Ask The Iron Desire: Electric Boogaloo

[Karys]

Kashyyyk l Shadowlands
​

Karys’ former apprentice Vossari, had taken his own apprentice. A young Twi’lek woman known as Nash. He’d read her records at the academy, she reminded him of himself at her age. A bully. And in the Sith, bullies thrived.

He’d invited Nash to join him on an important mission to Kashyyyk. He had personal goals there that needed to be attended to. These goals were needing to be accomplished so, a plan he’d laid out months ago could be finished. Karys had recently upgraded his ship and had a specialized droid crew piloting it. The new ship was massive and had easily doubled the space he had before.

Karys long forwent wearing robes on his ship, he’d returned to more casual wear. Opting for Grey sweatpants, a white t-shirt, and a pair of loth-kitten house shoes. He worked in his kitchen, to make the same stew he always did and had a pair of wine glasses set on the table. Despite his growth and changes, Karys still found pleasure in cooking for others and them eating in turn.

As he worked, Karys hummed to himself. Absorbed in the routine of what he was doing. He wore an apron over top his at home clothes. When Nash would arrive she’d hear the deep baritone voice of Karys call out.

“Leave your shoes at the entrance. There are is a shoe rack to your left, leave them there.” He instructed. “Then come and take a seat at the table.”

Karys wouldn’t turn around initially, focused entirely on tending to his food. But he could hear and sense the Acolyte as she moved throughout his vessel. His perfectly cleaned and organized vessel.

@Sreeya

 

[Nash]

Play it cool. Keep it together. She had only met the Karys once at a social and had made a fool of herself with a racy line. Fortunately he didn’t smoke her on the spot. However, she couldn’t deny the appeal of hanging out with a dude that was making waves throughout the Order. He had the rep of being one of the baddest motherfuckers around and she wanted to see for herself. Becoming Vossari’s apprentice apparently shot her up into Karys’ list of persons of interest. After hyperventilating for a while, she finally got her shit together to join him on his ship.

Master. It was Master Kressh now.

Fuck, she was really going to regret being her usual self but it was too late. Nash’s thoughts were interrupted when she walked into the massive kitchen and sniffed the air. Her mouth started salivating at once and she almost walked in past the door. Nash scrambled to remove her shoes and place them just as he commanded, actually pulling her EZPod out of her ear in case he found it offensive.

Of course, she completely forgot about the shirt she wore as a practical joke in reference to a gym incident involving Karys that made the rounds through the rumor mill. Nash took a seat at the table, looking around at the kitchen, “Smells great!” She blurted out, “You cook often?”

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

When Karys heard his guest arrive he didn’t move from his kitchen. The meal was more important than she was. If he was taking the time to cook it, it had to be perfect. And Karys wouldn’t settle for anything less than that.

This had become one of his last bastions. One of the few places he felt truly like himself. Like the man he once was. That soothed him and allowed him moments where he relaxed.

Karys heard Nash’s question and paused what he was doing. “I do. We all have our passions.” He replied as he turned around, which allowed Nash to see his apron for the first time. And he was able to see her shirt.

Karys’ lips upturned slightly in the corners. If Nash hadn’t spent so much time around the Half Sephi Connor, she’d likely never notice, if she did now. Karys allowed for a short throaty chuckle.

“I vaguely remember telling someone that.” He recalled, pointing the ladle in his hand at her shirt. He didn’t remember the name of the person. They were unimportant.

Karys would put the utensil back into the pot before turning their dinner down to a simmer. He opened his fridge and pulled out a bottle of wine. Then, as always he’d snatch up a bowl of spiced and honeyed vegetables and nuts on his way to the table. He’d place them down within arms reach of them both and take a seat. Karys’ golden eyes inspected Nash, he evaluated her.

“I have read your files from the Academy.” Karys told her. “It seems my old rival Dalon has taken a particular distaste in you.” Karys stated bluntly, he placed facetious emphasis on Dalon’s name. Karys has never considered that man a rival, he’d entertained the idea because it amused him. “And you have several marks for assaulting other students.” He continued as he took a handful of the finger food and popped one into his mouth.

He chewed in idle silence, not wanting Nash to really answer anything. But also not stopping her if she did. After crunching two more vegetables down Karys would pour himself and then her a glass of wine. “Good.” He continued after swallowing. “You should take what you want from those too weak to protect themselves.” He instructed. “This is the way our way.” He gestured to the bowl.

“My old apprentice chose his own student wisely, on paper.” Karys offered as a compliment. “Tell me about yourself, Nash.”

The ship rumbled to life beneath their feet as the droid crew began liftoff. He was calm and passive on the surface. This was Vossari’s apprentice, he would test how key she was to his fledgling powerbase. He would see how committed she was to the path she walked.

