The Long Way Around

[Erud'ryz'ladre]

[member="Akio Diachi "]

Dryzl resisted the urge to blurt out, "What?" Did I hear him right? After all, he was dreaming. Dreams were odd entities, sometimes taking strange turns into places one would never go.

And if she were honest with herself, Dryzl was pretending to have misheard him so she wouldn't get her hopes up. Akio, despite what he'd done, was a good man, and he'd made it clear more than once that he wanted to make up for his past deeds. The last thing Dryzl wanted to do was stop him from doing that -- but she didn't want to be his weakness, the one person his enemies -- for assassins made enemies, whether their names were known or not -- could use against him.

Except I already am, damn it. And, again, if she were to be honest, Akio was starting to be that too; starting to become someone she'd save because she wanted to, not because it was the honourable or the right thing to do.

Why else would I be here?

Gently, she removed his fingers from her hair and stood up. As cautiously as she could, without waking Akio up (since he seemed to be having a much more pleasant dream), Dryzl lifted the other Chiss enough so that when she sat down again, her back was to the headboard and she was able to cradle him.

There. Now she could easily restrain Akio, should the nightmare come back, and at least she'd get semi-decent sleep. With the back of his head resting on her shoulder and her lips next to his ear, the woman softly whispered, "Goodnight, Akio."

She then closed her eyes and attempted to go back to sleep.

 

[Akio Diachi]

((you gave me the feels... the feels, smalls))

When Akio woke up, he felt different. The world seemed warmer. It felt brighter. The air--it couldn't be the same one he had fallen asleep to. It was rich and warm with something he couldn't quite place. Life. That's it. Life. The air was vibrant, and he wasn't sucking air to survive, he was breathing to live. I want to live, he realized.

That was when he realized Dryzl. Behind him. Arms around him and leaning against the back board. Her chin was resting on his shoulder and was she--smiling? She looked vibrant too. Her soft, lovely skin was almost glowing. Her beautiful black hair fell around her face like a masterpeice. He took it in for a few moments, drinking in the view, the closeness, her peppermint-scented breath brushed on his skin softly, sending warmth and chills down his body in ways he never even dreamed were possible. He softly planted a kiss on her narrow cheek, her flawless and smooth skin felt so wonderful on his lips, he lingered there for a moment before reluctantly pulling back and whispering, "ch'eo vez viz nah en'can'sah ran vah," my life is meaningless without you.

He carefully, quietly rose, intentionally not disturbing the sleeping woman. He made his way to the kitchen and cooked up a decent breakfast: sushi rolls with a hint of mint. It was his specialty.

Roaq came up, "Good morning, master."

Akio gave the droid a genuine smile, "bun ch'ican, Roaq," good morning.

The droid studied the Chiss, feeling the closest emotion a droid could to puzzled, "Is something wrong with your face, Master Akio, it appears broken."

"Its called a smile, silly goose," he said playfully.

"I see, sir, I came to inform you that we have reached our co-ordinates, however there is something wrong with the planet."

Akio quirked an eyebrow, "Oh?"

He followed Roaq to the view port. He gasped and grabbed his chest--he couldn't believe what he was seeing. Gone were the mountains, gone were the fields, gone were the oceans and farms. Instead, the world where Akio had grown into maturation, where he had been raised by Umbarians to be a killing machine had been reduced to a slagged planet. The Chiss had to stead himself on the chair, "Fething hells...."

[member="Erud'ryz'ladre"]

 

[Erud'ryz'ladre]

@Akio Diachi

Dryzl opened her eyes, wincing as she stretched out her muscles. Though she was used to sleeping upright, the seat in her ship was much more comfortable than the headboard.

Even so...her flesh held onto the lingering warmth from Akio, who must've gotten up shortly before she awoke. It wasn't long after she'd been able to coax the other Chiss out of his nightmare that Dryzl had fallen asleep again. Thankfully, Akio had suffered no more from his nightmare, and she had gotten the first decent night of sleep in a long time.

A month, to be precise, but who was counting?

The woman got out of the bed, doing a few stretches to loosen up her muscles. Of course, the best wake-up call was fresh-made caf. With that in mind, she pulled her hair up and padded out of the room, not even bothering to change. Dryzl wanted to take a shower after she ate, and her pyjamas would be sufficient enough to survive a variety of attacks.

Her first stop was the kitchen. Surely the previous owners had caf -- it, next to liqueur and water, was the universal drink. But despite Dryzl's search, she found nothing. There were, however, strange rolls sitting on the counter. The Chiss examined the food closely. She had never seen such a dish, particularly one that smelled minty, and when she poked the food it felt a little...squishy.

How strange. But beyond the cautious poke, Dryzl was not sure what to make of it, so she left it alone and walked around, hoping to locate Roaq or Akio and demand caf.

