Once a Legend

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Sitting at a café in Theed, Nikias sipped at his cup of caf. He really needed it at this point, the man was running off maybe three hours of sleep at the most due to the mission he was currently on. The bitter taste and warmth of the caf woke Nikias up slightly making him more aware of his surroundings. The café was busy with beings streaming in and out pastries and drinks in their hands, while others were like Nikias and sat either inside or out where the Naboo sun could warm them. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Due to his appearance Nikias usually stuck out like a sore thumb, so for this mission the man had put in brown contacts and dyed his hair black to blend in more with the crowd. He’d even went so far as adopting the common dressings of the people of Naboo. Wearing elegant robes wasn’t really Nikias’ thing, but it was a necessity. Over the past few weeks’ news of a group called the Darkwalkers had been popping up. The group had been leaving their calling card on everything they struck. Museums, banks, even rival gangs. You name it and their calling card was there. It was a foolish thing to do and had caught the attention of the Nikias. Nikias had decided to take the mission up mainly for a chance to take a vacation to Naboo and learn more about the planet and to also gain some prestige among the Sanctum. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]All the information that had been gathered and pieced together pointed to the group using Naboo as their home and the main spot to sell their goods, and why not? From what Nikias had seen the world was filled with beings that craved the more ostentatious things in life. That would love to buy stolen art or relics and wouldn’t lose a wink of sleep over it. Though while this wouldn’t explain why a jedi like Nikias was interested, the tales of the relics and artifacts that had gone missing could’ve possibly been of jedi orgin which was the only reason Nikias truly needed.[/SIZE]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Eyes scanning the café Nikias kept an eye out for anyone that looked like they were watching him or moving in his direction. He had undertaken this mission on his own so only had his own funds and contacts to get the job done. Which didn’t really help in the long run as he couldn’t go to ground as easily as one that could draw on the pool of the Silver Sanctums resources. So instead Nikias began making a fuss about things and brought his royal blood into the mix, nearly announcing himself to the planet. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Nikias had purposely done so, and had been on Naboo for the better part of two weeks using his wealth and title of First Prince to gain attention. All while making mention to some about an interest in artifacts and art from the galaxy at large. To Nikias it sounded like the perfect plan. Why not paint oneself as a paying customer to easily draw the Darkwalkers out, then when he got all the proof he needed he could simply take them down without any true problem or deliver the information to the authorities. He had not yet decided the best way to handle it yet. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Everything seemingly was going to plan as the night before Nikias had gotten a message on his datapad from one of the Darkwalkers offering up the café as a meeting space that was public. Obliging Nikias did indeed show up, but he’d been there for over two hours and still no one had showed up. He’d even showed up exactly when ordered to. About to give up and pay the receipt Nikias soon felt a muzzle pressed against the small of his back. “You the prince?” A gruff voice asked from behind Nikias emphasizing the question with a jab from the blaster.[/SIZE]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Nikias didn’t make any sudden movements as he felt the blaster pistol against his back, and interlocked his fingers around his drink. He had been contacted, and the man was obviously on guard. It meant that these individuals weren’t truly that incompetent if they took such precautions. Looking to be sure there weren’t any focusing on them Nikias spoke low enough so only the contact could here. “Yes I am… Do you happen to be the one who contacted me?” Even with his voice low he put in all the authority of a prince. It was powerful and held no fear.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“Listen up here bub, leave the questions to me alright.” The voice said though the blaster pistol was soon removed. “We heard you were in the market for some goods. What type of stuff you looking for? Tapestries to fill your home? Art to show off to your friends?” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“Actually I’m looking for something more… Unique. Something having to do with your galaxies jedi.” Nikias said keeping his voice straight and giving away nothing as this was the most important part. He had to be sure that the go between had no reason to distrust him. “My people have heard much about these… jedi. But never seen them. I’d like something of their culture to bring back to my people.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“So you looking for a paperweight or something more… Educational?” The gruff voice asked a new tone. One of shock, or was it surprise? Nikias had trouble identifying which, though he hoped whatever it meant was in his favor. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“Either or would be fine… Though if you can provide something more educational I can promise you that I will certainly pay the price within reason of course.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“Sure you will your majesty… Be at the East Side docks in exactly thirty minutes. We shall reconvene there. Preparations must be made.” The contact said. The sound of a chair scraping against the permacrete and the retreating footsteps told Nikias the man had left.