@Sreeya

 

[Nash]

Nash froze for a moment when he turned around. Her gaze didn’t drop to his apron at first, focusing on his face, the piercings and the way he stood there like a giant, biblical statue chiseled into perfection. Damn he was so fine it was a crime. When she finally spotted the apron, her eyes widened and she started coughing, her face heating up. This was amplified further when he noticed her shirt which she briefly forgot about. Nash cleared her throat eventually, “Yeah, rumors made their way about that legendary incident,” She said with a grin. She didn’t miss that the shirt got at least a faint reaction from the icy dude. Score.

She grimaced a little when Karys started talking about reading her files. Between how she met Connor and this, it was becoming a running theme. Her first impression was always based on some words on a datapad. Nash’s thoughts were interrupted when Karys mentioned Dalon and assaulting students. Her eyes narrowed, “Okay those kids deserved it. And Dalon? That motherfucker made me do a detention that was handed to him. What kind of Champion gets detentions?” Nash asked, scandalized. However, she blinked a few times, “Sorry Master Kressh.. Um.. yes it’s our way..” She wasn’t sure she entirely agreed with his logic, but perhaps it was how he survived.

Nash hardly noticed the wine or food for a moment. It was hard to focus on anything when a literal titan was wandering around in front of you with an apron and…were those kitten slippers? Nash gasped, “You like Loth-cats? I have a build a porg Loth-cat,” She pulled up her EZPhone to show him a turquoise stuffed animal she made in an abandoned mall right before fighting AMS infected, “His name’s Mookie.”

Shit. What did she have to say about herself? Nash shrugged vaguely, “I dunno. I like fighting, Huttball, action movies but especially cheesy bad zombie flicks and-” She stopped herself there, “Wait, that’s not what you mean,” She cleared her throat, “I believe in the Sith code and wish to learn the art of the saber and embrace the principles and values of the Sith doctrines into my everyday discipline,” That sounded smart, right? Yeah.

Nash absentmindedly took a bite of the stew, “Ooo could use a bit more salt,” Her eyes suddenly got wide, “I mean, um, it’s perfect, Master Kressh! I’m very honored to share a meal with you.”

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys’ face was unmoving when Nash spoke of Master Dalon. He listened to her opinions and felt the unease at his approval of her actions. That was curious.

“Master Dalon is many things, intelligent might not be one of them.” Karys stated calmly. “But the premier Master of Djem So is.” He continued. “He utilizes it in conjunction with Telekinesis to ensure his prey never truly escapes his grasp. It is an art in motion to witness him cut down his enemies.” Karys’ tone was flat as he spoke. “In addition, he spends time with Darth Arcanos, he’s picked up a few alchemical tricks.” He explained. “No Sith survives to Master without having their secrets and fewer still will survive even with them.”

Karys’ face wouldn’t tell if he was disappointed in Nash’s views or not. Everything he stated was blunt and seemingly honest. Dalon had earned his position as Sith Master, if Karys was being honest about it, the why would be left for her to test fate over.

“When I was an acolyte I once believed differently as well.” Karys began. “That changed as I began to understand the nature of the Dark Side.” He continued. “One day, if you are fortunate, you will find yourself in my position. A starry eyed Acolyte sitting across from you, looking at you like a living legend.” Karys explained. “You will have to guide them as I did with Vossari and as they will do with you.” He stood up from the table to prepare their bread bowls at that. “And you will understand the truth of power then and the costs you paid to wield it.”

As Karys returned to the table he’d give Nash a final piece of advice before allowing the conversation to move forward. “Enjoy your time as an Acolyte and as Vossari’s apprentice. Build friendships and connections that will strengthen your position and not weaken it. But tolerate no rivals. Ever.” With that Karys would look to his slippers and then to the picture Nash showed him. “Hmmm. I like the colors you chose for Mookie.” He replied after a moment.

Karys placed his bowl down first and then served Nash. He listened to her initial reply with a furrowed brow. What was she blathering about? Karys was about to correct her and let her know he didn’t care about her personal interests when she did it for him. But the second reply was dry. It was half hearted. It wouldn’t do.

“Being Sith and becoming powerful is never as easy as picking up a lightsaber and mastering it.” Karys explained. “Nothing is black and white and our doctrines will only take you so far.” He continued. “What kind of Sith do you want to become?” He asked more pointedly. “What fuels your power?” He pushed. “What fuels your fears?” His voice became ice. “And how will you use those to ascend over your lessers? Understanding these things about yourself is the first step to being truly Sith.”

