Straight For The Castle

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Stars blurring into existence in the viewscreen of the transport shuttle Nikias sat in the pilot’s seat. Nikias' eyes didn't stare at the stars though[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] they were aimed directly at the planet Hora. There was a hint of longing in Nikias' eyes as he looked at the planet and from his right eye a tear fell. Finally[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] after so long Nikias had returned[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] he had returned for what was his destiny. What felt like centuries ago Nikias had been exiled from Hora by his father. Having been told to never return till he had learned more about the galaxy and attained a strength worthy of the royal family[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] Nikias left as ordered. Ever since that day everything Nikias had done was leading up to this fated moment[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] he was not coming back to take the place of a faithful son at his king’s side. Nikias didn't return to once again be charged with commanding his father’s forces. No he had returned for the throne and either Nikias would take it on this day or he would die. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Wearing the robes that had been gifted to him by Matsu Ike[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] Nikias ensured everything was in place. Though in the center of his chest beneath the robes a slight lump could be seen. It was the amulet of Sorzus Syn that had bonded itself to Nikias after he had been tricked into killing the last host and breaking the spell that kept Syn from leaving the planet. It had only been a few weeks since he had bonded with the artifact but finally he had a break from the Sith Lord. On Nikias' lap was a ysalamir nutrient tube and the bubble it projected kept the force from being used within it. Nikias had begun using these to keep the voice of Syn from talking to him as it counteracted the effects of the talisman. More importantly Nikias kept the lizard now so as to not give away the heavy darkside presence to his partner on this mission. Nikias couldn't take on the Royal guard and his father alone so he had asked for the help of Joza Perl. She had proven many times over that she was a great combatant and someone Nikias wanted at his side when entering battle. Though she was still a jedi[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] Nikias didn't know how'd she respond if she either saw the amulet or sensed the presence. For all Nik knew he could possibly get a lightsaber through the chest. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Hands tapping at the keyboard Nikias sent the identification codes to Makrosia[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] though not the ones identifying him as a prince. Ones that identified the shuttle as one delivering goods for King Vinikas. Nikias' father was greedy[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] and preferred the more ostentatious things in life. As such Vinikas often ordered artwork or treasures from the outter rim and other such planets. "Joza are you ready?" Nikias asked as he began the landing procedures and began to bring the ship down within the castles private spaceport. [/SIZE]The moment they landed there would be a group of four Royal guards coming to check out the vessel and the moment they spotted Nikias all hell would break loose. Hence why he had asked joza to deal with their guests. Either way it goes the moment fighting broke out the alarms in the castle would sound off. Still easier than a full on invasion of the kingdom.
[SIZE=10pt][/SIZE]

[member="Joza Perl"] [member="Titus"] [member="Damien"]

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza had been conducting various points of “research” over the past few months, sating her more primal desires and battling philosophical questions from her mind. The Knight didn’t really have a Jedi-like resolve anymore, instead focusing on simply honing her skills. Not necessarily to better herself, but simply to keep up. The more she’d interacted with the Sith, the more she felt the urge to strengthen her mind and body. Thus she’d been planet hopping on the outer rim, selfish, aimless and vain.

When Nikias had contacted her, Joza wasn’t certain what to think of his offer. In truth, it sounded a bit crazy to her as he’d gone over the details—this kingdom was how powerful, again? Then again, she’d placed enough trust in the Prince to the point where she supposed they wouldn’t be going on a suicide mission. But she’d fought alongside him before and had faith in his judgement, so she’d agreed to accompany him to Hora and help him reclaim the throne. After all, he’d helped her on Dathomir when she’d gone after Streen’s holocron.

That, and her hand ached to swing a saber at live targets again. Shamefully so.

Something had changed about Nikias, she’d decided as she stood towards the rear of the ship. The Zeltron was content to watch the stars pass by, nodding vaguely into a trace as she kept as far away from the ysalamir bubble as she could. She’d been forced to run a relentless, war-like obstacle course in beskar’gam complete with a ysalamir cage by her father in an attempt to teach the young woman to defend herself without the use of the Force. Even though she begrudgingly agreed that it was a lesson she’d sorely needed to learn, she didn’t like being stripped of one of her most powerful tools. And so, as long as he behaved, she would not question Nikias. This was likely a sensitive time for him and it required the both of them to cooperate fully.

“I am.” She answered simply, half-turning to look over at the man in the pilot’s chair. She could feel the determination emanating from his form. Good. Brushing a hand over the hilt of one of her sabers, the Zeltron walked toward the exit, waiting for them to gain clearance. “Steady, Nikias.” Her voice dropped an octave, though it was unclear whether she was talking about the ship or its pilot.

