Secret Meetings!

[Krajin]

Kade had left the site of Fondor and gone into hiding for a time after that. A few weeks had passed and he'd been in hiding on Corellia. Of course he knew he had to meet Ark sooner or Later, going back to the Jedi with that was.. well not good. Kade had cleared out an illegal poachers camp before moving on, his ship's long range scanners noting an Imperial Patrol coming out his way. Rather than getting caught here, he packed up after taking what he could from the camp and left. The ship rocketing out from Corellia's space and heading far off outside of Imperial Territory. Instead he headed for another world, his home world.

The planet was a small world out in the outer-rim away from the Rebellion, Empire and beyond. Altoro, an eco-industry world that produced droids and minded the asteroid fields in the system. Currently it was run by a small criminal element that had taken control. Kade had made sure he was putting himself on favourable grounds over what Ark was getting, he grew up here and knew exactly where to go and how to hide or fight.

He had landed the Jade Shadow in a small abandoned settlement near his old home. The memories that were here. Kade sent a message to Ark from an encrypted transmitter "Time for us to meet. With this message are some coordinates for you to head to. Come alone or not at all. When you arrive, transmit the code included in this message. Any other ships with you will be shot down."

Kade would then wait, the outpost he was at was a small farm in the middle of an expansive forest loaded with plants and animals. The site consisted of three buildings of variable sizes with the Jade Shadow parked in the field. Its guns armed and tracking anything incoming. Any ship that came in that wasn't recognized would be shot down with either the point defence lasers or the upper cannons. Kade would wait, sitting on a crate in his Paladin suit with a lightsaber sitting next to his hand.

@Flamjetxx

 

[Flamjetxx]

Entering into the system, Ark began to transmit the code he'd received, setting himself in Orbit. There was never enough trust in the Galaxy, but Ark knew he was most vulnerable at this point, where an ambush of some sort could have been set up already. Though Ark highly doubted Kade would be the type to do s, especially after their last encounter, Ark was always the most cautious with situation over individual. Combat scenarios were constantly running through his mind, out of either boredom, or, in this case, paranoia. Was it too good to be true? After all, things in the Galaxy never truly worked out so honorably, but rather the mischievous hand of fate toyed with the minds, emotions, and deepest desires of its victims.

Ark's scanners didn't pick up any Rebel nor Jedi signals recognized by the Sith databases. Turning the settings back to normal, Ark turned the thrusters back on, tearing him out of Orbit, and towards the planet after pinpointing the signal from, who Ark would expect to be Kade. It was an industrial planet, and Ark had done his research before coming, though he didn't know why Kade had chosen such a place, nor the particular reasons he'd want to meet up with Ark. If he wanted to capture or kill Ark, he would have likely tried on Fondor instead of going through the extremely precise actions of this secret meeting. That left Ark with the only question in his mind, being, why meet up?

Ark's ship came into the atmosphere, wearing the turbulence like a distraction, though Ark knew where he was supposed to be going, and Kade would likely be watching. Ark's ship was an ancient being that could have haunted the Galaxy way back a few hundred years ago, but she ran smoothly, taking every bump like it had expected it, making the ride surprisingly, and comparatively smooth. Kade would have already known Ark was wealthy from even before Fondor, but he wouldn't have been able to have seen Ark's ship after their mission to the Geonisis System, and so it might even come as a surprise to him, and if it weren't for the Force presence being broadcasted by Ark from the ship, it might have even brought concern to see it. However, the signal was being broadcasted from Ark's ship, but it didn't seem to slow down too much while approaching the small clearing, and it didn't descend much lower than the buildings that surrounded them.

From the ship, it may not have been caught right away, either due to the angle of watching it, or a lack of expecting it, but a figure would be seen thrown from the ship, fluttering down through the winds that were trapped within the buckle of the buildings. And as the figure grew dangerously close to the ground, it would become recognizable, Arkteleus. And just before hitting the ground several meters away from where Kade was waiting, soon rising from the dust erected and perfectly fine. The use of Force leap's secondary power, to slow down the user was particularly powerfully gifted in Ark, and making good use of it from leaping out of a moving ship wasn't without purpose, but it left Ark with a sense of vulnerability with no means of immediate escape.

Ark's cloak flutters in the rising dust as he walks from out of the cloud, lightsabers hovering just outside of an outstretched paw, to Ark's side. And just outside of his reach, the lightsabers both dismantled, removing both crystals, where Ark would hold them in his flesh paw while the hilts floated back into place on his hip. It was all Ark wore with him, he didn't bring his rifle nor his pistol, nor even his armor, but simply a cloak and two lightsaber hilts, incapable of activation. And Ark simply strode forward to Kade, looking into the deeper depths of the Force, to determine that it was indeed Kade and him alone waiting for him. They were at a peaceful meeting at long last since Fondor, and it was a bit relieving.

"Kade," Ark stated as he walked up within talking distance of the Kushari.

 

[Krajin]

As the ship came in, the targeting scanners identified it as a YV-929. An old flying Brick that was popular in ages past from CEC. WHen it flew by the guns on the Jade Shadow kept track of it, maintaining a constant lock until Ark had flown by and leapt out of it Michael Bay style. Kade had whilst he waited changed from his body armour to some relaxed clothes and had his firearms sitting next to him. In his arms was a small Panther cub that was currently being nursed on a bottle of milk. As Ark approached the large Kushari noted that he had removed the crystals from his sabers and that seemed to register a raised eyebrow. "Disarming yourself. Hnnh. Interesting." He was indeed alone, as alone as one could be when they had a wild animal with them. The cub was nestled against his arm and belly. It was easily only four weeks old and absolutely adorable.

