At the Sight of Blood, Sweat, and Tears

[Ignatius]

I just shook my head with a smile at the man's words. Saying he had no idea. More along the lines of him simply being nice. He stood there for a moment and I looked at him. When he moved, he took a hold of the chair and moved it out for me and bowed. I tilted my head as he motioned for me to take the seat. But his words hit me when they were spoken. How I had served many, and now it is time for me to be served instead. At first I almost took him literally, but more so, he was probably going along the lines of being nice to me. I nodded my head and took my seat. Scooting forward, and he moved to his own.

"Um. Thank you."

I said nervously. Never been really treated in a very regal and proper style such as this. It was strange and different. He sniffed the wine, and poured my glass, and then his own. All after opening the cloth and placing it on his lap. I followed suit and placed it open over my folded legs and skirt. He then posed the notion about his story and telling me about what he has done. I still didn't move. Unsure what to do. I didn't know how I was to use all pf these utencles. I mean, we had one. A spork. and thats all we had. When I was with him. we had real forks and spoons and knives. But not this many. I felt strange then, as I do now. I reached for the wine and took a sip as he spoke.

"Go ahead with the story. I'll ask after."

I wanted to get used to all of this first. So with him talking it may give me some time to think.

[member="Xander Blackmoore"]

 

[Judah Lesan]

Akuma was out of place with the utensils. Xander felt slightly embarrased that he had set the table for the kind of feast which would be served to him at this palace. A simple fork and knife would have sufficed for what he made. He opted to help before his story.

"Do not worry about the utensils. There is a fork and serated meat knife, though please use whatever seems comfortable. I have forgotten to keep the place setting simple."

He sipped his wine, and lifted the napkin from his lap to wipe the corners of his mouth. Setting the napkin back in place he sighed. His story was not one many knew. He would tell it now.

"The son of a wealthy Duke, I knew nothing of life other than what my father has allowed. As the son of a Duke, I was expected to take over his duties as the Regent of Ec Pand and play my part in the Induparan Monarchy. Life was simple for until a Sith amulet was discovered on the planet. For some time the amulet remained in the vault at the palace, all the while calling out to me in a way. When it was clear that I was more interested in the amulet than my studies, my father made arrangements for the Sith to come and take the amulet. This turned out to not be a wise move.

Upon the arrival of Darth Neferis, a rebellion broke out which pitted my father and I against each other. In order to honor my father's agreement, I sided with Neferis, and led her to the vault fighting my way through the palace. The decision ultimately led to a confrontation with my father where he ordered me to be killed by the palace guard. I fought them off, and killed my father, earning the attention of Darth Neferis, and passage off the planet to Munto Codru. Upon arriving on Munto Codru I entered the temple where I was to be weighed and measured to determine my worth.

After some time I became a Dark Lord himself bearing the title Darth Vizios. My reign upon the Crown Worlds of Indupar (where I eventually ascended to king) was prosperous for me, and to the people who loved me. My fascination with power and ancient relics led to my downfall as an ancient device was sought. My failure brought about what some thought to be my death. Instead I remained preserved by the dark side, trapped in a force induced coma until I was recently wakened.

Everyone I knew is gone. The woman I called lover long since dead. Why the dark side did this, I cannot say. No matter though. He we are."

Xander finished his meal, and set back against the chair. His eyes looked deep into hers wondering what she would think.

[member="Akuma"]

 

[Ignatius]

Quite a story to be told. After his comment of the utensels, I simply used the fork and knife to eat my meal. I would cut a few pieces and then take a few bites followed by some of the wine that tasted rather bland to me. I couldn't judge. All I had ever drank was hard liquor such as Whiskey and Vodka. Cus well, thats all I could get at the time. There was no sting as it went done. Or so little of one that i hardlt felt it, and the taste was fruity? I am no taste tester so I couldn't tell.

Nonetheless, I listened to his story as I ate. The son of a Duke, and then to go after him becuase of an artifact that he sought after. That one thing ruined his family. Part of me understood the calling to the dark side. How it was so... addicting. Yet the other part wanted me to slap him. He chose to end his ties with his family. I was forced to. I was sold as a slave. I had no choice. He did. and that is what made me wonder why was the amulet so important to him. As he mentioned about losing his love, and life, even more so that he was stuck in a force coccon of a coma, he only recently awoken.

