Moraband, known in antiquity as Korriban, is a harsh, desolate planet that is indelibly linked to its history as the ancient homeworld of the Sith. Its barren landscape, which is covered by red sands and a crimson sky, sporting towering rock formations born from the remnants of temples and tombs. The planet itself is saturated with the Dark Side of the Force, the result of nefarious rituals once performed by Sith forefathers.

One area of particular interest on the planet is the Valley of the Dark Lords, a narrow area between two cliff walls into which ancient tombs have been carved for fallen Sith Lords. The sealed tombs once concealed mysteries and dark powers connected to legends like Exar Kun and Naga Sadow, though decades of scavenging from looters and wannabe acolytes alike have left varying amounts of debris across the sand, leaving it questionable as to what remains.

What is certain is the presence of a dark energy that seeps from these tombs that renders the air around their rocky surroundings still, suffocating, maddening – as if too much humidity somehow exists in the desert environs. The tales of Sith Spirits returning from the dead to prey on the meek and feeble don't seem like an exaggeration in this ancient landscape. One can only hope and pray that these stories aren't based on reality.

Korriban.

The familiar desert winds whipped through Sanguis’ raven-black hair as he walked within the shadows of the tombs-inlaid cliffs of the valley beneath the evening sky. Dark Force energy sizzled around him, a familiarity both welcomed and hated. The Nagai held no love for the world he once called home, but even he couldn’t deny the familiar hunger for power the world reignited within. The Sith tattoos adorning his skin tingled with energy, memories flashing of days past when he partook in some of his trials within the tombs.

I shouldn’t care about this place. Not after what they did to me, but I cannot help but miss the glory days. Back when...

Sanguis shook his head. That was a time when he had been more monster than man. A time when he played the game, killed his rivals, inspired fear, and was the blood-lusting Sith they had created him to be. The Marauder was free living in a new world and a new era with a new purpose. A purpose worth fighting for alongside Shadow, his beloved.

Yet, the old nature still lurked within, often awakening as a bloodthirsty, monstrous being eager to consume and destroy. Sanguis felt it clawing within him, the beast desperate to heed the dark, malevolent siren call of the nexus permeating the valley, desperate to satiate its thirst.

Focus, Sanguis. You’re not here just for yourself. You’re here for Tivran.

Sanguis looked to the darkening sky, seeking signs of his distant cousin’s arrival. He had trained the younger Nagai at the behest of his wife, and out of a personal obligation of honor he kept to himself. Despite their conflicts, Tivran was family, and the ancient Sith couldn’t deny his admiration for the flaming determination burning within the Shadow’s spirit. Their first trip to Korriban had proven Tivran’s tenacity, the young Sith having overcome his fears. Now, he would face a final test of skill and willpower. Consequentially, they both would.

Expecting his cousin to arrive soon, Sanguis walked over to the base of a crumbling statue and sat down within the shelter of its shadow. He closed his eyes and listened to the wind’s haunting, reverent wail. Echoes of spirits passed whispered within, welcoming him, promising unimaginable power, and tempting him to give in to the thirst. Here, his resolve and dominance over his bloodlust would be put to the ultimate test as they faced both spirits and nocturnal dangers that stalked the valley.

I will overcome this. The dark side will serve me. Not consume me. For Tivran’s sake and mine. For my family. I will last the night and greet the dawn as myself. I shall not fall.

Tivran’s shuttle landed next to Sanguis’ ship. He took several deep breaths to calm himself, though he’d fought hard to face the worst of his fears here, Korriban still caused him a great deal of anxiety. That coupled with not knowing what Sanguis had planned for him made him a little nervous. He finally managed to calm himself and stepped off the shuttle, thanking the pilot as he went down the ramp.

He saw Sanguis waiting for him so he quickened his pace and offered a greeting as he approached.

“Hello, Sanguis. What’s the plan for my training on this trip?”

Sanguis nodded in greeting, then pointed toward the tombs. “We’re going hunting. Hssiss hopefully, if not, at least we should find some Tuk’ata. And unlike Shadow’s Eqkaesyr, the Tuk’ata we find here won’t be so nice.”

Tivran nodded, swallowing hard and trying to control his emotions. He had encountered a Hssiss before and the beast absolutely terrified him. But, he knew it was just another round of Sanguis trying to help him face his fears. So hunting it was, and he’d do his best.

“No, I don’t imagine the wild ones would be very nice. Where do you suggest we start looking?”

“We’ll head toward the closest tomb, we should find something along the way.”

Tivran took his lightsaber off his belt to have it ready for whatever they found, or more likely, whatever found them first. Sith spawned creatures and those who were so steeped in the dark side energies of the planet were dangerous and unpredictable. Two Force users would be tempting targets for hunting Tuk’ata or Hssiss.

They made their way toward the closest of the ancient tombs. They had only gone about fifty meters when they heard growling and a pack of four Tuk’ata came out from behind a large rocky outcrop. The biggest beast lunged at Sanguis, the second went for Tivran, the other two circled, waiting for their packmates to bring the prey down.

Sanguis’ twin crimson blades snapped to life as the Tuk’ata leapt at him. The beast met crossed blades that scorched hide and fur, leaving deep wounds on the creature’s chest. It howled in pain and limped backward to study its would-be prey.

Tivran twisted to the side as the Tuk’ata lunged at him and brought his bright orange saber down across its back, leaving behind a deep slash. The Tuk’ata cried out in pain and turned to snap at Tivran and lunged forward again. Tivran took a step back and braced himself, striking forward with his saber to meet the new attack. This time he caught the beast squarely in the chest, running it through. The Tuk’ata fell, but a new one circled in closer to him.

Sanguis finished off his Tuk’ata, managing to take its head off when it ran at him again. The last Tuk’ata leapt at him, growling viciously. He dropped low, slashing at its belly. The Tuk’ata howled in pain and stumbled a couple steps and fell over.

He turned to check on Tivran and moved to help him finish off the last Tuk’ata. Tivran sidestepped and then spun around to drive his carnelian blade through the Tuk’ata’s side. It howled as it staggered a few steps before collapsing.

Tivran swallowed hard and glanced around before meeting Sanguis’ gaze, “You okay?”

Sanguis nodded, “Yeah, you good?”

Tivran nodded, “Yeah, I’m fine. Let’s keep going. It’ll be dark soon.”

Sanguis grinned, flashing the tips of his fangs. “Maybe we’ll find a Hssiss after all. Let’s go.”

They continued on towards the tomb, staying alert for any signs of a Hssiss.