Ask Ghosts of the Past

[Cheriss Ktrame]

Fight? Cheriss looked at Karai. Karai looked at her. What were all those trials about unity for if they were just supposed to fight each other at the end? If anything, Kas’im was rather inconsistent about his beliefs. She didn’t appreciate having to expose herself to some ancient Sith lord either, even if it was only in her head.

So she was of the same mind as the acolyte when he offered to just steal the holocron instead. Maybe it was true that former thieves and street rats thought alike. So did great minds.

“Screw him it is.” She gave the acolyte a quick smile before she dove off the platform after him. Kas’im, unsurprisingly, didn’t seem to be too happy about the whole situation since the whole room began closing in on them from all sides. He even had spikes in the ceiling, and that meant they would have to get out of here fast or risk a painful death.

As Karai had put it earlier, neither of them had the intention of being just another jungle stain.

Cheriss saw the hole in the wall the same time that Karai did, and she would work with him to use the Force and break the wall further. Fortunately, it would cave in enough for the two Sith to get inside before the room squeezed shut. The path forward was not easier, however, as the ceiling above them began to collapse almost as soon as they stepped inside.

“Run!” was the only thing Cheriss would say before she followed her own advice, covering her head with one hand and sprinting through the halls to whatever potential exit lay ahead.

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai looked almost expectantly at Cheriss, hoping he didn't have to fight her...not that he wouldn't if he forced or that she was of greater skill but simply because he saw it as a waste. And the tests we ere hardly consistent,it made him more annoyed and angry at Kas'im for constantly changing what he believed or not holding true to them at all. Such hypocrisy. He could see now why Bane left him and destroyed that order.

At least his believes were consistent.

As Cheriss made the hole bigger, and the two were forced to run with him carrying the holocron, he noted the ceiling and everything else collapsing around them. The spirit of Kas'im was evidently not pleased as to the choice they made. Just like most spirit is when they got robbed. But Karai felt this was necessary this time. Running, he heard something behind them and if they were to look around would find a large boulder coming after them. he took a peak And shouted ran.

"Keep going! Big boulder behind us! I don't think he wants us to leave just yet!"

And so Karai went as fast as his legs would, sprinting down the hall with Cheriss just in time to see the boulder smash into the wall as he dived out the way. He was relieved that was the boulder and not them. Cautiously he looked around and saw daylight further along but something seemed off about the hallway ahead. He throw a stone, and was proven right as the movement made several traps in a gauntlet spring up, forcing the two to time it right to make it through with a mixture of timing and speed.

Carefully, Karai attempted to navigate it, while the voice returned to mock them and taunt. Louder than before and angry in both minds simultaneously.

You think you can still from me. I am Kas'im! I am your doom! You will both perish as I grind your bones, your blood will decorate my tomb for years to come.

Karai ignored it as he attempted to time it right, waiting for the pattern. It reminded him of some tombs back on Korriban, with complex traps built into them to stop intruders from getting in or thieves getting out. Or so was the aim with not every trap being as effective as the last. Such was the case with this tomb

@Sicadorito

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

Cheriss didn’t need to be told twice to run. She too heard the boulder behind them, though she didn’t bother to turn around and see what it looked like. For all she knew it might have the face of Kas’im carved on it, but it didn’t change the fact that it was going to crush both of them if they didn’t move out of the way.

There wasn’t much respite after the giant rock slammed into the wall, though. The swinging obstacles required perfect timing, and it wouldn’t be too difficult if not for the annoying voice in her head fantasizing over their doom.

I am Kas'im! Cheriss stepped to the right of a swinging mace. Gee, I didn’t know that.

I am your doom! The Sith rolled underneath a spiked stone cylinder. We were the ones who got your holocron.

You will both perish as I grind your bones. The champion jumped through right as there was an opening between the jaws of the floor and the ceiling. As if you're not dead already.

Your blood will decorate my tomb for years to come. Cheriss had had enough. Extending her arms as she reached the final obstacle, she ripped what was supposed to be some kind of grinder apart with the Force. That would leave the way clear for both her and Karai, at least for now.