With that Karys began to eat his soup. He heard Nash digging in and then her comment about it needing more salt. It caused him to momentarily tense. Then a container of salt floated from the kitchen and to her. “There.” He grumbled. “I’m sure you are.” He replied when she mentioned how honored she was to dine with him.

“I’m sure you have questions, ask them now.” Karys stated once he was done eating. He’d listen as he sipped his wine.

@Sreeya

 

[Nash]

Nash grew quiet as Karys defended Dalon, deciding it was probably inappropriate for her to bitch about another Master. Right, she needed to keep this formal, silently kicking herself for acting like he was some new friend. There was a reason he had his reputation. Nash despised being described as a starry eyed acolyte, and she shifted her posture and expression to something more reserved.

“I don’t care about ascending above my lessers,” Nash said with a shrug, “If I’m doing my job well, people will know they are lessers and stay out of my way,” She said as she met his gaze, the smile and nonchalant demeanor gone. After all, Karys reputation preceded him enough to where few dared to bother with him. The same held true for his husband, “I’m fueled by the need to survive,” Nash said simply, having no real ideology beyond that just yet.

She was surprised he offered the salt, and she sprinkled a little bit and took a bite. Perfection. Nash eagerly ate the stew, “This is amazing,” She admitted, sheepishly wondering if she could have a second helping but too embarrassed to ask.

Nash shrugged vaguely at his comment about questions, “Are you happy as a Sith Master?” She asked flippantly. Seemed an easy enough question.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys saw the shift in Nash’s posture and expression. He sensed the change in her emotion. Good. She was beginning to understand, Karys wasn’t her peer. He wasn’t her friend. He wasn’t some idol to pine over. He was Sith, one of the most powerful Sith within the Order.

He listened to Nash’s views, her beliefs. They were simple. But that was, she was an Acolyte. Those views would shift and grow with time as she did. He didn’t have to correct them, that would be Vossari’s duty as her Master.

When Nash complimented his cooking, a genuine smile touched his lips. It was thin and small, his teeth never showed through his closed lips. But it was still a pleased expression. Karys enjoyed cooking for others and seeing their reactions to what he made.

“Would you like more?” He asked calmly.

Karys would float both the pot of stew and another bread bowl to the table. He’d allow her to prepare her own if she chose while he thought on a question he wasn’t entirely expecting. Was he happy? Would he actually answer this? Would he reveal that part of himself to a mere acolyte?

No. He wouldn’t.

“I am happy with my husband and with my lovers.” He replied bluntly. “The power I have purchased grants many luxuries and many pleasures.” He explained. “These things make me happy, yes.” He lied.

Karys knew that he wasn’t happy. Karys was eating himself alive daily. He’d killed friends. He’d convinced his husband to date others only to realize too late he didn’t want this. Now he was tormented by the love Azar gave to others. The time he wasted on them.

But that was none of Nash’s business.

“When you look at Sith such as myself, Darth Arcanos, Trael, and Vossari what do you see?” Karys asked. He’d never been in this position. He’d been the one looking up to Sith like Darth Raze and Tempest as an acolyte. They were both beings to be feared as he was training, something to look to becoming one day. Avatars of fear and power within their own rights.

Now? What disappointments they had both turned out to be. One dead because his ego drove him to an edge. The other never leaving her obsidian throne. He, Azar, and Raze’s followers left to pick up their respective pieces.

Idols rarely lived up to expectations.

@Sreeya

 

[Nash]

Nash quietly nodded when he asked if she would like more, helping herself to more of the stew. She finished it and sipped on the wine, listening to Karys’ answer. The concept of having husbands and lovers was one she would never understand or comprehend. Nash’s mind briefly flicked to Connor and Arak, her stomach suddenly twisting up in knots. She quickly suppressed the thoughts, knowing that a powerful Sith Master could easily read into her mind.

Karys’ tone was flat and devoid of emotion so she couldn’t tell if he was bullshitting or not. Then again, this was the man’s default tone. How the hell did he have a husband and lovers with the personality of a shoe?

She finished her wine by the time he asked her what she thought of the names such as himself, Trael, Arcanos. For one she didn’t place the name Trael belonged with the others because that man saved her life and she had no clue where he was. Nash pondered for a moment before giving Karys a half grin, “I think most of those are names of people that don’t give a shit what opinions I have of them yet so let's not waste both our time, Master Kressh,” She said politely, giving a curt nod before rising from her seat, “Thank you very much for the meal,” She said as she grabbed the plate and glass and rinsed it off, putting them in the dishwasher

“May I be excused and may I use your gym facilities?” Nash asked. If permitted, after a bit of time, she would change into gym clothes and head into the setup he had. She began with the punching bags, pleased to see Karys also had torso dummies. The sound of kicks and punches would resound loudly as she practiced her teras kasi maneuvers.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys had expected a lot of things. The sudden shift from Nash wasn’t one of them. He recalled a time where he would laugh and ask questions out of genuine curiosity. He built friendships because he made him happy. Now? He was alone. He had betrayed or shoved away anyone who called him a friend. Aside from Azar, Karys had no one.

