Last of the Line

[Akhilleus]

Standing in the private docking bay of the castle built for the royal family of Makrosia, Cadmus waited for someone he hadn’t seen in many months. [member="Joza Perl"] , a good friend of his nephew, Nikias so much so that she had even accompanied him when Nikias claimed the throne from his father. It was a day that no one in the city-state would forget. The battle was long and bloody with Nikias only coming out by the skin of his teeth. Surprisingly it had been even longer since he had seen his nephew. After claiming the throne Nikias had rarely sat upon it, instead leaving running the city-state to Cadmus himself. His nephew had drawn in on himself often times not even leaving his quarters and the times he did he appeared to be growing weaker every time. The last time Cadmus had seen Nikias the Hellyni’s skin was ghostly white to the point of being nearly translucent. His veins had all been blatantly apparent.

I hope my nephew is alright. Cadmus thought his hands tucked in the opposing sleeves akin to a monk. Since the last time Joza would’ve seen him Cadmus had been slightly recovering. His once horrifically disfigured body slowly repairing itself. The burnt flesh was slowly receding giving way to skin that was bright pink. It had taken numerous hours of healing every day since but it was working. Even now his hair had come back in hanging down to his shoulders. Blue eyes glancing up at the sky Cadmus wondered about the fate of Makrosia now and where the king had gone. He prayed everything was alright with Nikias but through the force he sensed a great forbearing weighing down on his broad shoulders.

“Sir approaching vessel detected.” One of the guards on duty said coming up to Cadmus’ side.

“Grant them permission to land.” For helping Nikias, Joza Perl was an honorary member of the royal family, a retainer of sorts and would always have a home among them if she needed a place to hide. She was also some of the few that knew of the planets secret location. Please be with her Nikias. The young Hellyni had become the hope and image of the future for the Makrosians. To have already lost him would indeed be a tragedy and possibly spell a disaster in the political climate.

 

[Joza Perl]

“We’ve received clearance to land.”

“…”

Joza had been oddly quiet during their flight to Hora. Usually the pink woman was energetic, and took it out on her grumpy pilot, Ivan. Her usual teasing—albeit childish—demeanor had all but faded, and the Corellian hadn’t had to shoo her away from him even once. Perhaps he should be thankful for the uninterrupted journey, but it was more unnerving than he had anticipated.

One did not need to use the Force to feel the somber aura around Joza. The Zeltron was wrapped in the same intricately patterned ornate robes she’d worn when meeting the leaders of Honoghr with the Sanctum Jedi. The head covering had been removed and pushed over her shoulders, though the outfit still appeared far more conservative than expected.

Even she didn’t grieve in a cocktail dress.

After docking, she rose silently from the co-pilot’s chair and smoothed the fabric of her outfit down. The cloth wasn’t prone to wrinkles, luckily.

“Am I coming with you?” Ivan finally turned his attention from the controls to focus on Joza fully. Perhaps there was a spark of concern in his eyes, but it went ignored.

“Remain here.”

She would retrieve him later, depending on how long they were to stay on Hora. The pilot only grunted at her response, sliding down into his chair a bit as he lit a cigarra.

Disembarking from the ship, Joza moved smoothly down the ramp, eyes tracking immediately to Nik’s uncle. “Cadmus. You’re looking well.” She dipped her head in greeting after taking note of his features—still healing, but better. It had been a while since she’d last seen the man, and that was at Nik’s side. That was back when she’d been more wide-eyed and anxious, but now there was a strange fatigue around the woman.

“I’m sorry.” Her voice dropped an octave, nearly lowering to a hush as her gaze held his own. “He’s gone.”

[member="Akhilleus"]

 

[Akhilleus]

Cadmus’ smile faltered when he saw Joza take the first steps off her transport. The woman had once been bright and cheerful. The joyful demeanor that she had held when around Nikias was gone. Shed as though a serpents’ skin. It didn’t take a genius to realize that something had happened. The clothing she wore even spoke magnitudes. A sharp pain was in Cadmus’ chest as he bowed to Joza in greeting. There was a tightening in his gut as he knew what was going to come next. The moisture in his mouth vanished and his eyes began blinking rapidly as Joza delivered the news.

Crying was not something the Hellyni did, at least not in public though Cadmus was incredibly close to breaking that tradition. His knees had grown weak and his body shook. “Leave us.” Cadmus said to the royal guard who simply bowed and began walking away. The guard didn’t know the meaning of what Joza said but Cadmus knew. “I suggest you come with me. To many prying ears here.”

