Tripping the Rift

[Muad Dib]

Ando Prime. The cold mountains surrounding a hidden monastery deep in a valley far from any who could possibly fall upon it accidentally revealed nothing to the casual observer. But for the man kneeling in the steaming snow was not a casual observer nor was he blinded by the camouflage adorning the site of interest. A small grin crossed the tan face as a hand absently rubbed at the stubble on his face. Piercing blue eyes that glowed from an inner light gazed intently at a point hidden midway up the steep slope.

“There.”

One word uttered from him but the simple statement created a flurry of action as men and women of different races, species, and creeds but all answering the calling of pirate moved forward rapidly making their way up the slope. The kneeling man watched as his marauders searched for the entrance. Soon the pacifist monks would show and when they did things would truly become interesting.

A cursory look to the sky revealed nothing and yet the man with glowing eyes knew that despite no outward appearance to the contrary the clouds ringing the high peaks were not as benign as they appeared. Backup in the form of a giant togorian waited within for the most opportune moment. A togorian named Berserker Odinson who once was called apprentice to the man smirking in the snow.

Rising to his feet the man followed behind the search party combing their way up the slope. Dark brown trousers and tunic with a leather jacket of an even darker shade of brown was his clothing of choice. Armor plates reminiscent of sith armor was on his body. Several weapons swung slowly with his gait in the crisp snow. Pausing he closed his eyes and reached out in the force sensing what eyes were as of yet unable to reveal.

A smirk crossed his face as eyes opened and he stretched out his right arm and pointed to a spot a hundred meters further up the slope.

“It’s there.”

Even as he spoke figures burst forth from the hidden entrance to the underground cave, figures dressed in robes but carrying swords and attacking with varying war cries. A man in a dark red robe leaped twenty meters over the pirate crew who were joining the fight with the stream of robed monks to land in front of the simply clothed glowing eyed man. The monk spoke an accusatory word before lunging forward with his straight sword at the chest of the other man. “SITH!!!” Echoed around the slope as the grinning man ducked the attack and rammed a curved knife under the armpit of the monk and into his heart.

As the monk slipped from the blade and fell to the once pristine snow the other squatted and cleaned off his curved skinning knife.

“Sith? Aye. But more specifically Muad Dib.”

With a chuckle he looked above to where the entrance had disgorged nigh a hundred armed monks and sent a signal to the heavens with the press of a button on his comlink.

 

[beserker odinson]

Waiting on the signal from Maud. Beserker was getting impatient Beserker as well as his crew was armored and ready. Then there was the signal from Muad. Beserker gave the order to the pilot. They were over the battle in an instant before Beserker gave the order to go one of the crew members jumped out of the ship to early and fell to his death. Beserker waited a second and gave the order to go. As the remaining nine crew members jumped Beserker jumped as well killing two monks with blades upon landing skewering another with his metal blade tail and ripping another’s throat out with his fangs. Beserker turned his glaze to Muad. Beserker spit out the throat he had just ripped out and said “Hello old friend been awhile.”

 

[Muad Dib]

Laughing as the battle was joined Muad Dib leapt forward into the fray. Spinning under a swinging, jeweled sword he caught the arm and with a wrench dislocated it. The sword fell from nerveless fingers and into the waiting palm of the sith knight who caught it and spun cutting the monk in twain. Rising he glanced to where Berserker and his warriors had joined the battle with a fervor that made Muad laugh out loud.

“Good to see you alley cat. Ready to let loose the dogs of war? They’ll leave you be. Now let us kill like we have in years past!”

Armed with the sword Muad slashed his way into the monks heading for a lithe one who was utilizing the force in the form of timely force push and pulls sending his opponents off balance and ensuring their quick death. As the last monk fell between Muad and the wonderfully skilled monk Muad threw up a mock salute then attacked. The lithe monk fell back under the sith’s assault aind even tossing push and pull at Muad didn’t seem to stall the mad man an iota. With a spin of his wrist Muad disarmed the monk and slammed the hilt of his sword into the monk’s head. She crumpled unconsciously as Muad turned to look at the field of battle as the togorian and his crew joined with Muad’s Marauders and finished off the surviving monks.

Half of the two dozen pirates were down and about a third of Berserker’s crew but all the bendu monks were dead save one. Waving Berserker over to join him Muad turned to Harrison, one of his marauders, and waved him over as well.

