Private Seller's Remorse, Buyer's Regret

[Edaline Black]

Another day, another failure. This whole idea of searching for ancient force religion relics in hopes of retaining what they lost was getting quite stale. Edaline would have to look into finding some way to spice up their life a bit. On the bright side, relic sales made good money. This particular one was some sort of orb full of ancient jed'aii secrets. It took a week to crack the damn thing open, and most of it's contents were things they already knew, or things they didn't really care about. They had no qualms selling it off to the highest bidder. Thus, the mikkian weaved their way through the crowds of the market. It was a busy day, they'd have to make it fast before someone came snooping around. Today, they were dressed as usual. Simple brown trousers with black leather boots, a grey shirt, and a cloak about their shoulders with the hood pulled up. On their fingers were a few gold rings for decoration, the one on their middle finger had diamond inlays. Having the hood up wasn't the most comfortable due to the prehensile tentacles on their head, but they would manage. As usual, an A-180 blaster could be seen on their hip. Hidden away in that cloak somewhere was that treasured lightsaber, one of the few remaining relics of their former life. It was a rare occasion that a situation called for it, but it made them feel better to have it all the same.

Once on the other side of the street and through the crowd, Edaline took a sharp turn into an alley at the edge of the market street. This was supposedly the location of the deal. Shady, possibly dangerous, but that was part of the life they lived. Another few turns led them to a four way street of sorts between a cluster of buildings. Standing in the middle was a finely dressed nobleman with two guards, one armed with a A280 blaster rifle and the other with an electrostaff. The guards were dressed in equally fine uniforms, likely representing the noble's house all too proudly, like a child happy with their new shoes. Edaline couldn't help but chuckle slightly at that thought. The guards took on a slightly more defensive stance as Edaline approached, the noble himself looking quite full of himself with how safe he perceived himself to be.

"Afraid to emerge from your burrow alone, little rodent?" The mikkian queries teasingly, with a wide grin on their face, bright blue eyes darting between the two guards that were on either side of the buyer.

The noble's expression sours, and he crosses his arms while looking the Mikkian up and down. "That's no way to treat someone who's going to be giving you money. Did you bring it? You better have it. I had plans other than standing around in some dirty alley you know." He huffs.

Edaline reaches into their cloak with a slight cackle, which makes both of the guards raise their weapons just in case. Out of their cloak comes the golden colored orb, about the size of a palm. "Jeez, so whiny. The fuckin thing is here, stop worrying." She holds it up for them all to observe. "Now toss the credits, in chips, over to me. Be a good sport." They grin widely.

The noble cackles slightly as he takes out a decently sized bag. "Oh, I have them, But I'm going to be using them for a shopping spree. You won't be getting a bit, Darth Stiss. I'm sure someone around will pay a nice price for that disgusting head of yours." He states, smug as can be.

Edaline simply sighs. "You....you're not a very smart man, are you?" Good god they were right. Edaline realized they were right as instead of running, the noble stepped back to watch his men apprehend a former sith! How removed from reality was this poor bastard? The two guards set their eyes upon Edaline as the noble stepped back. The one holding an A280 had Edaline in the sight of his gun, finger twitching on the trigger. The electrostaff user was hanging back for now, waiting to see if his friend succeeded. The mikkian could tell that the guard was aiming at their head. That was perfect. In a quick motion, Edaline leans to the side while drawing the blaster in the same second. Blaster bolts echo in the alley as the guard opens fire, the bullets just barely whizzing past Edaline's head as they open fire with their own blaster in two quick successive shots. The first one goes straight through the shooter's forehead while the second goes past him, hitting the noble straight in the kneecap. Both the guard and the noble hit the ground at the same time, the noble himself screaming in horror as he sees his guard hit the ground with a hole through the forehead.

The electrostaff guard attacks the moment Edaline fires, twirling that staff outwards like a sawblade in an attempt to strike the turquoise mikkian. Edaline holsters their blaster as they lean away deftly from each strike, purposefully making the blows miss by just barely an inch to taunt their foe. Then he goes in for a thrust, which Edaline moves to sidestep, but he switches his strike last minute, turning it into a sideswipe. In a split second, the telltale hiss of a lightsaber igniting is heard as it clashes with the electrostaff, putting Edaline and the guard in a blade lock. They grin widely, blue eyes meeting the guard. "Baby's first feint! Maybe you aren't worthless after all!"

Ebony Ambrosia

 

[Ebony Ambrosia]

Not a sound was made as the shadows slowly lowered Ebony's body from above. Tendrils of darkness snaked out from every angle behind their back; they connected with the walls on either side and melded into the darkness there. Ethereal, otherworldly appendages that didn't care for friction or gravity and found purchase everywhere they touched in this dark corner of the galaxy. Ever so slowly they lowered Ebony toward the ground as a spider descended from its web. Their feet touched the ground just as quietly, and then the tendrils parted from the woman and latched on to the nearby noble instead.

