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Post by Bedrovelse Hevn on Nov 19, 2015 5:40:17 GMT -8
Bedrovelse endures a long moment listening to her. The sneer fades into a distasteful look as if something bitter had found it's home in his mouth. His jaw clenches, and nose scrunches as eyes narrow upon Kali again.
"I expected after that, you would be sorry. I do not accept apologies that require bruises and blood to extract. Your word is as hollow as my heart Kali. If you would do so once, you will do so again."
With a snort he turns away from her. His disdain oozing from his body language, though it was often the case. With a shikt the sword sings from it's scabbard and into his hand. All the blood that had touched the blade, and not a spot of it stuck. The blade drank it like a vampire and lusted for it constantly. Bedrovelse observes the blade while speaking toward the girl.
"Respect your fear. Fear keeps you alive. Reminds you of your boundaries. It is not a thing to be discarded. Not a thing to ignore. Do not follow it, for it leads to nowhere. To nothing. Once you gain control, it will assist you. It will save your life. Protect you from harm you did not previously comprehend. From dangers only the force can sense for you."
Bedrovelse slides the sword back into it's home and places it at his belt once more.
"The first fear I will squash with logic. Why would I fill a bunker with my allies if I thought I might grab that sword and start peeling all of your flesh to redecorate?"
The way his snow white eyebrows met in the middle under an expanse of angry muscle made his eyes nearly shake with rage.
"As for your second fear....."
Something stopped him. Whatever he was about to do or say became less important than the wisdom that arose from within. He would tell her the truth, instead of the lie.
"It became true the moment I was born. Into this. A monstrous charade of human kind. Every moment I am tortured, and every moment i grow stronger. My wounds howl like a wind in my ears. A ceaseless storm from which I am still seeking escape. There is nothing this sword can do to me....that I have not already done to myself."
Finally his ire faded from his eyes and otherwise. His shoulders finally slump below his chin line to show some sign of calm. He addresses her a moment longer.
"I am here to lead you, Kali. To guide you. I have no asked you to join me so that I may ridicule your fears, only conquer them. I expose your vulnerabilities only so that you may devise a constructive defense to them. It is the ones who held their tongues that led us into the darkness. Into the massacre. Into the betrayal. I would hear even your unsavory words lest I might find a way to change your perspective or enlighten you further."
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Post by Kali Helaine on Nov 20, 2015 2:33:07 GMT -8
For the entirety of his speech Kali remained rooted to the spot silent. She let every word he spoke settle within her mind as she processed the sentiment behind it.
While she stood there listening, her face remained impassive as she took the opportunity to practice one of his lessons, to become unreadable.
Her hands rested upon her hips with her feet resting shoulder with apart, her head held high and her eyes focused upon his as they followed him.
She did not speak immediately as she wanted to choose her words very carefully, acting upon impulse, as she had done only moments ago, had failed her. He had taught her a valuable life lesson and she did not need to be told twice.
It appears my fears have a far greater power over me than I had initially thought. I see now I gave them more when I withheld the truth. That will not happen again. There are fears within me that I do not understand. When I tried to cause you fear, it some how turned back upon me and made me see things I did not wish to see, I see that now. I fear closing my eyes to give my body the rest it so desperately needs for it leaves me feeling vulnerable and unprotected. I fear losing this…she held her hands up as she gestured around the room and toward Hevn…, all of it. At the bank I felt strong and invincible, yet now I see that while I buried my fears and insecurities, as I did then, I was strong, but that was just a shell. That shell has cracked and they are all seeping out, coiling around me and suffocating me slowly.
I fear what those…Kali holds her hand out gesturing toward Hevns sword…memories contain, I fear that when I know it all, what that will mean for me, I fear who I am and where I came from. I hate being this way and the way it makes me feel, it leaves me feeling vulnerable, weak and I detest it as it feels as if I am losing control.
I want you to teach me how to be stronger and how to conquer this. I will do whatever it takes to rid myself of this weakness.
She could feel the emotions rising within her as she spoke; it was constricting her chest making her muscles rigid and she could hear the change in her voice as her throat muscles tightened. The longer the spoke the more intense the feeling became, until this moment Kali had never truly realised just how much fear she was carrying around within her and just how debilitating it had become.
Now she knew of its existence, she was not going to cower away from it, she would face it head on, just as Hevn had, and she was going to obliterate it. Hevn had already proved to her how much power she had within her and she was not going to let this fear take that away from her or prevent her from growing stronger still.
With her expression unchanging she continued.
How do I conquer these fears? How did you do it? I do not care if hurts, I do not care what I have to do or face, tell me and it is done!
The control she craved was her once more and she felt all the stronger for it. She looked back to the time when she had awoken on the plains of Corellia and embraced the strength and determination she had wielded then, she embraced that girl once more.She knew that girl was the core of her being, there was nothing else of her at that point, and Hevn had stripped her of everything she knew and was and left nothing but the core of her being. She wanted that once again so he could rebuild her into something new and something more powerful than she could ever imagine.
I want you to strip me right back to the core and rebuild me, please, I will get out of my head and will not fight you any longer. You have my word.
All this time she had felt ready, had believed herself to be ready when in reality, she was too obsessed with discovering who she was, who she was to become and where she had come from that she had been merely going through the motions. She allowed the force within her, but never truly connected with it but had become robotic. For brief moments she would lose herself within it, but no sooner had she done so then she was once again trapping herself within her own mind and allowing her fears to dictate life to her, she was trying to become who she felt she should become rather than letting her own mind and personality to come naturally. She was over thinking everything and she needed to stop or she would fail miserably.