Ahead of them was a narrow hall covered in bones. Whether it was an illusion or not, Cheriss pressed on. Suddenly though, the floor ahead of them collapsed into a deep pit below. It was definitely impossible to go around and too wide to jump across, unless…

“Use the Force!” She glanced at Karai, beckoning for him to go first. If he decided to jump, she would be able to give him an extra push. Similarly for her, he would be able to pull her across at the end.

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

With each obstacle, Karai grew in confidence as he let his body and legs do the work, gripping tight the holocron. He wasn't about to lore their prize. Not after all they had gone through to get it. And so he ignored the threats and taunts instead focusing on getting out. As he allowed the Dark Side to be his guide, to lead him from the tomb.

Avoiding a similar mace, then floor full of spikes, rolling ahead, Karai also came across the chasm.

The hole looked deep and fatal. And so he looked ahead, then to Cheriss as she spoke. Nodding as he focused himself, and upon the Dark Side to empower his legs to jump. He stepped back before taking the leap, securing the holocron in the bag across his shoulder, hoping Cheriss didn't drop him down the hole as he attempted to use the Force to Jump across and rely upon her to send him the rest of the way. He would once across pull her as best he could when she jumped. They started as a team and he was determined to end it the same way.

Once across he would shout out "Your turn!" he really wanted out of this place, especially with the angered spirit on their heels.

@Sicadorito

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

As Karai made the jump, Cheriss would give him an extra Force boost at the end so that he was able to reach the other side. She was glad to see that both he and the holocron were over, but then she realized she had a little dilemma here. A loose end on her part that she’d overlooked in the heat of the moment.

Cheriss had never put herself in this position before where she had to trust someone else to this extent, but with the way things had turned out Karai was her only option now. He had the holocron, and technically, he could just run out and leave her behind. She knew plenty of beings that would. Even more Sith that would.

But Karai didn’t.

Much to her surprise, her companion had actually turned around and offered his help. With no other option except to either face potential death from spirit or potential death from jumping, Cheriss made the leap.

She could see light at the end of the hall here, and they probably just needed to get out of this place to get back into the tomb entrance or even the jungle itself. It was so close that she could taste it. She only needed Karai to give her that little pull.

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai waited patiently, part of him wondering if he should just leave her, the voices trying to coerce him into it too. But he ignored it. No, he saw value before him in Cheriss, an ally for the future, at least for now. Way he saw it earning her respect and loyalty served a greater purpose. He needed them to insulate himself from possible threats while he built a powerbase, while he rose among the Sith.

He also found on the street that loyalty and respect yielded greater results. Stabbing people in the back had its uses but not all the time, it created rivals more times than it did solve a problem.

And so as Cheriss leapt he acted waiting until she was halfway before using the Force to assist as best he could at his current level to Pull her the rest of the way. Hopefully all the way if not grab the edge in which case he would assist again. He could feel freedom was near but so was the spirit and he was trying to stop them further by attempting to bring the ceiling again and shut the way ahead with some skeleton warriors wearing distinctive royal armour. His former bodyguards buried with him brought back by the arcane power within the tomb wrought from Kas'im and his rage at the two trying to steal from him.

They were deadly and trained, but a little clumsy due to their undeath state.

Karai heard them, briefly looking he called out "We got some more company. Skeletons ahead!"

@Sicadorito

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

Karai didn’t let her down, and Cheriss was able to make it to the other side without much issue. She gave him a quick nod of appreciation as she dusted herself off and got back up to her feet, but it appeared that they weren’t able to get out just yet.

Skeleton warriors had formed out of the bones strewn ahead of them, and there were so many that they practically blocked out the light. Any lesser beings might have balked or tried to run, but they were Sith. And Sith did not run.

Cheriss would take out her lightsaber again, igniting it as Karai called out.

“If some old bones are all Kas’im has to throw at us, it’ll be no problem,” she responded. With that, she would begin to cleave at the skeletons as they approached. But almost as soon as they were cut up, they started to reform again.