She found him in the view port, but it was immediately clear that something was wrong. Dryzl walked up beside the Chiss, her voice tinged with concern. "Akio, what-- Oh, oh my."

Dryzl did not remember what planet they were supposed to go to, but this did not look like something which could yield any use. And judging by Akio's reaction, it wasn't like this when he'd last been there. "What planet was this?"

 

[Akio Diachi]

Akio heard her behind him, but he was so shocked, he didn't hear her coming. He was thousands of miles away, seeing the now obliterated mountains he had grown up on. The shores he had walked on as a child. The fields he had practiced on. There were few neutral memories of his youth and no good ones--however it still was a shock to see the world so callously destroyed. Her question drew him closer to reality, back to the moment, to the ship. He gave her a warm smile, despite the shock, he still remembered the goodness of his waking call.

Wrapping an arm around her body for support, emotionally and physically he swallowed hard. His thin, silken clothes pressed against hers, he could feel her warmth through them. Finding his voice before answering Akio said, "This is--was--Dantoowine," the next words felt hollow, devoid of meaning, "My home."

"Sir, we have a ship on the--"

Akio raised his free hand, he silenced the droid, "They are my contact, just dock with them."

Roaq had learned by now to reply with obedience and no words. Akio sighed, looking one more time at the shattered world. He pressed a soft kiss on Dryzl's cheek, "bun ch'ican," he whispered and he went to get dressed. Good morning.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The black-armored Akio stepped out on to the deck. He realized Dryzl had never seen the Cortosis armor of his. He would have to worry about that later, it was time for business. He crossed the docking ring, coming into the YT-2400 freighter. A human male with cyborg augmentations on his left eye, forehead, side of his head, and right hand was waiting. Akio was subtly aware of Dryzl and Roaq were behind him.

"Fix, what did you find for me?" Akio demanded. His kind side was gone, the cold emotionless one had returned.

"I told you I needed--" began the cyborg.

Akio took a menacing step forward, "I warned you about the results of failure."

Fix nodded fearfully, "Sir, alright, alright, I will give you what I found," the man retrieved a datapad. "Immigration does say that a pair of Chiss did exist in the Ascendancy at said times, twenty years ago. One of them, a woman, dissapearred during that time--just vanished for a year. A Chiss had a visa on world during this time--she used a false ID it was the same lady. There were several--"

"Get to the point," Akio snapped coldly.

He swallowed fearfully, "Evidence seems to support that the Chiss, Mett'eniam'lorto, had an affair and gave birth to a Chiss on Dantoowine, but there is no evidence of what happened to the child. It--it--"

Akio didn't say a word. He turned around and hung his head in shame. He didn't care what had happened to Dantoowine. He didn't care who was hurt. He didn't care anymore. He knew the truth. He knew what he was--bastard born. Son of an affair. Scoundrel. Wastrel. Worthless. That was him. He took his helmet in his hands, staring at it listlessly. Anger and pain boiled up in him--he didn't want this. He hurdled it out the door angrily and drew his sword. Someone had to pay. Someone had to die. Someone had to pay for the truth that he was a bastard son. He would kill, he would bring justice and vengeance for the soiling of his blood--by spilling blood. Rage boiling in him, the killer was alive again, sighting eyes on Fixer it roared, "I will slaughter you!"

[member="Erud'ryz'ladre"]

 

[Erud'ryz'ladre]

[Member="Akio Diachi "]

"Oh."

Dryzl leaned against Akio to support him, knowing how much comfort her presence gave him.

It was a terrible thing to have one's childhood home destroy; even worse if it's the planet. Though it had been years since she'd visited Csilla, though it was under the control of the One Sith, the planet held a special place in her heart. And if it were destroyed, like Dantooine...

She gave Akio's shoulder a gentle squeeze, instead of speaking. After all, what could she say? "That is terrible"? Restating the obvious, and probably end up sounding callous. "I'm sorry"? It wasn't her fault, so why apologize? "You have my condolences"? This wasn't a funeral. Well, alright, it could have been, but still.

Actions speak louder than words.

She snorted a little when Akio told her "good morning," her hand coming up to touch the place on her cheek where he'd kissed her. Good morning, indeed, she thought, again looking at the obliterated planet. It had been a good morning until reality checked in again.

********************​

It felt nice to shower. Dryzl wasn't exactly filthy, but showers always had a way of making her feel fresher. Now, though, she stood behind Akio wearing her own armour. Akio's was a black, intimidating suit, and she couldn't help but compare it to her own -- hers was designed to command respect and convey a sense of protection-giving to the citizens around her.

"Fix, what did you find for me?"

Under her helmet, Dryzl blinked. Gone was the Akio of this morning, the one who had made those peculiar rolls (sushi?) and found her some caf. This new personality was the cold, merciless one she recognized as the one Akio used so long ago, to negotiate her release with Olivia Darque.

