Absolution

[Aurek]

Cade walked back into the busy nightlife of Nar Shaddaa, he had removed his mercenary getup and had replaced it with his dark robes. He was covered by a cloak. He wasn't exactly 'one with the crowd', but he felt good to be wearing his own clothes again.

Not two hours ago, his best friend turned Dark Jedi had threatened to kill him. He had truly fallen from the man Cade once knew and loved as a brother. Made into some perverted tool of the Bogan. He would do no more for the galaxy than wreak havoc and terror on it. He had to be stopped now, before any more damage could be done

So, what else could he do but kill him? It was what he would want. The real Anthoni.

At least, this was how he was rationalizing what he was about to do.


He made his way about the busy nightlife of Nar Shaddaa, not having the slightest clue as to how he would find Anthoni -- assuming he was still even on Nar Shaddaa.

Suddenly, by some miracle, he saw a damp, crumpled piece of paper laying on the sidewalk. Curiosity, getting the better of him as usual, he picked up the slip of paper, and nearly burst out into laughter when he saw what it read.

Anthoni..
The Calrissian Hotel
The firaxa suite
- Carleta

Cade wasted no time. He broke into a sprint, pushing people to the side whilst ignoring angry curses or cussing directed at him.

Finally, he made it to the hotel. He charged towards the elevator, stepped inside, and before he knew it, he was outside the penthouse suite. He knocked once, and a pretty face answered the door. He was brief and to the point.

"Is Anthoni here?"

"No, wh—"

Cade threw a right hook towards the woman's face, hard enough to knock her unconscious but nothard enough to do any real damage. He winced at what he had just done and layed the woman down on top of the large, king sized bed.

"Sorry, sweetheart. My need's greater than yours."

He went to stand over the balcony, admiring the skyline of Nar Shaddaa. He gripped at the hilt of his lightsaber, still strapped to his belt, holding it tightly for when the time came to use it.

Now he waited.

 

[Mr.BossMan]

Anthoni and Carleta lay beside each other after having what Anthoni would call a great time. She was curled up next to Anthoni, and his arm was outstretched, rubbing her back. He didn't even really know anything about this women, only her name. The two of them just met but they got their use out of one another. Anthoni kind of regretted it, he did not love this women.

Anthoni's heart belonged to another.

The women rubbed Anthoni's bare chest, her hand ran over his hideous flesh. "Where did you get these?" she asked "What happened to you?" Anthoni just looked at her, he wouldn't tell her, no instead he got off of the bed and stood up in his naked self. "Sorry" Carleta told him "I shouldn't of pried." Anthoni looked at her and gave her a smile he did not feel, "your fine, trust me the women love them." She gave him a friendly smile back "they do add to the whole mysterious vibe. Why don't you jump back in this bed and we can have another go at it, hmmm?"

He then picked up his clothes, and leaned down on the bed and gave her a kiss. "How about we take a shower instead?" Anthoni then picked her up off her feet and threw her naked self over his shoulder. Her laughter echoed throughout the suit. Then he managed to find the shower and hop inside with her. The two scrubbed themselves clean, taking turns washing each others bodies. Then when they were both satisfied they got out and put on their clothes.

"I am going to go make us some food, does that sound good with you?" Anthoni gave her a nod and a smile, then she left to prepare a meal. He was now alone in the steaming bathroom. Anthoni rubbed the fog off of the mirror and looked at the man in the reflection. Pulled back his damp dark hair, and looked deep into his hazel eyes.

His thoughts drifted, they went everywhere to all the people he cared about. Keiyara, Aeryun, Jaina, Acodi, Darvo, and then Cade. Anthoni's meeting with his old friend had went poorly. Cade would not listen to Anthoni, he wouldn't see reason. He branded Anthoni a traitor to the Jedi Order, and completely ignored Anthoni's attempts to show him the falsehoods of the Jedi's philosophy.

All life is suffering. There is no peace only chaos. There is no life only death. All of these were true and Anthoni believed them whole heartedly. Cade was a fool, he is what Anthoni was. There was a time when Cade and Anthoni thought alike, but Anthoni learned from experience that he was wrong.

People would tell Anthoni that love is the strongest emotion. But why does it hurt so much and end so quickly, so tragically? People would tell Anthoni to hope, keep hope alive for better days yet to come. But they knew nothing. Anthoni knew hope better then any other mortal in the galaxy. He knew what hope meant.

There was a time when Anthoni had hope. For all the people of the galaxy, even for the Jedi. But his hope was lost, their was to much pain in Anthoni's life. Not enough room for hope, so Anthoni stopped hoping. It was a waste of time, and just another lie.