[/SIZE]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Arriving at the docks Nikias saw there was almost no business on this side of town. Slowly things had gone from the ostentatious part of Theed and slowly became seedier the further east he went. People slept on the benches, others huddled together in alleyways and some men even stared at Nikias eyeing him. Nikias was no fool, nor a newbie when it came to combat. If he needed to defend himself, he would. And considering he had both his shield and lightsaber on him hidden within the elegant robes he feared nothing. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Looking around Nikias soon enough felt a slight tingling at the base of his neck. He’d come to take it as the force warning him of danger. But he did not make a movement to his saber nor break character. The contact would think it too suspicious if Nikias did such a thing. Feeling the subtle tip of the blaster once again Nikias cast a quick glance back only seeing a few things about the man out the corner of his eye. “I was se-“[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“I know what you’re here for, you don’t have to tell me a thing. Your carriage awaits your highness.” The man said placing a hand in the center of Nikias back and guiding him to the waiting submersible speeder where both the pilot and passenger seats were empty. The thug entered first sliding past Nikias and into the pilot’s seat. The thug’s hair was brown and scruffy looking that matched his wild eyes and thick beard. Never taking his blaster off Nikias he watched till the prince was buckled in. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“Just where exactly are you taking me?” Nikias asked as calm as one could be when being held at blaster point by another though his eyes did focus on the barrel and the trigger to ensure he wasn't about to be shot.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“You’ll find out when we get there. Put this on.” The man said handing a bandana to Nikias. Looking down at the bandana and back at the crook Nikias was about to say something. The thug obviously thought the same thing as he cut Nikias off before he could say a thing. “If you want your artifacts I suggest you put that on.” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“That’s all you had to say.” Nikias commented stiffly as he tied the bandana around his eyes.[/SIZE]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Nikias spent the entire ride with his eyes blindfolded unable to see what was happening or where he was being taken. It was probably the whole point[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] one wouldn’t want to announce their location to others. Especially ones they didn’t know they could trust yet. Though Nikias played it cool feeling the lightsaber against his flesh. The cool metal keeping him calm. Yet if a fight broke out in the speeder both could possibly die from the pressure of the water that surrounded them.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Suddenly the sound of water splashing and the speeder shooting upward told Nikias they had arrived or at least surfaced. “Can I take off this cursed blindcloth now?” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“Suit yourself. We’ve arrived your majesty.” The man spat. Pulling off the blindfold and looking over at the pilot Nik found the thug gesturing with the blaster pistol. The thug didn’t have to say anything as Nikias saw the threat in the man’s eyes. He wanted Nikias to do something[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] to give him any reason to pull the trigger and he would without hesitation.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]So Nikias got out the ship where he was faced by four other men that moved to either side of him like a vanguard while the one that had drove him there moved to the front of the group leading them onwards. The facility itself looked like a storehouse where crates were piled high ontop of each other. Examining the henchmen Nikias saw that each of them were armed with an array of weaponry from blaster rifles down to vibro-blades that clung to their hips. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Though spread throughout the facility were other men and women that set about sorting through cargo containers. Some sifting through what looked like priceless jewelry while others examined art pieces. It was basically a well formed operation. None truly seemed to notice Nikias and if they did they didn’t seem to care. Had enough people come through that it had been common to see guests? Though soon the vanguard came to a halt before a set of Durasteel doors causing Nikias to do the same.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Turning to face him the Darkwalker eyed him cautiously for a few seconds. “Make any sudden movements when we enter and I will kill you. Even if you don’t I still may.” The man said pushing on the control panel built into the wall..[/SIZE]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]As the Durasteel door slid open Nikias was graced by a sight he hadn’t been expecting. While the rest of the facility had been akin to a warehouse the room they entered now had lavish furnishings that almost reminded him of home. Someone had installed burgundy carpet and on the walls hung multiple paintings and a few busts and sculptures were located around the room. Though in the center of it with legs crossed as though in meditation was a woman nearly double Nikias’ age. Or at least that’s what it appeared to be. Her face was heavy with wrinkles and crow’s feet were at the edge of her eyes.