Ask Penitence

[Darth Raze]

These days it wasn’t often that Emryc and Raze were furious about the same thing. For several hours after seeing the footage, Emryc nursed a whiskey in his hand in a dark room with classical music playing. For hours, he quietly reflected and mused. For hours, he considered his options, his life choices, his decisions to walk the path towards becoming both the Sith Dark Lord and the President of the ISC. For hours he thought of all the ways that shredded and tore him apart. For hours he thought of how much he relished in it all the same. For all the pain and agony it brought him. For all the despair he felt. For all the exhilaration and the intoxicating draw he could never resist.

And that’s what drove him to throw back the rest of his whiskey. It’s what pushed him to rise up and put on that infamous armor. The moment the helmet slid over his head and he gazed through that familiar visor, he was a different man. He was the man he needed to be to carry this out without a single hint of doubt or remorse. He was the man he needed to be to go through with this against his own fiancee, against the love of his life, all without flinching. All without hesitating. Without holding back.

He was Darth Raze.

The Dark Lord had summoned both Sith that had spectacularly cost the Empire Dantooine after Raze almost died winning it. Sith Lord Draugr was also permitted to join solely because he led the invasion. The Dark Lord stood tall inside the Korriban temple, his demeanor as imposing as ever. The trademark helmet was trained forward until the others arrived. There was a tangible chill to the room that was uniquely an effect Darth Raze had wherever he went. Anyone in his presence would feel it - like icy fingers crawling up their spine before taking a cool grasp around their throats. Their chests would feel just a bit more compressed, filled with that sudden sense of dread. It was inexplicable, and it was something Emryc could never exude. Only Raze.

He waited in silence, deigning not to speak until the perpetrators arrived.

@Scoobert @Altaris @Braden

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

Failure.

That single word had haunted Jaikus since the news from Dantooine reached his ears. It clawed its way into every corner of his psyche, drowning out every other thought and sensation and leaving the Axxilan with that singular sensation of dread. A sensation that hadn’t left him the entire flight and walk to the Korriban temple. There was no sugarcoating how spectacularly they had failed. He and Ryujin had utterly failed to breach the meeting between the Jedi and Dantooine insurgents, and their incompetent handling of that operation had cost the Empire a world hard-fought for.

More than that for Jaikus, it had cost them a world that Emryc - his fiancee and love of his life - had nearly died to seize. He had been there in the aftermath of the half-Sephi’s duel with Hannibal, and seen the injuries that the man he loved had sustained. And now his own failures that rendered all of that moot.

Whatever dread he felt over the situation - whatever emotions ate at him and remorse he felt, Jaikus knew that wasn’t penitence enough for the failures that had occurred that day. He knew that this was something he would have to answer to. And he didn’t try to run from it. This was his mistake to account for, as much as it was Ryujin’s.

Jaikus stepped through the entrance of the Korriban temple, citrine eyes fixed unwaveringly forward as he approached the audience chamber where he had been summoned. He has forgone any mask or covering to conceal his face. As he stepped closer into the chamber, Jaikus fealt the distinctive aura that grasped him through the Force - the weight in his chest that was oppressive and the chill that washed over him.

Jaikus knew exactly who was waiting for him. He knew that the Dark Lord of the Sith waited for him, and he knew that there was none of his fiancée at that moment. Only once before had the Axxilan seen Raze in his full capacity, and that encounter on Telos had almost cost Jaikus his life. Even as he approached now - even as he refused to run from the penitence that his failures deserved - Jaikus couldn’t help but think back on that day and wonder if today would be the same.

Jaikus swallowed down all those thoughts as he finally stopped before Raze, standing a few paces in front of the Dark Lord. For a split second, the half-Sephi would see the distinct pang of sadness and agony that manifested on the Axxilan’s face. One that his expression nature dictaced that he could never quite hide. Sadness for all that his own actions had caused, and sadness to every have to stand before Raze in this capacity.

It was present, but he knew that neither his fiancée or the Dark Lord before him now would feel any sympathy at its appearance. “My Lord.” Jaikus said, dipping his head and bending at the waist before the half-Sephi. He waiting for Ryujin and Draugr to enter, along with whatever punishment was to come.

@Sreeya @Scoobert @Braden

 

[Darth Draugr]

Dantooine.. lost..

The two words had so much impact on the tone of how this day would go for the Sith Lord. So much sacrifice made. So many lives lost and taken in the battle on Dantooine between the Sith and the Jedi. Draugr had led the fight and though he had lost his duel to Crix.. he fought til he couldn't anymore. His left leg was lost in the attack. Now he stood on only one organic leg, the other metallic and substitution for what he had once had.

Onward was the door to where the punishment for the two Sith who had let the planet slip from their fingers in the form of words... words..