[member="Nikias"] [member="Titus"] [member="Damien"]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]The ship finally landed and Nikias took in a deep breath[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] everything was finally lining up in his mind. Every ounce of training he'd been through[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] the missions and adventures he'd been on with the Sactum[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] the lessons he learned with his victories and defeats. All of it narrowed down to this one goal[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] the goal of freeing his kingdom from war and getting his father to either seeing things his way or dethroning him... With force if necessary. Nikias wished that he could just return home with what he learned and share it with his father. They could stop the war against the Attikan's and instead focus on bringing about a change of the entire planet. Though it wouldn't take a genius to know that wouldn't really happen. Nikias knew his father[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] knew everything about him and the way he acted. Vinikas would never take such an option[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] nor listen to the reasoning of his most despised son.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=10pt]"I'm as steady as I have been in a long time Joza." Nikias said back to his ally. One of the few he could truly count on to have his back in this one instance. Not too many of the other padawans at the Voss temple would probably have the stomach for what was coming. This would not be no diplomatic mission[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] there would be blood shed on this day[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] and Nikias wanted someone who held no qualms about spilling it. Looking down at the radar four red blips popped up on it and made their way for the ship.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]"Open the hanger doors and prepare to be boarded." The operator said over the com to Nikias. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]"Mmmhmm." Nikias answered before quickly muting the com. "We're about to have visitors Joza... Dispose of them and cover me as we enter the castle." Nikias said for once the regal tone of a prince returning. Fingers flying over the keyboard before him[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] Nikias lowered the ramp and at the bottom waited four men dressed in gold armor from head to toe. It almost sparkled in the private hangers’ lights. These were the royal guard and on each of their hips was a lightsaber but not yet drawn. Boarding the ship[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] they'd be face to face with Joza. Nikias did not make a move just yet as he didn't want to show his face now or envelop Joza in the protective bubble. [/SIZE]

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

A few moments of hesitation fell between the two after Nikias had answered. The Zeltron was taking her time in analyzing his tone, his body language, and would have reached into his mind if she could. Still, she would try instinctively before pulling back after hitting that familiar wall. Damn Hellyni and their mental barriers. Thankfully she was naturally skilled in reading people to a decent point, as much of her kind were. “Good.” Was all she’d responded, knowing that there needn’t be much more between the two. Nikias was one of her closest friends and Joza trusted him enough initially to accompany him to Hora. It stood that his strength would not waver.

“Let’s get this party started.” Letting her arms fall from their crossed state over her chest, Joza would stretch one above her head and to the side as if she were preparing to exercise. She arched a brow at the tone he took on but said nothing of it as she called both saber hilts to her. She skirted around the Ysalamir bubble, nearly scoffing in her distaste for the things. Standing near the exit, the Jedi would take a solid stance, saber hilt in each hand and held at the ready, but not yet ignited. As the guards entered the ship, Joza’s eyes flickered as she took rapid stock of them before giving their visitors her most charming smile.

“Hello boys!”​

​

Both blades would spring to life as she spoke, her body surging forward the instant those words left her lips. She’d managed to catch the center two men in the chest with a wide X-cross slash between the two sabers. As they cried out in surprise and crumpled to the ground, both remaining guards would move to flank her to her on either side. Having drawn their weapons, the one on her right went to slash at her hip while the other went for her throat. Swiftly the pink woman would lean to the side and back, avoiding both strikes seemingly before kicking the hand of the man who had gone for her hip, the lightsaber flying from his grip. A sharp flick of her saber was all it took to decapitate him, her other saber quickly making its home in the other guard’s skull though his eye socket. Spinning rapidly, she kicked the screaming man in the gut and sent him against the wall of the ship.

Satisfied with her work and that the men were all either incapacitated beyond what was necessary or dead, Joza tossed her head to move some stray hair from her face. Turning towards Nikias, she then cocked her head to the side and held out one saber-laden arm with a flourish towards the ramp. “Your majesty.”