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Post by Bedrovelse Hevn on Nov 20, 2015 5:00:49 GMT -8
"The young always worried much. Hevn's powers of empathy were among his most powerful. Bedrovelse could always, since as long as he had known, been able to drink in the emotion another presented. Whether they did it intentionally or not. He could hear the worry rise as he words came rapidly. Laced with the desperate cry for the shortcut to strength. The same words he begged to his masters. None helped him until Reign. Reign honed him cautiously and meticulously because of Bedrovelse's raw emotional power. The well from which Hevn could draw on to cause suffering and endure it as well was among the most incredible he had mentored. Bedrovelse faced his trials confidently, and was battered bloody by Reign's tests. Each one was a cruel and precise attack on Hevn's weaknesses.
First was the trial of Reflection. To be able to look upon himself and release the demons within. To face one's shadow and emerge victorious. What Hevn could not possibly have realized was that he was the shadow. Upon reflection he saw the man the corruption and agony had tortured him into. He saw the man he was before he was a vicious creation of the Sith. Acceptance was a thing he had to rip from a place in him he had entombed long ago. The heart.
Second came the trial of Pain. Himself a thing difficult to kill, the fog presented him with an opponent equally indestructible and twice as deadly. Overcoming the shade of Viscarious was a hard fought battle. It was to test his ability to fight in control of himself, and not be lost to aggression and bloodshed. Hevn was reminded to pick his opponents apart rather than claw and tear in anger. The mind was the greatest of all weapons, and the only shield against death. The mind is all.
The last was the trial of Anger. A room steeped in the smog of venomous loathing. Reign and Hevn battled words in attempt to provoke the other to strike. Hevn held firm by the faintest hair. Only because he had a wide arsenal of attacks to wield against his master did he buy himself enough time to survive the attacks against his own past, actions, and character. A victory most bitter. Hevn was not prepared for his trials to be a final brutal lesson. A reminder of the strength attained and the standard to which a Dark Jedi Master is held. A foe most dangerous for as long as the universe had ever known them.
Hevn considers her for a long moment. Crawling through his thoughts. Making sense of hers, and his own as well.
"As I said. Respect them. What strength do you achieve by worrying incessantly? It snakes through your blood. Makes your heart pound in my ears. You look it. Sound it. Sweat it. It distracts you from what you desire and will do you no good. You are stripped to the core, save for one memory. The moment you and I met, and the pact you made. A pivotal moment. You need not taste another memory. It is the reason I took them. So you would not share a fate with me."
Hevn tapped his skull as a sad look took his eyes.
"Being locked inside your head with things most cruel and unfamiliar to you, because they do not belong in your new life."
Hevn crosses his arms. It was something to observe her straight face when every other thing about her betrayed that sense of control. Though, it would fool the pup and the kitty. Which for now was good enough. Hevn's senses were too keen. Otherwordly. In most respects he was not a fair trial subject to face her.
" This is not a dream. You are not going to lose it. This is a second chance hand crafted by yours truly."
The smile was smug and prideful. The look did not last long though. It faded into a coarse stare.
"To conquer them, I had to face the trials and become a Jen'jidai. A task most difficult and immaculately rewarding. It is not as easy as sipping a potion or using your power. You must grow. Find yourself. Pit the strength I will help you find against the weakness that lurks within. Sith seek the shortest route to the most power, and often are not ready to endure the consequences. Unfit and unprepared the dark side will ravage your body and mind. Twist you into something pathetic and helpless against the deep pull of Bogan. Your commitment must be to the time that will take. The hurt you will endure. The power and knowledge you will gain."
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Post by Kali Helaine on Nov 20, 2015 7:11:03 GMT -8
Though his words did not bring the solace she sought, she was able to understand and fully appreciate their logic…but that did not mean she had to like them.
Silently she digested them, and fought against the impulse to anger or cry in frustration. She wanted the potion to make them go away, she wanted him to use some form of sorcery to rid her of these weaknesses, but her desire for the strength and power he was offering her was far stronger.
All she had faced with this man before her, the fear of empty memories, the fear of putting her trust in someone who was initially a stranger to her, and to a degree still was, the aiding him sack the bank and fighting alongside powerful strangers while trusting them to a degree not to turn their back upon her had been nothing compared the fears she was acknowledging within herself now. This one brief moment in her life had been the most difficult and fear inducing battle she had yet faced. Acknowledging and revealing her inner most fears.
Despite her own overwhelming emotions she was feeling in that moment, the look of sadness in his eyes as he discussed how she would never have to suffer his own fate of the painful memories, it cut her deeply. It was as if only momentarily he had opened a window to his soul and for that brief moment she was able to see the man beneath all the pain, betrayal, and anger. There was vulnerability in revealing ones emotions in such a way and it caught her breath. It was something she had not expected to witness so caught her by surprise, but she found herself wishing she was able to give him the gift he had given her. She wanted to take that pain away and this filled her with sadness as she knew she never could. He had made it part of him.
She had to wonder, did it make him stronger? If so, was avoiding the return of her own memories preventing her from becoming as he was.
Admittedly her life would be made easier without them, she would not face the internal battles that Hevn were forced to face daily, but if they were to make her stronger, then maybe their return would a sacrifice worth making.
Unconsciously her right hand moved to hilt and rest upon it, slowly the crystal within it began to calm her mind. It stopped the flurry of thoughts from becoming jumbled and she was able to find the words and speak in a more composed manner.
The muscles in her face relaxed slightly as the thoughts came more easily and in a more organised manner, though the emotions were still there, her mind was able to function more clearly.
