Open Playing With Lightning

[John Q]

Released, John crumpled, legs crossed, shoulders hunched, non-respondent. For a moment, he just sat there stupidly. Then the rolling bottle Draugr had kicked back clanged into his foot. He grabbed the bottle, uncapped it, pouring the alcoholic beverage on his hand wounds to sterilize it. He winced. Then he clumsily removed more shards of hilt-metal from his tendons, dousing the wounds in that Bloody Rancor-esque drink, like some reeking battlefield doctor. The ensuing smell wafted outward in waves of bitter ammonia.

The pain was like being stabbed repeatedly with needles then slashed with knives. But the blood loss was slowing. Focusing only on Sol, he lifted his good hand, and from out his black robes John Q grasped feebly at the man. Sharp pain mixed with hot anger. His open palm became a fist. Beaten, brutalized, abandoned– twice– by the Sith Master who refused to be his master. An overwhelming fatigue, a need to sleep creeped up on him…

But he fought it. Rising up, ruined hand tucked in his sleeve, breathing like a marathon runner, he took a few steps in Sol’s direction. But this time, he stayed silent, and kept his teeth clenched as he looked to the empty sky for release. He was here to learn. To be trained. He would not be denied yet again. Even if it cost him his hand.

@Scoobert @Xorism @Altaris @Sreeya @Nevermourn @Charles @Wit @Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Luwalhati]

The training session seemed to have caught the attention of other Sith, more so the unexpected display of arrogance from Acolyte Q (@Taygood) and the resounding response of violence from Master Draugr (@Scoobert). Lu watched the events unfold quietly on the sidelines, but never straying too far from the Dathomirian's side. If anything Lu felt safer right by the Sith Master, but they knew they would have to follow after Champion Kenuk (@Nevermourn) sooner rather than later as discussions began.

A presence much darker and colder than Master Draugr soon announced itself wordlessly, and Lu tore their gaze off of the fallen John Q to look up at the Dark Lord of the Sith (@Sreeya). Ever remembering their manners taught to them by their late Master, the small Acolyte respectfully dipped their head in greeting, before their attention was summoned back to Champion Kenuk.

Still, now with so many eyes watching (@Charles, @Altaris, @Wit, @Apollyon), Lu felt a little anxious and wanting to withdraw back to their shell. But hadn't they attended this training session out of their own volition? Didn't they value knowledge and learning above their own timidity? Anxiety being slowly devoured by annoyance directed at themself for being a little irrational, Lu turned to where Champion Kenuk now stood, followed by the Echani (@Xorism) who seemed just as eager as Lu to learn.

"Master Draugr," they spoke for the first time, "It's nice to see you again."

Smiling a little at the Sith Master before drawing their gaze back to the two Champions, the Acolyte waited for the lesson to finally begin. Injured as he was, John remained, earning himself a courteous tilt of the head from Lu. The older man might have been a tad foolish to announce his intentions towards Master Draugr, but choosing to stay despite his damaged hand and reputation could be a little admirable, too.

Or so some would like to think.

 

[Sol Kenuk]

Ah, it seemed the scene was over, though blood stained the scorching sands where the Acolyte had fallen. Now, with the class seemingly back under control, and Master Draugr's attention returned to the training lesson itself, Sol was eager to continue. That was until another Zabrak stepped up, approaching Draugr with a near giddy expression. Behind his goggles, the Champion rolls his eyes.

It seemed the day's distractions would never end. Sol had half a mind to bring a wild nexu to the next one. That way, all of the fools who decided to stand around and cause a circus could enjoy the very forefront of the carnage when they got mauled.

Ultimately, he had no authority over Draugr himself, should the Master decide that it was more important to feed the younger Zabrak's ego than it was to do his job. Then there was John, who had managed to find his way back into the lesson, despite the grievous injury to his hand. Sol can only imagine what kind of horrid infection the Acolyte would have to deal with, considering the putrid concoction that he had poured onto the wound. That wasn't Sol's problem, though. Finally, with the next Acolyte's arrival, the Champion was ready to begin.

