The three of us (Athrun Zala and Coci Sinopi)

[Vexander Graves]

I believe that I'm a non-believer now
I was a leader, but I had to leave them all
No one will ever know the things I held inside
So I let them go​

- Streetlight Manifesto -​

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1645 Standard Hours
Planet: Malachor V

The planet surface looked just the same as it did thousands of years ago... electric storms and unstable gravity filled every corner of the asteroids that floated in different patters but, at the same time; they all remained close to each other.

It was not normal for someone to be around there... but in the end, the Jedi Master known as Vexander Graves had to visit the planet.

As soon as the man's vessel touched the ground, he partially activated the cooling systems of the vessel and hooked the ship to the surface so that the flickering gravity wouldn't just take the ship away leaving the Jedi stranded... and he had to leave the ship almost ready to go in case something happened.

Although the Jedi did all the preparations in order to be in Malachor V as long as needed in order to complete his mission, he didn't expect for the planet to trigger in him something he thought was in control: his weird visions through the Force. Perhaps it was just the fact that the whole place had a weird connection with the Force or the fact that he has always been an odd Jedi... but the place just filled him with something.

"Breath Graves... breath..." mumbled to himself while he closed his eyes and opened himself to the Force. Inmediately, he began to allow the Force to get inside his mind and chest... but as soon as he did, images of an unknown event began to pour into his mind.

He was there, standing in front of 4... no, 5... other Jedi in what seemed to be Council Chambers a feeling of frustration and sadness came to him like the one he was reflecting in the vision... he pointed towards one of the Jedi Masters... a female twilek.

"...Katr..." whispered to himself as the vision continued.

The other Jedi seemed as frustrated as him, however they were all gazing upon the other Vex and they were... blaming him?. In the end of the vision, the other Vexander just bowed and left the Chambers leaving them with their words in their mouth.

Opening his eyes, the Master realized where he was and what he was supposed to do... still, that vision felt different from the other he had in the past... in all the visions, he saw himself as a Jedi Master, a member of the Jedi Council... but in this one, it seemed that he was in odds with the Council itself and he felt the frustration the other Vex felt... All of those images didn't make sense in the present Vex that was in the mission to Malachor V.

"Wrong call... I shouldn't have done that..." such visions left him with more doubts rather than answers "...better start looking for that merc" the man shook his head and quickly looked at the datapad in order to look for the Intel for the mission.


His mission today was simple: capture a mercenary agent involved in the disruption of peace and presumed terrorists acts against the civilian personnel stationed in a couple Silver Jedi protected worlds. After almost getting caught in a bombing attempt at Voss, the mercenary took what seemed to be a colleague and left. Reports indicated that he might be in Malachor V since it is the easiest place to hide from Jedi due to the erratic waves through the Force... it was just quite easy to conceal oneself in such place from any Jedi or other beings... not even military-grade sensors could pickup accurate readings in the planet.

Vexander didn't know if he would actually find the man around here, but he did know that such place would at least tell him if he had to look elsewhere... at the moment it was more like a game of hide and seek... but one thing was certain, Vex knew how to play that game quite well.

@[member="Coci Sinopi"] @[member="Athrun Zala"]

 

[Athrun Zala]

[member="Coci Sinopi"] [member="Vexander Graves"]



There was something spine chilling about the world Athrun stood on. The green lightning danced and played over the world like a million electric eels swimming in conflicted torment. While there was something absolutely fascinating about the sky, it crawled over his skin like a thousand sharp needles. He didn't like the place. As soon as he was done here, he was leaving Malachor V far behind.

His trenchcoat whipped around him as a chill wind surged through the valley he found himself walking in. Instinctively he pulled the collar up, covering the black neck seal that was part of his Imperial armor. The armor, bodysuit, and loose covering he wore over the armor all kept him warm, but the atmosphere of the place seemed to chill him down to the bone. There was something truly foreboding about this place, and he wondered why the Jedi had chosen to frequent this world. Did they like it here? He shuddered, wishing he had brought his helmet with its infra-red scanners. Then he remembered why he hadn't; the moment he'd switched it on, the colors went all screwy like an aak dog on drugs. Even his helmet didn't like this place.

He neared a dark outcropping at the edge, and when he reached it, he ignited his torch. It flickered badly, and he was glad he had a few power packs with him. If the storm killed his light, he could recharge it. If they all failed before he left the planet, he at least had a lighter.

