As Anderous's campaigns surged across the galaxy, whispers of his encounters with Eva reached the ears of his Sith master, Darth Malrik. From his shadowed throne on the volcanic world of Vraxis, Malrik brooded over these troubling rumors. He had molded Anderous into the perfect apprentice, an unparalleled warrior, a tactician with the cunning of a predator, and a wielder of the Dark Side whose power rivaled even the greatest Sith Lords of old.
But Malrik was no fool. He sensed a disturbance in Anderous's path, an unspoken softness creeping into his once impenetrable darkness. The reports of his mercy, his refusal to harm innocents, and now this Jedi knight who lingered at his side like a phantom, it was too much to ignore.
A Summons to Vraxis
"Anderous," the commlink crackled as Malrik's voice, cold and commanding, echoed through the warship's bridge. "Return to Vraxis immediately. We must… discuss your progress."
Anderous stiffened, the tone unmistakable. This wasn't a casual summons. He knew Malrik suspected something.
As his warship descended onto the molten plains of Vraxis, Anderous prepared himself. His crimson and greenish-blue lightsabers hung at his sides, a physical manifestation of the conflict within him.
Inside the obsidian halls of the Sith citadel, Malrik awaited him. The Sith Lord was a towering figure, his scarred face shrouded beneath a black hood, his yellow eyes piercing through the shadows.
"You've done well, Anderous," Malrik began, his voice laced with false praise. "Worlds fall before you, the Republic falters, and yet… I sense hesitation."
Anderous met his master's gaze, his expression unreadable. "I hesitate for no one, my Lord."
"Don't insult me with lies," Malrik hissed, his tone venomous. "I know of the Jedi. Eva, isn't it? She's become a distraction, hasn't she? Perhaps even a weakness."
"She's nothing of the sort," Anderous countered, his voice steady but edged with defiance.
Malrik's lips curled into a sinister smile. "Then prove it. Kill her."
Anderous's silence spoke volumes.
"You hesitate again," Malrik said, his voice rising. "You let her linger, and she plants seeds of doubt in your mind. Do not forget who you are, Anderous. You are Sith. The Jedi left your master to die, they betrayed you. Will you now betray me?"
Eva's Presence Grows Stronger
Meanwhile, Eva continued to pursue Anderous, though not with the intention of ending his conquest. She was no longer acting solely on behalf of the Jedi Order. Her encounters with Anderous had revealed a man who was more than a Sith, more than a conqueror. She saw the potential for change, and perhaps, the chance to save him.
On the industrial world of Tersis, Eva infiltrated one of Anderous's strongholds. She found him in the midst of a strategy meeting, his generals detailing their next campaign.
"You're persistent," Anderous said as the room emptied, leaving them alone.
"I have to be," Eva replied, her golden saber igniting. "You're worth saving, whether you believe it or not."
Their blades clashed once more, the golden and crimson lights illuminating the room. This time, the fight felt different, less like a battle and more like a conversation.
"You're wasting your time," Anderous said, deflecting her strikes.
"And yet, you don't strike me down," Eva countered.
Their duel brought them to the edge of a balcony overlooking the city below. Anderous paused, lowering his sabers.
"Why do you care so much, Eva?" he asked, his voice soft.
Eva hesitated, then stepped closer. "Because I see the man you could be. Not this Sith conqueror, but someone who can bring real change to the galaxy without falling to the darkness."
For a moment, they stood in silence, the tension between them palpable. Anderous reached out, his gloved hand brushing hers.
"Eva," he began, but the moment was shattered by an explosion in the distance.
The Sith Lord's Wrath
Unbeknownst to them, Malrik had been watching. Through the Force, he sensed Anderous's hesitation, the bond forming between him and Eva. The Sith Lord's fury erupted like the molten rivers of Vraxis.
That night, Malrik sent assassins, Sith acolytes trained in the arts of deception and combat. Their mission: eliminate Eva and remind Anderous of his place.
Eva, ever vigilant, sensed the danger as the acolytes closed in on her during her return to her ship. Blades ignited, and the night became a flurry of golden light against crimson sabers. Outnumbered, Eva fought with precision and determination, but the acolytes were relentless.
Just as one of them prepared to deliver a fatal blow, Anderous appeared. His dual sabers cut through the darkness, striking down the assassins with terrifying efficiency.
"You sent them," Eva said, her voice accusing yet uncertain.
"I didn't," Anderous replied, his tone grim. "But I know who did."
Eva studied him, searching for deception but finding none. "Your master won't stop, Anderous. He'll kill me to keep you on his path."
"Let him try," Anderous said, his voice low. "But I won't let him take you."
A Dangerous Bond
That night, Anderous and Eva shared a quiet moment aboard his ship, the stars visible through the viewport. She sat beside him, her hand resting lightly on his.
"You can't keep doing this," Eva said. "Fighting both the Sith and the Jedi. It'll tear you apart."
"And what would you have me do?" Anderous asked, his voice heavy with conflict.
"Choose a side," she said softly. "Or better yet, create your own."
Anderous looked at her, the fire in her eyes igniting something within him. "You really believe I can do that?"
"I wouldn't be here if I didn't," Eva replied.
For the first time in years, Anderous allowed himself to hope, not just for the galaxy, but for himself.