Ask Ghosts of the Past

[Cheriss Ktrame]

Where the other forms had been more technique based, Cheriss soon found out that Juyo was different. Instead of focusing on tight movements of the blade, acrobatics, or powerful swings, Form VII drew its strength from the dark side rather than pure muscle. Arguably, that made this one easier to learn… but harder to master.

Already, Cheriss could feel the energy flowing back into her as Kas’im further drilled the two Sith on the state of mind and the motions of the form. Anything that involved the Force interested Cheriss, and incorporating it so heavily into lightsaber dueling was something she’d never even considered before. It was unpredictable and powerful, just what she was looking for.

Upper cuts, downward strikes, and horizontal slashes were made much easier when they were driven by the dark side, and that burning fire within her grew ever higher. Cheriss almost wanted to laugh. She’d been missing out on this for so long. What would her former master say now?

“Karai,” she found herself saying out loud, “we have to try this out sometime.”

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai smiled throughout the exercise, a fact probably noted by the one opposite him. This form enthralled him, and he found it a match. While most would find it difficult even at this stage, he found a natural rhythm, as the Dark Side pulsed within his very blood, allowing it to come to him far easier than most Sith. It was symbiotic. His own fire was alight and alive, ignited by the form.

He continued the movements, practicing as much as he could, even as he was growing restless, he would not falter now.

He needed it and it needed him. Or so that's how he saw it. He equalled her own fire as he felt it. It appeared he wasn't the only one to benefit from the form. As she spoke aloud, he agreed.

"Yes we shall, I think I found a form I like. And it likes me...this is what I wanted. What about you? You enjoy it as much?"

@Sicadorito

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

From how brightly Karai’s eyes shone as she looked over at him, Cheriss could tell that he felt the same way about Juyo as she did. That was good— today had been productive. As the holographic image of Kas’im disappeared again, this time finished with today’s lesson, she knew that the Gatekeeper had left them with considerably more knowledge than when they’d first walked in.

As he expressed his appreciation for the form, Cheriss smiled before she nodded at Karai’s question. “It’s what I’ve been looking for, too,” she replied. “I enjoyed it more than I expected.” Most of the books and holocrons she’d collected were about ways to harness the Force and the dark side, but so far none of them had implemented anything into lightsaber combat. From just a short lesson with Kas’im, Form VII seemed to tie it all together.

However, she knew that she and Karai would each find their own version of the form as they continued to practice. While the basics that they’d learned today were the same, they would each develop their own styles in time to fit their own abilities. That was something for later, though. There was something else she remembered about Kas’im.

“They say that this holocron also contains information on how to build a double-bladed lightsaber, don’t they?” Cheriss looked down at the little device on the floor. “We’ll have to get the materials.” She glanced at Karai. “Shall we do that and come back?”

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai smiled back equally, it seemed they both agreed upon this particular form. Finding it suited their temperaments and style. As Kas'im disappeared he contemplated what might be next and what other knowledge they might glean from the holocron. So far it had provided some interesting insights he found valuable. Knowledge was power afterall. Especially to a Sith where it could lead to unimaginable strength as he had heard his king was capable of.

He aspired to reach such heights someday.

But he knew it took time and effort, and he was starting t notice there's was a cost to what he wanted. For now though he focused up in what Cheriss said, considering her words carefully. He saw no harm in using this moment to find what was needed. Although now he wished he had picked up a fang or something from the jungle to use. Perhaps they could find somewhere similar to pick something up as they found the parts needed.

He nodded.

"He did. Sure we can do that, see if a double or single works for me. I'm curious as to how it will take."

@Sicadorito

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

For a holocron that was all about lightsabers, Cheriss probably should have recognized the convenience of bringing the materials earlier. Kyber crystals were somewhat annoying to come by— especially when the better ones came from the lightsabers of Jedi. They could always go to synth-crystals too, but those weren’t as exciting.

Still, they had to start somewhere. Once Karai expressed his agreement, Cheriss would pick up the holocron and start on their way back to the ship. The exterior of the building was exactly how it was when they’d come in, though it was even darker now that the sun had set.

Despite it being nighttime outside, Cheriss was feeling more awake and alive than ever. While she probably wouldn’t make her lightsaber in front of Karai for the sake of privacy, she was surprised to feel that she had a positive opinion of this acolyte. Despite the ever-present danger that he might turn on her, her gut told her that he probably wouldn’t do it anytime soon.

“When we master what Kas’im has to teach us,” she said as the ramp began to lower once again, “the galaxy will have another force to reckon with.” She smiled at Karai, giving him a pat on the back before the two Sith made their way into the ship.

/Exit

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai knew making a new lightsaber would not be easy, especially when they lacked enough cyber crystals and they were so rare. It would require tracking some down,which wouldn't be easy and the trying to secure them from whoever had it. He preferred the more natural method of bleeding rather than a synth-crystal. He found the process allowed a stronger bond, a deeper connection to the Dark Side. Which is what every Sith strived for.

As they made the way back to the ship, he contemplated the potential future with Cheriss. Here he had made an ally of her, a fact he hoped would remain after despite whatever happened to them as they became stronger and better Sith. A unique bond was formed here and he hoped to preserve it, an alliance he could work with.

There was A danger yes in getting too close, but for now the gamble had paid off and he was willing to place his best on the alliance. As she gave a pat on the back, he looked briefly outwards as Cheriss spoke. He smiled as he considered it, it was true. They were a formidable pairing. And so he spoke as they departed.

"Yes it shall. Our enemies will tremble before us as we spread our influence, and the galaxy will bow before the Sith...they will know my pain."

/ThreadEnd

@Sicadorito