Ask An Odd Awakening

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar held Trael tightly as if letting him go would make him simply float away into thin air. He felt Trael’s emotions surge through the Force, washing over him like a massive tidal wave. And yet Azar remained steadfast like a rock that refused to budge. He closed his eyes and tightly kept his arms wrapped around the other man, feeling the full spectrum of emotions unleash and sweep over him. It was enough to make his eyes water and fill his chest with emotions that weren’t even his own. Azar exhaled a shuddered breath when Trael finally spoke.

He opened his mouth to argue, but he stayed silent. At the end of the day, the choice had to come down to Trael. Azar couldn’t decide for him as much as he wanted to speak. Even then, he knew his own biases would linger above. His thirst for knowledge clawed at him like a monster inside him. Azar focused on Trael for now, leaning in to tenderly kiss him before they rose up to stand. He still winced from his injured arm and he knew Trael had his own injuries.

When Trael asked if Azar was sure, the Pureblood gave a smile, “Of course I’m not sure,” He said quietly, “This is your step to take, not mine. I’ll be with you regardless which one,” Azar reminded him, grasping his hand and giving it a squeeze, “And stop with that Holomovie hero talk. If something happens, we’re both getting out,” Azar stated flatly, not leaving any room for further debate.

Eventually, the two would make their way past the throne where the door opened without much fuss. The room looked empty except for a pedestal at the very end with a box on it. The box pulsed with power and Azar could tell it was the artifact Andraste described earlier. He squeezed Trael’s hand again, “You have to take it alone,” He whispered, sensing the energy in the room and how it fought against his presence. Azar knew if he tried to move any closer, he would meet with injuries.

@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Trael Osso-Drast]

Trael was just staring at the door as Azar spoke, he was right only Trael could take this next step. Azar drew his gaze as he squeezed his hand and affirmed that he wasn’t going to leave him. He gave him a soft smile, “Thank you.” He whispered back, as he squeezed his hand.

As they entered the room and spotted the pedestal he stopped. He stared ahead as it called to him through the Force. He felt Azar squeeze his hand as he whispered to him. Alone? Was that the path of a Drast? One of being alone because no one else could follow? Was that his path? He went to step towards the box but hesitated. For the first time he found himself staring down a foe he couldn’t charge headlong into, uncertainty for his future. His own self doubt and fear holding him in place. He was a Sith, supposed to break free from his bondage, yet here he was bound by his own self imposed limitations. He sat in silence as he fumbled through the mess that was his mind. The energy circulating the room calling to him.

Eventually he took the first step. He had decided he was going to acquire this artifact and see what it held before solidifying his decision. He reached the box and as he touched it he was in a memory of some kind, but it wasn’t one of his. “Victor are you sure about this? Is she really worth abandoning your heritage, your future?” Victor? That was his father’s name. Why was he having a vision about his father? “Yes, she is. Everyone I’ve met has seen me as a Drast after learning of it. They sought the power and prestige it came with. I was beginning to believe all I ever would be seen as was simply a member of the bloodline, then I met her. She didn’t see me as Victor Drast even after learning the truth. She didn’t change the way she loved me or the things she did. I will give everything I can to be with the one person who saw me and not my heritage.”

The vision faded to an escape of the man and a woman now. The man wielded a red saber and was cutting their way to safety until they left. He could feel the raw emotions through the Force vision. Next was a familiar house and the feeling of genuine joy as he was handed a crying child. The fear as the child got older and began displaying Force sensitivity. Finally the feeling of failure as he desperately tried to save his love one last time while surrounded by flames. Trael snapped back to reality staring down at a holocron.