"I can sense your doubt and unsurity. I'll tell you now I am not here for violence. If I wanted you gone we'd of done it on Fondor with a charge on the door that you hid behind in a decompressed hangar bay." He would smile. "You said you'd show me your side of things. Unless that was all a lie of course to get out of that conflict on Fondor. I dislike being lied to."

 

[Flamjetxx]

Ark strode towards Kade, his approach greeted by the sight of Kade dismantling his armor suit, a cumbersome process that took a long time for even the most practiced wearers, and it showed vulnerability. Likely a response to Ark removing his lightsaber crystals, though it hardly made Ark any less a danger. However, for the two Kushari, there was one weapon aimed at both their heads, preventing them from the thought of surprising the other in a sneak attack crossing their minds, and it was Honor. Ark nor Kade could do such a devious thing in such a situation, where Honor is the crown that reigns.

For that, the only connection Ark gave himself into the Force was openness. To reach out and feel, it would calm his thoughts, allowing them to flow freely. It was freeing to finally be on... better, terms with another Kushari again. And disturbingly enough to the thought, Ark blamed Kade for the ill intentions between the two of them. Ark was still confused as to how Kade had ended up with the Jedi in the first place. Perhaps it was the will of the Force?

Ark noted the pair of lightsabers sitting besides Kade untouched, and the cub nearby as well. It was an odd combination, though Kade mentioned that he had no intention to be violent, and the Force confirmed it.

"Indeed Kade. There was no trickery in my words that day. I meant ever word I spoke, ill hearted and benevolent. I speak with caution," Ark began, dismissing the doubt that Kade had about his thoughts, "The last time we spoke of the light and Dark sides of the Force, their meanings, and such; I was dismayed to find your lack of willingness to accept anything beyond the light. I suppose I cannot blame you though, history has never looked kindly on the Dark side. If the only thing I'd heard was one side of the story, I'd be far more inclined to believe that side of the story as well."

Reaching his destination, Ark paused in front of Kade, both eyes opened and hard set gazed upon him. And without bending over, each of Ark's leg raised into a hover over the grass of the clearing, allowing the two crystals to orbit each other like a binary star system as he continued, "I must ask you, what is more important to you? The bitter quarrels of two sides of the Force that don't quite make a whole from either side you view it from? Or is it the ultimate goals you set for yourself to attain?"

Ark felt like an attorney asking the question, knowing the answer to it before he even asked it. No sane creature would choose the former, and so as he waited for Kade to respond to it, Ark drew upon the multiple memories he had stored within himself. He knew the moment would come where he'd have to pull up such memories, though he didn't realize it would be for such a purpose, "You know that the Jedi forbid the practice of Dark Side powers. However, did you know there are no such limitations with the Sith? And why be Forced to halve the potential, not of yourself, but of the Force itself?"

Ark asked the question, giving Kade something to chew on while Ark formulated the thoughts and memories that came with the very portions for his past hidden away, deep within his mind for so long.

 

[Krajin]

"You assume much from the Get-go Ark and that disappoints me. You assume I don't accept anything beyond the light, I find that almost as offensive as being racially discriminated against back in the commonwealth." He said with a slight touch of venom. The cub cowering away in an almost..unusual manner with the Kushari's change of emotions. Though he would calm rather quickly and so the cub would calm down, He'd reach over and pick it up and grab a bottle of substitute milk for it and let it suckle on that. "Without the Light you wouldn't know Darkness. Without the Darkness you wouldn't know Light. Both exist, both need one another. There is no escaping that and they maintain a balance. When one is out of balance chaos ensues and this around us is what happens." He frowns. Gently, he rubs the cub behind the ear with a free hand.

"I told you I willingly accept the dark, I also told you I weaponize it." He states flatly. "I think you have heard one side of the story and another from fanatics and zealots. You refuse to accept the light and speak on and on and on about the dark side like its the greatest thing since Banthas were found." When ark posed his next question Kade responded without so much a pause "Neither. What is important to me. Is Life. The logical and inevitable question you would ask after that is 'Why?' but then you could assume. Life is what is most important to me, ironic that a soldier, someone raised in conflict almost the entirety of their life, is a devout being for such a thing. Despite their tally of taking it. This cub here, I rescued from hunters whom were going to skin it and take the poison from its claws to sell on the market. No surrogate mother would take it in and he imprinted on me. I have taken it upon myself to raise the panther. I saved soldiers, enemies of the Commonwealth from certain death at the hands of a psychotic robot with an EMP strong enough to make an direct hit gunshot feel like a graze. This was after half the team decided they should be either left behind or executed." He passionately stated. "Do you, Sith hold such a view? Somehow I doubt that. However if you have any shining examples to give I'd love to see it." He'd add

"I know the Jedi restrict access to such information only to those who can appropriately handle and make use of them. After all, if you're to immature or inexperienced to learn to handle something, why be granted it? You'd do more harm than good. Do I care that the sith have no limitations? No. Frankly I think that having no limits in what one can do is a limit in itself. But not on a culture that has only changed how its leadership has operated. But rather on the individual. Without a wall a tree cannot grow to overcome it."

The cub having had its fill curled up in the nook on Kade's arm between his belly and the forearm, in a way Kade was unconsciously shielding the youngster from any potential threat, Ark was an unknown still. As Ark began to hover the ventral guns of the Jade Shadow tracked him, he wouldn't stand a chance if he started a fight here. Those Point defense lasers on their own were incredibly precise tools. The Dorsal one however kept a track of Ark's ship. "What is more Important to you Ark? Ideology? Or your blood? if you truly had to choose. Family. Or Sith? I'd answer if it was Jedi, or my own Family? I'd defend my blood."

 

[Flamjetxx]

Ark triggered something inside of Kade. It was something innately present throughout their battle on the Fondor Shipyards, and it was present here as well, as eminent by his speaking of his thoughts. It was Ark's every intention to open him up like a book, regardless of what he said, though Ark certainly hoped he'd say he was intent upon following his own, personal goals, just as Ark was, and always was.