Anthoni then snapped back to reality at the sound of voices, two voices. Anthoni reached out with the force, heightening his senses. Anthoni could feel him, Cade had come for him.

Anthoni looked in the mirror one last time, know what was about to happen. He felt a sadness rush through his body. He wished this day never came, but it was here and Anthoni would face it.

He walked out into the kitchen and saw Carleta's unconsious body lying limp on the floor. Anthoni grabbed a small kitchen knife and tucked it in his boot. Knowing that it might come in handy. He then walked out into the living room and saw Cade looking out through the glass into the beautiful city below.

Cade's back was facing Anthoni, but he knew his friend knew he was behind him. Anthoni rubbed his hand over his saber, not wanting to use it, but knowing he would have to.

"I didn't want this Cade, but you have left me no choice."

Anthoni then used the force to guide his Saber into his right hand. Then he ignited the silver beam, ready to kill his enemy.

 

[Aurek]

Cade closed his eyes at the sound of Anthoni's weapon activating. He maintained his grip on the hilt of his own lightsaber, keeping his composure before finally speaking.

"It's not too late, you know. You can still come back from this."

He would not strike first, but he knew this would not end well.

"You say you have no choice? You always have a choice. I'm not saying the Jedi is the only path. I'd be a complete hypocrite even saying that. But this? Lowering yourself to a cult no better thsn a group of thugs? You're better than that."

He could hear the light hum of Anthoni's blade and the sounds of the busy streets below.

"I know you've been dealt some shitty hands in your life -- but who hasn't? This is a galaxy built on the blood of martyrs. Jedi, Sith, Matukai, Bogan. What's the damn difference in the end? We all wield miraculous powers and we all live in a galaxy at war. The only difference is how we choose to use those powers, and how they effect the war around us."

He opened his eyes.

"Your move, Anthoni."

 

[Mr.BossMan]

A voice in his head screamed A shitty hand! That's what I had, that's the name of it! His anger was already rising and he had no idea why. It was just in there, he felt it boiling away at his very being. Eating him, consuming him. His head felt like an explosion went off. He could not omprehend his own emotion, but he knew he felt good, he felt powerful.

He looked out at the city, he saw his reflection in the window. It was him sure enough but what bothered him was his eyes, they were bright red, like a fire burning deep in his ireses. This made a real wave of rage rush out of him.

"I am not Evil!" he yelled at Cade. Then Anthoni grabbed a nearby couch with invisible hands and checked it at Cade. It had enough power behind it to throw the piece of furniture through the glass. And if it hit Cade to send him flying out with it.

Then Anthoni sprung into action his only goal was to kill Cade.

He ran to his enemy Saber held high and ready to strike.

 

[Aurek]

Cade did not hesitate, he swiftly turned and pulled his lightsaber from his belt, activating it, ducking out of reach of the couch and dropping the dark cloak that engulfed him in one fluid motion. He raised the blade high, parrying Anthoni's strike before kicking him backwards.

"Have it your way."

 

[Mr.BossMan]

Anthoni was sent flying backwards from Cade's hard boot. He reeled in a sudden pain, but turned his motion into a roll. Then he came back up his saber held high as he crouched close to the ground ready to spring into action. He rose to his feet, wind sipping at his loosely fitting black shirt. The hole in the glass was a dangerous one, something Anthoni could use to his advantage.

He looked up at Cade with his Dark red eyes. "I cared for you! This is how you repay me?" Anthoni then sprung into action again. His blade lower, more defensive but still ready to strike. Once he got close enough Anthoni send a powerful swing to his opponets right side, an attempt to cut him in half.

Anthoni's mind was racing his anger growing. A beast was punding inside Anthoni's chest hoping to come pouring out and devour all that Anthoni once held so dearly.

 

[Aurek]

Cade grunted, exerting a bit more energy than he had wished to in the next parry but parrying the attack all the same in a masterful display of djem so. He did a somersault towards Anthoni, temporarily deactivating his blade. When he stood again it was behind Anthoni, but he kept his distance. Now Anthoni's back was to the balcony.

"You're delusional. You've allowed the dark side to cloud your mind."

He reactivated his blade, he was unsure how much longer he'd be able to keep on the defensive. He didn't want to kill his friend, not truly. But perhaps he had no choice.

 

[Mr.BossMan]

"The Darkside has given me powers beyond comprehension. My enemies will suffer for what they did to me!" Anthoni screamed as he sent swing after swing at Cade. His mind was racing in emotion, Cade wanted to kill him. Cade didn't understand he was lost like Anthoni once was. Anthoni just wanted this nightmare to end, and he knew how to do it. Become the nightmare.