His father chose love over his name. Could Trael do the same if pushed to do so? Did he need to? He was both Drast and Osso, why was he forced to choose? He was his father’s son yet also the result of his parent’s guidance early on. Could he not claim his birthright yet continue on the legacy of his parents? What stopped him from remaining his own man even as a Drast? He grabbed the holocron lifting it out of the box and opening it. He was determined to see if his father’s words were wrong and that it wasn’t a curse.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

The moment he opened the holocron, a surge of energy would pour into him. He would be hit with a sudden burst of knowledge, understanding, depth of history. All of it. His blood would run hot, and he would see the faces of Drasts of the past and he would see glimpses of Andraste herself from that very day when she wrote the Sith Code into existence. He would feel as if he sat directly in the front row that day, directly in the awe-inspiring presence of the first Empress herself. Her demeanor was several times more powerful and commanding than any spirit in any temple, and she carried herself with cool dignity. At one point she slowly turned to gaze towards him as if she noticed him and as if this wasn’t just a memory.

Right then, he was thrown back into reality, left with the sensation of power that channeled through him. He would know right away that the contents of the Holocron were used up. It could only be summoned by him or taught only by him. He would feel the Force course through him more powerfully than ever and the entire temple would respond to his whims.

The journey back was long, but it was far quieter. Azar was deep inside his head and likely Trael was too. Both of them came out of the temple changed from who they were when they stepped in. Before long, they were back on the ship and still Azar didn’t ask Trael about what he found or the knowledge gained from the holocron.

He went right to the shower, taking almost two hours to wash off all the grime and sweat from being in that infernal temple. Azar emerged a while later, a towel wrapped around his hips and his hand with fresh new bandaging. He styled his hair into place, but didn’t bother any actual clothing for now.

It felt strange to address Trael now. It was different looking at him now. He was a Drast, blood of the people that conquered Azar’s own. In many ways it brought Sith out to the greater galaxy and helped ensure the survival of their people. In other ways, it poisoned a pure bloodline. Azar said nothing for a moment, simply studying the other man in silence. There were a lot of things he could have said - he could have asked Trael what was in the holocron, whether he chose Osso or Drast, whether he would share the knowledge. However, none of that came to surface.

“Are you all right?” Azar asked at last, the only question that mattered.

@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Trael Osso-Drast]

Trael wasn’t sure what he expected as he opened the holocron, but seeing the faces of Drasts from the past and being thrown into another vision was not it. He stood at the precipice as Andraste declared herself empress, as she began laying the foundations for the Sith code that was still followed to this day. It was a monumental moment in history and he was witnessing it as if he was there. As he was taking in the scene before him he noticed Andraste seemingly turn to regard him before he was thrust back into reality.

He could still sense the immense power and presence she held even outside of the vision. The holocron still had the glow as if it was still active but lacked the feel and signature in the Force it previously held. He stared down at it for a moment pondering what his actions meant. The Force flowed through him with a strength he hadn’t known before, it was intoxicating yet the most terrifying thing he had experienced. It felt as if the temple was bending to his whims, something he never experienced.

As they made the return trip Trael kept looking at the holocron when he didn’t need to pay attention to anything. He felt a part of him remain in the temple one he would probably never reclaim. He was lost in thought trying to come to grips with everything he had learned and the new knowledge he possessed. He still wasn’t sure if the decision he made was the right one, or how it would shape him either. He didn’t even realize how quiet the trip was, probably because it was what he wanted at the time.

While Azar quickly hogged the shower Trael had stripped himself of all his clothing besides a pair of gym shorts. He also cleaned and rebandaged his wounds. When Azar came out he was still looking at the empty holocron. The object that had changed him, for the better or worse he did not yet know.

He turned to Azar as he asked his question, “I’ll be fine physically after a quick bacta soak. Mentally though,” He trailed off as he looked away from Azar. He had already dumped a lot of his emotional dilemma on him this trip and wasn’t sure if he wanted to continue doing so. “How are you feeling? Do you need me to check over your arm again?” He asked with concern, while still looking away. They both heard the news it wasn’t just Trael. Would this revelation make him lose Azar as well?

