A New Path

Interlude/Rise to Wraith

A few months later

"Ce'na, run!" Asthidal pushed Ce'na out of the cave with his Force abilities before an explosion swallowed the whole cave. Ce'na pushed herself up and turned around, panicking.

"Asthidal!" She screamed as the rocks had buried the entrance. She desperately tried to dig the rocks out to get to her husband, however she couldn't get to him. She began to cry as her hands began to rub raw.

On the other side of the galaxy, Ari continued with her routine in the Jedi Temple on Tython as she closed her eyes for a brief moment, enjoying the wind. Asthidal and Ce'na were safe, both had reported they were investigating a loose end but she thought nothing of it. Asthidal was already a powerful Sith Lord, moreso clinging to his loose code of honor. She looked around the clearing as she opened her eyes, spotting Jedi training and mediating, it felt peaceful. Only if Asthidal was there to join her as well as Ce'na, then it would be perfect. As she finished her thoughts, a sharp pain raced through her. She clutched her chest as her legs became wobbly and she fell to the ground, sucking in a sharp breath, her entire world seemed to be tearing itself apart as she felt the incident that just happened. A few concerned Jedi rushed over to her as she pushed herself to her feet, she looked up at one of her assistants, "I need a ship now!" She roared as she pushed herself to her feet. Her husband needed her now.

Asthidal groaned as he rolled onto his back. Ari paced in his ship back and forth as Ce'na remained patient by Asthidal's door. "He's injured! We need to be doing more!"

"Like?" Ce'na opened one of her eyes wearily, looking at her wife.

"I don't know, a medical center somewhere!" Ari threw her hands up in the air.

Ce'na shook her head, "In the past few days, he has battled the odds including his former Master's betrayal. He will survive Ari, he just needs... time." She sighed as her gaze fell to the ground.

Ari snorted as her emotions got the best of her. "Time, we're in a precarious state and time is suddenly our best friend?!"

"He's stable, not much else ye' can do." A gruff voice echoed from behind Ari as she jumped, spinning around. It was Lieutenant Pierce, one of the newer members of Asthidal's companions. Ce'na lowered her arms as she met the gaze of the Lieutenant. "He's a tough man, I wouldn't worry." The Lieutenant departed as soon as he stopped by.

Ce'na pondered his words and shook her head again. "He's right, our husband is tougher than this Ari. If not, Jaesa will stand by his side and heal him." Jaesa stood nearby and simply bowed in acknowledgement. Ce'na looked to her wife, "How long are you away for?"

"I... left without saying a word."

Ce'na rubbed her face in annoyance, "Ari... I appreciate it but if we draw attention of us meeting, you'll get into serious trouble!"

"I wasn't thinking Ce'na! I was worried about Asthidal!" Ari retorted.

A grunt was heard again as the three women stopped and looked to the door. Asthidal was leaning against the doorframe, holding his chest. He winced as he looked at the shocked women; his two wives and his apprentice. "Nothing can stop..." He darted his eyes between the three. "Me." He wheezed out.

Ari sprinted to his side, helping support Asthidal as he resisted at first, however the holo-communicator began to beep. An incoming transmission opened on the table without anyone accepting the transmission, two Sith bloods stood as both locked eyes with Asthidal.

"The Wrath lives." The shorter one spoke with his riddles as Asthidal straightened himself out and did a nod as a form of a bow.

Asthidal winced as his ribs struck back, the explosion had broken a few. "It was nothing, I have survived worse."

The taller Sith nodded, "Your first opportunity to take down Darth Baras will be soon." The transmission was short and explained all the details of the missions. Asthidal sucked in his breath, he knew what he had to do.

"Very well, it will be done." Asthidal bowed again as the transmission ended. He raised, exhaling as he turned his gaze to Ari.

"What... is the Wrath?" Ari raised her eyebrow.

"Something you can write down in your reports for investigating the mysterious Sith. The Emperor's Wrath is his... personal weapon and enforcer."

Jaesa cautiously placed her hands on Asthidal as she began to use her abilities to heal his wounds as best as she could. One rib corrected itself, the other two were just fractured. Asthidal could move a lot easier now but the pain would still be there. Asthidal looked at Jaesa and her caring eyes, "Thank you."

"No need to thank me Master, just helping you." She graciously bowed and stepped away as Asthidal managed on his own to sit down on the couch.

Ari moved next to Asthidal, worry was written in her eyes. "I... don't want you to fall to the Dark Side, are you sure about this appointment?"

Asthidal turned his gaze to Ari and stared into her eyes as he took a deep breath in. "I am the Emperor's Wrath, chosen by the Emperor himself. Entire planets tremble in my name, I come for anyone who stands in my way. I will burn cities, planets, and stars and everything anyone loves. I am not afraid of such an appointment, Ari."

Ari opened her eyes slightly but her nature calmed her, her husband wasn't an evil monster. He had his tendencies but everyone did as well. "Then what next?" She placed her hand gently on Asthidal's side.

"I wait for what happens next."