I'm a Little Bit Rusty

[Bella Rosewood]

Coruscant - White Wyrm Bar

Music was playing while people laughed and played pool. The bar was deep in the underbelly and had a dive atmosphere with a rougher crowed. Most people were pretty well behaved but a fight could always break out at any moment in a place like this.

While people enjoyed the bar above the basement was another story entirely. The Serpents were recruiting, and those that had been smart enough to decipher the messages that were sent out. That was the first task of recruitment, to test your cunning. The invitations were holograms that only activated under certain circumstances and presented a riddle with the location. Those that had made the cut were in the basement, lined up facing a small pale girl who was walking between them.

"Well congratulations. You've found the headquarters to The Serpents. Unfortunately our King could not join you today so I get the unfortunate task of beating this sorry crowed into shape until we figure out who has what it takes to wear these jackets." She indicated the jackets hanging on the back wall, on which a long green serpent was patched.

"We've tested your cunning, but now we test your bravery." As she spoke the lights turned on, indicating the room was a lot bigger than the dingy basement it appeared to be. Behind her was a door, which lead to a labyrinth of rooms and simulators.

"Behind me is The Pit. It's a holographic system that can read your deepest fears. It forces you to confront those fears. Anybody who can make it to the other side passes the test. Anybody who pisses their pants is out." She smirked at the recruits.

 

[EllieEx]

Coruscant- White Wyrm Bar.
Before Had Abbadon​

[member="Bella Rosewood"]​

Voska stood there in line with the other recruits, arms crossed and clad in partial beskar armor, his favorite cloak and his old brown, burnished mandalorian helmet.
He had actually deciphered the message while in search another local gang, and he was disappointed that these weren't the people that he was after. Tough luck for the bounty hunter, but at least they weren't boring. A maze that confronts you with you worst fear? Well, that'd be... Exciting.. He had no idea how that was possible, and so he thought it to be just another way of being dramatic, spooking new recruits. He looks to the girl, pale thing, Not that old either.
He tilts his head to the side and speaks, his voice altered and somewhat louder, and his westralian accent quite clear through the vocal enhancer built into his helmet

"So, How'd you lot get a hold of a fethin' fear labyrinth? This sith magic or something?" he chuckles.this was just one of those times that voska wasn't above little quips and remarks here and there.

 

[Aubrey Landcaster]

“A coded message?” Aubrey asked with a tilted head as he pulled his black shirt on. The mercenary glanced at his fellow merc. They were sitting in the lounge of their XS light freighter. “Yeah, we received it a bit ago and Spectre 1 deciphered it. Some riddle.” The merc said. Aubrey sighed as he holstered his blaster pistol. He ran a hand the his hair in irritation. “Really? Well don’t keep me in suspense.” Aubrey said. “Well it gave a location, Coruscant actually. A bar called White Wyem Bar.” The merc said. Aubrey sighed. “Well I was planning on heading to a club...but I guess I’ll settle for this seedy bar, at the very least I’ll get a drink out of it...meet a few cute ladies, or guys, I mean I don’t discriminate.” The other merc laughed. “Always trying to find a date, typical.” The merc said. Aubrey smiled. “Yeah you know me.”

Some time later Aubrey found himself standing the basement of the bar, standing in a line with some short girl speaking. The merc snickered when [member="Bella Rosewood"] said she was given the unfortunate job of beating them to see if their worthy of the jackets hanging on the back wall. Aubrey glanced to the jackets and smiled, they were nice jackets. Aubrey looked down the line, one man drew his gaze the one in Mandolorian armor. He turned his attention back to the woman as she spoke about the pit. Color Aubrey interested. The Mandolorian, [member="Voska Naudir"]then spoke up asking where it came from. Aubrey smirked. “Does it matter hot stuff? The more important question is how good am I gonna look in one of those jackets.” Aubrey winked. That was probably his favorite pastime flirting as much as he could.

Deep in the back of his mind Aubrey was definitely a bit unnerved by the anticipation of his greatest fear. He sighed deep down he knew what it was, he always tried to push it away.

He turned to the lady who was speaking for the King. “This is gonna be real fun. Isn’t it?” Aubrey said with a wicked grin.

