AKIKO

THERE IS A SITH ON KIJIMI

The message she had intercepted only confirmed the feelings... portents... she had already been sensing. Ripples in the Force so faint it was as if a flailing swan were the other side of an ocean.

But they had drawn her to Kijimi.

For so long, she had drifted unanchored across the galaxy, driven by a need to know what happened. And finding nothing but more mystery. She could no longer trust her masters. She knew they would be out to kill her, if they ever caught up with her. The Darksiders... They would kill her too.

But she vowed to find the truth before that happened. And now her quest had a direction. The Force tugged her, like a distant magnetic pull twitching an ancient compass.

She moved through societies unseen and untraceable. A different world, a different identity. And so today she was Lydda, the dancer. A travelling entertainer.

A little red light on a metal cylinder at the side of her dressing table winked. She picked it up. The name of a bar. She replaced the cylinder then brushed her hair in contemplation.

Others would be coming.

She would wait, and watch. Then, when the time was right, she would strike.

 

OOC: Combo with @Sinrebirth

The Lightsaber is a companion
One to be respected for its elegance and its own feelings
This is one hallmark that the Jedi do exceedingly well in and the Sith fail utterly
For the Sith view the Lightsaber as they do people:
A tool to be used and nothing more.

- Excerpt from the Pathway of Nin circa 20 ABC

IC: Nin

The memory flashed before Nin, he remembered so distinctly the fear that ran down his back. The pinpricks of anger that flooded on his forehead as these Dark Masters proclaimed their empty words. Speaking of Empires, of conquest, on lessons having been learned.

As the horde roared Nin simply shook his head. This was the very opposite reason as to why he had broken away from the Jedi. To become now an even darker reflection of the Galactic Empire with their Jedi.

No, he was no Sith, he was not even a Dark Jedi anymore. They were corrupted by their own selfish desire... they did not want peace, or order, or anything they said they were when they first broke away.

Nin wanted no part of this... no part of this power first and foremost delusion.

The Sith are Evil. He concluded then... the same ringing true in his heart all these years later.

The Kyber crystal wavered.

It did not understand why he would change so much.

After he had bled them.

You are Evil. You helped them; made them; became Sith. Evil is Evil.

The crystal didn't want to knit, to heal, not after all the pain that Nin had inflicted upon him.

It tried a mind veer, to lean on the side on Nin's resolve.

What if we set up a Sith Republic?

No... Nin resisted. An individual, a being in and of themselves cannot be evil. Their actions may be evil, their intentions may be evil, organizations may be evil... but the person... a person does evil things, becomes corrupted by them, and yes must sometimes be stopped but there is always hope, always salvation.

The Sith as an Order is evil, but not all within it are evil, they can be saved if they choose to be. As I choose now, in this moment and for the rest of my life, as I atone for my transgressions.

Nin closed his eyes once more, thinking on the question posed.

A Sith Republic would devolve into a Sith Empire, and even if somehow it did not... those that practice the ways of the Sith should never be the ones to govern others. For to be a Sith is to serve the self, and to lead, to govern, the very basis of a Republic is to serve the people, to serve others. The very Ethos of a Republic and the Sith are at odds with one another.

Nin's resolve did not waver. There was still much he did not know, much he had left to discover for himself and his path forward. But in this moment, in this time he was certain what he was doing was right.

I'm sorry he, at last, relented to the crystal. I am sorry for the pain I caused you, and a vow upon my dignity as a human that I shall never harm you again.

The crystal relented; his words soothed it, brought it solace.

It began to heal.

Slowly.

But surely.

But change was terrifying, and the crystal panicked.

What will we become?

What indeed.

Nin smiled softly as he looked at the crystal, seeing it ebb and flow. Its voice of fear echoed the dwelling fear within his own heart.

What we need to become, what we should become.

He offered the crystal his strength, his will... the pathway of Nin, but if Nin was to heal the galaxy or at least try to, he would have to heal himself.

The crystal closed over its wound, the bleeding stopped.

It was afraid, but it had Nin, and Nin had it.

They were two parts of a greater whole.

The crystal burst with colour - its new colour.

Not it's old, no, it could not go back to the blade it had borne as a Jedi Kyber.

Now it was new, different - changed.

What colour would it reap?

Nin gazed deeply into the blade, mesmerized the same way he was when he first ever held a blade. But now instead of the soft blue light that would reflect onto his face, with its tranquil hum and smooth edges, and instead too of its then jagged red pain, its blood swirling in the light as cried out, there was neither of these. Instead, there was just whiteness. The hum was not the same as it had been as blue or the tortured whirling of red or it was a different hum. A calm hum. The white was so pure, so... other in a way.

"And now reborn we venture forward my friend,"

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Marcus Dren

Kijimi

“Dad, I feel cold!”

He had been expecting to hear Aura complain about the cold. After all, he knew that Kijimi had a frigid climate with thick drifts of snow covering its mountainous terrain. He had planned on this, making sure to pack thick coats for himself and especially his daughter so that they could keep warm when they landed.

But unfortunately, that was not the cold that she was referring to.

He felt it too, though not before his daughter had.

The dark side. It was here. It was in Kijimi City.

If Marcus had been able, he would have immediately turned their ship around and made the jump for somewhere else. Somewhere warmer. But they didn’t have the fuel for it, which meant that Marcus had no choice. They needed to go down there, because they needed the fuel. Staying wasn’t an option, obviously. They just had to refuel and then they would be on their way again.

A quick in and out. Simple enough, right?

“Dad!”

No, Marcus thought when he saw the other vessel and felt its occupants. The Black Knights had arrived shortly after them, complicating the situation further. It didn’t seem like they were here for him or his daughter, at least. They had their own agenda and hopefully they would stay focused on that agenda. At least it wasn’t Tulak Hord.

Still, just another reason why they had to do this fast.

He trusted 2E with bringing them down. As they landed in Kijimi City, Marcus checked on his daughter. He helped her put on one of the coats he had brought, making sure that she was at least protected from one type of cold if not the other. He did his best to reassure her, telling her that they weren’t going to be here long. Then he checked his weapons. Though he hoped that he wouldn’t have to use them, he couldn’t ignore the possibility that there could be violence…

There was his trusty blaster, of course. But there was also his lightsaber, which he would only pull out if he had no other choice.

As he put on his own coat and got ready to head out, Marcus heard his daughter cry out again. Except it wasn’t just a cry. It was a scream.

“DAD IT’S SO COLD HERE!”

A horrified Marcus ran over to Aura, hugging her tight.

