Ask Ghosts of the Past

[Cheriss Ktrame]

It seemed that Karai was full of surprises. Where Cheriss despised her childhood dwelling and wouldn’t go back to Corellia for anything other than business, if even that, her companion genuinely seemed to love his hometown. Maybe it came with being from a holy city, because Coronet City was anything but holy.

She nodded at Karai’s answer about figurines. Those smaller items required fine craftsmanship, and despite Karai’s size and strength, she could see him being gentle with his creations too.

But was that a hint of pity in his voice? She thought so. Cheriss took a sip of her coffee then, looking into the other Sith’s eyes. He called her lonely. She wasn’t lonely. Books were her companions as much as ancient Sith in holocrons were, and on that note she would be looking forward to getting to know Kas’im. Karai spoke of embracing their passions, and Cheriss smiled a bit at that. She finished the last of her coffee. Maybe she could make some more.

Then, Karai said that they would find out what she liked. Cheriss raised her brow.

“Discover some things? What do you mean?” She only stared back when he winked. Music was all well and good, but then he brought up singing. Cheriss got up at that with her coffee cup still in hand. Though she wasn’t smiling, he would be able to see the amusement on her face.

“Nice try Karai, but you will not be hearing me sing.” Cheriss winked back at him before she passed him to refill her coffee. “If you’d like some music though, there’s a speaker behind you. Feel free to play around with it.” She was rather curious to see what he had up his sleeve.

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai continued to take a few sips when he heard Cheriss speak, staring in a almost confused state over what he had said. And he simply looked back in genuine surprise until it hit him what she mouth have been implying, that she had totally misinterpreted his intentions. Although he imagined his attempt at winking in humour didn't really help him in that department. So all he could do was chuckle.

"Perhaps I should have been more specific. I meant discovery of new hobbies,I wasn't implying anything else." not that she wasn't attractive he thought, but he didn't have an interest currently. He chuckled again at her next comment about singing as he replied "Well it was worth a try. We'll see if that changes, I am determined to get you into at least one duet before we leave." he said, smiling with a small laugh.

And so he got up, trying not to bump his head only to turn and bump it anyway. Shaking it off he went to the speaker,,adjusting the sound before going through a number of songs he didn't know. Until eventually finding some music he thought seemed ok and he could work with as lyrics displayed on a small screen. As he sung and danced a little to it, he wondered what Cheriss thought.

He hoped she would join eventually, to enjoy herself. Embrace some new hobbies. Although Sith, he figured it didn't mean they couldn't get along or enjoy themselves, especially after what they had faced.

@Sicadorito

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

Implying anything else? With her back turned to him, her brow raised once more and Cheriss thought it best not to ask what exactly he thought she’d been implying as she poured some more coffee. When Karai brought up roping her into a duet, and at least one from what he said, she could only smile. “I’m telling you, love, not going to happen.” She took a sip of her drink and turned around just in time to see Karai bump his head on the ceiling. Cheriss cocked hers.

“Careful. You survived Kas’im— don’t let your own ship be the death of you.” Karai turned on the music just then, and Cheriss’ attention momentarily went to the speaker and the screen that displayed the lyrics of the song. As the acolyte began to dance and sing along to the music, the champion could only bring herself to stand there with her coffee and watch. She’d never been one to appreciate music, finding it more of a distraction than anything, but Karai genuinely seemed to like it.

As Sith, they were meant to follow their passions, and if this was Karai’s she could live with it. It was better than flaying, anyway.

“You’re a good dancer,” Cheriss would finally say as the song came to an end. It was genuine. Though she hadn’t moved, she did have a smile on her face now. “Not bad at singing either.” Of course she wasn’t one to be a judge of that, but she was amused by his mini performance, if it could even be called that. Karai had just been enjoying himself. It was rare that she ever did, and it felt foreign to even try right now. Especially in the middle of a mission.

So, she simply drank a little more of her coffee as the music continued to play.

