on.

“It hasn’t been bled like other Sith’s. Still purple like mine,” Raala teased in her stern voice, impersonating Sith who had mocked him for his purple saber.

Kullig smiled at Raala. It was a thing for her to joke around even when he was serious. 

It was a practice of the Sith to meditate on one’s hatred and pain to pour it into the crystal to make it bleed. Kullig and other pragmatic Sith did not practice the custom so they would not become a slave to their passions. Rather, they kept their purple kybers.

“I spoke with Ragnar,” Kullig began, “He’s told me that he has information on who Revanites are and where bases are throughout the Empire. He told me he wishes to commence the plan with the Dark Council tonight, but I feel like it won’t end well…” Kullig still felt that Darth Ragnar had shrouded his true intentions from him, more than ever. “He also said that if I followed through then I would become Darth.”

“That MURDERER needs to stop torturing others,” Raala said angrily. “He’s already been taking away my and other species’ rights away from the Empire. Now he wants to destroy a harmless order that promotes equality. Do you even believe he’ll spare you? He is most likely using you just for fun and for the better of himself.”

“You are probably right. The Dark Side clouded his intentions from me, and I already suspected that he wasn’t telling the whole truth... I’ve already tried to convince him that it would hurt the Empire.”

“It is not just about the Empire, Kullig. It’s about others. People. Those who need their rights and freedom to be defended. Don’t you see that?”

“You of all people have shown me that all sentient species are equal in dignity,” Kullig professed. The Empire and he benefited from the help of aliens, especially Raala

“What are we supposed to do then? Can’t you stop him?”

“I’m afraid that my ability in the Force is not strong enough to defeat him. My political seat is under his. I can’t disobey his command… if I do, it would be treason and my life.”

“If Ragnar has information, it must’ve been from inside… the Order is doomed…” Raala sighed. 

Kullig felt the emotions from her through the Force. It was a pain to him also to think that such helpful people could be killed for their assistance. He had learned so much from them and Raala, and he’s grown much stronger as well. Both his homes were going to be gone after the Dark Council agreed. His Empire would never accept him if they knew who he had been with.

Thoughts then spoke between them.

“What if we…” Kullig started

“left this life together..?” Raala finished

Kullig had never thought about being with Raala. He only thought of her as a companion, but now it was feeling different. He always loved Raala. He admired her determination and focus in life. Yet it was her person he loved. Raala was the only person who had ever shown true affection, at least in his view.

“But,” Raala broke the silence, “wouldn’t it be saving only us?”

“No, we will tell the Order of what Ragnar plans. Have them relocate.” It was the best thing we could do for them, Kullig thought. Why would either of them stay in an Order about to be massacred? They wouldn’t need to be part of the politics and bloodshed anymore.

“Shouldn’t you face Ragnar yourself? You’re his apprentice and not many Sith share views to stop xenophobia and massacres enough to stand up to him.”

“Even if I tried to convince the Dark Council, Ragnar would most likely have me dead soon after. Even though I’m passionate about the Empire, I am willing to sacrifice my desires just for you.”

Raala stared at Kullig again. “Is that what the Force calls us to?”

Kullig thought for a moment. She wasn’t giving up on the others. Why? “I do not know…”

“I know… I’ve been ignoring it. I’ve received communication that within the Outer Rim, Togrutas and other alien races are enslaved. For years I stayed here to learn and grow in power. I don’t see my purpose here within this part of the Order. I’m not helping anyone, only myself.”

“You’ve been teaching myself and others about the truth of how the Force works.”

“I’ve taught on how to receive the Force’s call, but I have been a hypocrite to not answer it.” Raala’s face tensed. 

Kullig and Raala were offered a chance to run away from their responsibilities, which tried to kill them. Kullig has had to put up with political intrigues and physical fights where only one could survive. Raala was in a place where the society around her was full of xenophobia, and her next choice could be to help slaves within the Outer Rim. 

“Kullig… I do care for you and would sacrifice much for you,” she whispered. “I’m not doing it in apathy, unlike Jedi. We have much and we shouldn’t serve ourselves. There are many without, and many who take. That is what I think my mission is: to help the enslaved.”

“I would leave this life for you… Without you, I only have the Empire,” Kullig said in a hurt voice.

“That is not true,” Raala said and took his hands into hers. “There is more than the Empire, Kullig. Much more. Remember the lessons that we’ve taught each other and follow through with Truth. Where does the Force call you to?”

Kullig knew she was right, but it didn’t make full sense to him. Her warm hands made him feel safe. He always felt cold, especially when he went into the Dark Side. Whenever he became passionately hateful, all he felt was a burning fire. Raala’s hands sent him waves of what she felt through the Force, and it was comforting.

He wanted to be with Raala, away from the politics. He could free the enslaved from the injustice from which they have been held captive. He and Raala would do it all together. 

Yet, he was the apprentice of Ragnar. Kullig had the right to defeat his master, and it didn’t have to be that day. It could wait. It was Kullig’s responsibility to stop Ragnar even if there were many to do it. The Empire needed to be rid of Ragnar.

“The Force calls me to stay here and stop Ragnar’s destruction.”

“I will help free my people, as you will help yours and many others.” 

Both of them looked at each other one last time. Their companionship was going to be void after. They pulled each other into an embrace and memories flooded into Kullig’s mind. The Sith and Jedi’s foreheads touched each other. There is freedom in life, there is purpose in death, they both thought the Grey Code to each other. Both were following through in danger and here was the last comfort of love, something Kullig never had in his life.