“Harrison, take the crew and collect any bounty from half the dead. Then slave the fighters of our fallen to your fighters and strafe that bloody temple before heading out. I’ll find a ride out of here later. “

Muad prodded the female monk to wakefulness at the end of the sword as he waited for Berserker to join him.

[member="beserker odinson"]

 

[beserker odinson]

Beserker nodded in agreement to Muad it had been awhile since they had once fought side by side. As Beserker turned back to the fight he nearly got his head chopped off by a monk’s blade Beserker ducked to avoid the oncoming blade but was not aware of the second blade that sliced his right arm. Beserker grabbed the monk that had sliced his arm and with the arm that was not holding the monk down peeled the monks face off in doing so killing that monk. Beserker saw one of his crew members take a sword through the head now he was two men down. Beserker went over to the monk in fake surrender with hands up Beserker used his tail to remove the monks head from his body. After a few more kills the fight was over Beserker had lost three men that day. Beserker called over one of his crew members and asked “you were trained in healing were you not.” The crew member said “yes sir!” Beserker asked the crew member to heal his arm he did so. Beserker told his 2nd in command to loot any of the bodies that Muad did not loot then he told her to leave him their he had more things to do but that he would comm her when he was done. Beserker said in the meantime go make me some more money off she went to follow orders. Beserker walked over to were the last monk was and put his tail up to her throat close enough not to kill her but if she tried anything he could. “Yes Muad.”

 

[Muad Dib]

“Let’s have a nice conversation with the wee monk here.”

Clapping Berserker on a shoulder Muad looked down at the wonk before crouching to look closer upon her. Behind them both crews worked quickly to strip the bodies of valuables before following orders and departing. The young woman closed her mouth and stared defiantly at the men who were her captors. “You will get nothing from me. And before you can torture any information from me my brothers and sisters will fall upon you and destroy you.”

Muad laughed lightly as he stood and glanced at his former apprentice.

“Why do they always talk? It would be better to keep quiet. By her words we have a few minutes ,not enough time to torture info from her. But maybe we will just rip her memories right from her mind. Saves time.”

The woman realizing her mistake and not wanting to make another made a choice and lunged forward slicing her throat open on the blade at her throat. As her life’s blood pooled at their feet Muad stood and stepped back with the sword still in his hand. A glance on the horizon showed their crews leaving but also revealed several ships coming their way. Nodding to the entrance into the slope Muad headed for it.

“Let’s get in there and find those force relics.”

As he walked through the open passageway the hall split, one to the left and one to the right. Looking at the two he shrugged as he sensed the force strongly echoing from both. He entered the left passageway.

“I’ll take one and you the other. I’ll see you at the prize.”

[member="beserker odinson"]

 

[beserker odinson]

Beserker had no idea that the women was going to take her own life but what is done is done. Beserker followed Muad to the two tunnels Muad went left so he went right not knowing what to expect he came up to a room on his right. He knocked on the door with his tail as soon as he saw that it was a monk he drew his light saber killing the monk he saw that their were two more monks in the room Beserker drew his other light saber and as he was running he cut the top of the roof as not to be followed. Their were loud noises behind Beserker but that was just the roof collapsing behind him. Beserker was running full speed looking behind him. Perfect no one is following me through that Beserker thought. When Beserker turned back around he noticed a human monk in his way Beserker hit him with all his might while running killing him on impact. Beserker slowed down seeing the end of the tunnel when Beserker reached the end of the tunnel what Beserker saw was four big monk specalistst. Oh fract were is Muad I might need his help. The four monks spotted him just as Beserker heard noise from the other tunnel

 

[Muad Dib]

Leaving Berserker behind to explore the right tunnel Muad followed the tunnel which curved slightly. Running the fingers of his right hand along the black glossy surface he felt a disturbance in the force from behind them. On the surface of the planet winds began to pick up and lightning forked through the sky. The ships of reinforcing monks ceased their advance to ground themselves as a force storm sprang to life due to the deaths of so many dai bendu monks.

Under the earth Muad paused as he felt the storm begin to grow in its fury. But ahead he felt the force presence of what he sought grow as if awakening to the chaos that Berserker and he had created. Whistling a merry tune he continued onward.