Kade's personal goals and loyalties weren't of that of any faction, but of his own will to preserve life of others, ironically as a warrior, but what else could anyone expect in a Galaxy that speaks in violence. The Galaxy was in a perpetual state of violence, of the individual seeking such things, and it was beyond natural. After all, mankind and the kind of all sentient species in the Galaxy were only here because of survival, and survival was based on fighting conflict. Conflict against the predator, against nature, and against fate itself. We are always fighting, and it's why War, a synonym for survival of the fittest, over control, resource, dominance, was always in motion and at the forefronts of our minds. Why stop conflict now?

Most recently, the Galaxy fell into turmoil, where wide scale conflict claims the lives of many. It was the Rebels... rebelling, against the Imperium, and it creates death. It was a necessary outcome, but usually an unwanted outcome of war by all but the most sinister. For Ark and Kade, they could only hope to end it as fast as possible, but naturally to the whim of the fastest means, and that meant Ark fighting in the War. After all, the sooner a side falls, naturally the side seen as an enemy to peace, the sooner conflict is ceased by definition of the greater Galaxy, and the sooner lives cease to be lost.

All Ark needed to know from Kade was that he fought for a personal goal, "I'm not here to tell you that one side is better than the other Kade. We both know that each side has its serious flaws, and flaws that will simply never recede due to the whims of sentient-kind. There is always a deeper, innate reason for conflict, and that's why one side will never be pure. However, the individual can indeed be pure for intention. However, no individual can make a difference in a Galaxy so vast, and for that we require a vessel o harbor our ideas; A Vessel devoid of restriction," Ark began.

Ark knew that it meant nothing yet, what he was saying, but all Kade needed at that point was the setting for the picture Ark was painting for him. It was a setting of neutrality, "I don't promote Darkness nor light, and as cliché as it may sound, it's true. Some may become tainted by such things, as many cannot help but to do throughout the learning process. However, what's important is that you don't limit yourself to the fewest of options. I practice light sided powers as well as Dark sided powers, and in practice, I accept mentalities and notions. I know that you too accept both sides of the Force, and have seen it already, whether you knew it or not. It isn't the Force that controls you, but rather it's you that control the Force. The emotions, the mentality, and the individual themselves always influence the Force, which is why we have the Dark side and the light side in the first place. There truly is no dark nor light side of the Force, but the Force that accompany the elements that make up what's perceived to be each side of the Force. By me asking you to see things my way, I'm not asking you to embrace the Dark side, nor to abandon the light side, but rather I'm asking you to open yourself to what I perceive the Galaxy to be. After what you've just said, I know you cannot disagree without contradicting yourself."

Ark's explanation would suggest that no Jedi nor Sith were wrong in their practices, except that where the Jedi that adhere to Darker practices is against their own affiliations where the Sith that do the same are merely practicing an unorthodox version of freedom that is indeed accepted by the order. Kade would have certainly never known the Jedi Master he'd trained under, nor the teachings of neutrality that accompanied it, but he didn't need to know it, as it is Ark's own weapon against ignorance., and if needed, it was Ark's proof of the Sith that accept the light side without accepting the Dark side. Furthermore, the recent abduction of the former Jedi Grandmaster, Ebberla Daw into the Sith was much more proof that needed no addressing. It wasn't he first time something as such were to happen, as there were many instances of great Jedi that abandon their Order for the Sith without accepting the Sith, and for the greater reason of using the Sith as a free medium in which ideas cannot be hindered. For Ark, Sith is synonymous with freedom, and freedom is the most dangerous of words, because they imply a lack of group control, but the self control, where it is found is of the finest tier. Such self control, Ark has, and Ark sees the potential for in Kade, but only if he saw things the same way as Ark does now.

The question Ark aked served the main purpose of asking Kade to show his own intentions rather than the intentions of his former Jedi Order, but it also opened Kade's mind willingly to what Ark had to say, and with that, Ark wielded a power of the mind that would move freely throughout Kade's own mind.

Ark was highly skilled in Force-based mental manipulations, formerly described multiple times in their first encounter where Ark used Corruptions, Mind tricks, and Invasions. Furthermore, Ark's intimate knowledge of having mastered his own mental defenses easily surpassed Kade's mental defenses, if ever there were any, and Ark had no issues getting into Kade's mind. However, tough there was no defense against Ark's invasions, Ark's intentions weren't to break Kade down, though as easy as it would be, Ark wanted to share a mind for the moment, Kade's. Ark's views of using the Sith as a medium for personal goals showed how the Sith was that medium long traversed upon by Ark. It also showed the individuals Ark knew that also shared such a view for the benefits of the Galaxy. And lastly, it showed how there was no true Dark side nor light side of the Force, and for the moment, Ark and Kade were of the same thoughts, not of manipulations, but by sharing. Unfortunately, Kade had no control over the situation, which would be imminent if he tried to struggle against Ark, and it could indeed be perceived that Ark was controlling his thoughts, and though Ark could indeed brainwash him through the use of the Force it wouldn't yield the results of actually believing what was the truth, and deep down, Kade would always know that much; Even more accessible, Kade would know that Ark was not indeed manipulating him, though only time would tell. For now, Ark would flood his mind with a memory.

In a distant system, Mirakula were plentiful. At Ark's ide was a Sith Acolyte, just as Ark was so long ago. And leading them was a Sith Mirakula of the greatest passion for one thing. Freedom. Anti-slavery was the title of the track, and the chorus was in full swing. The Mirakulan people the Sith Crusader that led them intended to aid were being enslaved. Multiple times has this Crusader fought for freedom of peoples not even Mirakulan, but for the pure passion of no slavery. And it was that day that Ark fought along side him against a slaving organization that took the raw Force talents of the Mirakulan peoples, enslaving them, and it was the same day that they were freed.

