Ask A Mind Is A Terrible Thing To Lose...

[Sybella Demici]

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The Galactic Athenaeum. A celestial marvel of knowledge and enlightenment nestled on one of the enchanting moons of Iego. The colossal library stood as a testament to the power of information, embracing the wisdom of countless civilizations and species from across the galaxy. Approaching the grand structure, many would be awestruck by its majestic architecture. The Galactic Athenaeum spans vast expanses, a fusion of intricate spires, sweeping archways, and sprawling tunnels that seemingly dived deep down beneath the earth and soil. The moon's natural beauty complements the library, creating a harmonious union of natural and architectural splendour.

There is an enveloping, ethereal aura that emanates from the immense collection of knowledge housed within its hallowed halls. The interior is a symphony of towering bookshelves, stretching as far as the eye can see, adorned with shimmering holopads, ancient scrolls, and meticulously crafted data disks. Each shelf is meticulously organized by chroniclers and their droid attendants, providing a seamless journey through the vast ocean of information contained within. The Galactic Athenaeum served as a sanctuary for seekers of knowledge, scholars, historians, and explorers from all corners of the galaxy. Within its walls, the library hosts an impressive array of educational programs, lectures, and symposiums that draw scholars and intellectuals alike. Here, the exchange of ideas was cherished and fostered, creating an environment of intellectual growth and curiosity.

Navigating the endless corridors, diverse species of sentient could be found, each immersed in their own studies or passionately engaging in discussions. Scribes and droids gracefully glided through the halls, offering assistance to those in need. The library is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and perspectives, where intergalactic bonds are forged under the banner of knowledge: there was no fighting here, no conflict. Beyond the knowledge it holds, the Galactic Athenaeum was a beacon of hope and inspiration, serving as a reminder that the pursuit of wisdom transcends boundaries and fuels the advancement of civilizations.

If intel was to be believed, the Jedi Knight Sybella Demici (currently missing in action) was to be found somewhere within the library's great expanse.

@LadyRen
@Kalique Demici

 

[Kalique Baize]

After plenty of work, overnight shifts, constant training and missions all across the galaxy, Kalique had received another two days off. Jonathen was busy and so they couldn't pursue the plans of their next getaway this time, however just a few days earlier something completely different and unexpected had come to her attention, so that Kalique had already known that those two days wouldn't actually be a time to take a real breather.

After what had happened on that night of the Serennian Gala with the pirate attack, completely silence had followed the heated debate between Sybella and her. She had been fuming about her audacious allegations and obviously, even later there hadn't been any evidence about how the Empire could have been involved in this.

Kalique still couldn't believe she had actually accused her like that this night, but as she was no one to hold a grudge, her anger had quickly faded after she had returned to Raxus. She had sent the Jedi Knight a few messages ever since, but no answer ever came back. Oh cousin, are you still pouting and really making me your enemy, she wondered, but after another week and yet another week passed, genuine concerns had set in.

She rarely got the chance to do calls, but one night she had indeed tried and again, hadn't received any answers. Just a few days later, a very concerned message of her aunt, Syb's mom, had reached and that was the very point when she had fully realized that something was off. She had repeatedly ignored this feeling, but perhaps it had been the Force warning her.

Sybella's mother, the current head of the house Demici had apperently gifted her daughter the ship she had last been seen in and as it was equipped with a tracking device, they knew an approximate, possible location. She had mentioned how Sybella had actually wanted to visit, but how she had never actually arrived, and so Kalique had decided to go check it out.

It was possible that she was involved in some Jedi business, but well, if Sith were around, perhaps she herself could drag her cousin out of trouble while actually pursing a similar goal. Had the Jedi already gone after her? Was she even truly missing or just had enough of her dear family?

Who could tell, but Kalique somehow was convinced that something was wrong and yet she had set direct course to one of the moons of Iego. While en-route, the Imperial Knight had intently studied the moon and had soon learnt how the Grand Galactical Athenaeum was nestled on the mysterious moon. Had her cousin gone studying? Perhaps, as it was indeed nothing unlikely for a Jedi, but in the night prior to her arrival Kalique had seen Sybella in her dreams - a faint, read miasma surrounding her - and that had been when her internal alarms had gone off. Something was wrong and she'd find out what it was.

@HoneyMagpie

 

[Sybella Demici]

Nestled within the confines of Iego's moon, the quiet library was an oasis of serenity. Its entrance (concealed by mountainous earth) led visitors into a vast expanse of caverns; naturally occurring crystals provided a soft, glowing light which helped knowledge seekers in navigating the rolling stacks of books and tomes.

Rows upon rows of shelves housed ancient texts, some written in long-forgotten languages. The covers of the books were adorned with holographic symbols and pulsating glyphs, reminiscent of the intricate hieroglyphics found in civilisations of old. Visitors were to move in respectful silence, guided by droids that glided effortlessly along the aisles.