“I know,” he whispered to the twelve year old. “I know.”

He also knew that he wasn’t the only one who would hear her scream. It had been strong, just like she was. Which meant that it would be felt by others… by the Sith.

In that moment, his worst nightmare came true.

The Sith would know that his daughter was here while they were still unable to leave Kijimi. Perhaps they would have to steal another ship, but one thing was for sure.

He could no longer hide his daughter. The Sith would not come for him this time.

They would come for her.

TAG: @Sinrebirth @greyjedi125 @Shadowsun @Kurisan @Mitth_Fisto @Corellian_Outrider

 

IC: Janus Jerjerrod
Location: CenSD Electrostar

As the Electrostar exited hyperspace Janus shook his head. It looked like a mess alright.

The freighter had been pretty much beaten up. Engines out. Weapons out. The freighter itself was huge, dwarfing even his Star Destroyer but it looked like Dreypan and his Sith forces had taken it to pieces with glee.

They were dangerous. And they had to be stopped before they caused more havoc.

And the captain was already on the line sounding snappy.

"Lady Luck this is the Centurion Star Destroyer Electrostar, that was quite a welcome there. I have been asked to come and see you by the Emperor himself so you might want to soften your tone Calrissian".

"So you want to get down to business? Let's do so. I need all your data plus your personal account of what happened here. The Emperor wants to know everything and who attacked you".

"Leave nothing out".

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

To perform one's duty is our greatest calling

- Excerpt from the Pathway of Nin circa 20 ABC

IC: Nin
Trouble

Nin would need to be swift if he was going to be of any help. This he knew all too well, feeling the presence of other force users but more importantly of the vile Sith making their presence known.

There would be many of them, it seemed that way, and there were people that could use his help. In most cases Nin was a passive observer when he visited a world, not wanting to make a name for himself as some wandering guardian. But there were times when he felt he had no other choice. To do what he was compelled to do.

He sheathed his white blade, the soft reflection off his face disappearing with it. Standing tall as he darted to where he could sense the others, those that were in need. If he could save just one life that was still a victory in his heart. A small step to atone for his sins.

He only hoped that there would not be Jedi, for that may make things complicated. Although now that his blade was white instead of crimson it would not be as large a headache as it had been in the past when he had intervened, but still there was no lost love that he had for Jedi.

TAG: @Sinrebirth @greyjedi125 @CosmoHender @Kurisan @Mitth_Fisto @Corellian_Outrider

 

IC: Akuma-Oni
Fire and Ice, Kijimi

The glass was now empty in his hands as he cupped it and regarded his distorted reflection at the bottom, steam issuing from his mask. He glowered at the image as the moment played an unbidden muddled memory for no other reason but seemingly to torment him.

***
In his mind’s eye, he saw a wounded soldier who’d seemingly gained courage simply by being in the presence of an accursed Je’daii. The duped soldier got up on one knee and took aim at the ‘Sith Lord’ with his weapon. Foolish man. The Sith glared at his foolish foe and set him on fire, immolating him.

Akuma-Oni chuckled, finding his screams mildly pleasing.

Then the Sith spoke, his voice….there was something familiar…

“You, your planet, and everything you hold dear will burn, whiphid.” The Sith stated simply. “Delaying the inevitable does not change the outcome.”

Who was this Sith? Why could he not remember? Why could he not see his face?

All around the Sith and the Je’daii, the very air shimmered from the rising heat, even the metallic debris around them began to show signs of incandescence. The Sith Lord’s wellspring in the darkside seemed to know no limits.

“Your stick will burn, as will your robes, your flesh will melt and your bones will crack open. My ‘Boundless Rage’ will consume you and your world.”

Unconscious soldiers all around them were beginning to catch fire now. The ‘Jewel’ need to be cleansed of je’daii filth.

“The time of the Je’daii is coming to an end. Deny it if you wish. It changes nothing.”

***
The scene would have continued uninterrupted if it were not for a single name which the barkeep had spoken aloud.

XoXaan

Ever so slowly did Akuma-Oni rise from where he’d been sitting, the empty glass already forgotten, as well as the unbidden memories- if indeed that is what they were. That ‘name’ was not one that was mentioned ‘casually’, or by those ignorant of certain truths.

He watched as the barkeep began to close-up shop, even as he took slow and methodical steps towards the zabrak, who’s palpable fear was beginning to turn. Akuma-Oni could feel it, pulses, waves in the darkside, a stirring, a disturbance in the force.

The zabrak barkeep spoke some foolishly bold words then. His annoyance blinding him to the greater truths of his situation.

Akuma-Oni walked up to the barkeep, steam trailing as he moved. He came to stand just a meter from Bard, who could not see and much less understand the concept of a ‘shatter point’.

“No…” The former Dark Retained uttered in a menacing tone.

“Go now…and live.”

It would be the only warning he would speak, for he could feel ‘them’ all, getting closer, ever closer.


Tag: @Sinrebirth, @Kurisan, @Shadowsun, @CosmoHender, @Mitth_Fisto, @Corellian_Outrider

 

IC: K4-ZU-P8489 or Kazu
A shop

Sieg just did as asked, perhaps she was too ingrained from being a slave. Kazu was genuinely surprised at how she had never, not once had the spine to try and give him more commands after she had told him to kill. Instead she stayed quiet and took him to Salu's shop.

The little Anzellan regarded Sieg and the Sith War Droid after they entered. Meanwhile Kazu was visually busy cataloging the visual diversity.

"Oh boy." the small thing looked panicked, it was odd considering what they could see scattered about the room. It was full of droid parts, including his own model, but also some eclectic models, even a prototype Juggernaut, but more surprisingly, a Basilisk War Droid, a construct used exclusively by the Basiliskans in the Imperial Core Worlds.

Juggernaut

Basilisk War Droid

A further data-byte arrived, distracting his processes from their cataloging and analysis overload. It was merely that there was a ship. A ship with a pennant code he knew had arrived; one exclusively associated with the Dark Master XoXaan.

Independent preservation and actualization were more important now. Although technically free based on years of neglect, Kazu was certain that a broken chasis and an old Master would equal only one scenario. The weak were culled. Just like all those that decorated this shop, their servos and parts scattered like junk. Sieg spoke up in his silence. "Meet Kazu, my newest acquisition... he needs repairs, Salu, and I am pretty sure you owe me for that other Sith War Droid I found on Balmorra."

"Salu remembers that tried to kill me when I turned it on."

A shrug. "So it made you more creds as scrap than as a unit. Not my fault."