[[member="Sawa Ike"], and [member="Andy Khor"]]

 

[Bella Rosewood]

“We found it. Fell off a truck.” She narrowed her eyes at the Mando, who was still in armor. She had better not smell a rat. Snitches got stitches and all that. The other kid spoke up, saying this would be fun and Bella laughed. “I dunno. Some say it’s haunted in there. “

She grinned and walked towards the wall, activating the room behind her. When the recruits stepped in they would see flashes of what scared them. For some people it was enough to drive them mad but others were able to master the impulse and make it through the turns to the exit. It wasn’t a complicated maze, but there were different obstacles for different fears.

“So what are you all afraid of?”

[member="Aubrey Landcaster"][member="Voska Naudir"]

 

[Hex Girl]

Kit groaned in frustration as the drummer in front of her dropped his sticks halfway through the set. “Yes thank you! We will be in touch.”

She softly banged her head on the desk while the little droid next to her beeped. She had affectionately dubbed this droid “Patsy Cline.”

“Maybe some of the new recruits will have musical abilities. Bella can sing and I can drum. Gotta be somebody out there who can play an instrument.”

The droid beeped in what sounded a hopeful way. Kit smirked. “The glsss is always half full with you huh Pat?”

 

[Sawa Ike]

"How interesting." Her eyes looked forward... silver sheen to them... THe invitation was interesting... leading her here but she lookedat the others and just sat there letting herself seem smaller then she normally was. Maple wasn't here or Ni-ne... K1 had come with her and the little black and gold droid was in disguise without his equipment set up... all of it concealed within his small frame. They had gone from the ship to the bar and followed all of it.... she looked at the others who were there and raised an eye brow but taking in all of them wasn't too bad... at least going into a place like that would keep her needing to rip someone throat out.

 

[Andy Khor]

"I received an invitation on the holonet" "What kind of invitation" said Khor while editing music inside his helmet. He was swinging upside down in a ledge with Coruscant lower levels viewed thousand floors down "Something about a group called The Serpents are recluiting people" "I´ll go, im bored anyway" said jumping to the balcony below. He was only carrying his saber at the time.

With a speeder, he arrive at the location and the only familiar face was the bounty hunter/mercenary [member='Voska Naudir'] . He took out his helmet waving his hand at him. The escape of that ship was freaking close. Hex followed him from behind, scanning the room without anyone noticing. Just in case "Andy Khor, and DJ for hire" He wouldnt mention his force powers, but he didnt knew how they would help him with his force issue "Im afraid to maybe not be able to save a love one in a rough time" responded "If this room shows some problem hidden in my head, then you save me time of going to a psycologist. Hex, stay here if something happened" said before entering the maze with no delay, putting his helmet on. Maybe because he felt safe and an ambush would easily end with him unleashing his uncontrolled force power.

[member='Bella Rosewood'] , [member='Sawa Ike'] , [member='Aubrey Landcaster']

 

[EllieEx]

"Not as good as me and this cloak" Voska chuckled at [member="Aubrey Landcaster"]'s Comment "I'm joking, We might come out even. Her on the other hand-" He gestures to [member="Sawa Ike"] "She might have us beat if she get's her's" he laughs

Then good ole' andy khor walked in, It had been a little since that incident on the ship, it was good to see khor still in one piece. With how the girl had looked at voska, he wasn't sure what she thought of him, and he didn't want to damn khor by association, so instead of greeting him, he gave khor a simple nod and ten stepped forward, turning to look at everyone for a moment

"Welp, I'm off to see my worst fear made manifest, See you all in a bit" He said before turning to the door. He took one deep breath, took one step back, and then ran for the door, disappearing inside.

It was dark, even with his flash goggle visors it was pitch black in there. "What in Mandalore the indomitable's name?.." the suddenly, movement in the corner of his eye. He snaps in the direction of wherever it had come from, blaster drawn-
nothing... "it's just a game, a head game.. they just want to spook you".. he said to himself quietly and then, it appeared- A mandalorian, old with white hair done up in a top knot, a long white beard, and old armour, scrathed, dirty and dented, with a fur lined cloak to top it all off. this was how his father had looked the last time they had seen one another.

"Greetin's Voska.. It's been a wee bit hasn't it?" The old mandalorian said. Voska just shook his head and turned away "You're not real.."

"course I'm not, ya daft git. Neither's yer honor" Voska suddenly turns again, swinging at the apparition with his crushgaunt, but it was no use, the figure had already disappeared. then the voice came from behind him "but your duty to the clan? that's real. ya can't shirk it forever voska, You know she can't lead the fleet forever either..."

