Awakening

[Judah Lesan]

Cold. Dark. Wet. These were the sensations and sights that first came to mind. Pain, the smell of burning flesh, panic, the first memory, the only memory. The figure opened his eyes to see himself lying in a vat of cooling liquid. How long he had been in it he did not know. His skin was pale and smooth, free from blemish. Bare feet touched the cold laminate floor. The sensation jetted to the mind and registered as a new experience, yet the man was sure he had felt this before, confusion was the primary feeling. A towel and robe lay on a nearby table. It did not take long to dry off and cover the naked body. The warmth from the robe was welcome. A prick, a feeling plagued the man as a note was left. He picked it up and read it. The instructions were simple.

Leave the room and turn left. Enter the second door to the right. Dress in the clothes provided. Do as you are told.

There was no choice in the matter, and there was also no desire to remain in the room. It seemed that the only way to getting answers would be to do as told. This seemed to be the beginning of a life of servitude, and information would be the master. Logic demanded the instructions to be followed.

The clothes left in the room indicated were all black. The boots, gloves, leather bracers, a tunic, pants, belt, and a hooded robe were all laid out in proper order. At the end of the table sat a metallic mask. It was made of some metallic alloy, some type of tribal design was engraved into the face of the mask. It covered everything. Under the mask lay another note.

Go to Korriban. If a name is required you shall go by Dejah.

There were several alarms going off by the time Dejah was dressed. Guards ran through the hallways and looked in every room. Somehow he knew they were looking for him.

“Stay in the shadows, move quickly, yet quietly. There are 2 guards to the left none to the right. Take the second hall way to the left there is an armory. Find a weapon.”


His mind raced, yet it wasn’t out of nervous anxiety. He knew what to do. Somehow he sensed the layout of the facility, he knew where to go and how to get out. This wasn’t going to be difficult.

“Move now!”

Opening the door Dejah clung to the shadows. He went to the right and took the path his mind had just identified seconds before. He found himself in the most unique armory that he had ever seen. Sure there were the standard blasters, but that is not what drew his attention. The bladed weapons were of more interest to his eye. There were several daggers and knives to choose from. They were small concealable. He quickly outfitted himself with two boot knives, one for each boot. He spotted an ornate Kukri knife. It was clearly a valuable blade. It would his. He secured the sheath to the back of his belt. It laid against the small of his back horizontally so he could retrieve it easily.

“Three guards to the left now. Take the hall straight ahead, then the third left. One guard, cut the throat and grab his key card. Open the door and follow hall to the shuttle pad. Now!”


He moved quietly, quickly. The guard was oblivious to what was about to happen. Dejah quickly covered the guards mouth and cut his throat with the boot knife that he had ready in his right hand. The key card was snatched up and Dejah moved for the shuttle pad. Once he got to the door more instructions.

“Fourth shuttle ahead has an open ramp. Move quickly. Blast the bay doors open. Take off.”

He was headed for Korriban

[member="Kära Vi'dreya"]

 

[Lief]

Nothing was said as Kairos left the Valley of the Dark Lords with the newly awakened Force User at her back. Her gaze was set straight ahead, with the sun at their back she didn't even have to squint which was a nice addition to an interesting day - usually the Umbaran had to strain in some capacity due to the way her eyes worked.

A byproduct of her heritage... It had proven useful more than once, but also a great hindrance to those who were overly familiar with dealing with her kind. Now that she was out of the tomb, her eyes had settled back from their corrupted state. Instead they shone a glistening blue, like cracked ice.

Settling her hands at her front she pondered the situation they had been presented with. So the Force had made a Master out of her yet again, and whether he knew it or not the man whose name she was yet to be informed of had taken his first steps into being a student of the Force. Her student, more specifically. No doubt she would find his name out sooner or later, but for now it didn't matter too much to her. Wasted words helped no one, and she wasn't one to fluff conversation for the sake of it.