"Sith Lightning is a concentrated ability in which the dark side is manifested from the finger-tips as a stream of lethal electricity. All of you probably know this." At the very least, he hoped they did. Sith Lightning wasn't exactly obscure. "But the ability itself requires fuel, much like a hungry fire. Almost anything will do, provided the emotion is strong enough. Passion. Hatred. Anger. Jealousy. Think. What memories illicit such powerful emotions within yourself? Do not be obscure. Pick what comes easiest." For Sol, it was hatred. For others, it might be different. Regardless, the emotion itself would need to be raw and explosive, and most of all, powerful.

"Master Draugr, would you like to demonstrate?" The Kel Dor questioned the Zabrak with an air of professionalism. He didn't care if the Dathomirian master targeted Sol himself, or the Acolytes. In Sol's case, he was experienced enough to block. Perhaps Caelian was too. Ultimately, the goal of the lesson was to teach, not kill. Pain would simply be a necessary part of learning. At least the spectators would be entertained if someone got fried.

@Scoobert @Forsythe Crowholde @Taygood @Charles @Xorism

 

[Darth Raze]

Raze caught the various bows and greetings sent his way and he simply gave a curt nod in the general direction of them all. His gaze fixed back on the exchange between Draugr and the acolyte, watching with mild interest until the topic switched to the actual lesson. The Champion asked for a demonstration and the Dark Lord silently observed the first rounds take place. When there was a brief pause, that was when he decided to finally move.

The Dark Lord quietly made his way towards Caelian, his demeanor and gait betraying very little in terms of intent. He came to a pause a few feet across the Echani, surveying the man in silence for a moment before speaking.

“Champion,” The modulated baritone voice stated curtly, “You were reported missing in action following the battle of Onderon. You were last seen being carried away by Jedi. Explain your extended absence,” Raze said simply, patiently waiting for the Champion to answer.

@Xorism

 

[Caelian]

The reprieve was significantly shorter than Caelian had hoped for, the ever lingering presence and watchful eye of the more prominent Sith kept him on edge during the lesson. During a lull in activities, he caught view of Raze approaching (@Sreeya), before standing face to face with the Dark Lord of the Sith himself in silence. To say the Echani was intimidated was a severe understatement, but Caelian attempted to hold himself together regardless.

Onderon. Of course that was what this was about he thought. Caelian intently listened as Raze spoke, as the thoughts of battle returned to him. "Yes, Lord. Myself and Acolyte Wodan found and engaged a pair of Jedi in a saber duel in the midst of battle. One in particular wielding a crimson blade which caught my attention, eventually we were overwhelmed as I'm sure you've read."

He paused for a moment before continuing. "My instincts told me to investigate this strange Jedi, to determine how she acquired this blade and whether I could learn anything useful from her. To that extent I did learn it's origin to be inconsequential, but in doing so revealed the troubled nature of this particular Jedi. I then spent the next day or so gaining her trust in the hope that I could in the future lure her away from the Jedi Order."

Caelian offered the truth but he would have no idea how Raze would respond following the failure on Onderon. "Following that excursion, I was summoned to Dromun Kaas on a Killik related mission to which i attended to promptly. If my failure on Onderon or absence wherein offends your lordship, then I accept the punishment that you choose."

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Raze]

The Dark Lord calmly listened to the Champion explain himself. There was no reaction to any of it, no shift in his posture, no twitch of his fingers, nothing. He stood as a daunting statue, his presence as chilling as ever. However, there was a point when he decided he heard enough. Before Caelian could begin to speak about the Dromund Kaas mission, he would feel a sudden penetration of his mind. He would only be able to blink before the Dark Lord shattered through all his thoughts and ventured deep into his psyche.