He sat wordless at her response. Watching silent as she moved to clean her dishes from the table. Only stopping her once they had been gathered up into a pile.

“No. I will take care of those.” He replied cooly.

Karys stood to his feet and gathered the rest of the dishes up. He began the process of cleaning. He’d changed so much. Could he even be happy anymore? When Nash asked her next question Karys glanced at her.

“You don’t need to ask to use anything on this ship.” He stated plainly. “For the remainder of your time with me, it’s your home.” He nodded and then returned to his work.

Once he was done, Karys would turn on his holo projector and begin watching Night of the Were-Maelibus Part 23. It was one of his favorite comedies. He’d smirk, smile, and sometimes chuckle as he watched the television. But eventually his attention would turn to the sounds of Nash working out. He’d walk into his gym and lean against the door frame.

“You asked at dinner if I was happy.” He began. “I once had friends.” He stated plainly. “I once had my husband’s whole heart.” He continued. “I used to smile and laugh.” He explained. “But I sold pieces of who I was for power or pride until I became unrecognizable.”

Karys thought about his next words for a moment before speaking again.

“Whatever you choose to become as a Sith. Remember who you are and what is important to you.” He offered. “Do not forsake those things. Because power alone doesn’t bring happiness, it brings solitude.” He tapped the frame twice and walked towards the refresher to get ready for bed.

“Good night Nash.”

How often our idols are disappointments.

@Sreeya

 

[Nash]

Nash was having a great time practicing her Teras Kasi. She had her music blasting as she hopped around the dummy and struck it from all angles. These dummies were better fortified than anything she had dealt with and she loved every bit of equipment here. Nash could hardly lift the bar itself here, realizing that the weight was custom and far higher than standard. Instead she stuck to the punching bags and calisthenics.

She finished a bunch of pull ups before hopping down, completely soaked in sweat and panting heavily. Nash paused her music briefly and walked over to grab some ice cold water when she could overhear the Holo. A smile appeared on her face as she took a swig. Nash was about to get back to training when Karys appeared.

She thought he was going to give her some new lecture, but he opened up with something completely shocking. Her eyes visibly widened at his confession at not having friends or his husband’s whole heart. She couldn’t imagine living like that. He had lied about being happy. If there was no happiness in being a Sith Master, if the cost was to give up friendships and personal connections, was it all even worth it?

Nash said nothing as he turned to walk away, left in silence as she pondered what he said.

“Wait,” She called out before she could stop herself, “You know Were-Maelibus 23 is the worst of the series, right? Like it’s embarrassing you were even watching that. Most people pretend 23 doesn’t even exist. Now, if we’re talking about Part 10, that’s a masterpiece. In fact, the scene with the-” Nash cleared her throat and chewed the inside of her lip, “Yeah, 23 sucks…..Master Kressh.”

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys paused when Nash asked for him to wait. He took a few steps backwards and looked at her. A small smile touched his lips when she began to ramble about the series. It steadily faded as she called him Master Kressh. This must have been how Azar felt when he called him Potionsmaster.

“It’s just Karys for now.” He corrected her. “In private there is no need for formalities.” He explained. “When you’re finished with your work out, why don’t we watch the tenth? And you can show me that scene.” He offered.

Karys then would steadily walk towards the kitchen and begin making snacks for the movie. He swapped the holo disk over to the tenth and continued to prepare a mixture of honeyed nuts and popcorn. He also poured them both another glass of wine and set everything up in the living room.

Karys felt…excited. A sensation that he hadn’t expected to feel at all. He hadn’t been excited to watch a movie with someone since before Malachor. When he’d first shown Azar this same series. A faint but sad smile touched his lips as he thought about that. It was one of the last years that Azar had loved only him.

Karys wished he could turn back the clock and changed everything but, he couldn’t. This was his life now. He just had to make the best of it.

@Sreeya

 

[Nash]

Just Karys? Nash blinked in surprise. That was going to take some getting used to, but she nodded, “Sweet, I’ll shower and come out,” She said as she walked into refresher to take a quick rinse. The rest of her things were out by the couch where she would be sleeping. Nash didn’t mind - anything was an upgrade from sleeping out in the streets so even a couch was a luxury.