It was one of these droids which guided @Kalique Demici. The Chroniclers and scribes were more focused on amassing more information; they were not particularly interested in helping find a lost scholar. One cataloger had, however, mentioned something of interest. The Galactic Athenaeum welcomed many, but very few actually stayed long. Once they obtained the knowledge they sought, they left. One recent traveller had yet to leave. They were enigmatic, keeping to themselves - that was enough to avoid any suspicion. The stranger, cloaked in robes, was left to their devices.

What a mess they left though! Taking Kali to several spots, the droid would emit beeps of displeasure. Piles of books and tomes had been left haphazardly in piles, discarded after use. Whoever the person was, they had been busy consuming vast amounts of knowledge. From the looks of their content, they appeared to be maps of sorts, records of bygone peoples.

Finally, after some time, the droid located the hermit in the process of building another literary nest. Concluding its duty, it left Kali and began making its way back to its original shelving designation.

The person nestled amongst the books was indeed Sybella, and yet, she seemed...different. The colourful robes looked dishevelled, half hanging off her, much like her shroud. Whisps of hair had fallen out of place and her headdress (which she had prized so greatly) was completely lopsided. If she sensed Kali's presence, she didn't acknowledge it, instead clawing from one text to another, muttering to herself about this or that.

Gone was Sybella's usual grace and poise. She looked tired and yet, feverish. Her movements were also rather delayed as if encumbered by an unseen weight.

@Kalique Demici
@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

Once in the seemingly endless library, it took a few moments until Kalique could process all the new impressions that suddenly rained down on her. There were shelves all around and Kalique doubted that she's find her easily if she didn't have a presence to follow, and in the beginning there was none.

She started on her own for a bit until she grew a little frustrated after not picking up anything for quite a while. She was then even more grateful for the help of the droid who guided her along the countless shelves and sections in the end, however they had walked for what had felt like hours until around a sudden corner, there was a silhouette that Kalique found rather familiar.

As there had been a few visitors and scholars around, she had sensed quite a few things, however there was surprisingly nothing familiar about her cousin right now. She thanked the droid while her soft features were touched by a concerned frown. Sybella looked a little confused, absent-minded even and someone not healthy.

The disheveled hairs and clothes, the vague muttering and this changed presence...it worried Kalique and as she stepped closer, she involuntarily tensed up. Their last meeting hadn't ended very pleasantly and she didn't like any of this either, so there was a certain distance she intended to keep for now.

A familiar thought immediately surfaced: Oh cousin...where have you gotten yourself into. "Sybella" Kalique kept her voice firm as she adressed her, intending to break her stasis. She had to get out of here. What was she even seeking?

@HoneyMagpie

 

[Sybella Demici]

Sybella's muttering stopped, as did her frantic searching of the tomes. Her head looked upwards for a moment, but she did not immediately turn to Kali. It was as if she was trying to decide whether or not she had truly heard anything at all. Slowly, the shrouded lady glanced about, her unfocused eyes searching for the source of the sound. When they finally settled on Kali, there was no immediate recognition; it was almost as if one cousin did not recognise the other. This wasn't done out of pettiness, as one might expect from feuding relatives, instead, there seemed to be a genuine absence of thought; Sybella might as well have been staring at a stranger.

Finally, after searching her mind, the lady Jedi spoke something of an acknowledgement. "Kali?" An attempt at a smile was made, but it was tight and dead, "Kaaaaaali..."

Her lips then languished, making her face return to that of utter indifference. "You shouldn't be here..."

No longer interested in the presence of her current company, Sybella returned back to her studies, combing through the last of the piles she had accumulated. "Why are you here?"

After a moment or two, the Jedi returned to her face her cousin but then stopped rather sharply. It was like an unseen power had halted her movements, forcing her to remain where she was; facing away from Kali.

"Leave. You should leave. There's nothing for you here."

Sybella said all this whilst clutching at her head. She appeared pained, her fingers tangling themselves within her dark locks before wrenching free. "Or stay. It matters not..."

 

[Kalique Baize]

It was as if her cousin's mind needed some extra time to process who had started the journey to seek her out. Wasn't the Order missing her? Or had she told them where she went? Was this some kind of Jedi enlightenment trip? Perhaps...but what didn't add up was how Sybella seemed to have lost her mind.

Was she trying to process that right in front of her was her own blood, relative, her cousin whom she dearly loved once or was she convinced her mind was playing a mere trick on her and Kalique's tender yet toned silhouette was nothing but a mirage? Kali? Was she even recognizing her?

"It's me, yes. Why are you here, Syb?" why had Kalique followed her on one of had rare free days? She was family after all and it slowly dawned her that Sybella hadn't come her to study. Something was immensely wrong..."Come. You are being missed. You can't just disappear without saying a word" she jutted her chin to the side, motioning for her to follow and hoping she'd come to her senses but there was no improvement.