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar didn’t miss the way Trael looked away. He let silence linger there briefly, unable to fully comprehend what the man was going through. Azar had lost everything he had known, but he knew where he was from. He knew it was even possible some day to try and reclaim it. The same could not be said for Trael. Not only did Trael learn everything he had known was false, but now he had no one else to ask about any of it. There would be chapters to his story forever hidden and questions forever unanswered. He would never have a sense of closure. Was he supposed to feel pride for his family for sheltering him? Was he supposed to feel anger because they hid everything from him?

Azar sighed and stepped towards Trael, giving a tired smile, “We basically have matching injuries,” Azar said with a bitter laugh. He kept walking until he was directly in front of Trael.

“Hey..” Azar said gently, reaching a hand out to softly place along the side of Trael’s face. The touch was feathery light and he would remove it at the first sign of resistance, “Don’t do that..” Unless Trael protested, he would slowly turn his head to look at Azar, “We’ve come so far. Don’t turn away from me now,” He said quietly, gazing into his eyes.

Azar, for one, was in no mood to mope and he knew Trael was going to be down in the dumps. So he decided to do something ridiculous by plugging in his EZPhone to the speaker. Moments later, a very familiar song that was one of Trael's favorites began to blast just as it had that day on Nar Shaddaa that now felt like a century ago. Azar looked at Trael with a mock serious expression, “Hold on I got to go sing this,” He said urgently to Trael mimicking his deeper voice and Naboo accent and even Trael's usually more serious expression.

With that, Azar started to sing the song (after firmly tightening the towel around his hips so it didn’t fall off) and dancing to it. He had fun with it, moving similar to how drunk Trael did that day as he put on a show for the man. He had a hard time keeping a smile off his face, but he committed to the singing and dancing, moving in close now and then to playfully nudge Trael with his hip.

@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Trael Osso-Drast]

Trael was just aimlessly staring trying to piece together his shattered mental state. He was at war with himself internally. Should he be happy, sad, upset? In reality he was none of those, he was lost. What grasp he felt he had on his identity was torn away in mere moments. He was left to pick up the pieces of what was left and put them back together alone.

Azar’s comment on their injuries drew a small smile. Maybe he wasn’t alone. Azar was still here, trying to be his support. Could he truly help him navigate this new low he found himself at? Or was Trael truly alone and just trying to hide that fact?

Azar’s touch wasn’t expected as he hadn’t quite realized that he had walked over to him. He rested his face in it as his gaze was directed. “I..wasn’t turning away from you. I just don't want to burden you with my problems more than I have.” He quietly whispered back, trying to hold himself together.

Trael watched as Azar fumbled with his phone before the familiar song came on. He looked at Azar with an amused face. He was partly surprised that Azar would even remember the song from that night, but the fact he did made him smile widely. He raised his eyebrows as Azar gave him a serious look, before he rolled his eyes as Azar mocked him. He watched him with a smile as he began singing and dancing like a drunk person. Was he still mocking him? The show drew a chuckle from him.

When Azar nudged Trael he stood up and joined him in dancing and singing. Deciding he needed to get his mind off of what happened in the temple. "I think if you were to wear the juicy fit it would be better." His tone teasing, even though he did have said outfit in his closet. After they danced for a bit he pulled Azar in to a hug, "Thank you. For everything." He then picked him up, making sure it was bridal style, and began walking towards the room. "Now I want to make some good memories of the planet."

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar was surprised Trael actually joined in, but he went along with it. The entire moment was silly and adorable, with both of them dancing and twirling around. He stopped pretending to dance like Drunk Trael and actually started dancing, swaying and rocking his body against Trael like they were in a club. It was a glimpse back into that day on Nar Shaddaa but it was just the two of them now and no Trodai to put him through a beard crisis.