As he traversed the tunnel he came upon two monks, or what he first perceived were monks. But as he watched the man shoved the smaller monk behind him in an urgency that bespoke of a bond telling that he was guardian of a youth. Before the man could turn his full attention upon Muad the sith had leapt forward and rammed the hilt of the sword hard into the monk’s throat so hard he crushed his larynx and windpipe.

The man fell and the child charge with an involuntary scream. Muad backhanded the kid into the wall of the tunnel. Looking at them laying there a plan came to mind followed by a grin.

Minutes later The robed monk escaped the tunnel with the child held close to his chest, the tunnel collapsing behind him. Seeing the togorian sith the monk with his precious cargo ran to stand behind the dai bendu weapon masters who were even now advancing on Berserker with weapons raised. As the four prepared to attack the crying monk with the child straightened and spun, swinging the child swiftly in his arms, and threw him into the back of the rightmost monk which sent him and the child crashing into the stone wall with a series of thuds. Before they had even collided Muad had cast off the robe and had leapt forward with sword brandished in hand to attack the next monk in line.

 

[beserker odinson]

Beserker seeing that it was muad not a monk. Beserker used the minute of confusion to ignite his light saber under one of the monks heads causing the monk to crumble under the lethal blow turning his attention to the monk that was not ingaged by muad but rather trying to sneak up on muad. Beserker let out a battle cry making the monk that was not fighting to spin around towards Beserker. Beserker tossed one of his lightsabers in the air while the monk was occupied for the split second looking at the saber. Beserker used force push to send his other saber into the chest of the distracted monk Beserker caught his other lightsaber as it fell back down. Grabbing his other lightsaber from the dead body he sheathed both. Beserker said to Muad “quit toying with him lets get on with it.” Beserker just waited for Muad to finish so they could carry on to what he did not know.

 

[Muad Dib]

As the two, the monk and the sith, crashed to the floor both their weapons flew from their hands. Muad grabbed the dai bendu monk around the throat and straddled his opponent’s waist but quickly the monk kicked and bucked his legs and core and flipped them to where Muad was on bottom. As the monk reared up thy both summoned the force as they began to exchange blows.

But the monk being on top went on the offensive forcing Muad to cover up and dodge his head to avoid the powerful blows that were missing his head but colliding with the stone floor with such force the stone was cracking.

One such blow fell from above and Muad deflected the blow to the side of his head with his forearms, then he reached up locking the monk in a headlock while torqueing his body including his legs which were wrapped tight around the monk’s waist. As he pulled, twisted, and squeezed he felt several pops then the monk went limp.

Shoving the body from him he retrieved the sword and grinned at Berserker before looking at the massive stone door the guards were stationed before.

“Wonder what that treasure is. Better be worth it. You ready nine lives?”

He grinned as he spoke to the sith knight even as he felt the force grow explosively exponentially just behind the stone. Then cracks spread as the room shook and the stone door exploded outward, the concussive blast sending Muad flying across the room. Sliding and rolling across the floor Muad turned to look what attacked then blinked slowly. A swirling blue, black, and green vortex swirled where the stone was and as he watched the winds kicked up and force lightning arched from the mouth of the cyclone.

“Well …. It’s yours Berserker …”

 

[beserker odinson]

Beserker saw that they were finally done with the monks Beserker chuckled at what Muad had just said when a huge force hit Beserker which slammed him into the wall right next to the vortex. What did Muad expect him to do with this apparently it was his. Beserker was about to speak when he felt a jolt of electricity hit his tail and traveled up his spine between the lightning and now the vortex which was starting to pull him in he couldn’t move. Beserker gave up the struggle and let himself be taken by the vortex. What ever was on the other side was going to be surpised to see him he was going to be in a bad mood and not going to want to get to close. Beserker as he entered the vortex got struck many times by lightining “fracing tail.” Beserker managed to get out before he passed out.

 

[Muad Dib]

As the lightning arced throughout the room Muad rolled to the side to avoid several flashes. The force fed the vortex which grew stronger picking up the strength of the winds. Several of the bodies of the monks were pulled into the vortex. Turning his head he began to yell something at Berserker but just before he did he watched as force lightning struck the togorian and then the vortex ate him.

“Now that was shocking. He’s going to give that vortex some indigestion on the other side.”