Kullig started to let go of the embrace, about to start his quest. Raala, instead of letting go of his hand, walked him towards the entrance of her tent. 

“Consider this,” Raala started slowly, “as a gateway to the life of which we were destined…” Kullig could see at his side that Raala’s eyes were starting to form tears. “May the Force ever be with you… my companion,” Raala whispered.

“May it be with you as well,” Kullig said. The last connection between them tethered apart as they dropped their hand-hold. The tent’s entrance was opened, and the both of them walked away in different directions. 

Kullig went toward a way to the Citadel in Kass City. He looked where Raala went, towards the place where the Revanite Leader was, most likely to warn the Order of Ragnar’s plan. Raala looked back as well. The yellow eyes of the red Sith and the purple eyes of the blue Togruta gazed at each other for one last time, and then the both of them turned away.

As he hurried out of the Compound, he would glance at the Revanites around him. There was so much diversity ranging from species and backgrounds. They all came together for peace searching for something that Kullig himself still searched for. Truth. Now it was going to be wasted if he didn’t stop Ragnar.

After leaving the compound, he entered the outside Dromund Kaas jungle. It was wet and dreary. The sounds of thunder and partial rain started to bother Kullig. The clouds were starting to block the starry night. It resembled too much of how he felt.

I’m all alone, Kullig despaired. Raala is gone, my only true companion. Now all the Revanites within the Empire are endangered of death once again. Why… Kullig searched within himself for a reason, and then he started to blame Ragnar. Ragnar was the cause of all of this. All of this death and loneliness. The loneliness he felt before Raala.

Kullig, surrounded by the darkness and his dark emotions, couldn’t stand it anymore. He, with the Force, yelled a roar that shook the trees and the ground. His hand then shot bright blue lightning at a tree which exploded. Kullig couldn’t get the thought of destroying Ragnar out of his mind. It was the only way. Ragnar was the only reason. His inner self felt a passionate hatred, a fuel of fire within himself. He burned. 

Control yourself, Kullig! Kullig internally said to himself. Yet, the other side was telling him to fall into his hateful passion. For it was the way of his ancestors wasn’t it? He never heard of any Sith descendants venerated by the Empire not resisting it. Another doubt inside.

No, I need to focus on the matter at hand. Ragnar was the important thing to put his mind into. While he walked towards the city once again, he started to ponder steps for his plan. 

He then conceived what he needed to do. Ragnar couldn’t be reasoned with. The only thing that could stop him was by force. If Kullig could convince some of the Dark Council to go against Ragnar vying for the enslavement of species and death of differing Sith then Ragnar might drop his persecution. Ragnar already had enemies within the council, specifically those who were pragmatic and aliens.

He stepped out of the last line of jungle trees and that was when he saw it. Kaas City, the capital of the Empire. Wars, civil and international, have ruined that city and his Sith civilization many times. Kullig wouldn’t let it happen either to the Sith or Revanites, and not a single Sith would pay the price of a full-force plan by civil war.

The Dark Council awaited him—the place where the most powerful Sith came to meet. Ragnar would also be there, who always brooded with his hood and mask of his. His master wouldn’t accept such treason from an apprentice, and that was what Kullig planned on. 

The Sith jumped out of a speeder, and the robotic driver flew away. Kullig had his black hood over his head. He walked forward toward the Citadel through the main entrance. 

On the sides were black statues of Sith that Kullig had learned of. They were Sith who had composed great feats during their life, founding new powers and Imperial systems. The statues’ heads drooped down and their hands were hidden within their robe arms. A meditative pose, to remind the followers of darkness to always meditate on the Sith Code.

Kullig started to hurry calmly within the Citadel to the Dark Council chamber. He was late. Meeting with Raala in the Revanite Compound took a long time from him. He had to be on his feet and use different paths to make sure no one noticed a clue to their whereabouts.

He traveled through dark hallways and elevators until he reached an entrance guarded by crimson Imperial Guards. 

The entrance of the Dark Council was closed, but one of them opened it for the Dark Councilor. The guards bowed their heads that held the distinguished crested helmets as Kullig past them, and as they hit the staffs on the ground the door closed behind him.

He went through the long room as he heard a voice orating. He made it into the chamber. The Chamber of the Dark Council was a large hexagonal room that was dimly lit. 

The side Kullig entered from was for entrance and exit while the other sides were for the Pyramids, or Spheres, of Influence. Huge statues of ancient Sith Kullig learned of, such as Naga Sadow and Marka Ragnos, were on the walls in different poses to show their personality. In the middle of the chamber, where the voice came from, was Darth Ragnar.

“-infidels will bow down to the Sith and face death if they do not follow through.”

There were around a dozen Sith that held either a whole or partial Sphere. Only Darths were the pyramidic heads. Most of them were human or Pureblood. Very few of them were other species. 

Kullig could tell that the alien Sith were either sneering or growling at Ragnar. He wanted to take away their power, a power which they held for themselves.

“Do you think we will follow through with this,” Darth Malor, a Twilek, hissed at Ragnar. His skin was pale like Ragnar’s, with a hint of blue. His headtails began to curl in anger. “I’ve served this order and empire for centuries! Now you want to take it away from us who are equal in power to you?”

“You are too full of yourself to think the Dark Council would agree to such a plan,” Darth Liona agreed. She was a Zabrak, a pale humanoid who had horns grown out of her head.

The Dark Council was already contradicting Ragnar’s idea. Kullig felt relief rain on him.