The man would no doubt shout and thrash. They all did. Ebony enjoyed watching their feeble effort to escape. The mortals had no idea who or what they were facing when they arrived, and so they fought. Better yet, even if they knew they would fight. It was perhaps one of the few redeeming qualities the squishy things had. They amused Ebony.

Darkness slithered down and around the wounded leg. The tendrils began to constrict about the wounded leg. Not to staunch the bleeding -- well, yes, so they didn't die too quickly -- but to exasperate the already frayed nerves. To draw out more pain. Also, they had to start pulling off limbs somewhere. That leg seemed like a nice place to start.

But they wouldn't pull it off yet. No, that would be bad manners.

Ebony's black eyes watched the remaining guard locked with the Sith creature. Yes, this one might want the noble. Not that they cared for who had a claim to something, but it would not hurt to hear their request. Mortals could only die once, so Ebony did not want to be too hasty. Perhaps this creature had a creative end in mind for the fat slug. Were they fat? Ebony had already forgotten what they looked like and could not be bothered to visually inspect them again. It mattered not.

What happened next, the Entity wished to see. Then, perhaps, they would take that golden orb and crush it with malevolent glee.

Tag: Edaline Black

 

[Edaline Black]

This was where Edaline's fighting style came into play. They were in a blade lock, for certain. But the guard was exactly where Edaline wanted them. With their weapons locked, the mikkian pushes the handguarded handle of the blade inwards while letting the electrostaff slip off to the side in order to deliver a handguard strike, that harsh metal knocking out teeth as the man staggers backwards a bit. The guard, rage in his eyes, lunges at Edaline with an overhead strike. However, they were done playing. It seems the noble didn't have much time left, so this fight would have to be hurried up a bit. Previously, Edaline locked blades with only the electric tip of the staff, since it was the only part of the weapon that could properly touch a lightsaber. The former sith's blade flashes upwards, slicing straight through the shaft of the electrostaff as it comes down upon them. Right after, before the guard can react, their left hand shoots outwards to grab the severed half of the electrostaff before jabbing it straight into the guard's ches. Then, as the guard begins to spasm from the shock, the lightsaber in Edaline's right hand comes down on his right shoulder, cleaving diagonally straight through his body, the two halves collapsing limply to the brick floor.

"I see you've caught him for me. How polite." They state with a cackle, stepping over the corpse of her fallen foe. The lightsaber is put away with a twirl back into their cloak. "You mind doing something painful real quick? Just...keep it going, but don't kill him." They then crouch down beside the terrified noble, eyes meeting his as they narrow. "You're going to tell me where you heard that name. Go on."

Whatever it is that Ebony does, he's quick to break. After a few whimpers and yelps, he unloads it all. "A...there was a....he had a blue lightsaber! Jedi order crest....said...said he would pay. He was supposed to help us here! Damn him!" He sobs. "He left us TO DIE! Probably still boozing up at that bar...." He states through labored breaths.

Edaline shakes their head, standing up. "No integrity, not even a bit of resistance." They look at Ebony. "Pathetic, eh? I don't need him anymore. Do as you please. I'm going to look up bars nearby this slimeball's house." With a disgusted huff, they turn about to begin tapping about on their wristpad, searching the location archives on the planet for anything noteworthy. Ebony seems to have free reign on what happens next.

Ebony Ambrosia

 

[Ebony Ambrosia]

Ebony stared at Edaline as the creature approached. Their species was unknown to the Dark Entity. What they saw and felt of this thing before them, however, was... diminished. Rage with no where to go. Like a spirit in the Nether clawing to slip into the Living Realm to devour and rend and terrorize, but powerless to ever see that hunger sated. Strange. Curious.

Much like Edaline's confidence throughout their interrogation where the creature presumed Ebony would abide their wishes. Even the very request they made was steeped in an expectation that it would be done. It reminded Ebony of the Sith. Even the tasty, squishy Sith that had conjured them into this world and given them form. So arrogant and domineering. Such a relief from the usual mortals Ebony had to endure every day.

Slowly Ebony's black eyes slid back over to the Noble. Without even a shrug, the black tentacle around the man's leg twisted the limb sharply ninety-degrees in an anatomically incompatible fashion. The wet crunch and snap could only be heard by the most intimate of audiences -- such as Ebony and Edaline. The man's cries on the other hand were a song sweetly sung to the night.

Every few seconds the man didn't respond, Ebony broke something else. There was no need to reposition, realign, or adjust anything -- he delayed, something broke on Ebony's command. The living darkness had full command of the man's body. Twisting, pulling, battering, bashing, crunching... just a thought and it happened. No wind up. No visual precursor. Just instant pain.

"Jedaii," Ebony hissed. The first thing they'd said the entire time. The female form stepped closer to the man and their right hand shot out to take hold of the Noble's jaw. It was only Edaline's speech that gave them pause; a moment's delay in carrying out the sentence to see what the creature had to say. And what they said was... promising. It would find possible places where the Jedi was located. This creature was useful then.

Ebony's black gaze swung back to the Noble. Their hand released the jaw, which no doubt gave the man a mote of hope. Until he felt a pressure deep within. Only for a second. There was no need to take their time with this one -- there was a Jedi to butcher. So, with a shield of darkness sprung up between the Noble and Edaline, Ebony caused the man to literally explode.