The way he became like a completely different person, though...Dryzl had noticed it during those six months, but she merely assumed it was just the way Akio was. But it manifested right after he'd been shot.. No matter. Right now was not the time to worry about such things.

Right now she just had to make sure Akio didn't get hurt, or that he didn't hurt the contact.

Dryzl listened closely to what the man, Fix, had to say. It appeared Akio had been looking into his own history...but wasn't what either one had expected.

His mother had had an affair. ​Definitely an embarrassing thing to find out, but it didn't particularly bother her too much. Illegitimate or no, Akio was still the same man he was five seconds ago, and Dryzl refused to treat him differently because of his mother's actions. Otherwise, she wouldn't be here and Akio wouldn't exist.

"I will slaughter you!"

Oh no. If Dryzl didn't do something quick, Akio would kill the man! He must have taken the news about the affair much more harshly than I'd expected. Her movements quick, the woman darted in front of the Chiss and, vizor flicked up to reveal her eyes, planted her hands firmly on Akio's chest.

Her red eyes boring into his, Dryzl began to speak quickly. "Akio, stop. I understand the destruction of your planet has left you feeling...well, feeling horrible. Anyone would feel like that. And I understand that learning you were the result of an affair, on any given day, is not something you should have to go through. But listen to me: you cannot let your mother's actions define you. You are still the Akio who woke up this morning, and you are still the Akio I've known for several months."

Her voice dropped down a decibel. "Don't shoot the messenger, Akio. Would you want to kill me, if I'd given you the same news?"

 

[Akio Diachi]

Akio watched the whole thing happen from the backseat of his mind. He could see through his eyes, he was aware of the sensations of his cortosis armor, but he was unable to do anything about it--or he didn't care enough to. His mind was still reeling from the truth. He was completely embarrassed. Now Dryzl knew. Now he knew why they took him in. It wasn't because he was special. It wasn't because he was amazing. It was because no one else wanted him. That was it. No one wanted him. Even the Umbarians didn't want him. Does Dryzl not want me either? The pain of that thought was too much for him. He couldn't live without her. Not anymore.

Then she stepped into view. Akio willed his body to stop, against the inclination to kill. To destroy to slaughter. He felt her hand on his chest. She was stronger than him, but there was nothing that could stop him. He knew that. He was sure she did too. Nothing expect say please. Her eyes were penetrating into his like nothing he had felt before, drawing him back, back from the recesses of his mind, back to the control and once again pushing the beast away. This is not over, I will take over again, the thought echoed from the back of his mind. And perhaps you will. But you will not hurt her. You won't. I won't let you.

He placed his gloved hand gently on her's. She had no idea she had no idea that she was his anchor. That she was the only think keeping him back at this point. He breathed in her subtle scent, letting it fortify his control. His sensitive nose could smell her pheromone signature, the soap she had used, every soap she had used for a week and a faint lingering of perfume.

"I would never hurt you, ch'eo ch'acah," my love. the words slipped out of his lips without him realizing it. But he had to know. He had to know something and he prayed to the dead gods he got a different answer than what he expected. He wanted to be different. He wanted to be perfect for her. But he was anything but. And he knew it. It burned deep in his soul like nothing else, "Do--do you--do you think less of me?"

Fix took his chance to disappear out one of the hallways. A moment later, when Akio asked his question, the faint sound of an escape pod being launched with its distinctive thunk reverberated through their ears.

 

[Erud'ryz'ladre]

[Member="Akio Diachi "]

Dryzl held in a breath of relief. Though she had no clue what was going on in Akio's mind, though she had no idea that she'd just stared down a beast, she did know the real Akio was back.

It took some strength to not react to his slip-up. That was something which would be addressed later, but now was not the time.

Instead of answering his question right off the bat, Dryzl instead took a small step back, keeping one hand on the other Chiss's chest. She twisted slightly, her red eyes scanning the area as her ears listened for Fix's footsteps. The cyborg seemed to have made his exit via escape pod. Good. He was no longer needed, and this was a bit of a private moment.

Satisfied that they were alone (Roaq, poor droid, had picked up on his Master's increasing hostility and did not wish to stick around for the ending), Dryzl turned back to Akio.

"If you had killed that man like you wanted to, I would have walked out of your life immediately." And it was true. Dryzl had no use for men (or anyone, really) who beat up or murdered individuals who displeased them. Even though walking out for good would have hurt her (and most likely break Akio horrendously), she would have done it. Because if he had killed that cyborg, it would have been a sign that all of the rehabilitation they went through was a waste of time. "But you didn't -- and I think more highly of you for it."

She took a chance with a small, slightly amused smile. "Ebeucot. Do you think I am so shallow and callous that your true origins would change my opinion of you, after several months?" Dryzl squeezed his shoulder again. "You are Swerr, and you are a noble-hearted man. You have come a long way from when I first met you."