The Anzellan scrunched up its small face. "Salu would have made more creds on it as a unit."

"You still made a profit," Sieg said evenly, a bit heated. If Salu said no, would Kazu kill him? If he did, the entire criminal underworld would have an opinion on that.

"What say you, Sith War Droid? You going to kill Salu if I fix you?"

"That would be counter productive. Master Sieg has a standing business relation with you and you state the potential to effect required repair / upgrade. Unit in danger of being obsolete. Advances evident in shop of corpses. This unit would be most grateful Salu if you can ensure this unit can continue - that stated. . ." here Kazu paused his vocalization of the situation. This subroutine was tiresome and taxing on worn systems. "If you attempt to steal, erase, reset, restrain, or disable this unit redundant settings will see unauthorized users termination as a threat. Do not tamper with those systems, for your safety and to reduce Master Sieg's liability for this bound unit."

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

OOC: A Combo with @Sinrebirth

IC: The Grand Vizier
Coruscant

​

The Grand Vizier stood diligently his cold blue eyes watching ever so carefully as he took in every detail of the Emperor's meeting with Janus Jerjerrod. He would be silent of course, it was not his place to speak for the Emperor in a private meeting. He tilted his head as he viewed the aged, bald head of the Emperor. How old he had gotten, it was emblematic of the aging and failing empire he governed. His two sons jostling for power as they done since their youth, still seeming two immature children blind to what needed to be done for their father and the Empire as a whole.

Of course, the Grand Vizier never vocalized these thoughts, it was not his place to.
He observed. He watched. He waited.

"Do we have time for a jest, or must I move on to the next infernal business of state."

A small apologetic smile appeared upon the Grand Vizier's face as he responded.

"I am afraid my Emperor there is much that still requires your attention," he looked down at his datapad, focusing on which agenda piece he deemed required the Emperor's attention. The rising of these two rival empires, of the Shadow and Sith, it would prove to be quite the problem. To the Grand Vizier it seemed the logical thing to somehow set the two squarely against each other, taking on both at once would be quite the task, but taking on either one when they had become weakened by fighting, that was likely the best course of action. Or so at least thought the Grand Vizier. The ever-weakening position of the Galatic Empire made it ever more difficult to carry out such a plan.

Stability. That was what was needed.

"It would seem the Mid Rim Alliance has been attacked by the Shadow Empire. The Shadow Empire grows with every passing day it would seem," he spoke cautiously.

"Oh does it," the Emperor seethed. "The war is upon us, and I am old, too old, to lead us to fight again." He was angry, vexed that his legacy would be consumed by failure, not success. "I swore I would see beyond the Light and Darkness War of legend..."

A glint of mischievousness. "I assume the news of the attack has been appropriately suppressed?"

"Of course," the Grand Vizier responded swiftly. He did contemplate for a brief moment if he should leak the news to the general public. The general unrest may push the Emperor to finally act in a more comprehensive manner. He then viewed the frailing man, he may need to be replaced sooner than the Grand Vizier would like. He would wait and see if he should or not.

"It would seem your sons are continuing to compete with one other, an Imperial Dreadnaught was destroyed by presumably the Sith,"

He tilted his head in fake curiosity. The implication was clear and he was sure the Emperor knew it. His sons were just counting down the days until he died. The possibility of a civil war was not out of the question and would spell certain doom for the Galactic Republic.

The Emperor leaned on his hand. "Yes. Those dull boys..."

His eyebrow arched, fatigue evident as he struggled for the moment.

"Your advice? I don't need two sons..."

The Grand Vizier's face remained placid, looking towards his old friend.

"Yes, boys indeed," mused the Grand Vizier. "If you are asking for my advice my Emperor... neither seem fit to rule in your place." The Grand Vizier expected that the Emperor already knew this in his heart. A factor, other than his pride, why he had not delegated more to one of them to rule in his place. That he knew that both were unfit to rule.

"And so..." the man seemed intrigued. "You suggest I write them out of my Will? Name another successor?"

This had clearly taken his fancy. "What a novel suggestion. Tell me, who would be best, Grand Vizier?"

His gaze looked almost amused. "Yourself?"

The Grand Vizier gave a chuckle.

"Certainly a possibility," he spoke with equal amusement to the Emperor, doing his best to balance between laughing at the notion and treating it with the validity he believed it had. There was doubt within his heart that the Emperor's suggestion for him to take his place was genuine, such a thing had come far too easily.

"Though I did not make such a suggestion, nor would I necessarily refuse such an offer, as humbled as I am by it," He tilted his head in curiosity thinking for a moment. Knowing the Emperor well at this stage in his life there was one thing he truly cared most for: his legacy.

"I was going to suggest the appointment of a Regent until the Crown Prince is indeed suitable and ready to take over his father's legacy,"

"A Regent?" The Emperor sat in his chair askance, a leg over the chair arm, his leg folded over that. He leaned heavily on his elbow, amused. "It should be you, if so, but you'll need support. Jedi Lords, some of the system leaders..."

He was almost lazing at the idea of the power he was tossing around liberally. "Do you not think the Princes will rebel immediately against such an idea? That it will be civil war without end?"

The Grand Vizier raised an eyebrow at the Emperor's words, its meaning however was rather obscure. He was taken aback by how little the Emperor seemed to just not care. If his sons were a nonfactor the Grand Vizier would leap on the possibility of just becoming Emperor as soon as possible, but as the current Emperor alluded to that would guarantee a civil war even more than this Regent proposal. Hence the main reason the Grand Vizier had proposed it, not to appease the Emperor so much but rather the Princes... if it could be called 'appeasement'.

"That is certainly a possibility my Emperor, however, what if it was framed as a measure until the Sith and Shadow Empires were dealt with and stability was brought to the Empire as a result?"

He paused for a moment tilting his head in thought.

"It is a sound reason after all, and if those below the Princes recognize this logic and are expressed this policy the Princes will have no one to support them no?"

"Perhaps you should go speak to them, and gauge how best you will handle them..." He chuckled. "After I die."

"The Crown Prince is here, on Coruscant... but the Second Prince, he's on Alsakan..." The Emperor sounded wry. "Alsakan is a shadow of itself since the Darkness, but its nearby, so you'll have to attend to it at some point..."

Another quirk, this time of an eyebrow, as he addressed the man more fully. "Regent."

"We'll make the announcement when I say, and no sooner. I want to live out my days somewhere peaceful, perhaps beyond the frontier. Not here, on this infernal chair, watching all I have built crumble."