The web of darkness immediately snapped back in toward their manifested form. The net snaring the spiritual energy released in death, and brought it back to Ebony to feast on. A light indulgence before the meal.

"I will murder this Jedaii," Ebony said at last. It was only fair Edaline knew ahead of time. If that would be a problem then Ebony would take her technology from her and track the Jedi down herself. If that was not a problem... then they could work together. The Dark Entity stared at the creature awaiting their response.

Edaline Black

 

[Edaline Black]

Edaline certainly seemed to take a certain pleasure in the fellow's pain, a sharp toothed grin on their features as they hear every bone crack. Judging by the lightsaber, this being was definitely a sith of...some sort. However, this being has a distinct difference from the sith that Ebony has met. A lack of the force, they do not give off a force aura in any way whatsoever. Though, if Ebony concentrates, there is something deep down, a severed bond of some sort, gently calling out and pleasing to be restored to what it once was. Though Edaline themselves seems clueless about it.

Edaline pauses their perusing of planet locations on the datapad to look back at the man just as he literally explodes, a dome of black shielding them from the entrails sent flying in the flesh combustion. The mikkian slowly chuckles, shaking their head. "How polite of you." They state, watching Ebony feast upon the miserable essence of the former noble. Quite the curious creature, this. Though Edaline could no longer sense the force, it was quite easy to tell this was some sort of dark force spirit. Perhaps an ally, perhaps not. This was a situation in which one should tread carefully.

"One minute." They state, eyes turning to the wristpad once again as they tap a few more selections. Finally, they give a satisfied nod. "If this bastard is anywhere, he's here." They hold up their wristpad, displaying it to Ebony and tapping on the map screen with their other hand. "You wanna slaughter him? Follow me." They grin widely, though the grin suddenly changes into a confused expression. "Wait a minute...Jed'aii? You mean Jedi, right? Jed'aii are different. That's the precursor to all force religions, the first one. Quite different from those idiots who meditate all day." Just as Edaline turns to start heading off, they suddenly pause, sighing slightly as they take the golden orb relic out of their coat. "All this chaos almost made me forgot." They turn about to make their way over to where the noble had fallen before his death, and crouch down to pick up the credit bag that had been left on the ground. They straighten up to their feet once more, putting the bag in their cloak.

With the money secured, they look at the golden orb in their other hand. "This is useless to me now, it seems. It couldn't give me what I wished." They lightly toss it to Ebony like a simple baseball. "Here, you can have it. It's a relic of those jed'aii I mentioned a second ago. Perhaps you can find some use out of it." They cackle for a few moments before their face instantaneously shifts to serious, their arms crossing. "Who and what are you?" They were so caught up in the excitement about jedi hunting that they forgot to ask!

Ebony Ambrosia

 

[Ebony Ambrosia]

Ebony calmly looked at the display the other creature offered. Surprising they would pin-point the location so freely. At this point they could slaughter Edaline Black as well and go on to handle the Jedi alone. Fortunate for the creature then Ebony was not their 'younger' self, as they would have gladly torn the other one apart now. Curiosities like Edaline's lack of Force Power had not registered on the newly constituted and freed Dark Entity on the living.

Then a strange look came over the creature's face. A long, lidless stare followed as Edaline spoke of Jed'aii, precursor to a religion, and idiots that meditate.

Jed'aii.

Jedi.​

Jed'aii.

Jedi.​

Nope, Ebony didn't understand the difference. "Why does speaking the word strangely matter?" they asked at last. They were slightly different, but still sounded like the same word. "What makes Jed'aii different from Jedi?" They tried their best to pronounce both words as Edaline had. "All followers of the Light must die," they sharply hissed into the night. "Or join the darkness." Either way they would join the void -- through death or by embracing the natural state of existence according to Ebony (and the Sith that conjured them into being).

Edaline occupied some of their time retrieving the bag of credits. Ebony forgot about those. Slaughter had that effect on them -- credits were trinkets that made mortals do her biding, but murder made them happy.

Then the creature did another strange thing. They gave Ebony the golden orb. They very nearly crushed it on the spot before Edaline said it was a Jed'aii relic. Then they wondered if they should study it instead. Not that any philosophizing would have the slightest affect on the personification of evil, but they did not mind learning more of the mortal world. Knowledge made it easier to explore without entire armies chasing them.

Their black gaze snapped back up at the Mikkian as they suddenly demanded to know Ebony's identity. "We are Ebony. We are Death." The two would likely stare at one another for a long moment expecting one or the other to elaborate or press further. It then occurred to the Spirit that mortals usually desired more. "Your Sith summoned us to this realm to consume the Light. We enjoy this." Now, then, "Who are you, Mortal? And what is wrong with you?" They'd noticed the Force wound in Edaline. Were they not supposed to inquire about that? Such an insensitive spirit of darkness.