 

[Akio Diachi]

"Please--don't--leave me," he whimpered.

The very thought sent a wave of pain through his body. He didn't want to be alone anymore. And he knew that would break him. No, it would kill him. he would die. He wouldn't just be broken, he would be dead. Her squeeze of his shoulder and her words brought comfort back to him, he swallowed hard. "Thank you, Dryzl," was all he could say. He couldn't manage anything else. And he didn't think there were any other words to be said. He rubbed her arm softly, even through the armor he could feel her warmth and kindness.

He pulled his arm around hers and drew comfort from her touch as he went back on-board the Drunken Dancer.

He collected himself, taking a few deep breaths before saying what was on his mind. He wanted to tell her how much she meant to him. He wanted her to know what she had done for him. He want to tell her everything, all of his heart, all of his soul, he wanted to give it to her. She already had it, and he was sure she knew it, but he wanted her to know. He wanted to be back on that beech, holding her. He wanted to tell her that. He wanted it. He craved it like air, he thirsted for it like water. He wanted her embrace, every touch she gave was like surfacing from drowning.

"If I am a good man," he said gently, "Its only because you helped me be that way. If I am noble, its only because you showed me how. If I am swerr it is only because I learned how from you. If there is anything good in me, anything at all," His eyes searched her face, he had no idea if he was getting through, if she would understand, if he would even be able to say what he wanted. "If there is anything at all good in me--it came from you." He hesitated. No, he couldn't. He couldn't tell her. Not here. Not now. He caressed her cheek softly, "Thank you."

Roaq seized up seeing his master as they came closer.

"Take us away from here, anywhere but here," Akio ordered and he went into his bedroom.

Roaq ventured to mention to his mistress what he deemed relevant information, "Mistress, Master Akio has never recovered from anger that fast, I dare say, you have quite a way with him. I would venture to say that you are the only person who seems able to speak reason into his mind, though I am one to doubt that his mind has any reason at all sometimes," the droid's endless babble seemed to outnumber even the stars themselves.

The Chiss removed his torso plate and gloves, baring his scared, thin upper body. He looked down at his gnarrled thin hands. What am I without her?

[member="Erud'ryz'ladre"]

 

[Erud'ryz'ladre]

[Member="Akio Diachi "]

As she walked back onto the ship, Dryzl whispered softly, "Ch'ah csarcican't nah tir vah ch'tra." Literally, "I won't let you go." She would not leave him, and she would not let him leave her. It sounded possessive, but Dryzl had seen what'd happened when he did not have her, though it went against her nature to admit she was so important so someone. Not to mention, it boggled her mind if she thought about it too much.

Dryzl listened to his words silently, wishing there was some way through actions that she could convey her thoughts. When it came to things like this, Dryzl . "Not all of it came from me, Akio," the woman told him. "Some of it had to come from you -- or else we would not have gotten this far." She placed her hand on his. "Give yourself some credit as well, ebeucot."

Her red eyes watched Akio for a moment, gauging whether or not he still needed her. The man seemed to have calmed down to a pleasant mood, so she deemed it unnecessary to follow him. Besides, it would be rude to constantly invade his privacy.....Though some little voice made note that it might not have bother Akio that much. But, who could tell?

"I do not fully understand the reason for it myself, but I am quite thankful for this ability to get through to Akio." Dryzl motioned for the droid to follow her. "The navicomputer is in the cockpit, right?"

"Indeed, Mistress. And heavens knows how thankful I am for your calming effect on Master Akio." The droid raised his hands in an affectation of despair. "Anytime I try to do something, Master Akio always yells at me! I dare say, he is better than my former masters, but still! A little respect and--"

"Roaq. You cannot gain Akio's respect, if that's what you want, by speaking a monologue. Try condensing your sentences."

Roaq's photoreceptors flashed on and off, as if the droid were blinking. "Why, that strategy had never occurred to me before! I shall commence with it at once, to see how it works. And maybe then--"

"Roaq."

"Apologies, Mistress."

The finally arrived at the cockpit, and Dryzl sat down to start looking at the map. "Roaq, I may be in need of your help later, but for right now I would like you to fetch me a glass of water. Oh, and let Akio know I'm in here."

"Of course, Mistress."

Dryzl waited until the droid left, then stripped her armour off down to the waist. She wasn't completely undressed -- she had on a body glove -- but this way she could move easier too.

Cracking her knuckles, the Chiss took a look at the map, and began to chart.

 

[Akio Diachi]

Sound track here (Note: your definitely gonna wanna listen to it while reading)

Ch'ah csarcican't nah tir vah ch'tra. The words rattled in his head as he took his armor off. He mulled it over. Had he heard her right? Was it just his imagination? Did he really hear her promise to not leave him? Was it his imagination? The Chiss ran his fingers through his long hair and caught sight of his thing, sickly body in the mirror. For the first time in his life he realized how truly deformed he was. Scars crisscrossed his skin like a road map, massive hunks were mutilated from burns and acidic damage. He blinked. What could someone like her see in someone like me? She could leave me, find someone else. She could be with people so much better than me.

