Private Beyond the Veil

[Kasir Dorran]

Soah Ty’Jyn

Upon landing the strike against her ribs, everything that followed was completely out of necessity; though, it didn’t mean he didn’t suffer himself before forcing her into submission. Even with flawless technique, a jolt of pain tore through his wrist from the impact, suggesting that it could be a strain. The assassin guessed it was from the impact on the bone, or the angle at which it was thrown.

The new form was one that promised faster healing but had yet to be put to the test.

The Sith loathed every aspect of her current state; it was a reminder of their first encounter on the training grounds of Jutrand. For him, telepathic communication was generally a tactic reserved for his prey, a way to torment them before any physical confrontation. Receiving it from her was a jarring experience.

The sarcasm did not escape his notice, and in that moment, he regretted not striking her even harder. It felt like a slap to the face for whatever he may have felt minutes prior. Kasir’s highly controlled demeanor was his best shield, armor forged in fire of both the Dresuoti and Mustafar, to be sure. But everything now was fanning the flames of his frustration. The laughter, carefree and careless, made him doubt the significance of his personal teachings. And with every word that slipped from her lips, he could feel the disrespect.

But soon, the ignorant beast returned to being a mere child once again. Instinctively, his grip loosened, and with it, some of the consuming anger was released, too. He stood tall nonetheless, refusing to give ground while peering down with a calculating gaze. He grappled with the current duality, knowing that to fully embrace his own dark path would mean pushing the Felacatian away, thus revealing the brutal nature of their kind-- the Sith.

Kasir allowed the icy grip around his black heart to tighten. And so, whatever weak flicker of warmth once felt was simply extinguished. Numbness enveloped him; it was dark, cold, and merciless. The corners of his mouth twitched. "Next time?" he murmured. "Tread lightly, Soah. One of your next times might very well be your last, if you are not careful. You speak of them as though it is a guarantee."

A primal urge had returned, one that always called when he felt challenged. It threatened to lure him further into the abyss. A single step was taken back, but the piercing gaze never left. He rebelled against any remnants of pity, and there would be no inclination to offer a hand and lift her from the ground.

“Join me for meditation,” he suggested. His voice was impassive and detached. “But first, let's talk, so that we might navigate through your emotions.”

Finally, he turned away, and walked down the hall to ascend the staircase leading to the crew lounge just outside of the cockpit. It was where he often found himself when traveling alone, lost in contemplation. From there he found a spot on the metal ground, easing into a seated position.

 

[Soah Ty’Jyn]

Interacting with: Kasir Dorran

The sting of bruises and Kasir's sharp lesson still lingered as Soah shifted back into her humanoid form. Her inky black tattoos rippled like restless shadows, their patterns disjointed and agitated, mirroring the storm of emotions beneath her skin. Her lips pressed into a thin line, and despite the faint scratches and the soreness that marked her body, she remained silent. Complaining was not her way -- not after this.

Kasir had driven the point home. Hard. And much like a cub pinned by the scruff, Soah had no choice but to accept her place, at least for now. The fight had been her attempt to test the dynamic between them, to assert dominance or claw her way toward it. But his strength, skill, and sheer determination had reminded her, sharply, that she still had much to learn.

As Kasir loomed over her, his presence heavy and unyielding, Soah bared her throat. The gesture wasn't entirely submission -- no, that wasn't her -- but it was an acknowledgment. He had won this round, and she wasn't fool enough to keep pushing right now. She could still feel his grip on her, the bruises forming a physical reminder of where the boundaries lay.

When he finally stepped back and released her, Soah rose slowly, regaining her footing with a slight wince. Her hazel eyes flicked up to him, her expression sharp but devoid of malice. The line between respect and defiance was a razor's edge, and Soah was learning to walk it.

Without a word, she adjusted her tattered attire, fingers brushing over the bruised skin beneath as she tried to ignore the sting. Meditation, he had said. It still sounded like a waste of time to her -- sitting still while the galaxy burned -- but she swallowed her usual sarcastic remark. For once, the fight had sapped her of the need to quip back.

Falling in step behind him, Soah followed Kasir into the lounge, her steps steady despite the ache in her muscles. She dropped into a seat with a quiet huff, arms crossed and eyes flickering to him as he settled in.

Meditation wasn't her idea of progress, but after today, she was beginning to understand that not all battles were won with claws and fangs. Sometimes, they were won in the quiet spaces between strikes. And so, for once, she would listen.