A soft smile spread across the 'Grand Vizier's' face. Although soon, very soon he would be referred to as 'The Regent' and then...

He looked to the Emperor once man, a small respectful bow at his words.

"Of course my Emperor. I can make the necessary appointments with the Princes..."

"As for securing the support of Jedi Lords, Jedi Grandmaster Ductavis has a report concerning the elevation of a Corelian Lord,"

"... oh?" The Emperor tapped his cheek. "They elevated that Graul boy, over Nubia, no?"

"The Corellian King will undoubtedly complain..." The Emperor continued to absently lean on his fist. "You had best go see the old fool, before you speak to my sons."

He groused. "In person, Grand Vizier."

"Yes quite wise," responded the Grand Vizier with a short bow before then looking to his datapad. "It would see my Emperor you have earned yourself a much-deserved reprieve from state business, I shall make the necessary arrangements to do as we have discussed,"

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Janus Jerjerrod
Location: CenSD Electrostar

Janus was known for his chilly personality, the only ones he did not show it to were his wife and Artemis.

Calrissian was about the full force of it. However something came up which was of interest. Sith on Kijimi.

Bingo.

It sounded like he had hit a dead end already here. There was no way to tell where the ships had gone. Calrissian could not help on that front with his ship being shot up and a Hutt being well...a Hutt.

But if there was one thing a Jerjerrod was good at it was annihilating an enemy. This was too good an opportunity to pass up. He would get blasted by the Emperor for it but he would explain.

"You accepted a Hutt into your crew?" Janus snorted "They have no honour. And your tracking field was wiped. I'm not impressed at all and neither would our superiors".

"I don't want him anywhere near my ship. He's your crew member you deal with him yourself. Use whatever you have to interrogate him. Dreypa needs to be found and fast before he attempts another raid".

"I have business elsewhere since sadly I have hit a hump in my investigation thanks to you and your Hutt. You can redeem yourself by hopefully picking up the trail. I will however see if I can get some assistance to aid your ship".

Janus cut the comm off before Calrissian could protest "Set course for Kijimi, all speed." He smirked slightly.

"We have a Sith to kill".

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

OOC: Combo with @Sinrebirth and @darthbernael

IC: Marcus & Maldael

Kijimi City

Marcus acted fast, picking Aura up in his arms and carrying her daughter out of the ship while 2E followed him closely. There was no time, which meant they had to leave everything behind.

Fortunately, Marcus had some idea of where they could go. He had a friend who maintained the safe house he had in Kijimi City, a contact that he already made sure knew they were coming. This friend was a Dai Bendu monk from the local Monastery, someone that Marcus had first met years ago while traveling the galaxy with Aura's mother. If not for the Sith already on the planet, the monk would have helped to refuel his ship. But Marcus knew that the monk could also help them get a new transport off Kijimi and new supplies or help them hide using his knowledge of Kijimi City, so meeting up with the monk was Marcus's priority at the moment.

However, they would have to make it first and hopefully avoid the path of any Sith. While they tried to hurry through the cold streets, Marcus held Aura close to him protectively and whispered in his ear that they were going to be fine.

Occasionally he glanced down at his lightsaber, which was hidden just out of sight, to make sure that it was still there. At the moment, it wasn't needed. But if that should change, Marcus had to be ready.

-

As the sails folded in on the ship and it touched down, Maldael sat up straight in his command chair. A wave of energy had passed through him in an instant, coming from a source he didn’t recognize. He didn’t even have to glance over at the verpine, at Xenly, because he knew the species lacked most Force sensitivity.

A finger tapped on the arm of his chair as what Xenly did next confirmed that. Xenly indicated a spot on the city map. "Salu's shop, has medallion for your program. Shipment was stolen from Yn; ended up here."

Mal nodded, downloading the route and the location, onto his pad. Hitting the release on his harness, he moved through the ship, gathering a few things. He could feel a trail of energy from the one who’d shrieked so, in the Force and it felt like it was moving on the currents.

It troubled him that someone had blasted the message about a Sith being present here, out in an omnidirectional broadcast. It was as though they were deliberately trying to attract as many Force users as possible to this rock as possible, at one time. Which meant he needed to be fast.

Opening the hatch, he pulled the hood up on his neutral toned robe, hiding his pointed ears and obvious Sephi features. People were everywhere as he made his way out of the port and followed the map, heading toward where he’d been told the Medallion was located. Interestingly enough, it felt as though the unknown presence who’d screamed was headed in a similar direction.

-

Marcus's eyes swept the streets around him and his daughter, scanning for any potential threats or signs of the Sith while whispering words of comfort to Aura every now and then. He was on guard, fully aware of how vulnerable and exposed they currently were. Though he didn't say it, Marcus had a bad feeling about this... and it didn't take his senses long confirm that feeling.

They were being followed.

He quickened his pace.

Aura was silent, entirely so; she was terrified, and she could tell that her Dad was.

Marcus quickly looked over his shoulder, his instincts drawing his attention to one individual in particular who wore a neutral toned robe with the hood up. His eyes narrowed before Marcus returned his gaze forward, continuing to walk with his daughter in his arms and his droid trailing behind. He sensed Aura's fear and worried that he wasn't the only one who could...

Marcus decided that they need to briefly get off the streets, so he went around a corner and took shelter in a doorway. He put Aura down for a few moments so they could catch their breath, putting his finger to his lip to signal her to be quiet before poking his head out as he tried to spot anyone that might have been following them.

-

Maldael moved through the crowds, silently but sticking close to the patterns of the people. There was no reason to make himself stand out as he moved, he could feel several presences, surprisingly some of them were vaguely familiar, from a time decades ago.

He could still feel the trail of the one who had flooded the Force with their cry and it was still moving, ahead of him. His eyes scanned the crowd and a face, one that looked frantic, fearful, caught his attention. The fact that the moment their eyes met the man, and the child he was carrying, sped up in their walking made the corner of his mouth twitch. "Ahhhh…"

Checking his map again, he was on the best course to reach the shop and retrieve the one thing he’d come to this tiny rock. The ironic thing was that the man ahead seemed to think he was following, when he couldn’t care less about a single father and his child. Except… his senses spread out, the child was the one who’d cried out in the Force which explained the man’s terror.

Maldael stifled a chuckle as he saw the father and daughter duck out of sight. Without glancing in their direction, he walked past the side street they’d disappeared into. He didn’t need to see them, have his eyes on them to know where they were, their auras shone in his mind.

He passed the street, simply following the directions on his pad. The shop shouldn’t be too much further and he truly wasn’t interested in other’s drama right now, even though this rock reeked of such.