 

[Edaline Black]

"Then difference is the jedi are a bunch of fools watching the universe pass them by. The Jed'aii made a significant step within history for the entirety of the galaxy as we know it now. They were not followers of the light nor the dark. They were pioneers that discovered that harnessing the force was possible for us mortals in the first place. Other religions came after that." Edaline explains, they themselves believing the difference to actually be quite significant.

They shrug. "Without the Jed'aii, we wouldn't have the Jedi, but we also wouldn't have the sith, or any force beliefs at all. Wouldn't this galaxy be a lot more boring without force sensitives?" They cackle. Edaline was a bit of a history nerd, having studied relics for a while now. When something historical needed explaining, going on a rant was quite possible. "Basically what I'm saying is that thing there." They point at the orb that they gave Ebony. "Is quite the treasure. Useless to me though." The mikkian sighs wistfully, once again missing what they had lost.

Then the being introduces herself. Edaline silently stands there. "So...like, is that it? Was that a pause? That wasn't-" Before they can finish their words, Ebony adds more context. "Sith getting in over their heads? Sounds about right. While less boring than jedi....some make choices they aren't ready to handle." Like hunting a force energy sucking vampire, that wasn't the wisest choice. Should have ignored the missing patrol.

"Oh, yes. Name's Edaline Black. I'm a merchant that deals in various relics, be they historical or force related" They give a playful bow, grinning widely. If there's anything that makes a sith happy, it's talking about themselves. Though that wide grin instantly sours when the force spirit's followup question is heard. Standing up straight once more with arms crossed, they raise a brow. It made sense that a force spirit would find their presence odd. "I'm force dead, no midichlorians in my body, no connection to the force, whatever you wanna call it. The point is that I am the direct opposite of a force sensitive." Those tendrils atop the mikkian's head that typically wave about like a gentle sea anemone are now twitching about at a slightly faster rate, making it obvious Edaline doesn't like talking about their lack of the force.

Ebony Ambrosia

 

[Ebony Ambrosia]

Ebony stared at Edaline for a moment. "No. No, it would not be more boring. We would still enjoy devouring mortals." They did not have relationships with others thus far to be concerned about how they interacted with the world. Their purpose in life was to destroy the Light, which did not require Force Sensitives to indulge in that task. True, there wouldn't be an obvious target for their ravenous rage, but Ebony could always default to 'All Life' as many Nether denizens did.

A Force relic merchant? That did interest Ebony. Such a person might have objects of dark power they would enjoy consuming. As many dark spirits that made them there was still room for more darkness! It encompassed the entire universe after all -- it was infinite. Unlike the Light, which was dreadfully finite and a blight in the void.

"Midi...what?" Now it was Ebony's turn to furrow their brow. Midichlorians? Was that some way the mortals explained their ability to use the Force? Silly mortals. Even if true it only proved a point -- spirits were far superior and should be set free to consume the Living. Why was Ebony such a personable Dark Entity then? Because anything else and you had a host of Force Users interrupting every delicious meal and playtime as though they were in any way important.

"We do not believe in Force Death." A quick flick of the wrist dismissed the entire idea. "Your squishy form will only be devoid of energy on your death." Ebony began to slowly move toward the Mikkian. "We could inhabit your form, if you wish. It may prove uncomfortable, but it would allow us to study that which deprives you of the darkness." Being without the Dark Power did sound horrific, but Ebony couldn't even conceive of an existence without it. They were literally made of it. What Edaline proposed was non-existence, which was absurd as obviously the creature existed!

Tag: Edaline Black

 

[Edaline Black]

"Well it would be more boring to me, since I cannot, as you say 'devour mortals'. You should look into Darth Nihilus if you like energy devouring energy though. I'm sure you'd find him interesting." They state with a dismissive wave of their hand. Edaline certainly didn't seem as zealous about killing as Ebony did, though that was truly the case. Edaline was mainly concerned with remaining hidden. Even though the sith empire had collapsed, there were still some amongst the many lords that the mikkian would refer to as an enemy.

Force relic merchant was more of a cover, but it had come to be more true over time as Edaline spent longer in cover. They supposed it could be listed as an expertise of sorts at this point. Exploring ancient ruins, dodging traps, dealing with hostile force entities. They had come to be decently adept at all of those things, though their own abilities still paled in comparison to what they used to be. No matter, that former power would return someday.

"Yeah, I know. I always found the concept kind of stupid too. The things some people genuinely believe!" They state with a shrug, a cackle following their words.

They turn about to continue walking in the direction of their destination. The spirit is free to follow if they please. Edaline would die before admitting it, but they help would likely be nice to have. Force users were always a pain when you couldn't use it yourself. Sure, many managed it, but they had lived their whole lives without the pleasure of force lightning. Edaline did not have that luxury. "Don't believe? Then you haven't seen the vong. Though, that's a good thing. They are uh...They're a nasty people." The mikkian states, looking slightly disgusted.

All the tendrils on Edaline's head seem to twitch at once as they hear the offer of being inhabited by a force spirit. They put up a finger. "Whoa, whoa." They pause their walking to look directly at Ebony. "At least take me to dinner first before you decide to go inside me. Damn." They cross their arms.