I think I will do as you had previously instructed, I think I need sleep, but first I am in great need of a strong drink and a smoke if you do not mind?
She made to step toward the door when she stopped and faced him once more.
Would suffering as you do make me stronger, or would they make me weaker by tearing me apart? My faith in your knowledge means I will follow your guidance. If you suggest I let go of my memories, then I shall do so without question and learn to let go all curiosities I have of my life before you came into it and never ask you about them again, if you think they would make me stronger, then that is a sacrifice I am willing to make.
Her faith in Hevn to make this decision for her was undeniable. He had far more knowledge than she, he had proved over and over that he was able to read her despite her attempts at doing so, he knew what those memories contained and she knew he knew if they would be beneficial to her or not. If he decided she did not need to know then she would trust him completely and stand by her word and never ask of her past again.
She also needed to rid herself of the words of Alpha. He had told her to stop seeing his as a man as he was not, these words haunted her and had so far, bred a distrust of him within her. Constantly she had expected him to betray her and toy with her mind and time and time again he had proved this was not his way, he had given her no reason to question his judgements or motives and had only ever offered her life, purpose and a place to grow and become strong. It was time for a great change within her and that started now.
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Post by Bedrovelse Hevn on Nov 21, 2015 4:51:06 GMT -8
Kali was painfully unaware of the path that Hevn took. To compare herself did not anger, but sadden Hevn deeply. If things were done right she would never have to taste those pains. She was without family, but she had not witnessed their murders repeatedly at the hands of the responsible sorcerer for months on end. When you have nothing to lose, there are fewer sacrifices to make. Losses she would never endure. Deaths she would never carry.
Her inquiry did raise a question he needed to consider. Would he be a strong today if not for his past?
'I wouldn't have cared to be powerful if it had been love and life in my cards....'
It was difficult to say, but he imagined not. He would not be as strong, but it would not have mattered to the man he would have been. It only mattered to the monster he had become.
Again a sorrow swept his blue eyes. A deep exhaustion in his aching soul for release. He shook his head softly, and frowned at Kali.
"Suffering....can do both. The Jedi see suffering as a path to the dark side, and they are correct. The Sith see suffering as a means to become stronger, and they are also correct. There are certain sufferings however...."
He paused looking for words that Kali would be able to grasp at such early stages in her exposure to Dark Jedi culture.
"That can create a means for others to break you. Losing love for example."
A horrific and painful truth. An experience he speaks from. Many times in his fledgling days had his enemies used Crystal's death against him. Sowed blame, self hatred, and doubt into his soul. Fleeting images of her butchered body, her ghost taunting him. A terrible and inescapable pain that took many years to let go of. Buried with his family, as she died with them, waiting in angst for a return that would not come for another three hundred years. Long after they were cold bare bones.
"It is a suffering others can manipulate and extract pain in you from."
Extending his arm toward the hallway he walks beside her toward the kitchen continuing.
"There are many Dark Jedi who have come before, just as if not more powerful than I. They needed no such sufferings."
Truthfully only Alkor and his master C'thulu were of the type to even begin understanding the eternal woe of Bedrovelse Hevn, given their knowledge of the black arts and the extraordinary pains it could cause a man. Men like Reign, Lahash, Eversio, and Iniquitous had their own particular demons, and were far more deadly opponents than Hevn.
Arriving at the kitchen Hevn grabbed one of the smokes on the table and lit it immediately. He needed to wind down after that fear business. Finding the wookie juice quickly he sits in the same place as before. He takes a long bitter swig raising his eyes to her and away from the bottle.
"It is your path to choose. I cannot say which road will give you strength, because you must find it along the way."
A wise smile curls his lips upward as a questioning eyebrow rises at her. How would she take that?
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Post by Kali Helaine on Nov 21, 2015 6:22:48 GMT -8
This discussion had taken a turn she had not expected. It had become deeply intense and had led her thoughts and considerations to areas that she had previously not comprehended.
When she had chosen this life she had sought a path with meaning, she had an end goal. Not at any point had she considered what she would be sacrificing in order to achieve her goals…not that this was going to change her decision or dedication.
If you read between the lines it meant that she had to sacrifice everything that one becomes to expect from life. Friends, family, love and children. To never have children did not worry or upset her, this could be because of the life she had lived, but she could not be sure, living the life of a slave and doing what she had done had maybe destroyed that need within her.
Family, she did not crave what she had never had and in a strange way, Hevn and Alpha were now her family and she was more than content with that.
Friends, again, Hevn and Alpha filled that role for her.
Love…She did not know what love really was. She was curious as to what it felt like. It was something she found extremely difficult to even imagine.
What puzzled her more was though she did not want any of these things; she hated the fact that she was going to have the chance to experience them if she had so wished. It was the lack of choice in the matter.
As she wandered into the kitchen she grasped the liquor she has previously been drinking and a fresh glass, she took the seat she had previously and sat across from Hevn.
She was silent as she poured herself a glass; she remained silent and lost in thought for a time as she sipped at it. Her eyes were fixated upon the bottle before her though they did not see it.
What Hevn had presented her with was a decision. He had left the choice in her hands when she had wanted him to make it for her. It would have been much simpler for she feared making the wrong choice, one that was irreversible.
Her right hand lifted and whilst deep in thought she ran the tip of her index finger across the bottom of her bottom lip slowly and gently.
After several minutes she straightened her back and took a deep breath, reaching across the table she took one of the smokes that Hevn had placed down and brushed her hair behind her ears.