As she began speaking in ambiguity the deep frown was back and with concern in her emerald eye she stared down at her. She could simply sense it. The changed demeanor. The disheveled mind. Whatever exactly it was she had seen back at her father's funeral, it had gotten worse. Had madness taken hold of her? Maybe she had even went through some kind of trauma but it was fairly obvious that she was in need of help.

She suddenly reached up and clutched her head as if in agony and that was when Kalique immediately stepped closer. Everything pointed into one direction and as Kalique had dealt with possessions before, her inner alarms went off. "Sybella I can help you, but we should get out of here first. Come". She was in no mood to argue and thus reached for her to slowly help her up. Judging from her non existing stability, Kalique gathered the Force and fortified her own mental barriers before she made physical contact, not liking any of this as her apperent madness kept enfolding.

@HoneyMagpie

 

[Sybella Demici]

Sybella grew quiet once again. Within her very core, she felt as if she was teetering on a very sharp edge; try as she might, she couldn’t hold the pieces of herself together. Her mind just deteriorated, becoming utterly consumed by a torrential storm of inner chaos. Every thought was a tempest, each emotion a whirlwind threatening to tear her fragile existence further apart. Her eyes, once vibrant and alive, now mirrored a deep abyss, haunted by shadows that danced and twisted. Their torment was relentless.

The Jedi’s beloved multi-coloured shroud had come completely loose; without much care, it fell, discarded on the floor. Sybella’s once flowing mane of lustrous hair now hung in utter tangles. Chest heavy, short of breath, her pale skin (once kissed by the warmth of the sun) appeared to be growing ever ghostly and pallid. A horrid metamorphosis was taking place.

She meant to motion Kali away, tried to utter words of warning but nothing escaped her gnashing teeth. Instead the knight moved with in a sudden stupor; her movements erratic and unpredictable. Her once graceful gestures became spasmodic convulsions, as if she were locked in a ceaseless struggle against an unseen adversary. Wild eyes scanned desperately at her surroundings but everything blurred into a kaleidoscope of distorted shapes and colors, merging into a surreal tapestry that only she could comprehend.

Her voice, once gentle and melodic, had transformed into a discordant symphony of disjointed words and nonsensical phrases, the fragmented echoes of a mind lost in a labyrinth of confusion.Indeed, it appeared Sybella was a woman possessed, captive to the shades that ravaged her thoughts. She would mutter and scream, her words carrying an intensity that could send shivers down the spine of any witness.

Yet, within the maelstrom of madness, glimmers of her former self would occasionally emerge: A fleeting word, a trace of recognition. In that moment, she was both terrifying and tragic. A tortured soul trapped in a prison of her own mind, unable to find solace or escape.

Instead, something else came to the surface of her consciousness. Or rather, someone. Growing still, and silent, the body of Sybella stood as stiff as a statue. Eyes of silver had ignited into pools of embers. They traced over the tomes still left on the desk before finally settling on @Kalique Demici once more.

The wraith of Lujayn, with a crooked grin, brought a twitching hand up to caress at the Jedi’s own face. “Ah. To feel flesh and blood once again. How I’ve missed it…”

 

[Kalique Baize]

Kalique stood there, relatively motionless with her tensed muscles and her emerald eyes narrowed. She was pretty sure that regardless of what was happening, her cousin wasn't to blame. Something had taken hold of her, something evil and vile and she needed help. Why could she never catch a break...

Kalique watched as her cousin began twitching and flinching. She took a step back, not wanting to inhibit her wild, unpredictable movements but at the same time stayed close enough to interfere if she'd fully lash out. She sensed the battle that was raging inside her, the wild thunderous storm that mercilessly washed over her and the shorty glimpses of whatever remained of Sybella.

Show yourself. Kalique played the waiting game for now, knowing that whatever, or whoever had taken hold of her was fighting for control. She clearly sensed the unfamiliar, malicious spirit and how the Imperial Knight-Captain's presence did not only bother, but also challenge it and she was mentally preparing herself to do whatever would become necessary.

She waited for it to adress her and it didn't take long until it finally spoke through the very lips that belonged to the heiress of House Demici. "Who the kriff are you?" she stated rather flatly in reply, her teeth slightly gritted as the anger boiled up.

"We've met before, haven't we? On Serenno". Slowly, everything began to make sense, but while Kalique would let the vile ghost answer, she'd waste no further seconds. With her mind ready and her own mental barriers up, she reached right into the mind of Sybella, forcing herself in rather violently but careful enough not to shatter anything that belonged to her. S.

he was looking for the intruder, and once she'd stumble upon that familiar red miasma that clouded her cousin's mind, she'd immediately began to attack it. From the outside, nothing but a slightly strained grimacing was visible, but she had little patience for the horrible spirit temporarily inhabiting her cousin's conscious.

@HoneyMagpie

 

[Sybella Demici]

Righting herself, the wraith started adjusting the elements that were in disarray. She straightened the silver headdress atop her head before attempting to wrangle Sybella's mess of hair. To further solidify mastery over her newly acquired body, the shade then collected the discarded shawl from the floor; for a moment, she merely stood there, admiring the piece of fabric for its colour and texture.