Ebony Ambrosia

 

[Ebony Ambrosia]

Vong? Ebony had heard of these 'Vong,' but not much about them. Apparently they had killed many mortals. Ebony felt as though they would like these Vong. If they did turn out to be 'Force Dead' as Edaline called it? Then she would love to meet them... and dissect them. Slowly. Ali-- Right, but they were getting off track now.

The black haired Entity drew up short with a cant to their head at Edaline's raised finger. They blinked. "If you insist. Where do you want to eat? After we slay the Je-di." They focused on pronouncing the ever so subtle distinction in the word just for Edaline's sake. "Though we don't see why you need to eat first. Possessing your body affects your soul, not your squishy form."

"We do not often listen to a mortal's complaints about inhabiting their bodies," Ebony added. It was curious, but they seemed to... like Edaline. The creature seemed quite tolerable. Even their strange mannerisms were enjoyed because they weren't timid or predictable. "For you, we will make an exception. Though you may soon appreciate our power when we confront this whore of the Light." It hadn't been said enough out loud for Edaline's benefit yet, but Ebony hated -- loathed, reviled, despised -- those that clung to the Light. It would take every ounce of restraint to not butcher such a person.

Edaline Black

 

[Edaline Black]

Edaline stands there, a blank expression on their features as they find that the dark force spirit doesn't understand crude sexual humor. That's one of the many things that they'd expect the embodiment of darkness to know about. They wave their hand dismissively. "Nevermind." Could they explain it? Sure. But explaining the birds and the bees to a force spirit? Like hell. "The point is that I don't know you well enough to trust you existing within my body. Help me handle this jedi, then we'll see where we're at." The mikkian states as they exit the alley, now wandering through the crowds of the marketplace. This wasn't the location. It was some lofty noble bar on the higher end of town that they were looking for.

They grin in amusement, showing off those sharp teeth as the spirit states that they'll make an exception. "Oh, how sweet of you." They cackle. Could this force spirit rip them to shreds in sheer moments? Likely. But Edaline wasn't one to simply become demure in the face of beings more powerful than them. Besides, a spirit of this sort? Showing such a fear or weakness would likely just get them killed. From the looks of it, Ebony had no time for the trifling of a fear stuttered idiot, which is one thing Edaline would never be.

Edaline leans their head back to let out a laugh. "Whore of the light. You're quite entertaining, you know that?" They state as they make it to the other side of the street, turning right to start following the sidewalk. Now out in pupil, the pull that cloak about their shoulders, the hood up once more. The lightsaber was also well hidden in that cloak. However, the blaster could easily be seen on their thigh, ready to be drawn at a moment's notice. "We'll need to head this way. If you have any questions you wish answered by me, now is the time."

Ebony Ambrosia

 

[Ebony Ambrosia]

Know Ebony well enough? What did that have to do with possession either? Mortals were such twisted creatures. "Very well," they replied to Edaline's stipulation. Deal with the Jedi then re-evaluate their relationship. If it could be called a relationship. Mortal language was exhausting.

Then the Mikkian grinned, and Ebony stared once more. "Thank you." This time Ebony smiled as though Edaline had paid them a compliment. They knew it was not, but they also knew enough of mortal social interaction this response was appropriate. And yes, Ebony would be the type to dissect a joke down to its elemental parts and ruin it. They was evil that way.

More, the creature then laughed as though they had said something humorous. Ebony didn't find Jedi to be a laughing matter. They were a blight on existence itself. "We have not been called such before, no." Entertaining? No, but mortals often entertained them. The way they screamed and begged was quite delightful.

As they slipped out into the open, Ebony turned to look at the cloaked figure. Yes, the Mikkian would stand out if someone was looking for them. "Questions?" Ebony gaze up into the air for a moment. "What are you doing with your existence? We can feel where the darkness should be in you. It calls to us. Yet you peddle artifacts to fat blobs. We believe you capable of more. We wish to see you do more. It would... please us." Too personal? Too deep? Too suggestive that Edaline might be a disappointment if she was content selling trinkets? Ebony didn't care.

Edaline Black

 

[Edaline Black]

Internally, Edaline was thankful that the creature chose to not just possess them anyways. Ebony was truly a fearsome creature, not that the mikkian would ever admit to being afraid. That's not something they would ever do, especially not in front of a dark force spirit. That was just plain idiocy.

Following their sarcastic exchange, Edaline turns down yet another winding path of the city, another empty alley from the looks of it. it was quite a large place, but that just gave Edaline and this strange spirit time to talk and sort this thing out. They had to admit, the prospect of being able to tap into a force spirit's power was quite tempting, but such things had also brought the end of many foolish sith who thought they could achieve total control. "You haven't? Fair enough I suppose. I'd wager most that see you don't really have anything nice to say. Though, they don't see this world as I do." The mikkian grins, showing off those rows of sharp teeth. "Where they see a monster, I see a possible ally. Provided all goes well. After all, you seem like quite the useful being to have around."