[member="Nikias"]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Nikias had been preparing for this moment yet hear Joza was doing the initial combat because Nikias did not yet want to reveal the amulet embedded in his chest. He couldn't reveal the presence at first as if he had the trained royal guard would've sensed him as they came in to land[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] and even now he did not yet wish to leave the bubble. If Joza was able to kill the guards before they were able to alert anybody or leave the ship they'd have a free pass to the inner castle and then it would be a straight shot for the throne room. The anticipation was killing him[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] palms grew sweaty[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] his knees almost grew weak. Rising from his seat Nikias turned to watch the fight[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] the royal guards weren't untrained but none of them had shown Joza's skill when Nikias had been exiled. He was sure that they hadn't grown much better[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] this was more so to measure how far Joza herself had come. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]The relentless nature in Joza's combat style now was startling. Before Nikias would've never thought her the type to be so ruthlessly efficient in combat. She'd always seemed to have been the more jedi-like one out of the two of them. Now she showed a completely different side of her that Nikias had never seen. Not even feeling a pang of regret for the dying royal guards Nikias did not say a word. They were not his to command and they would've taken his and Joza's lives without question if his father ordered it. Thankfully not too many would be in the castle at this time of day[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] many would be spread out across numerous battlefields taking on the Attikan's due to them being the elite forces in a way.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]"Why thank you,[/SIZE] your loyalty shall not be forgotten."[SIZE=10pt] [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Nik joked while shrugging on the nutrient frame and staying away from Joza so she was not affected. She had disposed of the royal guards so quickly that no signs of alarm had went up. Currently wearing a cowl to cover his face Nikias nodded his head for Joza to follow. The other guards and attendants would think their cargo was just undergoing a routine security check in the meantime.[/SIZE] [SIZE=10pt]"Your skills have grown greater since the last time we fought together You've also become more ruthless. Anything you're like to share?" [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Nikias asked nodding towards the large grand doors they'd have to get through before anyone realized what was going on. [/SIZE]



[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

She met his words with a wry smirk, edging away from the nutrient frame just as he’d moved it. Her experience with ysalamir amounted to some not so pleasant things, and while she could recognize the use for the normally placid creatures they had absolutely proved to be a nuisance at certain times. For her, at least. Not so much for the Mandalorians. A certain Mandalorian in particular.

She eyed his face covering for a brief moment, unperturbed by it and figuring that it was necessary. Her job was to fend off any opposition until they made it to his father, and Nik’s job was to stay hidden and save his strength for the final battle. Still, she felt her pride swell in her chest as he complimented her combat abilities. She’d been facing far tougher opponents than she had when they were Padawans and had to compensate for it by being as efficient as possible. Quite a contrast from her first real battle where she was so shaken that she’d vomited.

She tilted her head girlishly, the motion seeming out of place for someone who’d just taken four lives with no remorse. “Nothing in particular. I mean, you already know a lot more about me than I’d like most people to know.” She joked with a wave of her hand and therefore her saber, though there was an undercurrent of steel to her tone. She and the future King of Makrosia were close, and while she was grateful for his company and understanding, it perturbed her to no end that he knew her so well. Perhaps it was because she’d lost the element of surprise with him. Regardless…

“They weren’t going to let me live, so why should I grant quarter?” She shrugged. It was far easier to simply kill rather than knock someone out. Still, her goal was never to kill directly, only to incapacitate her adversaries…and if death resulted, then so be it. And in Makrosia, there was no way to avoid it.

“Shall we?” She poked her head out from the side of the ship, glancing around to make sure that everything was clear. After seeing no further signs of disturbance, Joza cast one last glance to the heap of guards to ensure that they would cause no more trouble. With a tilt of her head towards the outside, she exited down the ramp, keeping a sharp eye out for any more potential opponents. “So, is anyone here actually on your side?”

[member="Nikias"]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]"You're the one who let me learn so much about you." Nikias said smirking at Joza ignoring the saber as it was waved. Joza had already proven herself to be the better saber wielder out of the two of them. Someone that Nikias knew if he let get to close could end a duel quicker than he would probably be able to process it. Though he'd grown in many ways as well as she would see once he finally faced his father and probably not a moment too soon if things went the way he wanted. "Anyways just as much as I know about you[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] you know about me... I see it as an even trade. I also am not the one who constantly goes getting themselves in trouble." Nikias joked pointing out how Joza was always in some form of drama.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]"Hmm so you are becoming more vicious." Nikias said looking away from her and stepping off the ship leading the way through the hanger. Everyone went about their jobs paying little or no attention to the two jedi that made their way through the hanger. Each was a jedi in their own way and stood for different things[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE] [SIZE=10pt]and also had varied views on the galaxy. In all honesty it was hard to see how Nikias and Joza had even become best friends considering how much they butted heads about many issues. [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]"I do not disagree with your decision... I think their deaths were necessary and they Fulfilled their purposes." [/SIZE] [SIZE=10pt]Keeping his voice low and head even lower Nikias snuck a glance at what royal guards filled the hanger and the dock workers. None made their way for the shuttle he and Joza had just departed.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Reaching the grand doors that led to the main hallway of the castle they had a straight shot for the dining hall. Exactly where his father would be. It was the twentieth anniversary of his father’s ascendance to the Makrosian throne. People from the City-states of Spathi[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] and Emporio. They were not true allies[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] but they were all forced together in a way in the effort in having to defend themselves from the Attikan's. "None besides my siblings and uncle. My siblings are probably somewhere in the courtyards while my father and uncle are in the dining hall... This is the twentieth anniversary since he ascended to the throne. No better time to take it." Nikias said his eyes narrowing as they entered the main hall and would have to follow the crimson and gold rug laid out on the tile floor. [/SIZE]

