Ask Ghosts of the Past

[Cheriss Ktrame]

As the ship lowered onto the rainforest floor of Verdanth, Cheriss finished up her rereading on the artifact she and Acolyte Karai Hekk-iv-Adas would be pursuing. A holocron, one that held knowledge on all seven forms of lightsaber combat. It was also said that its creator also included instructions on creating double-bladed lightsabers, Force shields, and telekinesis.

Whether the rumors were true or not remained to be seen.

Cheriss herself was no stranger to holocron hunting. She just normally didn’t go grave-digging to find them. It was an exciting idea, though, especially when it belonged to an old Sith blademaster.

And here it was, right in front of them. The tomb of Kas’im. A Brother of Darkness, a Dark Lord of the Sith.

“Before we begin, Karai,” Cheriss said, turning to meet the dark yellow gaze of her partner, “what are you looking to get out of this?”

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai wasn't quite sure what to expect as he entered the shuttle that took them to the planet of Verdanth. He hadn't really expected to be taken very seriously by anyone and the research he had dug up on Kas'im during another assignment. Where he had found a Wayfinder. Although it appeared at least one person, a Sith Champion called Cheriss had taken an interest and decided to investigate.

Both were curious about the rumours of Kas'im and he had suspected the tomb on Korriban was a fake to throw off tomb raiders. It appeared he had been right about that. He wondered what treasures beyond the holocron they might find, artefact was a Sith tomb. Although it was likely filled with traps so caution was needed.

Karai considered the question, trying to keep composure and not say anything stupid "Well hopefully to learn something more than just shoving people with the force." he said, half joking and half not "I hope that Kas'im could help me become unpredictable and a warrior to be reckoned with. To learn to be a true Sith and worthy of notice. So no-one would ever again look down upon me and I would command respect instead of being seen as just dirt."

@Sicadorito

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

Shoving people with the Force. Cheriss smiled at his answer. That sort of brute strength was one of the reasons she’d chosen Karai specifically. He had experience in the streets and the arena, which could prove a powerful mix. He was also a relatively new acolyte, which meant that he posed little threat to her. In essence, he was the perfect partner.

Now, she learned that he was also here for the same reason as her. To become stronger, more relevant. Less likely to be pushed around. To command respect, as he put it. That earned him a little more from her.

The fact that he didn’t ask her the same question back made her like him even more. Finally, someone good to work with. Definitely better than the last acolyte she’d found.

“The answer of a Sith,” Cheriss responded. She wasn’t just talking about his species. “That’s good.” She rose to her feet and put on her cloak, pulling the hood over her head. Even if there was no need to conceal her face, the extra cloth would keep the bugs from biting.

“Let’s go.” The ramp lowered, and Cheriss would head down without waiting to see if Karai was following. The tomb awaited.

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai considered a few things as he waited, one being if he could trust her. Afterall she was still a Sith. And among them trust was few and far between, not to mention he was generally untrusting of many anyways, street life in the City of Ur had taught him to be cautious. One moment an ally could be a friend and the next try to stab you in the back for what you had. The fact she said very little spoke volumes.

Although he did wonder what the Champion hoped to gain from this, even if he hadn't asked. Figuring it best not to unless she decided to tell him. No as his superior here, he was there to follow and do as asked. Nothing beyond that unless told. Karai had his own hood and armour risen over his head and body, some from his time as a gladiator with the mask pulled up to protect against what awaited. Or so he hoped as best it could. Only his eyes could be seen and what areas the armour allowed.

He nodded, going first as was expected of an Acolyte like him. Cautiously he held the sword he always carried, and begun the walk inside. He could feel the Dark Side even as they begun traversing the jungle. Although he had never been into a jungle before so all the sights and sounds were disorienting at first until his senses adjusted. The worse part was the sudden changes of temperature and hot to sudden wetness as rain suddenly fell then stopped suddenly. It was as unpredictable as the very Sith who's tomb they were to explore.

Or so he thought.