Turning to walk away Joza would realize Cadmus’ gait was slightly wobbly as his head swam. While the Hellyni’s mental defenses didn’t let anything in or out the physical symptoms Cadmus was suffering showed that he was in shock and hurting from the news. Leading her out of the hanger he would motion for her to follow him. There was only one thing left for Cadmus to do now. “How did it happen? When? Why didn’t I feel it… Who did it?” Cadmus asked his barrage of questions coming out like machine gun fire. Though on the last one his eyes noticeably narrowed the gears in his head spinning as he already planned to avenge his nephew.

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza’s gaze flickered, observing the body language of the Hellyni. Prying into their minds proved fruitless, so she concentrated on gleaning what she could from their more physical reactions. Cadmus was shocked, bordering on distraught. The sudden news of the death of a loved one often hit hard, like a speeder to the face.

She watched him carefully as they moved, the stutter in his steps not going unnoticed. His questions were expected, but all of Joza’s preparation for them went out the window. He was hurt, badly from the loss of his nephew. From what Nik had told her, they were very close, and Cadmus had been more of a father to him than his biological one.

“It was sudden. I felt it during meditation.” She recalled feeling their bond snap like a piece of twine that had been pulled in opposite directions. Her heart fluttered at the painful memory. “I was not present for it. I believe it was a Sith.”

She knew who it was, but couldn’t bring herself to say it. Perhaps she was hoping that she was wrong about this.

Clearing her throat, Joza continued. “I have a few things of his. Weapons, armor and the like. They are yours now.”

[member="Akhilleus"]

 

[Akhilleus]

Growling Cadmus looked at the tile floor that passed beneath them as they made their way past the throne room and to a spiral staircase leading deeper into the castle. “It is a sad day for this city-state indeed. To lose not one but two kings in less than a standard year… The assembly may even begin to move in and try to consolidate power away from the royal family. Well there’s only two of us left anyways.” Cadmus said sadly. All the other remnants of the royal family had been wed off to other families or had suffered death on the battlefield. Such was the way of the Hellyni, a violent and thrill filled life that often ended with a whisper than a bang.

“Thank you for bringing his things they will be put to good use and he will be honored even though his rein was short.” Cadmus said the words coming out hoarse. Descending down the spiral staircase he talked to Joza not yet telling her why he was bringing her so deep into the castle. They were going through chambers she had never seen. The staircase had a dim orange glow and the marble walls turned to thick permacrete. “All I can do is thank you for having been such a good friend to Nikias… After his brother’s death I didn’t think he’d ever smile again. Except it was different with you, that weight had seemed to vanish when he was around you.” Cadmus said a single drop of perspiration falling down his cheek before he wiped it away with the back of his hand.

“And while you have done so much I must ask more of you. Down here is the final heir to the throne, he has spent nearly all his time since childhood secluded away with the political prisoners and concubines of the Vinikas. In truth I do not know how he will react to the news. Nikias was his best friend. The only one to truly treat him like a brother. I don’t think it right if I tell him the news. It should be Nikias’ friend who does so.” Cadmus said coming to a stop at the base of the stairs. “Are you willing to do that and be here for the coronation.”

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza moved smoothly behind Cadmus, hands clasped behind her back as they journeyed through the compound. The Zeltron was far from demure, but she knew when it was best to remain quiet and listen. It was honestly heartwarming to hear an outsider’s perspective of her relationship with Nikias, as she’d considered the man to be her brother. His regal demeanor often dropped around her, and the two teased each other relentlessly as siblings. But there was never any bad blood between them, and one often supported the other when they needed it.

As it should be.

The Zeltron perked up when Cadmus explained that there was only one heir left, living a secluded life in the lower levels of the castle. “Of course.” Her head dipped in a brief nod. “I owe it to Nikias, and to you as well.” Nik’s uncle had been an important influence in his life, and she would not dishonor the memory of her friend. Still, she was at a crossroads when it came to his killer…

[member="Akhilleus"]

 

[Akhilleus]

“No you do not owe us anything, it is we who owe you. You were there for Nikias when none of us could be. During his exile you had befriended him and kept him from completely falling to the corruption in the galaxy. You accompanied him back here when he took the throne, and even now you are willing to do this. We will never be able to repay that debt but we can at least try. All I ask is if you have any information at all on the Sith responsible for Nikias’ death that you tell us.” Cadmus said as he turned and started walking again. “We will need you here during the coronation in case the Assembly decides to move against us. Always best to have allies, especially one as powerful as you.”