“I agree with Ragnar,” Lord Ilak, a human, spoke. “Our ancestors did not accept aliens, and why should we now? It was only after that heretical Revan we allowed aliens to join.”

“Watch your tongue if you want to keep it, Ilak,” the she-Zabrak threatened the lower Sith Lord. 

“Although the teachings of Revan are false in the ways of the Sith,” Darth Kalon, a masked and hooded figure, began, “why should we care about them if we should care about the Republic?”

Ragnar turned towards Kalon’s direction. “The way of the Sith was created by the Sith and humans. We may be a mighty empire, but Doctrine has grown softer ever since we allowed outsiders to join.”

“If we want to combat the Republic,” the Pureblood Xila, the Lady of Philosophy who aligned with Ragnar’s beliefs, said, “then we must purify the infidelity.”

The Dark Council started to grow into chaos. Sith against Sith. The Empire would crumble if they all started fighting with their armies and powers. 

“RAGNAR!”

The Sith stopped threatening one another and turned towards Lord Kullig. His eyes were burning with anger at Ragnar. His master was causing damage within the Dark Council, the second-in-command before the Emperor.

“You will not get what you want,” Kullig stated. Even though Ragnar’s face seemed to say something to him, he didn’t care. The Empire had to be preserved. “Your plan is contradicted by other Dark Councilors, and it will start a civil war. Your plan will never come to fruition. I and those under my influence will not join you, Ragnar.”

“That is treason to disobey your master, apprentice. You are betraying the Sith Order for doing so.”

“If I joined you then I would be committing treason against the Empire if you start a war.”

“Lord Kullig is correct,” a voice came from behind him. A man in silver armor and grey robes stood behind Kullig. His silver mask was in the shape and likeness of a skull. Darth Nox. 

Nox started as a slave but grew in power within the Empire and Force. He eventually performed the ritual of Kaggath, a political and physical duel between Sith, and claimed the Sphere of Ancient Knowledge. The Dark Lord now was the Empire’s Hand, a servant that the Emperor (or Empress since no one knew who it was) conducted his actions through. He was the most prominent Sith in the Empire.

“What are you doing here, Darth Nox?” Darth Ragnar questioned. He looked quite displeased and irritated at the Empire’s Hand. 

Kullig had heard that Nox had combatted against the Dark Council many times before, which could be a threat to Ragnar if he was on his bad terms.

Darth Nox approached Darth Ragnar. Nox was taller than Ragnar and seemed more powerful in every way

“I felt a disturbance in the dark side’s power,” Nox stated in a monotone, “I know what you’ve been planning on, Ragnar. You plan on committing war against the Empire itself. That itself is a treason and a crime to the Emperor.”

“I don’t care if I am conflicted by the whole Empire,” Ragnar cackled. His dark laugh echoed throughout the chamber. “I do not need your, the Emperor, or this council’s decision! I am the Head of Sith Doctrine. Preparations have already been made to combat those who stand away from the true teaching of the Sith!”

“The infidels’ power shall be taken away and given to those who deserve it!” Lady Xila, the Sith Pureblood, cried aloud.

“Ah, you want to clean us out of our positions,” Darth Malor scoffed. The Twilek’s glowing orange irises contrasted against his dark eyes. “If you want our power, then try to take it from us.”

Dark Councilors started to stand up. Even the Sith who were not in charge of a full Sphere, unlike Ilak and Zila, were joining sides. Bickering between the members was everywhere. Even though Ragnar’s committed sect seemed smaller, all together his faction held a great amount of power from Dark Councilors.

Off to the side, Nox was watching it all. It confused Kullig as to why he wasn’t stopping it. He was the Empire’s Hand, in control of the empire by the Sith Emperor. Yet, all of the Sith here were some of the strongest Sith in the entire galaxy. Even Nox might not be able to combat against Ragnar’s selection. Kullig didn’t even know who was on who’s side. 

Kullig began to see images of crumbled cities of the Empire due to the future civil war. Dead citizens and politicians. He looked at Ragnar, that diabolical and wrong Lord, and Ragnar was facing towards him. Kullig had to stop this. But how? His plan had failed and Ragnar didn’t care if any of them died. He only cared about what he wanted.

The Pureblood looked back at Nox, and then that was when he began to realize something. Nox had performed the Kaggath-duel against Darth Thanaton and defeated him in combat. Yet, Kullig couldn’t fight Ragnar head-on in a battle war. Kullig would most likely die by having not enough supporters. 

If a Sith lost in a Kaggath, then the utmost shame would be cast upon him and most likely would receive no mercy. He would be the Empire’s shame. 

I would be a shame to my ancestors- but, what if- Kullig conceived an idea. It would be the only way to save his empire.

“I, Lord Kullig of the Sith, challenge Darth Ragnar to Kaggathyunkun!” Kullig yelled. The Dark Council stood quiet. All around, the Council faced towards where Kullig and Ragnar were. Then a laugh was heard.

“You, fool,” Ragnar scathed, “that is not the proper way to challenge someone to Kaggath. Never has yunkun, ‘of two only’, been done.”
“He called you to Kaggath, Ragnar,” Nox stated. “If you refuse then Kullig receives your title and all your possessions.”

Ragnar’s face was still, but then it turned into a greasy smile. “Very well, Kullig. You have called for your death, and to where will you die?”

“At Circa Kalligus,” Kullig replied. 

An arena, created by Aloysius Kallig, ancestor of Darth Nox and whom Kullig was named after, for those who wanted to finish feuds by death. It was a place where only duelists could hear inside, so all they spoke were secrets. Inside was red sandy and rocky terrain from Korriban, the homeworld of the Sith.