The twi’lek eventually emerged in a tanktop and sweatpants, surprised to see everything set up, “You’re a real neatfreak,” She said with a chuckle, looking around and how he arranged everything, “Do you arrange people neatly after you beat the shit out of them?” Nash blurted out sarcastically. Wait what? What a dumb joke. Her sense of humor was ridiculous. She looked away and plopped down in a seat with her glass of wine.

As the movie started to play, she was immediately giddy, “Okay okay, look at these fucking dumplings,” She said as she pointed at the group of teenagers, “Just look at his face. You know I always wondered about that face. Like don’t you wanna just UHH- “She slammed a fist into her palm, “God I wanna punch that face. Like do these movies put out ads for shit like this? ‘Casting for most punchable face?’ because man this dude makes my palms tingle. And then I gotta think- if I were a werewolf monster, who would I wanna eat first?”

She looked over at Karys, “Ten is amazing because it gets in the head of the monster, man, gets you to look at it from his point of view,” Nash looked at the screen, “Cuz everyone has a reason why they’re where they are, you feel? By their own choices. Even if they forget how they got there like this beasty.”

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys’ eyes flicked in the direction of Nash’s voice. His eyes lit up. For the first time in ages he had company outside of Azar to watch movies with. It seemed silly in many ways but Karys was just happy to share this movie with someone. When she commented on him being a neat freak, he paused to look around.

“Mmhmm.” He mused before shrugging. This is just how he was, how he’d always been.

But her question about how he’d arrange people after he beat the shit out of them did illicit a chuckle from him. “Typically no. Most of the time I leave them whenever they fall.” He replied his face almost unreadable. “It makes reaching the next one easier to catch if my hands aren’t full with their friends.” To Karys it was a half joke and half literally true.

As the movie started Nash got more and more excited. She began talking about beating up the teens and Karys gave her a knowing glance. He’d been there, he’d wanted to beat up these annoying adolescents when he first saw this movie.

“The one who always dies first are the ones who have sex.” Karys pointed out to Nash as a love scene began between two of the actors. Before long they were being dragged from their speeder and devoured. “See.” He stated in an annoyed tone and threw a handful of popcorn at the holo. “That trope is overused.” He grumbled. “If I was the monster I’d always go for the shyest girl. She is always the last one and kills the monster.”

Karys watched the movie in silence until Nash spoke again. She talked about how people got to where they were by their own choices. It made Karys pause. Did she know more than she led on?

“You always remember when you sell a piece of yourself.” He stated calmly, unsure if he was reading too far into Nash’s statement. “But don’t want to talk about that right now. I know the exact moment I was the happiest I ever was.” He told her. “Would you like to hear it?” He asked a small smile forming on his lips at the memory.

If Nash said yes he would regale her with the story of how he’d met his husband after a week trapped on the hellhole that was Zygerria. How he’d watched Azar break the rebellion and their Colicoid alliance in a single move. How he’d forced submission from the Queen and took Zygerria completely for their Order.

But that wasn’t his happiest day. That came a few weeks later.

Karys described his first day back at the Academy. How he slipped into Azar’s class with a backpack filled with presents. He told her of the “I FVCKED ZYGERRIA!” Shirt he’d had made. How he’d helped his future husband clean the classroom after it ended. How he stole the Royal chalice just for him. And how he’d had custom golden utensils made for him. He told her very vague details of their first evening together. How he had jumped Dalon and his boyfriend while they slept in their room. How he’d cooked the most imperfect meal for them both. He told her the moment he fell in love.

“That was the happiest day of my life.” He said at the end. “The day I met the love of my life without even knowing it. The day Karys iv-Sadow became destined to be Karys’ithar iv-Kressh.” He continued. “That was the day I found my forever…” Karys swallowed hard and fidgeted with his wedding band.

“Nash, when you find that person, don’t look for more.” He told her. “Be satisfied. Allow yourself to be happy.” He explained. “Because nothing in the Galaxy is worse than having to look back at your happiest days instead of looking forward to them.”

The projector went dark as the movie ended. Karys let that settle there for a moment before he turned the lights back on and pulled sheets out for her. He pulled the bed out from the couch and helped her make her bed. Then he gave her a soft smile.

“Thank you for this evening Nash.” He said calmly. “I hope you sleep well tonight.”

Then he would finally go to the refresher to shower. Once in the warm water, Karys would lean his forehead against the cool tile and for the first time in what felt like years, he wept. He grieved the life he’d lost. He grieved over the consequences of the choices he’d made. He allowed himself to just mourn.

@Sreeya

 

[Nash]

Nash started laughing when he described the sex trope, gasping as he threw popcorn at the Holo, “Whoa whoa whoa! That’s perfectly good popcorn! In fact I even sprinkled some Old Sea on it while you weren’t looking,” She said with a laugh. If he looked, he would see sure enough a reddish mixture of salts and peppers coating the popcorn. It gave the popcorn a perfect little kick.