He gave Trael a smirk at the juicy outfit comment, “Oh I don’t know, you pulled it off rather nicely,” Azar said with a wink as his hand slid back to give Trael a squeeze on the rear. The juicy pants were ridiculously tight on Trael and his tush was splashed all over acolyte social media. His playful demeanor shifted when Trael tugged him into a hug, briefly surprised by the more serious shift. He said nothing initially to the gratitude, instead tightly hugging him back and burying his face against Trael’s chest.

Azar gasped when Trael effortlessly scooped him up, slinging an arm around his neck. He was clearly giddy at the proper carry, though a flash of concern appeared on his face, “You’re hurting your arm with this, you know,” He reminded Trael with his bossy tone as he was carried into the room. However, he couldn’t help the smirk that crossed his features, “Oh? What kind of memories?” He asked teasingly as his fingers traced down Trael’s bare chest, purposely letting the other man lead things this time.

@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Trael Osso-Drast]

Trael couldn’t help but get into the dance with Azar. He was always put in a good mood when he was with Azar. Even if at first he was mopping or moody Azar seemed to always break through the cracks to return him to being happy. It was nice having someone that can find you even when you can’t find yourself.

He rolled his eyes smirking at Azar as he squeezed his butt. "I'd still like to see you in it." His smirk widened into a smile, as the thought of Azar in the outfit popped into his mind. It made his desire for the man grow that much more. The feeling of Azar pulling him tighter and snuggling in made his heart race. Despite all the confusion around himself and his future he seemed certain in how he felt for Azar.

He gazed down at Azar as he brought up his arm. He was hoping it would be overlooked but that didn’t seem to pan out. “I have someone more important in my arms than the pain.” He said through slightly gritted teeth. The pain coursed through his arm sending searing pain he externally kept hidden for now. The pain was worth it seeing how giddy Azar was.

His gaze lingered on Azar as he carried him. This was the person he cared for over anyone. The person that he felt comfortable enough to fully let his guard down around. His expression shifted as he pretended to have to think about Azar’s question. “Well, I’d like to have some fond memories of this expedition. Although when I think of it, most of the good memories I’ve made recently involve you.” He said truthfully, even in the temple the parts he would consider ‘good’ were his moments with Azar.

He carried him into the room and threw him onto the bed. Due to his arm he had to use the Force to aid him slightly. He climbed on top of him before passionately kissing him. He slowly made his way down his body taking in the contours of it as his desire built. He pulled off his towel before giving in to the building ecstasy and desire. Making sure to only go as far as Azar allowed.

After they had their fill he laid there for a moment gazing at Azar. Azar was there and in someways lead to him going through a significant experience. He potentially would’ve never found out the truth of his heritage if he didn’t go to Azar with an excuse to spend time with him. “I’m happy that night on Nar Shaddaa happened. You’ve opened my eyes to so much.”

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

It was Azar’s turn to roll his eyes as Trael mentioned he was more important than the pain, but a smile remained on his face. Sometimes Trael had the characteristics of those incredibly chivalrous heroes stories talked about and it was endearing to know it was directed at him. When Trael actually took control, Azar was caught by surprise, but he certainly wouldn’t stop him. His desires ran high as the other man kissed down his body with renewed passion, knowing exactly what he was doing.

It wasn’t long before the towel was gone, and Azar worked quickly to remove the last bits of clothing from Trael. He delved into a dance of passion with Trael, touching and tasting as they explored one another. Only this time it became abundantly clear Azar wouldn’t hold back. He let Trael feel him entirely, moving past the last barriers he set up to go all the way. He knew what Trael felt was genuine and he would surrender to passion and him.

The experience would take both to entirely new heights of pleasure and Trael would learn that Azar was…rather vocal. By the end of it, they were both left sweaty and exhausted with the Pureblood lazily draped across Trael. He gave a content sigh when Trael spoke, giving a soft giggle, “Even though it almost lost you your beard?” Azar asked with a teasing grin before hugging him, “I’m glad you found me again on Umbara,” He said quietly, “I want to keep seeing you,” Azar whispered, already dreaming about the next time they could get away together.

/End Thread