“Until your duel, the Dark Council will not conduct any decisions on Ragnar’s plan,” said Darth Nox. 

The Dark Council began to sit down. Their yellow eyes glared at the Apprentice and Master. This was where the fate of the Empire rested. Whoever won would have the information and the power over Ragnar’s plan. 

“May the Darkness guide your path.”

Death. Is there a purpose in it? Or is the purpose of death to die in glory? Is the only purpose to serve oneself or an order? Kullig often meditated on this question very often. He felt conflicted between the views of selfishness and nationalism. Conflicted between truth and power. The Sith’s teachings conflicted with one another on the Dark Side. Yet, Raala and the Revanites had changed Kullig’s views to see that the Dark Side wasn’t the only thing in the world.

How am I to destroy him? Kullig had always used his passions and hatred to defeat his adversaries when necessary. It was what kept him alive. It filled him with power but at the same time emptiness. A tiny voice inside him told him there was another way, yet he couldn’t understand the others. He had tried, and he failed in it.

“Rise, apprentice.”

Kullig opened his eyes to see Ragnar in the middle of the dusty outcroppings of red rock. The stadium was large and dimly lit. The smell of death clung to the air and suffocated Kullig’s nose. 

The apprentice and master wore their normal robes without their capes and hoods. Their armor though was above their robes to be ready for battle and as a memorial to the way the ancient true Sith wore as warriors.

This was the line for the Sith between victory or shame forever upon one’s name. The history of the Sith and galaxy rested upon the shoulders of the Master and Apprentice. Power was at the hand of the living, and death only awaited the other. 

Vsssh! A glowing blood blade came out of Ragnar’s hilt. “For your death.”

The red Pureblood did the same as well. The light of purple formed into a saber. They both pointed their blades at each other in salute. “For the Sith Empire.”

Ragnar made a devious smile.

Both Sith used the Force to leap into battle and their purple and red blades clashed against each other.

Kullig struck at Ragnar’s left side and performed an air kick at the right. Ragnar blocked the purple attack but was sent backward by the kick. 

Ragnar then short lightning from his fingertips at Kullig. The apprentice shot lightning back and the lightning struck at each other simultaneously. 

Kullig strained with his arm to perform stronger lightning. He poured all of his hatred at Ragnar into it, fueling it. DIE! Kullig’s lightning became brighter and thicker, and he could sense that it was coming closer to Ragnar. 

Then the battle on Kullig’s side lost quickly. Before Ragnar’s lightning struck Kullig, Kullig sent a last bolt and dodged to the side. Lightning hit the rocks beside him and made the sound of an explosion

Kullig leaped at his master and conducted their lightsaber battle once again. The both of them slashed and blocked each other’s sabers. Light flashed in the dark stadium as the two dueled. It was a show and scenery of lights, but one would end in blackness.

Kullig grew angrier and more restless to kill his master. He kept slashing at Ragnar, who kept blocking it with his red lightsaber. 

The Darth then took control of the duel and began striking at Kullig's lower body. The red Sith kept blocking it but it was tiring him. 

That was until Kullig put more of his self into his hatred which burned more energy into him. 

Ragnar took note of this and used a mixture of Force Lightning and Push at Kullig's top body. Kullig tried to dodge but the Push sent him to the floor.

Ragnar quickly gained domination and started slashing downwards against Kullig's body. Kullig had the low ground. He felt so much energy taken away by the slashes that he blocked. 

Ragnar roared and moved to a mighty strike. Kullig used the Force to make him dodge the strike, and when Ragnar's lightsaber was touching the ground Kullig quickly got up and slashed at Ragnar's face. Ragnar moved out of the way, but purple light cut through.

Ragnar yelled as his mask fell to the ground.

What Kullig saw bewildered him. Never did he think to see his master's full face. 

His slashed top face had darker veins and corruption than the rest of his ugly pale skin. His head only possessed a few strands of hair. The face possessed scars all over, and Kullig could read what they were. Sith Runes. It was in the ancient language of Kullig's and Ragnar’s ancestors, and the words were the most diabolical things he had seen. 

Ragnar’s dark yellow eyes looked at Kullig’s hand holding the purple lightsaber.

"Your lightsaber has still not been bled yet! You weakling!" Ragnar taunted.

"I am Sith. All my actions have a purpose."

"A True Sith has more than just heritage, the only thing you have!"

Filled with fury, the dark apprentice Force Leaped at his master while striking at him.

"Let your fire flow through you!" Ragnar yelled.

Kullig did so and became quicker in his fighting style. He began to use electricity with his kicks against Ragnar. Anger. It was all that consumed Kullig and filled him with. Yet, Kullig was becoming ruthless while fighting Ragnar.

Kullig slashed harshly at Ragnar, but Ragnar dodged and nicked Kullig’s armored arm with his red blade. 

Hissing in fury at his burning wound, Kullig continued in his pain and made it his strength to kill Ragnar. I will not fail! He couldn’t make another mistake like that.

As he thought while fighting, Ragnar sliced at him another time. It was then when Kullig had become fully vulnerable did Ragnar pushed and struck Kullig with lighting.

Kullig fell onto rock, and pain surrounded his body. He had to get up. Then more pain and heat hit Kullig. Ragnar was electrocuting him. 

“You maggot!” Ragnar barked as he stopped sending lightning. “How long I’ve been waiting for this moment!”