Even Cadmus could tell the difference in strength that Joza had displayed since her last visit to the planet. She had even surpassed Nikias in that regard. “I must warn you about Akhilleus, he is for lack of a better term more brash than Nikias. He is more in touch with his emotions and at times can be ruthless. When you tell him what happened to Nikias I have no doubt that he will set out on a path of vengeance. He will not stop at anything till all of Nikias’ enemies lay headless or torn to shreds.” With a heavy sigh and intake of air his respirator rasping Cadmus shook his head. “It’s to be expected, Nikias even taught him everything he knew and more…” The chambers were all bare the only sign of past occupants being the bunks that weren’t made and some scratches on the wall. Nikias had released them all not too long after he had taken the throne, and even then Akhilleus had remained.

Now standing before a large durasteel door Cadmus offered Joza a look of reassurance. “Just don’t judge him too harshly.” Hand pressing against a panel the durasteel door flung open with a sharp hiss and inside the room was bathed in darkness. Till the overhead lights flickered on revealing a young man hovering a few inches off the ground in a meditative pose. Eyes shut he spoke.

“Hello Uncle, it’s nice of you to visit, has my brother finally returned?” Akhilleus asked not yet opening his eyes. Upon examination Joza would see him being every bit as fit as Nikias except slightly slimmer and his face being slightly effeminate. The long black hair cascaded down his body multiple strands of crimson blended in with it.

“Actually, I have brought news. Except it will be delivered by JOza.”

The name Joza drummed up memories in Akhilleus’ mind. Stories of Nikias’ journies and adventures with the Zeltron. Caught off guard his concentration broke dropping the Hellyni to the solid stone floor. Eyes opening Akhilleus stood offering Joza a bow. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you, my brother has said much about you.”

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

Information on Nikias’ killer. Joza almost laughed out loud hearing that, but retained her straight-laced demeanor. But now wasn’t the best time for that, and her mind turned towards the task at hand. Red brows furrowed as she wondered how it would be best to handle someone so potentially volatile. For all she knew, Nik’s death would be the trigger to send this man on a murderous rampage. Cadmus’ words all but confirmed that.

“I will remain here though the coronation to ensure that everything goes smoothly.” From the way he was describing the situation, things might become unsettled in the city-state after yet another King ascends to the throne. “Nikias taught him? I assume he’s apt with telekinesis, then.” Good.

As the door opened and revealed the next King of Makrosia, Joza silently appraised the young man in his meditative pose. Perhaps unknowingly, she assessed the man with eyes sharp as daggers—as if to determine whether he could take Nik’s place or not from a single glance.

“And you as well, Akhilleus.” She wasn’t sure which title—Prince? King?—if any she was supposed to use, so she went without. It wasn’t as if she was being presented before a court, after all.

“As Cadmus said, I’ve come to deliver news. Unfortunately not the good sort.” She paused, making sure to hold the man’s gaze as she spoke, lips moving slowly. “Nikias is dead.”

Her words were simple and firm. Her mind twisted in indecision, but that was locked away behind layers of mental barriers—not that she thought anyone here would try to probe her mind. Still, one hand rested idly at her waist, through the folds of her robes. Just in case things went sour, her hand was near her saber. Again, not that she thought she’d be attacked, but life had taught her to be prepared.

[member="Akhilleus"]

 

[Akhilleus]

The words that came out of Joza’s mouth fell on death ears. Akhilleus could feel them, each word struck at him as though he had been shot by a blasterbolt. His heart thumped rampantly against his chest so much so he could hear it. Feel it in both his neck and temples as each beat got louder drowning out what Joza had to say. The Hellyni’s vision blurred his eyes glossing over. His breath caught in his throat as he choked back the tears he did not wish to shed. Not in front of Cadmus and definitely not before Joza. It was not the Hellyni way but he couldn’t stop it. The burning sensation in his chest as he realized the finality of Joza’s words. It wasn’t a trick, not a ploy. Just the simple truth and that weighed greater on Akhilleus than anything he had ever suffered.