I had finished my meat and was half way through the greens when he finished. Looking at me as I took a sip of the wine once more. Setting it down, I wiped my mouth with the napkin before putting it back down in my lap.

"How long ago were you put into this coma? And why do you believe the force has allowed you to arise?"

Questions that seemed easy, yet were complicated from the start. I wanted to hear his story. Who was this woman he loved? To know how he never saw these people again? What if they too were just put into a coma, but never woken up? Or the biggest question of them all, Why did he choose to follow the path of the dark side?

[member="Xander Blackmoore"],

 

[Judah Lesan]

"800 years," Xander answered directly. "Why the dark side did this, that is the mystery to solve isn't it. I shall solve it though, like all other mysteries in my life from why my father was so abusive to the visions which haunt my dreams. For all I know the dark side could have put me in that stasis to simply give me a respite from them."

Yes, Xander had been abused. He did not choose to tear his family apart, his farher chose that for them all. Vizios would not expect Akuma to understand what it was like to live under the same roof with a man who was called father, but acted as nothing more than a task master. He didn't want to relive those memories, so she would never know. If she wanted to think ill of him because she did not know the truth, it was better than giving her the details. At least he vocalized the fact it happened. Simply put, Xander was driven to darkness because his father beat him. He was driven to the dark side, because of his father's actions.

"You can't even begin to understand how my life as a child was never a pleasent one. Granted you have your own stories of abuse I am certain, but none of them in guise of a loving family. When Darth Neferis came, it was my one chance to escape. The abuse from my father extended to the people he was set to rule over and administrate as well. They rebelled, they were there to kill him, and they would have succeeded too. He made the mistake of trying to kill me first. In the end ending my father's life became the thing which ended the rebellion and kept the regency in the hands of my family. I am not asking you to understand it. Just know my pain was real."

Xander stood from his seat and left the napkin on the table. He moved to get a mug of caf and the dessert he had made. It was simply a dish of iced cream for each of them, but it was going to be enjoyable.

[member="Akuma"]

 

[Ignatius]

It was over 800 years ago that this man had lived. 800 years in which things have changed. With all of these different ships flying around, new technology, and the unfamiliar idea of what the Gulag Plage had done to the inumberal amount of people in which it had affected. Yet, he said that someday he might find out, much like how he needed to find out why he was awoken. The force had chosen him for a reason unknown. And yet he believed that the force gave him a break from the beatings he got from his father?

There was a silence when he was thinking. I looked down at my napkin to understand that he didn't choose. Something his father did was so.... revolting to him that it would have been better for him to leave, rather than stay. I stayed there and wondered what exactly did this man do to my new master. HIm speaking about it was brave. I don't think that anybody so readily talks about things like this. Yes I will admit that I was a slave, and maybe I will tell him a few storys, but some of it, was just not what I want others to know. I didn't want them to judge me or think differently of me becuase of who I once was, and who I am now.

He started speaking again. I kept my head down as he said I would never understand how his life was filled with pain in a way that was different than mine. Speaking of his one chance to escape, and he took it. And he held on with all he had becuase he didn't know what else to do. His last words hit me. He didn't want me to understand it, just to know that the pain, all of it, was there and very much real. Nodding my head as he grabbed the dessert. he placed it down in front of me. I looked at it as though it were a bug crawling across the table.

Looking back down, I spoke. My words heavy in my mouth. Spilling out.

"My life was, as you can imagine, not perfect. I was sold into slavery because my parents didn't like me, or couldn't take care of me. But I was still somewhat happy to know that my sister was still with me. I wont speak of the details of what happened, but know that it was over the span of 11 years old, to 16 years old in which I had to deal with men coming onto me for the idea of pleasure. And at the end of that time, the one person I trusted, who I cared for, betrayed me. Selling me out for stealing drugs that at the time I was addicted to. I was beaten day in and day out for the span of three months. I was getting tired. I wanted it all to end. So I thought I might as well take someone out with me. So I killed the Hutt that had control over me as he slept."

