A visit to the edge

[RC 212]

Crystalsong​

It was cold, as he stepped down the ramp could feel his breath, fogging up, muscles tense. This place was ancient, and had once housed a small enclave of folks known as the Grey Jedi Order. Where they went was none of the old Padawans concern now, just what they left behind.

Clad in White green half plate, he trudged into the thickets of crystal and tree alike.

The shards lived here once too, and if one closed their mind off from their thoughts, they could feel their echoes. Quite like one hears the wind rustling the leaves.

The sounds of the engines lifting off behind him split the sky with a dull roar, transforming into a an atmospheric boom like thunder claps.

They were gone.

And for the first time truly since escaping the facility, he knew he was alone.

Nothing but an inquisitive mind, a lightsaber and the force to guide him....

[member="Alexandra Feanor"]

 

[Vaulkhar]

Hyperspace...

Vaulkhar was always fond of Hyperspace. He was fond of space in general, but something about the millions of stars passing him at a speed he could never comprehend was calming. He did not see through conventional means, rather, he saw through the force. Even at such a speed, he could both see and feel the energy radiating around him as space bent around his ship and offered him a passage like no other. For sometime he hid away in deep space, on a forgotten colony home to criminals and refugees alike. The halfbreed wanted to be forgotten and alone, away from the legends of his father and their bloodline. But as with all good things, they must end. The former Sith was pulled out of what he considered an early retirement and was dragged back into work by none other than his Master, Darth Ferus. The two had not spoken for an unknown amount of time to Vaulkhar, which he was thankful for. Their agreement was simple enough. He was an agent and asset of the Sith Lord, one hidden away until it was time for him to come back to work.

The halfbreed had hopes that day was not to come and he'd be allowed his peaceful rest until his end. This very day his ship was pinged with a message, short and sweet. A set of coordinates. So Vaulkhar plugged those very same coordinates in, prepped for hyperspace; and waited. The telltale beeping of the journey coming to a close sounded throughout the deck which jolted the dark jedi from his revere. As his astromech rolled up, the dark jedi could not help but smile. Had it not been for R8-G8 or his Assassin droid, Ki-11, he'd of spent most of his time alone and deprived of social interaction. The smile vanished as his thoughts returned to the task at hand. He motioned to the planet before moving towards the rampart. Vaulkhar leaned against the wall, a simple set of controls for the ramp itself were nestled upon a panel located beside him. As Vaulkhar found comfort in waiting, the astromech began the landing process.

Vaulkhar's gaze was locked on that of the crystalline planet as they descended from the stars above, though his attention continued to wander to his past self-exile. Unfortunately, his thoughts were once more interrupted by the approach of his other droid, Ki-11. As it approached, the halfbreed studied it in silence. The droid was a loyal companion, programmed to kill if need be, though it hadn't particularly found much work in that within the recent past. Instead, it had been more focused on keeping the ship maintained and it's master fed. It paused a few feet from Vaulkhar, following the set of instructions given to it by the dark jedi in the past aside from an emergency. With a nod of his head to the droid, it spoke.

"Master, as I was surveying the planet, another ship was picked up on our systems. I cannot determine it's make, model, or allegiances, however I thought you should be aware of it's presence before we set down."

The halfbreed's eyes narrowed at the droid's words.

"Very well, thank you K," Vaulkhar's hand rose and pressed down on a flashing green button on the panel beside him. The rampart slowly began to lower, a wave of cold crashing within the ship. "Take care of the ship, ensure no one trespasses. If they do, kill them. Violently," he took a thick, dark gray cloak from the wall beside him and wrapped it around his shoulders, allowing it to fall down to about his hips. Already he felt a surge of warmth flood him. He strode towards the rampart and descended, even as the ship still fell from the sky. Without a care in the world, the dark jedi stepped off and free fell through the air. A dozen? Two? Six? Even he could not tell how far he had until impact. Perhaps he would simply do nothing. Simply fall to the grounds below, splattering against it like an insect, moving on to whatever awaited him in the next life. The thought brought a smile to his face. No son of Khaine Zambrano would ever die falling to their doom.