She lit the cigarette and took a deep pull as she filled her lungs to capacity, exhaling as she spoke. The corners of her mouth lifted ever so slightly with amusement…
It would appear I do not like making decisions. I admit that I never believed that the life you offered me would push me this much. I expected it to be hard work yet I did not expect it to challenge me…to be this mentally challenging, nor had I considered the sacrifices that would be made to live this way.
She lifted the glass to her lips and took a large gulp. She closed her eyes as she savoured the gentle burn of the liquid as she swallowed, she wanted the settling and relaxing comfort it would bring to happen sooner. Only when it hit would she be prepared to settle down and to try and sleep.
The smile left the corners of her mouth before she spoke again. She leant back against the back of the chair, she lifted her feet and rest them on the edge of the chair as she slipped down the chair a little to rest her head against the back, as she did so, she rest her shins against the table while her knees were tucked up against her chest. She was comfortable now and had finally sought the physical comfort her body was craving. She held the glass against her chest as she looked at Hevn.
Would you feel comfortable telling me about the other Dark Jedi? I want to know what kind of life I am looking at as sometimes you make it sound so lonely and sad, yet other times there is real passion in your voice.
She took another pull on the smoke and flicked the ash into the ashtray before taking another sip of her drink. She was coming down already and it felt nice. Her muscles were relaxing as was her mind.
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Post by Bedrovelse Hevn on Nov 22, 2015 7:05:59 GMT -8
Hevn's usual fierce look persisted, as underneath perplexity had caught him by a vicegrip. Kali was awfully smiley for someone he had just put a whooping to. Maybe she was tougher than he realized. Sipping his own drink he raises his eyebrows in question of her first remark.
"You are not a soldier. You are are Dark Jedi. This isn't about climbing walls, jumping through tires, and shooting out eyeballs from a thousand yards. This is about unleashing your potential. Changing the fate of the galaxy with it."
Bedrovelse imagined he was not the only one with which the individuals from the old Order were a sore topic. It wasn't a stretch for him to imagine Alkor didn't appreciate it either. They had all drowned in the blood of one another. Brothers in arms. He suppressed a shudder at the thought.
Taking a long drink from the jug he sets it on the table and releases it. His eyes burn into hers at her question. Blasts of smoke erupt from each nostril. Hevn speaks in a cool tone.
"What would you like to know? Their names? Their legacies? Their power?"
A flash of danger shined in his smile as he whispers.
"How they died?"
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Post by Kali Helaine on Nov 22, 2015 23:11:19 GMT -8
His reference to death did not shake her, nor did it make her fearful. Strangely death was one thing Kali had no fear of, Life was what she feared, and Kali believed that once your life had ended, your suffering ended with it.
Life had so far been unjust. Everywhere she turned she saw suffering, one example was the man sat before her, he had lost everything whilst being forced to witness it in the cruelest way, and her own life was another example. Her life had been one of forced servitude and that was never kind, for her to have been imprisoned with a death sentence for ending it, that spoke volumes. No, death was to be desired and welcomed, life was what should be feared.
Looking at Hevn she shrugged her shoulders, she had forgotten about the bruising caused by Hevns lesson and was reminded of it only when the bruised muscles of her chest had reminded her. The movement caught her breath and caused her to wince slightly and roll her shoulder.
I do not fear death, I do not run in to its arms as I am not ready for death to take me quite yet, but when it is inevitable I shall go freely and welcome its release from this life.
Her tone was not despondent nor melancholy, she was simply being very literal. Hevns question did not fill her with questions nor did it give her a sudden awareness of her own mortality.
I was quite simply interested in their knowledge. There must have been a point in your life when there were brothers that yourself and Alkor had truly respected these beings, respected their knowledge and their power and respected their minds. I was hoping to learn more. Despite what they became, they helped create what you are today, what Alkor is today, I simply wish to gain that knowledge from every source possible.
She took a last pull upon her smoke and extinguished it in the ashtray before her. As she leant back in her chair, involuntarily her arms stretched out, and her back arched and she yawned deeply.
She emptied the contents of her glass and rose to her feet, as she rubbed at her eyes she looked down at Hevn.
I should try to get some sleep; maybe we can continue this conversation tomorrow?
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Post by Bedrovelse Hevn on Nov 29, 2015 4:40:52 GMT -8
A look possessed Bedrovelse that was not his own. Looking into himself, and then back at her. A hollow gaze fixed upon Kali that was accompanied by a harsh silence. He drinks far too deeply from his jug. Drags too long and hard on the smoke. One burned his his gullet while the other in his lungs. It did not phase him. Did not shake an inch of flesh on his metallic bones.
Existence was superior to nonexistence as far as most species in the galaxy were concerned, and here before him a girl proclaimed to be afraid of it not. Death is not the escape. Death is the answer to all of your questions. It is what lies beyond death that should scare you pretty fool. The culmination of your life come to lash back at your with all its force.
There are many paths after death. It is nigh impossible to predict into which existence your consciousness would be exiled. Hevn had tasted both the sweet dream, and the tortures of hell. Not all of them are permanent. Hevn had returned from beyond twice by the means of others and once of his own power.
"When you choose your death. Make it count. I will think on the work of my masters. I believe you have inspired some new training. Find me when you wake. I'll likely be in the lab."
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Post by Kali Helaine on Nov 29, 2015 8:50:15 GMT -8
Good night.
With a nod of her head she left the kitchen and made her way toward the sleeping quarters. Her mind was lingering on over the events of the day. It had been such an emotional rollercoaster in so many ways but the one event that was haunting her most was the memory Hevn had returned to her. As much as she tried to push it aside it kept coming back to her.