-

Marcus waited until he sensed that the individual he'd seen had passed them. He considered the possibility that this individual might not actually have been interested in him and his daughter at all, but it was better to be safe than sorry. He waited a few more seconds to make sure that there was no immediate danger to them, then picked up his daughter so they could continue on their way to the rendezvous with the monk.

"We are almost there," he whispered to Aura. "Just hold tight."

Mal looked up from the pad, the shop was right there. He paused in a doorway, observing the shop, seeing who came and went before he entered. Which meant he was standing right there as the little family came up the street. Their furtiveness was completely evident as he stepped out, right beside the man. ”If you’re trying to keep out of sight, out of everyone’s minds, you are doing very poorly,” he whispered to the man.

A blaster appeared in the hands of Marcus as he spun around and leveled it at the stranger's face. "And if you don't want to die, you are doing very poorly," he warned.

”Funny, I was expecting you to use lightning,” Maldael said softly, unphased by the blaster pointed at his eyes. His eyes flicked at the girl. ”Between her scream and every being in this part of the galaxy hearing the message a Sith is here, everyone is going to be hunting you. How are you going to protect her when you let a Jedi get this close?”

Marcus's eyes narrowed. "I can protect my daughter just fine, Jedi..."

Plus not everyone was necessarily hunting him, he knew that for sure. The Jedi actually seemed to be mocking him and his efforts to protect his daughter, which Marcus did not appreciate...

Mal nodded down at the blaster pointing up at his face. "Yes, and attracting every bit of attention on this small rock with an open blaster is just how to do that."

He sighed. "Friend… I was just trying to give you notice, I don’t give a damn if you survive or not, but I can’t say the same for all the attention your daughter and that message have drawn, I even feel presences I haven’t felt since Corbos here."

"You don't think I feel them too?" Marcus asked. "You also have no reason to call me out for drawing a blaster when you were the once who forced me to draw it."

But they were definitely exposed thanks to this Jedi and his arrogance. This Jedi who didn't know him, but still felt like he could judge him and seemed to assume he was Sith. It made Marcus growl slightly.

Then suddenly snow flew off the ground and into Mal's face. By the time that the Jedi's vision was cleared, both father and daughter was gone. Marcus was not sticking around to speak to a Jedi who was just as much of a threat to them as a Sith, especially since the Jedi had made him draw more attention to themselves. He wanted to whisper profanities, but he knew better than to do it in front of his kid. He just focused on them running, on them getting to that rendezvous.

That Jedi could go sit on a thermal detonator for all Marcus cared.

Aura had listened to her father speak to the newcomer - the Jedi or Sith or whatever. His words were interesting, if only because she had been brought up with that duality of the Force and yet she wasn’t either of them; not Jedi or Sith, not yet.

But then he lobbed snow at the man and her eyes widened. She wasn’t ready to keep up, and she ran after her father, not as fast or prepared as him, her feet crunching in the snow -

Marcus picked Aura up so that they could run faster, frustrated by their encounter with the Jedi. He was just like the Jedi that Marcus remembered: arrogant, condescending, smug... fortunately, Marcus hadn't let himself get pulled into a fight. Drawing a blaster wasn't that irregular in Kijimi City where shoot outs in the streets weren't uncommon, so it wouldn't draw the same attention that igniting a lightsaber would have. At least that's what he hoped.

Eventually Marcus, Aura, and 2E reached the rendezvous point where they were supposed to meet his friend the monk. He scanned the area with his senses, wary of any signs of danger. He was not going to let someone catch his off guard again like that irritating Jedi had. The Jedi had delayed them, but they still shouldn't have missed meeting their contact...

-

Maldael let the snow swirl around him, extending the effect of it so it covered the entire street. By the time it died down, he’d crossed the distance and entered the shop he’d come to find, the frantic father and his daughter swiftly being left behind in his thoughts. He let the door shut behind him before he released his hold on the Force, the snow drifting back down. The shop seemed empty, at least out front and he called out. "Hello the shop!"

TAG: @Sinrebirth @darthbernael

 

An engaging combo with the multi-planar @Shadowsun

******************************************************************
IC: Akuma-Oni & Nin
A conversation

Nin felt the thunderous explosion in the Force, it roiled over him, basked in him as he then felt and noticed so many others. He came to view Akuma-Oni, his singular eye shining bright.

​

The Force flowed peacefully around Nin, there was almost an immaterial aspect to him. He looked calmly, and without malice toward the armored man, Nin kept his lightsaber attached to his hilt as he viewed him.

"What is going on here?"

The barkeep had fled the bar, perhaps listening to reason, or perhaps embarking on a fool’s errand. In the end, the result would be the same, sooner or later.

Akuma-Oni’s attention was powerfully drawn at that moment however, the bartender forgotten, in favor of something far more…stimulating. There was a resonance in the Force, a burst which pierced the usual noise intertwined with the myriad layers of darkness. In that moment, he would not only sense them and feel them, but he would also know.

A girl, powerful and untrained in the Force, her feelings strong for her protector, her Father; a man who had known darkness.

The honorable one, whom he had met so many years before; now he knew that he was a Sephi- and that there seemed to be less light in him.

There was another, someone new and somehow…neutral? Hmmm. Strange.

Then there was the bartender once again, being foolish.

No matter.

The Force stirred powerfully, creating eddies of intermingling purpose…how interesting. The many pieces were coming together after all this time. Something or someone was coming: someone strong. The very notion caused the daemon warrior to chuckle in dark anticipation.

‘Yesss’

Akuma-Oni felt a presence then, someone had approached, entered the bar and now gazed upon his form.

It felt like…the neutral one? Most curious.

Akuma-Oni turned around from his place at the end of the counter, his gaze intense and measuring, as he regarded the one clad in red robes and long flowing raven hair. This one felt calm. Placid. Ripe for disturbance.

A question was posed by the calm and neutral one.

“What is it you feel…” Akuma rasped in response. Plumes of steam poured from the sides of his mouth-guard as he spoke, even as he leaned forward, ever so slightly.

Nin would look confused for a moment and then realized what Akuma was getting at. They were both force-sensitives, they would both be able to feel that presence. The raven-haired man studied Akuma closely looking at the elaborate armor. Nin still stood in a neutral position, he could tell that Akuma was not the one he was searching for, but there was a darkness that clung to him. It put Nin on a slight edge, but only slightly more than if there were no darkness but still the Force swelling around him.

"A Sith as well as a handful of other Force Users... are you... are with them, the Sith?"