Muad drove the sword onto the stone and held onto the hilt anchoring himself as he watched Berserker disappear. Lightning flashed and hit the sword which made Muad Dib’s teeth clench as he siphoned off the power and strengthened his own body. Glowing eyes watched the swirling vortex spin even faster and lash out with lightning and winds. But try as it might it could not dislodge the knight.

“Bye my former apprentice. Be good. Stay safe. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do …. Oh hell. I can’t just let you go like that. Sithspit.”

Muad stood and released the sword and let the winds claim him. As his body rushed at the vortex he roared in laughter .Then he hit. It felt like his insides were being turned out. Freezing cold shattered his body and flames of fire consumed what was left. Lightning arced through his body over and over and the roaring in his ears was his blood combined with the feeling of drowning. Just as he thought he was about to pass out he free fell and landed hard on a hill with short green grass.

As he tumbled down the gentle slope he came to rest against several monk bodies and what might have been a massive furry back. Eyes slowly blinked as sunlight blinded him. The scent of ionized clothes and seared flesh reminded him of his injuries and Muad laid still as the breeze gently rolled over him caressing his face until he passed out.

 

[beserker odinson]

Beserker opened his eyes sharp pain seared through out his body as Beserker became more conscious the pain dulled. The smell of burnt flesh and singed fur was all around that must have been him. Beserker looked around and saw that Muad was lying on top of him. Beserker saw that Muad was waking as well so Beserker pushed Muad off of him and slowly got up looking around. Beserker did not recognize any of his surroundings. “were are we?” Beserker said to Muad not knowing if Muad would know or not. Beserker saw that in the distance there looked to be a building. What do you think Muad should we go their to see if there is any one there or at least find out were we are.” Beserker was uneasy not knowing a planet was always a bad thing.

 

[Muad Dib]

Eyes opened again as he was roughly shoved from Berserker’s body and onto the ground. The sky was blue and clear. Sitting up he grumbled a bit as his body still ached and several portions of his body were seared due to the force lightning that had connected with him. Aches and flashes of pain tried to dull the senses, and if he was normal it would have. But Muad Dib, Sith knight and Mad Knight of Manalore was far from normal. He embraced the pain in his body and used the sensations to sharpen and focus his mind.

Climbing to his feet he looked around at the near pristine landscape .Rolling green hills with uniform grass and trees scattered almost symmetrically met the eye in either direction. It was almost beautiful, nature. He grimaced as he idly wondered how much energy it would take to set it all ablaze. Retrieving the sword he swung it idly as he found the balance of the force imbued, double edged, long sword to his liking. Looking at the building in the distance he nodded slowly to the togorian.

“Might as well check it out. I can tell one thing. This sure as frak isn’t Ando Prime. And feel the underlying currents in the force …. This place is saturated with the force.”

Looking once more to the skies he noticed clouds beginning to gather in the distance. The vibes coming to Muad showed him that this place was ancient, and it was very receptive to the force. Moving from their hill they left the fallen monks where they lay in death and headed to where the buildings laid.

As they neared he took notice of the stone wall surrounding the ruins of what was once a temple. Gathering the force to himself he leapt lightly to the top and crouched reviewing the ruined temple. Two massive doors laid in wreckage and half hidden by the undergrowth. Pointing at the entrance he chuckled.

“Shall we?”

 

[beserker odinson]

Beserker leaped to the edge of the wall it was overgrown all over the stone building. Beserker was unsure about the building it appeared that it had been abondned for many years what was this place Beserker wondered just to be sure Beserker through a couple daggers in a row towards the door. “well at least no traps.” Beserker jumped off the ledge and picked up the daggers that he just threw . Beserker reached the door and kicked it open. “ you’re the mad knight after you.” Beserker waited for Muad to go first even though Beserker knew no danger lurked ahead he could see in this darkness but out of the two Muad was more trained.

 

[Muad Dib]

Muad watched with a wry grin as Berserker threw the daggers through the entrance then went to retrieve them. Hopping down the man slowly followed until he stood to the side of the entrance and peered in. At the togorian’s goading Muad gave a mock bow then straightened and entered. The open foyer was marble floors with halls leading to the distance. Most paths were choked with shrubs, bushes, and vines while a select few were still able to be circumvented with care.

Striding to the center of the foyer the knight knelt and swept aside the sand and dirt that had half concealed a design on the fractured marble. After a few minutes work he stepped back to survey his handy work. On the floor was a wheel design with eight spokes. With a slight frown of consternation Muad looked at the other sith.