Voska Ran for it. off all the things he knew he feared currently, being forced to lead his clan through the hellscapes of war for the mand'alor was the one thing that won over all others, and he had no idea what to do with the guilt. He had left his clan when they needed him most, when all other heirs had gone and the clan's future was uncertain..
All he could do for now was keep on keeping on. Obstacle after obstacle, it didn't matter if he had to climb, swim, fight, he'd make his way through. eventually, the exit comes into view, he sighs in relief and makes his way over, when suddenly the old mandalorian returns. It didn't matter what he did, punch it, shoot it, burn it with his rocket boots, the old man wouldn't leave, wouldn't move, wouldn't get out of his life!

"There's no use running, you know you'll end up back here.. one day"

"i know... But it won't be on your terms" He sighed, sitting down for awhile. "Cassius tea? It's your favorite" the apparition said, holding out a small tea cup, fresh, still steaming. "You remember when we used to play the bes'bev? I still remember when the sounds used to fill the environmental domes at home. those were good times, don'cha think?"

He did. he might still have that old bes'bev somewhere, the old mandalorian flute that he used to play as a child. he missed those days, before he decided to walk away.
Walk away? Was that the answer?
Instead of fighting the past, He could just walk away, like he did before.

the door opens and voska steps into the room where the others had been, He didn't know how long it had been or how to explain any of what he had just seen, but he sure as osik didn't like it

"...Yeah.. Haunted sounds about right" He sounded.. different. like he wasn't sure how exactly to feel, weather he was legitimately shook to the core or if he stopped caring, it sounded like both almost. He didn't remove his helmet, He'd do that later if he "Passed" and he was sure that they weren't going to stab him in the back. And good thing too, it hid the startled expression on his face and the sheen of sweat running down his skin. though, if one were to pay close attention, one small droplet fell from under his helmet, leaving a small, damp dot on the collar of his cloak

omg i might have remembered to tag people for once: [member="Andy Khor"] [member="Sawa Ike"] [member="Bella Rosewood"] [member="Aubrey Landcaster"]

 

[Bella Rosewood]

"Don't be shy. Follow the leader." Bella smirked as one man charged in bravely, followed by the man in the helmet. Now they were getting somewhere.

Outside the room they could hear screams, howls, cheers, and clanging. The only ones who could tell what happened inside the room however were those experiencing it. If the fear was to lose someone, then they would be shown losing who they loved. If they had a fear of drowning, well hopefully they packed their sea sick pills.

Bella waited. She was interested in the idea of a DJ for hire so hopefully that chap made it out. The second man to enter was the first to come back. She could see he was shaken, but there he stood, before them all instead of cowering in the corner like many did.

"Congrats [member="Voska Naudir"]. You've passed the test." She handed him a glass of whiskey, figuring he might need a pick me up after the room.

"Now we are just waiting to see if the others do before we move on to the third task..."


[member="Voska Naudir"] [member="Andy Khor"] [member="Sawa Ike"] [member="Aubrey Landcaster"]

 

[Aubrey Landcaster]

Aubrey smirked at [member="Voska Naudir"] and nodded in agreement. Soon [member="Andy Khor"] and [member="Voska Naudir"] charged into the other room, ready to face their fears. Aubrey sighed and put his hands behind his head. “Guess I better get this over with.” Aubrey walked through the door. Instantly the smell of blood filled the mercenary’s nose. Looking around he would clench as he realized where he was. On Tatooine, at the crash site: where he lost his old partner, except it was different.

His old partner Jonas stood next to him, bloodied and smiling. Aubrey looked at him wide eyed, his voice not coming out. “What speechlessness Bree? I’m surprised you even came back.” Jonas said with a grin. Aubrey grimaced. “You disappeared Jone, what was I supposed to do?” Aubrey asked softly. Jonas turned to Aubrey and winced his stomach gushing more blood. “How about actually look around more Bree, what if I was under rubble or something.” Jonas lashed out. Aubrey winced.

Jonas sighed and took a seat on a crate. “Anyway Bree, I’ve been watching you. Spending time at clubs and bars, trying to pick up whoever you can, trying to make the pain go away.” Jonas paused. “Trying to forget me.” Aubrey sat there mouth wide open. “Jone, it’s not like that. I would never forget you, I never have. I love you.” Aubrey said as tears dropped down his face. Jonas laughed bitterly, coughing up blood as he did. “Don’t fool yourself Bree, you never loved me. And news flash I don’t love you. I never did.” Jonas said with pure hate in his voice. Aubrey looked to the ground. “That’s not true and you know it. I’d do anything for you.”

