Private Beyond the Flames

[Kasir Dorran]

Yit Los'ena

After completing an assignment within Hutt Space, he took a purposeful detour, determined to spend more quality time with the Bothan until their eventual return back home. Mustafar was not a planet that welcomed visitors with open arms, and Kasir's personal aide was going to experience its wrath first-hand. Her impressive marksmanship skills were not enough for him, as he sought to perfect her hand-to-hand and close combat skills, along with anything else that may have been overlooked. It felt as though she still had more potential to be unlocked.

In his mind, there was no doubt that simply arriving here had already challenged her abilities as a pilot, given its unpredictable environment. Nestled amidst the jagged black cliffs, a small hidden outpost appeared near the edge of a scorching magma river. The structure appeared as a mere shadow against the fiery landscape. The secret enclave, known only to a few, was a dark sanctuary for The Order of Wonosa; and it was only recently that Darth Strosius granted him access to this place. Made from the same blackened rock that surrounded it, the walls were reinforced with durasteel on the inside.

It had already been a full day since they arrived, and though he couldn't say for sure, he had a feeling they would stay a little longer.

Outside the main entrance, the searing heat now enveloped Kasir. Extending one of his arms, he turned his hand palm side up, feeling as if the very essence of the planet pulse beneath his pale skin–it was a blend of both suffering and strength, beckoning him to consume more. With every breath, he inhaled the dark energy around them, igniting an inferno within. In that moment he could see memories of past battles and cries of the dead echoing in his mind. It had a way of strengthening his connection to the Force. The taste of the power here was like a sweet elixir that made him crave more.

His dark robe flowed effortlessly, exuding an aura of dominance. The Sith's piercing yellow orbs, filled with malevolence, shifted towards his aide; there was a predator gleam in them. He was aware that she lacked the ability to use the Force, and in truth, he found a sense of ease in having someone who wasn't directly tied to the Sith Order as his companion. Yet, deep down, he desired to draw out any darkness that may be within her–to create someone that would follow his path of chaos and destruction.

"Can you feel it, Yit?" he asked, his tone a low and sinister murmur; it often hinted at lethal purpose. He then turned his body, leaning in closer to her smaller figure. "Allow this place to transform you," he said, locking their gaze together. “It's more than just heat; it is passion, determination, and death."

His attention returned to the terrain ahead, taking note of the smaller landing pad where his 578-R transport was. “The galaxy is merciless, and the vulnerable will forever be targets. But you—,” he paused for a brief moment. “will stand by my side as we face the hunts that await us.”

 

[Yit Los'ena]

Location: Order of Wonosa enclave, Mustafar
Outfit: Sleeveless Hoodie and baggy pants
Tags: Kasir Dorran

Mustafar was a miserable planet. Yit knew that misery was an obstacle that would ultimately make her stronger. But Yit’s normal carefree attitude would just not prevail in such an environment. Luckily the young Bothan was driven enough to succeed that her overall attitude wouldn’t stop her from doing what needed to be done. She also was very eager to tackle challenges, completing the first one of making the difficult landing at the sanctuary of The Order was a good start, but she knew there were more challenges to come.

The overbearing heat of the planet was doubly bad for a species covered with fur. Yit did her best to counter that by wearing a top that left her arms and midriff bare. Still as they exited the Wonosa complex Yit could feel the sweat starting to bead, wetting her fur. Yit looked at Kasir with envy. She knew that he felt the same hardships that she did, but because of his gifts, he was easily able to shift even his own suffering into energy, and she suspected that her own pain was feeding Kasir as well. There were rumors that someone could be augmented by the Force even if they were not granted the gift naturally. That seemed sacreligious to the Bothan however and she never considered asking for such a blessing. She would conquer her hardships with what she had.

”I can feel it,” she answered Kasir’s question. His second statement was answered at first only by a nod of agreement. Yit could not touch the Force, but she knew it was there and she had been taught that all these hardships fed into positives if a being would allow them to. ”Passion…Through passion, I gain strength,” she repeated the tenet reverently. ””Determination…Death. These are good things when we use them properly.” Yit felt a bit of discomfort being the focus of Kasir’s attention. She couldn’t feel it, but knew that he was powerful, and that at this point she was clay to be molded into his perfect tool.

As Kasir’s focus turned back to the terrain around them Yit gave a slight sigh of relief before composing herself. ”I sense a lesson coming. Something to teach me how to best serve at your side.”

 

[Kasir Dorran]

Yit Los'ena

As a small fragment of the Sith Mantra, so familiar to him, escaped from her lips, he could not help but nod his head in agreement. Kasir would not fail to observe her emotions in those moments. He could almost taste the bitterness of the envy in the air around the Bothan. Despite noticing her wet fur, it held no sway over his actions.

Extending his arm forward with a commanding gesture, he beckoned forth a flurry of flames from the molten river just beyond. It illuminated the rocks nearby, casting shadows around them. The temperature rose rapidly from the heat which radiated from them. For the assassin, the power and raw energy from it was but a mere reflection of the strength and authority that would be possessed by both him and his loyal aide in due time. “While I won't coddle you with false comfort, I will at least say your lack of certain gifts does not lessen your significance to me.” he said, his voice a low growl. “The thoughts of those within the Sith Order are of little value. They are but murmurs, meaningless to your own potential,” the Sith continued before allowing a small gap to fill the air between them. “And never should you seek validation from the weak minded members of other doctrines.”

Kasir was cautious not to overextend himself and risk exhausting his powers, having learned to carefully manage and conserve his energy over time. “Remember,” he said, his eyes narrowing, “Your devotion towards my cause will enable me to better serve the High Priest.” With a swift and effortless movement of his hand, the dancing flames swiftly retreated back to their origin. "Like the lava that shapes this very world," he said, his eyes piercing through the thick haze ahead, "you too will learn to flow, to adapt.”