Externally the others would see nothing but Caelian’s eyes suddenly rolling backwards while he stood limply. The Dark Lord also didn’t move a muscle, but internally he was rifling through Caelian’s mind as if it were a book for him to page through. He could read every word, see every picture, sense every emotion. He could vividly see through the Champion’s emotions during the time with the Jedi, his sentiments, his doubts, his weaknesses, every last little detail. Through it all, the Champion remained suspended where he was with absolutely no power to do anything about it. He was forced to spectate from the sidelines as Raze tore through his deepest and darkest thoughts.

The entire process only took a minute or so but for Caelian it would feel as if a century passed. A century where he was violated where he thought he had been safe. Where he was most vulnerable. And Raze did it methodically, efficiently and without a shred of remorse. By the time he was done, Caelian would drop to his knees on the ground and suddenly resume control of his own mind.

Raze said nothing for a moment, his visor staring ahead instead of bothering to glance down at the Champion. In truth, the Dark Lord didn’t care about any frivolous fraternization between Sith and Jedi. He didn’t even care if they pursued relationships or other meaningful engagements. As long as it never got in the way of duty. As long as they could slay the other person if duty demanded it. As long as the devotion was to the Order and did not jeopardize it.

“That Jedi is far more likely to inspire you to commit damaging treason and then join the Jedi than you are to ever bring her to the Sith,” Raze stated flatly out loud, “You are weak-willed, aimless, and a liability. Hailee Lightwood is not,” The Dark Lord began to slowly walk around him, but he addressed the rest of the class, his demeanor calm and his baritone carrying over for the acolytes and Champions to hear. It was clear Draugr, a Sith Master, was not being addressed for this.

“What ought to be done with such a Sith?”

They would decide. They would act on it.

@Xorism @Altaris @Nevermourn @Charles @Forsythe Crowholde @Taygood

 

[Ashla Ti]

Ashla had learned from this man, learned what was to be gained from the Jedi, learned what was to be admired. But she had also learned the temptations it offered. She had been made to face her own weaknesses, her own shortcomings, her own temptation. By her own example she knew they could be overcome, they could be defeated.

But that was her, that was with him guiding her down that path. This Champion was not her, he would never be her, and that meant he would never conquer his temptations like she had. Which left but one answer.

"Death," her voice rang clear, "my Lord."

 

[Darth Tempest]

Whatever earlier drama had occurred within the arena, Vahliri had completely forgotten about it. Instead, the half-Annfyn’s gaze followed the Dark Lord as he cut across the arena - amber eyes locking onto the familiar visage of Caelian. She immediately recognized the fellow Champion from Onderon, and even she had caught wind of his mysterious absence in the wake of that failed invasion. It was a topic that the half-Annfyn had a personal investment in - especially after she had bled and risked her own life on the field.

Though she said nothing through the exchange, Vahliri casually crossed her arms over her chest - eyes narrowing ever-so-slightly as she appraised the fellow Sith. She listened to the bit and pieces of his own explanation - up until his body went completely stiff, eyes rolling back into his head. The half-Annfyn’s gaze promptly flicked to Raze, feeling through the Force as the Darkness radiated from the Dark Lord - oppressive and bitterly cold.

Her posture stiffened ever-so-slightly when Raze spoke again - his words cutting through any attempted explanation that Cael attempted to pose. Though she did not know the precise details, the knowledge of his ‘excursion’ with the Jedi, and the Dark Lords own assessment of the man as a liability, was enough for Vahliri to make her decision when a question was posed.

“Weakness had no place within the Sith.” Her voice cut through the arena, cold and frigid with every utterance. “Death, My Lord.” The half-Annfyn had seen her fair share of weak-willed Sith, Caelion’s own involvement with Onderon struck a chord with her personally. She exhaled through her nostrils, yellow-tinted eyes fixating onto Caelion with predatory intent.

