The Kybuck Clan Volume VI (RWBY X Star Wars)

Chapter Nineteen - Heart Of Terror

In the Land of Darkness, Salem reflects on all that has happened. The Relic of Knowledge remains out of her possession and Haven still stands. She then walks over to a pool of black tar. Using her magic, Salem summons a Beringel from the pit. As the Beringel emerges, wings sprout from his back. It wasn't long before more Beringels are formed. Meanwhile, Emerald and Mercury watch this in horror. 

Emerald: What is she doing?

As Emerald asked that question, Hazel walks into the room. He is soon followed by Mordred and Grendel. Hazel looks upon the scene without much emotion.

Hazel: There's an old saying. If you want something done right... do it yourself.

Mordred: There are many things that you don't know. 

Mercury: Like you're one to talk. Just look at your friend here. Who took off that arm of yours? Was it one of the Jedi or was it Xiao Long?

Grendel: At least I can still call myself a man unlike you. 

Before Grendel could finish his thought, Darth Jadus entered the room. Mordred and Grendel bow before them. Seeing this display unnerved Emerald and Mercury. Emerald then remembers how Darth Jadus left the Haven Vault without Cinder.

Emerald: What did you do to her?

Darth Jadus: I did not kill her if that is what you meant.

Mercury: You don't exactly convince us, pal. We know you don't like Cinder. 

Darth Jadus: Why would I waste my time on someone beneath me? Killing her would not be worth my time. 

Emerald clenched her fists in anger, but she restrained herself. 

Darth Jadus: I have my spies monitoring her. She is alive. She is alive only because I have willed it. 

Hazel: Perhaps we should move the conversation to you, Darth Jadus. You have been silent as of late. 

Darth Jadus: I have been building my terror network. This terror network shall serve to sew chaos and terror in Remnant. As we speak, my spies prepare for my coming. They prepare for the new age that will come.

???: And what new age would that be?

Darth Jadus turns his attention to Salem who had entered the room. Everyone in the room bowed before her with the exception of Darth Jadus as well as Mordred and Grendel. 

Darth Jadus: An age of fear and terror. An age where terror shall be planted in all hearts. For too long, this world has lived a false peace. They believe themselves safe. They believe no force could challenge them. But that time has passed. 

Salem: Is that so? 

Darth Jadus: Yes. In my time on this world, I have reforged my terror network. They serve to see that my vision of the world comes to light. 

Salem: I hope your vision doesn't clash with mine. I have my own plans for Remnant. 

Darth Jadus: Your concerns are unwarranted. You may continue with your plans undisturbed as long as you do the same. 

Salem took a moment to think on Darth Jadus's words. Out of everyone she has known, Darth Jadus was an enigma to her. She could never completely decipher the Sith Lord no matter how much she tried. She was intrigued by him. Despite the power Darth Jadus possessed, Salem was confident in her own immortality. 

Salem: Be careful, Darth Jadus. It's important not to lose sight of what drives us: Love, justice, reverence...but the moment you put your desires before my own...they will be lost to you. This isn't a threat, this is simply the truth. The path to your desires is only found...through me.

Darth Jadus was amused by Salem's words. 

Darth Jadus: You inspire fear within your followers. That is where you have my upmost respect. Your ability to inspire fear is a trait that I admire. But the desires that drives your followers are not my own. Wealth, love, reverence and material goods mean nothing to me. I crave only power and purpose. With power, anything you want or need can simply be taken. With purpose, your life has meaning. 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 set me free. That is what drives me. I am Sith. 

As Darth Jadus said this, the room fell silent. It was clear to everyone that despite appearing to respect Salem, he did not view her as his superior. In fact, it seemed to be the opposite to the Sith Lord.

Darth Jadus: Fear. Fear attracts the fearful, the strong, the weak, the innocent, the corrupt. Fear. Fear is my ally. And I shall spread those allies to all of Remnant. That very terror has already gripped thousands. This fear will usher in a new age. My age. An epoch of terror. 

It was clear to everyone that Darth Jadus had his own plans for Remnant. It also seemed that he remained their ally only because it benefits them both. 

Darth Jadus: But there is still work for us to do. Mordred. Grendel. Go to Atlas. See that my will is done. 

Mordred: Yes, my master. 

Mordred and Grendel bowed their heads as they left the castle. Emerald and Mercury watched as Darth Jadus left the castle. In that moment, Salem knew that Darth Jadus was a force to be reckoned with. But for now, she saw no threat. She would simply watch and observe his movements as he made his move on Atlas.