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai could only chuckle at her comment "That's what everyone says." He laughed a little, joking. She was being stubborn but he knew all too well the effects of music, as did many people. It had a certain magic to it that connected everyone, even those who said no initially sometimes found themselves unknowingly influenced to action. In some ways he imagined it was like the Force.


After the impromptu performance, he saw how she smiled and offered a couple of compliments. He knew he was slowly chipping away the hard exterior. He just needed to work a bit harder. "Thanks. Wasn't much to do on the street sometimes, so it was where I found some solace." he continued "So Cheriss, you said you like reading? What do you like to read? I enjoy epics, especially a good mystery or tale of legend and myth. Stories that seem too wild to be true."

@Sicadorito

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

Though it wasn’t extremely obvious, Cheriss’ smile would fade slightly when Karai mentioned that there wasn’t much to do on the streets. How can that be true? She’d spent all day running from here to there, doing this and that, all among other things to scrape up just enough to keep her and her mother alive, yet Karai somehow had time to learn to sing and dance. To enjoy himself.

It was just another pleasure her ungrateful mother had robbed from her. Cheriss put down her cup, suddenly losing any interest in finishing her coffee.

Then she noticed that Karai had asked her a question. Looking back at him for a second to think about what he’d just said, she remembered him saying something about books and epics and wild stories. She wondered if he had any stories of his own— she found that making one’s own path was far more interesting in reading about them.

“Ah, I’m more into history.” Cheriss allowed herself a slight smile again, but this time it didn’t reach her eyes. “You’d be surprised at how many of those wild stories are true.” History itself was full of myths and legends, and while certain details were left to the imagination, the outcomes spoke for themselves. The Sith walked back over to where Karai was, sitting back down on her seat from before.

“Is there a favorite story you have from your hometown?” she asked.

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai noted how her smile faded slightly, it was as she had earlier noted, he was very observant. He recalled how on the streets he was busy most of the time, trying to stay alive and feed himself and the family he had. But there were also times, especially in the late evening where he would spend alone just singing to himself or carving. As little time as it was.

He gave a nod as Cheriss mentioned she liked history, he could see the appeal. He too liked to look at the past if he found time, it was often where lessons could be learnt. Or else repeat them. He found it was also true of some of the wild tales, as was the case of skeletons come to life and living stone guardians. And of even his king, Arcanos he imagined at least from some of the rumours he had heard. It did make him think what else might be true out in the galaxy.

As she asked if he had a favourite story, Karai considered it.

He remembered one in particular that had always held his interest.

"Well there were a few, but I do remember one story I always liked. The tale of how my home, Korriban came into being by our supposed gods. Many as they are, although I don't believe in such beings myself. But the tale is as wild as our imagination I think." he said continuing.

"The story I was told by my mother is that Korriban is said to have been willed into being by Ashar, who sang of the Children Who Would Be for the Nine. It is said in his wisdom, he bestowed the Nine with incredible power, and laid out his will to them. The Twin Gods, Eren and Mjanuary were bid to become the Day & Night, forever following one another, entwined for all time. Eren was given power over the life of all creatures on Korriban, while Mjanuary was given power over death. During the eclipse, when Korr II, Korriban's largest moon, obscures Horuset, it is said in the Wvast that Eren and Mjanuary meet again, and sing of the Children Who Would Be for Ashar."

He continued, smiling as he recalled it. It had always been a fascinating tale, though he knew it wasn't true. It was still a great tale.

"It was told that when Eren & Mjan made the cycle of Life & Death, Korriban was no longer still. It began to rotate, and thus took on the shape of a globe. Ashar then instructed Ahraiah to fashion the lanscape of Korriban. Knowing that the Pureblood lifeforms would be as cunning as Ashar intended, Ahraiah made places for the creatures of Korriban to thrive and prosper. The Purebloods would hunt, and in turn be hunted, so she made for them the mountains, canyons and deserts, in which they could dwell. When Ashar saw her works, it is said he made her his consort and loved her above the other Nine. Humbled, Ahraiah took the name Ianna, and asked of Ashar to make her a mortal avatar in the image of a Pureblood. It is said that they produced a child - Enmekaar-Ahraiah, who became the first King."