Viole was his name, and Ark could remember the pure passion for that goal that Ark saw. Kade wouldn't be able to stop the memory, nor would he find he'd want to. The tale it told was something that he'd find to be foreign to his obvious perception of the Sith.

 

[Krajin]

Ark spoke, Kade listened to the Kushari harp on about the Sith being this fantastic vessel that could carry their ideals and some strange philosophy of the force itself. Then, the Kushari decided to play with fire. Kade's mental defences were not as weak or pathetic as Ark would make them seem to be. Kade had gotten stronger and more capable of defending himself mentally through practice. The young Sand Panther cub would crawl off and settle against the Paladins helmet away from the two to sleep. The Kushari though despite being relaxed was alerted to when Ark would try and invade his mind it was pure reaction and instinct that carried no thought to it for another to reliably predict or read whilst they were focused on another task at hand. The Kushari, snapped to his feet with an angry snarl, the force pulled around him and then thrust out toward Ark in a violent, focused telekinetic blast that if successful would hurl the Kushari a good half a dozen feet away. Concentration was needed to maintain the kind of link needed to force memories into another's mind or even -assume- that they could walk freely into another persons mind and rifle through it as they pleased. If he did try and defend from being hurled across the field then the link was broken. Either way, Kade's goal was to be achieved. Nothing thankfully was in the field before them that would cause injury, aside from lots of long clumps of grass.

Kade's lightsaber was in hand, the massive greatsaber was yet to be activated but frankly the Kushari was angry and he bristled with it. The fur standing on end making him look much larger and intimidating than normal. The cub cowering behind the helmet from the rage, Kade however kept himself between the two so Ark'd have no way of directly or really indirectly assaulting it as a way of getting to Kade. "Don't you EVER force your way into my mind! Don't you EVER try and manipulate my thoughts or force a memory into them!" He'd roar out. His eyes flared to life with energy. "You of all people I trusted to actually take a moment and ASK to do such a thing! But no! You VIOLATE IT!" He'd bellow, to the senses, the force was raging around him like a hurricane that was being fed by two different sources. The rage of this world and its inhabitants, the emotional instability Damarians were known for and Kade's connection to the living force itself. His tail flicked around rapidly, angrily as he stared at the male. There were many things he liked in this galaxy but one thing that wasn't amongst that list was mental invasion. He never practised it, but he sure as hell would train to defend against it. His eyes locked onto Ark, waiting for something. Would the Sith react violently? Or would he apologize? Was Kade worth that?

 

[Flamjetxx]

Kade's reaction was normal to that of anyone who realized they were being mentally invaded. In fact, Ark thought it a mere courtesy that he even allow him to know his mind was being touched. The mental contact was nothing less than the sharing of a notion, there was no control involved within it, as Ark had always intended.

However, simply because Ark wasn't outright invading the Kushari's mind, it didn't mean that Ark had no control over him should he choose. Ark was an extremely practiced user of Mental attacks, and had even Mastered Mental defenses, knowing precisely the breaking points of the mind. The knowledge Ark held was expert levelled, and the training that Kade had was... Well, it was next to nothing, if even going as far as to assume that Kade was self taught, because of the way his mental defenses crumbled. Even when Ark was a Crusader, such a task would have been easy to perform, but the new powers Ark was drawing upon within the Mastery he'd achieved, Kade's efforts of mentally defending himself would prove futile.

And like Ark could have expected, Kade lashed out at Ark. The wave of telekinetic energy, though powerful for a Padawan was nothing more than the tide washing onto a rocky beach. Ark, being as practiced as he was in mental invasion never even batted an eye at the wave of telekinetic energy as it dissipated around Ark's defenses. It was like picking up a wild animal, it would thrash about, and attempt to squirm its way out of captivity, but all in all, it would soon realize it was caught. It would run out of energy, and it would eventually accept it. And that was the reason Ark decided to expedite the process with a whisper that was barely even comprehensible, but effective none the less.

"Calm," the inaudible whisper would escape Ark's lips, as the message washed through the mind Ark had a firm grasp on. And instantaneously, Kade would find himself unable to refuse, but to calm down.

Ark's memory flashed back to a point where he had hunted a Sith Master that defected with important information regarding the Sith. Ark was an Acolyte at the time, and he was with a Crusader, and the first thing the Master did was to invade the Crusader's mind, dropping him instantly. Ark supposed that he could whisper something as simple as sleep, and Kade would instantly sleep, but Ark had no desire to take a combatant out of the fight. He only had the desire to convey a message, just as that same Master did to Ark that day.

The enraged yelling of the feline ahead of Ark bellowed, almost seeming to echo. It was surreal, but through his fury, the Kushari would have missed the change. No longer were they standing in between the buildings the two were hidden within, but rather they were in a Marketplace, where dozens of men and women walked around with patches or cloth over their eyes, hiding them from view, but still they moved and even looked around as if they could indeed see.

Sith was on the tongue of the surrounding people, and with it came disgust. A younger version of Ark stood before Kade, where a single lightsaber hung on his hip, the black cloak was tattered as always, and what fur that was visible was carved into, leaving skin visible in a tribal-like pattern. It was certainly an interesting hair style that Ark had thankfully outgrown, but it was painfully useless to keep him from the cold. Ark watched his younger self as he listened carefully to the Sith Mirakula that explained that not a single one of the Mirakulan wanted Sith presence on their planet, but that they were present to take out a slaving operation that was abducting the Mirakulan people.