"Watch yourself, youngblood. I am your elder. Show some diffidence."

The phantom expected Kali's mental assault; she welcomed it even, if only to show the true extent of her cognitive fortitude. Whilst Lujayn might not have held acclaim as a warrior, her skills in the Force and its manipulation were enough to act as compensation. The red mist inhabiting Sybella's mind solidified into a mass of thorns; they flooded the Jedi's fractured psyche, forming tunnels that twisted one way and turned elsewhere opposite. It was a maze. A hostile labyrinth with no clear path. Buried deep within its confines was what remained of Sybella, and the spirit of Lujayn would do everything in her power to keep her submerged. With the imperial knight so focused on the battle of the minds, a shove through the Force was needed to break her concentration. It wouldn't hurt Kali, per se, but it might certainly pull her focus back to the physical realm.

Tutting at the Demici cousin, a hand of the stolen body reached downwards at a dagger sheathed at the waist. The blade, however, was never pointed in her direction - instead, it lay pressed against Sybella's own throat. “I wouldn’t, if I were you…I am eternal. She is not."

Lujayn was, quite literally, holding the Jedi's body at ransom.

Spoiler

Dice roll - force shove - 9/20

 

[Kalique Baize]

The presence now clearly shoved its way into the foreground of Sybella's mind, so that Kalique could at least speak with her directly. She didn't like any of this and the chosen venue wasn't great for such a exorcism, but the Imperial Knight knew she had to do whatever would be necessary.

Glaring coldly at the physical shell of her cousin, Kalique mentally attacked the vile spirit within her mind. Show some difficence? She'd show her what the Knight-Captain was actually capable of. As an expert in fighting such evil presences, Kalique was conviced she'd find the weak spot and destoy whatever bound the Wraith to this sphere.

She still wondered how the hell her cousin had gotten into this mess, but didn't mess how she suddenly adjusted the headpiece either. The coins...she was obviously reminded of Ord Binir and how a coin had been enough to bind terrible monsters to this plane. However, the phantom did suddenly lash out and attempted to shove her back, however didn't fully manage to break her focus and thus Kalique still maintained the mental connection.

Through gritted teeth, she watched as her cousin suddenly pulled out a dagger and pressed the blade to her own throat, the Wraith obviously in full control of her body. Kalique withdrew her ethereal grasp for a moment and adjusted her stand as she calmly asked, "What is it that you seek?" it was obviously that the presence had materialized for a reason and entered this realm with a goal.

"Is it knowledge? Why did you choose such a weak host to preserve you then?". Kalique knew what she was doing here. A blade was at Sybella's throat, yet she knew the Wraith couldn't just kill her, so she intended to start a little chat.

I am your elder. This particular phrase kept echoing in her mind and she wondered whether this was too far-fetched, but perhaps it was just right: "Do you intend to spill the blood you share?" maybe this spirit was related to them..."State your purpose. Perhaps I can aid you". The spirit was clearly connected to the dark side and perhaps it would sense that the other Demici cousin had relations to it as well.

@HoneyMagpie

 

[Sybella Demici]

“What is it that I seek? Oh, many things; knowledge is but one” Now the wraith's eyes grew distant. She was remembering something, admittedly with some difficulty. One body, trying to juggle two conscious minds? The lines that divided them were becoming blurred. “I will have it…That which was taken from me.”

Focusing back on the Kali, Lujayn uttered a mirthless chuckle. “Blood is blood. Would you rather I spill yours instead?”

As if to prove a point, she increased the pressure of the blade and thin droplets of blood soon trickled down Sybella's neck. As good of a warning as any. Admittedly, she would prefer to keep this particular vessel alive, for as long as possible; it suited her plans well enough. Strong in the Force, but weak in terms of mental fortitude. It took time, wearing down the Jedi's resolve but she'd manage it. Maintaining control, however, was challenging. Demici were headstrong. Stubborn to a fault. Like Kali, Sybella was no different. Even now, in the recesses of the mind, the heiress was struggling. Through the muck and haze, she was still fighting, clawing back at Lujayn's presence.

It was vexing, fighting on two fronts.

“You wish to aid me? Then remove yourself from my presence. I will relinquish this body soon enough…”

She was lying, of course. Lujayn had no such intentions. Slowly, but surely, her plan was coming to fruition; she just needed to track down the final pieces. Distractions, such as Kali, also needed to be nullified.

"She hates you - your cousin, Sybella. She believes you are nothing more than an imperial puppet. Forshaking your family for personal ambition." It was an obvious tactic, preying on their strained familial bond. Still, the spectre continued. "You ought to be ashamed of yourself. Pursuing such selfish desires."