His flickering light fell on what looked to be ruins; actually the whole planet was in ruins, but this looked very specific. It reminded him vaguely of the old sith temples he'd seen in library holo-files, only much more sinister. If he thought the planet itself was bad, this made him want to run away and cower in his ship. He steeled his nerves, cause he knew there was no turning back, no turning back where justice was concerned. He gave a glance over his shoulder before he entered, his hand resting on the vibroblade hidden beneath his clothes.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Athrun Zala"] | [member="Vexander Graves"]​

​

​

Malachor V
City: Destination - The Trayus Proving Grounds.

There is nothing that delights the eyes on this planet. Harsh and desolate, just as she remembered. The Silver Jedi had come here with a full contingency, to investigate much criminal activity, and the ever present darkness that plagues the planet. The crime lords removed and ousted, but not the darkness. Coci's mission was to investigate the southern continent, enter the city and locate any form of Sith artifacts. Accompanied that day with Master [member="Thurion Heavenshield"], the two had find little that remained within the volts of the museums. Nothing of any power of importance.

However, she is alone this day. With her personal ship secured in the star post of the city, Coci had set out on her BARC speeder toward the known location of The Proving Grounds, determine to push the investigation further. She wears her mantel of a Shadow, fully clad in her black body suit, saber on her hip all concealed within her brown cowled cloak. No emotion in her heart or mind but set focus on the purpose of her own mission. The Silver Shadows are not aware of her departure, no one in the Order is, save for one. The one she could never hide from. Coci smiled at the thought of him, allowing herself the indulgence of his image to enter her mind for the moment.

She hates piloting speeders about as much as she hates piloting ships, her fear of it irrational but even so she has a deft touch. Having left the city behind, the speeder began to Weave through the forest. The journey would take her some time to get through the forest then on to a more harsher landscape. The Trayus Proving Ground now left in ruin, has been for a long time now. The ancient academy still holds much foreboding to the people that live on his forsaken planet. However the presence of the Silver Jedi has gone a long way in easing that burden.

Coci's eyes lifted to the skies, penetrating through the tops of the trees, lightning crackled over head and spat protest toward her. The air filled with the electricity, prickled her skin and senses, the darkness of the planet seeping into her very bones, at least that is what it felt like. She pushed the speeder forward, faster and soon broke the line of trees and burst out into the harsh barren landscape. She would soon walk upon the Proving Grounds.

 

[Vexander Graves]

[member="Athrun Zala"] [member="Coci Sinopi"]

The bearded Jedi walked slowly towards where the Force would take him... however, he was not sure if that is what it really was or if that is what he was trying to believe it told him. Lately, he has been making a lot of progress inside the Temple at Voss... it's tranquility and calmness made him be as aware to his surroundings as he used to be when he was just a plain military officer with his trusty sniper rifle... but this place was just full of chaos and disorder... such contrast was not helping him with his condition.

He didn't feel like if dark was filling him or getting over him, it was like if there was something blocking the Force all together... and trying to get a hold of it made him lose focus... it was a weird feeling he haven't had the chance to feel in the past...

The young man began to walk with the steady pace he was known for, he gazed at his surroundings and surveyed the area relying as much as possible in his senses rather than the Force.

"Why as I given this mission?" said out-loud to himself feeling that there were other qualified Jedi that would have been more suited to perform the job, perhaps a Silver Shadow... wait... "Oh yeah..." He used to be one... well not exactly himself but he was in charge of missions in a similar way.

Minutes passed, and he kept walking towards what was marked as "The Proving Grounds", it was one of the ruins left from an ancient sith academy and it was basically one of the few places marked by the Silver Jedi when they were around the last time.


Due to the darkness, he didn't manage to see anything at all however, in the distance; he did manage to see a figure... a silhouette that also walked straight to the ruins... immediately, he noticed that perhaps that was the person he was looking for... and he was indeed hiding in the Proving Grounds... with great stealth, the man approached silently and with his had close to his belt in case he had to ignite his lightsaber. Still, he remained calmed knowing that he couldn't rely on the Force as much as he wanted to and that stealth would be his greatest advantage to capture the mercenary he was tasked to find.

 

[Athrun Zala]

[member="Vexander Graves"] | [member="Coci Sinopi"]


The first thing Athrun noticed about the place were the halls were massive. His beam flickered over the interior, travelling up a very thick and taller pillar, until it reached the ceiling. The ceiling had a few small cracks in it, but the foundation was solid. He wondered how long this place had been standing; it was truly a monument to good workmanship. With the way the storms circled about the planet, he was honestly surprised the entire planet wasn't uninhabited. Lightning probably struck the temple occasionally, and he would've expected there to be far more damage.