He continued on, cutting away any wayward branches and leafs in the way until they approached a fork. He inquired asking for directions "Champion Cheriss, not to be a bother, but did the research say where in this jungle the tomb is we got a fork and it all looks the same to me. It's all so close in here."

@Sicadorito

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

The pair would move through the jungle for quite some time, with Cheriss occasionally checking her map she’d downloaded as to where the temple was marked. Karai’s wayfinder had gotten them this far to Verdanth, but her droid had been able to locate the structure. Given the terrain though, it wasn’t possible for it to travel with them.

It was a long, uncomfortable walk. Especially when the rain suddenly started pouring, then stopped. Almost like Corellia. The thought made her grimace. But at least she was used to this kind of weather.

Soon they reached a fork in the path, and Cheriss heard Karai ask a question. She turned to her masked companion, meeting his eyes.

“You can call me Cheriss, love.” She wasn’t one to care about rank. Sith were Sith, in her opinion. She went to his side, showed him the map. “We’re close. It should just be a few more minutes.” With that, she would take a right, moving down the path.

Sure enough, a few minutes(and another rainstorm) later, the two Sith would find the path becoming less dense with foliage before they were standing at the main entrance of the tomb. Their very first obstacle was actually getting into it. A large block of stone towered above both of them, serving as the door. Carved into it was text in the traditional Sith language that Cheriss didn’t recognize.

“Karai, are you able to read that?” If not, it was no problem. They could probably find another way in, or another method.

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai waited cautiously, not sure what to expect. He was surprised to actually find this particular Sith Champion was being quite casual with him. And was acting nothing like some of the nobles back home who would love to run their rank in some people's faces, especially the poor. Those of the street like him. He hoped someday they would regret it, he would make them pay.

As she turned right, he followed before leading ahead after feeling the tomb before seeing it. The Dark Side seeking to call them in and making, alluring offers and temptations of power as they drew closer. Karai was beginning to not like this jungle with how often it kept raining. Soon enough and th area opened up to less jungle and the tomb of Kas'im looming in front of them.He

He looked up and briefly marvelled at the sight. The carved face at the top and many markings or inside as he did as asked, trying to make sense of it. He gave a nod as he read it, the message was some type of ancient Sith riddle above where three pedestals sat. As was expected it was meant to keep raiders out and kill those unworthy.

He read aloud.

"I believe I can. It's a fairly old dialect, but I can understand the rough meaning."

Sas yun tave itsu buti kots. Sas tyűk buti tave ipros anga.

He said calmly, as he considered the riddle before working it out. It was quite clever really if he thought about it. "By two are thy chains broken. By strength of two is the way opened. It seems to be a riddle. I think it means we each step on a pedestal, as a Master and an Apprentice would. And combine strength to push the final pedestal inwards. It's some type of trap to stop unwelcome guests I imagine."

He said, using his experience of tombs on Korriban.

@Sicadorito

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

Cheriss listened carefully as the acolyte translated the writing on the door. At first thought, it was a bit strange that there were three pedestals when the door called for the strength of two, but what Karai said was reasonable. Kas’im was a Brother of Darkness, and from her research the Brotherhood had believed in the unity of the Sith up until its inevitable collapse. Darksiders had always had a tendency to favor themselves over the whole.

Still, Kas’im had been an idealist, so it made sense his tomb would reflect that.

“I see. It’s worth a try.” Cheriss shrugged and walked over to one of the mossy pedestals, examining it for any potential traps before she stepped onto it. She would wait for Karai to get on the other one, then look at the central pedestal. She felt the dark side getting stronger— hopefully that meant that they were on the right track.

“Ready?” With that, she would focus on the remaining pedestal, using the Force to push it inwards. Hopefully with the help of Karai.

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai nodded even as he looked at the pedestals with caution, he hoped he was right. He had no intention of becoming just another splat in the jungle and food for the more predatory wildlife around. If his theory was correct Kas'im believed in the unified strength of the Sith even as they culled the weak from their ranks. Viewing it as one branch alone was weak, while together they became far stronger by uniting that strength to defeat their enemies. In part it was true but other ways Karai could see the flawed logic.