"You're right Kade, I should have asked, but I wasn't gong to give you the option to close your mind off to me. Whether you said yes or no, it was going to happen, because we don't end our conversation here, until my message is across. And for that, I apologize Kade," Ark knew his method of disregarding Kade's wishes was crass and untrusting, but what trust did Ark have for him after finding out Kade had joined the Jedi after knowing Ark was with the Sith? Ark was patient with Kade, and it was the only way Ark could deal with him, but at the moment, he was any other student that needed to hear a lesson, whether it applied to them or not. In his lessons, he didn't ask students if they wanted to learn, and he certainly didn't ask anyone whether they wanted to hear what he had to say before saying it. Ark had something to say, and it was going to be said. However, Ark didn't want Kade to reject Ark's lesson purely based upon resentment, and with the whisper of calm and the explanation, Ark was sure to make a dent, though not too deep, into rectifying the invasion.

Not long after, the memory would shift to the point, where they were ambushed by a bounty hunter, and the scene seemed to slow down, where Ark led Kade to the hunter that was in mid flight through the market square. Ark picked up the pouch on his waist and emptied it into Kade's paw, should he accept it, unless the contents spill onto the marketplace floor. They were dozens of lightsaber crystals of all colors and variations. It was all that needed to be known about the individual, was that he was a seasoned and highly skilled Jedi-Killer.

"For most Forcefuls, they'd turn around right there in self preservation, even go retrieve back up. But this Sith cared too much for his people that to let a full scale invasion by Sith Forces take over their very homes, and decided to risk his own life in dealing with his task at hand. This mission wasn't even sanctioned by the Sith, but rather he took two Acolytes on this mission, risking more than just a scolding in order to free these people from slavery. That there, is passion. What's more, is that the other Acolyte that was with me, was a once-freed slave himself," through this, Ark began the long lecture he could follow through with, but hesitated to gather reactions from Kade.

 

[Krajin]

The way Ark had approached this had effectively taken something from Kade that he wouldn't regain. The other Kushari had invaded a place that was meant to be kept private, alone and only shared with those of an intimate nature. Granted, Kade would admit to having something for the Kushari, but whether or not from this it would still be there was a different question. Ark attempting to use the Calm and mental domination to try and switch his emotions around was not going to work the way he intended. Especially with that backhanded apology and explanation that came with it. At least to him it was. Damarians were known far and wide for their short fuses and rather terrible tempers and Kade had inherited that trait in spades. It was also something he was weaponizing with his practise of the form Vaapad. He'd twitch as the Calm effect would hit him and send a shudder down his spine but other than that, it did absolutely nothing.

More effort than that had to be applied rather than Brute force, a rookie mistake to try and shift emotions from one end of the spectrum to the other with the force. Subtle actions and careful, diplomatic, soothing words might carry more effect to calm the massive beast. Ark was expending allot of his force to maintain this kind of effect and make it real and physical for Kade to experience. Added to that the Calm, the force barriers. Kade had yet to make another move but like any predator that had been caged, he would bide his time to when the captors were at their weakest to strike. There was a certain resentment being built up inside him from being subjected to a place that he had no control over. But even for one such as Ark, an expert level user of mental abilities he'd have to really work to maintain his grip on a mind of a Jedi, even if they were a Padawan with mixed training. He would watch as the setting changed and the way Ark would begin to move about going on his talk.

Kade wondered what he was trying to get at? Show that the Sith could be some mystical vessel that ideas could be carried out on? Right now with his actions he showed that he was no better than others who would use their power to force their view on another no matter if consent was given or not this was a major violation of that consent. He would look at the stones that Ark would offer from the bag and he'd look at them. It was sure, a collection but this showed squat about what he was. So what if he was a Force Hunter? Could also be someone who collected these stones. He would drop them and then look at the Kushari, he was still bristling with Rage with a gauntleted hand gripping the lightsaber. The Miralukans were enslaved, they were broken free by the Sith. By Some Sith who decided to stand against it. "Get to your point." He would snarl harshly. "My patience for you being in this, is lessening every second and do not try and manipulate me any further. I may have found you to be someone I'd take a more...personal interest in but that is wearing down very quickly."

 

[Flamjetxx]

He was angry. Understandably, because he had no control over the situation, though he certainly could. Even without any training in protecting his mind and facing off against the Mastered power and skill of a mental manipulator, there were always ways in which he could regain control, but he was blinded to it with such feelings. Ironically, his former apprentice, and current wife, was much the same way. Ark had to do all the similar in getting her to let go of her emotions. However, it was a particular surprise for Ark, a good one, of how little control Kade had over his anger for Ark.

There was an easy fix for it, though it would certainly hurt them both. In a way, Ark was in a position of sorts that was essentially the teacher of a sole student. Unfortunately, there was no choice, because he was completely missing the point.

"Doesn't it hurt you Kade that your position here is of complete and utter weakness, and yet so long ago on Fondor you had the means to kill the individual that is currently putting you into this position? What's worse is that it is in a place so close to home. I suppose that the last thing I should really tell you here is that with even the slightest snap of my fingers, I could kill you, then seek any relatives you have left in this Galaxy, and then destroy the notion of anything you once stood for. No body, no legacy, nothing left," Ark said with an antagonizing tone, "I am the only thing in the way of what you could have done, and what you should have done. Go ahead and think about what you want most."

Ark knew full well what he wanted, looking at the fist over the hilt of his saber. What hope did he have in besting Ark in a duel? None. And so Ark threw his paws into the air as if to surrender to his will, "What. Ever. You want right now. Go ahead and do it, because after you are done, I will do what I want most right now."

