The humid air of Dromund Kaas seemed to add weight to Raivo's long brown hair. He had been summoned by his master Darth Vizq, and Vizq did not like to be kept waiting. Raivo hated being summoned like some sort of trained Vornskyr, he'd much rather be out on assignment. Peace is a lie, but Raivo found some twisted sort of peace in killing, it was where he felt most at home.
As he ran through the thick forest the top of the temple could be seen, he picked up his pace and raced through the temple doors. He ignored everyone as he made his way straight up to his master's quarters. "Raivo, rise I have need of your assistance." "Yes master, is it a mission?" Raivo buried all traces of anticipation as he waited for his master's reply.
"No, well yes and no. You are ready for the mantle that you have worked so hard for." Vizq was grinning ear to ear, "Kneel Raivo." Raivo dropped to one knee and lowered his head, he had been waiting for this day for quite some time. Many years of silent subservience, clever manipulation, and sheer violence had brought him to this moment.
Vizq's lightsaber snap-hissed to life, and dipped the blade to each side of Raivo's shoulder. "You were weak when you came to me, a pathetic shell of anger and rage. I took you, I molded you into power, and now, arise Darth Daivo, and claim your rightful place in the galaxy!"
Raivo stood slowly relishing the moment, this was the day he had been studying for. He studied his master for what seemed like an eternity. Vizq cocked his head sideways, "Lord Raivo, it would not be inappropriate for you to be proud of this moment. Darth is a title many envy." Raivo twisted his lips into a sinister smirk, "Lord Vizq, what is there to be proud of? I was given a title by someone who has the authority to give the title, it is much more satisfying for me to seize the title for myself."
Vizq allowed his surprise to show through, "I don't understand Lord Raivo, what is it that you want?" Raivo's eyes narrowed, "I challenge you." Vizq's jaw went slack, "I don't understand, I picked you up from nothing and raised you to greatness, I have not failed you or held any knowledge from you!" "Yes you have been a great teacher, you've lead me to the power I so craved."
Vizq was utterly astonished, "Then what is it, why do you want to kill me!?!!" Raivo was studying the Sith master intently, "It is the way of the darkside, you trained me, and the only way for me to be complete is to destroy you, otherwise I'm not worthy of this title." Vizq's eyes were so wide Raivo thought he might die of shock, but Vizq quickly regained his composure. "Very well then Darth Raivo, we will settle this at dawn." Raivo grinned, "Very well master."
Raivo lay awake in his new illustrious chambers that were granted to him as a result of his new promotion. He could sense the entire temple buzzing with anticipation of the fight that would take place. It wasn't often that there was a challenge these days, and it was even more unusual that a loyal apprentice such as Raivo would challenge such a master of the darkside as Vizq.
Raivo was different, he didn't care about numbers, he didn't care about the war other than he didn't want the Jedi to win. Raivo was interested in being the best, and he couldn't be sure that he was the best unless he killed his own master. He finally had to force himself to go to sleep, because it wouldn't do well for him to be tired for his impending duel.
Morning couldn't come soon enough for Raivo, he was in the arena several hours before the beginning rays of daylight. Raivo was seething dark energy, tapping into the deep wells of rage within him. Vizq showed up promptly at dawn, strolling in wearing light combat robes, and wearing a scowl that could probably kill some beings.
Vizq was emanating power, dark power, and there was plenty of it. "You don't have to do this Lord Raivo, there is nothing to prove by this." Vizq said earnestly, Raivo was attempting to peer into the deepest depths of Vizq's mind. "Is that fear Vizq?" The short phrase set Vizq off, anger burst forth from deep within Vizq. "I taught you everything you know Raivo, it's a shame to have to kill you."
Raivo gave no reply except the snap-hiss of his crimson blade, Vizq assumed his favored stance using Juyo. Raivo loved Juyo, and mimicked his master's every move during training. However, Raivo also studied martial arts from all different corners of the galaxy to couple with his swordsmanship. He had been told it was pointless, but the empty handed arts had saved him more than once.
Raivo rushed in feinting impatience striking in a convincing vertical slash towards Vizq's head. Vizq took advantage of the opening, and aimed a thrust at Raivo's heart. Raivo grinned and spun out of the way bringing his deadly arc around nearly taking Vizq's head off.
Vizq moved just in time, and brought his blade up taking off some of Raivo's long flowing robes. Raivo turned and caught another strike with his blade, and Vizq pressed the attack. The darkside energy crackled around the dueling arena as Raivo and Vizq poured rage, sweat, and blood into the fight. Vizq created a Force whirlwind, and sent it towards Raivo.
The technique was merely meant to distract him as he had rooted himself to the ground with the Force. Raivo sent a telekinetic push through the whirlwind catching Vizq off guard throwing him into a weapons rack. Raivo jumped high in the air executing a front flip and dropping with Force augmented speed back towards the ground where Vizq had landed.
Vizq rolled out of the way landing on his feet, but was quickly blasted from his feet by the force of Raivo's landing. Vizq turned just in time to catch a powerful strike from his former apprentice, and he re-payed him in full with a powerful flurry of his own. Raivo made his first mistake, struck high allowing Vizq in too close. Vizq drove a knee into Raivo's ribs and an audible crack was heard by everyone present.
Vizq backed away "You can end this now Raivo, just admit defeat and I will not press the attack anymore." Raivo replied with a growl and another flurry of strikes. Vizq switched to soresu, waiting to tire Raivo out, hoping to save the apprentice he worked so hard to build. Raivo recognized the change of pace, and started timing his blows.
The duel had seemed to drag on forever, and had attracted the attention of some notable masters. Raivo didn't care, the only thing that mattered was the humiliation of his master still standing before him. He remembered the last thing his master taught him... Patience, Raivo lowered his saber to his side exposing his entire body outstretched arms seemingly accepting death.
Vizq used the Force to speed up his movements almost too fast to see, he lurched forward bringing his lightsaber around for a horizontal slash through Raivo's midsection. Raivo grinned and spun bringing his blade up and through Lord Vizq's right lung.
Vizq's shocked scream reverberated through the entire arena, and seemed to stretch out into the forest. "Lord Vizq, your one fatal flaw, is that you taught me everything you knew. You are of no use anymore, you are obsolete, and now I am worthy of the title of Darth." Vizq groaned as Raivo skillfully pulled the blade from his chest without damaging any other organs. Raivo moved to face his old master, as his master was standing, still gripping his lightsaber.
Raivo moved quickly using the Force to augment his punch sending his fist through Lord Vizq's stomach. He withdrew the punch, and Vizq fell to the floor spilling his entrails onto the arena floor. Raivo turned and walked away, soaked in blood with a grin the Emperor himself couldn't wipe it away.
The gruesome sight was even too much for some of the apprentices as they turned away, and one of them even vomited adding to Raivo's satisfaction. When Raivo returned to his quarters there was an incoming transmission waiting for him. An Imperial Agent stood before him, "Lord Raivo congratulations on your win, I am Avalon, I served your master, and now I serve you. I have important information for you, and a mission worthy of your talents awaiting you."
Raivo raised an eyebrow, "Yes, and what system should I meet you on?" She looked him over, "I am on Korriban my lord, Perhaps you should heal for a-" Raivo cut her off, "I don't need rest or healing, I will meet you on Korriban, and you better have something good for me." Avalon nodded, "I understand my Lord I will be awaiting your arrival." Raivo grinned "Good."