 

[Kalique Baize]

So the discourteous spirit preferred to talk in riddles? Perfect...Kalique had absolutely no patience for dark sided, vile spirits, but she couldn't just violently yank this one out and destroy it without risking to harm her cousin and so she knew she had to play along...Damn it, Syb, what the kriff have you been up to?

"I don't assume you want to harm your host...it will make it more difficult for you to achieve whatever you're looking for" she blankly pointed out, slowly starting to circle her. What bound her to this sphere? What had brought her here? Sybella's empty eyes gave away nothing, but Kalique could see that buried deeply inside them was her own spirit that still fought.

The spirit had held against her attack and so while it kept talking, she starting a new attempt. She suddenly projected something into Sybella's mind she'd hopefully receive, thus voicing out much softer. 'I know you're in there. Hold on. Keep fighting'. She didn't bother having the spirit pick it up, too, since as long as Syb would fight from the inside, they'd have much better chances of destroying her.

As the Wraith carried on, she scoffed rather amusedly. "Oh I know. She made that fairly clear the last time" Kalique was lying. She knew their bond still ran deep despite some misunderstandings, but she wouldn't have the spirit sense any of it.

"Perhaps I should let you have her...she isn't worth anything to me either" she continued, gaze drifting to the ground for a moment. She had to break her reserve and she was right at it. And then all of a sudden she violently lashed out, however instead of mentally attacking the spirit, she unceremoniously yanked the Demici headpiece of the Jedi Knight's head.

If she hadn't recently discovered the relation between a simple coin and a dark sided nexus, perhaps she wouldn't have suspected the item, but this way she wanted to try it. As soon as it glided of her head, she was focusing on the molecules it was made of and brought them in a severe state of distress by creating a merciless friction that would turn the coins into burningly hot metal as she tossed the accessory to the ground. One way or another, she expected a counter reaction from the wicked phantom.

@HoneyMagpie

 

[Sybella Demici]

Lujayn was no fool, especially when it came to deception and trickery. Kalique act was convincing, but it wasn't enough to sway the wraith and her next course of action.

With a rather awkward title of the head, molten eyes regarded the imperial knight with a wavering gaze. "It hurts, you know. Looking at you..."An absent hand lifted itself, coming to rest upon the body's erratically beating heart. "It is...most achesome. Yes. An unusual sensation - one I am starting to despise."

Deciding it was better to rid herself of Kalique altogether, Lujayn summoned the Froce to constrict itself about the imperial knight's slender neck. She intended to make it a quick death; a snap of the vertebra as opposed to the crushing of the windpipe. Imagine her surprise when Sybella's other hand suddenly latched itself onto the opposite wrist. A wild thrashing soon took place, the body fighting itself all whilst Lujayn raged. "Wretched whelp! Cease this at once!"

Distracted by Sybella's interference, the wraith wasn't able to retain her beloved coins. Her person conduits. The Demici cousin had somehow discovered their dark purpose, despite Sybella herself remaining so blissfully ignorant. Desperate to reclaim them, the wraith willed the body to move once more; dagger raised, ready to strike.

The feeling of fire halted her mid-step. An ugly shriek erupted from within, as did a familiar presence.

Having freed herself from the depths of her unconscious mind, Sybella stood once more at the precipice of her own sanity, clawing back what she could before being plunged (yet again) into a fierce mental battle against Lujayn and her unrelenting essence. Within the depths of her very being, the wraith tried desperately to retain control; her influence had spread like tendrils throughout the Jedi's thoughts and feelings. For days now, the body had been nothing but a shell, a puppet to command. Now, at risk of losing it all, the spectre rose and the struggle for dominance began again. This time, however, the knight was fighting back.

In the vast expanse of Sybella's psyche, the battleground became yet another distorted reflection of her own reality. At first, there was only a cloak of darkness, the air in the library however grew thick and heavy. The scene kept switching. One moment, all she could perceive was @Kalique Demici, the next only shadows that danced and writhed, mirroring the internal turmoil that raged within her.

Though weakened, the Jedi felt determined once more. What started as a spark, soon grew into a flickering light amidst the abyss. Wading through the thickness of black, Sybella soon stood at the centre of her consciousness; her eyes, once devoid of life, now glimmered with vigour. Lujayn, malevolent as always, taunted her from the shadows. her voice echoed through her thoughts, whispering dark promises, planting seeds of doubt and despair. In the physical realm, however, Sybella visually clenched her fists, refusing to succumb to such manipulations ever again.

Waves of fear crashed against the shores of courage. Every inch of her mind was a battleground, each thought a weapon to be wielded. Sybella's inner voice, a beacon of her true self, cried out against the darkness. She called upon memories of love, of cherished moments and unwavering support from those who cared for her. These memories became Sybella's shields. With her defences now fortified, the Jedi switched up her efforts, choosing instead to work with her cousin on the offensive front. She launched a barrage of thoughts and emotions till Lujayn, cancer that she was, was left writhing in pain. Her grip on Sybella was weakening.