He let Cheriss take it all in, as he spoke a final time "Of course I don't believe in such gods but the story itself was always nice to hear. So did you like the tale? Do you have one from where you come from?"

He was curious, of what tales she might know and of some of these gods his kind believed in. He supposed other cultures held similar believes. And held such wild stories of the creation of their worlds.

@Sicadorito

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

Cheriss rested a finger on her chin, listening with curiosity as Karai told his story. Even if it was quite fantastical, it was still interesting to hear about. The power to create a planet by simply willing it to exist did sound magnificent. It was poetic, too, the way that life, light, death, and darkness were intertwined. She had seen when they met. They created something… in between.

Though that wasn’t on Korriban, but on a planet quite some distance away.

The only part of the story she couldn't comprehend was why the goddess had chosen mortality over the gift of eternal life. She could have spent an eternity watching her creation unfold and grow, yet instead she became one of them. To Cheriss, it seemed more like an act of stupidity rather than humility. Some people just didn’t deserve power, but it was a good story nonetheless.

“Yes, you’re quite the storyteller.” Cheriss leaned forward slightly, meeting Karai’s gaze. “I never heard many stories where I came from. There’s nothing mystical about the creation of that cesspool of a planet… Corellia, if you know what I mean.” If there was, its creators had died somewhere along the way and their rotting corpses were stinking up the whole place. She got out of her seat, checked the time.

“It looks like we’re almost there,” she said to Karai. “Are you ready to open a holocron?”

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai smiled at the comment, amused that she enjoyed the story. As fantastical as it was, he saw the somewhat confused expression. It reminded him of how he had found it confusing as well when first told it. That one so powerful would give it up to become one of his kind. He doubted it was true but it did make him wonder what could drive someone to do that.

As he listened, he nodded. It became clear she didn't hold her own birth planet in much high esteem, comparing it to a sewer. It appeared their cultures differed in many respects, where his held onto the past in the form of such stories, twisted and changing into fantastical tales, her own were limited. At least so far as he currently knew.

"Thanks, it's one of the few I remember vividly. I always did wonder why give it all up? Sounds a bit crazy to me, some have strange ways. Shame your own does not have such stories, to us it records our history, our culture. At least that was what I was told. At least somewhat although as you can tell the stories do get a bit...wild in the telling."

It was then he listened as he heard they were almost there. Shame. He wished they had more time to talk. Although he was still also interested in the holocron and what it might contain. He just hoped the Gatekeeper inside was feeling generous towards them and would reveal it's secrets.

He nodded towards Cheriss, standing as they approached.

"As ready as I'll ever be I suppose. Are you also ready? I hope the Gatekeeper likes us."

@Sicadorito

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

Wild. Both Cheriss and Karai agreed that that was what characterized the tale of the origin of the Sith. As a species and as an Order, they had achieved great things over millennia. Perhaps that story was even wilder. Reality was its own fantastical story in of itself.

As for Corellia, there was nothing special or fantastical about it. Cheriss wanted nothing to do with that planet unless it constituted something about the entire thing exploding like Alderaan.

Though she didn’t know how to do that just yet, she could start with the seven forms of lightsaber combat from her newest holocron.

“Whether he likes us or not, he’s going to teach us,” she responded to Karai with a slight smile. A short while later, the ship would arrive at its destination. Just like before, the ramp lowered, allowing the two Sith off.

This moon was nothing like Verdanth. Instead of being covered in a sea of green foliage, this one was far more geometric, gray, and metallic. Towering warehouses dominated the landscape, each equipped with a landing pad, and Cheriss and Karai were at just one. But this was the perfect place to open the holocron in the champion’s hand. It was spacious, and there were no witnesses.