She looked at Karys when he spoke about selling a piece of oneself. There was a slightly confused look on her face when he abruptly said he didn’t want to talk about it. In truth, Nash wasn’t that deep - she really only was talking about the beast. There was nothing to read between the lines. Nevertheless when he asked about his happiest memory, she fully turned to face him, “Damn straight I wanna hear it!”

As Karys spoke, she hung onto every word, gasping and reacting to every sentence. Her animated face and body language was as if she was right there with him to experience the harrowing moments during the missions. When it got to the cutesy bits, Nash was hugging a pillow to herself, staring at him dewy-eyed and with a little pout because the story was so adorable. By the time he was done speaking, she sniffed a little and wiped her face.

“Ugh that sounds like something out of a Holomovie,” She said with a wistful sigh, “Like a fairytale!” However, that was when Nash realized he didn’t exactly look happy. When he continued speaking, there was a moment of silence. She still hugged the pillow to herself and the cheesy lines from the movie played in the background. At some point someone was getting eaten alive, but still Nash only stared downcast.

It was then that she finally glanced up at him. For the first time she didn’t see just a hot demigod she wanted to climb like a tree. She saw a man with real feelings, real fears, real vulnerabilities. Just like her. Just like others that still had their humanity. Nash cursed herself for ever objectifying him - for ever thinking about him the way she despised happening to her or her entire race.

“Sometimes we just get in our own way….Karys,” Nash said quietly after a long moment. Her mind drifted to Connor and Arak when she said it, but somehow she knew it applied here. It felt strange to say his first name, but she allowed herself to do it.

“Good night Karys,” She said after he helped her make the bed, “Tomorrow I wanna know what kinda music you listen to,” She said with a smirk, “Gotta answer your question about my opinion of you, eh? And that's a critical judgement piece,” Nash grinned as she popped her EZPods back into her ears, flopped into her bed and threw up a peace sign to say goodnight.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

When Nash awoke it would be to the sounds of Karys working out. He was in his personal gym focusing on legs today. He had just finished weighted calf raises, eight sets of twenty. The weight ankle cuffs had hit the floor and caused an unintentional clatter but it couldn’t be helped really.

Instead, Karys stood in front of his wall length mirror and flexed his calves. He inspected them, trying to determine if the pump he was feeling was enough or if he should continue with another few sets. Because this was his ship, Karys only wore a pair of faded running shoes and a pair of athletic shorts. For a time, he would have hidden the burn, lightning, and stabbing scars that littered his chest, torso, and abdomen. But those days had long passed. Instead, he wore them with pride, they were signs of his fortitude and strength. He saw no reason in viewing them otherwise anymore.

Karys stood there with his earphones singing along to the song playing on his EZPhone. Even Azar’s taste in music had blended in with his own after so many years. Eventually, Karys would simply nod to himself, satisfied with the first round of sets and their results. He’d come back for seconds if he felt the need. After all, his usual morning workout usually last between two and three hours.

“With a taste of a poison paradiseee.” He sang in his deep baritone while he stowed the weighted cuffs. “I’m addicted to you.” He continued as he walked over and began to racking weights onto his squat rack. “Don’t you know that your toxicccc.”

@Sreeya

 

[Nash]

Nash was happily passed out and drooling on that couch, oblivious to the world. She was used to sleeping on the streets so coming to the Sith meant she slept properly for the first time in her life. Even a couch was a luxury, so she was out like a light. Eventually, she woke up and groggily rubbed the sleep from her eyes. Normally she worked out first thing in the morning so she decided to pay the gym a visit since she loved the setup Karys had.

After doing her refresher routine, Nash tossed on her workout clothes and walked towards the gym, expecting Karys to be asleep. To her surprise, she heard music coming from the gym. Was that… pop music? She grinned to herself as she walked towards the gym, spotting Karys at once. The sight of his body drew out a gasp, not because it was so muscular, but because of all the scars and horrific remnants of injuries. His body was a tapestry of war and it was almost unsettling to behold. Which is what made him casually singing Rittani Pears all the more insane. However, Nash knew not to judge people for their choices in music. Besides, even she couldn’t deny some of Rittani’s songs were catchy as fuck.

A part of her considered turning away to give Karys space, but honestly he seemed like he knew what he was doing. Nash stepped forth to announce herself, “Hey! Mind if I join you?” She asked, offering him a smile, “I’d love to have you show me some forms,” Nash said, her tone genuine. He probably knew enough to be a personal trainer.