Shortly after their arrival yesterday, the majority of their time has been devoted to direct instruction, followed by extensive sparring sessions. It provided him with a clear understanding of which areas required more attention and dedication. Today, he had a new plan in store for her, one that had been on his mind since meditating earlier in the day. It has allowed him to pinpoint an unusual, yet not surprising presence. It whispered to him of something just beyond their location. Regardless of their origins in this world, he labeled them as a threat solely due to their close proximity. In the event that something happened to the enclave, he would have to bear the consequences.

As the suffocating heat of Mustafar continued wrapping itself around him, Kasir could feel a cruel smirk curving along his lips. The environment only fueled his inner darkness. Now he was ready to unleash it. His head slowly shifted to gaze down once more at her. "I've been thinking it's time we paid a little visit to our neighbors and introduced ourselves," he cooed. There was no need to provide further explanation. He was already savoring the thought of wreaking havoc. "What say you?"

 

[Yit Los'ena]

Location: Order of Wonosa enclave, Mustafar
Outfit: Sleeveless Hoodie and baggy pants
Tags: Kasir Dorran

Yit was happy to see her response get a nod from Kasir. She did not think that it would ever come to a point where she would call him “Master” as she was not worthy of such a thing, but she yearned for his respect. Even a small show of such filled the young Bothan with pride.

The rising flames made Yit flinch slightly. She knew that more discomfort would come with the added heat, if Kasir kept this up for long. But that would not matter. She would endure the discomfort and she would answer whatever challenge Kasir put forward to the best of her capabilities. If she failed to impress she would feel shame and suffer until given a new opportunity to prove her worth.

The fact that Kasir did not mind that they would never have the traditional Sith Master/Apprentice relationship filled Yit with renewed confidence. She could not capture and use the power of the Force as others were capable of doing, but she had quite a few talents. And she lived by the tenets that made the Sith powerful. If Kasir would allow her, Yit would be a valuable ally. Maybe even more so as she does not exist inside the hierarchy of the Sith Order. She could be hidden from them. ”I only wish to serve the Dark Side. The only beings whose opinion of me matters are you and the High Priest.” She knew there were others in the Order that she would need to follow if demanded to, but they were not instrumental in Yit’s future. Those other superiors within the Order were merely extensions of the voice of the Dark Side. Yit would follow because to not would be heretical, but the opinions of said voices did not matter.

”It is an honor to serve,” Yit responded covering up a slight sigh of relief as the Force directed flames retreated giving her ever so slight relief from the extreme heat. ”I’ve a curious mind that grabs hold of concepts quickly,” Yit continued hoping that she didn’t sound over confident. ”I just need guidance. I will follow your lead, and learn what you need me to learn. When my potential is realized there is no service to the Dark Side that we won’t be able to complete.”

The last day had given Yit some insight as to what she would need to learn. She could take the wings off a cloud fly at distance with either a rifle or pistol, but the sparring that had taken place since their arrival had pointed out a gap in the Bothan’s capabilities. A gap she suspected that Kasir would wish to close. ”I always enjoy a good introduction. Where you go I will follow.” She had left her rifle behind as they ventured out of the enclave, but she never allowed herself to be unarmed. ”Are we displaying power? Or giving them the impression we come in peace?” Yit asked with a mischievous giggle as she held up her pistol and combat knife for approval to bring them along. She knew whatever she carried that peace was not the goal of their introduction.

 

[Kasir Dorran]

Yit Los'ena

Kasir nodded his head again as he absorbed her words. His gaze lifted for a moment, tracing along the red hue of the sky above them. While the two of them were worlds apart in terms of background and upbringing, they could at least be united in purpose. The assassin was pleased with what he heard from Yit. There was a sense of comfort to be found in the confidence she began to display. After all, he had no desire for someone full of self-doubt to be his right-hand. He needed a strong and capable ally, one who understood their own weaknesses and was willing to improve them. Their line of work did not allow second chances.

“Your loyalty to me has never been in doubt,” he started, slowly turning back towards the Bothan. “I have no desire to use you as a mere pawn in the game of power, but rather make you a formidable force in your own right. Together, we'll be a reflection of this planet- dangerous, and full of surprises." His focus was quickly drawn to the two weapons she held. "We shall deliver the message that this region of the planet is now designated as a..restricted zone."

As he understood it to be in this area of the northern landscape, a once unified group of Mustafarians were split now due to constant internal strife. Disagreement tore apart their once strong community, with a small group of traditionalists left behind. Though fewer in number, they still appeared to radiate a powerful energy. Their presence was confirmed as he picked up on the vibrations of a group of miners surfacing, mostly likely searching for valuable resources.

As he lifted his gaze once more, his piercing yellow eyes began to focus intensely on his aide's own. He wanted to convey a sense of caution. "We are not just pursuing pests; we are venturing into their very lair. They know the tunnels like the back of their hands. Do not make the mistake of underestimating them."

While he was confident that the two of them could successfully achieve the objective ahead, his real curiosity was observing their teamwork under truly challenging circumstances. Despite their time together, most of the assignments had been effortless, but he knew that would not always be the case. The true test of their abilities would be when faced with a more difficult challenge.

“In the shadows, we will be invincible. Try to imagine the fear that will grip their hearts as they sense your presence..too late,” Kasir continued, a grin spreading across his face. “We will leave soon; be sure you have all the equipment you require.” Without speaking another word, the Sith's figure slowly took a step back before retreating into the shadows of their hidden enclave.

Given the nature of the planet and its never ending volcanic activity, the nighttime scenery was no different than any other time of the day. Regardless, it was during these hours that their targets would most likely seek rest.

 

[Yit Los'ena]

Location: Order of Wonosa enclave, Mustafar
Outfit: Sleeveless Hoodie and baggy pants
Tags: Kasir Dorran

Yit gave a purr-like hum as Kasir acknowledged his understanding of her unwavering loyalty. The man’s approval meant everything to her. He had seen promise in her and through him Yit had a conduit to the Dark Side of the Force that she yearned to please. As he continued stating that he valued more than just her loyalty and wished for them to be a single joined unit to serve the Force, Yit swooned even more.