The question hung between the two beings for several silent moments, as Akuma-Oni appraised the being standing before him. How interesting, that one such as this did not present himself as an immediate threat, but was not bereft of the potential to become one.

"I was....."

Came the answer, finally.

"But that won't make any difference."

A dark rasping chuckle proceeded from behind the mask. A sign of mild amusement.

"Come, have a drink with me." Akuma-Oni intoned a bit brusquely, indicating with a casual wave that Nin should join him. In his line of work, one never knew when they could be imbibing their last.

Nin eyes narrowed. This man, this being... it made Nin uneasy. He was calm. Too calm

"You were there... you were there at the Battle of Corbos..." he spoke with a slight realization. He shook is head slowly, he had been a Dark Jedi once... Nin did not judge something for who they once were. Only for who they were now, and who they could become.

"I don't have time for a drink... there is a Sith here. I'll only ask once... do you know where they are?"

Akuma-Oni chuckled once again. The neutral one was beginning to feel...uneasy. Interesting. It also made no difference whether he accepted his offer or not. The pieces were already in motion.

He was coming.

"Corbos..." He croaked out, speaking the word as if it were a curse.

"That battle. It did not end there, not in a way that really counts." Another mirthless chuckle followed.

"You know, I was never dismissed from my post as Dark Retainer." Akuma-Oni declared, now rising from his seat.

"I was waylaid by...circumstances. Many years have passed. Look at me and tell me, what do you see....?"

The masked warrior stood, arms to the side, hands visible. His cloak flowing slightly as a result of his dark power, steam issuing from his daemon mask with every breath. His multiple blades seemed to beg to be utilized, they ached for violence of which he was a Master.

"Speak your name."

Nin almost took a step back, his single eye looking to the man.

"Nin," he paused a quiet breath escaping his lips. "I see one that fights not for what he thinks is right or just but because he likes, because he enjoys the thrill of it..."

"I have no conflict with you, I only look for the Sith... until we meet again," Nin gave a swivel to leave, Akuma had no answered his question, and as he said Nin was not going to ask a second time. His body was tense with the possibility of combat.

"Oh...? Is that what you see?"

A sense of undisclosed amusement wafted about Akuma-Oni as a muted chuckle escaped him.

"You prove my point, 'Nin'." The masked retainer spoke at the dark haired man's retreating form. "You may as well be blind on both eyes." He declared with stiff certainty.

"But go ahead, run away if you wish. You can no more escape your destiny than avoid what is coming. Conflict will find you and your 'oasis'. Best be ready to defend it- with your life."

Another dark knowing chuckle would issue from the armored figure, but it would be cut short as his keen senses informed him of movement, presences converging in the area.

"It won't be long now....."

Nin would not be able to see it, but he could probably feel the leering stare behind his back.

Nin furrowed his brow in confusion because what Akuma said simply made no sense. He turned his head round glancing back to the armored man.

"You made no point and now you said you proved it... proved what exactly... you do not know me and I do not know you. I made a guess, based on what you have said and how you have acted,"

He chuckled for a moment.

"And what am I running away from? You? A man that acts like he knows some hidden truth about me? When I march onward towards the Sith? I do what my duty compels me to do... and what do you do? What do you fight for?" His eyes narrowed, staring back at the leering eyes. The mixture of tranquility and mild anger swelling within Nin, looking towards Akuma with expectation.

"Not so peaceful after all....." The armored retainer concluded with a measure of satisfaction, then sat back once again. "All too easy."

There was no threat before him, so now it was his turn to affect a lack of interest.

"You say you run toward the Sith, yet you know not where to find one." there was a small shake of his armored head. This one wanted straight answers. That's not how things worked.

"Your duty is to your Master, so the question is, do you know who your Master is?" A chuckle and a pause, for the sake of contemplation.

"...and no, I didn't need to know you, just allow you to reveal yourself through your actions and words, for I -Akuma-Oni - am thefire of the crucible."

Such words would likely mean nothing to the not-so-neutral one. It didn't matter. The trials of circumstance would either teach him, make him grow, or break him. He could feel it happening again, as the others fell into their roles, one by one. The barkeep, Nin, the Girl and her Father...the Jedi, the Sith. Him. So many layers, so many probable outcomes- yet, who would be the one 'consumed' by fire?

Even he didn't know.

"My duty is to my Master, is it? Now such a statement reveals much about you Akuma-Oni. A sad truth." The almost oaf-like superiority of Akuma almost got under Nin's skin. Such men that carried themselves knowing all so assured of themselves. Nin had seen many people like that, and how often wrong they were.

The statements and questions of Akuma continued to baffle Nin, as they were built on fragments of what Nin said or did. Every time Akuma utterly failing to understand the raven-haired man. For he seemingly could not understand him, Akuma being a relic of war.

"I have taken no actions and I have spoken little, and yet you speak to me as if you have known me all my life. You speak of conflict as if that is all there is, the be all end all..."

Nin wanted to go, wanted to reach out to the man, but his time would be wasted as much as he hated to admit it. The armored man could think what he would it did not worry Nin.

"But if you must know who my Master is... it is everyone, everything and nothing at all..." and with that cryptic statement, he left.

"Oooh, is that so? everyone now, is it?"

Akuma-Oni watched Nin depart his presence, seeming more ruffled than placid than when he first arrived- and with good reason. The dark haired Force User had adopted a complex and seemingly contradicting tenet for himself.

Everyone and no one was his Master? Everything and nothing? much confusion there could be from this alone. Did that include both the Jedi and the Sith, the lightside and darkside of the Force? Did he allow others' whims to direct him? How could he hope to serve two Masters?

A long plume of steam issued from his mask as the daemon warrior exhaled. Conflict was the only constant, the bedrock of strength. It was conflict that inspired the Jedi to greater 'heights'. Therefore, Revenge would propel the Sith to eclipse the Jedi. So on and so forth.It was simply the way of things, that even a one-eyed man could see it were he to actually look.

But that was no longer a concern. Nin had departed and had taken his tenets with him. Akuma-Oni set his mind to receiving the barkeep once he returned. Certainly, he had not simply fled- no, not at all. He had acted upon a foolish surge of confidence, now it was just a matter of time before it yielded...results.