He felt safe from the storms themselves, but now a new danger presented itself. What if a really really really big storm hit the temple, and the roof caved in on him? What if one of those pillars he was passing broke and fell on him? His armor was sturdy, but not that sturdy. Paranoia was surging through his mind, and he realized he'd lost focus of his mission. He wasn't supposed to be worrying about environmental problems that couldn't be helped, he was supposed to be worrying about the person he was hunting. Perhaps it was the temple itself that induced bad feelings--the dark side of the force at work. He'd heard rumors, seen a few sith in action, but he didn't understand the concept. It was like a wibbly wobbly electrical field that zapped the elite and gave them their powers. For a bit he imagined the electric eels of Malachor V running off and biting Jedi younglings on the necks. It was an amusing concept that was soon shoved to the back of his mind as he heard a noise.

The storm made lots of noises, but he thought this sounded like someone moving. His flickering beam moved over the large temple, and as he surveyed the large dark hall, he realized there were far far too many places to hide. Behind a pillar, or a statue, or even in the darkness; he couldn't look everywhere, and an observant sentient would see his beam. Kriff. If anyone was watching the hall now, he was giving himself away for sure. But he had no powers to see in the dark, and didn't want to risk falling off the edge of a man-made canyon. He actually thought he saw one as he moved through the temple.

Then he heard a noise again, and this time adrenaline surged through him. Fear crept up his spine, and he drew his forcepike from beneath his coat. He gripped the comforting weapon with his right hand, but left it off. The subtle hum would let his opponent know he was armed, and he wanted to surprise him. The chance was still there.

He moved slowly towards a pillar, crossing over steps and decorations left behind by ancient owners, looking left and right as he moved his beam. Nothing moved, nothing stirred. Perhaps the sound had been echoed from deeper in the temple? The place was huge, and he'd only just entered the ruins. He looked towards the entrance, at the green crackle that lit up the back of the room for a moment, then shook his head. Turning around to keep his back to the irksome storms, he moved for the next room, being careful not to step over what looked like a cliff hanging.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Athrun Zala | Vexander Graves​

​

​

With the BARC speed hidden from prying eyes, Coci wasted no time approaching the Proving Grounds. As if to herald her arrival, the electrical storm cracked ahead her head, a sense of foreboding sizzled through the charged air of the place. She has grown to dislikes such storms, as they only represent bad memories or impending upheavel. Her possession by the evil Taung right there as she recalled the penetrating storm that pounded her mind that horrid day of expulsion. It had ignited fear in her she did not know she possessed.

That odd sense of familiar prickled along her force senses, ahead of her within the Sith building, a force signature she had felt recently and her brow knitted once more. The man in the trench coat, what is blazes is he doing here?

But yet another, sensed more within the force through event rather then out right recognition. Yet unobtainable, to take no chances, Coci shrouded herself with the force and vanished, as the light and sound warped around her body, a skilled learned some time ago now and no she can summon with rapidity, Vexander had trained her well.

Crossing the threshold she moved within the darkness toward the signature of the little Thief.

 

[Vexander Graves]

[member="Athrun Zala"] | [member="Coci Sinopi"]

The Master approached the entrance to the Temple and immediately noticed that the silhouette he was following could no longer be seen. However, the Force was strong with Vexander and he could feel that something was definitely amiss... however, his senses were still being warped and tampered by the void that the Force created in the place... a void that could be felt as the darkside of the Force but that could also be felt as just plain emptiness of it... it was hard to explain but such feeling was quite different.

Usually, the Jedi would be concealing himself with the Force, using the Force Concealment to throw a shadow on top of him and even silence his very own footsteps from the naked ear of the sentient that he saw before... but he didn't have the concentration to do that today... the level of cloaking through the Force he was throwing was low but was there.

Seeing that he didn't even have the chance to conceal completely, the man decided instead to throw a beacon in order to draw the sentient to the light and engage head on. With a slow movement, he reached to his belt and took one of his lightsabers with his right hand... and then... the sound of ignition sprouted through the place in an echo... at that point the blue blade began to signal his position and light the other places.

"Come out come out..." said the man while he began to use the little connection he had with the Force in the place in order to feel, see and hear everything around him "...I know you are here, by the authority of the Silver Jedi you are under arrest for several counts of terrorism and attempted murder..." a smirk showed in his face "...don't make me go in aggressively... please..."