Hands rising to grip both sides of his head to calm the headache that was forming Akhilleus fell to his knees unable to fight off the dark emotions that threated to engulf him. He had to release them and Cadmus saw it a moment before it happened. While Akhilleus had indeed been trained by Nikias his abilities in Telekinesis held even more raw force than the latter’s. Raising his hand Cadmus raised up a protective bubble around him and Joza protecting them from Akhilleus’ rage. Of course Joza could defend herself, it was just a habit of Cadmus’ and even then he didn’t think it would be enough.

The singular focus in telekinesis had obviously had the desired effects as Akhilleus released a roar that shook the entire chamber. Not even holding his powers in reserve Akhilleus let it all lose the air humming from the sheer power causing the room to shake as though the walls would explode inwards. Finally, after his throat was raw from the screaming, blood starting to well up Akhilleus fell to the ground holding himself up on his hands and knees. Drops of water falling from his eyes and hitting the permacrete. “Who did it?” He coughed out his voice hoarse and frail from the scream. “WHO DID IT?! He was my brother! The only one that accepted me! That trained me! Who took him away from me?! From Makrosia?! From Hellyni as a whole?!” Rising to his feet tears pouring down his cheeks eyes glowing a brilliant gold Akhilleus laid his eyes on Joza.

“I’m sorry Joza I did not mean for this to happen.” Cadmus whispered and took a step forward. “Calm yourself Akhilleus, you are among friends.”

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza tapped into every sense she could muster as she delivered the devastating news of his brother’s demise. There was no doubt that he would be upset, but she knew little of Akhilleus and new not how he would handle having his heart broken. So she prepared the best she could, mind working to take in every visual sign of the young Hellyni. This would be messy.

Akhilleus let loose an enraged roar with enough force to nearly shatter the room to pieces. It was expected, but not at this level—he really seemed to have raw talent, as she would hope a sibling of Nikias would. A flicker of unease tightened her chest at that thought, and she almost frowned. A hand would raise during his outburst, forming a second protection bubble around both her and Cadmus for safety’s sake. As the scream died away and Akhilleus collapsed to his hands and knees, Joza did not answer his question. The woman was silent, her eyes resting on the distraught young man as if appraising him and deciding on her own response.

Raising a hand towards Cadmus, she motioned for him to stop. A bold move, but the Zeltron was too focused to deal with formalities right now. Striding forward, she would move until standing in front of the dark haired young man.

“Rise, Akhilleus. You are a King now, and I will not allow you to sully your family’s or your city-state’s reputation for Nikias’ sake.” Her voice was nearly forceful, and projected as if she were speaking to a crowd. But she did not try to hide her sorrow or grief. “You will not do Nikias proud by losing control of yourself. Emotions are a powerful thing, but it is easy to let them hinder you.” Placing both arms behind her back, she cocked her head to the side.

“Listen to me carefully. I am not certain who killed Nik as I was not present. I felt it through the Force, and I have reason to believe that the murderer is a Sith who goes by Darth Vanitas of the Sith Triumvirate. I warn you, he is a powerful man. If you approach him rashly you will be killed.”

Extending a hand downwards to the Hellyni, she continued. “Now Rise, Akhilleus of Makrosia. There is much to be done.” It was unclear whether she meant the coronation or his revenge—or perhaps both.

[member="Akhilleus"]

 

[Akhilleus]

Taking the cue offered by Joza, Cadmus took a step back allowing the Zeltron to do what she thought was best. He didn’t want her and Akhilleus to get into an argument, the repairs would be quite extensive if they did. Who knew if the castle would even survive.. Eyebrow raised and ready to throw up another barrier if needed Cadmus let Joza do as she willed. Sometimes an outsiders’ actions and words would be more effective than the voice one was used to.

The voice of Joza felt like a hard smack to Akhilleus’ cheek. He had heard rumors about the zeltron’s temper but had never been on the receiving end on it. It almost stung as Akhilleus looked up to her his first thought to release a force wave right at her. But she was an ally, Nikias had said he could trust Joza if there was no one else. The headache getting stronger Akhilleus shook his head taking Joza’s offered hand. “I do not sully my families reputation, I am not a true member of this family. I am just the bastard left to take the throne.” Now that he had gotten a nice hard slap of reality Akhilleus began raining in his rampant emotions Bottling them away.