Kullig tried getting up but failed as Ragnar sent another wave of fiery blue at him. He was losing. 

“Failure!” Ragnar stopped his lightning and then levitated Kullig from the ground. Before Kullig could move, Ragnar used the Force to push him back down on the hard earth.

Kullig couldn’t believe what was happening to him. His life was coming to an end.

“I won’t let you die yet, Kullig. I’ve planned on what to do to you. I will make you squirm like the worm you are for thinking you were strong enough to serve the Sith!” Ragnar began to use electricity, not enough to kill Kullig, but enough to inflict torturous pain upon him. 

Kullig tried to move and get up, but he couldn’t. 

His whole body was vulnerable to the electrocution which paralyzed him from moving. All he felt was despair. 

The Sith taught that failure and death at the hands of the enemy were the worst possible events a Sith could endure. It was a pride to conquer and to not was considered sacrilege. 

Everything the Sith taught him, to serve the Empire, order, and himself, he disobeyed. All of his journeys and teachings had led him here in failure. He failed as a Sith. He failed as a servant to the Empire. He would only be a mockery and shame in history. The Empire’s failure. All he ever believed in was serving the Empire, and he couldn’t hold himself to his sovereign. 

The Revanites would accept his failure by being killed. Raala had told him to follow his destiny, yet he led himself here. The Empire would fight against itself because of him. He was going to die at the hands of his master and lose everything to Ragnar.

Raala then came into thought. She chose to go to the Outer Rim, even though it was dangerous and she would receive no power in return. Kullig, on the other hand, had chosen because he thought the Force called him to serve the Empire and become more powerful. Yet, the Empire was not a power that benefited others but an institution of people. People. It was what Raala said she would serve—those who needed help and not those who didn’t.

Then, in his pain, he conceived the link. The Empire he served wasn’t a nation of greatness. It was an institution of Sith who worshipped themselves to their full. 

The Sith took everything they taught as theirs. Slaves, apprentices, and civilians all served under the imperial cult. The apprentices were just tools for the benefit of staying in power. Under the Sith were those not strong enough to defend themselves. Raala had taught him that everyone once was weak, and it was only because people were served did they become strong. The Sith, though, never returned the favor.

He had to save them. They would forever be suffering under the Sith if Kullig or others could help it.

Growling in pain, Kullig amid the storm of lightning tried to get up with his renewed vigor. He noticed that the pain worsened, but he used it as a strength. That was one teaching Kullig had to use in his agony. Ragnar had to be stopped. 

Kullig got up on all fours, but he was pushed again to the ground. The pain kept overwhelming him. Darth Sion had to live through agony, and Kullig had to as well. His whole body burned from the electricity but that would not stop him. He kept on through the midst of pain.

He was on his back again and Ragnar aimed the lightning at his chest to paralyze his organs. A memory flashed through his mind.

Kullig and Raala taught each other saber fighting and Force power techniques that each from the Sith and Jedi respectively. He taught her Force Lightning in which she succeeded, and then she started teaching him Force deflection, Tutaminis.

She had explained to Kullig that her way was to be calm and focus inwardly on the Force. Kullig had tried practicing the Force deflection but he never could fully practice it. The way to do so was to control one’s passions, but he couldn’t put himself in a quiet serenity.

It was the only way. Kullig started to focus inwardly on his heart and the energy around him that was killing him slowly. He had to do it for the endangered people. 

Flowing through all there is balance. He started to feel what was around him, even as he growled in pain from the blue strikes at him. Energy flowed in and out. Push and pull. He was guided and moved toward it with his strength and the Force’s. He pushed his hand in front of Ragnar’s lightning as it was crisping him. 

Focus. Kullig felt the collided energy from Ragnar’s passion. He focused on it and tried to keep himself from falling into it. Using and following the Force, he used his hands to grab Ragnar’s lightning. 

Lightning struck directly at his hands because of Kullig directing it towards them. It burned his hands and started to destroy his gloves. The energy kept growing, and he saw Ragnar becoming more eager to kill Kullig. 

“Get up and surrender yourself to your DARK PASSIONS!” Ragnar made a final shock at Kullig

Kullig’s hands absorbed the shock and holding the energy in his hands pushed it all back at Ragnar. Ragnar quickly grabbed his lightsaber and his saber blocked some of the electricity but it still damaged him. 

Steam rose from Kullig’s body, but he got up as quickly as he could. He almost fell once but regained strength. He fully stood back up and faced Ragnar once again.

"Passions must be balanced with peace!” Kullig yelled at his master, “The Sith have corrupted themselves to think to fall into darkness. To see right and wrong one must need light!”

"You believe in balancing the Light and the Dark? You let those Revanites get into your head.”

Kullig then realized that Ragnar must’ve known he was affiliated with them. How much knowledge did Ragnar possess? Did he know about Raala?

“Oh, yes, I do know,” Ragnar laughed darkly, “I planned on you coming to face me because you hold all of them dearly. They are chains, Kullig, and balance only prevents power.”

Raala had shared with Kullig her thoughts on the Force before. She disliked the Jedi for being apathetic and the Sith for being fully controlled by their passions. 

After she had discovered the Grey Code, she then professed to him that she didn’t believe in the Dark or Light Sides of the Force, but rather only dark and light actions. He never understood it until now. Passion was what allowed one to act while peace allowed control.

“I do not believe in balancing evil and goodness. I believe in balancing to always do the right thing, which is in Truth.”