"Master Akio, Mistress Dryzl has requested me to tell you that she is in the cockpit area," Roaq said from the doorway.

The Chiss braced himself for a long dissertation on the state of everything in the universe. He shot a look at the droid waiting expectantly for a reply.

"Thank you, Roaq," was all he said and Akio finished changing as the droid trundled off.

With the roughly weaved light blue shirt and matching pants on, Akio brewed a pot of tea. His mind went back to the first time he had met her, when he had almost killed her with poisoned tea. A fondness went over him as he watched the water transform, reminding him again of how she had transformed him. He smiled softly. I was so lost without her, now she will never leave me. She promised.

Taking the warm liquid he quietly made his way to the cockpit. He felt a wave of initial shock come over him.

At first he thought she had bared her skin, but the he realized that Dryzl's lithe but strong form was wearing her underarmor. Black and form-fitting, it covered every inch of her as she studiously looked over the map and charting. A few strands of her hair fell around her concertinaed face, teasing softly at her thoughtful eyes. The sun came from around Dantoowine's edge, highlighting her luscious hair. She is so beautiful he thought in total awe. Akio forgot where he was and time seemed to stand still in the moment. Blinking, he stored it deep into his photographic memory. For dark days. For days I want to give up.

On quiet bare feet he came behind her and set the tray of tea on a vacant space.

"This is my special brew, thirty different leaves from across the galaxy to make one perfect drink to renew the soul," Akio said before adding with an attempt at humor, "non-lethal this time."

Honoring the age old custom of tea-serving, he poured her a porcelain cup he had procured apart from the Drunken Dancer. Setting down for her, Akio gently rubbed her shoulders.

"Dryzl, by the gods, your shoulders are too tense," he reproached her gently. Coming behind her chair his firm but practiced hands began working at her knotted muscles. He sighed quietly, how could he let her get so tense and not take adequate care of her? You are a terrible care taker. She nursed you back to health from death, gave you reason to live and this is how you repay her? he chided himself inside.

"Let me take better care of you, ch'eo k'ta," my flower he said gently, "if you need something, tell me, don't hesitate to ask." the Chiss gently undid her bun and eased her taunt neck muscles with his thumbs, "tir ch'ah pushah tsah vah ch'acacah vah pushah tsah ch'ah."

The meaning was unmistakable: Allow me to take care of you, just like you take care of me.

[member="Erud'ryz'ladre"]

 

[Erud'ryz'ladre]

[Member="Akio Diachi "]

(I can't find a good song, so...just keep listening to that one xD)

Dryzl leaned back as Akio poured her some tea, murmuring a soft "thank you." She was not much of a tea person, but she would not throw a fuss over it. As the Chiss reached for her cup, she felt Akio's hands touch her shoulders and became even more tense for a second. She was not used to people giving her a massage, and she couldn't even recall if she'd ever been massaged before. "Apologies," Dryzl muttered "Sometimes it's hard to learn how to relax."

But, his fingers proved to be skilful, and it wasn't long before her shoulders slackened, and the woman even took a sip from her cup. The tea wasn't bad, but she wouldn't ask for it for her birthday.

"Akio, you..." As Dryzl struggled for the right words, her fingers attempted to work around his to get her hair back up. "You do not have to do that. Don't feel like you must....repay me." She paused in her endeavours and gripped both of his hands tightly. "What you do now, to...make yourself better...Hah cart rokes. It is enough."

The truth of the matter was that Dryzl was not used to having someone take care of her, really take care of her. In the Academy they had been taught to become self-reliant and that habit carried on well after her graduation. That was not to say she hadn't had anyone offer her help; but none had really been as meaningful as his.

Leaning forward, Dryzl gave up on putting her hair in a bun and simply began to braid it. "Anyway..." She cleared her throat softly. "Is there any particular route your employers wish to go? Otherwise, I was thinking..." Dropping the braid for a moment, she zoomed in on their current location. "We are here, at Dantooine." Her finger pointed the planet out. "It is in Primeval territory, and the nearest hyperlane is the Braxan Run, connecting Bastion, Echoy'la, and those other planets." She moved her finger to trace the route.

"What if we travelled to Munnilist and traced a route along the Unknown Regions? The only two territories we would have to worry about would be the Primeval and the Sith, but I do not think they will cause trouble." Her finger continued to travel as she talked. "We could connect Esfandia, Noris, Ornfra, Naporar, Sposia, and..." A lump formed in Dryzl's throat, and she struggled to swallow it. "And Csilla, in Sith territory. And then we could go from there."

She looked up at Akio. "What do you think?"