With the small functional room empty, she closed the door behind her and removed her boots and the oversized overalls and socks, leaving her wearing her vest and underwear, and folded them neatly and placed them beneath the bottom bunk. Turning off the light, she jumped up onto the top bunk, curled herself up and pulled the blankets around her.
No sooner was her head on the pillow, fear began to creep in. A fear of what she could not decipher but every part of her did its best to keep her from sleeping. She tossed and turned, plumped the pillow repeatedly until her body could not fight it any longer.
She fell into a deep sleep but not one that bought peace and rest. Her dreams had taken her back to her memory and made her relive it once more and more vividly than before.
She was chilled to the bone from days of sitting on the cold, hard and slightly damp stone floor. Her knees and feet had become numb which was a blessing in disguise but the joints of her body ached and screamed. The jacket and binding of her ankles had held her firm in the stress position since her committal to the room. Despite the fatigue she was unable to sleep as her mask prevented it. It weighed heavily upon her head and the more tired she became, the heavier to did the mask become. It was fitted in such a way that it held her jaw closed top prevent her from speaking.
Due to the room having no windows she was unable to tell how long she had been confined and this left her to be tormented by her own mind, forced to relive her memories over and over.
A sound like a clap of thunder came rumbling through the hall and reverberating off the walls of her cell. Her entire body tensed as she jumped, she tilted her head this way and that as the shouting and screaming followed. She desperately tried to gain sight through the slit of her mask and the door as to what was happening, but she could see nothing. Her breathes had began shallow and fast. They pounded against her ear drums as they echoed through the mask.
As the light broke through pain seared her eyes. She squeezed them closed and dropped her chin to her chest.
She could hear the creak and straining of metal, this only served to intensify her fear all the more. If she could have moved back, she would. The sight sounds and smells were overwhelming her senses. There was a part of her that was welcoming death and wishing it to come more quickly for it would end this torment while the rest of her feared what she could not see.
She tilted her head and managed to catch sight of the figure that was bringing the heavy footfall into the room. It was her executioner. Already the giant was covered in blood. She swallowed hard and dropped her head once more.
As his hand gripped her mask and lifted her chin to meet his gaze, terror gripped her and bought with it silent burning tears that obscured her view.
She tilted her head and craned her neck to distinguish the words that were muffled through the mask. This is when her terror peaked.
As his question registered she felt resigned to her fate. She would not deny her actions any longer. Repeatedly she began nodding her head as the tears began to flow thick and fast, partly due to fear but also due to relief. Her torment was about to end, soon he would end her life and it would all be over.
As he exclaimed his pleasure in his actions she looked up at him with both relief and awe. Her breath caught in her throat as her eyes studied his face more closely.
As her mask fell to the floor she stared at him in shock and awe still. The cold air on her face felt heavenly.
To hear his offer of a new life was overwhelming. There was no way to express her gratitude nor were there any words that could have expressed her feelings.
She gave a nod of her head and then without warning, she dove at him and wrapped her arms around him and squeezed him tightly.
In Kali’s world there had never been any heroes, there had never been any acts of kindness or compassion. Her life had been full of pain and betrayal, yet here was this man who had fought for her life, he had come crashing into her life and had saved her. In her eyes then and in her eyes now he was her hero, her knight in shining armour.
She woke abruptly from her sleep and lifted her head from her damp pillow and sat upright. She lifted her hands to her face and wiped the tears from her eyes and cheeks. She looked down at herself and saw the blankets twisted and entwined around her, proof she had been tossing and turning whilst asleep. Her hair was stuck to her face with sweat. She climbed down off her bed and saw, led upon the bottom bunk the items she had ordered the previous day.
She entered the shower room and stood beneath the burning stream of water for untold time washing away the physical impact of the night. The impact of the night had shocked her. She had felt it all so acutely.
As she exited the shower she decided to push it all to the back of her mind for now, summarising that perhaps it was healthy to allow herself time to think it all through and face her demons.
She left the shower room and slipped on her new clothes. She was surprised at how such a simple thing changed how she felt about herself. She felt confident and comfortable within herself. To be wearing clothes that fit her perfectly was amazing. She entered the shower room once more, wiped down the mirror and stood looking at herself in the mirror, turning round and looking in wonder at just how different it made her look. Her black trousers were fitted and skimmed her form. They looked aesthetically pleasing whilst still offering the freedom of unrestricted movement when in training. Her black boots sat just below the knee, fitted comfortably and shined beautifully beneath the light, her one worry was scuffing them.
She wore a simple black vest and over that sat a practical, yet stylish black leather jacket that fit her like a second skin. She felt like a new woman.
Smiling she carefully took the make up kit she had purchased along with the clothing and applied it carefully, once finished she was hardly able to recognise herself. She secured her hair neatly at the back of her head, fixed her belt around her waist and hung her saber upon her right hip.
As she made her way to find Hevn, she filled a travel mug of coffee and left for the lab.
As she walked along the corridors her mind wandered as to what form of training her words had inspired. She had spoken of death and the minds of the old masters, and short of killing her and bringing her back; she could think of nothing of else he could have thought of.
Stopping outside the lab, she took a sip of her coffee and opened the door calling out to him as the doors slid back.
Hevn?
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Post by Bedrovelse Hevn on Dec 11, 2015 4:52:31 GMT -8
At the sound of Kali's much softer wind pipes, Alpha's ears perk up. Looking away from the target he was squinting through his sights at, he angles his head toward the hallway to see her standing just in front of the lab looking for the master. He shoulders his weapon and calls out.
"Eya! O'er here."
The enormous Shistavanen wanders across the training area to return his rifle to the weapon rack. His enormous strides make quick work of it as he walks back toward the doorway.