I could feel the tears threatening to break through my closed eyelids as I sat there. unsure why I was speaking of my past when I could have been asking him questions instead. Continuing on, I did.

"I didn't do so well with fighting off the guards. Mind you all I could fight on was instinct, and I was bone thin. but one didn't want to see this anymore. He was the same man who healed me from my wounds in which I had taken a beating. And he was the only man there who had not come onto me. But now he did. And instead of getting pleasure from me, he killed some of the guards with the lightsaber I currently carry. He saved me. Healed me back to health. And trained me in the force. he trained me with swords first, and then Lightsabers. Thats why I am so much better with my Katana instead of the lightsaber."

Looking up, my face was red. But no tears fell from my face. I held in the pain and used it to fuel myself. I held it for myself to use. I am stronger. I am so much stronger than I once was. And I would not let anybody tear me down. No body will. I wil fight back or die. Because there is only one thing that I want more than my freedom, and that I will never speak about.

"We were dealing with some Assassins who decided to take the bounty that was on my friends head, and we fought, but in the end, I was the only one who survived. I was the one to watch as the only friend I had made in almost my entire life died in my arms. And I couldn't stop it."

My face looked almost angry now. I reached down and used the spoon to scoop up the dessert, eating it as I had been speaking. Only now was it gone. Yet, it was cool, but felt like a burning in my chest and stomach. I shook my head. just wanting this conversation to be over.

"Since then I have been fighting to make myself stronger. To become what no body else can. To rise above all else. Becuase I won't let anyone else die like that."

I let my face drop. Feeling drained. Much like I had been after I was done fighting. I felt like just slumping over and falling asleep. And I almost did that exactly. I could feel the strength in my body give way. The Demons that I had were stronger than I was. They drained me of what I had. And yet I was strong. I could take down a Bull Rancor without fear. With at the most a few scratches. I felt like a lie. I felt like all of this was pinned against me. Looking up, I just barely had enough strength to say my next words.

"As a survivor, I will carry the feelings of those who have passed away on my shoulders."

[member="Xander Blackmoore"],

 

[Judah Lesan]

Xander listened. The gravity of the words spoken was not lost on him. The king knew his next words were going to be very important. That was why he did not rush them. He ate his iced cream and sipped his caf until the right words came to him.

"Then I will teach you how to find your strength from them. They will not be your burden to carry alone."

He noticed her fatigue, felt her frustration as it seemed to make her weak. What she did not understand was her body still had physical limitations even if the force did not. Had this man taught her that? The way she spoke of him, he knew the master had been more than a friend. There was love in her voice at the recollection of the memories which involved the man. They had both lost close companions then. A pain and burden they both could learn to carry together, a weapon that could fuel their strength.

"I have kept you from rest too long," Xander said offering to help her to the quarters she would occupy. "Your body has been through a lot today, and when the adrenaline is all gone we must rest. Despite the force making us able to do the impossible, our bodies still run on the same chemicals as other humans. We must recharge and remain fresh if we are to succeed. There are times we can rely on the force for the energy we need, but it is not wise to do so if rest is available. I can assure you I did not claim you as an apprentice simply to force myself upon you."

Xander led the dark haired girl down the corridor to the quarters she had taken for herself. Helping her find a seat on the bed, he turned to leave. Stopping at the doorway, he turned to face her and offered another bow as if she were the one of royalty on the vessel.

"Sleep well, Akuma. May your dreams be more pleasent than mine. If you need me, I will be in the lounge cleaning up or in my own quarters just across from you. We will be to Ec Pand in eight hours, where you will call home for the time being. Your journey into the dark side will begin there."

[member="Akuma"]

 

[Ignatius]

His words were careful. Thoughtful, and filled with meaning. Saying he would help me carry this burden much like how he was. His vision was upon me and I could feel his eyes not judging me, but wanting to help almost. He knew this kind of pain, he knew how it felt. And so we would carry this burden together. I felt weak. Continuing to slowly drift as though I were falling into the deep void of darkness. Xander walked towards me. Helping me up as he spoke. Saying he kept me from my rest. I would have said it wasn't his problem. But I was too weak to speak. I almost felt sick.