 

[Akio Diachi]

More music your gonna wanna listen to

"I don't feel like I have to repay you," Akio said quietly as his hands rubbed her neck and shoulders gently. Even with his nerve-damaged hands, her skin felt soft and smooth. "I want to take care of you, Dryzl."

His hands methodically rubbed her, processing what she had said. The Hutts hadn't been too specific on what they wanted, they just wanted a route. Even though he wasn't a pilot--he could barely drive a speeder adequately--this sounded about as good of a plan as any. He knew she was by far more intelligent on these things than he was. That is why I called her. He blinked twice, stop lying to yourself, no it isn't and you know it. She does too. It was a secondary thought to getting close to her again. You needed her and she knew it. You both knew it.

He looked down at her. He had never seen her like this before. Something was hurting. Hurting underneath. A rush of strange emotions overtook him, stunning Akio. Protectiveness. Compassion. Sheltering. Akio wanted to scoop her in his arms and make it go away. He wanted to heal whatever was hurting her. He wanted to take her to freedom, to a world where nothing would ever make that look in her eyes come back, to a safe place where she would never have to worry about being hurt by anyone ever again. He would tear worlds apart if he had to in order to make this pain in her stop, he would find a way to make the safe place for her. He crouched next to her and gently placed his hand on her cheek so she couldn't look away from his eyes. He searched hers, trying to find the problem, trying to find a way to heal her. Trying to find a way to make her better, "Dryzl, what is wrong?" Then he added with a sense of tough love, "And don't say its nothing. Don't lie to me and don't say its none of my business," his free hand wrapped around hers warmly, "let me help you--please."

 

[Erud'ryz'ladre]

[Member="Akio Diachi "]

"I was not going to say it is none of your business," she retorted rather crossly -- giving away the fact that she was indeed thinking along those lines. It was for his own sake, though, not hers. Akio had more than enough on his plate to be worried about her past.

Letting out a loud snort-sigh, Dryzl pulled away from his hand so that her red eyes were focused on Csilla's little dot. "I am simply concerned because it has been a long time since I'd been to Csilla, and I don't know if my family..." Still thought she was a disgrace? Would welcome her back, or at least treat her civilly? "If they are still there, or if they are scattered about." The Chiss's gaze turned thoughtful. "I can't remember if you said you had ever been there before." Of course, she'd certainly talked about it.

That had been one of the strategies she'd used when Akio was having nightmares -- she would talk about her life, especially her planet. Of course, it wouldn't always work, and she doubted he even remembered any of what she'd told him. "It is a shame that we would not have enough time to visit Ac'siel."

Dryzl shook her head suddenly, straightening in her chair. "Nah ch'icaseiti. But tell me, what do you think?"

 

[Akio Diachi]

Akio had interrogated enough people to know when they were lying--and what a tell was. He knew when a person was hiding something, he knew when they were giving substitute answers. Part of him wanted to remind her that he had been trained from a child how to tell these things, but he decided to let it go. She will tell me when she is ready. And when she feels I am able to handle it.

The Chiss retracted slightly, adjusting and thinking.

"First," he began, smoothing his shirt out and organizing his thoughts, "I trust your judgement. I know that you are very intelligent and I feel that this is a good plan. Second, we will need to refuel and supplies, second there is no need to hurry this along. We can visit Ac'siel," he smiled slightly, hoping the attempt at a peace offering would go far in opening her end of trust. Was that it? Does she not trust me? The thought was very painful, almost like a slap in the face. He trusted her with everything, why couldn't she trust him?

He rose and turned to leave, he needed time to mediate and he wanted to give her room to finish the last of her work. Halting in the doorway he looked over his shoulder.

"And by the way," he added in an afterthought, "I think you should have more faith in me."

The Chiss made his way to the bedroom and sat on the bed, legs crossed. His breathing starting slow and deep, slowing his heart to a near stand-still and his metabolism to near nothing. To those around him, he would have appeared dead--or very close to it. He had done this many times through his life, at times it replaced sleep. He was able to still himself enough to even pass sensors and scanners, appearing to be nothing more than a corpse.

As his body began to grow to room temperature, Akio opened his memory and began filing for all memories of Csillia. His psych may have been shattered, in places it resembled a spider-glass fractured window and in others it was an entire shard in and of itself, but his memory was flawless, as always. Csillia. Csillia.

 

[Erud'ryz'ladre]

His words sent a jolt through Dryzl's system, and her head jerked back slightly, though Akio was already gone.

I do have faith in you, Akio, she wanted to shout to him. I would trust you with my life, but there are some things even you cannot fix. Damn him. How was it that she was able to tell a powerful criminal overlord her blunt feelings on his line of work, but when this man was simply in her vicinity he sent her nerves almost haywire -- no matter how composed she tried to stay.