"Boss left before me'n'Claws even got back. Left a message about some loose ends to tidy with Barradius. Didn' sound too happy. How was your first day? I remember mine. Was bloody rotten."
Alpha spares only a moment to reflect thoughtfully before grunting in conclusion.
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Post by Kali Helaine on Dec 12, 2015 1:39:18 GMT -8
Upon hearing the voice of Alpha, Kalis immediate response was to smile brightly. She held affection for the mucky pup and was very pleased to discover he had returned from his trip. Her immediate thought was to enter the room and greet him cheerily whilst telling him of all that had happened in his absence, but something stopped her. The voice of Hevn was now echoing in her mind, it was reminding her of how she to needed to become unreadable. This was something she was going to have to live and could not afford to turn it on and off, it was something she needed to maintain permanently, with this in mind she entered the lab and walked toward her friend.
With an expression that conveyed nothing of her emotions she looked toward Alpha as he came to a stop and gave a nod of the head as a greeting.
My first day was tough but it was no more than I would have expected. There is a method in his madness and I am learning to trust that, to stop fighting against him and to stop questioning his reasoning.
The painful bruising to her chest was a reminder of her defiance and mistrust. She resisted the urge to rub the bruising knowing that such a move would leave an entry into her thoughts and weaknesses. She knew that this was going to become mentally tiring and was looking forward to it all becoming second nature, she also knew that this life was going to become rather lonely as she was already beginning to pull away from those she was closest to. It was a life she wanted and knew that this was a sacrifice she was willing to make.
Her eyes fell upon the weapons rack which she was now studying while at the same time speaking with Alpha whom she now had her back to.
Who or what is Barradius? Did he leave any instruction for me?
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Post by Bedrovelse Hevn on Dec 12, 2015 4:50:22 GMT -8
Alpha could not help but notice her brutally defensive demeanor. There was a brief warmth in her eyes before it faded into the steely empty look that Hevn often gave him. Alpha frowns as much as his tight mouth would allow him to.
"Oooh he hates it when you do that."
As Alpha shook his head shortly, his body shivered suddenly. A canine thing?
"Advice from a merc. Be mindful and wary of all around you. Even the men Hevn learned from weren't right all the time, but Hevn....."
Alpha head turns to the side as he sighs, searching for the words. His face crumples with frustration before revelation creeps it way toward his tongue.
"Shit well. He's got a lot higher percentage than most. I'll give him that."
Alpha appears slightly defeated as he ponders the subject longer.
"He's slow and cautious. Takes his sweet time no matter how bad things get. Keeps him clear and steady. Ain' ever seen nothin' spook him like his own damn self. When he's finally ready he comes in roaring like a hurricane. You saw the bank. That should never have worked. He had to sack a planet to sack the bank! Ready. For all of all of it."
Alpha shakes his head in disbelief chuckling.
"I think Barradius is a man. One that Hevn shouts at on the comm. Something tells me that isn't going to happen again if he's making house calls."
Alpha points to her attire.
"Beats the hell out of a boiler suit eh? I saw Hevn drank half that wicked slick that Claws brought. Should I even ask what happened?"
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Post by Kali Helaine on Dec 12, 2015 13:59:00 GMT -8
Hiding her thoughts and feelings on constant basis was going to be a lot more difficult than she had previously thought, especially around those such as Alpha with whom she had built a rapport. With a heavy heart she knew there was no other way if she was going to be successful within her chosen path, but she was hating it and had a feeling she was going to become very lonely.
There was something within her that was craving the company, friendship and love of those closer to her, she could only assume that this was created by the life she had lived before Hevn rescued her.
As he mentioned her new attire, Kali bit back the smile that threatened to spread across her face, she was so pleased with her outfit that the woman inside wanted to display her new outfit and show her pleasure and excitement, but she could not. Instead she brushed down her sleeves and gave a nod of acknowledgement.
It certainly beats the boiler suit, that thing was not very comfortable and was very cumbersome when training.
Perhaps it was the tiredness, perhaps it was the way he asked the question or just maybe it just the strain of trying to maintain a stoic composure in the company of her friend, she could not bite back the dry humour that escaped her lips.
With a completely deadpan expression and tone, her eyes found Alphas.
Ah, the sludge. That is particularly potent and it had quite the effect on the boss. We were both drinking, Hevn the sludge and myself a spirit, 1 thing led to another and we…you know, and are now madly in love!
Raising her right eyebrow she made an incredulous expression and softly shook her head.
He had quite a bit to drink so he could weaken his hold over his mind; it was for training so I could train with mind control. He wanted me to try and break down the defences. So there we are, nothing you will find exciting.
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Post by Bedrovelse Hevn on Dec 17, 2015 5:25:14 GMT -8
=Alpha=
Alpha eye's cross and begin to turn red as a fit of laughing, snorting, and coughing attacks him. He spits, cackles, and roars as tears squeeze out from the corners of his eyes. The muscular canine doubles over and finally recovers at last, huffing to catch his breath.
"If that's love girl! I'mma stop chasin' me some."
Another chorus of laughter erupted from the large Shistavanen at his own joke. A bad habit of Alpha's after all was truly and sincerely adoring his own jokes. As he came to this time a different look was on his face. Some combination of confusion and terror.
"He...let...you..."
His face scrunches in concentration and shock.
"Try that....on him? Maybe he does love ya."
As the final thought left his lips a siren went off in the bunker. A red light flashed at the end of the hallway as short pulsing wails throbbed in every room. Alpha moved instantly into the hallway and down to the monitor. Alpha disengages the alarm and opens the blast doors to the hangar. Hevn's black infiltrator lands softly on the bunker floor and quiets as the engines die.