"I will teach you one final lesson on the Sith Code, my apprentice,” Ragnar positioned himself with his red lightsaber, ready to strike. Kullig did as well with his purple blade, ready for the attack. 

“The whole message in the creed is this.” Ragnar closed his eyes and Kullig saw his face turning paler and veins darker. “Truth is void, there is only SELF!"

Ragnar zoomed across the stadium and Kullig blocked it in time. With their blades clashing, Ragnar’s face only showed nothing but a monster growling.

 Even though Ragnar became a frightening figure, Kullig put all of his passion in flow to fight back. He, with Raala in his memory, began to recite the Grey Code to himself to be one with the Force. I must survive.

Flowing through all, there is balance… The young Pureblood and Togruta said in memory. Kullig slashed upwards at Ragnar.

"PEACE is a lie, there is only passion" Ragnar quickly blocked Kullig’s saber and began to push it down.

There is no peace without a passion to create. Sensing an exit, Kullig Force Pushed himself to the side and was unpinned.

"Through passion, I gain strength!" Ragnar, quicker than ever, slashed sideways.

There is no passion without peace to guide. Kullig, in flow with the Force, blocked the blade of red from hitting him.

"Through Strength, I gain Power!” Ragnar then became ruthless and started to attack without care.

Knowledge fades without the strength to act. Kullig kept blocking all of Ragnar’s mighty swipes and even dodging them.

"Through Power- I gain Victory." Ragnar had faltered, yet he came back mightier in battle than before.

Power blinds without the serenity to see. Kullig only followed through with what the Force directed him to and he struck. The apprentice slashed diagonally and cut Ragnar’s chest. Ragnar screamed in agony, but he continued.

"THROUGH VICTORY MY CHAINS ARE BROKEN!” The red saber viciously swiped all around Kullig. Because of Ragnar becoming restless, Kullig seized the moment and kicked his master’s chest.

There is freedom in life. The purple saber slashed at Ragnar in his vulnerability, yet Ragnar blocked it.

There is purpose in death. The master raised Kullig’s saber by his own. Ragnar then Force Pushed Kullig. Kullig used his left hand to block it using the Force but skidded backward onto the ground.

"The Force shall free me!" Ragnar leaped across the earth. In one hand, Ragnar prepared to swing his sword of death at Kullig, while in the other his hand started to produce lightning.

The Force is all things… Kullig saw all this in slowness. 

Kullig thought about his overall journey in the Sith Order, the Revanites, and with Raala. He then thought of his new passion to save the Revanites, aliens, and innocent citizens from Ragnar.

Kullig's energy of serenity and passion met each other within his body. Kullig forced it in motion as one with it. The energy traveled along his body and into his arm. He pushed it all forward at Ragnar, the dark force of nature.

I am the Force. Before Ragnar made it to Kullig from the air, the Force from Kullig collided with each other and flew from his fingers and palm. Bright lightning in the color of bluish-silver sailed into the chest of Ragnar, and Ragnar convulsed into flying to a rocky outcropping.

Kullig gasped for air. He had used lightning he had never seen before and Ragnar had become too ruthless to block it. 

He walked towards where smoke was whisked in the air. On the rock, Ragnar was on one knee and Kullig could see electricity produced static on his master’s body. To Ragnar’s side was his lightsaber, now shattered and broken from the lightning. 

Ragnar began to rise, and Kullig positioned himself into a defensive stance with his blade. Yet, what Kullig saw was far more painful to look at than anything else. 

Ragnar’s chest contained a black marking from Kullig’s lightsaber. The robe on his chest was all gone and torn, and what remained was charred, pink flesh. Ragnar’s standing was off balance. Ragnar couldn’t possibly live after this with his strength.

“I won, Ragnar,” Kullig stated. Pride filled himself, yet he knew it wasn’t all over yet. There was one thing left. “Kneel.”

Ragnar sent a bolt of lightning “Never, whelp!”

Kullig sensed it beforehand and reflected it at Ragnar. 

Ragnar fell to the ground and slowly got back up again. Even though Kullig could end it now, he wanted Ragnar to show respect for him.

“Kneel,” Kullig repeated. 

Ragnar yelled. His face and hands began to twitch. When Ragnar opened his eyes, all Kullig saw were black orbs with fiery orange glowing in the middle. 

He immediately tried to use the Force on Kullig again. Kullig felt the energy and began to control it. He pushed back at Ragnar and Ragnar began to convulse. 

Kullig was now pushing him to his knees. Ragnar’s body refused but it slowly gave in. When he started to kneel, he began to roar and spit curses at Kullig. The victor ignored it and forced Ragnar on his four limbs. 

Ragnar, with no energy left, gave in.

“I am the master now,” Kullig stated. 

Ragnar’s head looked up at him and a hiss came from his mouth. 

All Ragnar had was now Kullig’s. Ragnar’s life in the Order and Empire was void and now a shame to even be mentioned by Sith.

“I will grant you mercy,” Kullig said, “even though your life as a Sith will only be but exile and eternal shame. You can still live a life away from the Sith.”

“Mercy!” Ragnar scoffed. “Here’s my mercy, Kullig! May your blood be a thousand-fold of every enemy of the Sith! Dralo-“ Crkk. Ragnar’s head and body fell before he could recite his curse in Ancient Sith.

Kullig let go of his first that controlled Ragnar’s body. He knew now that Ragnar wouldn’t accept mercy. It was not a virtue to the Sith, and only Kullig and a few other Sith saw it as that. Kullig had won. His eyes gazed from his master’s dead body around the environment around him. He was now the Sith Master and controlled all of Ragnar’s political power and forces.

