Heir To The Curse

[Akhilleus]

“Uncle… I need Assistance.”


It was close to midnight on the planet Hora, and Cadmus had been preparing to return to his bunk when he heard the com chirping. Head snapping to it Cadmus snatched it up, and listened to the message. Blood running cold Cadmus knew who it was just from the voice… It was his nephew Nikias, and from the tone of his voice he was injured. Why Nikias didn’t call one of the royal guards, or another squad of troops to pick him up was obvious. Nikias didn’t trust anyone else. The young man was injured more than just physically. Considering the mental damage probably done to him by his father not accepting anything about him. “I’m on my way, just hang on boy. What is your location?” Waiting till he got the coordinates Cadmus raised his breathing labored.

While only being forty-eight Cadmus was an incredibly damaged being. More so than even his nephew. Almost a hundred percent of his body had at one point been burned and it was obvious. His skin was almost a pasty gray, and he was forced to wear a respirator that pumped air directly into his lungs. Even with these things holding him back, nothing would stop him from getting his nephew. Stepping out his room two of the royal guards bowed to Cadmus. “Where are you going at this time of night my Lord?” One of the guards asked. “Shall we accompany you?”

“No. Not this time, I am just going out for a brief walk.” Cadmus assured them. “Or are you saying that I am too weak to even do that?” He asked his one red eye glaring at the guard.

“Of course not sir!” The guard said bowing and trying to show how apologetic he was.

“Good.”

 

[Akhilleus]

Nikias was on his knees having to crawl through the forests. The saber wound he now sported made his entire body ache, and it was restricting him from getting to his feet and walking. However, he could not stop just yet. There were still attikan’s in the area that would possibly be hunting him. Not only had he done massive damage to their ranks having orchestrated a strategy that killed almost all the attikan soldiers but he had also damaged the small city to the point where they’d no longer be able to offer supplies to the attikan’s without putting themselves in dire straits. He had ordered his men to let the civilians evacuate.

Grunting nikias came to a stop as he heard numerous footsteps approaching. He felt his breath stop as he waited listening as the soldiers approached. No! I will not go back with them! I will not suffer such torture again! Nikias’ mind screamed but he dare not make a move or peep as it would give his position away. The footsteps continued past him as though heading down a different path. Finally, able to breath nikias crawled to a nearby tree and decided to take up a position near it. With the attikan’s searching the forest it would be easier for them to find him if he kept moving. He’d just have to hope that his uncle would follow his com signal and find him. Nikias’ breathing grew heavier as time went on and he had broken out into a cold sweat. While he may be a warrior and be able to take a lot of pain it didn’t mean his body wasn’t still damaged. Picking up his com nikias flicked a switched activating the beacon, due to makrosia using encoded frequencies he didn’t worry about the attikan’s following it back to him.