As the battle reached its crescendo, the dark sider let out one final haunting shriek; a fire had erupted, scorching everything within that was not aligned with the light. With that, Lujayn seemed to perish; her taint presence vanishing into the ether.

Sybella collapsed to the floor, both body and mind utterly drained. It was quiet. Thankfully, quiet.

Spoiler

Lujayn's attack - 2/20
Sybella's resolve - 15/20

[/glow]

 

[Kalique Baize]

The next few moments seemed to be naught but a wild blur of an intense, internal battle between what remained of the headstrong Jedi Knight's sanity, the evil ancestor's spirit and a determined, fierce Knight-Captain that had zero patience for vile wraiths.

The coins burnt mercilessly until the first even started melting, but Kalique struggled against keeping in control while she perceived what happened inside Sybella. She wanted to aid her, yet as she could finally sensed a faint, light presence, her own battle eased. She continued until she could literally feel the ghost perish.

So she had been right...the coins of their ancestors had been tainted and the question that remained was how long it had fostered in Sybella's mind. Kalique extinguished the flames as she sharply exhaled, suffocating every last ember as they couldn't set the library on fire, but as the last spark dissipated, the Jedi Knight dropped down motionlessly.

"Oh Syb..." Kalique muttered quietly, her own mind spinning and vision slightly blurry but she closed the distance between them. She gently touched her mind and reached in, but for once there was nothing but calmness. By now, she could perceive several droids hectically moving in their direction, but apart from a little mess on the ground, there was no trace of the terrible battle that had raged here.

Kalique collected the dagger, whatever remained of the coins and her former headpiece, however carefully tested it before actually touching it. There was nothing, for now, nothing vile, but who knew, maybe the spirit was still watching them from a different sphere. The ground was slightly darkened from the fire that had lingered, but the droids would probably change the planks and they'd be fine.

As for Sybella though, Kalique had to gather her remaining strength to pick up her cousin, the Force aiding her as she began to move the motionless body out. She was alive, this she could definitely tell, but she needed rest and so she planned on bringing her to her own ship for now. She was exhausted and even frustrated, wondering how the spirit had even managed to manifest within her in the first place, but she'd ask her questions once Syb regained her consciousness.

@HoneyMagpie

 

[Sybella Demici]

As Sybella rested, her breathing was slow and steady. Her face, once twisted in turmoil, was thankfully more relaxed; Flowing locks of hair, which were usually covered, now cascaded gently around Sybella's sleeping form, lending an ethereal quality to her peaceful countenance. Whilst slumbering, the Jedi's body seemed to radiate a faint aura, as if drawing on the residual energy of the Force to aid her in her recovery. For hours, she slept, apparently recovering from prolonged fatigue.

As the day wore on into the night, another twenty-four standard hours pass. Still, Sybella did not stir. It would appear she had existed for days in that awful purgatory. Lujayn did not seem greatly concerned with the physical state of her unwilling host; she had spent days at the great library, operating with very little sleep and equally little sustenance. Perhaps she thought it was best, to keep Sybella weakened on multiple fronts. However, the damage done to her body could not compare to that inflicted upon her mind and attempts at restoration were proving to be most demanding.

In the depths of her slumber, the Jedi Knight's mind was transported to a realm beyond the physical. The dream unfurled before her like an ethereal tapestry, blending vivid colours and mystical energies. Sybella found herself standing amidst a serene landscape, bathed in the warm glow of a radiant sun. As she surveyed her surroundings, the Serennian realized she was in the heart of a dense and ancient forest, its towering trees reaching for the stellar skies. The air was thick with otherworldly tranquillity, and the melodious songs of exotic birds filled her ears. This was no ordinary dream; the connection to the Force was simply too deep to ignore.

Feeling compelled to venture forth, the Jedi's steps were light and purposeful, as if guided by an unseen force. The trees seemed to whisper to her, their rustling leaves carrying the sounds of many voices. A gentle breeze caressed her face, carrying with it the scent of wildflowers and the subtle hum of distant waterfalls. A profound energy beckoned Sybella to follow in its direction, and she complied.

Eventually, she arrived at a clearing, where a shimmering pool of water mirrored the starry sky above. Stepping closer, Sybella beheld the visions that would materialize in the reflection of the waters; some of the forms she recognised almost immediately as they took the visage of those that she knew. Friends and fellow Jedi, Kalique and others. Ripples, however, then distorted the pool, altering the visions once more. People of darkness took shape, gazing back at Sybella with a mixture of expressions; some sneered with derision, whilst others writhed in rage. One of those faces was Lujayn herself.

Awakening from her dream, Sybella let out a muffled sound. She had a splitting headache. The light, from overhead lamps, were equally disorientating.

"Where...where am I?"

 

[Kalique Baize]

The conflict within the Jedi might have been resolved, but Kalique had a thousand questions in her mind. She wondered whether the vile presence had always happily dweller within her cousin's headpiece or whether this had been a more recent development.