You couldn't rely too much on each other, no-one could be trusted completely.

He moved towards the opposite pedestal, closing his eyes and focusing as he placed a hand upon it. Heading a decisive click as it went inwards, at the same time as the one Champion Cheriss pressed. As both went in, the chains broke off freely, and the two pedestals disappeared beneath the ground, leaving the final pedestal. It appeared it required them both to press at once. A sign of the unity.

And so Karai moved forwards, waiting for Cheriss. When she said ready he spoke as he placed a hand and focused the Dark Sid into it. Hoping his assumption was correct.

"Ready as I'll ever be I guess when faced with the potential prospect of being a jungle stain."

He offered a quip, trying to make light of it. And so he pressed as she did, and heard a successful movement as the last pedestal also disappeared allowing them inside as the door lowered into the ground. Karai illecited a noticeable sigh of relief.

"Well glad that worked. Into the void we go then and more uncertain death." he joked, hoping she saw the dark humour of the situation they were in.

@Sicadorito

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

Through victory, my chains are broken. Such was part of the Sith code, but instead of victory here, the two simply needed each other. Kas’im really was an idealist.

Cheriss gave a wan smile at Karai’s comment about becoming a jungle stain. She had no intention of ending up in such an undignified state either, but with Sith temples one never knew. Fortunately, the third pedestal disappeared beneath the ground along with the others. A loud rumble signaled the opening of the door, and Cheriss felt a bit of relief too when she saw it. Unlike Karai though, she didn’t let it show.

“Yes, into the void.” As for uncertain death… they would see about that. Cheriss moved forward and pulled back the hood of her cloak as she entered the dark hall with Karai. They would only walk a few steps with the light from outside before the stone door sealed again, leaving nothing but blackness ahead. Though it wasn’t easy to see, the echoes of their steps indicated that this room, hall, whatever it was, was large.

Then, Cheriss heard more rumbling from in front of them. Two sets of red eyes opened, and two figures emerged from the shadows. Stone guardians, each armed with a metal spear. As one, they lowered them, pointing at the two Sith before dropping into fighting stances. This trial she understood.

“A trial of combat.” Cheriss glanced at Karai. “Time to see what you’re made of, acolyte.”

With a red glow that rivaled the eyes of their opponents, her saber ignited.

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai entered alongside Cheriss, only seeing her properly now for the first time. He could see she was human, which made him twitch a little but otherwise he was fine. And yet despite that there was a certain beauty to her, her eyes especially. Yellow and marked by the Dark Side. And then the do it shut behind leaving just one way to go. Forwards. This just keeps getting better he thought.

He had no intention of becoming a permanent resident of the tomb.

He could feel the space open up as they went further in, it didn't bode well and he had a very had feeling about this. The kind the Force warned of. And them he was then, stone goliath's. Tomb guardians that would test those who made it inside and separate the worthy from unworthy. He noted the spears and stance, his gladiator lessons showing through. He understood this. A trial by combat.

He wouldn't disappoint.

As Cheriss spoke, he nodded before moving to intercept the closest one, to his right. As the spear jutted at him, he ducked and rolled to the left, a ignited lightsaber at the ready. One given by the Korriban Academy until he made one himself. The crimson red lit up the tomb. With a steady pace he rose back up and sought to cut the left leg off as he ran by, they were large but that made them slower. He would use that to his advantage.

The spear came again and he attempted to bat it aside using the lightsaber to cut the stone.

His lol was almost smiling, gritted and grimacing. He was enjoying it even as he thought it might be his last moments, but this was thrilling. His eyes never left the stone behemoth.

@Sicadorito

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

As Karai went for the one on the right, Cheriss turned to face the one on the left. It lunged for her with its spear, aiming for her ribs, but she would intercept it with a stroke of her blade. Red plasma clashed against metal, and the champion noticed that it did not cut through as she’d expected.