The young Bothan gave a nod, knowing that a message that the locals should stay out of their way was going to require weapons. Yit grinned as she returned the weapons to her belt where they would be quickly accessed if necessary. ”Claiming our territory. That sounds like a fun and worthwhile endeavor,” she replied in a serious tone. Yit wasn’t sure how closely he monitored her emotions, but Kasir would be able to detect a smidge of glee in the words. Her hope was that her excitement mixed with a serious tone would be pleasing to the assassin that she served.

While Kasir had somewhat of an idea of what to expect when it came to the Mustafarians, Yit was completely in the dark. She knew that she should have taken some of the day that had passed to find out what threats would be there. But this was a faith journey. When following the Dark Side one would have to accept the possibility of danger. Yit assumed that this danger would be a lesson or a test if things went beyond the walls of the enclave. She took the attitude that either way too much preparation would be a bit of cheating, as she would rise to the occasion no matter who they came upon.

Though she did not have the additional heightened senses that the Force provided the blessed ones, Yit was an assassin in training. Noticing every little thing was part of her job. Including the change in Kasir’s person. She could see his reaction to the nearby miners and she grinned as fingers flexed, ready to grab either of her weapons. Yit blushed at first under the intent glare of Kasir. Then she realized it was a nonverbal warning and gave a nod of her head to indicate she was ready. ”The only truly benign enemy is a dead one,” Yit responded, quoting something that she couldn’t remember exactly where she had heard it. She knew by Kasir’s tone it was no time for playfulness or overconfidence.

As they grew closer to the cave Yit pulled her blaster from its holster. If something closed in tight she would quickly be able to draw her knife to defend herself, but doing as much damage before an enemy was at arm’s length was Yit’s first choice in attacks. At the mention of shadows Yit pulled the hood of her top further forward. She could trust the darkness, but some of her face was rather light colored. It might catch someone’s attention. The young Bothan smiled as Kasir mentioned feeling the fear. She knew that was not possible for her to actually feel, but she had been a faithful member of the Wonosa long enough to be able to imagine it. ”It will be glorious to see the look of dread on their faces as they take their last breaths,” Yit responded in a low purr.

There was slight disappointment that the mission was not imminent. But as Yit placed her pistol back into her belt she realized that time to prepare would allow her to fetch her rifle. In her eagerness to get things underway, Yit rushed off as soon as given leave by Kasir. The young Bothan was sweating when she arrived at her quarters. It seemed like even the walls of the enclave radiated heat. She would need to remember to pack some water for the journey into the caves. If the walls of the enclave were this hot, she imagined that going deeper into the volcanic planet was only going to be worse.

Her room was quite bland. A bed, which might have been called a cot by some, with two thin red satin sheets for Yit to sleep between, a locker for her combat gear, a desk with a connection to the holonet and an armoire that held Yit’s clothing. She was much more at home on Formos, but if she wanted to fulfill the promise that Kasir saw in her she had to get out into the galaxy. This place was a fine waystation. Going to her locker Yit grabbed her rifle and slung it over her shoulder. She looked over her armor and energy shield, but decided that would be too much. Nodding to herself, Yit decided she was ready. She took a moment to sit cross-legged in the middle of the floor and demand blessing from the Force on the mission. Once she was convinced of impending success she got to her feet and sought out Kasir.

”Time to go,” Yit announced gleefully. ”They’ll never know what hit them.”

 

[Kasir Dorran]

Yit Los'ena

Kasir gave a mere nod of the head, his eyes cold and calculating as his aide spoke of claiming territory. For him, it was simply another task, a necessary means to an end, for in claiming territories lay the promise of power that resided deep within, a void that could never truly be filled. His black heart felt no satisfaction in the countless lives that would be claimed, for it was nothing compared to the depths of his own personal ambition as an assassin.

The tone of the Bothan’s voice, as well as the subtle changes of her features, suggested she were eager to carry out the task alongside him. It pleased him in a way that felt foreign, to see loyalty from another, for betrayal was common within the Sith Order; which in truth, it carried little sway over him, as Kasir hated most of the Sith he was burdened to cross paths with.

Heading down into the tunnels of Mustafar was also more than just a test. It was a chance for the Darkseeker to observe Yit and assess her strengths and weaknesses, honing them through conflict and then forging his aide into a more formidable force. At best, he relished the idea of close combat, as the odds were stacked against him, which served to heighten his bloodlust.

As she spoke once more, her words left him rather quiet, though he did turn his attention to study her; for although he could not deny the truth of her words, there was something more that drew him to Yit, a sense of camaraderie that was foreign and also intriguing. In his moments of contemplation and meditation, he could not help but question if it was meant to unravel any lingering weaknesses that he believed to be erased from his existence. While the academy on Jutrand may have made it seem as though all were vanquished, it was his time at the Dresuoti, when they had truly been forged out of him, like a blacksmith striking against steel.

As she returned to the enclave to gather her essentials, he trailed behind in silence, until he finally found himself in the corner of a shadowed chamber. There, he retrieved his helmet and secured it over his head with a sharp hiss.

The next time he saw his aide she carried a rifle. He nodded to her once more. “Let them think they are safe,” he murmured. The voice rang out in a smooth tone from under the mask. “We’ll strike from the shadows and leave them questioning everything they thought they knew.”

Instantly the intense warmth wrapped around him like a cloak as they left the hidden enclave. The ground shook occasionally, a reminder of the planet’s neverending fury. Streams of lava carved their way through the vast rocky expanse, bubbling as they flowed. In all directions, everything was bathed by an orange glow. As they navigated the dangerous terrain, jagged rocks jutted along their path, becoming narrower as time passed. The heat intensified, pressing down on him with what felt like a physical weight. Still, he was confident in guiding them forward with his dark aura.