“I believe I know where we are. That symbol, that so closely resembles the design of certain republics and jedi orders was used by Je’daii order located on Tython, a planet nigh impossible to reach from hyperspace.”

Walking back to the two doors that were broken and partially covered he cleared the surface as well and looked at the words and design on them. ‘Padawan Kesh: the Je’daii Academy for Initiates.’ The design on the front showed a map of a world with continents and small triangles numbering nine. One of them had a circle around it.

“My guess is we are the circled one. Since this place seems to be a training temple for beginners I doubt two experienced knights will find anything useful in the ruins or a way off this rock.”

 

[beserker odinson]

Beserker looked at Muad and said “Well since there is nothing here for us that we can learn or use we should just head to the next nearest spot on the map” Beserker procceded to walk out the door and looked up at the sky it was still early but it was getting dark from the clouds forming in the sky. “ well Muad do you think you can keep up.” Beserker chuckled knowing Muad could so beserker took off towards the direction of the next spot on the map. Beserker had drawn a map on some paper he was carrying just incase they got turned around or if the next spot had no map.while Beserker was running he was also paying close attention to his surroundings just in case their was something to be seen.

After 150 miles of running constant for 10 hours and just the same landscape nothing seemed to change Beserker spotted a building in the distance Beserker turned to Muad and said “ Well their it is the next spot on the map how do you want to proceed from here?” Beserker and Muad hadn’t spoken much on the trip to this place Muad seemed like he was in concentration about what Beserker did not know but maybe Muad had a strategy as how to proceed.

 

[Muad Dib]

He nodded absently to Berserker’s suggestion. While the feline was copying the map Muad was studying, but not the doors. The sky was clouding more quickly. The small animals that peeked from their holes and perches watched not the two strange visitors who had trespassed upon their land but rather the eyes, ears, whiskers, and any other senses were strained up to the heavens. And the sense they were giving off was fear.

The unnatural storm brewing on the horizon was what they feared.

Even as he watched, far in the distance, flickers of lightening scoured the ground with deadly energy. Behind Muad Berserker had finished his map and again joked before starting off with a long lope. Glowing blue eyes stayed transfixed upon the horizon for a few moments more before he turned and started off as well for the second location on the ancient map.

As the miles passed briskly by the two men moved with full prowess of lean muscled beings used to fast moving and hard living. Warriors they were with the ability to push their bodies past the peak of physical endurance. Combined with the force they were able to traverse the land at a pace that seemed unnatural as well as uncanny. But any who chanced to meet either would know they were more than just a togorian and a man. And they knew enough to fear them.

As the hours passed and the miles melted away the sith knight watched and noticed everything while constantly being aware of the storm which grew at their rear. As they neared the buildings Berserker asked his question. Slowing, Muad moved to the front as he had let Berserker lead the way during their lengthy journey.

Buildings of varying degrees of ruination and architecture surrounded a central courtyard which Muad entered. In the center of an open area filled with boulders, scraggly trees, and a central pond the sith knight made his way. Pausing there he read the faded inscription surrounding the pool. ‘Bodhi, Temple of the Arts.’ With a grin Muad turned to look at Berserker.

“Might as well poke around for awhile. Evening is coming on. We might even learn something, not likely but possible.”

 

[beserker odinson]

Beserker said ok and Muad and Beserker went there separate ways they were to meet at the entrance at the first sunlight hit. Beserker thought this would be a good place to make his tail blade more effective he went to the nearest hologram and pressed the button to play the hologram started giving orders on how to carve with a knife. Beserker was using his tail for the motion. A few hours past and Beserker was a pro he could hit any point he wanted on the sculpture without missing. This will come in very handy being a quick learner was what Beserker was good at. It was getting close to morning Beserker went off to find Muad.

 

[Muad Dib]

The togorian moved away. Standing at the edge of the pool Muad noticed beneath it’s surface a design. Squatting for a closer view he was able to make out the marking of a giant circle divided by a central line. Cocking his head he squinted for moments then stood and shook his head. He understood the meaning was for balance. But Muad was not balanced. Most would call him unbalanced at best. He chuckled at his thoughts as he turned to observe and study the buildings that still stood around the courtyard.