“I would ask the opportunity to teach Champion Caelion the price of his failures.” The half-Annfyn’s gaze promptly flicked to Raze, awaiting whatever answer from the Dark Lord.

@Sreeya @Wit @Nevermourn @Xorism @Scoobert @Charles

 

[Sol Kenuk]

He hadn't expected the Dark Lord to stride up and converse with the Champion he had been teaching. Then again, he hadn't expected Darth Raze to be present at all. It had seemed like such a very mundane start to the day, and see how it has crumbled, how ice has frosted upon the desert sands, and shadow had pierced the minds of all that had gathered. Sol can't say that he's disappointed by the interruption. He was most certainly not about to tell the Dark Lord what he could and could not do. It made for pleasant eye candy regardless, and though the Kel'dor probably ought to mind his own business, he can't help but look.

Sol listens to the conversation, his glowing eyes hidden behind his goggles, though it's likely obvious to Darth Raze that everyone was watching. The mentions of a Jedi fill the Champion's mind with curiosity. He, too, had attempted to corrupt a Jedi, though for more ghastly reasons. The weaknesses of that Knight were still so very clear within the Kel'dor's mind, and he fully intended to target them one day, but ultimately, he had slipped the Champion's snares for now. Whether or not Darth Raze believes Caelian, it doesn't matter. Sol doesn't care, would happily burn the other Champion alive if it meant the Kel'dor survived, and thrived, as a result.

Then, the air changes. The hot, desert winds are now like the wintry touch of a blizzard. Caelian was no longer in control of his own body, and what Sol was witnessing... he isn't entirely sure what he feels about it. It was terrifying, powerful, dark, and so very... attractive. The tingle that runs through his body makes the Champion shift quietly on his feet as he continues to observe, until finally, the tormented Sith is lowered back to his feet. A part of Sol is glad he wasn't the one at the brunt of whatever it was the Dark Lord had just done to the other Sith. Now, Darth Raze addressed them.

What should be done with the Sith, who the Dark Lord had so clearly stated was a liability?

Another Champion calls for death. A simple enough response. The Kel'dor agrees, in a sense. If the Champion was a danger, then it was better to discard him before he had a chance to betray the Empire. Sol's certainly not going to argue with Darth Raze's opinion on whether or not Caelian was worth keeping around. As the Togruta speaks up, the Kel'dor follows, though his voice is a sickly drawl as cold as winter's bite, "Let's not be too hasty." Sol suggests with a venomous tongue. "I see an excellent learning opportunity, Lord. Let the Acolytes see just what the full power of Force Lightning can do to those who are a threat to the Sith." A cruel death, but, well, this was a class, wasn't it?

In other words, Sol had made his opinion clear. The Champion should die. Sol just preferred that it be slower than the alternatives.

@Sreeya @Wit @Altaris @Xorism @Scoobert @Charles

 

[Luwalhati]

One event had come and gone, only for another to take its place. Amber gaze was torn from the Kel Dor, summoned by the Dark Lord who questioned the Echani. They were here to learn, yet somehow Lu didn't mind that another round of questioning was taking place. As Darth Raze asked those who were present about which judgement suited Champion Caelian, the Acolyte chose to turn recent events into yet another learning opportunity.

Perhaps both for them and Caelian.

Two Champions, Vahliri Kahtal and Ashla Ti, were quick to offer death to Caelian as judgement. Champion Sol Kenuk, much like what Lu was thinking, suggested to turn the lesson regarding Sith Lightning as an example of what was to be done to those who were a threat to the Sith. However, the statement rang with the same, obvious notes of death.

They didn't know if others, including Master Draugr, would mirror three of the Champions' declaration. Perhaps Lu themself was not the only one who immediately thought of such decree. They spared the Echani in question with a fleeting glance before their gaze shifted firmly over to the Dark Lord's stoic helm. To Lu, death would be too quick a mercy granted to a weak-willed, aimless liability. Perhaps Champion Caelian could be broken then remade, purged of the weaknesses the Dark Lord had mentioned.