 

[Kasir Dorran]

Soah Ty’Jyn

The dim light cast an eerie glow that danced across his black attire, oddly complimenting the angles of the Sith's pale face. The depths of his brown eyes fixated on Soah, studying her every move as she settled into the seat; her expression appeared to suggest both exhaustion and defiance.

His heightened senses allowed him to easily detect the tension that also revealed her physical discomfort now.

Unlike Jedi, who sought serenity in their meditations, the sangnir easily maintained a strong state of readiness. Though he appeared relaxed, the alertness was ingrained into his very being after so many years of training, prepared for anything in a single heartbeat. He was getting ready to begin his own, but was not quite there yet.

Silence enveloped them for a moment as Kasir was consumed by different questions and their possibilities; they were often like shadows in the corner of his mind. He leaned slightly forward, eager to better understand his apprentice, rather than draw her into manipulation that could be bent to his will; such tactics were not highly encouraged within the doctrine he followed.

In the Felacatian’s youthful features, it was as though he caught the reflection of how he had once been, back on Jutrand after leaving Dromund Kaas. “You still remind me of myself when I was at the Academy," he stated, his voice smooth. The faintest hint of mirth might have been traceable if she were paying attention. “Always eager, convinced that the galaxy owes you something.”

There was another pause. “Trust is a fickle thing for our kind. But for you to grow in power, I do expect a certain level of loyalty. You have progressed in a short amount of time, but your restraint is still poorly lacking,” he continued. Dark intent naturally glimmered in his gaze. “But tell me, what disturbs you? What caused that form of yours to shift earlier?”

The room itself seemed to grow colder as his hand, deathly still and devoid of any life, beckoned towards a spot on the floor before him. It offered a respectable distance between them. “Sit with me, and speak freely. Besides, it will be several days before we arrive at Malachor V."

 

[Soah Ty’Jyn]

Interacting with: Kasir Dorran

​

Soah's hazel eyes flicked toward Kasir, narrowing slightly at his words.

Always eager, convinced the galaxy owes me something.

The comment stung, but she refused to let it show. Instead, her lips thinned into a defiant line as she lowered herself to the floor, her movements fluid and feline. Her tattoos shifted along her skin, rippling faintly as though mirroring her unease, but she ignored them.

The cold of the room wasn't just from the durasteel walls or the oppressive hum of hyperspace -- it felt as though Kasir had drawn it in with his presence. His stillness, his control, made her feel like a whirlwind of chaos in comparison. The thought made her jaw tighten, but she forced herself to focus, folding her legs beneath her and resting her hands loosely in her lap.

For a long moment, she said nothing, her eyes watching him like a cub sizing up an older predator. His gaze was unreadable, sharp as ever, and she hated how easily he could cut through her defenses. Hated how he was right. Trust was fickle, and restraint wasn't her strong suit. He had proven that well enough.

She inhaled slowly, trying to steady the crawling sensation that danced along her spine. The thought of hyperspace clawed at her again, but this time she tried to face it head on, forcing herself to sit with the discomfort rather than lash out.

When she finally spoke, her voice was quiet but carried an edge of frustration. "Hyperspace travel… and tight spaces like this…" She gestured faintly to the cold confines of the transport. "They're foreign to my kind."

Her eyes flicked to him, gauging his reaction before continuing. "We're hunters. Beasts. We're meant to roam, to move freely. Not to be caged in tin cans flying through something unnatural." She exhaled sharply through her nose, her tattoos shifting again like restless shadows.

"I do not like it," she admitted, her voice harder this time, as though the words were a challenge rather than a confession. "It makes my fur crawl -- literally." She sat straighter, defiance creeping into her tone despite the vulnerability of the moment. "That's why I shifted. It's… instinct. The beast takes over when the pressure becomes too much."

 

[Kasir Dorran]

Soah Ty’Jyn

As she spoke, pieces of the puzzle quickly began to fall into place, revealing a picture of fear to the Sith. He was no stranger to selfishness, recklessness, and many other things, but being illogical was not one of them. There was also one little detail that seemed to have been left out. “And then I pushed you too far,” he stated simply.

Shadows flickered across his face as he absorbed her words with consideration. Naturally, he studied her closely, focusing solely on the smallest changes in her own facial features. Kasir’s role under the former Lord Inquisitor often required being unseen, which is where he learned to read expressions as though they were scrolls. The tattoos were also an instant giveaway of the emotional war within her.