 

[Krajin]

It was true Ark didn't have as much control over his anger as much as a Jedi could want, but then that was an inherent flaw within the Kushari's personality. He would pace now as Ark released his grip on him, it was confusing. Unusual. He relaxed a bit and walked toward the white Kushari, he had gone from aggressive with impending violence to curiosity now at the near flick of a switch. There was still aggression there though from the threat "You and I both know a fight here would not go well. You could kill, but then you'd find yourself vaporized." He'd motion to the ship behind him. He took a breath and tried to calm himself down, it was true. Being powerless in any situation was something that got to him. He'd been there before, it was.. traumatic to say the least. He didn't want those traumas coming back. "You've shown me all these things to try and teach me about the Sith. Their capabilities. But you havent shown me. You. What you are and do. Sure you've saved slaves and things. What else?" He asked finally.

 

[Flamjetxx]

It was astounding to see the learning curve alter course so rapidly. Immediately, through Ark's purposeful taunting, he realized Ark's blatant directing of his weakness; His temper. Ark almost rather hoped the Kushari would let out his anger. After all, it was all merely a dream for them here. For any onlooker on the pair, they'd merely see a pair of beastly-looking creatures standing motionless in a field.

Regardless, it would be something of a first lesson from Ark to Kade, where controlling one's emotions, their weaknesses, and a show of will power can surpass even the greatest of taunts. What were they doing here anyway? Ark knew full well that Kade had no intention of luring him there to kill him. And it is safe to assume that Ark would have made his move long ago if there was even the slightest intention of killing Kade. Neither of them were there to fight or kill each other; And despite the things Ark had only moments ago said, Ark had no intention of provoking Kade, at least not without a purpose. Ark was there to help Kade, and Kade... Well, he had his reasons for meeting with Ark.

Controlling himself, Kade's anger, nearly boiling over, melted into control, cool calculations, and soon enough something akin to curiosity. He was essentially back on track and willing to listen to Ark. Ark was willing to once more tell Kade. The illusion of the marketplace faded away before there eyes, once again returning them to the field, where the cub, the ship, the disassembled lightsabers, etc were all waiting for them.

"Brace yourself," Ark whispered only just before the mental connection between them took an unexpected turn.


The sanctity of one's mind was something that was considered sacred to Ark. Never does he let anyone inside. Thoughts that are his own are for his own contemplations, and only his own. So to reverse a mental attack from entering someone else's mind to drawing them into his own mind is something of a rarity, not just for himself, but for the vast majority of Force Sensitives.

Ark, of 'course, is no one to trust someone who was only just a foe moments ago, if not days prior, and full access to Ark's memories and thoughts is foolish, especially for someone so high ranking in the force. However, Ark being a Master of not only the Force, but first and foremost of Teras Kasi mental defenses, Ark knows himself, and how to manipulate his own mind. Of the many ways to protect himself, the most complicated by far is to control how an opponent may enter you mind and to not give them anything they want, but rather to take them on a pointless joyride through the mind. The particular defense method in question has long been a preferred method and specialty for Ark, and so not being a stranger to the method, Ark creates a current for Kade's thoughts to freely get a glimpse into Ark's life. After all, the question Kade asked Ark... it encompassed a lot. It encompassed more than Ark could simply say or show through selected memories. It actually include the broader spectrum of what Ark knew throughout his entire life. And better yet, there were a lesser quantity of things Ark wanted hidden from him than he wanted to show him. The river was broad and there were oh so many fish swimming in it.

The good, the bad, the ugly, but necessary. Ark would allow it all to come forth. Ark never did anything without a reason. For a light sider, one use to the tame views of the Galaxy, Ark could expect that he wouldn't necessarily have the firmest grip on the reasons of why justice had to be birthed form the horrendous of methods Ark has at his side, but all of it was worth showing the Kushari.

Like bolts of lightning flashing across the sky, the thoughts, emotions, and memories would flow through the both of them mentally linked (assuming of 'course, Kade would accept the gift of being allowed to root about in Ark's mind). The anguish Ark had felt at the loss of his father, and the promises fulfilled to that adopted father from his death bed. Then there is the sense of greater purpose, much like what a vigilante would feel at the solving of a crime behind the backs of the higher authorities. The killing of villains. The saving of families from fates worse than death. Kade would be able to stumble upon the many lives Ark helped to shape. The countless Acolytes under his tutorship, and how he taught restraint and self control above the abilities themselves. Something that Ark always believed was that there were many ways that one could correctly learn and teach a Force ability, both dark an light, but Ark's way was almost always the best and most correct way. Ark preached ideologies that the individual was superior to the whole, which was almost ironic at the immense levels of loyalty he felt for the institution he fought for.

Ark had done many things in his life that ranged from saving slaves and keeping the sanctity of countless Artefacts. The memories of Ark's time spent in philosophy lessons with Viole and particularly Sin'ryk would be prominent upon such topics, and it would show how the civilized mind would perform under an institution seen as darkened. Sin'ryk, one of the most sane and tranquil minds of the Sith, now near the pinnacle of its authority, Ark would always look into the Sith's heart to see gold. It was the reason why Ark entrusted his family under his supervision and specifically asked him... begged him to ensure his child grows up completely neutral and away fro the influences of the Sith Imperium. And though the thought was ever so brief, Kade would be able to see the notion Ark had for the Kushari child to be completely untouched by both dark and light opinions and to have the purest of opinion base upon logic and the 'right thing', and that alone. It was under the pretense that Ark didn't want the child to be even remotely tainted by the whims that were placed upon him by his own father, an obvious supporter of the Sith Imperium. Ark wanted his child's loyalties to be to what he felt was right above to an institution of any kind, like what Ark had become stuck on.

It was a tidbit of knowledge not privy to just anyone. Ark's most deepest kept secret was the very existence of a child, and yet he showed the fellow Kushari the sensitive information, but withheld its hiding place under ever circumstance. Not even did Ark allow Kade to know who the child's mother was.