"Not death, my Lord," the Acolyte proclaimed, the gentle tones of their voice a stark contrast to the situation unfolding before them. "Not death, but a breaking. If only to teach him what his place in the Empire meant."

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Draugr]

As Draugr had come up, Sol offered the place of demonstration to the Sith Master. A kind gesture from the Champion. One that Draugr would be happy to take up. Looking at the options one obvious choice would be the Acolyte John Q. Though, Draugr had just given him his punishment already, so to double down would be to go against his own word. Something that was important to him. Instead he looked for another candidate.

Then when Raze had come over and began an interrogation on Champion Caelian, Draugr couldn't help but think to himself how this would be a perfect decision right now. When Raze address the fellow Sith asking what should be done it went without say he wasn't intending for Draugr to answer but without speaking he would smirk while looking toward Lord Raze and casually let the electricity flicker between his fingers almost suggesting that he be allowed to make his demonstration on the Champion.

The few Sith began to speak up, Vahl quickly looking for death, as well as Ashla, who Draugr hasn't seen since the rave on Taris. The others who spoke up suggested for him to not die but to receive another form of punishment. For it stood two and two. Should Draugr be allowed to break the tie, he would aim for as much damage done as he could with the lightning, but should Raze decide, he was sure Caelian was as good as dead.

@Sreeya @Wit @Xorism @Nevermourn @Altaris @Forsythe Crowholde

 

[John Q]

John looked at his ruined hand. It oozed red, gooey and twitchy. The pain crashed into him in waves and it took all his willpower not to cry out and become the center of attention again, for he'd likely need a new hand. He looked at Caelian and at Darth Raze, and sensed an opportunity.

“Maim him. Let him endure real agony so that he might be reforged into something worthwhile.”

John wasn’t so bold to state this directly, but he secretly hoped the Dark Lord would, in the course of the punishment, slice off Caelian’s hand. Later, John would retrieve it and graft it in place of his own.

@Sreeya @Wit @Xorism @Nevermourn @Altaris @Forsythe Crowholde @Scoobert

 

[Bel]

Everyone was so eager to kill off Caelian, and it made Bel feel sick. Caelian had proven his worth on Dromund Kaas and was not some liability that one could just kill off. He had skill and he had purpose. Bel would vouch for him if no one else did, even if it meant standing up to Raze. Of course, the Nightbrother would do his best to remain respectful, but if he could avoid Caelian's death, then that would be enough.

"If I may, mi' Lord," Bel said standing next to Draugr. "I agree with Sol Kenuk. Perhaps a demonstration of Force Lightning from the very hands of the Dark Lord ought to whip him into shape." His face and tone were blank, but he was growing more and more anxious inside. "But, maybe, let him live with his mistake so he can make up for his own misery. Death would simply be an easy way out, in my eyes." And with a small inclination of his head, Bel was finished.

@Sreeya @Wit @Xorism @Altaris @Scoobert @Nevermourn @Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Darth Raze]

The Dark Lord listened to the suggestions in silence, drawing insight from how the batch of Sith thought. While they all had their opinions, only one had offered to do it themselves. The rest either made suggestions or asked the Dark Lord to execute on their ideas. This sentiment wouldn’t be lost on the Sith Lord, and suddenly his visor was fixed solely on Vahliri Kahtal.

The Force would suddenly coil around the Acolyte and Champions present. Without warning, they would all be physically skidded back across the sand to allow some distance. Only Vahliri remained where she had been standing. Raze never took his gaze off her as he began to speak. Even then, the grip wasn’t released from the rest.

“If you wish to see justice carried forth, prepare to execute it yourself,” His haunting voice echoed across the gathering. Raze began to look around at the rest of them, “I will not do it for you. Someone else will not do it for you. A true warrior looks the accused in the eye to step up to the challenge of passing fitting judgment.”