“If he was so powerful he wouldn’t have attacked Nikias when he was weak. My brother was already on the verge of death from that talisman he wore. I will ensure that this… Sith.” Spitting out the word Sith as though it were poison Akhilleus’ face twisted in anger. “I will ensure that his broken body left on the doorstep of whoever he cares for and his head a decoration above my fireplace.”

Releasing Joza’s hand he would walk by to Cadmus and nod his head. “I shall go get dressed for the coronation, I do not wish to waste any more time. The sooner I’m crowned the Sooner I can leave this planet. “Oh and Joza, if you would I’d like a list of all my brothers’ enemies or those that wished him harm.” Not saying why, he wanted the list Akhilleus exited the chamber leaving Cadmus and Joza.

“That was incredibly brave.” Cadmus said to Joza his voice cautious. “How did you know he wouldn’t attack you?”

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza’s hardened gaze flickered over the form of Akhilleus as he stood. She was not soft with him, but it was not because she intended to be cruel. Babying him or allowing him to play into his volatile emotions would be dangerous and would not help things. Still, she was pleased to see how quickly he composed himself, even if his rage was dangling by a thread.

“I will ensure that his broken body left on the doorstep of whoever he cares for and his head a decoration above my fireplace.”

Her eyes widened a notch, and Joza felt her stomach twist. While she had expected cold hard vengeance to be on the Hellyni’s mind, she did not expect that line. And if he was anything like Nikias, she was certain he’d carry through.

Raising a brow, Joza’s hands returned to their clasped position behind her back as she watched the young man leave. “Very well.” Three guesses as to what he would do with those names. First two guesses didn’t count.

Waiting until a few moments after he left, Joza let out a heavy sigh and deflated slightly. Shaking her head, she turned back towards Cadmus. “I didn’t. I was actually expecting him to, so I’m a bit surprised.” Her mind refocused on the conversation that just took place. “Cadmus, there’s something you should know about the man who killed Nikias. Do not tell Akhilleus, but Vanitas and I were…lovers. Were.” She repeated the line, as if to cement the fact that they were no longer together.

[member="Akhilleus"]

 

[Akhilleus]

Seeing Joza relax Cadmus patted her shoulder with a chuckle in hopes of lightening the mood. The tension before now had been thick enough that it could’ve choked someone. Even Cadmus had been nervous about the conversation going on between Joza and Akhilleus. If it came down too it he wouldn’t know which side to take. “I think he did it out of respect to you and Nikias. Nikias always spoke highly of you, especially to him. If you had been some random stranger… I don’t things would’ve ended up as nice.”

Turning to make his way to the door Cadmus froze, Joza’s words striking him like a speeding Starfighter. The way Cadmus looked at Joza then was one filled with regret and sadness. Not anger. He understood why Joza would want to keep it hidden from Akhilleus. Especially after the young man’s declaration of what he would do to Darth Vanitas. Even Cadmus had been slightly disturbed. Sighing knowing he’d have to address the issue and assure Joza, Cadmus looked at the ground. “We cannot help who we fall in love with. Even with all the understanding the force offers us love is still the one thing it can’t answer. I can’t blame you just due to you having been with the Sith. As in truth Akhilleus isn’t even Vinikas’ son… He’s mine. Me and my brother’s ex-wife always loved each other and sadly fate wasn’t on our side. She was fated to marry my brother, and me to serve at his side. The one night we gave in to our emotions Akhilleus’ was born and soon after Vinikas sent his mother away where she would meet her end. He knew Akhilleus’ wasn’t his son but if such information came out it would deal a blow to his prestige. Hence why he kept Akhilleus down here... So No I do not blame you Joza. Nor can anybody else but that information is safer between just us for now.”

“Sometimes I regret my decisions, but I wouldn’t give away Akhilleus for anything.” Shall I show you to the coronation chambers?” Akhilleus asked Joza motioning her to leave the room first.

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza had braced herself, unsure if her words would incite anger within the Hellyni. But as he turned to her, she recognize the look of understanding in his eyes. Sometimes love was a burden.

She nodded slowly as he spoke, relieved to hear that he didn’t blame her. But the reasoning that came after that startled her visibly, and she appeared taken aback for a moment. “Akhilleus is your son?” The realization was swift, but that didn’t make it any less surprising. So that would make him and Nikias…brother-cousins? That was…certainly a twist she didn’t expect. But things like this weren’t uncommon within royal families, or so she’d heard. Affairs were commonplace, as were bastard children and the methods taken in dealing with them. “Does he know that you are his father?” She shook her head, exhaling slowly. “I can be blamed. I was the origin of their quarrel. Nikias was just trying to protect me.” A pause, and then she straightened.