Dryzl leaned forward slightly, rubbing her forehead. Though she certainly wasn't in between a rock and a hard place, some days it felt like her life was all helter skelter. Reaching for her cup of tea, the Chiss took a sip -- and discovered that the tea, while cold, had miraculously enhanced its flavour.

Shaking her head slightly, and taking the cup with her, she walked over to where the controls were and began to plot their route. First stop was Dubrillion, where they could fuel up. That meant, though, they would be in hyperspace for five days straight.

After recalculating everything, her nimble fingers flew over the controls and it wasn't long before the ship launched into hyperspace.

She leaned back in her chair again. There was nothing else to do, so Dryzl decided to go inform Akio herself of the arrival time.

When she arrived to his room, her armour tucked under an arm, he was sitting crosslegged on the bed, eyes closed and seemingly dead. Dryzl had only seen the former assassin meditate like this twice. The first time, she hadn't known what was happening and panicked slightly. Second time, she left him alone but still kept a close watch.

This time, she simply leaned against the door frame, waiting patiently until he acknowledged her. Then, hopefully, he would graciously allow her to kick him out so Dryzl could change into something more comfortable. Unlikely. He would probably prefer to stay. That particular thought amused her; she was not oblivious of how often he stared at her. Dryzl simply ignored it.

 

[Akio Diachi]

Csillia. He had killed there before. A few times. The cold facts came back to him: male. Bith. 35. 1.7 million credits. Death by speeder accident. Female. Zabrak. 40. 3.6 million credits. Death by drowning in her own bathtub.

His body began to twitch as unwanted memories came up. Her body floating on the water. How he struggled before Akio strangled him and crashed the speeder. The vividness had been strong, like it was happening all over again. A thin sweat began to form over the chiss' body as he struggled to retain control of his body. One wrong impulse and he would never wake up. He would never see Dryzl again. The screams of his victims echoed in Akio's ears.

Dryzl. Think of Dryzl. She will get you out. Her calming face and the gentle feeling of her presence washed over him. Drzyl. Her sweet smell filled his sense. Everything he knew about her was before him. All the facts. Her work. Her actions. Her every move. He smiled softly and opened his eyes. There she was. Looking at him from the doorway. How long had she been there? Did she see him sweat? Did he worry her again?

He searched her face for a sign--anything. An emotion? A sense of anything? Perhaps it was the meditation coming off it or just that he was surprised she was watching him but he could garner nothing from her expression except waiting.

Akio tilted his head to the side slightly, curious. Taking a moment he stilled his voice and heart before speaking, "Yes?"

[member="Erud'ryz'ladre"]

 

[Erud'ryz'ladre]

Spoiler

Her sweet smell filled his ears.

Hue hue hue

"As our trip to Dubrillion will take approximately 5 days, I figured it would be best to change into something more...comfortable. Apologies if I interrupted you, by the way. It will be quick."

She came forward, carefully setting her upper-armour pieces on the bed beside him. "After all, I cannot possibly spend most of my day in the clothes I wore on here, or in my body glove." Dryzl sat down as well, frowning as she went over the contents of her briefcase. She had maybe...three other outfits in there. Manageable, but just barely. The Chiss had initially planned on simply plotting the route for Akio, and then leaving.

She hadn't, however, counted on staying with Akio through the whole journey. Or wanting to.

"When we arrive at Dubrillion...we can refuel enough to last us until Csilla, and I can purchase a couple more outfits, just in case." Her red eyes then turned to Akio. Dryzl wanted to ask him why he needed to meditate, but didn't. It was his business, and she shouldn't pry when she didn't let him. "Is there anything else you can think of?"

 

[Akio Diachi]

Akio heard the clumsy droid in the kitchen shatter a few glasses. He closed his eyes and let out a nasal sigh. Part of him still wanted to toss the thing out of the trash chute and be done with it, the other wanted more than anything to be a good man--even to a clumsy droid like that one who talked more than any being could stand.

"Not that I could think of, excellent work," he said calmly, "except perhaps a few repairs for Roaq if we are going to keep him around." the assassin rose from the bed in a single, fluid movement and began to let his muscles come back to life. The deep meditations had always left most of his body dead for a minute or so. Walking around the room on his quiet feet, Akio let the fibers come back to life.

"It is out of habit," he said answering her unasked question, "for as long as I can remember the Umbarians taught me to mediate. It teaches the mind silence, instills discipline, and helps to regulate the emotions," he felt a sense of irony--of the two of them, he was the more volitile, though he was the one who mediated. "Without it, I doubt I would be as calm as I am. Or sane."

He watched her face as she dug in the suit case, his hands interlocked in front of him in the waiting position.

"Since there isn't much else to do," he said at last, "where did you get your scar?"

Akio had noticed it the first time they met, but until now, he hadn't wanted to ask, for fear she would be upset. Or leave him. But now that he knew she was never going away from him, he let his curiosity out.