“Just don’t ask me to spot you,” She said with a chuckle, already spotting the obscene amount of weights he stacked for the squat rack.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys had finished racking his weights to start his squats when her heard a gasp just beneath the music. His eyes flitted up to see Nash standing in the doorway. “Ciri, turn down the volume to ten percent.” He stated calmly. A happy chime confirmed the order and the Rittani Pears song dipped to near silence.

Karys gazed back at Nash through the mirror, unphased by her looking at his scars. He turned to fade his house guest. While he didn’t smile persay, his voice was slightly warmer than it was when they first met.

“Good morning to you as well Nash.” He stated simply. When she asked to come in join in on his workout, he quirked an eyebrow ridge at her. Then he gestured for her to come in. “If you’d like, sure.” He replied. However when she said she couldn’t spot him, Karys saw an opportunity. “Of course you can, you’re to be Sith.” He told her. “Have the academy instructors not taught how to augment your own strength?” He asked with a sigh.

Karys knew this wasn’t his apprentice. But he was a Sith Master, he could impart knowledge to whomever he chose to. Plus this would give him the spot he needed for the new weight he’d gone up to. He leaned against the cage of his squat rack and crossed his arms over his chest.

“I will teach you this.” He told her plainly. “And you will spot all one hundred and twenty repetitions.” Karys informed her. “You will be tired by the end of it but that is fine. You have the day to rest.” He continued.

“What you need to do is focus on the emotion that most closely ties your connection to the Force.” He began. “Draw on it as if you were pooling power to use another of your abilities.” He explained. “However, instead of unleashing that power externally, you will flood your muscles with it.” He continued. “But focus only on your muscles for this exercise. You should feel the heat of power within them. Once you have that, you will lift this bar and all its weight from the rack, then place it back down.” He stated. “You may begin.”

It would be clear that this was not a request. Karys was, in his own way, repaying Nash for the evening they’d spent together last night. Imparting a sliver of his knowledge into her, a lesson with a Sith Master was rare and coveted. She had earned it in his opinion.

@Sreeya

 

[Nash]

Nash resisted the urge to roll her eyes as he grumped about the Sith not teaching her to augment her strength, “I wanna be able to pound faces in without relying on the Force,” She mumbled back, “You know I didn’t even know the Force was a thing till my teen years, right?” Nash asked him. She knew he couldn’t even comprehend such an existence considering he was born Sith. Sometimes she had a feeling Pureblood Sith didn’t realize how naturally Force application came to them compared to those that had to learn it later in life, “Even if I’m taught it, it’s way more…academic. It’s not just a natural part of me,” She admitted, not even sure if she was articulating correctly.

Fortunately he took the time to walk her through the application of how to apply the Force to her muscles. It sounded different from anything she had done before, so it would take a few tries. What tied her to the Force? Unfortunately they were a lot of negative memories of her trying to survive and escape in dicey situations. The Force expelled from her violently to push back her attackers. Regardless, Nash attempted to channel just that to her body.

Once Karys laid down to bench press, she was positive she had it down. Nash looked nervously at the weights, finding it impossibly heavy. What the fuck did this guy eat? He could make Emryc Thorne look like a dainty little dude. Nash loomed over him after he barked at her to press down on resistance, “Okay! I got this, let’s go!” She said, channeling the Force to press down as he lifted the bar.

Clearly, she had no idea what the fuck she was doing. Karys easily lifted it up and the bar jutted up to collide with her face, “OWWW FUCK!” Nash yelped as she jerked back, blood running freely from her nose. She was seeing stars, eyes watering and blood all over her hand. And Karys was left with no resistance.

“DUDE YOU ARE A BEAST!” Nash squealed with a nasally voice, more fascinated and giddy by how easily he lifted those weights than her bloody dilemma. In fact, she was actually jumping up and down in excitement, splattering blood around, "YOU CAN BE ON THOSE BODYBUILDING SHOWS!" She chirped with her nose whistling as she spoke.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys very openly grimaced at her responses. It didn’t matter when she first experienced a connection to the Force, not tending to that connection only led to its deterioration. Something that Karys was intimately familiar with. However, he didn’t address it just yet. He had a set to start and finish first.

Once he’d finished instruction and Nash seemed ready Karys began. And immediately Nash had a broken nose. There was blood everywhere. She’d be cleaning that up later. Karys couldn’t help but smirk at Nash’s excited reaction. As Karys slowly brought the bar down, paused for a second, and then pressed it back up equally as slowly he spoke.

“Nash, there is a first aid kit on the wall by the entrance.” He instructed as she happily chirped, her broken nose whistling as she spoke. “Go and get it, I will tend to your nose once I finish my set.”