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

“I guess.” Joza shrugged, rolling her eyes upwards in thought. When she’d first met the Prince he had a rather regal demeanor, but over a few drinks he began to soften up. Now when in each other’s company, the pair typically teased each other relentlessly as a sign of affection. Their upbringing couldn’t be more different—though both planets encouraged the pursuit of pleasure, Joza had grown up in a low-income area on Zeltros, and Nikias a Prince in Makrosia. In the end though, it didn’t seem to matter much. Though they clashed on many fronts, Nik and Joza were alike in many ways. “Hey, I do not get in trouble! Drama just follows me! I can’t help it!” She protested as if truly believing that it wasn’t her fault.

“I am?” Her tone shifted to one of genuine curiosity when he mentioned how she’d become more ruthless in her fighting style. “I guess it’s just how I’ve progressed…” In truth, the deaths of the guards made her feel nothing, and that worried her. She’d been so terrified of potentially taking a life when she began her training, and was taught only to do it when necessary. Glancing back at the ship nervously, a frown tilted her lips. Surely she could have dispatched them without ending their lives? She had to admit—fighting without inhibitions was far easier than holding back out of fear for becoming a killer.

“Ah, I knew you didn’t just choose today randomly.” The Zeltron grinned, finding enough humor in that to turn her thoughts away from the dying men. She took a few moments to glance around the spacious main hall, admiring the finery that decorated the area. “I hope they recognize that you’re making a big comeback. Don’t want to have them get caught up in the mix.” She twirled the hilt of her saber, prepared to go into aggressive negotiations with any potential threats if deemed necessary.

[member="Nikias"]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]"Oh you don't? I seem to remember quite a few instances where you got not only yourself but both of us into quite a bit of trouble. Need I remind you of how our antics on Dathomir got me slammed through a pillar of stone and almost ended with you becoming one with the stone tiles of that temple?" Nikias asked. The incident was one he remembered quite well and something that he'd rather not experience again. Nikias had been thrown through enough walls and buried alive to last him a lifetime. "Or need I mention your incident the first night we met again? Miss I have two livers." [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]She doesn't notice it? There must be more wrong than what she is willing to share. [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Nikias thought. The answer that had been given was not like Joza at all. No backhanded comment or joke involved with it. There were very few times that she had used a serious tone and its usually during those times that Nikias' protective nature came through and they butted heads. "Hmm." Was all Nikias could say to that. If he said something negative about the situation he was sure that him and Joza would butt heads and the last thing that needed to happen right now was for them to argue over who was right and who was wrong. It would be brought up on a later date and that was something they could both be sure about.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=10pt]"They know not to interfere during the duel. The only way for me to properly claim the throne is to defeat my father in single combat. I wanted you here as support and to dispatch any that rose to face us before we reached my father... And you're the only one in the Sanctum I trust enough for such a thing." Assuring Joza that this was all part of the plan Nikias calmed himself. They were drawing close to the dining hall. Up ahead the large golden doors stood cracked waiting for more to enter. "Joza whatever happens in that room I want you to promise me that you're going to listen before you react." [/SIZE]

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

“I do have two livers!” She protested with a snarl. “When we have our celebratory party I will drink you under the table so far, you’ll never get out.” The Zeltron did not like being undermined when it came to partying, and she was keen on letting Nikias know, teasing or not. “And it’s not my fault you got slammed into a pile of rocks.” That last part had to be added for good measure.

Thankfully their banter remained teasing rather than exploding into a full-scale fight. Besides, Joza had a feeling that the majority of their energies were focused into their surroundings. The conversation served to add a sense of normalcy to the tense situation, keeping them both grounded.

Hearing Nik’s words, that he trusted her brought a small smile to her face. Silly as it was, as a Padawan she was worried over being unable to form connections with her fellow Jedi. But she’d cultivated a good group of friends, small as it was. “Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Anyone who tries to interfere with your fight is getting a lightsaber through the chest.” The Zeltron flashed him a confident smile in assurance. “You’ve grown a lot, Nik. Go and do what you need to do.”

A pause, and both red brows arched above her bangs. “Yeah, yeah. Don’t worry. I’m not as rash as I used to be.”

[member="Nikias"]