Vaulkhar focused upon the force, concentrating on the energies surging around him. As he tugged it around him, it fell about him like a coat. Those force sensitive would find his presence nigh-impossible to pick up as it enveloped him entirely, surging about him not unlike the winds brushing upwards against him. Next, the force gathered around his legs, something he learned years before. A simple trick to cushion impact. The halfbreed made contact with the land below, his knees bending to absorb more of the impact before he fell into a roll. He traveled a few feet before getting up with practiced and precise ease. His hands patted and wiped away the gathered dirt on his cloak before he looked about him, studying his surroundings. Crystals. Giant crystals.

"Son of a queen..." Vaulkhar shook his head, releasing a sigh as he picked up a minor blip with his force sense. Another force sensitive individual walked this world, not far off from him it seemed. "You sent me here to what, kill this man? Test him?" the halfbreed strode forth in the direction of [member="Zakath Tariz"] as his eyes rolled within their sockets.

 

[RC 212]

[member="Vaulkhar"]

He hadn't gotten far when he felt a prickle on his neck, though for what reason he did not know.

"Hmphhh."

He continued on, glanced around once or twice, and then pulled a map up on his data pad. What was on the menu today was some old texts. Texts that were rumored to be hidden somewhere among the ruins of the old Gray Jedi Temple. Doubtless scavengers might have made off with the lot, but so far on the edge of the verse; he doubted even that.

He looked up, peering with squinted eyes through his frosty breath and trudged on, ever wary of the prickle....

 

[Mirko Kreff]

Amidst the knowledge of the Jedi and Sith, Mirko knew he wasn't the only one aware of the Grey Jedi order. An old housing for the order was mentioned by his grandmaster, in tales of old.

He knew this wasn't going to be easy, as he assumed more individuals were going to seek this knowledge, the knowledge not even he knew what was, and didn't know what sort of knowledge this place housed.

And so it is, that he traveled to the coordinates his grandmaster had gave him, before he died. He had never traveled here, and wished for the best outcome possible in this situation.

As he stepped down from his starship, he felt the breeze, and then the wind, it was exceptionally cold. He had just stepped down from the ramp of his ship but he could feel something, some sort of energy; and he thought "This... i feel the Force." and then he had given some time to concentrate on this Force, on this aura. He felt
[member="Zakath Tariz"], and was unsure of what to do.

Regardless of any other individuals here, he was ready to head in the ancient Grey Jedi housing, confident that this was what his master would've wanted before his death.

 

[Vaulkhar]

The dark jedi moved quickly and quietly through the massive outcroppings of crystals. His form was a blur as the force propelled him forward with each step. It was as if the wind itself launched him forward at the speed of a bullet. Had he been sent to kill the presence he felt, it be awkward. It had been sometime since the life of another was taken by the halfbreed, though not long enough. He paused for just a moment, his hands slowly rose upwards and within his vision. Vaulkhar studied them closely, examining every inch of his hands, one cybernetic, the other wholly flesh. Blood stained these hands, as they did the hands of all Zambrano children. It brought a sickening feeling to his stomach, it was a familiar feeling. A feeling that overcame him whenever he took up the hunt.

In a time long past to many, he was the Sin of Avarice. Chosen by Darth Ferus as one of his personal seven among the Sith Assassins during his tenure as leader, he was taken on as a student to the master. Under the command of the Sith Lord, he killed more men than he could remember. Faces once flooded his conscious in the form of nightmares, however that has long since passed. Now the halfbreed was simply numb to those he has slain. However, no matter the amount of meditation or training he took part in, he simply could not break that feeling that formed within him at the start of each hunt. Though there was no longer anytime to consider such thoughts. As he prepared himself to kick off and continue the silent pursuit once again, the presence of another force sensitive individual popped up within his mind. His eyes narrowed, a scowl adorned his features.

This one was more powerful.

How much so, Vaulkhar could not say. There was a certain confidence behind his thoughts. He had fought masters and knights alike, managing to take on more than one foe and come out the other side the victor. Though the halfbreed still wasn't sure why he was here. With a deep breath and the shake of his head, he set off. Minutes passed before his quarry came into view. He slid to a halt, crouching low beside a particularly large mass of crystal. The dark jedi's blind gaze settled on the Padawan. His force signature was there, not particularly weak, though it spoke nothing of strength. He had seen many like this on the battlefield, soldiers cast into the fray before they were properly prepared by various Jedi orders. He once stood at the precipice of power as this man did. A smirk tugged at the corners of his lips, though he said or did nothing else. He settled in and waited, watching Zakath Tariz's movements.