 

[Athrun Zala]

[member="Vexander Graves"] | [member="Coci Sinopi"]

Halfway to the next room and he heard a noise which sent a chill down his spine; the sound of a lightsaber ignited. It's snap-hiss echoed around the temple, and he immediately moved behind a pillar. His flashlight switched off and he gripped his forcepike that much harder. A voice accompanied the mechanical hum, echoing around in a menacing manner. Someone knew he was here, particularly, a Jedi. Had he had the time and state of mind to facepalm at his apparenty stupidity, he would have. But his heart was racing and he instead peered past the pillar to see where the light was coming from. It bounced off the walls, but it seemed to be coming from the entrance. He couldn't see the face behind the blade, but from the voice he knew it was male. From here he could fire at the Jedi, but he didn't want to risk exposing himself.

Then it occurred to him that he wasn't even the one the Jedi was looking for. The acts of terrorism and attempted murder, unless he had done something small that counted as that, were committed by another--the one he was looking for. Did that mean that his target was somewhere in the room? His emerald eyes moved from shadow to shadow, but he saw nothing movie. He heard nothing, save for that distinctive hum. Maybe the target was deeper in as he thought, and the Jedi had seen him, and assumed he was the "terrorist." That would have been lovely; he and a Jedi, the authority of this planet, would be fighting. He'd end up in a jail somewhere, or dead, and the real murderer would get away free because of a stupid Jedi's mistake. It stirred his blood slightly, but at the same time, he knew if he could convice this Jedi he was not the one he was looking for, he'd help him find the real one. At least he hoped. Jedi could be really stubborn and convicted; at least that was his opinion of them.

"You're wrong on two counts," Athrun's voice echoed around the halls eerily to his own ears, and he hoped that it did a good job in masking his presence. "One, it's not attempted murder, it's murder," his voice carried conviction, even though he was scared. The deeply entrenched anger helped. "And you'd probably be better off looking deeper inside; I'm not him."

 

[Vexander Graves]

[member="Athrun Zala"] | [member="Coci Sinopi"]

The young Jedi heard the voice echo through the place and began to use his skills as a sniper combined with the Force to pinpoint the location of man... however; something eluded him. Seeing that he didn't have any other choice but to resolve things diplomatically, he proceeded to reply.

"Let's try to be rational here..." said while he began to move his lightsaber up in order to light the room and for the sentient to look at him reassuring that at least he wouldn't charge viciously "...there is nothing that can confirm you are not the one I am looking for other than your word." The Master began to prove the room and to understand the intentions of the sentient hidden... he didn't feel deception nor ill will... in fact he felt anger and fear but not directed at him. Raising his eyebrow at the revelation the Force brought him briefly, he tried to talk further about the matter "If you are not the one I am looking for, why are you here?"

 

[Athrun Zala]

[member="Vexander Graves"] | [member="Coci Sinopi"]


Let's try to be rational? Somehow a lightsaber in the other man's hands, ignited, and threatening him didn't seem rational at all. Athrun hadn't threatened the Jedi at the other end of the hall. He hadn't spoke of any ill will at all; merely stated that he was not the man the Jedi sought. But he had a point; without seeing him, he could just as easily be the terrorist trying to pass himself off as someone else.

"I'm looking for the same man you are," Athrun replied back. There was no denying his knowledge of the terrorist; he'd already implied he knew of him. "The reason is not important, save that I seek justice and not a friend. You undoubtedly have a lead and a picture of the man you are looking for. Or you wouldn't be here either chasing down straws." He really did not want to show his face, and would've preferred to just escape deeper into the temple; but he knew Jedi could track people somehow, and he didn't want him following him and killing him instead of the other guy. "I can show you."

Against his better judgement, he stepped from the pillar he had been hiding behind, and peered around the darkness. Nobody stirred, but he had no confidence in they're being alone. He felt the prickles on the back of his neck as he very slowly moved towards Vexander; somebody was watching him. He'd felt it before, and he didn't want his target picking them off or escaping all because of some inept Jedi. "I'm sure your terrorist would be happy to see us fighting; he could escape in the chaos and wreck more havoc upon unsuspecting worlds. The council wouldn't be pleased. We seek the same man, so we should work together. I don't ask that you trust me, merely that you don't mistake me for a criminal. You can always check out my story later, especially once we find him." He gripped his forcepike and moved it behind the folds of his trenchcoat, lest the Jedi get the wrong idea as he turned his flashlight back on. He waited until he was standing directly in the middle of the hall, a great deal of distance between him and Vexander, before he shone the light on his face. "This better? If your eyesight is bad I could come up right near you so you can peer at me."

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Athrun Zala | Vexander Graves (I needed a good laugh gentleman thank you).​

​

The electric charged, disruptive atmosphere began to play havoc with her use of the force. Coci's concealment, becoming unstable and she tried her best to pull it around her once more. The little Thief, easy enough to find however, a signature she had sensed before and she does not hide her surprise at this presence here. Although none would see it. She is directly behind now in a position to draw her saber to his neck once more, this action seem to be becoming a habit around him, to her disgruntle.