Narrowing her eyes somewhat as the Academy came into view, she decided it would be best that they rest here for the time being. Besides, there could still be some useful datapads housed within, even if the rest of the archives were - as she presumed - depleted of their worth. It usually happened when a base of operations is left abandoned, whether by its original owner or the enemy.

Truly, Kairos hoped for the Empire's sake that it was the former. If there even was an Empire left to speak of. This day was strange indeed. She had been on Korriban just weeks earlier, bustling with life...

Now it lay still and empty. Odd.

Perhaps the answers she needed would be found within. At least, she could hope for as much.

Thus she led her new student towards the Academy and through the perpetually open doors. The corruptible taint continued to linger throughout the structure, it would not be so easy to remove it as it was those who had resided within.

 

[Zanders Darkstrider]

"What are we doing here? I believe this was an academy at one point but this place has been ransacked for quite some time" None the less Zanders still followed the mysterious woman in white still perplexed that he knows nothing of her not even her name. Just as they had entered the academy he stopped and tried to get the lady in whites attention. " Well first I want to thank you for saving me from what ever that apparition was. I am Zanders Darkstrider I am an archaeologist. Who might you be? "

Standing there in silence all the young archeologist could do was stand and wait. Intrigued by the woman in white it was like he was learning of a new ancient civilization that has been lost in the sands of time.

 

[Judah Lesan]

Korriban, windy, sandy, ruined. Why was he here? The clone walked the deserted world looking for any sign that he should be there. What was this voice that beckoned him to come to this godforsaken planet. There was no memory he could force to the surface, no recollection of this place. Dejah moved about, features covered to avoid the cuts which would come with the sand scrapping against his newly formed skin. Everything about him spoke to new life, yet he was clearly aged to his mid twenties. This was all confusing to him, and he wanted answers. Would there be anyone to give them to him here?

Prints in the sand, tracks to follow perhaps. Brown eyes caught a glimpse of steps leaving from one structure and heading toward another. Dejah followed them, he had no choice. Answers would lie with whoever was on this planet. A surge of darkness flooded him as he neared. It was elecric, alive, powerful and vivid. What was this that he had awakened too. More questions, every moment brought more questions.

Boots clunked up the stairs, making a thud against the stone hewn steps of the academy. Pressing against the heavy doors, Dejah walked into the darkened hall. His eyes finally had relief from the massive ammount of sun which had shone off the yellow sand in every direction. Doing the only thing he knew to do, Dejah called out.

"Hello, is anyone here?"

[member="Kära Vi'dreya"] | [member="Zanders Darkstrider"]

 

[Lief]

The boy was somewhat loose lipped, but with time and training she knew that would become a dead trait. Once you invested time into gaining knowledge such as the like Kairos was going to unlock within him, you quickly realised how dangerous it was to let the Galaxy know what you do... Especially in a Galaxy full of Jedi such as this one. When he gave his name, however, Kairos had to hide a cringe. Now she held leverage over him, a name held power. At least that was what she had always been raised to believe. With it you could track a person and their history, learn of any people they may hold near and dear, and even weaknesses that they might have. Of course, strengths were useful, too.

"You may refer to me as My Lady." It didn't warrant any addition; after all, her students should keep a formal air about themselves, especially concerning their studious partnership. Of course, this one -- Zanders -- did not know what she had in store for him yet. But soon, perhaps, he would become aware. It was no use telling him so early on in the game, better he properly understand it for himself without being spoon fed.

It was then that she heard it, sign of life that was not their own; she had sensed the moment the Archaeologist at her back had halted, this had to be someone else. Curious, for a world that seemed so devoid of life. Turning on her heel she gestures for Zanders to move behind her. No doubt he had little to no combat experience, the scholarly ones rarely did before they are taken by the likes of the Jedi or the Sith. Perhaps he would remain without for a little while longer... Kairos was not in the habit of rushing a student's education, after all. It was a delicate procedure, lest you wanted an Apprentice with a frazzled mind and the lack of understanding required to take simple orders.