When they walked off the ship and into the building, the two Sith would be met with a large, empty room with four durasteel walls and a similar ceiling with a floor of duracrete. It wasn’t a pretty place, but it would serve their purposes.

Cheriss glanced at Karai. “Let’s see how the Gatekeeper likes us.” With that, she placed the holocron at the center of the room and backed away, concentrating the Force on the device to attempt to open it.

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai listened as Cheriss verbalised his own thoughts on the subject. They had gone through too much already to be stopped now and he wasn't about to let some hologram gatekeeper keep him from what he had fought and almost died for. He would claim the knowledge as much as his new ally.

He nodded in agreement, and spoke.

"I'm sure he will. I mean with us both, who is he to refuse?"

As they arrived Karai observed the surroundings, the urban sprawl they now found themselves within, and yet seemingly hidden. Some kind of industrial zone from what he gathered, a far cry from what he was used to, with thick pollution grey in the sky and noise everywhere. In a way he could see why Arcanos didn't want outsiders in the city of Ur, if this would be the result. Walking into the empty room and putting the thought aside he focused himself for the task to come.

No doubt the gatekeeper would require some riddle to open.

Sitting in a traditional meditation position, he sat opposite Cheriss as the holocron was placed in the middle and both allowed some distance from it, yet close enough to concentrate upon it. As she focused, so did he attempting to equal the concentration needed, as a kind of symbiosis occurred. It appeared just like the tomb, it required two to empower and unlock. One of Kas'im many contradictions. He remained seated, silent and focused until something started to happen.

As the holocron shook and stuttered. And it lit up red, from it the holographic form of Kas'im took shape and spoke, the voices booming in the empty space around them.

"You have deciphered the riddle and gained my attention. I am Gatekeeper to the knowledge of Kas'im and his lives work, speak and ask what is your desire?"

@Sicadorito

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

Sitting across from Karai, Cheriss mirrored his position and closed her eyes to help herself concentrate. She could feel the power within the holocron. As both Sith combined their strength in the Force, the holocron shuddered before it opened to reveal the Gatekeeper. When she heard his voice, Cheriss opened her eyes again to see Kas’im standing in the middle of the room.

“Lord Kas’im, Gatekeeper,” she said, looking up at the blademaster, placing her hands on her knees as she spoke. “We are Sith, and we request that you teach us your art of the blade.” Cheriss briefly glanced at Karai at that. Some Gatekeepers were tricksy and unpredictable, while others were more than eager to share their knowledge. Fortunately for them, this Gatekeeper, with his hands clasped behind his back, simply nodded.

“Very well,” he spoke, lifting a palm. “Rise.” Cheriss would get back up to her feet, and the holograph of Kas’im ignited his lightsaber once he saw that both Sith were up.

“We will begin with the basics of Form I, Shii-Cho…”

Though she already knew those, Cheriss could consider this a review. It was the later forms she was more interested in… but they would get there eventually. This would be a long lesson, and she hoped that Karai was up for it.

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai Sat opposite, his eyes closed and himself focused up until he felt the surge of the Dark Side. As the Gatekeeper, in Kas'im image flickered to life above them both with his hands clasped. It reminded him of a general or something similar. As his eyes kept watch upon the Gatekeeper he wondered what Cheriss was thinking.

As she glaced, he returned it fully aware some holocron gatekeepers were known to be unpredictable by nature and generally untrustworthy. Fortunately it seemed this one so far at least was more relaxed, at least more so than the man himself had been. As it spoke, he too rose up taking the position of the starting pose to Shii-Cho. A familiar pose he had been shown at the Korriban Academy in the lightsaber classes.

It took about an hour before they got through that particular form, with many lessons imparted on how to improve the technique if they were to continue using it. The next was explained.