He tapped into the darker recesses of his mind, drawing strength from the thought of his duties. “Though I was not a creature born in the wilderness, I too, have the longing to run free.” The Sith then felt the pulse of the Force itself beneath his pale fingertips, urging him to reveal nothing. He ignored it. “As hunters, we must also learn how to adapt, to survive.”

Most of their time together had been spent at the Jutrand Academy, working together in ways that suited their differing schedules. There was much he had yet to explain to her, and hadn’t put much effort into getting to know her better. Thus far he mainly focused on the Felacatian's skill set and the basic foundation of her physical prowess.

“Honesty is rare among our kind,” he murmured. There was a strange hint of sincerity in his words, but the sangnir’s gaze stayed as cold as ever. “At the least, mutual understanding would serve us both well. The pursuit for power between master and apprentice has often been something shared in Sith history. One of the keys to that very power is already within you, Soah.”

There was a slight tilt of the head as his eyes met hers. “To reach your full potential, you must learn to confront your fears. If you do not, lesser Sith will easily exploit your vulnerabilities. This is a crucial step for your transformation. Many assume that meditation is for peace, and calm. But that is a lie the Jedi tell. Our meditation is about something far more powerful; it is about awakening your passions. It is using anger for focus, and acknowledging the darkest parts of yourself. Jedi seek enlightenment through an illusion that does not exist.”

He paused, allowing his words to settle. "Nor do we suppress our emotions as they do. Instead, we embrace them, their very presence in us. By controlling these emotions, you prevent them from controlling you." Kasir looked at her intently now. "Even a fighter not gifted with power in the Force knows the importance of emotional control. They learn to use the adrenaline, the fear, the anger, to enhance both their focus and their natural physical abilities while seeking to dominate in their respective sport. And as a Sith, you will have to do the same. With every breath, you draw in the Dark Side. With every exhale, you release doubt, and replace it with purpose.”

Both hands slowly rose from his lap and came to rest on his knees. “Sith meditation is the foundation of our power. To engage, you will have to submit completely to your emotions. You may not fully grasp it on your first try, which is perfectly fine. But with practice over time, it will begin to feel more natural."

His tone became more measured as he prepared to enter a meditative state. Kasir’s eyelids began to shut. "First you’ll breathe in deeply," he said. The assassin inhaled slowly, trying to demonstrate the controlled breath, as if pulling dark energy into himself.

"When you exhale, picture your fears coming to life. But do not push them away.” He paused once more, allowing a moment for the visualization. "Now, focus on these emotions. Let them fuel your strength. You should embrace the storm surging within. It is about expanding those emotions. View it like a fire burning within you. Watch it grow, but you want to keep control over it. Whether it is power, or revenge, or something else, picture a scenario where this will serve you. Visualize your goals as realities already within your grasp.”

As he finished, Kasir opened his eyes but averted them to the ground between them. “It should become a daily ritual. And when you feel fear or any doubt, return to this meditation. Eventually these sessions will become longer, and more meaningful, as you progress.”

 

[Soah Ty’Jyn]

Interacting with: Kasir Dorran

​

Soah's hazel eyes stayed fixed on Kasir. What he said seemed confusing, but it also pulled at her curiosity, much as she hated to admit it. She had never heard someone talk about fear and anger like that before, not as weaknesses to avoid, but as tools to sharpen.

Her tattoos shifted restlessly, dark tendrils rippling down her arms and curling across her hands like living shadows. She let them move freely as she absorbed what he was saying, her expression carefully guarded. Still, she couldn't stop the slight crease in her brow as she mulled over his instructions.

Confront her fears? Use her anger? She didn't need to confront anything, she already knew her fears all too well, thinking with the mind of a teenager instead with the wisdom of experience and age. The cage of hyperspace. The gnawing ache of not knowing where she truly belonged. The memories of survival that haunted her every time she let her guard down. But the way he spoke about control, about using those emotions instead of being consumed by them… It made sense in a way that unsettled her. It felt raw. Real. Powerful.

She stayed silent for a moment after he finished, watching as his hands settled on his knees, his eyes briefly closing. Her lips pressed into a tight line before she finally spoke in a low, throaty voice.

"So, what you're saying is, I need to let the fire burn but not let it consume me." Her eyes narrowed, studying him as if trying to gauge whether this was some kind of trick. "And this... meditation is supposed to make that easier?"