Ebony's next statement causes Edaline to pause their pace completely, lips pursing for a moment ponderously under that hood. They take a deep breath, exhaling after a few seconds. This wasn't a question they had been expecting to be faced with today. Was it worth telling this creature the great secret? Perhaps so. Relaxing their shoulders, they turn around to face Ebony once more, blue eyes locking with theirs. "I used to be powerful, a sith lord who conquered planets and slayed hundreds. You should have seen the jedi lightsaber collection I used to have." They chuckle wryly. "It was beautiful, each one signifying a kill. Even the blade I wield signifies a kill." They take the handguarded lightsaber out of their cloak, holding it up to display. "This was the blade of my master. He underestimated me, and I took his place. Through events....beyond my control, I lost everything and have become what I am now. I peddle the force relics while searching for something that can restore what I lost." They stow that lightsaber once more, their lips forming into a snarl as those blue eyes narrow. "I will get back what I lost, and I will return to power once more. And when I do, I will make this galaxy tremble with the ripples I make." They point at Ebony with a hiss. "You want to see me do more? You can be damn sure it's going to happen. Got that?"

Ebony Ambrosia

 

[Ebony Ambrosia]

"We are," Ebony replied to Edaline describing them as 'useful.' Modesty was for other, lesser creatures.

Then the Mikkian turned to face the dark spirit with a sudden bout of bold command. Not so unexpected when Edaline led with they'd once been a Sith Lord though. That explained the familiarity. The lack of moral, ethical, or emotional concern for others and the acceptance of deprave, violent acts. It almost felt like... home. Well, aside from the fact Edaline was still alive, of course. Yes, the creature was far too animate; those that had conjured Ebony into being were quite not. Being bold didn't always keep you alive.

Ebony stood there and blinked when Edaline shifted from a delightful trip down memory lane to threatening to set the galaxy on fire.

"Good. We would hate to mistake you for these other creatures that crawl on their bellies upright. Perhaps we will aid you in this." Why? Because it would amuse them? Because Edaline would embody the darkness and champion it reclaiming Existence? Or maybe because Ebony could use a... companion. A bit early on to contemplate 'friendship.' That would depend on the kind of Sith Edaline truly was.

Strangely, the creature did not elaborate on 'events beyond my control.' Quite vague. Frustratingly so. Ebony could understand the wounded pride, but that didn't mean they had to enjoy it -- no matter how much like the darkness such selfishness might be.

Edaline Black

 

[Edaline Black]

Edaline smirks slightly. This creature was confident. Admittedly, they found that charming. Confidence was a thing sorely lacking in the galaxy, so many fools afraid to take the steps they needed to achieve greatness.

Following their angry outburst, the mikkian takes a deep breath, placing that rage aside once more. Edaline was always angry, but having it always present was not good, and it led to foolish choices. In their line of work, one had to know when to control their emotions. They used to be a lot more unhinged, letting their emotion flow free as they butchered left and right. However, the loss of the force had changed that. The power of most sith increased the angrier they got, making it worth the risk to let loose and go into a berserk rage. Without the force, Edaline could do no such thing. Thus they had to win most fights through keeping calm and focused. Still angry, but focused nonetheless. They had learned this was the way a non force user fought in order to stay alive. "Aid me if you wish. It makes no difference to me, since I'll achieve my goal either way." They state simply. It wasn;t exactly a warm welcome to the team, but it wasn't outright refusal.

After a few more turns, they step out of an alley to stand before that seems to be the entrance to some sort of bar. Judging by the neon decor and eye pleasing architecture, the place was a high end club. "We're here." Edaline states simply. After remaining silent for a moment, scanning the area, Edaline speaks once more. "Remain subtle until we find the jedi. We don't want the slippery bastard to get spooked and run off. For now, we're just going inside for a drink." The tendrils on Edaline's head all pull themselves down to be as flat as possible as they pull the hood up once more, and they make their way towards the entrance, gesturing for ebony to follow.

The inside of the club is noisy with the rhythmic beating of the music. Edaline hated loud music, considering that each one of their tentacles functioned as an ear, loud noises in general could get quite obnoxious. The first place they head is the bar, slipping up onto one of the stools, making sure to turn their back to the neon lights of the dance floor. They chose such awful colors to assault the eyes with. While waiting for a bartender, those blue eyes scan the area. The jedi, being a jedi, would not be on the dance floor, nor would they be socializing. What Edaline was looking for was someone sitting in the corner alone, maybe with their eyes shut. Jedi loved their damn meditation.

Zlova Rue

 

[Ebony Ambrosia]

"Good," Ebony replied calmly to the Sith's dismissive attitude. "Otherwise we would devour you." Edaline wasn't the only one that would play the bravado card -- only, the Dark Spirit wasn't joking. They could devour them. Not that they likely would seeing how the creature was cut off from the Force; not terribly nutritious. Amusing, though.

Soon afterward the pair of attractive monsters found themselves standing before a club or bar entrance. Neon lights invaded Ebony's eyes and the Spirit found itself wanting to break them. Too bright. Too noisy. Eternal silence and consuming darkness was the way the world should be. Much better that way. Someday.