She was also confused about whether Sybella had been fighting the ghost for ages or whether her mental barriers had simply been worn down after all this time, but what mattered most was that it was gone now and Sybella's mind all perfectly calm and peaceful for now.

She carried the motionless body back to her own ship and carefully placed her on the field bed in the little mobile med station. She kept monitoring her vital signs and kept checking on her mental state while she sent a few messages back and forth. At first, Kalique had planned on waiting for her to wake up any time soon, but as she didn't stir, she had to set course for Raxus.

It wasn't her intention to bring Sybella into Imperial Space, but she'd get into contact with the Jedi once she was closer to their space, too, wanting to drop her off in a safe place and potentially even arranging for her to be checked out by their healers. Kalique had deliberately sacrificed her little time off to go after her, yet, as she was dragging the comatose cousin back with her, she was a little frustrated about the mess she had gotten into.

After having departed at night, Kalique allowed herself to drift off into some light sleep to refuel her mental resources while she kept watching over her though. It wasn't as restful as a normal night, but she did feel much better. After more and more hours passed, she found herself worried, but for now she kept herself from intruding her cousin's mind once again and instead let her handle herself as she kept sensing how she was doing fine.

Kalique was already close to the arranged drop off point as she suddenly sensed motion in the med station right as she was meditating and immediately brought the meditation to an end before she went over to check. "Syb...finally. You've been out for so long" she let out a sigh, however a hint of relief bleeding into her voice. "What exactly do you remember?" she wanted to know as she squatted down next to her. "You're almost home".

@HoneyMagpie

 

[Sybella Demici]

Sybella had to squint at the bright overhead lights in order to bring the sterile, white walls of the medical bay into focus. As her eyelids fluttered open and close, the world slowly sharpened into clarity. The Jedi felt a peculiar heaviness in her limbs; it was as if they were made of durasteel. Her mind, however, was awakening like a hibernating kyber crystal, gradually reconnecting with the reality around her. At first, there was confusion—a disorienting fog that clouded her senses. Someone was talking to her, their voice oddly familiar.

"...Kali?"

Her mind, still groggy, tried to piece together what information it could muster. When had she last seen her cousin? Not since that awful gala; intemperate words had been exchanged, alongside rash accusations. Sybella had felt so ashamed, speaking to Kalique in such a manner. She actually meant to apologise not long after, but something stopped her. What was it?

A dull painful ache was still present in the recesses of Sybella's mind. Trying to recall anything was actually rather taxing. "Ugh. My head..."

With her senses slowly returning, the knight became aware of the rhythmic hum of the medical equipment that surrounded her. The steady beeping of monitors echoed in her ears, synchronizing with her reviving heartbeat. It was a familiar symphony, the background score of countless recoveries and battles won. It took some effort but Sybella managed to shift her gaze, her eyes scanning the room. Realisation slowly set in; she was in a recovery ward - on a ship, perhaps? Not her own, that was for certain. The sight of her Jedi robes draped over a nearby chair sparked a glimmer of recognition within Sybella. As she began to sit up, Sybella's muscles protested against the movement, still weakened from her ordeal. But determination fueled her every action. Drawing upon the Force, she willed her body to cooperate, invoking its energy to restore some of her vitality.

The imperial knight mentioned something strange - had she been unconscious? Closing her eyes, Sybella tried to remember. "I was returning from a mission. I was...so tired. Then I...don't remember." Nothing surprising there. Assignment after assignment had been piled upon her.

Looking at Kali, Sybella searched her face for answers. A clue, if anything. "How did I end up here? Did something happen? Are your alright?"

 

[Kalique Baize]

Despite the wave of relief washing over the Imperial Knight-Captain, Kalique remained slightly hesitant to fully embrace her cousin's return. Was that even her? Everything about her presence seemed familiar, weak and confused, yet it finally felt like her again, but who said the vile spirit wasn't carefully cloaking what remained of her?

Still, Kalique's expressions softened as she stepped closer, double checking her vital signs on the monitor before moving next to her again. "Hey take it easy...no need to sit back up already" she muttered, shaking her head. Sybella was as stubborn as her, so there was no actual way she'd listen and Kalique definitely wouldn't force her to stay down.

She scanned the room, apperently slowly taking in where she was, the strangeness of this place confusing her, but she didn't seem particularly nervous either. "Take it slow..." she reassured her once again, her voice soft and a sympathetic flinch crossing her features as she sensed how her mind was all over the place.

Missions...had she encountered it there? Something kept telling Kalique that the spirit had been with her for a while. The memories about the red miasma on Serenno were still fresh. "You're alright" she hoped, "You're on my ship. I'm taking you back to Jedi territory". Her ship was still there, but it was safe. She could get it, let it be transported over or whatever, but what mattered was that she was fine for now.