Without warning, every acolyte or champion except for Vahliri and Caelian were abruptly forced to kneel where they stood with the Force. The Dark Lord took a few steps back and released his hold on the students then. They would not have the luxury of standing tall for this after they all failed to volunteer themselves.

“Champion Kahtal,” He stated calmly, “You will carry out what you deem to be fitting justice.”

The Dark Lord finally addressed Caelian, “Champion,” He said coolly without looking at him, “You will be permitted to defend yourself. Get on your feet.”

With that, Raze folded his gauntleted arms over his chest, watching again with mild interest. He addressed the rest of the Sith gathered there, “And now we observe.”

@Xorism @Altaris @Forsythe Crowholde @Charles @Taygood @Taygood @Nevermourn @Scoobert @Wit

 

[Sol Kenuk]

Some agree. Others don't. To those who speak that the Champion should be spared, Sol feels only a callous disregard. Should they, too, be at the end of an execution, he would have little issue disregarding their weak souls like trash. The Dark Lord responds harshly, it seems. The force coils around his figure like a snake, thrusts him backward and away as Darth Raze addresses the group with a biting air. He will not execute the Champion, then? He doesn't really have time to feel disappointed before he is forced to kneel. The heat of the sand rises through his robes, and for a moment, he is reminded of his inhospitable homeworld.

What the Dark Lord says next inspires a cold lance of jealousy. Vahliri had been chosen, of the group, to teach Caelian a lesson. He can't help but glare with the cold bite of jealousy that he had not been granted his idea to use the disgraced Champion as a learning opportunity for Sith Lightning. This had, after all, been his class. Why was Vahliri so special? Sol didn't get along with her, and now it seemed their rivalry would only deepen. He had been denied, and she had not. While he kneeled in the sand, deprived of his opportunity to torture Caelian, she would have the glory of ending his life. The Kel'dor would not forget this.

But he won't speak out against the decision. Sol knows better than that. For now, it seemed all he could do was observe.

@Xorism @Altaris @Forsythe Crowholde @Charles @Taygood @Taygood @Scoobert @Wit @Sreeya

 

[Caelian]

How could you describe the feeling of total and complete violation and do it any justice? Perhaps there was no way to do so that would not be so trivial as to understate how vile and shuttering its effects were upon its victim.

An icepick of mental anguish tore Caelian's mind asunder and picked through it like it was just another day in the office. A vulnerability of both mind and body, tormented without pleasure nor remorse, to be disposed of like trash after his assailant had finished inside his conciousness. A once safe place turned into a nightmare, an eternal stygian prison of his own making where no light or peace could find his tortured soul. If there were such a thing as the afterlife, to punish the wicked as some old stories told, Caelian would surely be able to count this experience as time served.

Falling to his knees as the torment ceased, the Echani slumped into the sandy floor for a moment, catching his breath as his brain attempted to comprehend what had actually just happened. Nothing, but everything, made sense all the same. He heard Raze speak of his flaws, his failure followed by several Sith, all but a few condemning him to a traitors' death without hesitation.

Standing to his feet once more, he peered across to stare at his would be assassin. She knew the truth of it and still she betrayed him, that bitch.

Caelian knew that standing around trying to reason with Raze would be a moot point, the man had ordered the Echani's death but wouldn't carry it out himself instead opting to test his junior Sith, but this wasn't just a test for her. Before responding to the Dark Lords accusations, he would need to show his commitment, not just talk about it.

When in doubt, start a fight.

Caelian having already being watching his opponent (@Altaris) took the opportunity to make the first blow, lifting his arm in one fell swoop to discharge the mightiest lightning strike that he could muster, aimed at her chest and with the murderous, malicious intent to burn and peel her flesh for this betrayal. He would also draw his lightsaber hilt with his offhand, igniting it in a flash, ready to defend himself.