Cheriss had no intention of being pushed back toward the hole, however. As soon as the next one got to her, she would step aside and shove the skeleton into the hole instead. If it reformed down there, well, she couldn’t care less.

“This might take a while, but if we can get them all into that hole, we should be able to get out.” She wouldn’t have much time before the next one was on her, though, and she sliced off the tip of the spear of one just before she pushed that one in too.

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Seeing success Karai looked to the skeletal warriors that now approached them. About five of them spread out evenly, brandishing shields, swords and at least two with a spear. And yet he did not run remembering what he had already been taught at the Academy. That a Sith doesn't run from a challenge, they use it to strengthen themselves. And so he stood his ground, lightsaber at the ready.

Karai listened as Cheriss seemed to almost try and taunt fate.

As two skeletons went towards him, hearing her speak of throwing them into the hole, Karai agreed. They would be hard pressed to reform at the bottom of the pit and climb back up. It was the logical chouce. As such he ducked below a spear before deflecting a sword and breaking a shield to his left, following up with use of the Force as he attempted to Push them into the hole they had just leapt over.

He saw as Cheriss dispatched her own to the chasm, impressed somewhat by her skill. Again Karai confronted the next pair, sweeping a leg as he called out "Head forwards! I'll try send a wall of earth, should push them in."

Attempting to move towards the exit, he jumped over deflecting another spear as he did.

From there he continued to parry as he waited for Cheriss before using the Force to attempt Terrakenesis to raise and send a wall of earth that would hopefully shove the undead skeletons into the abyss.

@Sicadorito

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

As another skeleton warrior swung its shield at her face, Cheriss blocked it with her lightsaber and kicked its legs out from underneath it instead. One of its companions tried jabbing its spear at her at the same time, and a Force pull with her free hand was enough to send it into the pit. She glanced over at Karai, seeing that he seemed to be taking care of himself well enough.

She realized, however, that they wouldn’t be able to keep this up much longer. There were dozens of skeletons constantly attacking and reforming, and the physical space that they took up was already pushing them back. If there were any more, they’d likely fall into the hole that they had so narrowly escaped.

So, when Karai proposed for her to go forward so that he could use his terrakinesis skills, Cheriss gave him a quick nod. She had trusted in his abilities, and she hoped that he would not let her down now.

With that, she pushed forward. With a little help from the Force, she slashed at any incoming weapons or skeletons, slowly but surely moving forward. Hopefully Karai would be able to send these skeletons into the abyss soon, because more of them were surrounding the Sith by the second. “Anytime now!”

The prospect of becoming a jungle stain seemed ever more realistic as the skeletons closed in.

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai waited, admiring his new allies skill even as he attempted to keep several skeletons back of his own, ending them, only for them to merge back together in some way. It was frustrating a bit. Pushing them towards the gathering crowd, he saw Cheriss take down more of her own before acting.

As she called out, he nodded before focusing. The Force allowing him to attempt to use Terrakenesis and use the very ground beneath them. Lifting it into a makeshift wall that would move forwards st speed, one Cheriss could jump over while it pushed the skeletal warriors into the pit below with nowhere to retreat too. Or so he hoped as he sent the earth wall forwards.

On his side it was now clear, so he waited for Cheriss again before he would make a break for the light source.

He called out "It's clear on this side! Let's get out before more trouble shows up."

@Sicadorito

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

Soon enough, Cheriss could feel the ground beneath her feet begin to shake as Karai harnessed the power of the Force. She looked up to see the wave of earth coming her way, and she jumped over it as it swept the skeletons and the bones away from underneath her. When she looked behind her, the corridor had nearly been emptied out, save for a few small bones here and there that hadn’t yet managed to reform or simply got stuck to the ground.

Before she could congratulate him on his work, though, Karai was already on his way out. He wasn’t one to dawdle— that she could appreciate. Following him out toward the light source, the two Sith would soon find themselves back in the jungle, finally free from the clutches of Kas’im’s angry spirit. At least she hoped so.

Now, there was just one slight problem in Cheriss’ eyes. Karai had the holocron, and not her. He had earned her trust today, but it didn’t necessarily mean that he would keep it. He had lived on the street and so had she. They both knew that honor ran thin.