Just ahead, an unguarded entrance to the tunnels loomed, hidden by massive stones. It beckoned him with false promises; but beyond the threshold was where her true training began, where the threats were capable of tearing them apart. “Should we falter, should you underestimate what is lurking within these tunnels, it could be your last mistake.” With a final nod that may have hinted at his appreciation for her loyalty, he pushed forward, striding into the darkness that would consume him. He would allow the path of chaos to guide him deeper.

 

[Yit Los'ena]

Location: Order of Wonosa enclave, Mustafar
Outfit: Sleeveless Hoodie and baggy pants
Tags: Kasir Dorran

When Yit was fully armed and ready to go she found her mentor with his helmet in place and seemingly ready for battle. Yit often found herself enjoying other things, but going on a hunt with Kasir was always the top of the list. When he spoke his voice had that familiar deepness and echo that made a tingle run down Yit’s spine. It was an odd sensation, that the young Bothan was not sure how to explain. She blushed guessing that if Kasir noticed the emotion he would probably be able to tell better than her what it was.

Once the tingle subsided and she could focus on what Kasir was saying her grin grew. Though Yit was not a Sith and did not have Kasir’s talents within the Force, her mentality was every bit that of an assassin. She hoped that under Kasir’s tutelage she would become as talented as him. That they could work together to rid the galaxy of the protectors of the light. ”The first I’ll take from a distance when you are in position,” Yit nodded to the plan to strike from the shadows. ”After I will close in and join you to take out the rest. It will be glorious.”

The fact that the hunt was going to take them back outside and even further into the scorching domain of Mustafar was not the most enticing part of the mission. But pushing through hardships was part of being a good assassin. Doing the job despite having sweat run into her eyes was a good test of things. Yet despite the hardships it presented there was something about it that drew Yit deeper. As she walked along with her mentor she also pushed herself forward to avoid the perception of any weakness.

As they reached the tunnel’s entrance, Yit took the rifle from her shoulder and readied it for action. She knew that it was early, but she wasn’t going to be caught unprepared. ”Should I underestimate a foe, I deserve such a fate,” Yit stated in a cold tone of voice. She had no doubt that Kasir would sense that there was confidence and fear present in her, but she had worked at hiding it well. Even another Force-user might not have sensed it, but Kasir was too close, she trusted him too much. She let him in. ”Let’s get to it,” Yit continued with a smile as she double checked the setting of her rifle. ”When we find a target I’ll take cover and wait for you to give me a sign. Then I’ll start shooting, but I’ll be by your side in no time.” With that the mission began in earnest.

 

[Kasir Dorran]

Yit Los'ena

The searing heat emanating off the walls threatened to engulf his senses. During its relentless onslaught, he could also feel the presence of Yit, as though her essence was entwined with his own shadow while moving deeper through the tunnel. Amidst the twisted brethren of other doctrines, who could offer nothing but chaos and turmoil to his dark mind, the small Bothan next to him stood as a strange solace; her presence was ethereal, having a way of subduing the chaotic whispers of his inner demons. For now, Kasir did not view this as a weakness; rather, it was an additional layer to the confidence he often drew upon from his physical prowess.

As they came upon the first of many twists and turns, a large, jagged rock provided a patch of darkness for shelter. He allowed himself to be pulled forward by its embrace. With a glance over his shoulder, he confirmed Yit’s presence before peering around the edge of the it and into the depths of the next tunnel. His enhanced senses keenly searched for any signs of movement as though to detect the faintest of sounds that may reveal a potential threat. A gloved hand then reached for the hilt of his weapon, smoothly unclipping it from the belt, and feeling the familiar weight of it in his grasp.

A heartbeat later he was on the move again; his movements over the uneven path were cleared with ease. The walls around them glowed with a deep red hue, and he could both see and hear the lava that seeped through the cracks along the way. As the trail eventually led to a small opening, he heard voices ahead; there was two of them, unaware of what was lurking in their home. Kasir assessed the scene; he felt the pulse of Mustafar’s harsh energy guiding him. A gesture was then made to his aide, signaling for her to take position.

With swiftness he further advanced, remaining hidden as he crept into the opening, and now scanning down more newly found tunnels. There were two other Northern Mustafarians strolling down one of them, but headed in the opposite direction. Silence was of the utmost importance, and while the rifle complicated that slightly, it wouldn't be enough to change the inevitable outcome. No matter how much precaution they took, the truth was, they were bound to be exposed eventually.

The air was pierced by the distant roars of volcanic activity, but whether it would be enough to mask the sound of blaster fire, remained uncertain.

There was another form of weaponry his presence was known to use; it was mastery over the mind. However, with Yit, it wasn’t used as a source of manipulation, but instead a source of communication. Kasir focused on his aide for a brief instant, reaching out with the dark tendrils of the Force. Even then, his voice would be smooth but commanding, as if he were still standing next to her.

<<’Take the shot whenever you feel ready.’>>

He refrained from telling her which target to choose, as to gain a better understanding of how her mind processed the situation.

 

[Yit Los'ena]

Location: Order of Wonosa enclave, Mustafar
Outfit: Sleeveless Hoodie and baggy pants
Tags: Kasir Dorran

Even though she had no distinguishable connection to the Force, Yit seemed to feed a bit off of Kasir’s strength as they delved deeper into the volcanic innards of the planet. Yit still knew very little about their goals and targets. But she knew that in order to survive such an environment they had to be hearty, but she reminded herself silently that no matter how strong, everything has weaknesses and everything can die. She continued to follow her mentor with a bit more care. While the knowledge that her opponents were vulnerable made her confident. It also meant that she had weaknesses too and that she could perish if someone exploited those weaknesses.