He helped me up and slowly got me to my room. My feet were barely sliding as I felt sore and heavy. he continued to speak. Saying that our bodies could only handle so much power and pressure. When using the force, it was like squeezing a waterbottle half way filled with water. There was room for the air to compress. Allowing us to use the force without destroying our body. But once the breaking point reached, when too much pressure was applied we would explode much like the water bottle. His words reached me but didn't regester that he wouldn't come onto me.

Laying me down into the bed, And then leaving. However, I watched as the man turned around and bowed as though I were royalty. Saying that we will be at his estate in about 8 hours. As well to rest up and to dream all that I could. Where when we got to the estate, the training would commence. As he walked out, turning off the lights, I was left in the dark room, falling asleep into the abyss of dreams.

I didn't dream. I didn't feel anything. My body was too tired for my mind to think. I slept in the darkness alone. Feeling myself drift into the Nether where I once fought for my life, where I have flashes of killing others within my reach. I fell asleep. Listening to the screams of all those who have fallen beneath my blade.

[member="Xander Blackmoore"],

 

[Judah Lesan]

Xander woke, naked as the day he was born. The noble king was not one to care much about discretion. Taking his clothes to the fresher, he enjoyed a hot shower as the proximity alarm interrupted it and beckoned him to dress. He wore clothes similar to what he had been seen in the day before. His hooded coat put on as well. A knock preceded his entry into Akuma's quarters. He had promised to wake her when they arrived. She needed to be awake for their entry.

"We have arrived my lady," he found himself saying out of habit from when he would wake his Dangereuse.

It came easy. He sat on the edge of the bed as he had ways done with her, rubbed Akuma's back gently, and spoke kindly, gently. There were few that new this side of Xander existed, fewer still to have seen it.

"Dress yourself, we land in thirty minutes."

The estate was set in the countryside. As many of his world were, small villages of the citizenry surrounded the estate of their overlord. While Xander was the rightful ruler of the Crown Worlds, he remained in the shadows for now. He would reclaim the thrown, but it was premature to do so. For now, he kept to the grounds of his estate. Lush forests littered the grounds and countryside. Mountains could be seen in the distance. The place was truly beautiful.

The infiltrator landed near the main gate. His staff and butler waited to greet him. As the ramp lowered, Xander walked down giving orders to those who served him by choice. No one was a slave in his keep. All except one, because she chose to be seen that way regardless of what Xander told her.

"This is Akuma. She is my apprentice. Danger's chambers have been vacant for far too long. She will stay there. Prepare them. I shall give her a tour of the estate myself."

Passing through the large gate, Xander led Akuma into the main hall. Soon he stepped to a painting, and when no one was looking, he turned it into the wall to reveal a hidden passage way. They disappeared into it as the door closed. The walls were stone, lighting provided by sconces on the wall holding torches in place. The corridor led to the one place Akuma was sure to love. The armory of castle Blackmoore.

"Whatever you choose is yours. Leave the right wall alone however. Those are mine."

[member="Akuma"]

 

[Ignatius]

Sleep came to me, and I loathed it. I enjoyed it as I lay there. Drifting back and forth between dreams of death and complete silence. It was only then I could feel a hand on me. Rubbing me, I smiled a little as I woke. Thinking that Aragon had woke me for the start of a new day, but when the words of being at Xanders estate in 30 minutes came, I opened my eyes and cleared my smile. I thought it might have been a dream. but alas, it was not. I sat up slowly and groaning from the pain. Stretching so much that my back and shoulders popped. As Xander left the room, I got up and began to gather my belongings. Since I had already taken a shower before I had eaten, I was still relativly clean.