One such building caught his eyes as being different than the others. It was circular and domed seemingly made from sand stone. Several large timbers beams were strewn in front of the passage way and Muad moved a few just enough for him to squeeze into the building. The Dai Bendu sword was in his right as he entered and looked around. Sand floor with a bare room save for in the center where the ground sank a meter into a stone hearth where lay remains of an ancient blaze.

“What once was may be again.”

With a small smirk he gathered the force and fed it through his outstretched left arm. The blue sith runes running from elbow to finger tips glowed momentarily as blue fire arced from his hand and reignited the ancient charred wood. A fire came to life and Muad closed his left hand cutting off the power that was flowing from him. Sitting cross legged he sat and stoked the fire with the imbued blade of the sword as his eyes slowly closed and he fell into a light meditative trance.

His left hand was lightly brushing the sands and to his trancelike mind came a vision of the past, a distant past …

A twilek was walking around a small group of people as they sat or knelt listening. The green hued man was speaking, a lecture that was not memorized but one that was heartfelt and honest, a subject the twilek loved.

“Art flows from man of all species. Whether canvas or stone, whether blade or ship, whether clothing or even raising a child, the force flows through the artist. It touches all whether one acknowledges it or sees it. It is akin to the flame. Fire is said to not live, but does it not breathe? Does it not consume? Does it not breed? You can learn much of the force by watching fire. It wants to spread and grow. It lives. And even as the flames die it fights, nay it struggles to survive though it be but a small tongue of fire. And it dies. But as the force is eternal and touches all so too does the flame have the ability to live again. It is the phoenix. It rises and falls, but it never is truly extinguished forever. But as fire consumes so too is there a time when the chaotic element recedes from memory. There is a season to life and a season death. But death is not the end but merely opens a separate path for life to be renewed. Balance must be maintained or the fire, or the fire of an individual may cease. Chaos and order, life and death, darkness and light go hand in hand, for you cannot have one without the other. Balance must be observed. And we must find the balance within. It is an art form, a delicate stroke of the brush on life’s canvas.”

The vision faded away as Muad released the sands. The hearth was cold and the night had passed into morning. Rising from his seated position he felt his body and spirit renewed and left the building. Outside the wind whipped and rain fell in sheets as the storm had reached them. Standing by the pool he awaited Berserker and their next trek. In the distance there could be heard waves crashing against the cliffs miles away.

 

[beserker odinson]

Beserker saw Muad standing by the pool were they had said they were going to meet. “Well let’s move out its not to far to the next place.” Beserker said they headed to the beach it was only a couple miles but then they had to get in water to reach their next destination. Beserker could swim but hated the water he wasn’t frightened by it but he didn’t like the feel of it. Beserker started running he didn’t know what happened to all these building he was sure once they were prosperous with people but what had caused all these people to disappear? That’s one thing Beserker would like to find out if he ever saw any one on this planet he just might ask that very question. As the sounds of the waves grew louder so did another sound it sounded like a growl along with a cry for help Beserker recognized this sound it was from a Tu’kata Beserker heard other animals that he did not recognize. They neared the cliff on which they had to go down to reach the water. When they reached the edge Beserker looked down it looked like 2 Tu’kata were being hurt by these strange animals the larger Tu’kata looked to be the mother of the other one. The larger one was trying to protect the smaller pup it looked as if the father and the other pups were dead. The odds were largly in the other animals favor Beserker couldn’t let the two Tu’kata just die like this. “fract I cant see this happen Muad im going in. with or without you.” As soon as Beserker finished speaking he consentrated his force as to force jump right in front of the two Tu’kata he did so but as Beserker went to land he concentrated his force in his hand as Beserker landed he hit the ground creating a huge blast directed in front of him as not to hurt the animals behind him. Beserker only took out 15 or so as Beserker stood up to catch balance he got hit hard by another of these unknown beasts tearing into his right arm Beserker grabbed the beast and slung him as hard as he could up towards the cliff using force push just to make it go even futher. Beserker turned to another and caught this beast by the horns ripping the beast in two just as he did so Beserker got over run by 6 of these beast sendind him to the ground. Beserker felt his right arm become separated from body at the same moment he used the force to push the beasts off of him and to stop the bleeding in his right arm. About half of these beast were either wounded or dead Beserker didn’t know how much longer he could keep this up.