[member="Erud'ryz'ladre"]

 

[Erud'ryz'ladre]

[member="Akio Diachi "]

She was faintly surprised when Akio answered her thoughts. But what else did she expect? Being in constant company for half a year caused them to grow rather close (though, again, she tried otherwise).

His next question was rather random, but instead of being mad about it or closing him out, Dryzl simply looked at Akio, and smiled. Well, alright, it was a half-smile brought on by amusement at the question, but still. It counted.

Closing the lid on her briefcase, she sat up on the bed and thought back. "I received it from the Academy, actually. A dear friend gave it to me."

The story was quite funny, even back then. At least, Dryzl found it funny. And since it happened to her, she was allowed to find it funny.

"During the second year of my enrolment, there was a girl named Torel'ami'nuruodo. And yes, she belonged to House Nuruodo, one of the ruling families of Csilla." Which, she explained, it made sense for Lamin to be at the Academy, seeing as how her family was in charge of the military and foreign affairs. "She and I were in a class of twenty individuals, so we both made a pact to have each other's backs no matter what. Academy life was highly competitive, and it was smart to have allies you could trust.

"Besides, our agreement worked; I hated the limelight almost as much as she loved it, so anything we did was her claim, no matter what. Similarly, I was as cautious as she was reckless. Thus, we balanced each other out rather nicely.

"Well, it just so happened that she heard through her family members that our class was to be awarded some newer ships to practice with. And, Lamin being Lamin, she wished to try them out before anyone else." At this part, Dryzl cringed in good humour. "I did not want to go, but she was adamant. So I went, if only for the purpose of ensuring her safety.

"Lamin hadn't had much experience with the ships -- I cannot recall their model -- but nonetheless, she crawled into the cockpit and immediately began to push controls. Whatever she did went wrong, and the ship started to spiral around, knocking into crates and leaving scratch marks. This scar--" Dryzl pointed to her eye. "--is the result of me dodging a piece of metal that flew from the wing dragging on the floor. I was lucky I didn't lose my eye. In any case, Lamin immediately got out and rushed me to the infirmary.

"I was questioned later that day, and Lamin begged me to say we had saw someone enter the hangar, and went to investigate. I didn't understand why, until she told me she'd made sure the cameras were down. Thus, the story came off as plausible; however, I'm certain her family name had something to do with it, too."

The Chiss rubbed her cheek for a moment. "So there you have it. It might not be as interesting as some of your stories, but it'll have to do."

 

[Akio Diachi]

Akio smiled and turned a slightly darker shade of blue. He had never really intended to impress her with his stories. In fact he considered his manner of story-telling extremely dull and purely factional; a recollection of what he saw and stated it absolute clarity. How am I impressive? he wondered. He looked down at his scrawny frame, grizzled with destruction. He supposed in some ways that these could be considered "impressive."

"Thank you," he said at last, when he had managed to get his skin under control. He had never blushed in front of her, come to think of it, Akio had never blushed before. "I am quiet glad you did not lose your eye." he paused for a moment, thinking, "Life at the Umbarian clan was not easy either. They liked to form pacts, groups within the ranks like your Academy. The clansmen had us run many exercise missions--sometimes alone but often in groups. In truth, we were not supposed to be trained to be single-unit assassins but clans within the clans," he blinked, remembering how life had been. He had never told anyone this before, it felt strange. Part of him knew there should have been fondness in recalling one's childhood. He blinked twice and continued. "The other students never accepted me. I was an outcast, the only outcast. Many of them made it their mission to make me fail, to cause agony. Backstabbing and sabotage were common--the clansmen encouraged it saying it made the strong survive and the weak fail. As you can imagine I had to work extra hard to survive.

"At last it came down to graduation tests," Akio said moving to take a seat back on the bed. "Which was really just our first mission. We were sent to Nar Shaddaa, our first time off-world. Me and nineteen others. Our target was a human minor crimelord in the Undercity. I was the first to locate him, the first to set up a plan to take down the target. I made it into his house and finished the job, cleanly and efficiently. Then they showed up," Akio paused and set his teeth, "Kavin and his nine fellow acolytes. They didn't come for the target, they came for me," Akio pulled his shirt off and traced a grisly line from his shoulder to his hip, "They gave me that," he traced another scar just under his rib-cage, "and that," then he pointed to a stab wound on his right shoulder, "then this. It was an unfair fight, they had their katanas I only had a few knives and whatever I could grab from the apartment and swing."

Akio blinked twice. It had been a dangerous business. He had almost died that time but had overcome, the reoccurring story of his life. He had a feeling it went without saying; he had left no survivors. That was also the reoccurring story of his life. Except once I did leave a survivor. She was the best choice I ever made. He smiled softly and looked at Dryzl. That brought him no small comfort.

[member="Erud'ryz'ladre"]