The statue warrior was quick considering it was made of stone, but it couldn’t compare to a living, breathing being. Least of all a Sith. At its next swing, Cheriss turned off her lightsaber, rolled to the side, and sprung up to her feet as she summoned a ball of fire and threw it at its face. Being made of stone, it wasn’t fazed, but the bright flames did block its eyes for a split second. Taking that chance, Cheriss would leap onto the back of the behemoth, grabbing its head to steady herself.

The statue raised its spear, ready to strike again. The instant the spear came toward her, Cheriss would jump off again, using the Force to redirect the tip of its weapon straight into its neck. It wasn’t enough to sever the head, but it did buy her some more time. As it attempted to pull it out, Cheriss ignited her saber once again and slashed at the giant’s legs, severing one before the other. She backed away as it crashed to the ground, and as soon as she had the chance, the champion removed its head from its body with another sweep.

It was only then that she looked up to see how Karai was doing.

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai found for its size the moving stone guardian was quicker than he thought, avoiding his blow and forcing him to dive or else be impaled. And he also found the lightsaber was not cutting the spear curiously. He figured it was probably like back home,where he heard stories about such moving statues among some of the tombs. It appeared the stories were probably true for some.

Coming up again, Karai narrowed his eyes as the behemoth came again, rolling to the left, he sliced along the ribs, and attempted to remove an arm. Severing it the stone guardian carried on carrying the spears in one hand trying to thrust at Karai. Zig zagging he focused and made use of his affinity for Terrakinesis to hold the giant still. The very ground coming to grip at its legs and attempt to hold it still. As it struggled to break free from the stone encasing it, Karai stepped forward and twisted himself to the right.

Narrowly missing the spear as it thrust, he spun to the back of the statue and jumped up trying to cut and to remove the head with a horizontal slice at a point, which seemed to be the weak point. A way to destroy it. As it was nearly free he finally stopped it in its tracks with a swift double slice to make sure it didn't rise again. And left the remaining statue encased. A new work of art he thought.

With the threat so far dealt with it was deeper they had to go.

Karai was cautious still but optimistic given how they had been together so far. And they seemed to compliment the other. He spoke "Let's hope we don't have more of those. I heard tales of moving statue as a youth, never thought I would see one."

@Sicadorito

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

Cheriss’ brow went up, impressed at Karai’s artwork. The encasing of earth at the giant’s feet was a good touch, and she liked how it was still relatively intact, staring out with those now empty eyes. Like a warning to future visitors.

The Sith smiled at her companion, a genuine one. “Most tales are grounded in truth,” she answered him as she met his gaze, resting her hand on his shoulder for a moment. “You just have to pick out the right pieces.” There would be many more challenges to face, she figured, so Cheriss would move on after that. She hoped that he was right and that they wouldn’t have to face any of those again, though. Though these hadn’t been too bad, they could be deadly combined with some other trap. Given that Kas’im was a blademaster, she wouldn’t be surprised if he had something else up his sleeve.

The path forward was relatively calm. It was somewhat dark, though it wasn’t anything Cheriss wasn’t used to at this point. On the towering walls were large paintings, chipped away over time, of the deeds of Kas’im. She paused in front of one to get a closer look. The twi’lek was towering over a group of Jedi, painted with seven arms and seven blades, likely to represent the seven forms that he’d mastered. Hm. She moved on.

The next painting showed him standing beside his apprentice, Darth Bane. Cheriss wondered how the latter would feel about the Sith Order today. Did it really matter, though? They were strong. Not destroyed by the Jedi— far from it, in fact. She didn’t look at Karai as they steadily made down down the corridor.

“You mentioned that you wanted to be a true Sith earlier, Karai,” she said, breaking the silence. “What does that mean to you?” There was no mockery in her voice, just inquiry. Though he had proven to be strong physically, something about Karai just seemed… innocent. So she was curious about his thoughts.

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai listened as Cheriss explained that most tales had some truth to them. He supposed that was true, especially of Korriban where many in the galaxy had thought his species extinct, at least until Arcanos and the Regent of Ur had appeared and revealed the truth. The same was of the desert tribe Blood Blades and the Leviathan. All previously myth and legend and yet all were real.

It did make him wonder what else was true out there in the galaxy.