And Karys did just that, he finished his set before sitting up on the bench. He’d reach out with the Force and drag a stool across the floor to just in front of him. “Come and sit.” He instructed. Karys would inspect her nose once she sat down and then without ceremony or warning would grip either side of it and reset it. “There.” He told her as he licked her blood from his thumbs.

“You said earlier you wished to beat people up without depending on the Force.” Karys noted. “This is a mistake.” He told her. “Regardless of when your first connection occurred, the Force and the Dark Side is your greatest asset. It is your greatest weapon.” He explained. “When I was an Acolyte I held many of the same beliefs as you, I solved my problems without using the Force.” He began. “It made me weak.” He stated. “The Force and your connection to it is like a muscle. The more you work that muscle, the stronger it becomes.” He used something he was certain she’d understand. “When you fail to do so, that connection weakens and so do you. Do you understand?” He asked rhetorically. “Take the bacta pad and dab your nose with it to stop the bleeding. You will try again.” He told her.

Karys would continue this process ruthlessly. Resetting broken noses and making her clean herself up when needed. But after the better part of an hour he would stop his work out. “It is time for breakfast, come.” He would state.

Karys wouldn’t ask his Nash liked her food. It didn’t matter to him, he would cook her fried meats, scrambled eggs, protein pancakes, with citrus juice.

As with the night before, Karys would serve himself first before her. He would then gesture for her to dig in. Karys found himself enjoying the Acolyte’s company. Something he was unlikely to admit.

@Sreeya

 

[Nash]

Having fought quite a bit, Nash was accustomed to breaks on her face, “Naw, chief, you just do your reps, I got this,” She wheezed through her nose whistling. A medkit was a luxury, normally she simply stuck tampons up there and dealt with it later. She figured she would reset it at some point, but she sat down when he gestured her to sit. Nash winced as he set the nose with a sick crunch, more tears involuntarily flowing from her eyes.

She watched him lick her blood off his thumbs and blinked stupidly. First off that was gnarly as fuck, but also kinda hot? Or maybe that’s just cuz it was Karys doing it and with a pierced tongue on top. But of course, Nash was Nash, “Ayo what if I had a disease or something?” She blurted out before she could stop herself. Nash, why the fuck are you the way you are?

As he explained the reliance on the Force, Nash listened quietly. She agreed with it for the most part, but she also heard of instances where the Force could be sapped, “Yeah but in Hutt space when they capture Jedi or Sith, the first thing they do is inject them with drugs that prevent Force use,” She explained, having gone through that herself when she and Arak were captured on Nar Shaddaa. In fact they only escaped because they thought Arak was a Zeltron and miscalculated the dosage. A pang shot through her chest at the thought of Arak, but she brushed it aside.

Fortunately the rest of the reps went without much incident. Karys would have had an eager cheerleader the entire time because she jumped up and down every time he struggled against her resistance. She was able to add far more resistance and made a game pushing back to where it actually became fun. Another added benefit to him being stuck bench pressing meant he had to focus on lifting and couldn’t tell her to shut up. So he was subjected to her rambling and spiraling about various things. Today’s topic was whether a hot pocket was technically a ravioli. She presented the case on both sides, along with rebuttals, all while having full conversations with herself while she managed to spot his reps just as he liked.

She was tired by the end of it and laid down on the floor staring vacantly at the ceiling while he casually stepped over her to get around the gym or put weights away.

Nash took the time to clean up her bloody mess, clearly unfazed by him serving himself first. Her stomach growled and she was close to passing out, but she was grateful for the meal. Nash stared at Karys for a moment.

“Aight listen, I ain’t ever had no one cook me a full ass spread like this before and you're doing it twice now,” She said, “I appreciate this and I appreciate you. You’re a really solid dude and if you were my man, I’d treat you like a king cuz that's what you deserve,” Nash said with confidence, recalling his earlier moping about his husband. She cleared her throat, “Now I gotta say grace for this delightful meal,” She started with some beatboxing after which she drummed on the table and then she broke into rap.

"Yo, I wake up in the morning, hunger in my eyes,
Kitchen sizzling, aroma reachin' for the skies,
Fried meats on the skillet, bacon's poppin' loud,
Sizzle symphony, my breakfast, I'm proud.

Scrambled eggs in the mix, whisk it up real quick,
Fluffy and light, like a breakfast magic trick,
Protein pancakes on the side, stack 'em high,
Flippin' like a pro, watch me touch the sky."

Nash even paused and broke out singing into a made up chorus.

"Fried meats, scrambled eggs, protein pancakes, oh,
In the kitchen, cooking up a breakfast show,
Citrus juice, squeeze it tight, add that zing,
Morning vibes so fresh, let that breakfast sing."

After a few more verses, she smiled and started to wolf down the meal as if she hadn’t eaten in years.

@Apollyon