I freshened myself up by brushing my hair, changing my cloths to be in a black tunic, black tie, and a pair of riding pants. Thick and durable, they were used when I was being shown how to ride a speeder. Since the speeder that he had had the engine right next to your feet, you had to protect your legs. the thick warn leather pants fit me nice and snug around my hips, waist, and thighs. But not too tight. I put on my belt and attached my lightsaber. Keeping it with me while I put all my other stuff with my bag. I even put some perfume on so I wouldn't smell like last nights dinner, nor like the bed I had slept in. Walking into the washroom, I splashed some cold water on my face to completely wake me up and start my day.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------​

After we had landed, Xander was giving orders to those who worked for him. Telling them to put my gear into "Danger's Room" where it has been unacupied for too long. As well as introducting me as Akuma. Xander began to show me around the estate. He then brought me to a painting. And after looking around for a second, he opened it to reveal a passageway. Once entering, I could see the masonwork that was done here. Very fine and done to keep people from entering just willy nilly. Looking, I could see that this was almost a personal armory. Suits of armor that were old and long forgotten of the Galaxy, tools and weapons of war. I looked around in amazement as the weapon here ranged from swords, shields, and even a few bows, to the greatest of tools used by any species.

He mentioned that I could use any and all of the tools in here, except for the right side. I looked to see that this was the only side that had specific weapons. Walking over and examining them, I was much like a little girl in a toy store. If you tell her not to look, she will look anyways. And I noticed something. And asked my question,

"So why does the right side have all the bows?"

Everywhere else it looked the same. Except for the old weapons in which time had forgotten.

[member="Xander Blackmoore"],

 

[Judah Lesan]

"Because they are all mine," he said with a grin, a bit proud her eyes fell to them. "I am an avid hunter. They are the tools I use for such sport. Each are a different level of resistance depending on what I am hunting. The middle bow is enough for the beasts I hunt in the woods surrounding the estate."

Xander crossed the room to where she stood looking at his weapons. She wanted to touch them, he knew she did. Xander would teach her to use the weapon, but he would not trust her with the weapon until she could show herself worth the investment. The force training was one thing, how to kill with the weapons of the Sith, to hunt with his bow, that was a different relationship entirely. He was now curious. How badly did she want.

"Do you want to learn how to use the bow," he asked eyeing her form.

He knew there was strength to her. It had to be tested. Simply, Xander was not sure he had a bow she could pull. A test was in order.

"If you do, I need a demonstration of your strength. If you can get it off that wall, I will teach you. You just have to get through me to get it."

[member="Akuma"]

 

[Ignatius]

Becuase they were all his? Oh I see how it is. He was like a little child himself. Wanting all the toys he liked to himself, and would not allow anyone else to use it. Mentioning that he was an avid hunter, and used the middle one of the group to hunt the animals around here for food, or for sport, I watched as he got closer. I was half tempted, So very tempted just to stick my finger out and touch them. Just to be a jerk to him and mess around. Though, I hope he didn't mean it quite so seriously. That was the reason why I didn't because I feared he might take it too far.

Regardless, he looked at me and asked if I wanted to use the bow. I looked at the bow, and then back to him. Nodding my head silently. he then came at me with another comment. Saying that if I wanted to use one, I needed to demonstrate how strong I was. Saying that if I wanted to learn so badly, I would have to just take the bow, but I would have to go through him to get it. I smiled, and he knew it was coming, but I reached out for it. Reaching for my hand as fast as I could so maybe I could just simply take it.

However I very highly doubted it.

[[OOC: All posts from here on out must rhyme at the end of every other sentence to earn songsteel acording to this.
Songsteel (( Objective : Consecutively rhyme the last word of every other sentence in a paragraph in every post for the full duration of a duel against a Force User player character.))]]

[member="Xander Blackmoore"],

 

[Judah Lesan]

Xander reached out and took her by the wrist. He pulled her around to face him. The man drew the water from the air creating a mist. His desire to create an environment for this fight came at a whim. Vizios stood between her and the bow. His lips pulled to wide grin.

"You will have to try harder to grab that bow. I am not gong to let you win."

[member="Akuma"]

 

[Ignatius]

Oh this man was going to try and have his fun. Trying to grab this bow is a trial for me. There was no way that I was going to run. There were mant things that I could see. His hand still upon my wrist. Griping rather tightly against the bone. I was surprised that he wasn't a little pissed. And here is where everything is to be shown.

A flick of my wrist from behind me. A sword flew from the rack at incredable speed. Moving down to my knee. I gave him the distraction that I need. Sprining up with my off hand, I just had to reach for the bow. Maybe getting it to land. So later on, I can shoot some doe.