"I suppose that is true." he said " Most thought my people a myth until recent years, until the king Darth Arcanos, his husband and the Regent of Ur came onto the scene and until the Battle of Murzana we thought the great Leviathan and the Blood Blades were legend, yet they were and are real enough. It does make you wonder what else is out there among the stars waiting to be found. Preferably by a Sith."

He suspected there was probably so much more to explore.

He observed the paintings, finding a fascination in them and what they depicted. History written into each picture and lessons to be learnt. Representative of different times in Kas'im life. He looked at the next, Darth Bane. For a time his code had been law, and it did lead to some improvement, a way to exist until it was no longer useful. Until a evolution had to be made again. Such was true of the Sith way. Or so he thought. Where only constant evolution and survival of the fittest ensured the Sith grew in more than just power. By culling the weak. Ideas inspired by his own kind.

His eyebrow stalks twitched a little and an eye perked up at the question that came next.

There was no easy answer to it, and he did wonder if it was some type of a test. But he did his best. He thought upon it, although from the street he was hardly as innocent as believed. He had done terrible things and sacrificed much in the name to survival.

"Interesting question. I suppose, living in a way up to the expectations of my people, the Dark Side within my very blood. and my inspiration, my king Darth Arcanos. By evolving, learning and culling any weakness from myself. By ensuring only the strongest survive as is the nature of the universe as much as it is on the street and taking what we want, when we want it. Building something for myself so none would dare question me again."

He thought astounded right, and he truly believed it.

"And what does it mean to you? If you don't mind me asking." He figured why not ask, see what Cheriss perspective was.

@Sicadorito

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

Karai was right that there was plenty out there to be found. If they were here looking for a holocron that was over a thousand years old, who knew how many other countless treasures were buried somewhere that wasn’t yet discovered? Cheriss only wondered what he meant by Sith, though. From her experience, Purebloods tended to think they were above the others, and she was keenly aware of it. Was Karai one of them? She hoped not.

So, when she saw his eyebrow twitch a little when she asked him what a true Sith was, she tilted her head slightly to listen.

He spoke of culling weakness and honing the strong. Of taking what he wanted, when he wanted. Of being unquestionable. It was a similar answer to what he’d said earlier, and Cheriss could agree with that. He sounded like he was being honest enough, so she nodded.

“It means freedom,” she responded to his question. “License to do anything you want whenever it pleases you.” To her, there was no difference between freedom and license. There was only one thing that mattered, and that was power. Not necessarily by holding office, but for herself. “Being in control of your own fate and breaking your chains. ‘The Force shall free me.’ That’s how the code goes, isn’t it?” She wasn’t really asking or expecting an answer, and she moved on after that.

The corridor of paintings came to an end soon. In front of them now was a bowl-like structure reminiscent of an altar with a book at its side. Planted atop a large, intricate circle painted on the ground, a small stone door behind it was closed. Cheriss had a feeling that the altar had something to do with it opening.

She approached the book, looking down at it. Unfortunately, it was in the same text from earlier that she couldn’t read, and she sighed.

“Karai,” Cheriss said, looking at the Sith, “would you mind translating this again?” She would really have to look into learning the older dialects sometime.

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Cheriss would soon find he was different from others, he had never been in a position to lord himself over anyone, not really since he was raised upon the streets. A place where position wasn't as important as survival. As they walked he listened, finding she was right. In his short time so far among the Order he had found a sort of freedom and a chance to explore his gifts in unexpected ways. He caught onto her wording, using licence instead of freedom although she likely meant the same thing he imagined.

He continued to listen as they walked further in, cautious as they did after their encounter with the stone guardians. Using the Force to sense ahead as much as he could. He wasn't looking to become like the statue, a permanent reminder.

As Cheriss spoke about being in control of your own fate and breaking chains, he found he agreed. He too wanted to be in control of his own fate and break the chains he found holding him back. To rise above where he was. And so he smiled as he nodded and replied "From what I remember yes. Although getting there is the challenge I'm finding, perhaps one day."