Like Kasir, Yit did not consider the bond that had formed between mentor and student to be one such weakness. Not receiving Sith training the connection to another being as a detriment was unthinkable. As they came to a twist in the cavern Yit stayed close to Kasir and prepared her weapon. She nodded to the brief look backward from her mentor and her grip on her rifle tightened when she saw Kasir’s hand go for his weapon. When Kasir rushed forward, Yit took his place at the corner, bringing her rifle up and peering through her scope to find any lingering threat she would need to eliminate in order for Kasir to continue his forward movement.

Kasir went as far as Yit could see safely, so Yit lowered her rifle and quickly followed. Before she caught up to him she noticed the small opening and heard the voices. Their first opposition. She slowed her pursuit of Kasir and waited for him to make a move. The young Bothan knew exactly what to do when Kasir gave a gesture and she set up with as much cover as the cave would provide, while still giving a good aim into the next area, where the voices came from. Once set she gave a nod, though she knew it was not needed.

From her position Yit found the two locals in her scope. She slowly shifted her rifle left to right, centering her crosshairs on one target and then the other. Her trigger finger twitched. She knew that she could take out either one with a quick flex, but she also knew that as soon as she took her first shot it was going to stir the hornet’s nest. She waited calmly for a signal. Kasir could likely take the two without incident, but this mission was not merely an exercise in the elimination of neighbors. There was more to it so Yit waited for a sign, shifting her aim back and forth, knowing that her targets were moving away from her and she would have to act soon.

Yit’s eyes fluttered for just a second when she received Kasir’s words. Having him communicate through the Darkside was exhilarating, but the message forced Yit to focus quickly. It was time. She knew about where Kasir was and which opponent would be able to get to quicker. Yit targeted the other Mustafarian and her lips formed into a mischievous grin as she pulled her trigger. Just once and she didn’t need to watch the bolt fly to know it would be on target. There was hope that ambient noise might make the shot less noticeable, but Yit knew that when her target fell the other was likely to move. A second shot was double the opportunity that their presence would be discovered. She left the second Mustafarian to Kasir. Shouldering her rifle and drawing her less encumbering pistol Yit moved forward as quickly as she could maintain a degree of stealth. She had little doubts that when she was by her mentor’s side once more that she would be looking down on two corpses.

 

[Kasir Dorran]

Yit Los'ena

A sense of calm covered him, a veil that whispered of both death and destruction, and enveloped his mind. The darkness that constantly churned within, threatening to consume him, was momentarily quelled. Cloaked in shadows, he was merely a spectator to what would be the death of not one, but two targets.

He sensed Yit’s shot with the blaster rifle, a connection beyond physical view as he saw and felt its trajectory. Through the dim light around them, it struck its target with deadly intent. Behind the second target, he emerged as if from thin air, the Darkseeker's weapon already poised for the kill. With a flick of his wrist, a single blade erupted from the center of the creature's chest, as he had silently moved into position behind the enemy.

As the corpses of their victims fell in unison, his gaze lifted to meet that of his aide, who now approached with a blaster pistol. With his connection to the Force, Kaisr was fully alert to the vibrations of the tunnels around them. Opening up more to the awareness of it, it painted a picture of their surroundings in his mind’s eye. The rising tension was another warning of more danger to come, and he could taste the adrenaline of another group, who would already have weapons drawn. But there was another sensation stirring, a presence much larger with the quickly approaching foes. In a quick attempt to grasp the source of this threat, his mind reached out, coming to the realization that it was lava fleas, now ridden by the advancing Mustafarians,

"It seems our neighbors do not share our fondness for death,” he said calmly, as he ignited the second blade of his weapon. His body shifted towards the mouth of the large tunnel, where their enemies were closing in. From their staff-like weapons, bolts of kinetic force shot towards them, but Kasir remained unbothered, his mind already calculating a new strategy. A surge of energy fell upon him, and in an instant, he stood as a barrier between his aide and the impending onslaught. With a sudden motion, he thrusted his arm forward, unleashing a wave of telekinetic power that ripped through the air. It was enough to intercept the bolts, causing them to explode against the tunnel walls, and sending rocks tumbling all around. While it caused confusion and slowed them down, they would still press forward.

Before waiting any longer, he leapt into action as they prepared to unleash yet another volley of kinetic energy. As he descended upon the chaos, his blade sliced through the air. With a fluid motion, he targeted the legs of the nearest lava flea, causing the creature’s massive form to momentarily lose balance as the blade cut through it with ease. He could hear the crackle of energy bolts now whizzing through the air, narrowly missing him while others were aimed towards Yit.

Behind the initial wave of mounted warriors, a smaller group on foot attempted to flank Kasir, trying to exploit him. More suspicions were then confirmed; enemies were now closing in from another tunnel, their intent obvious even from a distance. They would be closer to the Bothan.

 

[Yit Los'ena]

Location: Order of Wonosa enclave, Mustafar
Outfit: Sleeveless Hoodie and baggy pants
Tags: Kasir Dorran

Yit had a smile on her lips when she approached the smoldering bodies of their victims. The natives had been eliminated as expected. But Yit did not expect that was the end of their exploration of the caves. Nor did she expect that these would be the last bodies to fall. There was a small fear that at the end of the day there were just too many natives in the cave and she might end up being one of them. But as she met the gaze of her mentor she doubted that was a significant chance so long as they stayed in sync.

Though Yit lacked a connection to the Force, and she could not see the expression on Kasir’s face, there was just something in the air that told her that the wait for another test was not going to be long. The movement and explosion of lava made it difficult for her to hear any hint of the approaching lava fleas with their native mounts. ”To be fair. I assume that they would be quite fond of our deaths. And though I know in death we would do our part for the Darkside. Just the same I’m a bit young to rush towards death without regrets. So let’s see to it that the only dead on this trip are the Mustafarians.” The young Bothan did her best to keep her tone serious like her mentor’s, but in some way this was fun. And she was always curious how Kasir would react to a bit of teasing.