However, the memories and ideas didn't cease yet, because Ark was far from any saint. There were many things that were well within what Ark was willing to do for what he considered the greater purpose. Torture the accomplices of thieves, and even killing some afterwards. Ark has an insurmountable number of kills under his belt of individuals that were hired and paid to protect buildings, fortresses, and even temples. It is a living, and Ark had slain them down simply for their chosen profession. However, Ark doesn't feel anything for them, or if he does or ever had, it was long ago suppressed within the depths of his emotions for such things. Regrets are all but rotten, and they almost cease to exist all together. Ark can even recall, for the first time, the innocent lives he'd slain while under the influence of a particular aggression inducing drug while captured in a black market fighting arena. He'd spent months there, fought countless beasts, and innocent lives, and all memories simply vanished after escaping and being set free of the drug's influences. Ark couldn't even recall how he'd escaped the facility, but he could now remember the slaves that were dressed up, knowing they stood no chance against the crowed favorite, and it was the primal instincts manifest within himself that turned him into more animal than man, and he killed every one of them with pleasure.

Yes even still, the memories show a great majority of fights and battles. In every fight and duel, Kade would be able to see a Jedi draw his lightsaber on Ark on Teth, wrongly jumping to the conclusion that the Sith Acolyte killed his friend, a temple where two Jedi drew swords on Ark simply for being recognized as a Sith, Where Ark fought against countless Sith for either a difference in ideologies or for practice, and even the most recent of occurrences, where Ark meets two Jedi that team up against him in combat for fear of Ark being a Sith. And in any constellation, it shows Ark standing above the defeated figures of not a single individual being killed by Ark's blade despite every one of them drawing on him first. And certainly there were plenty of opportunities for Ark to finish them all off with a single wipe of the blade. Simply erase the stains in the galaxy from existence. And yet, Ark couldn't blame them... Why was that? Did the Kushari have a heart, or simply a heightened sense of understanding? Both? Instead of killing the two Jedi that teamed up against him, Ark decided to keep on the mission instead of killing the two individuals... Such opportunities wasted, or perhaps not.

There is an ugly side to everyone, and it is the difference of self control that differentiates between the good and the bad. Ark, but that particular definition, and after seeing every memory flash before his eyes can describe himself as "good", but at the most ugly side of it. Intentions are there, but methods leave much to be desired. Ethics are all but present. Thankfully, Ark doesn't teach methods, but rather means. Ark has seen into Kade's soul, and method and means is one of the same, little to differentiate from. Of 'course, it can be taught to draw the line between them thicker and thicker, but not where self control is prominent. Ark's first lesson of sorts would leave a lasting mark on the Kushari whether he ever sees Ark again or not.

"So, you now know more about me than just about any other creature in the Galaxy. I suppose that after seeing that, you can't exactly say that I am the common Sith. If you compare between the memories of the Sith I've fought and the stories you've heard, you'd see that I am a breed of my own, just like anyone else. Would you be able to learn from someone that the line between the right way of doing things and the wrong way of doing things is so thin?"

 

[Krajin]

Sanctity of the mind was something Kade held paramount as well, for the mind was the truly private place that none should invade without absolute need. As Ark allowed Kade to see into his mind, the other would be able to see into Kade's own mind. There were places even Ark wouldn't be able to venture. Shielded by other parts of his memories. What Ark would see though is an individual who had been from a young age steeped in violence, from witnessing the deaths of his folk and bombings of a city that he walked out of. Screaming and covered in the blood of his own relatives. To that of living with an old woman whom adopted him in after and trained him. Even when he took the lives of two men in the defence of another barely a year or so later. The kind of damage or warping that can do to a mind so young.

Kade was taught by the woman, who's face remained obscure in a strange manner the differences between the Light, the Dark, The sith and the Jedi and the flaws of each. Even as he worked with a bunch of Misfits from a Mandalorian Togorian to a ragtag crew of aliens who did precision ship raids. Even with Kade taking point on many of these situations as their lead, considering his size. From Sith/Imperial Freight and transports to independants and even small time criminal organizations, sometimes with the backing of private corporations or individuals to do the work. He rarely if ever killed during these actions. Relying on the use of stun weapons and grenades to do the work. The culmination of his training under the strange woman came to the planet Ilum where he entered a secret passage of the caves, seeing visions of those who passed through before. Building his lightsaber for the first time, meditating upon the stone to attune it for a day and a night before the pieces came together without him even touching it inside the cave. That feeling of triumph in that moment of the massive viridian blade activating was a feeling most could savour for the rest of their lives.

Even when it came crashing down as their work caught up with them in the form of very unhappy individuals that came for the crew. A fight that ended with the death of the teacher and an almost broken Kushari, who in a brief flash touched the darker side of his nature, an experience in itself for him as he slaughtered their attackers. A pyre for the fallen of his crew, though many survived including the Mandalorian father figure of his, Kade departed to join the Commonwealth military. Receiving training from many there in other fields. He never dealt with the deaths of those close to him, just.. put them aside in a place of his mind where they couldn't haunt him, though he'd deal with each slowly as time passed during his time spent in the commonwealth forces. Becoming one of their multirole specialists and even then, he had close relationships. When Kade entered the field in an offensive fashion, when the killing began Kade didn't feel it the same way others did. He didn't experience the rush of emotion most people would. From rage, anger or even fear. It was.. serene, as if this violence he was begetting unto others was at that very moment, Life itself. Every shot fired made without fear or regret, every swing he made to take the life of another was made without pleasure or wrath. He even spared many opponents where he could. Not just to show that the Commonwealth weren't the monsters under the bed that the Feds had used as propaganda, but rather individuals that were compassionate and fighting for something more than just war.