As the corridor ended, Karai also saw the alter and the strange book. It eminated of power. The Dark Side was strong here, he could feel the temptation. But resisted. Instead he listened, nodding as he spoke. "Sure Cheriss."

And so he approached the book, looking at the script. It was a more ancient dialect but he could make most out. Sas kraujas buti j'us xauti z'kaina. Ir sas kraujas sekleti j'us pasuo.

He came to understand it in Basic to mean 'By blood are you found worthy. And by blood shall you pass' which he imagined probably meant some type of blood sacrifice. The altar suggested it. As was common of those times and some Sith. He thought upon it, it seemed to refer to the previous challenge . By blood are you found worthy, referring to defeating the guardians and found 'worthy' and now they were required to give some blood to prove it.

He spoke, looking upon the altar and as he approached a small spike came up from it pin prick a hand. A way to get a measure of blood into the altar that would slide down a channel into the wall. Both would need to so it, and only then would the next door open. "It says By blood are you found worthy. And by blood shall you pass. I think we need to put our hand on that, prove what we just did to open the door. Kind of thing. Blood sacrifice or something. I don't like it, but looks like we got no choice."

With that he went first, grimacing as his hand went upon the small spike. It was painful and he could feel the blood dripping into the later as a surge of the Dark Side occured, signalling his success. Taking it off, he wrapped his hand, tearing a bit of clothe from his wrist. Next it was Cheriss turn.

@Sicadorito

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

Now that Karai was reading the book out loud, Cheriss wasn’t surprised at what it was asking. Blood sacrifices were not uncommon among the Sith— they demonstrated commitment. At the acolyte’s initial hesitation about it, the champion had a faint smile on her face.

“You’ll get used to them,” she answered him as he went up to the spike to prick his hand. As expected, the door didn’t open with just the blood of one. Cheriss stepped up to take his place, choosing to nick her finger instead of her palm to avoid the mess. She would hate to ruin her cloak, by ripping it or by soiling it.

The combined blood of the two Sith, crimson and dark, dripped to the bottom of the bowl. Cheriss stepped back as the floor opened and the altar lowered itself down. The door ahead was now open, and behind it was a narrow stairwell leading somewhere below the surface.

The pair of Sith would make their way down, the echoes of their footsteps reverberating off the dank stone walls. The air was noticeably cooler the further they went. Whether it was due to the growing strength of the dark side or getting more distant from the warmth of the rainforest above, or perhaps both, Cheriss could feel that they were getting closer to their target. But then she thought she heard something. A whisper.

Turn back, she thought it had sounded like. Cheriss held up a hand, signaling for them to stop. She looked around, trying to find the source of the voice. You don’t belong here. She realized that it was in her head. She turned to look at Karai.

“Do you hear that?”

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai looked to Cheriss as she spoke, he supposed she was right. He would get used to it, as he visited more tombs for the way of the Sith was to be constantly tested. And having to prove commitment and loyalty to their ways, paying a price for knowledge. His stung but it was a sacrifice he thought worth it. For what the sought.

He waited and once she was done stood back as the door opened, cautious for any more dangers within. And yet so far there was none at least physically. Making his way down, the echoes the only sound, he felt the air grow colder. As if a sudden chill were in the very air around the. A feeling he knew. This was the Dark Side and yet it was stronger here and only seemed to be growing in intensity.

Something told him they were near. And yet it was too quiet.

What makes you think you deserve such power? What is my knowledge worth to you. something whispered in the dark. Karai though he heard, almost as if to whisper in his ear right next to him and yet there was no-one. He thought his mind was playing tricks until he heard the same voice again shortly after What sacrifice are you willing to make.

He considered it, knowing this may well be another test. One of the mind, to test them further. He listened as Cheris S spoke finding he wasn't the only one to hear the voice. "Not what you heard but there was something. I thought it a trick for a moment. What it say to you? Mine was cryptic but asked why do we deserve such power, what is it worth and what sacrifices are we willing to make."

He considered.