Edaline had some...advice for Ebony, which drew their dark gaze. "We could seal the doors once inside. Kill everyone." Why hunt for the Jedi? Ebony didn't care if ten, a thousand, a million souls perished just to extinguish one Light. Though they already knew the Sithy one would object. Too much attention. Perhaps... Perhaps, but then there wouldn't be any witnesses. Attention without a means to find the perpetrator.

Reluctantly, Ebony followed the creature into the oppressively loud establishment. Too noisy by far, but amusing too. They had endured places like these before for entertainment, though it was not half as enjoyable as a good bloodbath.

"Narcotics," the Spirit shouted over the noise. "We have seen them use such and stare at the lights." Ebony had seen the reproachful look Edaline had given the lighting. Good to see the two of them agreed on such a trivial matter. "We tried them once." Their head tilted a bit to the side as their black eyes stared down at the bar for a second and then rose back to Edaline once more. "We felt nothing." Such experiences had confirmed they lacked the physiology to enjoy or suffer from such things. Unfortunately that meant empathizing with mortals was practically impossible; they had no common ground. None Ebony had found so far anyway.

"Must we sit here and wait?" They asked. "We desire to feast on their flesh," Ebony's brow drew low over their eyes with a hiss drowned out by the music. Jedi were not difficult to find unless they cloaked their presence. The Dark Spirit could feel like as one felt the burn of an open wound; and they wanted to scratch at it all the more vigorously.

Edaline Black

 

[Edaline Black]

"Not sure I would taste good in my current state, sweetheart." They counter with a dismissive wave of their hand. It was true to a certain extent. To a being that feeds upon the force, someone without the force would probably, in terms of flavor, be quite bland. Like a plain cracker bare of any salt or seasoning. Could it even be said that Edaline still had a soul?

"Personally, I don't believe in killing everything I see. Sounds all goody two shoes when I put it that way. but I have better reasons." They state after they sit upon the barstool, focus now turning to Ebony. "You see....I don't want to kill everything because I want to rule something. I can't rule or control anything if everyone's dead, now can I? I avoid unnecessary killing because I intend to rule this galaxy and reap it's riches, not destroy it. There will be a fair amount of destruction along the way, but there's a time and place. There will be plenty of times, and plenty of places." They state, promising the spirit the destruction she desperately craves above all else.

Edaline squints, looking at the corner of the room as Ebony points out the 'narcotics'. They giggle slightly. How innocent this creature was. "Oh, those aren't narcotics in this case. That's good old fashioned spice. I'd get some for myself right now...were we not on business. These are all rich brats anyways, they wouldn't no real spice if it hit'em in the ass." They shake their head. Oftentimes, dealers just gave regular spice a fancy name and marked up the price. Rich kids never failed to overpay and eat it up like candy. "It makes sense that you didn't feel anything, being what you are and all. Personally, I enjoy a good spice session....just not with all the lights." They shake their head.

The tentacles atop the mikkian's head drift in the direction of Ebony in order to aid in hearing her over all the noise. "Must we sit here? Well, if you've already detected the jedi, do tell It'll speed up this process by a lot." They state, raising a brow. If Ebony had detected the jedi, Edaline was right. Odd hooded figure sitting at the back corner of the room, likely blending in with the people doped up on spice.

Ebony Ambrosia

 

[Ebony Ambrosia]

Ebony looked over at the creature beside them. "We do not care to rule over this realm. However, it is vast and so it is not impossible that we may both pursue our desires." Much as it was the belief of the Spirits to consume the Light and likely Life thereafter, they did recognize the scale of such a belief. What would it matter if they left the places of Edaline's rule for last in this galaxy? The order mattered not, and just extinguishing the Light would take some time given they were but one collective of Souls.

Edaline giggled, which perplexed them for the moment it took for the creature to reply verbally. "Spice. Narcotics. Is there a significant difference to mortal forms? Is it truly so enjoyable?" How could ingesting inert matter that altered how one perceived or responded to stimulus be enjoyable? It could not possibly measure up to devouring a soul. Then again, squishy beings could not devour souls... Perhaps this 'Spice' was the closest their existence would allow?

After they inhaled and exhaled at Edaline's interest, Ebony turned in her seat toward the crowd. Her hand reached out to guide the Mikkian about atop her own stool to face the right direction. "We shall forego washing aside the squishy barriers between us," they explained as they pointed at the hooded figure, "but that is your Jedi. Their Light burns and sickens us. We could vomit, but would much rather tear their limbs from their body and beat them to death with them before they bled out." That was putting it... politely. "We shall wait here if you wish to interrogate them. We would not be responsible for killing them in a fit of madness before you were satisfied." It was hard enough to restrain themselves from flying across the club and murdering them at that very moment.

Edaline Black

 

[Edaline Black]

"You can't see any perks to ruling a realm? You think on that. I'm sure you'll find something. I mean, if you ruled a realm, you'd have so many connections to get all the force relics you could ever want. That's certainly in my plans, I can tell you that much." They state, seeming happy with the idea of being surrounded by untold treasures. Mortals did have a tendency to like shiny things after all. Edaline was certainly one of them. Forever craving knowledge and power, yet tragically unable to achieve it thanks to their current limitations.