"The next you shall learn is that of Form II. Malachi or the Contention Form, it is designed almost exclusively for lightsaber combat. And relies on precision, using sweeping motions that allow you to defend themselves against an opponent with minimal effort, while placing a heavy focus on avoiding disarmament."

He continued "Fluidity, precision, and economy of motion are key rather than strength. Bladework for this is heavy on utilizing jabs and light cuts rather than hack and slash movements. And it is more effective against a single combatant, but masters have been known to be capable of taking on many at once. The aim for this form is focused more on disarming an opponent."

Karai listened as he considered it, taking the stance shown.

@Sicadorito

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

Given that both Sith were already familiar with Shii-Cho, that lesson only lasted about an hour before they were ready to move on. Makashi, being Cheriss’ primary form, wasn’t draining either. So she simply watched Kas’im demonstrate the moves, refining some of what he showed to fit her own style.

They soon moved onto Form III.

“Soresu may often be associated with Jedi, but it is imperative for any swordsman to master. It is designed as a counter to blaster fire, relying on quick movements of the blade and mobility of the feet to stay in the fight as long as possible.”

Cheriss recalled that both Jedi she’d encountered on Sevenmoon had used this form, and it indeed had served them well. She didn’t know how else the younger one would have survived this long if not for a good defense, she thought as she mimicked Kas’im’s motion. With how common blasters were too, it would be useful to know.

“Defense outweighs offense in this form, and the goal is to survive. You must remember to conserve your energy in order to outlast your opponent.” This she could come back to, Cheriss thought as she watched Kas’im.

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai listened intently as the lessons continued, carrying out each movement as best he could make out. Wondering what was going through the mind of the other Sith as he did so. From what he could tell, there was a familiarity about Makashi with her given how easy she made it look. With the movements being effortless in comparison to his own.

As they moved on, he continued to listen. His focus was absolute, and Cheriss would easily tell when set to a task, Karai was not one to give up and kept his mind upon it. He followed the movements, mirroring as Kas'im both explained and demonstrated. Karai found this particular form would be most useful especially with how many used blasters, it would be a good counter point.

As they went he thought upon a quick break, it was a good lesson but taxing.

"How you finding it so far?" he inquired.

@Sicadorito

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

As they went through the lesson, Cheriss was glad that it was free of interruptions. Karai clearly wanted to learn as much as she did, and she appreciated how they were in their own zones the whole time. Even if she occasionally looked over to see how he was doing and vice versa, they never spoke, and they never distracted each other.

It was only when they’d decided to take a break that they did. Once Kas’im was finished with his Soresu lesson and he heard Karai’s remark, he simply told them not to be long and the holocron turned off on its own. Compared to the spirit of Kas’im in the tomb, this Gatekeeper seemed far more cooperative.

“He has some good tips,” Cheriss answered Karai with a slight shrug. “I’d say, though, most of what we’ve done is a review for me. I’m more interested in what’s to come.” She smiled. “And you? How are you feeling?”

Physically, she wasn’t tired just yet given that two of the three forms they’d gone through were about conserving energy, and mostly because her master had been far less forgiving than Kas’im. Unfortunately in that regard, he’d neglected to teach her much more than Makashi and the basics of some of the other forms, so Cheriss knew that she would need far more practice if she were to improve at this. Karai, seemingly a warrior at heart, seemed to be picking things up pretty quickly.

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai also found it in it's own way relaxing as there were no interruptions and both focused on the lessons. As he learnt, he found he learnt more not just about the lightsaber forms but himself and Cheriss. How each appeared to respect the others space and need for silence. No distractions. He offered a small smile at the comment.

Finding yet more about the Champion before him. He respected her skills and what he could see she was capable of,both in practice and in the field. He could see the potential of a great alliance that was already taking root. As she inquired about how he felt and how she was excited for what was to come, Karai couldn't help but agree.

They had learnt alot in a short time, at least the basics for him. It made him curious what else would he learn and would he find something that suited his skills. That he could work with to be as formidable as he hoped. He issued another small smile as he spoke.