As he swung his Saber it was odd, he did not see Cade. Instead he saw another man, one he hated beyond recognition. Teran Mantisa, the man who Anthoni had fought several times before. Anthoni screamed out in a violent fury of blows then yelled at his opponent.

"I am no longer the ignorant Jedi Teran. I know the ways of the Darkside better then you ever will!" He then sent another couch towards is enemy.

If it hit him the sofa would surely put him on the ground.

 

[Aurek]

Who the fuck was Teran?

Whatever the case, he saw his friends bluff, it was as if he was calling out for help. He just didn't know it.

So when the couch was launched towards Cade, he deactivated his lightsaber, allowing the couch to make impact, knocking him to the floor. He grunted in pain. He knew this was a gamble, but it could also be his chance to bring his friend back, alive and in the right state of mind.

Cade looked up from the floor at the traitor that was his best friend. As Anthoni walked towards him, Cade knew that he would die another day.

 

[Mr.BossMan]

Anthoni watched as the sofa slammed into Cade. Knocking him to the floor his body fell hard and Anthoni knew Cade would feel enormus pain. But the thing was Anthoni saw his friend give up, he saw Cade deactivate his saber.

Anthoni walked to Cade slowly, the hatred burning red in his eyes. Did Cade think this was a game? Did he think Anthoni was joking? Or was he surrendering?

As Anthoni walked to Cade he spoke in an evil sadistic mocking tone. "So you have finnaly found the error of your ways?"

Then when he reached Cade he held his Saber to his neck.

"Any last words?"

 

[Aurek]

"Any last words?"

Cade nodded. Thinking quickly, when he spoke he intended to hurt Anthoni, perhaps it's what he needed. He made sure his lightsaber was nearby, subtly pulling it into reach. Anthoni wouldn't notice, he was too busy watching his face.

He brought up the rattatak woman that had died in Anthoni's arms around a year ago.

"Yeah. I wonder what Traqon would say if she'd seen what a monster you've become."

 

[Mr.BossMan]

Anthoni looked down to Cade, his words echoed inside Anthoni's mind. Anthoni had completely forgotten about Traqon. Anthoni's left hand ran up a cross his left eye, the scar the women had given to him. He remembered the way that women died, how Anthoni stabbed her and watched her die.

"Thank you for freeing me...Anthoni"

He heard her voice play over in his head. A sudden sadness washed over him. Anthoni's anger melted away, his rage gave way to tears Anthoni held them at bay not wanting to cry in front of Cade. He looked down at his old friend. His saber was still at his throat, What have I become?

Anthoni looked at his hands and Cade in a shocked face. This is Cade my old friend, not my enemy. Anthoni deactivated his Saber and let it fall in front of Cade. Then he took two steps back and plopped down on a couch.

Then the tears came, like a flood. Anthoni cried he couldn't stop them, he just let them fall. He buried his head into his hands and just let the tears rain down.

 

[Aurek]

Cade sighed with relief, allowing himself to stand. His hip, having been hit by the flying couch burned with pain, Cade grunted but ignored it, limping towards Anthoni.

He looked down at his friend, weeping pathetically. In that moment, he realized he hated the man. Hated him with all his heart. But for the sake of what he once was, Cade knew killing him wasn't his call to make.

"Get up. Let's go home."

 

[Mr.BossMan]

Anthoni looked up at Cade and wiped his eyes. He nodded to him then he stood up. Rising to his feet Anthoni called his Saber to his hands then gave it to Cade.

"I don't trust myself with this, take it." He said as he gave Cade his Saber.

Anthoni feared what he would do to Cade if given the chance. So he gave up, he surrendered himself. His anger burned deep within him, so deep that it started to control him. Anthoni started to become the very thing he hated. And it needed to end.

Anthoni looked at Cade, and wondered to himself. What if he had killed him? What would that make Anthoni? A monster, a Sith, a traitor? He knew it was a line he could not cross because if it was crossed, there would be no turning back.

Right now the good inside Anthoni was trying to push forward. Past all the hate and anger. Anthoni knew he was a flawed man, he knew he was a broken individual. And he knew that he needed Cade, now more then ever.

Anthoni never chose Darkness, Darkness chose him.

 

[Aurek]

Cade looked at the saber as Anthoni handed it to him. Pausing a second before taking it in his hands.

He looked Anthoni in the eye, a cold expression on his face before turning to head out.

"My ship's docked nearby. We're going to Indupar."

Cade didn't know what he was going to do next, but the minute he got Anthoni to the outpost on Indupar they were going seperate ways.

This he vowed.

 

[Mr.BossMan]

Anthoni nodded to the man man then the two walked outside, stepping over carleta's body. Anthoni was shocked that Cade would just hit the women, he could see the bruise forming under her right eye. But in all honesty Anthoni didn't care, he wouldn't pretend he felt anything towards the women. As the two walked out of the hotel and into the cold rainy night, Anthoni dawned his hood.