Settling her hands at her front, the Sith Lord tipped her head ever so slightly to the left and watched as the being entered. Like a babe walking for the first time his steps seemed somewhat precarious, haphazard even. And when she extended forth her mind to meet with his she was greeted with a tabula rasa. How interesting; either this being had come up against a flashburn inducing incident or he was, as he seemed to be, brand new to the world. Whether raised in isolation and without knowledge to hand, or recently created in the literal sense, she could not tell. But her curiosity had indeed been piqued.

Oh, how the Force truly enjoyed testing her.

 

[Zanders Darkstrider]

Bewildered by her response Zanders was not sure how well he could trust someone who could not even reveal something as simple as a name. None the less he remained captivated by the woman in white he felt compelled to study her and find out as much as he could while she was still around. He could not let such a rare opportunity with a mysterious being fly on by him without learning more of her.

Standing there dumbfounded the woman in white had gestured him to move behind her. What is going on with this woman? First she wont tell me her name and now she is acting like there is danger near by when there is not a soul around. But I better not second guess her so I should move behind her he thought to himself.

Watching her tip her head around the corner Zanders knew there was someone here and some how she had known it. That is when he started to piece things together and think the way she handled the apparition back in the temple and how she was now she must be a being who uses the force. The only worries now stuck in his mind was what she had planned for him because no Jedi in there right mind would be on Korriban...

 

[Judah Lesan]

There was no response except for the prick he felt against his mind. The voice which had guided him this far was silent now. What he felt was different, as if there was a presence attached to it. He was not alone, and he knew it. Pushing further into the academy, Dejah wandered about, looking for whatever sign he could find of this presence which was pressing into his mind.

Curiosity welled to the surface as the probe did not stop. Whatever it was happening, Dejah was unsure of what to make of it. His mind had noting of value contained within its core memories, because everything was a new experience. The mind could only catalogue this new sensation as normal, though his instincts told him to fear, so he did. That was a unique sensation, but one he also welcomed. Dejah wanted to experience everything there was to experience, emotion, sensation, pleasure, pain. He didn't know what that entailed, but like a newborn babe his mind was a sponge soaking in his environment.

Finally he could no longer take it. Reaching back with every ounce of his being, the newly awakened force sensitive clone pressed back. His mind formed words and thoughts which were projected as a response.

"Whatever you are, whoever, show yourself!"

 

[Lief]

Sensing the being up ahead, Kairos did as any sane Sith Lord would. She stepped from the shadows, intercepting the path of the stranger, just as his voice echoed within her mind. With a small blink she mused on the fact that such an empty mind had made its way into her own defensible one... But then again, no threat was posed by it. No harm done. She knew that she would have to improve her mental defense all the same, she had been slacking as of late.

"Whispered echoes of the mind, you grasp what many take years to understand... Yet your mind is as empty as a newborn babes."

It was strange indeed, her words obviously directed towards [member="Dejah"] at this point. Standing before him, physically blocking his body from entering the temple any further - yet not in an intimidating manner - Kairos gave him a curious once over. He looked fully grown, gruff with age. Everything was at loggerheads where this one was concerned.

"Zanders" she said, before gesturing him forward. No point leaving him at her tail. "Learn what you can from him." Turning on her heel she wandered a few feet away from the pair. He had no weapons, of that she could discern for now. And Zanders was most definitely curious enough to stick around for the time being. Besides, if either of them tried to leave Kairos would find a way to lure them back in one way or another... Of that she was certain.

 

[Zanders Darkstrider]

With everything that has been going on Zanders was wondering if at some point he may away from a dream. Now with a strange man here he grew even more confused with the lady in white when she asked him to learn more of this man.

" What just what is going on here! I figure you are Sith by judging by how you took care of that spirit back at the burial chamber I am guessing this is your apprentice? "

Wondering how the two people would take him losing his temper her prepared himself for a quick escape in case things went south fast.

 

[Judah Lesan]

"How perceptive," he stated laying eyes upon the pair as he moved into their view.