Without turning away from his opponent, he simply said, "Lord, respectfully, I am a patriot."

​

@Sreeya @Altaris

 

[Darth Draugr]

Draugr watched on, and took notice to what the decision of the Dark Lord was. Vahliri will be the one to carry out the punishment on her peer. The rest of the class had been forced to kneel. Draugr a tad surprised he was fortunate enough to keep standing. Perhaps Raze had a good image of Draugr. Could be something worth noting there. A mutual respect was built between the two, which was more than most for each Sith.

His focus shifted back to the soon to be gladiator fight. Vahliri versus Caelian. Draugr has known Vahliri on the battlefield and knows exactly how lethal she can be. If he were a betting man he had his money on her to win. Then there was the latter Caelian. He was fairly new to Draugr. It would interesting to see how he fairs in this fight against an opponent as lethal as she. The Sith Master made his way over and stood to the right hand side of Raze. His arms behind his back with the back if his left hand on the palm of his right hand. Eyes set on the Champions.

When Caelian had spoken up and mentioned being a patriot. Draugr couldn't help himself, "Then prove yourself here Champion Caelian. Show us your patriotism and loyalty to the Empire here and now." A deviant smirk on the face of Draugr would arise as he had now been standing in a vip spot to watch a duel to the death. Something about this was quite the sight and many would pay to see it. Instead he was here watching for free. The only thing he was missing was the popcorn and drink.

@Sreeya @Xorism @Altaris @Nevermourn @Wit @Charles @Forsythe Crowholde @Taygood

 

[Darth Tempest]

As Vahliri stepped forward - volunteering to pass judgment upon the accused - her gaze never lowered from Raze. Amber eyes lingered on the infamous, crimson visor of the Dark Lord of the SIth - even as she heard the suggestions spoken by her colleagues on what was to be done with Caelion. Her posture straightened ever-so-slightly when Raze turned to address her directly, feeling the oppressive gaze of the Dark Lord bearing down upon her and only her - uncomfortable uncertainty shrouding whether the Darth was going to strike or not.

The half-Annfyn didn’t move a single muscle, though she clearly felt as the Darkness surged forth from Raze - coiling around her colleagues and sending them bodily backwards from the arena. Her gaze still remained fixed onto Raze, listening intently to every word - a lesson spoken and immediately taken to heart by the half-Annfyn. It was confirmation of her own desire to see justice done herself, rather than simply demanding it from the sidelines.She watched from the corners of her vision as every other Champion and Acolyte was brought to their knees. Vahliri paid it no mind - every ounce of her focus and attention consumed by the simple command and charge issued by Raze.

It was only then that Vahliri turned her attention back to Caelian - almond-shaped eyes narrowing into harsh, molten daggers.

Whatever friendliness had existed on the party yacht was gone completely from the half-Annfyn. Nothing in the past mattered or rose above the duty before her. The Dark Lord had declared the Champion weak willed and a liability to his colleagues - and that was all Vahliri needed to hear. Weakness had no place within the Sith. No place within her own vision for the Empire or the changes she longed to bring forth. Regardless of outcome, it was a lesson that all present would bear witness to, and eclipsed the importance of whatever the Kel’dor had planned prior to that point.

Without a single word, Vahliri summoned the curved hilt of her lightsaber with the Force - allowing the blade to snap into her right hand. Crimson plasma hissed to life a split-second later - illuminating the half-Annfyn’s dark robes in its sinister, blood-red glow. Her blade flourished, and Vahliri took a single step forward to close the distance between them.

It was as far as the half-Annfyn went before Caelian struck first - unleashing a barrage of vicious lightning against her. Vahliri’s eyes narrowed further as her saber vertical in front of her body - crimson plasma pointing to meet the current of Force-embued electricity. It crackled and hissed violently against the half-Annfyn’s blade - forcing her saber to tilt ever-so-slightly backwards as energy was absorbed by her blade. Vahliri felt the heat that radiated from it, fully aware that the slightest mistake carried the potential of lethal consequences. Vahliri maintained her defensive guard, positioning to absorb the Lightning for as long as Caelian chose to deplete his own energies.