“That was good work back there,” Cheriss said, tilting her head slightly to meet Karai’s gaze. There was no lie in what she said. “But how do we plan to secure this holocron?” Her expression was emotionless.

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai was relieved to see his manoeuvre had been successful in knocking the majority of the skeleton adversaries into the abyss. Eliciting a short sigh of relief, skeletons were not exactly in his usual wheelhouse. I helped he didn't encounter more. Once in the clear he waited for Cheriss to join him before exiting.

Back in the jungle they got out as the last door slammed shut, almost threatening to take them with it.

In he open and out of the tomb, Karai was relieved but also now cautious. He knew his was where some would choose to turn on each other, and stab each other in a back for the prize. He wondered would Cheriss do that to him? So far they and been able trust each other but how long would it last, could they continue it and allow it to go both ways, how far could they trust each other?

And yet there was something. While honour was fleeting to some, and loyalty to him it was everything. Perhaps they could make an arrangement. He spoke, as She stood emotionless and he considered what to do next. He decided to take a gamble on what had been established already.

"You too Cheriss." he continued "I suppose we just have to trust each other. I'm willing to take a gamble and unlock it together if you are. If you want you can have it first, you are after all my superior." he said "I know the Sith are not trusting naturally...but perhaps we can find a way. We worked well enough together already, and I have no wish to stab you in the back. Not when we do work so well. What do you say to taking a chance? A risk to be sure, but isn't everything we do a risk?"

@Sicadorito

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

"I suppose we just have to trust each other.” It was a funny thing to hear. The belief in others was sorely lacking among the Sith for better or worse in the long run, though in Cheriss’ case being cautious about her allies had served to benefit her more than it didn’t. However, as Karai continued in his speech, she did have to acknowledge that he made some good points. And he’d offered her the holocron.

That had to mean something.

Just to be safe, however, Cheriss accepted the holocron when he offered it to her. With the object now in her possession, she finally allowed herself a small smile and gave him a nod at his last statement.

“It is a risk,” she agreed, tucking the holocron into her cloak, “but it is better to avoid those when you can.” With that, she pulled out her map again, this time to display the way back to their ship. Before she started moving, though, Cheriss looked at Karai. She paused for a moment, internally debating on whether or not she should ask him.

The rational part of her said no. Words meant nothing, and Sith were treacherous by nature. Kas’im himself had proven that. However… Karai had proven today that he was no ordinary Sith. Where he could have left her he had decided to stay. He’d given to her what could have been his prize at the end. It might have been a foolish move on some other day, and maybe it was Cheriss who was getting soft, but she had to admit that she had taken a liking to this young man. He had promise and Sith did not throw such opportunities away. Cheriss made up her mind.

“Would you like to accompany me in opening the holocron?” She had never opened one in the presence of others, let alone someone she had just met. However, like he said, everything in the life of a Sith was a risk, and she had a feeling that this would be one worth taking.

Hopefully he didn’t make her regret it.

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai agreed with the sentiment, they would have to trust each other. As fleeting or for as long as it would be, however he did hope it lasted unlike some alliances among the Sith. Where allies turned into a rival as had been the history of many Sith both ancient and modern. Yes he saw it as necessary occasionally, a culling of the weak and yet he didn't see a need for it all the time. Not when the strongest together could become even stronger if used properly.

He listened as Cheriss noted it was a risk, such as the one he was taking by giving away the prize. And he knew most of the time it was best to avoid such risks...but at the moment he saw it as worth it. And as a way to build some more trust between them, by entrusting something they both valued in her more experienced hands.

Although part of him was tempted to keep it, he knew it did little to serve his purpose even as he knew treachery was part of the Sith. But he saw no need for such treachery with Cheriss. In her he saw the potential of an ally just as he hoped she saw something in him. Something different that separated him from others. Something that made him useful.

As Cheriss inquired if Karai wanted to join her in opening the holocron, he nodded. Knowing his words had in some way gotten through. And he had proven worthy of some further trust. "It would be an honour." he said "Any secrets we learn will remain between us." he stated, reiterating the fact he would genuinely abide by whatever rules they put in place and keep whatever he saw to himself. At least for now.