The aliens, Revanites, and those Sith who chose to live other lives were in Kullig’s hands. Instead of the Sith masters and ancestors before him, he chose a different path in the Force. Not in darkness, for righteousness could not be performed without sight and serenity to see. Yet in light, where truth is revealed.

Master Kullig entered the chamber of the Dark Council. In the middle was Darth Nox, surrounded by the other members. All wore the armor and robes of silver and black. Everyone’s heads were covered in dark hoods, even the masked ones.

“Lord Kullig, come forward,” Darth Nox commanded. Over his silver armor, he wore black robes.

Kullig followed his order and stood in front of Nox.

“Kneel.”

Kullig did as he was told. His knee dropped down and he bowed his head while closing his eyes

“Lord Kullig,” Nox ranged in a loud voice, “descendant of the Dark Night,” 

Kullig opened his eyes in bewilderment. Nox’s name meant night and darkness, which meant… I am his heir.

“You have defeated your master in the ritual of Kaggath, the ritual of our Sith ancestors dating back for thousands of years. In this age of the Sith known as the empire, you have shown your passion and strength for stability and order. You have conquered your enemies and have provided strength for the Sith.”

Darth Nox grabbed his double-sided lightsaber. Vssh! A red blade formed. He placed it above Kullig’s head. 

“In the name of the Sith Empire and its Dark Council, I hereby rename you in the ancient tongue of our forefathers,” the Sith placed the red blade above each shoulder of Kullig, “Darth… Imperax.”

Imperax was filled with honor for receiving what he yearned for ever so long. He was now a master and a Darth. He now achieved the ultimate initiation of a Sith.

“Rise,”

The red-skinned Darth stood and saw Dark Councilors form two lines to a throne, the throne of Darth Ragnar.

“Receiving the treasure of your ex-master, you are now head of the pyramid of Sith Doctrine. You are now in charge of ancient knowledge, philosophy, and mysteries. You are Lord of all Sith with your council, answerable only to the Emperor himself.” Nox stepped to the side and placed his lightsaber in front of him. 

The parallel Dark Councilors in their dark robes and hoods lit their red lightsabers and placed them in front of themselves as well. Their lines formed a path for Darth Imperax to walk towards his new throne. 

As he walked, he began to feel something odd inside himself. Yet, he couldn’t find out what it was.

When Darth Imperax made it to his throne and stood in front of it, all of the Sith chanted: “Praise to the Sith!”

Imperax turned around to see his fellow Sith. He then sat down on his grey and red throne.

“To the Dark Council!

To the Sith Empire!

To the Sith Emperor!

To the Dark Side!”

Inside Imperax that felt queer to him then became revealed to him. He was now master and Dark Lord. He was now a Dark Councilor. He achieved what he and other Sith had desired and never earned.

 He saved the Revanites and stopped the war and additional enslavement. His journey with Raala in the Order of Revan taught him to be a person to serve the helpless. 

Yet, his Sith expected him to be part of the Darkness. A side of only self and passion. A side that did not promote what he believed in. Around him were leaders who only served their passions that dominated the needy.

This was his destiny. This was what the Force called him to, and he had to do it. He understood that the Sith taught both true and false teachings. Yet, Darth Imperax now saw past it. He was now reborn. Even if he died, he would die in the Force and not be lost to the darkness. Now, he was called to bring his people out of their selfishness and into righteousness.

My equals and those above and below me will watch everything I do. Every step I make towards the light. Every step I take to bring my people out of the darkness. Every eye that sees my hands work to do deeds. Every black heart that sees my passion for truth. Everyone here that I am surrounded by are shades of darkness, that live in the darkness, that consume the darkness, that serve the darkness… They are my enemy. 

The Jedi view the Force as a master, while the Sith view it as a slave. It is neither my master nor my slave. It is my energy. I am the Force, yet the Force is all things. The darkness is my foe, the foe that blinds those who become part of it. Truth is my only companion, the companion that lights in the darkness and fights against the darkness.

Behind the Scenes

How my story came to mind

I love Star Wars, I mean, like, who can’t with a correct mind? Right? Just kidding. 

Kind of.

My dad was a beta tester (because his friend, a beta tester, allowed him to have the disc) of The Old Republic MMORPG and it looked so fun. 

Later, when I grew older, I played the Knights of the Old Republic game, which basically started the Old Republic era for Star Wars. It was really fun, but I saved my game on a spot where I had barely any health and I deleted the save before it. I never got passed the level. Very sad indeed.

When I became a teenager, I played as a Sith Warrior in the Old Republic game and defeated the master, Darth Baras. It was a very cool theme to see Star Wars thousands of years ago, and all of this history and lore made me see the bigger picture in Star Wars.

Originally, this story was only a fight between an apprentice and his master. Then Abbie Emmons, an author on YT, said that stories are the journey/event that transforms the character, either positively or negatively. She said that no story matters if there is no moral message, and I took it by heart.

So, I improvised on the story so it could have a deeper meaning than just a battle between evil bad guys (which, I love and would’ve loved as a kid.) It went through many revisions, many because none made sense. It was pretty hard to make a dark protagonist have that aha moment to see the truth and turn away from the misbelief.

Kullig/Imperax was based on my idea of a Sith Inquisitor, who specializes in politics and Sith “magic” powers in the game. Ambitious yet pragmatic. He is a Sith Pureblood (which are human-Sith hybrids), which added complexity to his story about being a Sith, a philosophy made by the Sith species themselves (along with Ajunta Pall and his dark Jedi exiles.)