Ark could see where the appreciation of life came from, within the Kushari. He had been surrounded by death, destruction and chaos. Yet even within that he was able to retain himself, even if it came in some circumstances to be a disconnect from the situation or to embrace it with the flow and ride it. As was shown with the Jedi and even the small time he spent amongst the Matukai, a choice to join the Order was a choice he made consciously even after meeting Ark. A soldier, a killer trained from a young age to join an order that espoused peace. Who knew the irony of it? Maybe it was an escape from something he saw in himself. Or maybe it was a way to see things from a different lens. Even Kade wasn't sure and likely would never be. The second battle of Fondor that he participated in. Ark'd see the contemplation on using the detpacks on the door, where he was torn between personal desire, fear to be alone in a galaxy. Or to do something right and take down the shields. In the end, he decided that he couldn't do either and would leave. Allowing the Mandalorian to handle the door if he so wished.

Afterwards, moving to Corellia and hiding out in the massive forests that covered the continent, where he tried to seek understanding from the force. Answers to where he should go. Where it lead him to a camp of hunters who poached endangered wildlife on the planet. They were unwilling to give up the trade even when presented with other options, it ended with violence and the hunters who refused to surrender, Dead. The others bound up to be taken away by incoming rangers, the Kushari found the small panther cub clinging to his foot. Rather than send it away, he took it as a sign.


He would understand Ark's views, even if he was a being of violence and destruction. A certain understanding would be reached that such things do need to exist. For change can be a destructive thing and Life as we know, is all about changing over time. But to much destruction throws it out of balance. He spoke up though "There is more to you than someone who simply has a paper thin line between right and wrong of your actions. You don't feel. You suppress your feelings, your emotions. An irony of this, is that is one of the tenants of the Old Jedi Code. There is no Emotion, There is Peace. In other situations, as minimal as they are you take a certain notion of empathy towards your opponents and spare them. However I wonder if you know why. Or because you choose not to show me, or that you simply do not know yourself. You have your views of supremacy, understandable in that arena in which you grew up in. What you do, your way is best." He would become contemplative. "You are a killer, but.. are you also a life bringer? If you are willing to teach, are you willing to learn as well? Not just what you want to hear and see, for that is not learning. But to truly learn? Even if you dislike what you see? You've seen what I have been through, where I hated it but I still learned and changed to embrace a wider view than before."

 

[Flamjetxx]

"Kade, there is everything to learn. I am, and always have been, the kind of person that knows that one can never know everything, and that there is always something to learn. Admittedly, I have always known of how arrogant I am, and it has been my downfall from time to time; However, I am not yet so to the point that I believe I am incapable of learning anything more. I admit that I have never harbored feelings of hatred for the Jedi, but rather act out of being a loyalist to the institution I owe my training to. I believe it is possible that the Jedi are indeed good, and I believe that the Sith, like I believe the Jedi to be, are both corrupted. But how do we go about that? We learn what we can. I will accept what you have to teach me Kade, and you will accept what I have to teach you. There is nothing lost in learning, but ignorance," Ark explained.

Of 'course, Ark never intended to Join the Jedi, nor Leave the Sith, but he's always believed in standing in neutrality. Up until reaching the higher Rank of Crusader, Ark maintained neutrality almost perfectly. It was something he'd prided himself in, time and time again. And only until recently, he hadn't made much efforts in re-attaining such neutrality, and being too prideful and arrogant to admit it, Ark knew he might actually need help doing so. The toll of leaning under the Dark Side was something unexpected to him, and he never actually knew that it would corrupt him so. It was something, in fact, Ark had grown to accept during his time as a Crusader.

What changed then?

Ark broke the contact between the two of them, the verbal contract bound by the honor of Kushari. Of 'course, it would be a tricky relationship to keep up, where Kade was once an Imperial Enemy. Would Ark have to convince the Sith and the Imperium of Kade's turn to become apprenticed by him, or would they keep their relationship a secret? It wasn't like it was the only secret Ark had, though the one on Kashyyyk was the whole reason of his attempting return of neutrality.

"What say you Kade? Will you become my Apprentice?"

 

[Krajin]

Kade thought a moment or more, he paced as he figured things would be rough. With the war sparking up so quickly now things were going to get rough in ways most wouldn't expect. "Would this be a secret then? Or would you try to get me to join the Imperium? I'll tell you now that I will not share anything that I know of, with them. Even if they wish to try and force it out like you have done in my mind. This.. should be a secret. Completely. Unyieldingly." He knew what could happen, he also had a feeling that if they were discovered. Kade could disappear quicker and easier than others. The sith wouldn't find him.

 

[Flamjetxx]

"Kade, I have bigger things to worry about than betraying a fellow Kushari," he could have chuckled at the mere notion of it. Ark considered himself honorable, and he expected the same of Kade, though these days he doubted that Kade would go through any of this trouble to set up a trap for him, and so it didn't merit him asking similar questions to him. In fact, it was nearly insulting that Kade doubted Ark's honor enough to think that Ark's intentions were anything other than what he'd said, "You have the word of a Kushari."

There was a lot they had to do together, and Ark didn't know when to start, though he did have a multitude of errands to run these days. Being a Master, a friend, and a father were no small roles. He would understand if Kade didn't want to start training now, and so Ark was prepared for it with a spare com device that Ark had hidden in his prosthetic. It was one bigger than his usual short range communicator, and it was meant to flag Ark over longer distances whenever needed, and it was through a frequency for Ark's personal communications. He used it for only one other thing that was even bigger a secret than secretly training a Jedi, and so it was certain that Kade would have Ark's attention by using that frequency, whether he kept the communicator device, or transferred the frequency, "This is my personal frequency for whenever you need to get a hold of me."

Ark replaced the empty space within his prosthetic with the com device on his hip, and prepared to signal his ship with it if they were done here. While he waited for Kade's reaction whether to start their training right away or not, the dozens of tiny pieces that made up his lightsabers flew through the air without any particular form to them as they slowly constructed them again with the crystals that were so carefully noted to be withdrawn from them.