And so he followed, excited at the prospect and yet cautious. Of both the holocron gatekeeper and Cheriss just in case she decided to change her mind. He knew enough in his short time so far to notice some Sith were unpredictable.

@Sicadorito

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

An honor, he called it. Cheriss could appreciate that along with his promise to keep the knowledge secret and safe. So she gave Karai a small nod back, even if the best person to keep a secret was a dead man. The acolyte had proven that he deserved to be above that level, at least.

“Very good.”

Soon enough, and perhaps after another rainstorm or two, the Sith would be back at the ship. Once Cheriss took off her cloak, put the holocron somewhere safe, and the pair were back in their seats, she would set a course for their next destination. The knowledge of Kas’im would have to wait just a little longer before it could be given to the two Sith.

In the meantime, Cheriss went to the back to get something to drink. The tomb had made her thirsty.

“Coffee?” She glanced back into the cockpit or wherever Karai was.

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai knew all too well that a dead man was the best to tell no secrets, however he hoped he had proven he was trusted a bit more than that. It appeared that was the case as he cautiously followed to the ship before entering, offering a glance around just in case it was some kind of trap. A Sith could never be too careful even under pleasant circumstances.

It would be a while yet before they were totally in the clear and so Karai joined Cheris s in the back, taking a seat as to not get in her way. His huge size making him have to duck a free times to avoid bumping his head. As Cheriss offered something called coffee, he wondered what it was. Until he noticed Cheriss appeared to be doing something with a hot pot and some type of bean.

"I can't say I have ever tried it, but I will give it a go. Looks like the teas we have back on Korriban." he considered "So what is your story? If you don't mind me asking, I won't pry if that's what you want. But you do strike me as someone who knows the streets as well as I do...I recognised some of those skills in the tomb."

@Sicadorito

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

As she broke away from the coffee machine to get the cups, Cheriss glanced back at Karai in surprise when he spoke. She knew that he was new to the Sith Order, but to coffee? His life must have been extraordinarily different back on Korriban. Cheriss considered asking him if he wanted milk and sugar as she poured the coffee but then remembered she didn’t have any.

“Well then, I hope you like your tea bitter,” she commented as she handed him a cup before pouring her own. Grabbing her cup, the Sith took a seat and paused for a moment before answering his other question that stemmed from what he’d seen in the tomb. The young man was observant, she would give him that. Cheriss angled her gaze up to meet his.

“I’m glad it wasn’t the accent that told you,” she said with a small smile before taking a sip of her drink. It had taken her quite some time and effort to cleanse herself of the so-called street language. Even now it slipped through sometimes. “I’m from Corellia. Coronet City. You’re right that I know the streets— a little too well for my liking.” Cheriss’ gaze darkened at that, but it was only for a brief moment. The look was gone as soon as she looked back up from her coffee.

“The skills are useful, though,” she admitted. It wasn't much of a story, but she wasn’t about to tell her whole life to anyone, let alone a Sith who she barely knew. Cheriss met her partner’s gaze again.

“How about you, Karai? Where are you from? I know you have a life outside the Academy.” A faint smile played on her lips.

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

As Cheriss looked with surprise at Karai over his coffee comment, he couldn't help but notice. If only she knew just how different his life had been, how lucky he would have been to even see coffee or any item of luxury on the streets as he was raised. How he fought for every item most part he had, clawing g his way out of the gutter to survive. Far from what some would call a civilised life. His had been a cycle of survival, where the weak were preyed on by the strong in a constant battle.

He chuckled about the comment of bitter tea. He could manage, so long as it wasn't too bitter although he had probably drunk worse. He returned the small smile, as he listened with interest between sips. Finding it was as bitter as she said, but manageable. He continued to listen in response to her comment at knowing the streets a little too well, the feeling was mutual. He noted the darkening of her gaze. It was clearly a sore subject so he didn't press it.

As she questioned his upbringing, he debated just how much to tell her.

