As a ship descended from space through the blood-red clouds like a falling star, its engines cutting a low thunder through the oppressive sky. As it touched down near a jagged rift valley, the landing struts sank slightly into blackened soil slick with moisture and decay. The red mist rolled endlessly across the ground, clinging to the land as if the planet itself exhaled corruption.
In the far distance, murky swamps bubbled and hissed, their surfaces broken by twisted roots and skeletal trees that clawed toward the sky. The surrounding swamp water remained still but exuded danger.
Seris stepped out first, her long elven ears twitching as a chill ran down her spine. She kept her posture straight, her face composed, but her senses said that something wasn't right. The crimson light from the sky reflected in her silver-white hair as she scanned the horizon.
"This planet is… different," Seris said quietly. "The air feels heavy."
Shaak Ti emerged beside her eyes weary of the environment around them. Her montrals catching the red glow and vibrating slightly. "Yes, my Padawan. Dathomir is steeped in the dark side of the Force. You must be careful not to let it consume you."
Seris nodded. "Yes, Master."
Master Fay followed them down the ramp, her expression unreadable, her eyes studying the land in the far distance with calm awareness. "Lead the way Seris."
Seris inclined her head and pointed toward the horizon. "Yes Master. Their lair is a stone fortress built into the landscape near the swamps. Since we landed close to such a structure. That direction is where we will search first."
Fay nodded once. "Then let us not linger."
The three moved forward, boots crunching softly against stone and ash as the red mist thickened around them. The fortress soon loomed into view, a massive, jagged stone rising from the land. It looked very old. And gave off a eerie feeling. The kind of place that where no natural light touches.
As they approached the entrance, Seris slowed from what she was sensing. She reached out with the Force, but the moment she searched the area she felt nothing.
No life big or small, Nothing itself. Like it was a void where the Force should have been.
Seris stopped. "Masters… something is wrong. I don't sense anyone. I don't even sense the Force from there."
Fay's eyes sharpened. "Remain alert."
The mist around them shifted unnaturally, coiling and thickening as if alive. Then, from the darkness of the fortress entrance, a tall figure emerged. Mother Talzin stepped forward, her presence commanding despite the absence Seris felt a moment ago. How could she be their and I not sense anything before. Seris thought.
Talzin'ss eyes gazed at the three with a piercing gaze, as the red mist bent subtly around her form.
"What do we have hear. Two Jedi Masters," Talzin said, her voice echoing unnaturally, "and one frightened Padawan. To what do I owe your intrusion?"
Seris straightened and spoke firmly. "Mother Talzin. Cain has been trying to reach you. Regarding you and the night kin, along with the Singing Mountain Clan. He wishes to bring you into the new order."
Talzin's expression did not change.
"I know this child," she replied coldly. "And since I made no effort to respond, I would have thought my answer was clear. But let me make it unmistakable now."
She took another step forward.
"I see no reason to join this 'new order' of Jedi—or whatever you children call yourselves. Your battles are not mine. When the time is right, I will assist." Her gaze locked onto Seris. "But I will only help Cain."
The air grew heavier.
"So take that as your answer," Talzin finished. "And leave."
Shaak Ti stepped forward. "Cain told us you were willing to work with us. Now you say you will only act when you deem it necessary?"
Talzin did not answer. Instead, Fay spoke.
"Mother Talzin," Fay said calmly, "I have a question." Talzin turned her head slightly, studying Fay with interest. "Ask, ancient one. It is the least I can do for one of Cain's teachers… and so old and wise as yourself."
Fay's voice was steady. "Is this refusal because Cain demanded that you release the Nightbrothers from servitude? That you acknowledge and attempt to atone for generations of suffering inflicted upon them?"
For the first time, something shifted in Talzin's eyes.
"That is… an oversimplification," Talzin said. "But yes. There is no peaceful resolution to that wound. He and you are fools to believe otherwise."
Seris clenched her fists. "Then why tell Cain you would stand with us, only to go back on your word?"
Talzin said nothing.
Then Shaak Ti stiffened feeling multiple presences approaching . "Be careful. We are not alone."
Shapes moved within the mist.
Seris felt them then—faint, distorted presences emerging from the fog. Nightsisters appeared silently, weapons in hand: energy bows drawn, enchanted daggers glowing faintly, chain-sickles humming with dark magic.
Shaak Ti ignited her blue lightsaber. Seris followed, her golden-yellow blade flaring to life and cutting through the red haze. The two in ready stance, while Fay stayed composed and still.
Mother Talzin raised a hand slightly. "Leave now, while I am still being generous."
Fay turned to Seris. " Seris. Cain trusted you with this mission—not us. What do you wish to do?"
Seris looked at Master Fay, but hesitated to speak. She could fight but she knew that wouldn't accomplish the mission, and retreating wasn't something she wanted to do either.
That's when she remember what Cain said.
"This order will be more active the the order of old, but that doesn't mean we will be blind in our actions. If you ever conflicted on what to do next then listen to the Force and let it guide you. That is what this order will do more of."
Seris then closed her eyes and reached inward to calm herself and then outward to the Force—listening to it.
After a moment, she deactivated her lightsaber. "Master," Seris said softly, "please deactivate yours."
Shaak Ti turned in surprise, but after a heartbeat, she did. Her blade vanished with a hiss.
"What is your plan Seris?" Shaak Ti asked.
Seris stepped forward alone, her boots sinking slightly into the red mist. "I will listen to the Force… and convince her."
Mother Talzin's lips curled faintly. "I was willing to let you leave for the sake of my student. Now you ignore that kindness." Her voice hardened. "A shame. I will have to tell him you are dead."
Seris stopped at the center of the thickening mist, calm and unwavering. "Don't worry, Mother Talzin," she said quietly. "I have a feeling… you will see things my way soon."