Her fingers flexed slightly, claws sheathed but ready.

"Fine. I'll try it," she said, the defiance in her tone undercut by a hint of grudging acceptance.

"But don't think I'm just going to sit here and let my fears waltz around unchecked."

She shifted slightly, adjusting her posture to mirror his, though her movements were less fluid, more hesitant. Closing her eyes, Soah inhaled deeply, the sound of her breath steadying despite the tension humming through her. She could feel her emotions bubbling under the surface -- anger at her lack of control, fear of the unknown, the ever present frustration of being pushed into someone else's game.

 

[Kasir Dorran]

Soah Ty’Jyn

With a stoic expression carved across his features, he regarded her with an eerie calmness that radiated a sinister, but protective concentration. The dim light above cast different shapes that danced on the walls around them. It was as though he could feel the rhythm of her defiance, and under that layer, the uncertainty, too. He believed Soah was caught between the poor teachings from the academy on Jutrand and her own natural instincts.

"Indeed," he started, the tone sharp yet patient. "That fire is your passion– the very first line of our Code. The meditation is what will help you navigate through it. With time, it will also teach you discipline.”

A tinge of confusion stirred from the hesitation felt in her— reluctance to fully submit to his instructions, considering she trusted him enough to leave Jutrand and be en route to the other side of the known galaxy.

"Your fears must simply be acknowledged," the Sith reaffirmed with a subtle shake of his head, feeling like he was beginning to repeat himself. "And through meditation, you will learn to channel those emotions, to make them your ally rather than your enemy as you’ve repeatedly done since we first met. Understanding your darkness will allow you to wield power from them, rather than being shackled.”

As she made her own attempt, he glanced down at his wrist, feeling how quickly it healed from their clash earlier; it was a testament to the new sangnir form. Inhaling deeply, his mind drifted towards a meditative state again.

Silent and steady, Kasir's breaths were in sync with the flow of the Force within him, like the raging molten river that he was all too familiar with on Mustafar. With intense focus, he surrendered to the dark energy, allowing it to consume him completely. Anger, hatred, and fear, his most primal emotions, surged through him. They amplified until merging together, coursing through his veins. Slowly, his aura expanded, tangible in the small space they shared.

"Let my power be your shield and strengthen your connection to the dark side, Soah. I will guide you now," he whispered through one of his exhales.

The Sith was an ominous guide, a sentinel, prepared to lead the Felacatian deep into the abyss.

Three days passed before the 578-R finally emerged from hyperspace. Malachor V came into view. Even from a distance Kasir felt it beckoning with a forbidden allure. His pale digits traced over the controls with ease, and they began their descent, cutting through the atmosphere. Lights flashed, reminders of the turbulence that welcomed them, suggesting it wouldn’t be a soft landing.

The viewport displayed the details of the ground below, jagged mountains jutting up from the forsaken landscape between massive craters, cloaked by shadows. The storms were relentless with dark clouds crackling with lightning. Despite being within the transport shuttle, Kasir felt the dark energy vibrating through the planet.

As they drew closer to the surface of, it landed on a flat expanse that was more secure and stable. His head rotated, focus shifting to the girl with a calculating gleam. The Sith assassin had made his decision. "We’re roughly one kilometer away from an ancient Sith temple," he murmured, refraining from giving any excessive details for now. "Your task is to reach it on foot. You will prove your worth and your strength by traveling this terrain alone."

He then pushed himself up from the chair, standing tall, and facing her completely. "This will test your endurance and your ability to draw upon the dark side. Your connection to it will guide you to the concentration of energy there. Embrace your anger and fear now; they will serve you for what lies ahead."

A pale hand gestured toward the cargo bay. “There is a vibroblade waiting for you. Arm yourself— there are creatures known as storm beasts that roam this planet.”

His demeanor shifted to one of detachment; his cold, black heart had frozen over completely. Any remaining hints of humanity within Kasir's tormented soul were snuffed out by a mere thought from his mind. “I will meet you there."

 

[Soah Ty’Jyn]

Interacting with: Kasir Dorran

​

Soah kept her eyes shut, her expression carefully neutral, though her tattoos betrayed her thoughts with their restless, shifting patterns. She could feel Kasir's power pulsing in the air like a storm gathering strength, his words weaving through her mind and settling deep in her chest.