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Cadmus wasted no time as he hurried through the Makrosian castle his burgundy cape billowing behind him. Every step Cadmus took required the force to push him and now he drew heavily on it becoming almost a blur as he sped through the halls and headed for the hanger. Many of the royal guards on patrol could barely comprehend what had happened as Cadmus passed them and this speed allowed him to reach the hanger in mere seconds from a castle that was hundreds of meters long. Breathing heavily the respirator began to whir as it worked to pump more air into Cadmus’ lungs allowing the man to not collapse. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Not giving up the he made his way to the nearest guard speeder and shot off into the night sky the wind whipping at his black hair causing what he had to billow in the wind. Pulling up high into the sky Cadmus plugged the com link into the speeder so he could get more precise coordinates on his nephew. “Just hold on boy… I’m coming.” Cadmus whispered to himself more than anyone else as he pulled high into the air completely avoiding what speeder traffic was out this late at night. With a loud pinging signaling that the com link had picked up Nikias’ beacon Cadmus pushed the engines to their max. [/SIZE]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Grunting as he lay against the tree Nikias felt his head swimming as darkness swam at the corners of his vision threatening to engulf him. “Have you truly become this weak?” Trellos asked the dark presence rising up in Nikias’ mind. “Look at you! Not only did you let that boy live you took the injury and lay here like a wounded animal licking your wounds. “Just give in and I’ll get us out of here. I have no plans to die because of you. I’ve been through enough.” Trellos said and for a second Nikias felt as though he would lose himself to the dark voice. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“No, remember who is in control here.” Nikias growled as he put pressure on the wound. While it was cauterized and he didn’t have to really worry about bleeding out, he did it so that the pain kept him awake. Pressing his large hand against the wound Nikias was forced to clench his teeth and stomp a foot against the ground to keep himself from screaming out in agony. The darkness that had once swam at the corners of his vision disappeared, driven away by the intense pain. Soon enough even Trellos’ dark voice was driven away.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Leaning against the tree Nikias worked his way up holding on to it for support. The sounds of footsteps drawing closer to his position signaled that he had to leave. Though before he could start moving a group of three Attikan’s popped out of the underbrush. “We got him!” The one infront yelled as he activated his lightsaber quickly followed by his brethren. Each blade was blue and Nikias did not take his eyes off them. He knew he didn’t have the strength to face off against them one on one, but he still had to try. Reaching for his saber he soon heard the sound of a speeder high in the sky. “Please be him.” Nikias whispered as he activated his violet saber. [/SIZE]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Pushing hard against the steering yolk Cadmus made his way to the coordinates and from his position high in the sky he could see the city Nikias had been sent to siege burning. Feeling something stirring in his chest Cadmus did not know whether to be proud or to scold the boy. Ever since Nikias had returned from the Attikan’s hands he had been dishonored and forced to lead a group of criminals that the Makrosian’s forced into combat. The group Nikias was leading was for suicide and rarely did anyone that led them return. Yet here Nikias had succeeded four times out of his five missions. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Growing louder the com link beeper as they drew over the forest and honing in on the location Cadmus sent the speeder into a full on dive for the trees. He exploded through the canopy with ease a few leaves stuck in his hair and before him he saw the Attikans that had Nikias cornered. “I will not lose another one.” Cadmus whispered as he turned the speeder into a slide that caused it to hit all three Attikans and send them sprawling to the ground. “COME ON!” Cadmus yelled as loud as he could but it was soon drowned out by a fit of coughs. [/SIZE]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Nikias had been ready to face his death holding his lightsaber in his hand. Prepared to charge the Attikan’s he was shocked as his uncle pulled up knocking all three of them down with expert piloting. Not freezing up Nikias limped to the speeder before flopping into the back seat breathing heavily. “I’m in.” He gasped and without a second thought the speeder was already moving. Trying to sit up Nikias used the seat cushion to help himself up. Each motion he made caused a wave of pain to radiate throughout his body. “Cutting it a bit close.” Nikias gasped out while wiping sweat from his brow.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]From the backseat he could see the back of Cadmus’ head and could hear the whirring of the helmet respirator that was aiding his breathing. Nikias knew what had happened to his uncle, though he’d only been a child at the time. He’d been at the castle when his uncle had been brought back in by his father his body nearly burned to a crisp. Even to this day the image was burned into Nikias’ mind and the fact that his uncle had survived still shocked him till this day. However even with all those injuries holding him back cadmus never let it keep him from doing what he wanted, nor let it hinder his abilities to help his family when they were in need. it was that reason that made nikias call cadmus instead of the royal guard that probably would've left him to die.[/SIZE]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Looking back at his nephew Cadmus frowned looking at the lightsaber wound. While he had seen many in his time the fact that one had been only a few centimeters away from killing his nephew set him on edge. Stretching back and closing his eyes Cadmus placed his right hand over the wound and began rerouting the healing powers of the force he used on himself to his nephew. A green energy almost seemed to form between the space between cadmus’ hand and nikias’ skin though barely visible to even the trained eyes of a force user. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]At first from just looking at the wound nothing seemed to be happening and then slowly the skin began to grow again till the wound was no longer visible. “Start being more careful. I can’t save you every time you get into trouble. Its getting real old real fast. Especially these wounds. How did this even happen? Did you charge the city with your men? Where are your men?” Cadmus asked looking back at his nephew though the sound of a fighter breaking the sound barrier drew his attention. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“kark it all.” Cadmus said as he looked off to where the sound had come from to see a admetus fighter bearing down on them. Cadmus was already breathing heavily from the few uses of the force he’d just done but he had no choice but to use a bit more. Not willing to focus on anything to straining he reached to his belt and drew a durasteel ball bearing from a pouch. Flicking his wrist Cadmus flung the projectile and focusing on it he caused it to turn into a lethal projectile that easily penetrated the cockpit of the fighter. Soon enough it went tumbling out of the air. “They never learn.” Cadmus gasped as he leaned back in his seat.