They hadn't even touched their sabers, let alone lift one to knock down those of the enemy. They let them talk their way back into possession of what the Sith held under their control. How could these Sith be incompetent enough to even say something simple like 'no,' the just sat there more than likely asleep or focused on other things elsewhere. What could have been so important, to just forget what you were defending from simple words.

When Draugr finally walked into the room where Raze and one of the Sith to blame, Jaikus, were resigning he had heard Jaikus give a greeting. 'My Lord' hmph. Ironic.. now that it was time for him to pay for his insulance he can speak. But when it was time to defend Dantooine from the grasp of the FWA.. he was silent.

"SILENCE JAIKUS!.. You lost your right to speak when you hadn't in the defense of Dantooine! Your words lacked then, they will lack now unless spoken to.. do you understand?"

Draugr would inform the other guilty party when they arrive.. the Inquisitor. A lesson will be made, Draugr would be sure of it..

 

[Ryujin Izanagi]

Missions always had risks and they did not always succeed, that was fact, but the failure of this one did not sit well with the Inquisitor. Mainly due to the fact that it was not down to his might that they did not succeed but due to the fact he did nothing in the loss of a key planet to the Jedi. He and ‘Wraith’ had sat by as the Jedi gathered their forces and retook the planet, no call had been made, no action taken, it was shameful but Ryujin preferred to look at the facts. It helped protect him from some of the looks from the other Inquisitors as he walked their halls.

The Jedi had retaken a world yes, but a planet cut adrift from all allied help behind a wall of red worlds. It would take little effort for the Sith to cut off supplies to the planet, starve them out and retake it in due time.

Ryujin expected some recompense for his failure, he had already received some from the Lord Inquisitor, his value and trust in the eyes of his colleagues had dropped significantly. Which to some sounded like little punishment but for an Inquisitor trust and loyalty was a currency greater than any credit or crown. However it seemed that Darth Raze, one of the ‘Trusted’ had skin in the game at Dantooine.

Making his way from the hidden House on Korriban out into the halls of the temple, his bright red armour a signal of his rank within the Inquisitorius allowing him easy access through any crowds. Reaching the room which housed Darth Raze he could feel the chill of the Darkside, only fury and anger existed inside this space. Jaikus was already there as was someone else Lord Draugr, another Sith with skin in Dantooine.

He heard Draugr’s outburst at Wraith/Jaikus, but ignored him advancing towards Darth Raze. His eyes locked with the helm which brought fear into millions, a silence washed over Ryujin in that moment. Years of training to show no emotion, to blend in with the crowd, to be nothing, came into effect. Ryujin almost became detached from his body as he reached the terrifying creature. “Lord Raze” He said bowing at the waist.

@Sreeya @Altaris @Scoobert

 

[Darth Raze]

Raze said nothing in response to Jaikus addressing him, nor did he react to Draugr snapping at the Axxilan. The Dark Lord was an obsidian statue, silently calculating and analyzing. Susanoo arrived as well and Raze took a moment to regard him. A few seconds passed before the Dark Lord finally spoke, the modulated voice still projecting a deep baritone.

“War has victories and losses,” He began, “Such is the nature of war. However, the nature of this particular loss, one obtained through nothing short of gross negligence and utter incompetence, is the reason you are here today,” There was no outright anger in his tone or demeanor. He exuded nothing but a frigid chill, his words cutting like ice. It was impossible to ever predict what he would do next.

“Explain yourselves,” He commanded them. Neither had any history of prior poor performance, and yet they had failed to inexcusable degrees this time around.

@Scoobert @Altaris @Braden

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

Jaikus lingered in place for a moment or two longer before rising up from the bow, standing once more at his full height. The Axxilan’s citrine gaze lingered on Raze once more - only to be abruptly drawn away by the arrival of Draugr, greeting the Zabrak with a respectful dip of his head. Given the now-Sith Lord’s involvement in seizing the planet, he wasn’t surprised to see him in attendance of this summons.

The Axxilan said nothing in response to the Sith Lord snapping at him. He didn’t flinch or wince away from the words, silently meeting the Zabrak’s gaze for a long moment. He didn’t disregard or fail to acknowledge what was said, giving the Sith Lord a solid nod of acknowledgement when he questioned whether Jaikus understood or not.

His gaze very briefly flicked to Ryujin when the Inquisitor came to stand beside him, quietly acknowledging his presence. Dantooine hadn’t been the first time the pair had worked together within the ISB, but their failure on the planet was easily the biggest mark of shame on both of their careers.

Jaikus finally fixed his attention back onto Raze when the Dark Lord spoke. He felt the chilling aura and the way that the half-Sephi’s words cut like ice, and he knew that Emryc was nowhere close in that moment - though a part of him knew that his fiancee would’ve been utterly furious just as well. Even still, in that moment, there was only Raze. A Targon silently at prowl. It was impossible to gauge the Dark Lord’s inner thoughts or what he would do next, and Jaikus couldn’t deny the way that internally unsettled him.