Let my power be your shield. The phrase lingered, unwelcome and yet oddly grounding. She hated how much sense it made, how his presence seemed to draw out her vulnerabilities only to challenge her to face them.

Her claws flexed once against the floor before stilling. The shadows on her skin stilled too, almost as though they were listening. She focused on her breath as Kasir instructed, letting the rhythm settle her, if only slightly. The fire within her was still chaotic, a storm she wasn't ready to tame --but she didn't fight it this time.

Instead, she let herself feel the fear, the anger, the stubborn defiance that kept her standing even when the odds weren't in her favor. Slowly, she began to picture it; the fire, wild and untamed, and herself standing in the center of it. Not consumed by the flames, but shaping them, bending them to her will.

Kasir's aura pressed against her own, dark and overwhelming, yet strangely steady. She could feel his guidance, like a shadow at her back. It annoyed her to admit it, but his presence made it easier.

I'll figure it out, she thought to herselfa whisper. She wasn't sure if she meant the meditation or her place in all of this. Maybe both.

---

Soah's smirk widened as Kasir delivered his instructions, her twin hazel eyes flickering with both defiance and excitement. The prospect of facing Malachor V's storm beasts alone wasn't daunting -- it was exhilarating. Her tattoos rippled across her skin in subtle, swirling patterns, responding to her anticipation like restless shadows eager to stretch into the unknown.

"Fine," she said simply, pushing herself to her feet. Her tone carried the sharp edge of teenage confidence, laced with an undercurrent of thrill. The dark energy of the planet pressed against her senses, unfamiliar but not unwelcome. It thrummed in her veins, tugging at the fire within her.

She gave Kasir a curt nod, striding toward the cargo bay without hesitation. The vibroblade was waiting, just as he'd said. She gripped the hilt, testing the weight in her hand, and glanced back toward the transport's open hatch. The storm outside raged, but it didn't faze her. If anything, it made the challenge more enticing.

The past few months had taught her to channel her emotions, to mold them into weapons instead of letting them run wild. This was her chance to prove it -- to herself as much as to Kasir. She would conquer the storm beasts, the terrain, and the dark whispers of Malachor V.

As she stepped onto the rocky expanse, the wind lashed against her face, and the faint smell of ozone hung in the air. She didn't look back, but her voice carried over the howl of the wind. "Don't keep me waiting too long..."

Her tattoos surged with motion, like shadows sharpening into claws, and her smirk returned. She was ready to embrace whatever Malachor had to offer.

 

[Kasir Dorran]

Soah Ty’Jyn

Kasir observed Soah with a veil of stoic countenance; he knew, as well as any, the wicked nature of this planet, and how it could either amplify her strength, or devour her completely. A small spark of understanding lit within him, as though he could understand her fervor; though, he kept himself detached, as though the Felacatian were merely a puzzle to still be solved, rather than a being he’d already begun to invest great effort into.

The Sith recalled the shared meditation, dedicated to pulling back layers of turmoil and taking a peek at the depths of her emotions. Yet, as she stepped out onto the expanse of Malachor, he sensed that the depths of her psyche still remained woefully unexplored, appearing oblivious to the dangers that awaited her; though, that wasn’t to say he doubted her. The lessons were still lessons– tools that would surely aid her when the shadows closed in all too soon.

Before much longer he turned, drawn back to the transport shuttle’s cockpit. He settled back into the pilot’s seat, denying himself any further moments of reflection. There was no time wasted in initiating the lift sequences; the familiar vibrations were felt as the ship began to move upwards.

An ancient Sith temple towered in the distance; he felt its magnetic pull once more. The 578-R navigated effortlessly through the landscape, through the clouds and shadows; it didn't take long for the massive structure to fully come into view. Black stones jutted towards the skies.

The stillness nestled around him before he finally stepped out from the hatch. Black robes billowed around him. The darkness that shrouded him was a tangible presence, an all consuming void that threatened to swallow everything in its path. But within it, a different kind of tempest raged, sizzling with energy and raw power. Spirits of former Sith began to flicker in his mind. Most told the same story; they searched for glory and were consumed by their lust for dominance. They threatened to breathe more life into his very thoughts, suggesting paths of manipulation and control, but the assassin resisted to pull; he would not allow them to dictate his actions.

He was certain that Soah, as she approached, would not only see the temple, but also feel the raw power now wielded; he would be a dark beacon drawing her in.