Before much could happen however, Kasir’s second blade sprang to life and Yit could now hear the commotion caused by the approaching enemies. The Sith assassin was quick to motion telling Yit the direction of the threat. The Bothan had holstered her pistol once more and shrugged her rifle off her shoulder into her hands just as enemy fire started to sound through the cavern. Though none of the initial assault reached her, Yit quickly found cover, She then raised the rifle to gaze through its scope and find a target. She suspected there would be plenty to choose from, so the only thing to consider is making sure that she didn’t catch her mentor in a crossfire.

Kasir was a blur of motion. Though his glowing blades made it easy to see where he was now, even Yit could not be certain that she could predict where he would be by the time her blaster bolts entered into the fray. Several times she flexed her trigger finger only to give it a second though. She did get off one shot towards the flea riding Mustafarians, but then she saw the new danger. She doubted very much that Kasir would be caught unaware by the flanking attempt, but even he could only defend so much at a time. Yit targeted the first native in the flanking attempt. She cleared her mind and pressed thoughts of her intent into the galaxy. She hoped that Kasir would realize that she had his back and continue his assault on the flea riders, leaving the others to her. Trusting in his abilities, Yit finally started pulling the rifle’s trigger. Not waiting to know where the last bolt ended up, she would shift to the next Mustafarian and pull the trigger again. Five bolts were in the air before one would even hit its mark. Soon the flanking group knew there was more than one intruder. Some broke off their initial attack and headed towards her position. Yit held firm as long as she could, repeatedly firing at the natives still threatening her mentor. When the threat to herself got too much she released the rifle and grabbed her pistol and blade and prepared to defend herself.

 

[Kasir Dorran]

Yit Los'ena

Kasir was a tempest as they closed in, and he didn’t hesitate to meet their advance. The blades of his sabserstaff spun with speed as he cut through the first wave with precision. He could hear the cackles of energy filling the air as both blades sliced through flesh and bone alike. While the Northern Mustafarians admittingly fought with great courage, their numbers were quickly dwindling. Amidst the cacophony of sounds, he could still hear the thuds of falling bodies from his assault; limbs were cauterized, and cries of pain echoed through the tunnel.

It didn’t take long for blaster fire to illuminate the darkness nearby. He didn’t need to look; he knew the shots came from his aide, a sharpshooter whose aim was as nearly flawless. Each one found its mark, dispatching foes who dared approach from behind. While Kasir was not one to need a boost of confidence, it was clear that Yit’s focus did complement his continuing assault; her presence was like a fortress behind him. The scent of smoke and scorched corpses mingled in the air with that of blood. The atmosphere became thick.

As he cut a path deeper into the heart of the enemy, the tunnel around him became a symphony of violence. With every swing of his weapon, he embraced the darkness that surrounded him, thriving in the power of the chaos, knowing that together they were a formidable force. His black heart raced, not from fear, but from the thrill of battle. There was a peculiar allure of dominating the weak.

Yet, amidst the fray, he also sensed more enemies closing in, the hunger for blood clear as they sought to defend their home. With a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins, he prepared himself for the next wave of attackers, his orbs blazing with yellow intensity.

Primal instinct screamed at him; Kasir could sense several of the natives closing in on Yit. The urgency of it all pulled at him, which caused him to fight harder, to push back those around him, even as they seemed to multiply with every passing second. The urge to force his thoughts into hers, to communicate with the Bothan through telepathy as he had done earlier, was a temptation in the back of the Sith’s mind. But he swallowed it down, knowing the risk it could bring with their current odds stacked against them in the midst of a battle.

Amidst the carnage around him, a haunting stillness descended upon the dark figure, causing him to turn away from the maw of the tunnel, and instead forge a path through the debris and bodies before him. Each step and swing of his blade brought him closer, pressing towards his aide, driven by dark intent.

Thoughts of her filled his mind; part of him believed she was capable enough to dispatch her own targets even before he returned, as though her own prowess was just as fierce as the lava that ravished Mustafar.

 

[Yit Los'ena]

Location: Order of Wonosa enclave, Mustafar
Outfit: Sleeveless Hoodie and baggy pants
Tags: Kasir Dorran

Yit didn’t know if her mentor would admonish her for focusing on protecting his back for as long as she did. But it didn’t matter to her. If only one of them was meant to make it out of this, it should be him. He was better equipped to serve the Code. He could feel the darkside. Yit could tell this even more as she had admired his initial assault into the cave.

This did not mean that Yit thought of herself as easily disposable, or meaningless in the galactic happenings, more that she thought Kasir was more important. Though if she was truthful with herself, she also didn’t think that this mission was about testing her prowess with a rifle. Kasir had seen what she could do at range against enemies who were aware of her presence and those who were not. Letting the enemy get closer was a tactic that would allow her to prove that her other abilities were up to snuff.

Her pistol started to fire as soon as it lifted from her holster and Yit knew that one of the charging Mustafarians would be in its sights. Though it didn’t pack nearly as much pop as her rifle, the rate of fire on her rifle, especially shooting from the hip as Yit was forced to do now. Using her blaster also allowed her to have her knife at the ready in case some unfortunate local made it past her blaster bolts. As her trigger finger sent blazing hot bolts into the charging opponents, Yit’s other hand gripped tightly to the handle of her knife ready to dole out death in yet another manner.

A couple charging Mustafarians had gotten inside the comfortable range of Yit’s blaster. She wasn’t sure how many were still coming, but she couldn’t shoot with confidence and also dispatch these two with her knife. Ceasing to fire she lashed out at the first with her knife, while simultaneously smacking the second across the nose with her blaster. The knife strike hit clean and blood started to pour from a wound to the neck of the first Mustafarian. Yit grinned as she pulled the knife free, took a shot at another approaching local and then moved to attack the second dazed opponent.