However, something else stay her blade and set her mind to confusion. She paid little attention to their conversation, she was standing there in a torrid of emotions. Vexander?

The last time she had seem him, they had confused love for each other, and then he simply vanished. Coci, thinking the worse, eventually moved on. Her emotions charged with this but she is feeling differently now. She will always care for Vexander, but she no longer loves him. Someone else resides in her heart now and it is better that way.

"Let me help the situation", she said coming out of concealment and igniting her purple saber, directly behind Athrun. ".. And where have you been, Vexander?".

 

[Vexander Graves]

[member="Coci Sinopi"] | [member="Athrun Zala"]

Vexander's eyebrow arched a bit at the moment the man revealed himself... his sarcastic tone of voice and taunting manners seemed to be just a disguise of his true intentions and his peaceful resolve the straight things up with the Jedi Master... however, when Vex began to analyze the man with the trenchcoat, he didn't lose his cool nor did he moved at all... his face was neutral and without expression other than the eyebrow.

There was nothing familiar with the man, he has never seen it... however, in the following seconds, Vexander's connection to the Force began to be reactivated to a degree he thought didn't have... just like when he first landed to the planet... it was like when someone turns on a candle light and the flame gains strength.

A whisper... through the Force... a name.

"Athrun... Zala..." murmured Vexander almost audible enough for the man in the trenchcoat to hear. At that very moment, the Jedi's lightsaber began to lower down along with his arm, his eyes widened and his expression was like if he had seen a ghost.

Yes... he is the one... the Red Knight... said a voice in his head.

The image of the trenchcoated man appeared in his mind, as a Commodore of some sort of Military Fleet... a dark fleet influenced by the darkside... at that moment, he looked at another image, the same man burning someone to death...

Vexander remained motionless in front of the man claiming to be in the lookout for the same criminal the Jedi is trying to follow, and although the terrorists face is not the same as the one standing in front now, the combined images that the Force brought him and the information made the Jedi Master rethink his options... for some reason he trusted the Force and the fact that the person in front of him had connections to this Athrun Zala and the despicable thing he did... or Vex thought he did... it was hard to tell in his visions.

"Let me help the situation" a purple blade appeared in front of him and just behind the man with the trenchcoat ".. And where have you been, Vexander?".

The words echoed through the place, a purple lightsaber joined the light shed by his own and both threw light at the faces of all three sentients present. Surprised, Vexander looked at Coci with a haunted look... He tried to understand the situation, calm himself, use his training and get a hold of himself... without much success...

...The three of us... said the voice in his mind.

Instantly, an image of the three sentients appeared in his mind, three persons that were not meant to be together at Malachor V... yet they were there... In the vision he saw all of their faces and his own, but they were all so different from what they were at the moment: Vexander's eyes in the vision were compassionate and caring, he was smiling easily and happily; something he was not bound to do nowdays in his real self. Coci was somehow similar in nature to Vex in the vision, but her realself in front of him that day and with the purple blade had a more ruthless behavior but with a strong sense of justice (or at least that was his perception)... Athrun on the other hand, he was ruthless and violent in the vision, his face showed a lot of emotional scars... but his realself was... caring, compassionate...

"This can't be..." Vexander's head began to hurt, he howled wildly as the amount of information began to sync into his mind and shattered his perception of reality... it was not like if the darkside of the Force was filling him to any level or like if it was tempting him... it was something else. The man took his left hand and pressed his forehead strongly in order for the images to disappear and to try to make sense of the situation.

"NO!!!" the strong flow from the Force increased, mixed images of his other self poured to his mind "NOT AGAIN!!!!" Vexander's lightsaber fell from his hands and it was immediately deactivated as it made a metallic sound while hitting the floor "YOU ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE!!"

Yes, they are supposed to... face your demons... Jedi...

In a rush of confusion, mixed feelings of love towards Coci, care for the man in the trenchcoat and hatred towards himself, the man took his lightsaber from the ground and kneeled next to her with great pain in his head.

"WHAT DEMONS? YOU ARE NUTS!" screamed the man.

You have to deal with those who are not meant to be here... no peace until they are gone...

"What?"

Kill them and the visions will end.

Vexander's gaze fell upon Coci, and Athrun... his eyes didn't show any ill intentions nor the darkside... it was more like if he was pondering about his decisions and what he could do... it was more like if he was between a sword and a wall...