"Must be a test of loyalty I imagine. Or a spirit. One to test the mind, and soul." And so he pressed in front of him, allowing whatever it was to feel inside him. His intentions and dark thoughts. His soul and hopefully be found worthy. The same was needed for Cheriss.

@Sicadorito

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

Too quiet it was indeed except, apparently, in the minds of the two Sith. Cheriss was relieved when she heard Karai confirm he heard the voice too— that meant she wasn’t going mad.

“Mine said to turn back. That we don’t belong here.” She glanced at her companion again as he explained what he thought it might mean. Another test? She wouldn’t put it past Kas’im. “I suppose you’re right. We’ll just have to keep going.” So she did.

The murmurings grew darker, though, and the air ever colder. Cheriss could see her breath now as she exhaled.

What are you prepared to give? The voice continued. You gave me your blood, but what about your soul? Cheriss felt something probing her mind then, but the more she tried to block it the more insistent it was. Maybe Karai was right about this, that was a mental test. So, she took a breath and allowed the voice, spirit, or whatever it was to look inside her, hopefully to find what it wanted.

It didn’t speak again after that, and she was able to continue down the rest of the stairs in silence.

Soon the two Sith were standing in a large open chamber. The floor lined with stone bricks similar to the ones above, the room was surprisingly empty given the status of their Sith Lord. Carved pillars held up the ceiling, and the only object that furnished the room was a large stone box in the center. A burial vault?

The top opened then. Something rose from the center of the vault, a small triangular pyramid gleaming red and black. The holocron. It floated above the box, as if taunting the Sith to come and take it.

You have passed two of my tests, the voice said again. But can you pass the final?

The floor underneath Cheriss and Karai’s feet began to rise. It was a circular platform, and both Sith would find themselves facing each other as it came to a stop.

Fight, the voice ordered.

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai listened as Cheriss explained, he almost laughed at how obvious whatever it was speaking to them was being with those statements. He knew they shouldn't really be here and didn't belong, they both didn't. But that wouldn't stop them and no threats would really work.

He spoke. "Seems so. Best we be careful, no knowing what else there is down there,, I don't trust the voices."

As the voices grew, and the presence he felt. The colder air and the chill he heard it again You are strong but how strong? What price will you pay? How far are you willing to go? Karai listened, considering the words. Even as he heard the taunting contained within them he attempted to ignore it. He didn't appreciate having his mind invaded.

He entered into the large open chamber. Noting the lined floor with stone bricks similar to the ones above, the room surprisingly empty. it made him suspicious. And then as he stepped further in he saw the large stone box in the center. And was curious. It was likely a sarcophagus, like back home. A place the body was kept and wrapped in the finery of their life.

He looked as the top opened. And then he saw and felt it. The small triangular pyramid gleaming red and black. The holocron they both were after. He noted how it floated above the box, as if taunting them both. As he heard a faint laughter, daring them to approach it. To take it.

He felt the floor as it rose, and attempted to keep his footing.

Within the platform he recognised what it was...an arena. Facing Cheriss, he heard that voice inside his mind again and grew angry at it. It wanted them to fight for the holocron. But instead, the only despite he had was to disobey the voice. In retaliation of the invasion it had conducted. He was Sith, and he would take what he wanted. He wouldn't be be forced if he could help it into a situation he did not control.

As such he looked at Cheriss and spoke "So what you thinking? I don't really want to fight you...least of all not for this spirit. I say screw him, let's just take it and go. Let's get the holocron and make a way out."

He hoped the Champion was agreeable. They seemed to work better together, and an ally was better than a rival.

As if to make his point, he rushed for the holocron and attempted to grab it by leaping at it with one hand before diving over in case of any trap. From there he looked around, as the floor continued to rise attempting to force them to continue or be squashed completely as spikes came from the ceiling. He knew they would need to be quick.

On one wall there was a air current, a weak point that could be exploited. He motioned to it. "There! Let's work together and make the hole bigger."

He pointed at the right side, and attempted to use the Force to Push it in and make it bigger. A alternative way out to a adjacent emergency exit of some sort. For the workers who built the tomb but was bricked up after.

@Sicadorito