A woman, dressed in white, he hair near that color. She was pretty, very, there was a youthful look to her. The one behind her, he seemed, different. Was he a learner, clearly as the woman told him what to do. What had Dejah stumbled upon. There was no sense of threat yet, so his hand remained still. The weapon he had used to kill the guards with was concealed on his person, and if needed, could be drawn in a moments notice.

"There are a great many things I seem to know to do, but how I cannot tell you. I woke but two days ago, a voice told me to come here, so I did. Your voice does not match the one I heard, yet here you are, a female, same as the voice in my head."

While they were not the same, and Dejah assumed she was not his creator, he still felt drawn to her. Regardless of circumstance, she had a role in his destiny. What that was, was yet to be seen. A question Dejah may have asked had the man not accused him of being in league with the woman to kill him, at least that was the tone. He was mistaking him for the woman's apprentice, and Sith... he knew what Sith were, again he didn't know how, but he knew.

"I can guarantee you I've never met this woman before in my life, and I thought you belonged to her the way you hid behind her upon my entrance. If she is Sith, then she can help me understand why I can do the things I can do."

[member="Zanders Darkstrider"] [member="Kära Vi'dreya"]

 

[Lief]

Zanders had made his first mistake, whether he realised it or not. He had overstepped the line, and given Kairos' military background it was quite a large one too; she did not appreciate the way he questioned her so. Information was a privilege not a necessity.

Turning her head to the direction of the boy, Kairos' expression did not change even a little... Yet her mind reached out and grasped at his unguarded one with a vengeance. Unless he had some special underlying defense or power that she was unaware of, a sharp pain would seize his mind making it difficult to see or think for a few moments...

But she did not intend on leaving him without a crucial part of his being. Such was not her way, and besides he was much more of an asset to her intellectually than physically. "Do not question me" she coolly stated.

Her attention was returned to the one with a blank mind, while she gave Zanders time to recover or respond as he wished. What he said had her interest piqued entirely. "I can aid you, just as I can the one behind me... But you must be willing to follow without question or cause."

She did not have the time or apparently resources right now to deal with two rogue students... But if they were willing to learn, then she could make room for them. "You both have potential, of that there is no doubt. But potential alone will not be enough."

 

[Zanders Darkstrider]

With a sharp debilitating pain rushing into his mind Zanders dropped to his knees in agony. With the woman voice rushing into his mind attempting to put him in his place all he could do was scream. Trying to gather his thoughts again he stood up on his way up he was sensing the other person concealing something on his person.

" I do not know who or what you are but it is the arrogance of men to be bullied into being oblivious. If you want me to learn from you then expect me to question you... Like what did you do to me back in the chamber ever since then I have felt something awaken inside of me like right now I have a feeling that man over there is concealing something. Or what did you do to me just now I have never seen someone be able to manipulate the mind like you do.... "

Zanders awaited the lady's response but was ready to run if needed today's adventure was already too much for him to handle at once.

[member="Kära Vi'dreya"] [member="Dejah"]

 

[Judah Lesan]

Dejah watched as the man dropped in pain. Seemingly the woman was the cause of it. Dejah looked to the woman as he addressed and just smirked. The scene didn't cause him to flinch as his only memories were of himself killing several guards. She could aid him. That's all he needed to hear.

"You have my loyalty."

Simple words for a clone that didn't know better. The truth was he had no idea what he was agreeing to, but if it meant help in understanding why he knew nothing, but could do many things, he would do what was needed.

 

[Lief]

Having half a mind to laugh, of course to do so would have been rather improper, Kairos shook her head and crouched down to where Zanders was upon the ground. Her head tilted ever so slightly to the left as she peered upon him, and then she sighed. "If all answers are handed to you, there is no room for growth. To learn, you must be denied that which you seek... Only then will you find the will to learn it for yourself."