“Well it’s too late, get the kark out of here I don’t want to see you ever again.” Jonas’ breathing became labored. “Just know my last words to you are that: I never loved you, I hope you die. Honestly.”

Aubrey stood there silent as he watched his best struggling to breathe. Aubrey sighed as he reached for his blaster. Taking it out of his holster and aiming it at Jonas. “You’re wrong. All this...” Aubrey motioned to the simulation. “Fake. I love you, always will. That’s why I have to do this.” Aubrey closed his eyes and pulled the trigger. As he opened them, he’d notice the simulation was over. “Jonas, I’ll never give up on you.”

Tears streamed down Aubrey’s face. It didn’t matter if it was fake, hearing your partner say that kind of stuff hurt, and that was his true fear. Jonas thinking Aubrey abandoned him, thinking that Aubrey never loved him. Aubrey shook his head and exited the room. Wiping his face. Noticing that Voska was already out of the room near Bella. He would approach. “That was something else. Hey Mando, I’m Aubrey. If you don’t mind what did you see?” Aubrey said frowning, tears still soaking his face.

[member="Bella Rosewood"]

 

[EllieEx]

Voska gave [member="Bella Rosewood"] a nod as he took the whisky. After that, he needed a drink. guess he'd have to remove that helmet of his after all. He sets the old burnished helm on a bench beside him as he sits down, revealing his black hair, heavily tanned skin and deep brown eyes for the first time since he had arrived he takes one good swig before noticing that the other fellow, [member="Aubrey Landcaster"] had inquired about his experience in the room.

"Family.. Member of my clan, someone I left I left in the past" He sighs, rubbing his temples

"Not That I'm afraid of 'em mind you, it's just that... Well, I've told you what I saw. Name's voska by the way" He holds out one hand for a shake, hoping that these people didn't have anything against mandalorians, for once. wishful thinking..

 

[Andy Khor]

Everything went black and he was in Naboo once again, but this time everything had a different vibe. Red and smoke filled the air, and Sith cruisers floating in the sky. Houses were destroyed, soldiers fighting soldiers. Droids shooting bolts at buildings. Andy didnt hear a thing. Not a sound of all the destruction being done. He started screaming but nothing was heard. After that realization, he started running towards his house, his parents house. He didnt had his helmet, nor his saber. Not even a single gun to face the Sith, so he had to avoid every patrol, every execution, every fight. Just running and running with explotions and debris falling around him.

He arrived at his house, kicking the door down. His dad and mom were hugging together in the living room. Andy crossed the room and tried to push them out to the garden in the back. The roof tore apart, with lots of soldiers coming close, and ships floating in the air, pointing their guns at them. Andy closed his eyes and suddenly noise. He concentrated and music started to play in the air. Andy smiled, but he heard only two cracks. That came from his parents neck...

Everything started to shake and the location change to the room he entered "Hex...play music" said with anger in his eyes "Sir, your heart rate is elevated. Calm yourself" "DO IT NOW!" Hex obey but playing a lullaby that his mother used to play when he was a kid and he relax himself. He didnt use the force, or else he would´ve level the place "Alright, i enter your freaking room. Now what? I expect a prize of some sort" said crossing his arms.

[member='Voska Naudir'] [member='Aubrey Landcaster'] [member='Bella Rosewood']

 

[Sawa Ike]

She listened to the one who pointed to her and watched him. Remaining small and unimposing but entering all the same as she had her sarayashiki. That was one of the main reasons why she had come here after all and let it remain on her back as she went for what she most feared... five thousand years of life and she was fairly certain most of what she had feared was dead... or had become dust and the dust something less after being ground down. She had torn Xaviers heart out after all and he was the scariest thing she could think of. Ni-Ne... Aoi, even Elise were a fear of loss but something that might be a threat...

She allowed herself to go in but stood there listening to the force itself. The presence at the edge of her thoughts was there but she looked at it. Midori stood off the the side. "Hey." She looked at her and five thousand years and she was still someone who could send a chill down her spine. "What are you doing here?" She said it but was walking. "Oh little Sawa you know I am always around and this is your mind after all... youare thinking about this... Xavier couldn't make it... still trying to pull himself back together after everythign that you have done to him or planned to do and you always did fear me."