He likewise wasn't about to reveal everything, although he had the added dilemma of being unable to reveal a exact location due to the secrecy surrounding the city of Ur. He didn't need trouble. He met her gaze, his pale yellow eyes were unable to discern just what he was thinking until he said it "I believe that feeling is mutual, I too know the streets more than I may have wanted. It was where I was raised."

He said "I am from Korriban, as to an exact location, I can't really tell you, I'm sorry to say. Even if I wanted to...the city I come from is considered holy by and a very guarded secret by my people. The king wishes it to remain that way. I wish I could tell you though, it is quite a sight."

He knew that was likely a surprise, but it was the genuine truth. "It is true though, I have a life outside of the Academy. I love to carve from wood and sing. I enjoy dance and am learning about the galaxy as I go. If you want I could make a carving. What about you? Any interesting hobbies."

@Sicadorito

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

Karai’s statement that he had been raised on the streets wasn’t a surprise to Cheriss. He had the skills for it, and she did recognize them even if he was from a different planet. Normally she was suspicious of former street dwellers like them, but Karai didn’t seem to be that type. Not like one of the ones she had burned.

His hesitation to tell her what city he was from did make her curious, though. She had heard some news about the king in Korriban, but a holy and secret city? That was interesting. He said it was quite a sight too, which she was sure he would be right on.

“I would imagine. It’s not every day I meet someone from a secret city.” Cheriss lifted her cup to her lips to take another sip. While she wasn’t too interested in the architecture or sightseeing, she wondered what kind of knowledge the city held. The Sith species were born with a connection to the dark side, and surely they would have something in their sacred city that could help to strengthen hers. Maybe she would have to look into it someday.

As Karai elaborated on some of his favorite activities of wood carving, singing, and dancing, Cheriss looked at him again. Those were genuine hobbies, and it almost made her question herself when he asked the same back.

“None like yours, I’m afraid,” Cheriss confessed. “If I do have a day off I spend it reading, studying, or watching over… my people.” Observing a mad scientist experiment on AMS victims and listening to screams as her partner flayed people alive weren’t hobbies at all, but it was pretty much all she did in her free time. Maybe she was spending too much time with Kayden.

“Anyway, what kind of things do you like to carve? Mini figurines, furniture?” She could appreciate a good craftsman.

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai listened with a genuine fascination and curiosity as he took a sip or two. It wasn't bad he considered. He found a somewhat comfort in knowing Cheriss was from the streets, and so knew the dangers and challenges perhaps in a way he had faced to reach where he currently was. And he knew he probably wasn't entirely what was expected, but such was how he was. He defied expectations and did things his own way.

He chuckled at her city comment as he spoke "I suppose so. Perhaps someday he might change his mind, but until then I must keep the secret, or risk losing my head. I am rather attached to it though." he joked a little, although curious as to if we had any similar cities upon her own world. Places few were allowed in or to see. As he mentioned his hobbies and Cheriss mentioned what she lied to do. Karai found himself both interested and somewhat sad for her. That she didn't appear to take the time to enjoy life, short as it was.

To constantly study and watch others was good yes but to truly enjoy life as a Sith and a person, passions beyond he obvious needed to be found and explored.

Reading was a good start though.

He considered an answer "Definitely more figurines. Usually those I like, or depictions of those I admire. I could perhaps make you one if you wanted." he considered "Seems like your quite the bookworm as some might say though" he chuckled a bit "Is there anything you like to do? to enjoy life a bit more? Not that reading or studying and observing people are not good...but I can imagine it gets a bit lonely sometimes. They do say a Sith must embrace our passions and life is too short in our line of work to not enjoy the little things I think."

An idea sprung to mind, although he wasn't sure how up for it she would be, there was only one way to find out "Perhaps we can find out what you like to do, and your with just the guy to help out and discover some things." he smiled and gave a slight joking wink "We can start right now if you want, all I need is something to play music. It's a situation with no bad outcome I think. You get to see if one of my passions and to see if singing is your thing or something." he smiled. "But only if you want too. Don't worry I'm not that bad." he joked.

@Sicadorito