[member="Zakath Tariz"] | [member="Mirko Kreff"]

 

[Mirko Kreff]

Uncertainty filled the air during Mirko's journey, as he would be walking endlessly, not reaching his destination. He had already overcome the cold, as if just ignored it. He remembered the Crystals his grandmaster had told him about; where the supposed knowledge would be hidden away; Crystalsong.

He then found a place to safely meditate and feel the presence of the crystals, where they could be. And he picked up this presence, he could visualize the location pretty well, aside from one thing; [member="Zakath Tariz"]. This Force user's aura was there aswell. "What could he possibly want here?". But he was already expecting short-notice visitors, anyway.

Mirko had to move quickly, if he were to gather the knowledge he seeked.
But what was this? Another blip in the Force was felt, whilst he was meditating... a Darker, more sincere Dark blip - but it was for one second, and disappeared.

He thought nothing of it, probably he was seeing things. "These places house powerful sources of Sith Magic" - he thought to himself. But at the same time he could feel something was different...
[member="Vaulkhar"]

After a while, he could see the Crystals from afar, and to his bad luck, [member="Zakath Tariz"] aswell.

His thoughts raced as to what he would do, but he just hid behind a tree, closest to where this man was.

He concentrated heavily to pick up this man's presence and strength in the Force; and it seemed he was just an apprentice. Uncertainty fogged his mind, and he was weak of because of it.

Mirko hid, waiting for the young padawan's actions to take course, so he could move again.

 

[RC 212]

[member="Vaulkhar"] [member="Mirko Kreff"]

The pressure was mounting.

He slid down another shelf of crystals, landing in a crouch. Then he felt a warm sensation and glanced down to see he'd cut his hand.

"Feth me."

He glanced up asnd around. More sensations were mounting, and he guessed it may have been some kind f threat. The Temple was a hundred meters ahead, barely visible through the fog. One thing Zakath had even without the force was strength and endurance in droves. A nice by product of being holed up and toyed with in a lab for so many years.

He took off, powerful legs pumping him forwards, sending up plumes of snow.

Just as the doors came into sight, he lowered his shoulder.

And rammed right through....

 

[Vaulkhar]

The second source of power appeared rather abruptly to Vaulkhar, causing a wide frown to spread across his lips. Not that he was overly concerned, it was more a nuisance considering it complicated things. He was unable to mask himself with the force it seemed, or perhaps he opted not to. Either way it was an advantage the dark jedi was able to make use of. His blind gaze shifted momentarily from the Padawan and instead moved to the Knight nearby. While he could not visibly place him yet, he could most certainly feel him. Now that he was near, he could better read his power. It was near to his own, the half breed was sure of that at least. How close though, he could not yet say. He toyed with the idea of revealing himself to the duo for sometime, perhaps causing a bit of a stir for the hell of it. It been awhile since he managed to really enjoy himself after all. And nothing was more enjoyable with causing a bit of chaos among those ill prepared. However, his thought process soon proved pointless as the Padawan simply took off running in the direction of the temple.

Vaulkhar considered his next course of actions in silence, wrapped in a cloak of shadow and the force. If he chose to follow the man, he could reveal himself if not careful. If he chose to wait, he'd possibly catch a glimpse of the second individual on his radar. One proved dangerous, the other beneficial. While he was not the stealthiest by the Sith Assassin standard, he was no fool. To gather information would be most beneficial. As such, he hunkered down and waited. The half breed knew he could follow either of them through the force alone, it not be overly difficult to find either of their signatures, it just be bothersome if anyone got too far ahead.

His hand slid into the pack at his side and he withdrew a simple metallic cube. It was nothing special, just a simple puzzle box game he picked up on the outer rim. It was enjoyable, helped him pass the time, and he swore it taught him something new every time he played. So, he settled in and began to turn the pieces of the cube in comfortable silence.

