The tension between Anderous and his Sith master, Darth Malrik, reached its boiling point. Malrik, now fully aware of the growing bond between Anderous and Eva, began to fear the inevitable: his apprentice turning back to the Light. In the shadows of his volcanic lair, Malrik devised a plan to force Anderous's loyalty, a plan that would shatter what little trust remained between master and apprentice.
A Sith's Ultimatum
"Anderous," Malrik's voice boomed through the holographic transmission, "you've strayed far enough. Return to Vraxis immediately. There is a matter that demands your attention."
Anderous stared at the flickering hologram, his jaw tightening. He recognized the veiled threat in Malrik's tone.
"I'll deal with it in my time, Master," Anderous replied, his voice edged with defiance.
"No, you'll deal with it now," Malrik snapped. "Or I will."
The transmission cut off, leaving Anderous alone in the dimly lit command chamber of his ship. Eva, who had been listening from the shadows, stepped forward.
"You can't keep delaying this," she said. "He knows about us. He'll do whatever it takes to destroy me… and to keep you under his control."
Anderous turned to face her, his crimson and greenish-blue sabers hanging at his sides. "Let him try. I'm not his pawn anymore."
A Trap on Vraxis
Anderous reluctantly returned to Vraxis, Eva urging him to be cautious. She remained aboard his ship, hidden from the Sith Lord's view, but ready to intervene if necessary.
The molten rivers of Vraxis glowed ominously as Anderous entered the Sith citadel. Malrik awaited him in the grand hall, flanked by a dozen Sith acolytes.
"You've disappointed me, Anderous," Malrik began, his voice dripping with malice. "Your victories have been impressive, but your loyalty wavers. I cannot have a weak apprentice."
"I'm far from weak," Anderous replied, his voice calm but firm.
"Then prove it," Malrik said, motioning to the acolytes. From the shadows, they dragged a bound figure into the light.
It was a young Twi'lek girl, no older than ten. Her wide, terrified eyes darted between Malrik and Anderous.
"A Jedi sympathizer," Malrik sneered. "Kill her, Anderous. Show me where your loyalty lies."
Anderous froze, his gaze locked on the trembling child. His hands clenched into fists as he felt the weight of Malrik's demand.
"I don't kill innocents," Anderous said, his voice low but resolute.
Malrik's eyes narrowed. "You don't have a choice. Refuse, and I'll know your heart is no longer with the Sith."
As Anderous stood paralyzed, Eva sensed his struggle through the Force. Without hesitation, she infiltrated the citadel, her golden saber igniting as she cut through the guards blocking her path.
Bursting into the grand hall, she stood beside Anderous, her blade raised defensively. "You don't have to do this," she said to him, her voice steady.
Malrik's expression darkened as he studied the Jedi. "So, the rumors are true," he said. "You've allowed this… Jedi to poison your mind."
"She's not a poison," Anderous snapped. "She's the only one who's ever shown me the truth."
"Then you leave me no choice," Malrik growled. He ignited his own saber, its blood-red blade casting an eerie glow.
The Clash of Masters and Apprentices
The battle erupted in a storm of light and shadow. Anderous and Eva fought side by side, their blades moving in perfect harmony. Malrik's power was overwhelming, his strikes calculated and brutal.
"You think you can defy me?" Malrik roared, his saber clashing against Anderous's. "I made you what you are!"
"And now I'm unmaking it," Anderous shot back, his greenish-blue saber flaring as he pushed Malrik back.
Eva leaped into the fray, her golden blade cutting through the acolytes who attempted to overwhelm them. Together, she and Anderous formed an unbreakable front, their connection through the Force amplifying their strength.
But Malrik was relentless. Drawing on the Dark Side, he unleashed a torrent of Force lightning, striking Anderous and sending him crashing into a pillar.
"You will always be Sith, Anderous," Malrik sneered. "The darkness will consume you, no matter how much you resist."
A Moment of Unity
Eva rushed to Anderous's side, shielding him from Malrik's onslaught with her golden saber. "Get up!" she urged, her voice filled with determination.
Anderous looked into her eyes, seeing not fear but unwavering belief. Her love for him was a beacon in the storm, guiding him back to his feet.
Together, they unleashed a combined Force push, sending Malrik sprawling. Their sabers struck in unison, forcing the Sith Lord onto the defensive.
Realizing he was outmatched, Malrik retreated, his rage echoing through the citadel. "This isn't over, Anderous!" he bellowed. "The Dark Side will claim you in the end!"
A New Resolve
As the citadel fell silent, Anderous and Eva stood amidst the chaos, their breathing heavy. The Twi'lek girl, now freed from her bonds, looked up at Anderous with gratitude.
"You didn't have to save me," she said softly.
"Yes, I did," Anderous replied, his voice firm. "Because that's who I choose to be."
Eva smiled, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You're stronger than he'll ever understand."
Anderous met her gaze, the bond between them stronger than ever. "I couldn't have done it without you."
As they left Vraxis behind, Anderous felt a newfound clarity. The Sith Lord's grip on him was weakening, and with Eva by his side, he began to see a path forward, a path that embraced both Light and Dark, but answered only to him.