[member="Xander Blackmoore"],

 

[Judah Lesan]

She thought herself clever with her little distraction. His body remained still, his face stoic. Her little trick would receive no statist action. Her action no more that false rhetoric. Xander grabbed her other wrist in a flash. The force enhancing his movement. Pulling her close might seem a brash. He had no choice as he raised a barrier to keep the blade from tearing them like parchment.

His eyes locked with hers, a devilish flare was found in them. This was a fun little game he was playing and nothing more. He released her reluctantly as if she were a priceless gem. Another chance to grab the bow and make her point score.

[member="Akuma"]

 

[Ignatius]

After the grabbing of my hands, and a deflection of the sword. Pushing me back, I had some time to think. I would need to get around this man and his wards. I had to move faster than he could blink. If all I had to do was to grab the bow, then maybe I could simply take it from where I stood. Pulling another sword from the row, it was flung at him with all the power that I could.

The off hand of mine gripped it with the force. Attemtping to yank it over to where I stood. Maybe this would be the end of the cource? Hoping to have the familiar feeling in my hand of wood.

[member="Xander Blackmoore"],

 

[Judah Lesan]

A flick of the wrist drove the blade flying at him into the wall. It stuck through firmly set. The distraction served to get Xander off the ball. Xander had to move to ensure this contest would be met. Positioning himself between bow and the girl, Xander reached and took it in his hand. He turned to smile to prod the fight on. Hopefully she was upset enough to hurl. This would only serve to make her fight on.

"You need to do better than that if you expect to take the bow from me. Open up fully to the dark side, and you will see."

[member="Akuma"]

 

[Ignatius]

I need the dark side of the force. It already flowed within my veins. From now on, I will have to act with no remorse. I had to fight through these pains. Closing my eyes, I focused upon the darkness. Flooding my vision with colors of red. I needed to keep my promise. I needed to be careful of where I tread. Opening my eyes, I lashed out in vain. Sending a telekinetic push to his chest. This was no longer mundane. Charging him, my fist for his face. My second for his kidney. I would not slow my pace. Nor would I let myself be a kitty.

Swinging around his side, I reached for the bow. Attempting to prove him wrong. I would not let him disallow. This fight should not be long.

[member="Xander Blackmoore"]

 

[Judah Lesan]

He could have continued. The fight was not much of a challenge, but Akuma finally showed some spirit. Now Xander truly knew the darkside was within her, imbued. She showed she was willing to use it. Rather than press the fight, Xander let her take hold of the bow. Would she know he let her win? Frankly he did not care if she did know. Xander cared more about the spirit within.

"Now I will teach you to us it. Meet me outside in fifteen minutes, and do not be late, not even a minute."

[member="Akuma"]

 

[Ignatius]

((OOC; End of fight.))

The fight was over as soon as my fingers wrapped around the bow. I felt a shock come to my face as I grabbed it. Feeling the wood between my fingers. I thought it would have felt like any other thing. But inside, I could feel some sense of accomplishment. I felt good. It was then, both of us stood up straight, and Xander spoke. Telling me to meet him outside in fifteen minutes. I started to walk out so I could prepare myself, but stopped. Heel/turn to face the former king,

"Where shall I meet you outside?"

Pretty big place. Many places to be in. As such, I did not know where I would meet him. Would it simply be at the back doors? or which back door? a firing rang? where? As such, I decided to ask the question.

[member="Xander Blackmoore"],

 

[Judah Lesan]

"You can meet me outside in the south courtyard, and bring the bow."

Xander nodded and turned on his heels and took the passageway to his chambers. He enjoyed being able to move about the grounds unnoticed. Often his servants never knew when he was coming or going, and he liked it that way very much so. For now he was simply going to change. His current clothing was not adequate for what he had planned. If Akuma learned quickly he planned on taking her for a hunt. That required a different attire. Opting for his leather breastplate, black pants boots, Xander was dressed in what he had been most known for 800 years ago.

The south courthard was spacious, and made up most of back property. Mostly grass filled the place, but there had been a small fountain in the center northern most part. They would fire arrows from there. Three targets were set up at 25, 50, and 100 meters respectively. Xander waited for [member="Akuma"] to meet as he had instructed.