By creating Darth Ragnar, I kept going through concepts. Traditional, progressivist, and different personalities. I then saw an art piece of the Mouth of Sauron and took reference from his design. I then made him this ultra-traditionalist and xenophobe wishing for the former glory days of the Sith. Kullig/Imperax though would conflict this with his imperial beliefs.

I wanted lots of messages within the story and couldn’t pick just one. I wanted him to learn an aspect of charity, that all races have equal dignity, and that all actions should be just (though he kind of already has the last two when the story starts.) 

You might be wondering how is there xenophobia in Star Wars. Well, there always was if you look at it. The Galactic Empire was based on the Third German Reich, a German Fascist state. The Empire itself was a fascist state with only humans and very few other humanoids in power. The Rebel Alliance though had many aliens, but still lots of humans because humans were the most populated species during that time.

I really wanted there to be no romance. I said to myself no romance. I felt that there needed to be some sacrifice of some sort in the story. After all, to be able to sacrifice what you are attached to is a virtue. 

I then made a huge story of Kullig being captured by Jedi and then he has to learn from them to stop the Sith Empire from inside. What a long story. I then learned from Abbie that to make a short story, the character should transform as a result of the event rather than the journey.

So I shortened it. 

I wanted Revan in the story because he’s my favorite Star Wars character, so I put his little backstory and Order in the story. I became a Revanite in the game as well, though at that time it was a fanatic cult. In this story, the Revanites are not a cult but rather a group of those trying to learn from each other.

Then, I thought that maybe….

I fell to the romantic side.

I created Raala, whose name was originally Ovaraala, but my mom said that it was too long. I wanted her to be a Togruta-Twilek hybrid, but I thought that it would be too hard to explain, and idk. 

Then I set the story up for the romantic tension.

The Jedi always said no to emotions, and the Sith always said yes to passion. For them to be Revanites and learn from each other it was just so good to not pass. It would give Kullig a head start on his moral journey without me having to write it all.

I loved the idea of two companions coming from opposite orders and from species that had differing histories. Sith Purebloods and Togrutas are also my favorite species. I purposefully made Raala blue and Kullig red so it would symbolize that concept.

They both would’ve joined together and flown Across the Stars, heh. Yet, they chose to where they felt the calling to do the right thing and serve others. That’s what I wanted to convey, not some lovey-dovey story. I wanted it to be a story about sacrifice.

I found out later that Kullig’s name, which accidentally was Kali at first, was very similar to Kallig. I never fully played the Inquisitor story, so I don’t think I got the name from there. And just a few days ago I found out the Inquisitor gets a Togruta companion who was once a Jedi. Very coincidental.

The Dark Council was interesting to write about. I showed almost an equal amount of conflict within the council. For Kullig to have a chance in the council, I knew that Ragnar needed enemies. What better way than by antagonizing them on the spot?

The fight between Kullig and Ragnar had to be written well, and I needed that dark moment where he faces his fear of losing to Ragnar, which ultimately is rooted in his fear of failing the Sith Empire, which in turn is rooted in his misbelief that he must serve the Empire.

I decided to make it where at the last bit the Sith and Grey Codes conflict each other as the Siths did. Raala in the background too just made it feel great. Another aspect of the story I wanted to touch on is that both the Jedi and Sith were wrong. Jedi were too apathetic to act while the Sith were too passionate to see what was right and wrong.

With the silver lightning, I kind of took reference from Avatar: The Last Airbender and the lightning that Jedi and Sith used. In Avatar, General Iroh, a firebender, teaches his nephew how to lightningbend. To do so, one needed to focus on the negative and positive energies and make them conflict with each other. Then it becomes electricity.

I wanted Ragnar to go crazy and become fully corrupt in the dark side. SO, making him get hit in the chest a couple of times was good work. Charred flesh. Then his eyes become very dark and stuff.

After Kullig kills Ragnar by using the Force to, uh, end him, I imagined him looking heroically like Prince Lotor from Netflix’s Voltron after he defeats his father.

Finally, the Imperax naming. So cool. I combined the words of Imperious and Rex so Kullig would be shown as an imperial enthusiast. He is Nox’s secret grandson because relations are kind of secret in Sith culture and family is like- not there. So a bonus for Kullig to experience affection from Raala because he never felt it before. 

Nox is the character you play in the Inquisitor story in the Old Republic. Unless you are good and become Imperious or if you are mixed you become Oculus. So, easter egg and a little treat to myself to write an actual character from a game to become the Emperor/Empire’s Hand, a group or individual in charge of well doing the will of the Emperor.

Now, the emperor. He might even be a girl because no one knows who it is. Ha. Won’t tell you what the name is. Darth S-

In the end, I conveyed the loneliness Imperax feels once he realizes where he stands in his empire and council. He lost Raala. Yet, he found more about Force and truth. I tried to make his thoughts resemble those when he thinks about Raala missing from his side, and parallel it with his companionship with Truth. 

Darth Imperax later in his life might or might not see Raala again. He tries to convert the Sith to the correct side and for charity. Yet, in the end, Imperax will die and be killed by the council. Just like Caesar. 

The Sith would never listen to him or other Sith “defectors”, which would lead them to their downfalls and leave history as villains. Imperax and differing Sith would leave as hearers of the truth and as heroes.

That’s it! I hope you all enjoyed the story, I enjoyed making it.

by Ashton Moseley

As entered in the March 2024 Fanfiction contest

Winning entry