"Kali! Scratch Post! Get on down here, he ain't alone."
The Shistavanen chuckles as Mad Claws rounds the kitchen door and pounds him loudly on the shoulder. The wolf did not flinch but continued to laugh heartily.
=Hevn=
Bedrovelse unclips himself from the pilot's seat as he looks to Magus.
"Shall we?"
Bedrovelse descends the ramp and approaches Alpha and Mad Claws. Alpha is a large Shistavanen and Mad Claws a squat but buff Catharian. The Shistavanan stands taller than Hevn and was armored in training gear. An enormous blue furred wolf man with a dire snarl plastered on his face as he looks over the young man. Mad Claws sports dark orange coat with a mangled and gnarled mess of a mane. He wears simple breezy pants with a tunic to show off his immaculately muscular structure.
Bedrovelse introduces them both to Magus.
"This is Magus, the new initiate. Magus, this is Alpha Roarshen. He is my bodyguard, and highly proficient with most technology. This is Mad Claws. The only name he goes by. Doesn't speak basic, but he understands it. Expert hunter, close quarters fighter, and a hell of a mechanic for sporting paws."
Mad Claws grunts gruffly at Hevn, narrowing his eyes.
"I shall let Kali introduce herself, and you to them."
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Post by Kali Helaine on Dec 18, 2015 6:18:34 GMT -8
Kali could not contain her amusement any longer, though she controlled it well. Her eyes smiled and the corners of her mouth lifted slightly as she rolled her eyes and shook her head while her furry friend roared with laughter. His jokes were terrible but it was his reaction to them that made her laugh, not only was it his finding himself amusing but it was also seeing the creatures tight face contort in such a way as well as the strange sounds that were his laughter that made him so funny.
As his expression changes from roaring laughter to one of terror, Kali became confused. She could not think of what she had said that could have possibly shocked him in such a way. Her eyes lose their amusement and her smile fades. She stands before him staring at him waiting for some form of explanation of what could possibly have shocked him in such a way.
Even when he begins to explain she nods to assure him that he was correct in hearing what she had said and yet, is still confused as to what is so shocking. She was failing to understand how her training could lead to Alpha making such a ridiculous joke.
Once more Kali rolls her eyes at Alpha whilst brushing her sleeves and trouser legs down for any dust particles that may have attached themselves to her.
He is not a man, remember?
She looks at Alpha pointedly with a raised right eyebrow.
As the siren sounded Kali’s head lifted as she raised her head and began looking for the source of the deafening sound. As Alpha leaves the room, Kali follows behind him and watches the monitor around his shoulder. She takes her place to the side of Alpha and watches as Hevn and the stranger depart the ship. Her eyes fall on the masked stranger and she stands silently studying him. What was he hiding behind the mask? His identity or a deformity or some sort?
A weakness that Kali herself acknowledged and was trying to work on was her level of curiosity. Being curious could be a good thing as it led one to explore and learn, yet when uncontrolled it could lead one to explore things that should be left alone.
Her eyes traced over him quickly as she wondered who he was and why he was here, was this the one Alpha had mentioned Hevn arguing with frequently? Before they stop before them Kali looked up at Alpha and noted the expression upon his face and was thankful that she had not been greeted with that same expression when they had first met. He was an intimidating creature without the snarl, but more so with.
As Hevn and the stranger approached she diverted her attention back toward them whilst Hevn introduced the newcomer to the boys.
So, they had a new initiate? It seemed that Hevns vision was now growing and whilst this pleased her it also caused her a small degree of concern. Her mind automatically went to the stories of the old order and though irrational, it led to her fearing of history repeating itself. She was free of her old life and now had, what she considered, a family. She was not prepared to lose that.
In regards to his mask, if he was trying to hide his identity, then why? Had Hevn seen below the mask? Did Hevn know him personally? This knowledge would put her at ease, perhaps these were questions she would ask him herself.
She was not prepared to be anything more than polite to this one until she was sure of his character.
When it came to her introducing herself, she gave a swift nod of the head and rests her eyes upon his.
My name is Kali. I am also an initiate.
She turned to Hevn and gave him a brief nod of the head.
Welcome back.
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Post by Magus Serendor on Dec 21, 2015 9:54:06 GMT -8
Magus unclipped from his seat with a nod.
His hand hovered around his neck for a moment as he considered whether or not to pull his cloth mask down to reveal his face.Hevn has shown that you can trust him, but that doesn't mean that his crew will be as deserving, He thought as he followed Hevn down the ramp, glad to be back on solid ground, yet finding himself looking forward to his next jaunt into space. The sight of the Shistavanen and the Catharian brought equals measures of anxiety and fascination. Asemi had made the young man study countless species, sentient or otherwise, but this was his first time meeting anyone that wasn't at least near-human. The sheer size of the Shistavanen was enough to inspire fear, but Magus forced himself to push it aside. His reaction to the Catharian was much the same.
"Well met,"
The words sounded somewhat strange for the situation, but his upbringing required as much of him. He wasn't given enough time to sufficiently warrant any consideration of the exchange. He was somewhat surprised to see the young lady who couldn't have been much younger than himself. His eyes were drawn first to her hair, then to her eyes, followed by an assessment of her attire and then back to her face. Unlike most men of his age, Magus found himself analyzing her attire, how she held herself, the expressions she made, anything that could give him some clue as to her strengths and weaknesses. Until someone established themselves as a friend or associate, they were nothing more than an asset or a liability. Despite his mostly analytical intake of her look, there was something almost tragically beautiful about the scars along her neck and cheek, He responded to her nod with a nod of her own and found himself intrigued by the hue of the scars.