Yit was forced to gasp at the realization that the blow from her pistol had not taken as much out of this opponent as she had thought. It was on her quickly, pushing her back into the wall of the cavern. Yit was frightened, but did her best to keep her opponent from seeing it. Kasir likely would feel it if he wasn’t too occupied with the enemy. Yit stumbled backwards, but before her opponent could strike at her with its weapon she stabbed as hard as she could into the Mustafarian’s armored midsection. Yit lost her footing even as she heard the satisfying sound of her blade piercing armor. She heard the dying breath of her opponent as the swing it had started sailed over head as she fell to the ground. Landing on her backside with a loud hmph. Her head hit the wall behind her and she thought she might have lost consciousness for just a moment. When her eyes opened she saw Kasir and more dead Mustafarians that she thought she had shot. ”I had them,” she said to her mentor with a wink as she took a moment to catch her breath and thought about standing up again…slowly. ”How’d things go on your end? Ready to push on?”

 

[Kasir Dorran]

Yit Los'ena

His return towards Yit was a blur of violence. With each swing of his blade, he carved through the Mustafarian bodies with ease, his movements guided by the powerful energy of the fiery planet. The searing heat only served to increase his fury, driving him to deliver death upon the natives. And as he left a trail of carnage in his wake, Kasir could feel the whispers of the darkness beckoning, tempting him to embrace its power further.

In the midst of everything, when the air was thick with the stench of death, Kasir didn't see his aide as a distraction; still, he found himself yearning to shift his gaze towards the Bothan, to seek physical confirmation aside from the currents flowing all around him.

As the ranks of their foe thinned, the sounds of blaster fire grew louder, but then it was suddenly silenced; and as the Sith drew nearer to Yit, he observed her wielding two weapons with profound grace, her own targets now closing in. With each of his own that he cut down, he closed the distance between them. It at last brought him within a proximity that allowed him to savor her emotions like wine; the fear that coursed through her only fanned his flames of anger; it was not something he had anticipated to feel from her.

He caught a glimpse of her struggling against a Mustafarian, but then his own path was blocked by yet another of the tall creatures. With a swift kick from his boot, he sent it reeling backwards before lunging forward, a single blade piercing its heart. Smoke drifted from the wound as he withdrew his weapon, and the body crumpled to the ground before him.

His constant advance was relentless, his steps now more purposeful, as if still studying prey in this deadly game they chose to play. Through the visor of his helm, he looked upon her, the silence dragging on for longer than necessary, as if absorbing the essence of death around them.

Kasir’s stillness was now deeper than the darkness itself, listening to her words with an intensity he knew she would not be able to ignore. Not a single flicker or emotion was missed. Every contour of her face became etched in his mind's eye as his gaze lingered. Since their descent into the tunnels, he had been aware of many of the feelings that traveled through her. His body remained rooted in place, as though it was nothing more than a vessel for his mind to observe. Part of him yearned to reach out and offer a hand, to help her from the ground. But at that moment, she had already risen.

Both of her questions would hang in the air after she spoke. He did not bother to respond, but instead turned his body towards the mountain of corpses. With a subtle gesture of his hand, he beckoned the Bothan to witness their shared destruction.

With a small step, he closed the distance between them, his presence like a shield against any danger in their very brief moment of respite. Eventually he deactivated his saberstaff, for it no longer served any purpose in their current position.

"You’re treading a dangerous path, Yit," he said calmly, the low voice emanating from the obsidian helm that concealed his features; and in a single shift, his head turned, taking in the tunnels once more, sensing more lifeforms that remained. While they had cleared out the bulk forces of the traditionalist group, a few stragglers remained.

“Be careful that it doesn’t blind you to the truths that matter most,” he continued, hoping to let the weight of his warning settle over her. “Allow your heart to wander..and it may lead to your ruin.”

The targets that still lingered in his senses appeared to move with a reason that eluded him; whether on patrol or simply wandering, he was unsure. Kasir was ready to complete the task and return to the enclave. "It's time to push ahead," he added, his voice now laced with authority.

 

[Yit Los'ena]

Location: Order of Wonosa enclave, Mustafar
Outfit: Sleeveless Hoodie and baggy pants
Tags: Kasir Dorran

Yit didn’t have the same abilities as Kasir and the other Sith. But all those who could touch the Force admitted that every being in the galaxy had some connection. Whether it was blind faith, learned expectations or this slight touch of the Force; Yit knew that the first thing she saw when the haze of her bump on the head cleared would be her mentor. She could feel his glare upon her. But she was not sure what he was thinking. Was his attention good or bad?

As clarity returned to Yit’s vision Kasir remained stoic and still. It was a comfort to Yit, though she did sometimes wish that his walls weren’t quite so thick. In battle she would never seek to change the way he was. It was for the better of both of them that he maintained a strict focus. Would she be able to break through some of his walls during downtime maybe? She wasn’t sure what would happen if she attempted something like that. The young Bothan thought she saw Kasir’s hand almost move to help steady her, but she was probably just seeing things. It was no time for that sort of sentiment. They were still in the midst of danger.

They each took steps towards each other and in the short distance the carnage they had caused in such little time was apparent. With more focus of vision Yit tried to discern which bodies were made lifeless by her blasters and which were by the blades of her master. Her last two victims were easily remembered. ”Passion. Strength. Power. Victory. Freedom. It all starts with passion. That looks different for all of us. I will try my best to temper things. But know that my heart is in the right place…” She gave Kasir a look that was a mix of hero worship and swooning. She envied much of what he was. But she was becoming more and more sure that she didn’t wish to become him. She wanted more than anything to cement her place at his side.

When Kasir stated it was time to move on she gave a quick nod. She placed the rifle strap over her shoulder, keeping her pistol and blade in hand, wiping the latter on her pant leg to clear the blood from it. ”Let’s stick a little closer together for the rest of this exploration. I think I could use some more work with opponents closer than rifle range.”

 

[Kasir Dorran]

Yit Los'ena

For a moment, his gaze rested upon the grim scene ahead—a pile of lifeless bodies, their features still displaying looks of despair. There was a cold sense of satisfaction coursing through him. This was merely the beginning, a prelude to the devastation that lay ahead. What they were currently witnessing in the tunnels of Mustafar, would one day be dwarfed by what he truly envisioned.