[/SIZE]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Vinikas had yet to sleep that night, his foolish brother Cadmus thought to sneak out of the castle to rescue Nikias all beneath Vinikas’ nose. The king knew what was going on in his kingdom at all times. One hand rested on his belt while the other held a lightsaber hilt that he twirled in the palm of his hand. The man stood easily over two meters tall, his body was like a wall of solid muscle and as he exited his bedroom four guards immediately moved to his sides but had to nearly jog to keep up with Vinikas’ long strides. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]The king’s chest rose and fell as his breathing quickened coming to a halt he raised his hand signaling for his guards to do the same. Vinikas could feel their presences before they turned the corner. As Cadmus and Nikias turned the corner Vinikas stared at the two his brown eyes burrowing into them. “Brother… Just what do you think you are doing?” Vinikas asked looking over to Cadmus his eyes flashing gold for a split second. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“Vinikas! How much longer will you hol-“[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“SILENCE!” Vinikas screamed amplifying his voice with the force. His long black beard moved from the force that left and even the guards nearly lost their footing. “I did not ask you that! I asked you what did you think you were doing! Who told you to go retrieve this boy!” Vinikas asked turning his head from Cadmus to Nikias. “This disgrace against our family!”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“It is not the boys fault for what happened to your first son!” Cadmus said taking a step before Vinikas his arms outstretched as though to protect the boy. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Eyes opening wide the hair upon Vinikas’ head bristles along with his beard. The man seemed to blur with an inhuman speed. So much so that not even Nikias could process what had happened. In one smooth motion Vinikas drew his saber activating the golden blade. In the same amount of time Cadmus had his saber at the ready. The two violet blades clashed causing Vinikas to roar. “Move out the way brother! He no longer deserves to live!” [/SIZE]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]The force of the blow when Cadmus’ and Vinikas’ sabers met was enough to seemingly cause the halls to shake. Cadmus’ respirator kicked into high gear as the man’s eyes narrowed. “How dare you still blame the boy for what happened to the First son when we made the mistake so long ago?!” Cadmus yelled as loudly as his wheezing voice allowed him. Lashing out with his right hand Cadmus released a push with the force that sent not only Vinikas flying back but sent the guards tumbling down the hall.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Mid-flight Vinikas caught himself turning into a summersault where he landed in a crouch before immediately closing the distance once again entering into an aggressive set of Djem So maneuvers. “Do not compare what happened to my son to Cylestia! We had no control over it! The Attikan’s captured her!” Vinikas retorted as he brought his saber down in an overhanded blow. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Intercepting the blow with his own saber Cadmus was brought to his knees from the strength behind the blow. He felt his bones shake from the pressure being forced onto him and Cadmus didn’t know how much longer he could hold out. Without his injuries he was sure he would’ve been able to match Vinikas blow for blow. “We were the ones who failed to bring Cylestia back! We both went for her! And this happened to me. Yet you blame your son for the same thing that was not in his own control?” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“As I said it was not our faults! It was a trap.” Vinikas said delivering a swift kick to Cadmus’ stomach that sent the man skidding across the floor where he lay a few meters away breathing heavily. Shaking his head Vinikas then began to move towards Nikias, saber raised to cut him down.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Nikias had no intentions of meeting his death without putting up a fight so in turn he raised his shield to intercept the blow. The kinetic force behind the blow traveled into the gauntlet not only shattering it but Nikias’ arm as well. Flung from the force Nikias hit the wall with a solid thud a sharp crack being heard as his other arm broke. The white hair man fell to the floor where he could do nothing but look up at the intimidating figure of Vinikas closing in on him saber poised for the final blow.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“Vinikas! The boy survived your trials! Spare him! If not because he is your son but because I ask you to?” Cadmus pleaded as he sat up coughing wildly.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Looking one last time between Nikias and Cadmus, Vinikas deactivated his saber. “You have hearby been exiled from the kingdom till you can prove yourself worthy of my respect. or bring something of wealth from the galaxy at large back to our people. If you return one day sooner I will end your pitiful existence.” Vinikas warned as he spun on his heal to leave his brother and son behind. [/SIZE]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]It was a week later before Nikias was in any condition to be able to leave the planet. His arms had been nearly shattered from his very short fight with his father. Even bacta treatments couldn’t fully treat his wounds. On his back hung a large pack filled with changes of clothes and along with that he carried a case that was filled with his funds. Things he would put to good use during his travels. The sun had yet to truly rise and very few lights could be seen from the castle windows. It was disheartening that Nikias couldn’t say goodbye to his other siblings[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] but this would be the easiest way.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“I’m sorry.” Cadmus said from behind Nikias and placing a hand on his nephew’s shoulder. “I tried to get Vinikas to change his mind[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], but he won’t. he can be so stubborn at times.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“It is not your fault uncle. It is his. It’s his fault my brother is no longer here, and now he aims to get rid of me as well." Nikias said looking at his feet.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“do not look at this as a punishment my boy. Look at it as a chance to learn. We’ve all set out upon the galaxy at one point in our lives. Go out there and come back with the knowledge necessary to gain your fathers respects. To take the throne from him. You can better our people; my brother hasn’t seen that. He’s become drunken with power… we cannot let this continue.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“Why don’t you stop him?” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“Because I don’t have the power to do it anymore. I’m a broken man Nikias. I stand as much a chance against your father as an attikan soldier. Only you can do this now. You are the first prince.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“You speak of blasphemy cadmus.” Nikias said looking at his uncle in shock.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“our family is meant to lead by example Nikias. Something your father has forgotten. He hadn’t understood that since our sisters death. He will not move to end the war with the attikan’s and may at any point start wars with the other city-states. We can’t allow that. who will be next? I've lost cylestia, my first nephew... i can't loose you or anyone else.” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“I understand uncle.” Nikias said biting his lip.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“I don't think you do, but maybe one day you will.” Pulling his nephew into a tight hug Cadmus gripped the back of the boys neck. “be sure to return my boy. I place my faith and the fate of makrosia in your hands.” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“Goodbye Cadmus.” Were the final words Nikias said as he turned to leave.[/SIZE]