[member="Zakath Tariz"] | [member="Mirko Kreff"]

 

[Mirko Kreff]

Whilst Mirko sat there, waiting for the padawan to move or do something at all, he had been concentrated on the energy around here. It was a bit awkward and felt specifically strange and unstable. His arms now feeling a particular surge of Dark Side power. Not knowing why, when he saw that the padawan had run off, he followed him to where he was going, hoping he was no threat.

Mirko had no intention of igniting his green sabre that day, he was there for exploration and knowledge, never expecting a confrontation.

Seeing as the padawan had rushed inside, Mirko too, would do the same. He then opened the doors to the Temple, and was faced with the padawan. He had managed to reach the padawan just in time for a conversation.

"Hey!"
-He called him out;

He was hoping for a friendly conversation, he was tranquil and relaxed. He hadn't even hid his force signature that day. If the padawan really wanted, he could've spotted Mirko minutes ago, but that just comes to show he isn't intentionally looking for a brawl or a struggle, maybe he was here for the exact same reason Mirko was... Who knew?

[member="Zakath Tariz"]|[member="Vaulkhar"]

 

[RC 212]

[member="Vaulkhar"] [member="Mirko Kreff"]

He was through on the ground floor when he heard a voice call out. A simple "Hey."

And it was not something he was expecting. He dodged left, dipping behind a nearby crystal column, and glanced around. The main chamber had four staircases going off it to a higher level, and then higher than that. They were big enough to fit about two folks abreast. From there a semi circle of crystal columns, carved as ancient gray's he did not recognize dotted the foyer, along with spent torches and tattered rags of what was once their banners.

He snatched himself a rag, and tucked it into his belt. Useful later for crafting and study.

Then he hefted his ultra simple saber. Fingers wrapped around the hilt, and arms loose he stepped sideways to confront his hailer.

"There's far 'nough. What do you want with me?"

 

[Vaulkhar]

Vaulkhar's patience was rewarded, as per usual. The other individual revealed themselves, following after Zakath into the temple. He straightened and slid the puzzle box away into his pack where it belonged. He tugged the force tighter around him, masking himself entirely from those capable of sensing him through the force, the blip of dark side energy simply ceasing to be felt. The dark jedi waited for Mirko to enter the temple before moving. As the door to the temple slammed shut, Vaulkhar moved towards the entry and peered about. As he searched for another entry point, he tugged his cloak tighter around him, a small shiver surging through him. It was cold. He wasn't entirely fond of the cold. Though as his eyes studied the old temple, he noted something rather strange. The wind seemed be sucked inward higher up the temple and as he stepped back to study it further, a wide smile pulled across his face.

He found his entry point. The half breed moved towards the wall, the force surging around his legs before he pressed downwards and jumped. The snow itself exploded outward from where his feet left the ground, his momentum causing the white substance to shoot violently away from him. As he cleared over two dozen feet into the air, his cybernetic arm latched onto a lip in the stone before his other, gloved hand could do the same. Vaulkhar tugged himself up and peered forward. It seemed the dark jedi had found a break in the exterior defense, a crack just large enough for him to shimmy through. And so he did. He pressed himself flat against the wall and slowly but surely inched into the temple. Lucky enough for him, he found himself on the second story of the building, overlooking the entry hall.

His molten orange gaze slowly shifted back to gray as he settled comfortably in the shadow of a large pillar holding up the third floor above him. The half breed watched the duo below, coming in shortly after Mirko was stopped by Zakath. The interaction did not appear friendly, which could very much work in the favor of the former sith, though it could very easily work against him if he was not careful in how he approached the duo. With another resigned sigh, he settled against the pillar and fell into waiting once more.

[member="Zakath Tariz"] | [member="Mirko Kreff"]

 

[Mirko Kreff]

Seeing[member="Zakath Tariz"]'s hostile behaviour, he'd make a downwards motion with both his hands, signalizing he was not here to fight, and said:

"You can calm down. I'm no threat to you."
-He said; his arms already at waist length.

"I was hoping you could help me. I am in search of the Grey Jedi knowledge, that this temple houses. Perhaps we could share this knowledge, if you wish to do so. Maybe we could partner up."
-He said; immediately letting out a sigh:

"I know you just met me; but my name is Mirko. It is unwise to give your name to a stranger. But i sense the good in you, padawan."