Tag: @Sinrebirth, @Shadowsun

 

IC: K4-ZU-P8489 or Kazu, A Combo with Sinre
Kijimi City

Kazu buzzed and beeped as his period of having been deactivated, recalibrated, and reactivated. His photo-receptors blinked causing his image pickups to register the surroundings in a flash, as Sieg turned to confront the man entering the room -

She had stayed. Interesting. He had calculated a high chance that she would attempt to retrieve the controller and either be dead or gone at this juncture. It was larger entity, broad and strong. Cursing aloud, clearly not expecting to have company. "Salu, I've got a Sith in the bar, told me to get out, can you get the crew together? We'll need to do damage control if we don't want the Empire finding out what the Dark Lord is up to -"

That, THAT - system evaluation was quickly run on the auditory systems. Systems now operating in the effective yellow. He paused, looking at Kazu, and then Sieg. "What in the Nine Corellian Hells is that doing here."

Kazu was being identified as an that. Not unexpected, but that bit about the Dark Lord was. Frozen in place Kazu was uncertain how to respond when his antennae picked up something...

THERE IS A SITH HERE.

The message bleated out, this time not across Kijimi, but into space, into the stars.

Towards the Core.

"Dark Lord, may wish to be informed Message detected being transmitted to Core. Message reads: THERE IS SITH HERE." He stated succinctly. "Possibilities of system upgrades?" it asked into the following pause.

The bartender hesitated. "Yeah, I know. He's in my bar." He went to open a comlink. "The barve has left!"

Salu laughed, as he was want to do. "You screwed now."

"We're all screwed!" He looked at Kazu. "Upgrades? Now? At a time like this?"

With a shrug, Sieg answered. "It makes a certain amount of sense to, y'know, make it as dangerous as possible if you're saying that the Dark Lord has left?"

“Current capabilities insufficient to protect Master Sieg. By extension those she has designated as ‘friends’.” Here Kazu lit up his eyes and began a more thorough scan of the parts and supplies for comparison, compatibility, and potential.

“Analyzing potential.”

They watched him, and Salu chimed in. “I can make you dangerous, droid. Big promise. What you need, I can do. Sith bad, we need protection, if Dark Lord not here.”

Kazu tilted his head pan down in what was intended as a sign of respect for this droid smith. “Recommendation for immediate adjustments. Time until combat utilization indeterminate. Variables unknown. …Please proceed.” Kazu stated in an almost pleading simplicity.

Salu rolled his eyes. "Ho, ho, ho."

And so began the process; flamethrowers, slug-throwers, a blade forged of beskar, a secret lightsaber proof metal from the Unknowns wielded by the Mandalorians, and enhanced programming to accelerate his processes -

Salu poured it all into the droid, as Sieg and the bartender kept watched, blasters drawn.

Feeling the alterations, adjusting for the shifts in weight to dynamic motion programming, and the final culmination of acceleration to his programming with further streamlined and efficient code - Kazu had achieved success upon his second task since reactivation. "Gratitude. This unit is open to recommendations, direction. Unknown terrain and response are presently too vague for programming parameters beyond reactionary behavior. Predictive behavior that increases chances of success require input."

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

OOC: A combo with @Sinrebirth

IC: Janus Jerjerrod
Location: CenSD Electrostar

Just as they were about to head off, three ships arrived and immediately started causing trouble.

Why they had come from Imperial space was a mystery itself.

And they were not just coming for Calrissian's ship. Word must have reached them that the Electrostar was here. Or just that maybe they had come to clean up the mess and Janus was there.

"Pick up Calrissian" he ordered "Unfortunately we cannot get information from a dead Hutt. However, let's see if these ships come from Dreypa himself".

"Stand down on the hyperdrive, maintain shields and launch fighters. Before we go I want to get a good look at this lot to report back to the Emperor".

The enemy fighters ignored the escape pod, hammering at the CenSD’s shields before sweeping off. The three battleships kept pacing around the CenSD, trying to keep themselves to the rear of the ships.

That meant they were turning towards the escape pod in-theory, and Calrissian was quick to call out that he was on his way. But he was pushing the escape pod to hurry - the fighters needed to get out too!

Only seven SIE fighters were out before he nearly caused a collision, and the Sith fighters began looping back.

"Protect the escape pod at all costs, I don't care if it's by cannon or by the fighters. As much as I hate to say it, that man is the only proof we have that this attack existed".

"And watch those ships, use the cannons to try and stall them. I would like to get out of here in one piece".

The CenSD spat green fire at the Sith fighters, which scattered, giving the hangar crew time to sort out the kerfuffle with the escape pod and the fighters that had to back up.

“Calrissian is in, Admiral,” confirmed the captain. “He was an idiot, rushing like that. The rest of our fighters will be out soon.”

He looked over to the Admiral. “Where did you want me to put, Calrissian?”

The enemy battleships kept up their pace and hammering away at the rear shields. The ship shook, and an update came through. “45% power remaining in shields, Admiral.”

"Put him in one of the guest suites. Perhaps I shall speak to him personally this time".

"In the meantime recall the fighters, we are getting nothing here. Jump to Kijimi with all speed. I don't want to miss out on killing a Sith".

He spun on his heel and left the bridge to meet Calrissian.

The CenSD rocked with more fire, but it vanished into hyperspace.

As Jerjerrod travelled towards the guest suite, there was a comlink call.

"Sir, we've lost track of Calrissian."

"What do you mean you've lost track of him? He got aboard, he must be here somewhere!".

Janus's voice turned icy "Find him"

“His escort is unconscious in the hangar, and there is some kind of static dumping from the escape pod, it’s knocking out the cams…”

The Star Destroyer rumbled as it entered hyperspace. The captain spoke back to Jerjerrod. “Now we know that the Hutt wasn’t who wiped the feed…”

His voice resonated with a frown. “This strategy - of sneaking aboard saboteurs in escape pods… I’m sure this happened before. Some record I was taught about at the Academy…”

"Send security teams to sweep the ship, make sure he gets nowhere near the bridge".

Janus checked his sword and blaster pistol. "If the security teams can't deal with him I'll deal with him myself…."

"Yes, sir!" The lines cut as the security teams fanned out.

The ship was continuing to bury through hyperspace, on it's way to Kijimi.

After a few minutes, the Captain commed back. "Sir, I don't want to alarm you, but the cams are going out along the corridor preceding you. I recommend you double back to the bridge. The security teams are on their way, but some of the turbolifts are now malfunctioning - we suspect that an errant code has been introduced into the system."

He sounded a little worried for the Admiral.

"I'm on my way" Janus simply responded, just in case though he pulled his sword out with one hand and his blaster pistol with the other before heading back the way he had come.

"I wouldn't do that if I was you," came a voice.

It was Balthazar, and he swaggered down the corridor, a blaster in hand, a cigarra in his mouth, his cape flowing. He even had a sword on his belt.