"Us mortals find it quite enjoyable. To you....feeling the galaxy around you is the average everyday thing. For us?" They raise a brow, gesturing to themselves. "Feeling the galaxy around us, heightening our senses, pleasant warmths and interesting visions. It does indeed have quite the appeal. Not too often though, it fries our neural pathways. Some seers use spice for visions you know." It's obvious Edaline was an enjoyer of spice. Made sense, since it was the closest thing they could experience to having the force again.

"That would be preferable." Edaline states, thankful for the spirit's agreement to not cause trouble. Not yet at least. Edaline's eyes follow her finger as she points to the corner of the room. Hooded mysterious figure that's obviously trying too hard? That looked about right. "Useful, exotic, powerful. I don't see how anyone could dislike a ray of sunshine like yourself." Edaline states with an enthusiastic cackle following afterwards. The sort of cackle one lets out before committing monstrous acts, naturally. "Get yourself a meal if you want, the tab's on me." They stat, slipping out of their stool.

It didn't take long for the jedi to know what was going on. Edaline didn't have to make a scene. He recognized the hint of turquoise skin under their hood. People instantly began fleeing from his general location as a blue beam joined amongst the blaring lights, the telltale sound of a lightsaber igniting as he dashed to close the distance with blinding speed. Upon arrival, he brings his blade down in an overhead strike. The second lightsaber ignition can be heard as Edaline pulls the crimson blade from her cloak while it's igniting to parry the blade off to the right while her free hand delivers a left hook to make him stagger backwards.

The hood falls down to reveal an echani male, his face covered with burn marks, his left eye obviously being cybernetic. He adjusts his stance to defensive one, eyes burning with rage that wasn't normal for a jedi. Not at all.

Edaline's brows raise high as they stifle some laughter. "Ezran? Fucking Ezran? Are you serious? Yavin four, right? I don't believe it. How ya been? what've you been up to?" They ask as the jedi charges, swinging wildly. Edaline casually parries and leans out of the way of every strike while asking their questions, sparks flying as the weapons clash. By now, most of the club had emptied out. "You still have that limp I see. Leg fractures are a pain aren't they?"

"Stop patronizing me!" Ezran yells, stomping on the ground to let out a force pulse that sends Edaline into the air. They land straight into a backwards roll, gracefully on their feet once more. "Aww, a new trick. Finally got a teacher that's worth a damn, eh?" The mikkian questions with a wide toothy grin.

Ebony Ambrosia

 

[Ebony Ambrosia]

Ebony stared at Edaline as the creature seemed certain they could find something worth ruling over the squishy lifeforms of this realm. Force Relics? Yes, they were delicious, but not more than the living creatures they devoured. Why bother ruling over the things you were inevitably going to consume? To make it easier to corral them into one place? It reminded Ebony of a parable she once heard...

There once was a man on Naboo,
Who possessed skill in fishing too;
Out came a man, impressed by the skill,
And invited the Fisher to market and bill.

The Fisher delights, but asked what could it be,
To fish creds from people, naught fish from the sea,
When years gone by, just to wait til retirement take,
Then back to the pier does the Fisherman make;
For the Fisher fishes nigh with the sun lofty high,
And creds do not make for the loss of a lake.

Ebony didn't understand what made lakes so special. She'd sat in front of several. Even speared a fish once or twice thinking somehow that would make all the difference. Yet there they sat with the soft lap of water their only companion.

Then Edaline spoke of spice and how it might grant people visions. Again, Ebony did not comprehend. Perhaps it had something to do with the wound in the creature's soul. The thing that separated them from power. Perhaps if they allowed Ebony to meddle with it it could be fixed. Then again, they had no real motivation to do so, and so the thought drifted away as quickly as it had come upon them.

Meal? They watched the creature slip into the crowd. Obviously the two 'women' had not fully discussed one another's... appetites. The Jedi was the meal. A few others in the place might be the smallest of appetizers and not worth all the fuss that would follow. As for what the soft-ones called 'food' Ebony couldn't stand to even feign eating it. It was such a waste of time as they received no benefit from the act -- they lacked the proper senses and appreciation (or biological imperative) to enjoy it.

Oh, but then the Jedi and once-Sith ignited their glowsticks. Yes, their kind liked their sticks. The crowd gave a cry of alarm and stampeded toward every door in sight. It caused Ebony to sigh. Well, none of them had been particularly appetizing anyway -- so little Force energy in them -- so she supposed a failure to devour one and set off the panic personally was no true loss.

Ebony slowly tapped a finger atop the nearby countertop as they watched the two 'fight.' This hardly seemed an interrogation. It was more Edaline playing with Ebony's food. Edaline with Ebony's food. That was vexing. A little more time would be afforded to their new 'friend,' however, to see if there was a method to their madness. Otherwise Ebony would crush the Light before it could infect anyone else.

Edaline Black