As Kasir guided his senses further once more, extending his awareness, he traced the presence of others nearby. A grin curled at the corner of his lips; they were unaware of the approaching danger. It allowed the Sith and his aide a breath of time as they were already moving with purpose towards their next target. For now, their movements didn’t require any stealth for survival.

And so, as they advanced, he allowed himself to hear her words.

He couldn’t dismiss her essence, and deep within, her presence was like a ghostly whisper, created from their short time of successful missions together. Trust had always been a rare commodity in his life, and when he did find it, it was often a double edged sword, as were the way of the Sith. Even with Yit's seemingly sincere loyalty, a part of him could not completely dismiss the clouds of doubt that still lingered, for the scars of his past were a constant reminder of betrayal from those he once held close.

The obsidian helm shifted slowly, the icy gaze within locked onto the small Bothan. “You say you will temper things,” he started in a smooth voice, yet it still carried sharpness. “But do you truly believe you can contain the storm that passion brings,” he questioned, before refocusing his gaze ahead. "Yit, even my own heart, where darkness reigns, beats with a fervor that no power in the galaxy can suppress."

Each single step brought more warmth radiating through the layers of his protective gear, intensifying with every passing second. He could feel the sweat beginning to bead on his brow, and trickling down the side of his face. It forced him to focus instead on the power that surged within him, which was amplified by the intense heat. It also served as a reminder of his purpose; he was here to wield the dark energies that thrummed throughout the fiery planet.

Yit’s mention of working closer together was met with approval, as such would grant him an opportunity to witness her prowess in close quarters; an experience that would surely stir his blood and further fuel his rage. Kasir also recognized his aide’s eagerness to be harnessed in something more formidable.

“Let us see if your skill up close is as strong as your enthusiasm,” he drawled.

As they traveled deeper into the tunnels, the sounds of distant voices grew, revealing the presence of a trio on patrol. Without hesitation, Kasir slowed his pace, gesturing for his aide to do the same, before pointing to a nearby corner, its darkness a maw that could swallow them whole. Wasting no time, the Sith extended his consciousness, weaving a tendril of thought through the air, a wave of energy, connecting their minds.

<<Initiate the attack when you feel the moment is right. Embrace the thrill of the hunt, and allow yourself to be guided by instinct.>>

He then centered himself, assuring he was completely focused on the task at hand; for soon, the next group would surely be dispatched with ease.

<<You will endure no harm while I watch over you.>>

It would be a different dance this time: she, the sword; he, the shield.

 

[Yit Los'ena]

Location: Order of Wonosa enclave, Mustafar
Outfit: Sleeveless Hoodie and baggy pants
Tags: Kasir Dorran

Yit knew there was still more to come. As much as it would seem otherwise to most in the galaxy, the battle had been too easy for a true test of the mettle. Though Yit could not sense things in the Force the way Kasir could, she had become able to sense his thoughts and moods over their time together. It was not a strange development between two who worked so closely together. Kasir was ready to move forward, so Yit would do as she was advised. Kasir had made sure she was on the correct path their whole time together so far.

The young Bothan gave a bit of a self reprimanding hiss as Kasir questioned her statement about quashing her passion. Was that the right thing to say? Her fear at his sharp initial tone was alleviated a bit as Kasir continued. Yit did not think that she could contain the storm. She had clearly misspoke, and Kasir was calling her on it. Semantics to some, but passion was important to embrace in their faith. When Kasir admitted that his passions were not something that could be controlled. Yit was surprised. Kasir always seemed to be in great control. ”Of course,” Yit whispered in a timid, almost depressed tone. But she quickly perked up and smiled, knowing that despair was something that would bury her. ”I should have said that I will harness and focus my passions appropriately. Pushing them down is a great mistake.”

As they moved deeper into the cavern, Yit continued to have the heat of the environment challenge her as well. She could feel the moisture in her fur, it was an uncomfortable feeling, but discomfort was something that she was needing to take and use in her missions. She couldn’t whine like a little baby, or a pampered princess. If Kasir in his armor and helmet could handle the heat, so could she.

Striding forward, Yit knew it was only a matter of time before they came across their next challenge. She was quite pleased that Kasir did wish her to remain at a distance and support his aggression with cover fire from her rifle. Not that she minded doing that job, she actually enjoyed it. But she also enjoyed new challenges. And getting her hands a bit more dirty. ”Few things match my enthusiasm,” Yit responded with a smirk as she continued to stride forward. ”I think we’ll both find my skills are one of those things.”

The sounds of the locals made Yit forget about the heat around her and the back and forth banter with Kasir. There was a job to do. The Bothan’s grip tightened on the handles of both her pistol and vibroblade. It was time to make her mark. At Kasir’s bidding Yit slowed down just a bit, giving her an opportunity to think out her next move rather than rush forward recklessly, which was her usual method of combat. His words echoed in her mind and Yit readied herself for the next bout with the local combatants.

Just as her senses told her that their targets were within range to start her attack, Yit heard the last bit that was sent through their bond. Her legs trembled just a bit at the idea that Kasir would dedicate his efforts to her safety. But that was something that she could think more on later. For now there was a job to do. She gave a silent nod and then started forward at a faster pace. Even though she could have easily eliminated three or four opponents with her blaster as she rushed their position, her trigger finger was steady in reserve. Her blade would taste first blood. She was surprised to be able to get quite close before her imminent attack was detected by the Mustafarians, and they started launching their ranged weapons at her. Yit deftly dodged left and right as she now ran full speed towards the closest target. Her blade split skin and then things became a bit blurry as Yit danced in and out of the Mustafarians. Her blade slashing and stabbing with her blaster sounding off when needed. It was going to end quickly, but that didn’t mean that Yit was perfect. There were openings left for Yit to be attacked. She didn’t know those moments were even there, but she was sure Kasir would be on her heels and keeping her safe.