"I'd rather have a nice conversation before we get to Kijimi."

Janus stood ready with both weapons, and the glare he gave Calrissian could have melted durasteel.

"You dare sabotage my ship" he growled "So tell me why I shouldn't slice you or blast you into a million pieces right now".

"Because you're the one who trusted me over a Hutt. Pretty bad, isn't it? If you hadn't, then none of this would have happened." Lando grinned, teeth showing. "Everything that happens is on you - shouldn't you go down with your ship?"

"Oh I will go down, and you with me like the traitor you are. But the Electrostar is stronger than you may think. She's mine so I should know".

Janus lifted his blade up in an en garde stance "So let me guess, Dreypa and his Sith cronies got you did they? Decided to join their cause?"

“Something like that,” Calrissian said. “I was a Rebel, y’know. I fought - but I didn’t make it to Corbos before the war was done.”

“But now the Sith have a Shadow Empire right inside the Fallen Worlds, a forward base at Yn, and you have nothing.” He grinned. “Pure Sabacc.”

The CenSD rumbled with hyperspace emergence -

Janus brought up his blaster and shot Calrissian "And now neither do you".

"Because when I'm done scum like you will be annihilated. Including Dreypa and his cronies''.

He sheathed his sword "And that is my promise".

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Janus Jerjerrod
Location: CenSD Electrostar

They had arrived at Kijimi which was the good news, the bad was that Calrissian had left a nasty surprise aboard.

And there was no way he was going to lose the Electrostar to some cocky, swaggering traitor.

"I don't care what it takes, fix the damn ship NOW!" Janus hissed with venom "There is a Sith here and if they sense we are vulnerable they will finish us off."

And if the Electrostar was too damaged? Then he would go down with it. He would rather he and his ship become atoms than be picked over by some Sith scum.

Artemis would be without a father and his wife without a husband which did make him think twice. But to fail a mission was to bring dishonour and maybe he could crash the Electrostar into the Sith. Take out one more of the enemy.

He would cross that bridge when he came to it. Meanwhile he had a ship to save.

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Akuma-Oni
Stirrings

A memory swam into his conscious mind, as always, unbidden. He’d wardered the war torn countryside, hurt, wounded. Unable to recall how he came to such a state. He watched the bandits raze one village and move on, after which he had grabbed rags for clothes and what few morsels he could pick as he bid his time, slowly, measuring the return of a modicum of strength.

So he followed the pillaging bandits, preying on the weak farming families, visiting cruelty, misery on those unfortunate to be in their path, death was the reward for those who thought themselves brave, but were in fact too weak or too few to have made a difference.

But nothing he saw or heard triggered a memory. He knew war, but had no idea who’s war was being fought, or what his place had been. That is, until the bandits came to a temple-village. The men there had put up a decent fight, even the women. It was an intense spectacle, the kind that tales were made of. Still, the bandits took what they wanted and slaughtered everyone, until only a boy remained.

The boy had picked-up his father’s sword and stood defiantly before the corpses of his parents. His anger burned his fear to cinders as he stood alone, the bandits surrounding him, mocking him. Surely they would slay him the moment they were no longer amused. But he knew those eyes, knew that if the boy had the ability, he would avenge his ravaged village. But he did not have that power- because he was not trained. None of them were.

But he had seen enough. These bandits, they were not strong at all.

He felt himself take a step towards them as they encircled the boy. He yelled an insult towards them, so they turned to see him, covered in hooded rags. They laughed at the sight of him, until he stretched forth a hand. He had selected this one from long before. The one in partial splint armor, he fought with a Naginata, which he hardly knew how to use. That one was lifted off the ground and made to sail through the air into his waiting grasp. His hand wrapped around the bandit’s face like a vice, then he proceeded to divest him of his life energy . The bandit screamed and kicked for a short moment until he became still. Deathly still.

His hood had come off in that time and his face was revealed as he threw down the bandit’s body upon the ground. He smiled as he felt more revitalized. The bandits gasped, uncertain, at what had just occurred, but he could feel it, their fear as it blossomed and increased.

“Akuma!” One of them yelled. The archer. There was always one in these groups. This one seemed to have some skill as he let loose with two arrows, which splintered in mid air before they even reached him.

“Akuma!” another echoed, their collective fear increasing, as did his smile. Almost in unison, they all drew their weapons, their undivided attention now on him and the boy all but forgotten. He took a step and gestured again. The archer was quick to act, 'assuming' he was about to snatch another bandit. That’s why he missed as the Naginata flew right through him and onto his waiting hand.

Yes. Akuma. That had a nice ring to it.

With the archer gone, the others decided to charge. Perhaps they should have done so while he’d been unarmed, not that it would’ve made a difference. And so, the bandits came brandishing their swords stained with farmer’s blood. Killing defenseless villagers had altered their perceptions as they thought themselves strong. Dispatching them had been so 'pathetically easy' for him, it bordered on insulting.

But there had been a surprise.

Before he could finish the last one, the boy had taken opportunity to run his father’s sword through the last bandit, showing a small degree of discipline with that one action. He then turned to ‘Akuma’, his eyes still filled with anger and tears. Would he be killed anyway?

Akuma stood silent as he regarded the boy, seeing the fierce determination in his eyes, basking in his fighting spirit. This one was a survivor. But before anything else could be said, the sound of neighing horse caused him to turn.

An armed patrol had come upon the slaughtered village and were now dismounting. How much had they seen? Here he was, standing amidst numerous corpses, holding a bloody weapon in his hand. Not everyone dismounted however, that much he noticed. His gaze narrowed as he also saw the sigil the patrol wore. It was the same as the one worn by the archer.

But it was clear they had not come to ask him any questions, judging by the sound of their swords as they were drawn. After all, given his appearance, what else could he be but…’Akuma’.

*******

That portion of the memory ended, and Akuma-Oni smirked. The events that followed still managed to amuse him.

A rumble in the force grabbed his attention causing him to turn his head upward, his eyes narrowing behind his mask, almost as if gazing through the roof of the tavern. A ship was arriving on planet and settling over Kijimi City. Indeed, the pieces were moving with greater alacrity than he had anticipated, but that too was par for the course.

The time was almost at hand, he could feel it.

Rising from his seat, the Dark Retainer moved without hurry as he came to the door of the bar. What was taking the barkeep so long?

Turning his head, he looked out to see if he could still catch sight of the dark haired neutral, the one known as Nin.


@Sinrebirth, @Shadowsun