He paused for a while;

"Unless i'm wrong."

Hoping the padawan would accept his cooperation offer, and hoping he would too, be chasing knowledge, he awaited his response. Forevermore waiting to be attacked, and in an almost defensive Form II position.

 

[RC 212]

[member="Mirko Kreff"] [member="Vaulkhar"]

He lowered his guard but only just.

"Hmphh. Then why are you following me?"

Then the part about work together.

"I can agree to that. But I get a copy of anything we find. Then we're stashing it or turning it over to the Jedi Library."

Alas Vaulkhars sigh and all the commotion he'd made in the near silent place gave him away. Zakath didn't know exactly where he was, but he could hear him. He cast his eyes about the room, trying to search him out.

"I believe we may have company."

 

[Mirko Kreff]

Mirko aswell, lowered his guard a bit.

"Well, friend, you never know who to trust, and before we came in the temple, i could feel a sudden change in the Force. But i suppose that wasn't you.

He would put his hands on his hips and rejoiced to know that Zakath accepted a helping hand.

"Works for me, i'm no mercenary."

After this, Mirko could also hear the commotion made and didn't know the immediate location of Vaulkhar, but he was close. Too close.

"Yes, i believe we do."



[member="Vaulkhar"] | [member="Zakath Tariz"]

 

[Vaulkhar]

Vaulkhar's eyes narrowed and his jaw set, tightening in frustration.

Unfortunate.

The former sith studied the pair, still remaining within the shadow of a rather large pillar. The shadow's coalesced around him, further masking his presence. The assassin flicked on the personal stealth unit built within his armor, his form flickering before vanishing from view entirely. Now invisible, he straightened and slowly walked across the pathway beside him. His movements were silent and measured, the dark jedi on full alert now that his presence was recognized to some extent. He was not fond of being found, most folks in hiding weren't. However, he was even more annoyed that he made such a simple mistake and was found due to it. Taking a deep breath, he just continued forward and watched the duo, his dull gray gaze mirroring a predator mid-hunt.

As the duo began looking about for him, his head gently moved from side to side as he shook it.

Well, they are not amateurs, that is for sure. Do I attack them? Do I simply watch and wait? They will not find me with my suit active, that is sure. I could always approach them and offer my assistance. Considering my own stance with the Gray Jedi Order, I could perhaps reveal myself an ally to them as they search through these ruins. Decisions, decisions....

Opting not to make contact with the duo yet, Vaulkhar stepped up onto the railing, still hidden entirely from view due to his stealth suit, he just walked along it with impeccable balance. His eyes flickered between the two and his surroundings, taking in the architecture and the varying items within used to decorate the former temple. Vaulkhar's hand eventually fell to his hip, his index finger prodding his lightsaber casually as he awaited the duo's following movements.

[member="Mirko Kreff"] | [member="Zakath Tariz"]

 

[RC 212]

[member="Vaulkhar"] [member="Mirko Kreff"]

"Indeed. Keep your eye's sharp then?"

His own green orbs pierced like lasers through the fog of his breath and the mist of snow. The wind shaking the banisters dusted them, and that was no help. Neither was the tell tale flash of a cloaking device, that then dissipated. There was simply too much going on in the room in general for the inexperienced padawan to track the other by sight or sound now.

And of course, he was not as attuned as a Master. No force bubbles betrayed themselves.

"Let's push farther in. The Library or what's left of it should be second level."

 

[Mirko Kreff]

"Your eyes deceive you."

He said, whilst following the padawan.

"Be sensitive to the Force, that'll lead you. I fear another Force user might be around. I'm not certain. But it's never too late to doubt."

"Let's go, then."

He said, grabbing his lightsaber and gripping it, as a form of defense.

As previously mentioned, he wasn't expecting confrontation today, and this caught him off guard. Perhaps they wouldn't need to fight, who knows? The only thing that mattered now was to follow [member="Zakath Tariz"], in search of these archives, or what be it. He was waiting on the padawan's instructions and constantly in contact with the Force, as to try to sense something, but alas, it was to no avail. No matter, he kept focused, so if whoever was here, he'd sense his aura.