At the same time, Vahliri’s left hand extended outward - the Force flowing from her fingertips in an attempt to coil around the Sith Champion - talons of the Darkness tightening and constricting around Caelion’s upper torso and ribcage. She used her grip to pull him forward, aiming closing the distance between them.

“It shall be done, My Lord.” Vahliri’s voice echoed across the arena to address Raze, though her gaze never broke away from her opponent - murderous and predatory intent burning behind her eyes.

@Sreeya @Scoobert @Xorism @Wit @Nevermourn @Taygood @GABA @Mr. Teatime

 

[Kanaloa Tau]

If Kanaloa had intended to fully join the lightning lesson, one could say he was late. In truth though he'd just wandered toward it to watch after an academy archive thing finished. Frankly, he was a bit annoyed, actually. Apparently, Darth Raze had been in a different part of the archives during the closed-off class session and Kane'd completely missed him. His disappointment was immeasurable and his day was ruined.

Up he climbed one of the outer walls of the ruin, feeling oddly uneasy and unusually cold. Naturally, he had his light Wrean bodysuit on under his tunic and such but still, Korriban was usually hot as all hell. What could be cold enough to give a Wrean shivers down his spine? It was almost like the place was haunted by spirits of the dead and damned.

When he hopped down over the wall, there was a lot to take in. First thing, he was getting a weird vibe from the Kel'dor (@Nevermourn ) that he didn't want to look too closely at. Second, there was Raze (@Sreeya ) just standing there, menacingly, as he does. Draugr (@Altaris ) was there as well, and a man he didn't recognize (@Taygood )- who smelled of rot, alcohol, and impending gastrointestinal distress even from the walls- with a shattered hand. Kane seemed to arrive just in time for voting amidst the group he didn't know the reason for.

Luckily, Raze provided some convenient context. Kanaloa completely suppressed a sudden urge to laugh. Not because it was funny, exactly, no. Because he heard and agreed with every word the Dark Lord said. A Sith must have the will to command their own fate and the fates of others, by one means or another.

The Willmarked Wrean hopped down from the stone wall and walked toward the group, stopping a little behind where others had been telekinetically moved to. The white-haired one struck first, appropriately, with lightning. Vahliri responded with defense and a telekinetic counter. Amber-gold eyes intensely observed the two Champions, hawklike and sharp. Today he would learn well.

 

[John Q]

John bit his tongue as the Dark Lord pushed and kneeled him away like a bendable toy soldier. This “Darth Raze” was just lucky he had lost a lot of blood. John was dizzy and pale, slipping away. Draugr. The name stuck in the ground like a spear to steady himself. He needed a teacher. One more powerful than even Draugr if he meant to defeat the man. No no, not defeat– he would erase Draugr– drop his corpse in an active volcano. If one could not be found on Korriban then he would make one.

If only he could take out a blaster, hidden in his pocket, shoot him in the back. But John had no blaster. Pretending to be entranced by the fight, he surreptitiously scanned the crowd for anyone holstering a weapon. Stifling hiccups, he nodded at the new arrival @Mr. Teatime, as if he were some stealthy conspirator whose lateness was duly planned, an accomplice that was "in cahoots" with John in some infernal scheme or long con.

The lightning flowed. Perhaps it could cauterize his wound? John was not a medicine man, but he had heard of aliens capable of sustaining themselves by feeding on the blood of the living. Perhaps he could transfer the blood of the vanquished to his body. One of the shards still stuck in his hand could sever an artery. He could collect the blood in his bottle. Licking his molars, he smiled and he waited.

@Sreeya @Scoobert @Xorism @Wit @Nevermourn @Taygood @GABA @Mr. Teatime @Altaris