"I'm fine, don't worry" she told her, a smirk crossing her lips as she found it a little amusing that Sybella was concerned about her well-being right now, but it truly seemed like she had no clue about where she was. "It sounds like you haven't been really conscious for a while..." Kalique once again hesitated, not quite sure how much of the truth she could stomach right away.

"Something had befallen you...it was like you had a passenger in your mind", she finally did admit, however phrasing it carefully as she hoped she would remember something. "Apart from your head, how are you feeling?". Biting her lip, she attentively studied her face, somehow searching for the slightest hints of unfamiliarity.

@HoneyMagpie

 

[Sybella Demici]

Massaging her temples, Sybella tried her best to banish the remnants of her mental ache. Back to Jedi territory? Focusing now, she was able to recall brief flashes - memories. She had been travelling through the Outer Rim, no doubt returning from one of her many missions. One moment, the Jedi was on her personal spaceraft, the next? She was standing in front of a grand structure. There were books. Many, many books. It actually seemed like a rather pleasant place. The question, however, remained. Why had she gone there? And why couldn’t she remember anything?

Moving one of her hands over her mouth, as if to ponder, Sybella was able to hide her grimace. Now she remembered. Lujan. That insufferable witch! Had she really hijacked her her body, for days at a time? It was a frightening realisation. The first time such a thing happened, it was fleeting. Sybella had been in mortal danger and the parasitic phantom had taken over in order to preserve them both. This development, however, was worrying. What had lujan been doing for all that time? Was there any way for Sybella to find out? Meditation might be the answer.

Looking back at her cousin, the Jedi knight (at first) ignored Kali’s remark about a ‘mental passenger’. Instead, she hope to direct the imperial on to another topic. “I’m…actually rather hungry. Have you got any ration bars?” They weren’t the most pleasant things to eat but most medical bays kept them in stock.

Sybella couldn’t remember the last time she had been so famished. Had the spectre done this one purpose? Deprive her body of physical substance in order to keep better control? Vicious woman. Even now, Sybella’s eyes scanned for her, as if the ghost were to be found looming nearby.

Oddly enough, she wasn’t.

Sighing, Sybella took the absence as a small blessing. Right now, the last thing she wanted to see was Lujayn’s ghostly visage. Instead, she focused on Kali and her searching expression. Despite their time apart, the two could read each other fairly well. She knew. Kalique knew something about what happened to Sybella; it would explain why she was being so cautious and attentive. The Jedi thought it best to ignore it. To do what she had always done and bury her head in the proverbial sand. Deny everything and create some distance - it had worked before, especially amongst her fellow Jedi. For a long time now, it had seemed like the only solution; Lujayn’s presence was her burden to bear.

But hadn’t she nearly buckled under the weight of it all? Because of her silence, Lujayn had managed to take hold and no one from the Jedi knew enough about her to stop the possession. Except maybe for Faen, but the seer had been absent for so long.

“…You saw her, didn’t you?” Sybella couldn’t help it. She had blurted the words out before even thinking about it. Regret immediately followed, but it was too late. The knight had opened up Pandora’s box…

 

[Kalique Baize]

Sybella still looked confused while she seemingly tried to make sense out of the remnants of fragments and episodes she did remember and the little input her cousin offered. Kalique shifted her weigh from one foot to the other, suppressing a sight as the analytical, yet worried gaze kept studying the Jedi.

"Oh of course". It was true. While in the coma, she hadn't eaten. Her state of unconsciousness hadn't lasted forever and Kalique hadn't even seen her cousin in a while, but the way her facial features had now fallen back towards the bone, even her hands and wrists alone had gotten visibly thinner, she wondered whether the vile spirit had kept her away from nutrition to wear her down further.

Without hesitation, Kalique reached out with the Force opened a cabin across the room with it and let a nutrious, high caloric protein bar levitate towards the famished Sybella. "There you. This will sustain you for hours...but I guess an actual meal might be better". She had no doubt she'd be taken care of properly in the temple, but for now she needed to regain strength quickly.

"You should get your blood checked and analyzed" she suggested, the worry still speaking from her. Even if rations usually supplied everything needed, she had to get back into a regular eating schedule. Kalique as just about to make her way over as Sybella just blurted out the question about whether she had seen the spirit.

"Well" she opened her mouth, wondering what to say once again, but if she asked so bluntly, she really wanted to know the answer. Kalique also assumed Syb knew it anayway, so after another short sigh escaped her, she replied, "Yes. I believe I saw something of her on Serenno already back then...I haven't been able to place it though" she admitted, meeting her gaze again.

"She was connected to your headpiece....the coins I believe. Your heirloom. She knew you well, as if she had known you for much longer". Maybe Sybella had something before as well. Maybe she hadn't been able to grasp it, maybe the vile spirit had been too careful. "You should talk about that with someone...a Jedi Master perhaps. Whatever you did before, it hadn't been enough to keep her out and I'm afraid a part of her remains". It was a hard truth, but Kalique was simply concerned.

@HoneyMagpie