"I am called Magus, it is a pleasure to meet a fellow initiate"
The way the phrase came out hinted at his family background of requiring a certain level etiquette, yet the tone also spoke volumes about his largely intellectual outlook on the words, and still, there was a tinge of sincerity in what he said.
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Post by Bedrovelse Hevn on Dec 23, 2015 19:48:29 GMT -8
With a conclusive clap, Hevn surveys those presents and nods.
"Excellent. All acquainted. Alpha, Claws, unload Magus's things into the bunks and lab respectively. Take care with his items. They are delicate."
Turning toward the initiates he observes them with a silent and plain expression.
"You two will join me in the training room for the next lesson. Kali has inspired me to provide some back drop on the masters of old, as well as their strengths. Today we will begin with Master Eversio. "
Hevn's strides carry him into the hall past Alpha and Claws. His boot falls snap their grunts of dismay and the click of their claws against the metallic floor. Bedrovelse walks to the end of the hall which opened into the large training room and move off to the right into blank open space. As Hevn fell to an "at ease" position, he looks over his initiates before his deep tone utters.
"Do I have anything to address before we begin?"
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Post by Kali Helaine on Dec 24, 2015 4:09:21 GMT -8
She was positive that there was a tinge of sincerity in his voice, but that still did not break down the defence she had placed between them. Nor would it until she felt he had proven himself trustworthy. First impressions suggested a good level of intelligence and if this was the case, then he would understand her demeanour.
Her gaze falls back to Hevn as he claps. Inwardly she groaned, though her outward expression did not change. Naturally he would be sharing the sleeping quarters with Alpha, MC and herself. Having the room to herself the last night had been a relief and now she was expected to share the room with all of them. This was not going to happen; she would sleep in the training room if she had to.
As Hevn directed Magus and Kali to follow him for training, Kali followed behind him surprised. This man had just touched down planet side and he was already being put forward for training. He had not been given a chance to settle himself in, get a feel of the place nor even hydrate himself. She wondered if it was down to the fact that the man never felt hunger, thirst nor fatigue but then she could have been giving him too much credit, perhaps he was just a task master. Kali was positive that this would be Alphas impression of him, that he felt nothing for the feelings of others.
Still Kali was left wondering why Hevn had bought in this new initiate. The more the better, especially if Hevn was trying to build the rebuild the order, however, what was it about Magus that had caught Hevns attention. Why him in particular? He appeared to come from money and he appeared intelligent, but how had Hevn come across him? She wanted to know more, in fact, she wanted to know everything. She trusted Hevn and she trusted his judgement but that did not mean this new comer automatically received hers.
She entered the training room and stood toward the centre of the room; she glanced back toward Magus and then settled her gaze upon Hevn. She would be aware of the distance between herself and Magus, making sure that they remained more than an arms length apart. Personal space was something that was of great importance to Kali. She was not the tactile type. She did not like people getting too close and invading her space. She did not like to be touched even with a tap to the arm when mid conversation and she was certainly not a fan of greeting someone with a hug or hugging that person goodbye. She was not the affectionate kind of person. Keeping a distance from another made her feel comfortable.
Despite her insecurities over the arrival of Magus, Kali was filled with excitement in regards to the training Hevn had mentioned. She was left wondering what part of it she had inspired and who was Master Eversio. She deduced that he was part of the old order but how he was relevant to their training now was uncertain.
As she stood waiting she slipped her hand into her pocket and retrieved a small hair elastic and scooped her hair behind her head before securing it in place neatly and tightly. A few stray strands hung loosely over her cheeks and these she quickly tucked behind her ears.
Hevn
"Do I have anything to address before we begin?"
Was there a hidden meaning in his question? Was there something he needed to address? Had she done something and had not realised? She could think of nothing and she had no questions, well…none that were worth asking for her questions he would deem them as her questioning his reasoning or judgement as well as prying into matters that were not of her concern.
With this in mind she shook her head and remained silent.
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Post by Magus Serendor on Dec 27, 2015 17:50:29 GMT -8
Magus fell in line as the others headed toward the training room.
He wondered how the Dark Jedi's approach to training would differ from that of Asemi. There were times when it had felt less like a master and apprentice interacting and more like two equals, but Barridius had been less powerful than Hevn. Kali's presence also proved to complicated the matter further. Magus couldn't help but wonder if Hevn would find ways to pit them against each other to ensure they were advancing at an acceptable rate. A bit of competition often had that effect. Then there was the question of whether or not Kali herself would want to be the better of the two initiates. Too many variables, he thought, filing the information away until he had enough to come to a satisfactory conclusion. His thoughts fell to this Master Eversio. The name seemed familiar, but he doubted there was much about the man in Asemi's vault of knowledge. The gray had been much more focused on the past, though Magus felt as though he had seen the name written somewhere before. It was not unlike his former master to catalog the members of various force using organizations. At the very least, if a man like Hevn wanted to draw attention to Eversio, that in itself was reason enough to listen.
The young man followed them into the training room and left a fair bit of distance between himself and his fellow initiate.
He wasn't certain he had caught the meaning of her look and demeanor, but he had the distinct feeling that she didn't want him standing too close. Whether it was due to the nature of the training or not, Magus cared little. Either one of them would fail or they would have plenty of time to figure out what sort of working relationship they would have. He turned his attention to Hevn question and quickly filtered out any questions that weren't pertinent.
Following the lead of his fellow initiate, Magus shook his head without a word.
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