“Yes, let us go.” She moved to exit the room, composing herself rapidly.

[member="Akhilleus"]

 

[Akhilleus]

The surprise on Joza’s face was enough to give the aging Hellyni a good laugh. It was a relief to finally have the secret off his chest after so many years. The years spent hiding the truth from not only his own brother, but son as well. “No he does not know, you are the only one I have told. The force willing, I will go on to my grave without him ever figuring out the truth. You will be the only one who knows, and I hope you will tell him when the time is right.” Cadmus said basically handing over Akhilleus to her.

“That boy would try to help anybody he was close too, it was his fatal flaw. Quite literally in fact. I just hope you can do the same for Akhilleus. I don’t want another one of my family to die. I don’t think my heart could take it, and for all his anger and rage he is a good boy.” Cadmus said casting a look back at the doorway Akhilleus had left through. In an instant the young Hellyni had taken the first steps into manhood ready to fight the entire galaxy if it meant getting revenge for Nikias.

“Hmm he should be ready by now, I guess we should go to join him.” Pulling out his datapad Cadmus’ finger danced across the display and an instant later there was a chirp signifying he had sent off a message. “The only ones that truly have to be there for the coronation is the council, as long as they bear witness to Akhilleus taking the throne then the rest of the kingdom need not know. At least not until Akhilleus avenges Nikias.” Cadmus said leading them out the room and back through the dimly lit underbelly of the castle the air stale.

The coronation room on the other hand was akin to a throne room with a pedestal where the throne would usually be. Upon it lay a golden crown inlaid with adegan crystals. Not a credit had been spared in its creation and it had been passed down since the beginning of the Makrosian kingdom, held together through the force. Standing next to it was Akhilleus in a set of white robes, hood raised to hide his features he waited for them. Behind Cadmus and Joza eight individuals of similar stature would enter. Their robes black features hidden beneath their cowls. “What is the meaning of this Cadmus?!” The lead yelled pointing a crooked finger at the Hellyni. “You ask for us to bear witness to another coronation without speaking of why or where the last king is. Did that boy kill Nikias? Seems to be a common thing among your family.” The council member spat. “We have already made our decision… This boy is not fitting, nor is this family.” Left hand falling from inside his robes the council member lunged forward arm outstretched a dagger in it aimed for Cadmus’ chest. Following his lead the other seven activated their lightsabers.

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

“Of course.” Joza nodded once, her words heavy with resolve. Just as she and Nik supported each other, so would she support his younger brother. “I will do my best to protect him. Though I’m not sure if even I’d be able to reign in all that fire.” Arching a brow, there was an undertone of dry amusement in her voice. From just the first meeting, he seemed far wilder than Nikias had been, but then again…his brother was dead. It was surely a confusing and emotional time, especially with the sudden coronation.

Following Cadmus to the coronation room, Joza’s eyes immediately fell to the white-robed figure of Akhilleus standing next to the crown. Knowing that such a slapdash and unexpected event could lead to aggression, she quickly noted the features of the room along with the exits. The tension could be felt even before the council entered the room, at which point Joza’s gaze hardened. From the way one of the darkly garbed figures spoke towards Cadmus, it was obvious that the group was not pleased. Their dissidence was expected, and the Zeltron would keep her focus on the alleged council member speaking to Cadmus. Something didn’t feel right.

Moving on instinct, her right hand lashed out and grabbed the knife wielding wrist of the old crone. Given that her cybernetic arm was twice as strong as her organic one, Joza quickly snapped his wrist and pulled him to her, his back against her chest. The saber wielded by her left hand moved to hover centimeters from the man’s throat, blue beam nearly kissing his skin. She didn’t remember when she had activated it, given that everything had happened so fast.

“I suggest you reconsider you decision.” Her voice held a clear note of warning, as she had no qualms about ending the man in her grasp. “Or Makrosia will be choosing a new council shortly.”