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=10pt]The moment they had stepped into the room Nikias’ danger sense had begun going wild. What had started as a tingling at the back of his neck turned into a full blow headache as though screaming at Nikias to run. But it was too late. The women’s eyes slowly opened revealing a gold glow to them… Nikias knew those eyes. He had seen them plenty enough and once on one of the Masters when she had become enraged and other times from his father. It wasn’t a good sign. Now Nikias was truly on edge though the women granted him a smile that was more fitting for a snake.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“Aw welcome Nikias. I’ve heard many things about you over the past few days. You’ve certainly been trying to get our attention haven’t you?” The women asked with a chuckle and with a dismissive wave the guards that had been playing Vanguard turned to leave the chamber while the darkwalker that had brought Nikias moved to the women’s side. “Please excuse Vanzor. He’s just very good at his job… I am Kirina[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], and as you have probably guessed this is my organization. I am the one who brought it back from the abyss and made it greater than it ever was.” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Great,[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] and she’s full of herself. [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Nikias thought as Kirina didn’t move to stand. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“Now on to what we can do for you. I heard you were looking for some relics of jedi orgin? Just why is that may I ask?” Though the way she phrased it seemed as though Nikias didn’t really have a choice but to answer the question. [/SIZE]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Clearing his throat Nikias stood to his full height. “I come looking for these jedi artifacts because my people are not to knowledgeable about the galaxy. We live on the edge and always heard tales of these jedi. Of the things they could do[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] and their past deeds. I wish to acquire some of these relics to take back to my home. The jedi aren’t too willing in simply handing out what is there’s…” Nikias said keeping his regal tone and not backing down.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“Aw… Is that truly the only reason?” Kirina asked as she rose to her feet a new glint in her eye as she looked at the young Hellyni. “I think you’ve come for more than that… I can feel the force in you. I feel the way it flows through your veins[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] and the blocks around you mind. You wish for more than just a few petty relics. You want power! I can offer you that power.” A sadistic smile had crossed Kirina’s face as she looked upon Nikias taking his entire being in.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Due to Nikias’ lack of sensing abilities he wasn’t able to feel the dark energy pouring off the women. Though his mental immunity also protected him from Kirina who tried to probe his mind and acquire answers to learn more about him. Though she met a solid[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]impenetrable wall. Biting his lip Nikias couldn’t deny Kirina’s claims. He did indeed wish for power. Power to stop his father from bringing their kingdom to ruin. To find out where his talents in the force lay. He had even come hoping whatever artifact they held would help him. “You’re… Right.” Nikias admitted. even having spent his time with the silver sanctum[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]nikias had come to learn little about the force. it had become aggravating seeing even the children surpass him in their lessons[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt].[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] it was embarrassing.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“I know I am. As my apprentice I can teach you more than some pitiful jedi relic! I will teach you the power of a Sith!” The women cackled and beside her Vanzor stood staring at Nikias with intense eyes. “Come! And bow to me boy!” [/SIZE]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]“YES! Take the offer!” [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Trellos screamed as it flooded into Nikias’ mind. “This is what we needed! The power to destroy father! To reclaim the throne!” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Just because I want the throne does not mean I’m willing to give myself over to a Sith. I’ve been told of what they are and do. [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Nikias shot back at the voice though he was on edge. The hair on his neck stood up as he looked upon the women. “No… I will not bow to a Sith. I shall not stoop to your level to gain power! I will acquire my own way!” Nikias had heard many things about the sith from the jedi of the silver sanctum. He’d heard about the atrocities they had committed. All things he could not and would not condone.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Head jerking back as though she’d been slapped Kirina snarled her features somehow becoming more disfigured. “You pitiful fool! You will learn nothing but the death!” The women said her hands shooting forward and from the tips of her fingers thin bolts of blue-white lightning arced across the room aiming for Nikias. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Caught completely off guard by the attack Nikias was caught full in the chest by the blow. He screamed as the electricity coursed over his body. While nowhere near as painful as his torture at the hands of the Attikan’s it was still enough to cause the Hellyni pain. The kinetic force behind the lightning was enough that Nikias was picked up off his feet and flung into the wall of the chamber where he slid to the floor dazed. “GUARDS!” Kirina screamed and Vanzor kicked into action quickly drawing two blaster pistols and firing them at the downed jedi.