They walked in silence each one in their thoughts. Anthoni kept thinking about the fight, how scary he looked. Never before has Anthoni been so angry and yet somehow he didn't kill Cade. Somehow he fought through it and stopped himself.

Anthoni could sense Cade's disgust. The man hated what Anthoni had become, and rightfully so. Cade and Anthoni used to be so close, but now that friendship was just an awkward past. It was the only thing keeping the two together and Anthoni hated it, and he got the feeling so did Cade.

 

[Aurek]

While Anthoni's fate was uncertain now, Cade felt more lost than he had been during his exile. Where would he go now that he would be parting ways with his friend?

Only time would tell.

 

[Mr.BossMan]

As the duo walked the lonly dark streets Anthoni had a bad feeling. Like a nudge in the back of his mind telling him to hurry up. Anthoni ignored the feeling and continued steadfast down the empty sidewalk, Cade to his left. The pair were soon met by the sound of a women voice.

"Help! Leave me alone!" the women cried out. Screaming for anyone.

Anthoni jolted to look to his left were he thought the sound was coming from. He was greeted by a long dark alley way that veered of into a T. He didn't know what to do. Cade was leading this charge, he had Anthoni's lightsaber. So he just looked at Cade.

His face did the talking.

Your call

 

[Aurek]

Cade looked back and forth anxiously, deciding between what was smart and what was right. After reading the expression on Anthoni's face, Cade growled in exasperation. He pulled a knife from his utility belt and forced it's hilt into Anthoni's hand.

"Let's move!", ordered Cade.

The pair dashed down the alleyway towards the sound, when they turned the corner they were met by a disturbing image, a man pressed against a woman with a knife at her throat, trailed by two thugs who held another two women at gunpoint.

They'd have to be quick if they were to save the women. Cade looked at Anthoni, meeting his gaze before subtly pointing at the man with the knife forcing himself on the woman. That would be Anthoni's target, his knife wouldn't be able to stand against the two gunmen, so they would be Cade's targets.

"We strike quick -- no hesitation.. Leave no survivors."

Cade knew this probably wasn't the right example to set for someone who sought redemption, but Cade was at the end of his rope.

"They don't get to live."

 

[Mr.BossMan]

Anthoni immediately grabbed the knife from Cade and followed quickly behind down the alleyway. Anthoni scanned his surroundings, he saw a man holding a girl against the brick wall. He held a knife at her throat. Anthoni ran straight for him, Trusting Cade to deal with the other two men who were armed. He saw them man look at Anthoni down the corner of his eye.


Suddenly the man was in motion he reeled the girl off the wall and tucked her in close. He still held the knife at her throat, the point of the blade jabbed against her jugular. Anthoni stopped in his tracks, if he moved any closer the man would kill her.

"Drop your weapons! I'll Kill this damn girl!"

Anthoni held tight to his knife, not letting it go.

"I said i'll kill her drop the blade!" the man screamed.

Anthoni's attention did not waver, he kept his eyes on his target. His mind was running through possible scenarios in seconds. He looked at the girl, complete fear, terror on her face. Her life depended on Anthoni and that burden was tough on his shoulders.

He only saw one way to get through this.

"Forgive me, but it's the only way." Anthoni said into the girls mind. Her face shot up with confusion.

Suddenly Anthoni threw his knife at the girl, hitting her in the leg. The blade sunk deep into the girls flesh. She howled in pain at she fell down on her good knee, reaching for the blade's hilt. Anthoni then took one step forward planting his left foot forward. He then held up his hand and with invisible hands gripped the mans throat.

The mans life was leaving him, he reached for his throat but their was nothing to grab. The man was kicking and shaking violently, he needed air, air Anthoni would not give him. The man slowly started to rise in the sky as Anthoni held up his hand and walked closer to the man. His anger in his voice starting to rise, Anthoni was loosing it again.

"You want to live?" Anthoni asked in a dark tone.

The man lashed around his face turning bright red, he hand let go of the knife and it clattered to the ground.

Anthoni brought the man closer to him, just above the ground his toes no more then inches from the street below.

"Why should i show you a kindness you wouldn't show her?" He asked then he looked to the women. She was crying in pain her leg bleeding badly. She needed medical attention immediately. Anthoni then realized that he stabbed her he did that to her, just so he could get to this man. Suddenly he felt a mix of emotions.

Anger and sorrow all at once.

"You did that to her! You made me!" he screamed at the man he was choking. his body was shaking less and less and Anthoni knew he would die soon.

But why should he?