[member="Akhilleus"]

 

[Akhilleus]

Cadmus took a step back as even he hadn’t fully been able to process what Joza had done. He would’ve been ran through if it hadn’t been for the Zeltron saving his life. Yet another debt they owed to the young woman. The council member that had tried to stab Cadmus obviously had a look of fear and worry on his face that quickly became pain as it was completely destroyed the bones in his wrist causing the elderly man’s breathing to quicken and his skin grow ghostly white. “Who brought this whore?!” The man whelped as he soon found a lightsaber up to his throat threatening to decapitate him. Eyes darting to his allies the council member pleaded for them to help him.

Cadmus didn’t intend to let it happen as he stepped up to Joza’s side activating his saber a silver blade springing from the hilt. The tension had been thick before, it was even more so now. Pulling down his hood Akhilleus turned staring down at the council members that dare pull their weapons out on the three of them. “You fools dare betray us now? Do you wish for Makrosia to collapse? That in this time while we bicker the Attikan’s are getting closer to our borders. We won’t have to worry about them destroying us, it will be we who destroy each other if we continue down this path...” Akhilleus said his words heavy. He had expected such a turnout, but not one in such a manner. “You will all either bow, or I will strike you down where you stand.

“You have no right! You are not the king! You haven’t even been on your pilgrimage!”

“Times are changing.” Akhilleus said picking up the crown that sat on the pedestal. Doing so caused the other council members to take a step forward but with the ring leader about to lose his head and Cadmus on defense they stopped. “I hearby declare myself son of Vinikas the seventh as king!" Snatching up the crown that had once been his ancestors Akhilleus placed it upon his own head. The last time such a thing had happened had been during the creation of the Makrosian monarchy. “Now throw down your weapons and bear witness to your new king.”

It was obvious that they weren’t going to heed his warning nor accept the young Makrosian as king. All he had done was cement their decision to betray him. Raising their sabers the last seven released a battle cry three rushing for Joza in an attempt to free their leader and the last four at Cadmus. “So its treason. Joza, Cadmus!” Akhilleus called out in warning. Raising his hands Akhilleus brought them together with extreme force and released a thunderclap of telekinetic energy that went on to pulverize the tiles on the floor turning them to lethal shrapnel aimed at the traitors as well as flinging them away.

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza couldn’t help but let a smirk leak through, hand tightening on the elder man’s already broken wrist. “Come now, it’s not a proper coronation without a whore. I think it makes things more…interesting.”

She didn’t say anything else as Akhilleus spoke out of deference to him. This was their culture, their kingdom, and therefore she had no right to speak on any of that. But she was here to support the family of one of her closest friends.

Before the new King had even released his telekinetic attack, Joza’s saber and sliced through the old man’s neck like a knife through hot butter. Her left leg kicked the now headless body towards her assailants, but the three council members were thrown back from the Force of Akhilleus’ thunderous clap. As the shrapnel pelted their attackers, Joza extended a stasis field outwards, aimed at slowing or completely deadening the movements of their enemies.

[member="Akhilleus"]

 

[Akhilleus]

The death of the head chancellor didn’t make either of the Hellyni flinch, the Assembly had made their death beds when they pulled out weapons on them all and tried to attack Cadmus. There would be no peace even if they had let them leave. They would simply aim to undermine Akhilleus’ rule at the very least. At the most they could’ve possibly started a civil war among the Makrosian’s, one could already be on the horizon unless Nikias was avenged and his killer brought to justice. For now the regular citizens thought Nikias was away fighting alongside the jedi against the Sith threat. It would continue to stay that way.

The council members that had been blasted back were all now trapped in Joza’s stasis field completely unable to move as the shrapnel from the tiles ripped through their flesh blood painting the wall behind them. The light left their eyes as their corpses stay frozen in animation. Cadmus sighed as he looked at the past assembly members. Nothing was going according to plans for the Makrosian’s. IT wasn’t unusual for some of the kings to replace the old Council members, but murder wasn’t the commonplace except for Vinikas. Looking up at his son Cadmus eyes Akhilleus carefully his appearance giving away nothing. “This… This wasn’t supposed to happen, but you cannot fold a bad hand dealt by life. I will deal with the bodies and the cover story.”

“Thank you for your assistance Joza.” Akhilleus said now taking the throne off his head and placing it back on the pedestal. It had all been for show. The young Hellyni had wanted the council members to play their hand. While it had been a gamble on all their lives it had served to clear the council of the corrupt individuals. Stepping over to a window that looked out and across the kingdom of Makrosia, Akhilleus sighed. There was work to do.

[member="Joza Perl"]