Standing back up from the ground she frowned ever so slightly at what he said. "I see that you are awakening, this is good... Grasp onto what you feel, harness it, and it will serve you well." And you it. With that, her gaze drifted across to the other, the one with the blank mind. His subservience was to be expected, he had no prior experiences to call upon, he had no drive save for survival and the urge to find out what had led him to this point.

There would need to be an equilibrium between the both of them: Zanders was correct, although she would not inform him of such. Blind subservience could lead to idiocy and death, but at the same time resistance had to be quelled. It was the role of the Apprentice to find that balance, so that they might learn and grow in the shadow of their Master, and with deception learn to break themselves free from their chains.

"I am one with the Force," she said, by way of explanation, "And one day you too shall be... But not today. Today you have barely even broken the surface of what you can expect. Follow me, and you will learn knowledge unlike any other. You will have untold access to places you've only ever dreamed of exploring. But in order to do so, there must be some give and take... You have to learn to compromise. You have to be willing to serve."

Not waiting for an answer, having directed her words at the both of them, Kairos turned and made to leave the halls. They could return here for Zanders sake one day, but for now there were far more pressing matters at hand. The Galaxy was in turmoil, it was not as she had left it. And so she had much to learn and explore herself. With a gesture she bid them to follow, mentally enticing them with increased curiosity that was as subtle as the air around them.

 

[Zanders Darkstrider]

[member="Kära Vi'dreya"]

" I will follow you if you teach but do not expect blind obedience from me. I am not a slave and never will be. I pledge my knowledge and obedience to learn and to follow you. "

Zanders stayed down on one knee awaiting a response from the nameless woman. Truth to be told Zanders was lost and confused he never knew he had a connection to the force but was ready to learn none the less.

 

[Judah Lesan]

Dejah nodded and followed. He didn't understand why this man argued with the woman. It was clear she had more past than him, and if he were intelligent he'd keep his mouth shut. Dejah learned as all children did, by experience and observation. He quickly learned that being mouth would get him punished. He als learned blind obedience was not going to be tolerated either. She could have cut him down for his rebellious attitude, but she did not.

There were many reasons Dejah followed. She held the key to understanding his situation. The woman was also powerful. Above her power though, he found her to be a rare beauty, not that he was an expert on such things only having just woken up, but certain things were programmed into him. Her porcelain skin, and platinum, almost white, hair created a striking beauty few carried. This was only enhanced by the authority she commanded. Was it juvenile for Dejah to follow because of physical attraction? He was juvenile after all.

"Where are we going," he questioned with a genuine curiosity. "Names, places, whatever was in my mind is no longer there. It's blank save for certain things I just know."

[member="Zanders Darkstrider"] | [member="Kära Vi'dreya"]

 

[Lief]

"I do not expect you to emerge from here a slave," she corrected him, clearing up any doubt he might have of her intentions being otherwise, "A slave is only useful in its trade, a slave is burdened by chains both physical and transcendent. No, you shall be something else entirely, but only with time will you reach your full potential. I hold no chains over you, either of you. In fact, I shall provide the key to unlock those you were burdened with at birth."

Continuing on until they were outside under the cool yet bright sun of Korriban yet again, Kairos fell silent for a time. She trudged on through the sand, her gaze set upon the Valley of the Dark Lords where many had been laid to rest. There would be many an angry spirit riled within the tombs after what had happened earlier, but it was something that could be dealt with. Over time they would fade once again.

"I am leaving this planet in search of answers" she finally said in response to Dejah, "You, however, will go with Zanders. Gather information on any Sith currently active in this Galaxy, but be discreet about it. You're worth more to me alive than dead -- that goes for the both of you. Consider it your first test."

Halting in place, the Sith Lord turned to gaze upon them both. "I will contact you, in time; Only then will you learn more about the paths you shall traverse." Then, without waiting for either of them to ask any further questions, Kairos ventured off. It was as if the ethereal woman glided through the sand, none of which was trampled into the air at her passing. Her gaze remained fixated ahead, and anything they might have said was banished from her hearing before it even reached her.

They would learn, with time.