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Nikias was practically dazed with the only thing guiding him his danger sense. Quickly rolling to the right he dodged the blaster bolts that struck the chamber walls leaving black marks. The front of Nikias’ robes had been frayed by the lightning and he could still feel a burning in his chest[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] but he fought through the pain and tapped on the shield gauntlet that was beneath the robes sleeve. Expanding with a snap-hiss and the smell of ozone Nikias’ Makrosian shield sprung to life deflecting the next few bolts harmlessly away. "She's right. You are a fool! You've doomed us both!"[/SIZE]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Nikias was completely focused on vanzor and kirina who kept him suppressed. The merc sat there shooting bolt after bolt into Nikias’ shield as he worked his way down the stairs and moved to flank nikis. While kirina kept him on his knees with burst of lightning that crackled against his shield. “you will be mines!” she screamed her hair wild, eyes filled with rage. “None can deny me.” She bellowed as more bolts of lightning shot from her fingertips. Colliding with the shield. Nikias had to continue kneeling to give himself the balance and leverage he needed to fend off the lightning. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Soon enough he heard the door slide open behind him. “Curses.” Nikias growled as he shot out his right arm and from within the sleeve the hilt of his saber flew out and into his palm. Turning Nikias caught the lightning on his saber feeling the strength behind it. He felt as though he could lose his saber at any moment[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] while moving his shield to deflect bolts from Vanzor. To his right the henchmen were finally entering the room blaster rifles at the ready. Teeth clenched together from the effort it took to fend off the lightning Nikias looked at his saber. He saw the lightning coursing up and down the blade as the saber acted like a lightning rod attracting it. Maybe I can redirect it? Nikias thought as he swung the saber to the right pointing it at the guards. The lightning kirina had been shooting traveled down the blade and launched off colliding with the four henchmen and sending them sprawling to the ground. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Nikias wasn’t immune to the effects of the lightning either as the remaining lightning caught his shoulder knocking him off balance and sending the young jedi sliding across the floor as though shot from a canon. hitting the wall once again nikias grunted feeling a radiating pain through his back and shoulders. [/SIZE]Nikias could barely feel the saber in his hand as the shock from the lightning had numbed his right arm. Flexing the digits Nikias slowly felt the feeling come back to it. But vanzor was upon him now. Both blaster pistols discarded and engaging Nikias in close combat with a vibrosword.

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Reaching out with his right hand for the saber Nikias saw it had landed out of reach. Instead he raised his shield to meet Vanzor’s blade. The strength of the blow traveled down Nikias arm but it was nowhere near what he had felt from other force users that enhanced their strength[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] pushing against the blade kicked out with his left leg catching Vanzor in his knee. Rolling backwards and away from Nikias vanzor eyed the jedi with pure rage. If looks could kill Nikias was sure he would’ve been done for.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Using the momentary break in battle Nikias stood and moved towards his saber hand reaching out for it he had to immediately yank the limb back as kirina unleashed another blast of lightning that this time sent the saber tumbling across the room. A mad cackle left the sith’s lips as her eyes bore into Nikias. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Feeling a chill descend down his spine Nikias spun catching vanzor’s sword on the shield once again. “You whelp! You do not deserve to be in the lords’ presence! Let me dismiss you!” vanzor said entering an aggressive sequence of swings that went wide. Nikias knew this from his training with joza[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] and his time spent in the library. Vanzor was using a jedi form of combat and doing well…though his movements were still clumsy[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] something Nikias himself had a problem with. So as vanzor brought the saber down in an overhead cleave Nikias sidestepped the blow instead of blocking it. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Lashing out with a backhand nikias’ heavy fist caught the mercenaries chin causing vanzor’s head to snap back from the blow. Stumbling back a few steps vanzor caught himself holding the left side of his jaw where the blow had landed. Giving no quarter Nikias automatically went to engaging vanzor. Tapping at the shields control panel the shield shrunk till it was just the right size for melee combat.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Closing the distance Nikias lashed out with a backhand with his shield arm which vanzor pounced back barely dodging. Though Nikias did not stop he continued with the backhand turning it into a spin the shield now aimed for vanzor’s neck. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Ducking beneath the swing vanzor had almost been a second too late. He would’ve lost his head if not for his reaction. Though the duck had sealed his fate. Kicking out Nikias’ boot hit vanzor square in the face[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] Nikias wasn’t a light man either so as his foot met vanzor’s face he could feel the man’s nose breaking. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Head shooting back vanzor fell back into a roll though still being dazed he rose to his feet which was the last mistake the man made. Nikias had straightened out his arm and brought the shield around. This time it met vanzor’s neck cutting the man’s head free and sending it tumbling through the air. The scent of burnt flesh assaulted nikias’ nostrils as he turned from the body. As though that had been the signal the rest of vanzor’s body collapsed to the floor. [/SIZE]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Nikias was a jedi yet he did not feel conflicted in dealing death to vanzor. He was still a hellyni and a warrior. He would not let such offenses stand[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]he would not be broken upon someone else’s will. Never again. Nikias thought to himself as he turned to look at kirina who was fuming. Her pale white skin was turning red and her eyes were wild. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“you shall pay for your deeds!” Kirina screamed releasing a wave of power that rippled through the chamber lifting Nikias off his feet and slamming him once again into the wall. The air was knocked from his lungs as he bounced off the wall and landed on the floor. this is getting real old. Nikias thought. Looking around he hadn’t been the only one blown back. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]The henchmen had also been flung into the wall and lay limp against the floor while fragments of sculptures and busts littered the floor. “none can stand against me! I am kirina! The only true sith lord!” the women bellowed as she lashed out again with lightning. Though this one had a whole new ferocity behind it. Quickly rising Nikias reactivated his shield catching the lightning but slowly he was losing his footing as the power behind it pushed him back. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Fighting against the lightning Nikias made his way slowly across the chamber. Each step was a struggle and the muscles in his body screamed for him to give up and just let it all end. Though his mind was focused on only ending the fight. From what he had seen the sith wasn’t good at anything else but using her lightning. Something that for the most part his shield negated, so he need not worry about being burned to crisp unless he lose his footing enough for her to gain the upper hand.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]It slowly became a battle of attrition as Nikias fought his way across the room and the closer he got the more fearful kirina looked. Her eyes wide with fear, and it seemed that the more Nikias drew in the more power she released. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]I can’t do it. [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Nikias thought as he came to a halt in the room forced to focus all his strength on simply surviving. [/SIZE]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Between Kirina and Nikias the lightning surged from her fingertips and assaulting the Hellyni. No longer could Nikias move forward as the force behind the lightning held him in place. His jaw was clenched tightly as he hid behind his shield letting it take the blow. Thankfully due to it being made similar to a lightsaber the lightning didn’t reach him[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] but the kinetic force behind it had trapped him in a defensive position. The atmosphere became muggy due to the heat from the lightning and Nikias’ clothes clung to his body. It was slowly wearing on him[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] though he would not give up. He would never suffer at the hands of another. At least not without giving his best. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“You will kneel!” Kirina said breaking off her onslaught for a split second before sending another continuous stream of lightning. Though the sweat upon her brow was telling. She couldn’t keep up the effort forever[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] and Nikias knew it. It was a matter of who would give up first. Would Nikias loose his shield[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]or Kirina loose the strength to continue to spam lightning.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]The split second break had offered Nikias enough time to spot his lightsaber that lay across the room sitting in the corner. It was far out of reach and of no use to him. Eyes squinting Nikias reached out to the force as he had been trained to. But this time he was nearly pleading for it to aid him. Gritting his teeth Nikias kept looking at the lightsaber out the corner of his eye. Suddenly he felt a new surge of energy course through his body as the cool sensation of the force flowed into him. The saber hilt rattled in the corner before flying through the air at Kirina. [/SIZE]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Kirina ducked to the left dodging the lightsaber hilt that had almost hit her in her temple. This momentary distraction was enough for her to draw attention away and cause her to break off her assault on Nikias. Though the hellyni male took advantage of the situation and rushed across the room to Kirina who was regaining her balance. Right hand held out the saber hilt flew into his palm reigniting the blade its violet glow bathing the two in light. “No. No! NO!” Kirina screamed as he lashed out with a bolt of lightning that Nikias batted away with his shield.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Another bolt was fired[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]this time he caught it on his saber the distance now only leaving them feet apart. “You cannot kill me! I am a Sith! I have been freed!” Kirina screamed lashing out with a stream of lightning caught on the shield. She could bring none of her greater strength to bear with the short distance between her and Nikias due to not being able to gather her strength. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Spinning Nikias brought the saber around in a slash that first took Kirina’s hands off at the wrists[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] the gnarled appendages arced through the air[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]while bringing the saber down in a horizontal slash Nikias ended the women’s life. “No… Now you have been freed.” Nikias said feeling the aches in his body. He collapsed to his feet exhausted from the encounter. Though rolling from inside Kirina’s robes and landing infront of him was a luminescent cube. It cast a blue glow on the ground around it and as Nikias reached out and touched it he felt a surge of energy flow through his body. It was soothing and eased the young man. Though Nikias had no true time to celebrate as the door to the chamber slid open once again a man entering to look at the chaos. The thugs skin paled as he turned and fled from the chamber. [/SIZE]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Quickly shoving the holocron into his own robes Nikias reluctantly rose to his feet shield and saber at the ready. If he was going to have to fight through the rest of the thugs and henchmen he had to. He’d come too far and done too much to die. He now had something worth more to him than the priceless art and tapestries. He had found a holocron[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] Nikias had heard many things about them during his studies at the Voss temple[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] but had never actually held one[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] much less seen one up close for that matter. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]While the Hellyni was ready for battle it didn’t seem like what remained of the Darkwalkers employees felt the same. As Nikias left the chamber where he had engaged Kirina those under the Darkwalkers employ began fleeing calling out about him being a jedi[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]and how Kirina had been killed by his hand. Without their leader the rest of them had seemingly given up. Subs that had once littered the personal dock were now gone and some of the crates with them. Obviously some of the other thugs got out while the getting was good leaving behind the rest. Those that hadn’t been able to escape instead cowered in the corners trying to plead with Nikias to excuse them for their crimes and show mercy. No backbone at all. Nikias thought as he looked upon those that remained. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]He had once led an army of criminals but even they had more bravery than what the pitiful Darkwalker thugs were showing. It made Nikias’ stomach turn[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] so instead he pulled out his com and contacted the Naboo authorities letting them follow the beacon from his com to find the location as he had no clue where they truly were. This was a planet outside the Silver Sanctum’s jurisdiction and he would not go further than he already had. If he did so[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]he could possibly cause an incident with the authorities.[/SIZE]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]It was three days before Nikias was able to leave Naboo. After his reporting the Darkwalker base and his defeat of Kirina[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] Nikias had at first been questioned for hours on end about who he was[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] and whether he was a real jedi. If it was one thing the Naboo security forces were good at it was asking questions. Nikias had told them what happened at least four times[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] thankfully they believed him about Kirina’s powers and claims about being Sith once they got testimonies from the thugs that had been left behind. Everything that had remained in the Darkwalkers base had been reclaimed by the security forces and was promised to be sent back to where they belonged… Everything except the holocron that Nikias had kept secret and kept on his person. While it was risky[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] Nikias felt an urge to keep the holocron for himself[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] it was a jedi holocron after all and who better to hold on to it than a jedi?[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Sitting in the bridge of his private shuttle Nikias examined the cube that he held in his hand. He’d spent the time since he had entered hyperspace trying to open the thing. He tried twisting parts of the cube[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]opening it. Nothing was working[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] and it sat in his palm doing nothing. Giving it a questioning look Nikias cocked his head examining it once again. Why don’t these things come with a manual? He thought to himself before sighing in defeat. Nikias was about to put the holocron away before he remembered what he had read about them. Some wouldn’t respond to just regular probing[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] they needed the force to be opened. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]So closing his eyes Nikias held the holocron in the palm of his hand[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] visualizing it. Every inch of it and summoning the force from within himself Nikias reached out touching the cube[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] and in his mind he saw it opening. Hearing the sound of faint clicks Nikias looked as the holocron opened and in the center the image of a man appeared. He had a scruffy looking beard with a scar over his left eye. “I am Ganner Rhysode[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], member of the New Jedi Order.”[/SIZE]