 

[Athrun Zala]

[member="Vexander Graves"] | [member="Coci Sinopi"]


A deep frown etched itself onto Athrun's face when he heard his name uttered by the Jedi Master. It was barely audible, but it was there, like a whisper. He'd just stepped out of hiding, this man wasn't supposed to know his name. The Jedi was probing his mind, using his telepathy on him. It had to be that, and he scrambled his mind with random thoughts--thoughts of him at the beach, thoughts of his being on the water in a boat, thoughts of her with him. His concentration broke in that instant as his mind brought him back to the present in a flash of anger, pain, and rage. He could almost imagine how she died, and the look of horror on her face as he pulled the trigger. He clenched his jaw slightly, and brought the forcepike from behind his back. It remained at his side in the dark, but he refrained from turning it on. Not yet, even if the man was invading his privacy.

Then a second voice broke the silence and he nearly spun around as he faced his newest arrival. It was the Jedi with the purple blade he'd encountered in the mansion, the day he'd investigated the little girl's origins. His eyes traveled the length of the blade, and he grimaced in annoyance. He was now fenced in between two blades, and while there was plenty of room to move should either of them decide to attack...it would be that much harder. He'd kill a Jedi before, but he hadn't had to fight two at once. He was sure he could take down Vexander, with a few injuries sustained as a result; he wasn't sure he could kill both of them at all before he was floored. And the female Jedi knew the male. Lovely. Well at least he knew his name. Vexander.

"Look, seriously," his eyes traveled back and forth between Vexander and Coci as he placed himself at a sideways angle to view them both should they attack. "I'm here for the same reason y'all are. I'm just looking for..." And he stopped his train of thought as he looked back at Vexander, the Jedi howling about something. He just stared at him, wondering if he was having a fit of some sort. Or maybe it was insanity. His eyes followed the hilt as it clattered to the floor, tempted to pick it up, but he stayed his hand as he knew the female behind him was watching. And then Vexander had retrieved his lightsaber, and he backed away from the two as he moved towards Coci, screaming as he knelt before her. He was nuts; this Jedi was just nuts. And he wasn't sure he wanted to go after this guy with an insane Jedi who'd be ready to turn on him at any moment.

"This guy..." he began, blank look on his face as he looked towards Coci. "Is yours? Which asylum did he escape from? How about this..." he edged his way for a pillar, his forcepike gripped tightly in his hand. "You take care of him, and I'll just go take care of that terrorist..." He turned off his light, and attempted to move around the two and head into the next room.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Athrun Zala | Vexander Graves​

​

"Who are you talking too?", she asked Vexander with alarm. Vexander has always been a little, off center, but something is clearly wrong with him. She could sense it, much fear and confusion at a heighten level and moreover she had never seen him out of control.

As he knelt in front of her, the look on his face almost detached from reality, Coci began to probe his mind to find what disturbs her friend so much. Normally she would not do this to a friend without invitation, but this was of urgency. A difficult thing to do, as Vexander has long practiced the art of blocking his mind but she managed to break down some of his defenses, as his mind is clearly under assault, from what? she hoped to discover. What little she had discovered, only set her mind to concern. Nothing is tangible there, much images and visions of things passed but only random images to her. Although one confused her, an image of herself, different, odd, white and winged. She started to ponder that Vexander had become delusional or worse.

"Vex you need help", she dropped into a more familiar tone, hoping that would sooth his mind more. "I need to get you back to Voss and see the healers".

Another thought entered her mind, it was not that long ago she too had been possessed by an evil entity. One deliberately done in order to save another, but that had sent stock through her mind and body, giving her the realisation that she was not without fear or danger of darkness.

"Is .. is someone or something in your mind Vexander?". She was grabbing at anything to find out how she could help his mind.

 

[Vexander Graves]

[member="Coci Sinopi"] | [member="Athrun Zala"]

Their voices sounded like echos... like distant whispers that reached his ears... what really got his attention were the visions and the voice that came through them...

...They would never understand... said the voice ...they never do...

Vexander stood up still with his lightsaber in hand "Do not move Red Knight..." said Vex echoing the names heard in his visions "...no one leaves this place"

The Master began to ponder once again, could the words in his mind be his own-self from somewhere else talking through the Force? Or was it just his mind using once again the Ethelwulf persona to influence his decision on something? For some reason he just thought about madness and how he was losing his grip on reality.

Images went back and forth... he couldn't understand which Coci was the one standing in front of him and which one was the one in the visions... they were so similar... the same happened with Athrun... his face, his name; somehow his behavior... and at the same time so diferent... Vexander himself was different.