[member="Vaulkhar"]

 

[Vaulkhar]

Vaulkhar kept his silence as he remained off to the side, watching the duo. He switched back and forth between supporting the idea of introducing himself to them and not. He did not fear them if something violent were to come of it, he more so was lazy and did not want anything of the sort to occur. As it stood, he also had yet to determine why he was there and it was simply a foolish idea to run forward with so little information on the table. The half breed pinched the bridge of his nose as he walked parallel the duo on the railing, remaining within view of them, still well balanced. His boots were padded leather, courtesy of his father. Damn good for sneaking about. At the mention of the second floor he halted and looked to the large sets of stairs leading up to his level. It wouldn't take long for them to reach an even position. If he were to make a move, he'd have to do so now. While he still held an advantageous position.

He moved swiftly, breaking into a sprint along the railing. Vaulkhar raced to the top of the stairs before releasing a deep breath. And at that, his hold upon the force simply weakened and disappeared entirely. His signature would appear to the both of them if they were competent with the force sense ability and utilizing it. He flicked the switch on the back of his belt before he flickered back into view. Now fully in sight, the dark jedi raised a hand, waving to garner the attention of the duo. His other hand hung comfortably at his side beneath his cloak, close enough to one of his lightsabers, though such a thing would be hidden from sight due to his thick coat which hung to just past his hips. Well, here goes nothing.

"Greetings, strangers."

[member="Mirko Kreff"] | [member="Zakath Tariz"]

 

[Mirko Kreff]

Suddenly, Mirko had picked up something in the Force. Had he not been focusing, he wouldn't have been able to feel it. Now, he knew the location of the person, though couldn't determine their gender. Mirko could also hear them in the railing, they were sprinting, fast and constantly moving.

When suddenly he saw a man, seemed young and reeked of the Dark side, however, he couldn't just assume he was here to harm them. If he was, he would've already engaged us.

Nevertheless, Mirko was surprised.
Force Cloak.... Hmph

He figured the Dark Jedi would be using Force Cloak, as he could've seen him moments before getting here, and since all the noise came from up top, he figured he fell here. But why was he introducing himself so friendly? Is he that reckless?

This didn't make sense to Mirko at all, as all he could think about was why did he reveal himself specifically now? Why didn't he do it before? He was here, and now was the time to ask questions.

"Hmph, strangers, hm? I suppose you already know my name, since you were spying on us."

Mirko didn't trust this man and was sure he was up to nefarious deals here. Nevertheless, he tried to remain calm and challenge the Dark Jedi about the situation.

"Your name?"

He gripped his lightsaber, that was already on his right hand, and stared at the man fixatingly, he knew he was a product of Dark Side teachings. He could feel every inch of his body. But he wasn't sure whether he was a Dark Jedi or a Sith yet.

[member="Zakath Tariz"] | [member="Vaulkhar"]

 

[Vaulkhar]

A smirk stretched along Vaulkhar's lips. The young man shifted his weight, his free hand resting on the right side of his hip. The gesture was simple enough. It revealed the lightsaber hanging on his right side, though the one on his left was still blocked by his cloak.

"I can be your classic villain, tell you I know many things, though that be entirely pointless. I know a few things. You are Mirko, a practitioner of the force much like myself. Your companion though, I know not his name." The dark jedi paused and eyed the duo, taking a step forward before sitting on the top of the staircase. His body language spoke paragraphs on his intent, he did not take an aggressive stance or position. Instead he seemed to weaken his position. "You both are seeking something here, in what I believe to be a former temple of the Gray Jedi, an order I belong to, or did for sometime..."

Vaulkhar paused at that, his smirk slowly slipping away into a stoic expression once more. He maintained control of his emotions as he slid his hood down to reveal his face to the duo. He had sharp facial features, angular much like his father and their people. His hair was raven black, currently tied back into a bun. His eyes were a sleek gray color, not too different from the stone surrounding them used to build up this facility. The mention of the gray jedi brought various thoughts to the surface of his mind, thoughts he was not overly fond of thinking. A master who had abandoned him, his only escape from the Sith Empire. Thankfully his surface thoughts and mind were safe due to his mixed blood. After several long seconds of silent contemplation, he shrugged his shoulders and spoke once again.

"I am Vaulkhar, I'd like to explore this temple with the lot of you. Perhaps find information on a way out of my current predicament."