"More confident. I can't wait either, I think I'm getting the hang of some, but we'll see if there is something that fits my style."

@Sicadorito

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

Confidence was good. Not to the point of becoming arrogant, but a healthy dose of trust in oneself was necessary when it came to learning things like this. Cheriss nodded at Karai’s answer, glad that they were on the same page in that regard.

“You’re a quick learner,” she responded. “I’m sure you’ll find something to your liking soon.” Though Karai admitted that he hadn’t found his style yet with these three forms, Cheriss figured that he would likely find something that was better with the next few. With his build, he could probably afford to be more aggressive rather than focus on agility, potentially making the latter forms a better fit.

Cheriss only hoped that he wouldn’t eventually find some way to use it all against her. Paranoid or not, Karai had her respect— and she was sure that he would go far in this galaxy if he kept it up.

After a few more minutes of resting, Kas’im’s holocron would come back to life and his holographic image would appear once again. Like before, he wasn’t outwardly demanding, but he carried on with the lesson anyway regardless of whether or not the Sith were listening.

“As for Ataru…” Cheriss glanced at Karai with an amused smile.

“Ready for round two?”

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai gave a small smile as Cheriss complimented the fact he was a quick learner. He appreciated the sentiment, especially coming from someone who was his superior. As he listened he hoped he did, so he could become stronger and achieve what he wanted. To be not just a survivor, but an apex predator. To be a Sith.

"I'm sure too. I hope you do the same." he said respectfully .

He likewise hoped this alliance would endure, he knew how many failed to last. He had seen similar on the streets collapse with infighting, he liked Cheriss and didn't wish it between them. He respected her and she seemed to him. Both were opposites and yet alike. And that he could work with.

As the hologram reappeared, Karai paid attention. And gave an amused smile back, he was ready for whatever was to come.

"Ready." he said awaiting further instructions.

@Sicadorito

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

With both Sith ready and Kas’im explaining Ataru away without a care in the world, Cheriss would redirect her attention to him as she followed along with what he was saying. With both of them somewhat refreshed, it was time to lock in again.

The next few forms passed by slower than the first few since they were a bit more advanced and time consuming, but they learned the basics nonetheless. By the time they got to Form VII, Juyo, Cheriss was starting to feel a bit tired. However this was what she’d really wanted this holocron for, so she didn’t let her physical limitations get to her just yet.

Kas’im continued on without missing a beat.

“Juyo, the Way of the Vornskr, is the most vicious form of lightsaber combat,” he introduced. “With this form, you must focus on your hate, your anger, and use that as the source of your strength.” He demonstrated the opening stance, angling his lightsaber horizontally above his head and parallel to the ground with his off hand reaching across his body and pointing downwards. As she’d done before, Cheriss moved to replicate it.

“This is more than a form— rather a state of mind.” The Gatekeeper walked over to the champion. “Sword arm higher.” She adjusted her position, and he observed for a moment before nodding and heading over to Karai.

“Relax your grip,” he told the acolyte. “You can better control your hilt that way.”

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai directed himself to the study of the movements as Kas'im begun his explanation. As he attempted Ataru, he found it unsuited, at least for him. It was too acrobatic and flashy he thought, while he required unpredictably and strength. While Cheris s may have been getting tired, Karai was not so much. Using the strong and inherent connection to the Dark Side.

He decided to push through. Learn all he could.

As Juyo was explained, Karai listened more intently. As he begin the movements and held the lightsaber as instructed, he found a balance and strength about the form he liked. As he connected, and moved he found it far easier than the others, as he drew upon his hate and rage. A small smile gripped his lip, this was what he seeked. A form as unpredictable and erratic as him that utilised his advantages. This form and he were one. As he looked to Cheriss he wondered was the same true of her.

Did she find the form to her liking and benefit. As the hologram called out, Karai relaxed the grip.

@Sicadorito