"Nothing is inside me other than what you already know..." said referring to the visions, he remembered sharing some information about it "...I already talked to the healer of the Temple... is not an illness of my body or my mind but something else..."

Do not explain yourself, just move... with one will do... the one with the evil within...

Vexander thought for a moment while he looked at the man in the trenchcoat... in his visions, his actions were outrageous and quite dark... his movements shady and moody... in a retrospect, the personas in the visions were quite different, somehow better than what they were in the real world where they were at the moment... or at least Vexander was... the Jedi applied the same rule to the man in the treachcoat and deducted that perhaps he was also worst in this real world than what he was in the other...

"I can't.... I need to know..." Vexander took a couple of steps away from Coci and Athrun and pointed his lightsaber in the center of the two in a defensive yet threatening way

Don't ask, just move! Inaction will be your doom.

"...Red Knight... why do you want to stop the terrorist?" Athrun's answer would be everything today... if one of the presents had to fall for Vex's sanity... his answer would be the final decision.

 

[Athrun Zala]

[member="Coci Sinopi"] | [member="Vexander Graves"]


Athrun froze in place as Vexander's words graced his ears. The Red Knight. No one had ever connected that name with himself, and it had become a legend among a few outer rim planets. A killer of evil people and saviour of oppressed innocents...it was why he never connected his face with the armor. And somehow, somewhere, Vexander had figured it out. And that was not necessarily a good thing, because now, his identity as an ex-Guardsman hung out in the air. His eyes flickered to Coci; did she know? She might have considered Vexander a lunatic, but he was her friend...she'd believe some of his ramblings as true. Did she know about the Red Knight, the armored one who wore a black and blood red version of the Imperial Guard armor? He could deny it, but he'd be pinned down eventually and forced to admit it.

"Vexander," Zala began slowly as he clipped the flashlight to his belt. "You speak of an outer rim legend." Still, how did he know?! When did his appearance get connected with the actions of the Red Knight? "I've done many things I am not proud of during my life, and I can't imagine that your life as a Jedi has been any different. But I've shed that life," he removed his trenchcoat, switching his forcepike to the other hand as he pitched the trenchcoat meaningfully to the floor. His black and red trimmed armor peeked out from under the short sleeves of his tunic. Yes, he had gone deserter, and he still kept the armor, but he liked to think of it as a reminder. A reminder of his livelihood, and protection against the elements. And in some places, the repainted armor was seen as a symbol of a hero, to the underworld, as a symbol of death. Since when had he come under scrutiny by the Jedi?

He unbuttoned his upper tunic, and discarded it to the floor, fully revealing the black guard armor with the a red Knight logo painted on the chest plate. There was no going back now, and unless they had heard good things of him, he would probably have to fight them both. He still wondered if he could have lied, but then they wouldn't have trusted him and he'd be right back at this point, only revealed and having lied.

"Yes, I am the Red Knight, alone, wandering, helping people in need." His forcepike returned to his right hand and he adjusted the settings to a less lethal one, but still powerful enough to stun limbs. "I don't know what your weapon stands for, but mine will deliver retribution and justice today for the murder of Alicia Trape. And nobody, no force or lightsaber or insane Jedi is going to stop me. So either help me find this man," he switched the forcepike on, the weapon coming to life with a throbbing hum. "Or get out of my way."

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Athrun Zala | Vexander Graves​

​

Vexander's countenance had become threatening. Although Coci knew him to be detached and aggressive in his purpose, this was different. She frowned as she remained still, listening to his words. Her grip on her saber loosened only to hold more firm, if Vexander is to attack them, she would have to subdue him. Coci has more abilities now, more powerful than when he last saw her.

"I will leave this place of my own choosing Vexander, why are you so threatening in your words?", just keep him talking for now, she thought until the situation become clearer. "What is this... something else you speak of?". She asked in a more firmer voice.

Coci knows nothing of this Red Knight they are both speaking of, and she held it as no importance for the moment, the situation is far more extreme then that. It has rapidly become a stand off, she too moving into a position of strike if required. Athrun is capable of defending himself for the most part, but Coci knew of Vexander's strength and he would not last long without her assistance.

"Stand down Master Graves, there is no reason for aggression here".

 

[Vexander Graves]

@[member="[URL="http://starwarsrp.net/user/2775-coci-sinopi/"]Coci Sinopi[/URL]"] | @[member="[URL="http://starwarsrp.net/user/6155-athrun-zala/"]Athrun Zala[/URL]"]

Images kept pouring in to his mind like water that fills every inch in a container... there was little room to think and to actually pull himself together. Both sentient beings standing in front of him seemed quite alarmed and at the same time ready for Vexander in case he could perform a move.

There is a reason for aggression... only one needs to fall to the floor... only needs needs to cease and you'll get rid of the images.

Vexander began to stand up and to face both with his lightsaber in hand. His eyes didn't seem to be filled with the darkside at all, his alignment through the Force was not wavering at all... he seemed to be in tune with the lightside... something was just odd in his mind... like if he had a loose screw...

"Only one..." whispered the Master.

The Red Knight's words didn't match what his visions were telling him, and Coci's stance was just so different... he didn't know what to make of it. But he just knew that he had to do something. His mind was just away of the mission now, he felt that he had to deal with the fact that they were all not meant to be there... or perhaps...

Everything was just so confusing... there were a lot of images in his mind... he had to do something else... he couldn't just kill anyone around here. Taking deep breaths, Vex tried to regain his stance and demeanor.

You will not be in peace until one of you has been taken care of

Vexander looked at Coci... his eyes seemed tired, his mind was a burden today.

"This one is so different from the one I see through the Force... we are all so different..." at that moment, a vision of all of them seated in a room in the Jedi Temple came to his mind... the three of them happy, smiling at each other... "...I just don't get it... these visions are just worst... is the Force tricking me?"

Looking at Athrun, Vex looked straight to his eyes and tried to find a way to get out of this situation without bloodshed or without his head imploding on his own.

"Do not get close to me... do what you have to do and leave..." looking at Coci he proceeded "...you too, just go... leave me be!"

Don't do that... it won't help us. Get them by surprise!

"Leave now!"

 

[Athrun Zala]

[member="Coci Sinopi"] | [member="Vexander Graves"]


Surprisingly, Coci did not recognize the name "Red Knight," and seemed to be siding with him against Vexander. Indeed, the Jedi looked severely off his rocker, and Athrun wouldn't be surprised if he suddenly leapt at him lightsaber trailing behind. His forcepike hummed and thirsted for blood again, but it remained unmoving; he didn't want to excite the Jedi anymore than he already was. Chances were Coci would disarm him if that happened; well he wanted to believe that would happen. He watched as the Jedi stood up and faced both of them equally; he didn't look angry, evil, or crazed, just confused and trying to make sense of the situation. He didn't understand what there was to be confused about, but maybe that was one of the perks of being insane. Or maybe he was trying to decide whether to kill Athrun, because he sported the outfit of an Imperial Guard.

Then he spoke of Athrun being different from someone else, and Zala raised an eyebrow. Was Vexander mixing him up with someone else? Then he spoke of visions and Athrun was confused. He wasn't sure what he was talking about at all now, and he wondered whether he had shed his outfit uselessly. He could have gone on hiding who he was; but it was too late now. He looked at Coci when Vexander told him, and her to leave, then turned on his heel. He wasn't about to stay longer than he had to with the insane Jedi, and the man had given him a free pass. He was taking it. He didn't look back to see if Coci was following; he simply moved deeper inside the temple.

Once he had crossed the threshold of the next room he stopped, looking about. Now that he was momentarily out of the Jedi's range, he hoped, he turned the light back on and shone it around. There was a different arrangement in this room, and there appeared to be no sudden drops below. There were an enormous amount of statues, some tables, and some extinguished lights on the walls. And plenty of shadows to hide in. He shone his light over each shadow, but his light wasn't enough to light up the room. How many rooms would he have to go through to find this man? Chances were the Jedi had scared the man off. Or perhaps he'd snuck by them and left the ruins entirely. It'd be just his luck if that happened.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Athrun Zala | Vexander Graves​

​

She did not take her eyes off Vexander as she sensed Athrun move away from them. She did not know of this Red Knight, as she only recently met Athrun she began to wonder if the two of them had lost their collective minds. But no matter, it is a vast Galaxy and everything is not known to her.

"I will not leave you, not in this .. state". Whatever had passed between then before or whatever they now might feel for one another, Vexander is still her friend and fellow Silver Jedi and a Shadow. A brother.

He had never told her of these visions, or why he used to act so strangely around her, to Coci this was just one more of those times. But she had seen his mind now, when she entered it and what visions or images he possess are not correct, at least not of this galaxy. The force has strange was at times and this was one of them, a test maybe for him, she would never know the reasoning of it, but he had to clear this once and for all, or he would run mad.

As Athrun had moved away Coci changed position and stood directly in front of Vexander. Her saber at the ready, but she would only use it to defend if he attacked. There is conflict within him she could feel it, sense it and his mind strained.

"Vexander, whatever it is .. whatever is conflicting your mind fight it. Tell me what to do, but don't tell me to leave".