“I will not make excuses for what happened on Dantooine,” Jaikus began before Ryujin, citrine eyes flicking between Raze and Draugr as he spoke. “For there are none to justify what occurred.” The Axxilan knew better than to attempt to maneuver or try to come up with a way to explain away what had happened on the planet. He knew his mistake to its fullest extent. “We arrived on Dantooine to investigate reports of suspicious activity, and utterly failed to accomplish that task. My own lapse in judgment on that day, and inability to act in the moment, contributed to us not being able to breach the upper floor of the facility, and put an end to the rebellion before it began.”

There was no justifiable reason for Jaikus’ failure to act decisively in that moment. He had made a career of working within the background of the Empire and amongst its most covert elements, from his work with Tanaab, to Mandalorian space, to most recent endeavors on Zeltros.

“I fully acknowledge my own negligence and part in his failure.” He said after a long moment. Even if the blame was split between himself and Ryujin, he made no attempts to downplay his part in it. “Mistakes were made. Mistakes that cost this Empire,” His gaze briefly flicked to Draugr and his mechanical leg, and then back to Raze - a flash of that previous sorrow returning for a split second before fading back. “And those who fought for it, dearly.”

“And it is a mistake I intend to rectify, given the opportunity to do so.”[/justify]

@Sreeya @Scoobert @Braden

 

[Ryujin Izanagi]

Ryujin kept his eyes locked on the mask of Darth Raze. He could feel the inner turmoil inside, the human parts of him crying out for him to look, no run away from this man. This demon of death and destruction that stood before him. He let that fear bubble deep inside, a furnace to keep his connection to The Force strong, not to retaliate or strike out at this man, but to centre himself. For the Dark Side was the only true ally to the Inquisitorius.

He watched the mouth of the helmet utter words without moving, commanding they explain their failure to the Dark Lord. A shift in the demeanour of Jaikus queued that he was to speak first, so Ryujin let him. He heard the man speak and when he finished there was little to add, he could extrapolate what exactly went down, but it would only be a waste of time and air to all those in this room.

“Lord Raze, everything the Operative stated is fact. We arrived due to tip offs received by both the ISB and the Inquisitorius, but were not able to act open said information. Faltering at the first hurdle when trying to infiltrate the Rebel meeting.” He replied calmly, his mind was already a few steps ahead planning his next words. Ryujin was always a planner.

“Although neither of us acted when the time came, I cannot fault the Operative overly as his training is in that of subterfuge and planning. As a member of the Venatores my training was not as lacking in this matter. I am trained to act and I did not. Although we both share equal blame in the lapse in judgement, lack of action is not so equal. I am an Inquisitor, my goal is to serve and defend the Empire at the behest of all, including my own life. In that, I have failed.”

With that Ryujin took a knee before the Dark Lord. “As a ‘Trusted’, I bow to yours and Empress Andruil’s whim alone. I accept no praise from other sources, no promotion, no gratification of my deeds and accomplishments, as I accept no chastisement, nor punishment except from the mouth and hands of a ‘Trusted’. An Inquisitor’s life is to serve the Throne, if it is deemed to no longer be of worth to the seat. It can be cast aside, none shall shed a tear or blink an eye. That is our creed, That is the Inquisitorius.” With that said he bowed his head and waited.

@Sreeya @Scoobert @Altaris

 

[Darth Raze]

Raze’s steely helmet fixated towards Jaikus as he spoke. If he had any opinions on the commentary, none of it manifested externally. It was a fluffy answer, one without any substance, with weak and pathetic promises to ‘do better next time’. He considered how to react appropriately, but would hear Susanoo out first. His visor turned to the latter as he explained his perspective. This account was more meaningful and the Dark Lord harbored a measure of respect for the man as a result.

However, Raze would also take what was said at face value. He wouldn’t speculate beyond that. If Susanoo was accurate or simply covering for Jaikus, none of that mattered. He laid the lion’s share of the blame on himself and admitted he proved to be incompetent in the very field he specialized in. The Dark Lord gazed at him as he took a knee, helmet tilting down to regard him. For a few seconds there was nothing but silence. That familiar chill hung in the air, Raze’s imposing presence almost suffocating to everyone else in the room. Tension hung in the air as seconds ticked by and the Dark Lord was frozen where he stood, crimson visor tilted to regard Susanoo.

“Very well,” The mechanized voice spoke curtly, “Your honesty and dedication to the Inquisitorius is commendable,” A few more seconds ticked by before Raze’s helmet slowly tilted back to gaze ahead of himself, “You have earned the honor of drawing your own blade and permitting yourself a quick end for your failures.”

With that, he took a single step back from Susanoo. He would wait until the deed was done before he turned his attention to the other failure in the room.

@Scoobert @Altaris @Braden

 

[Ryujin Izanagi]

As his head hung and bowed, Ryujin felt the cold stare of the Dark Lord upon him. The eyes that had seen a million deaths bored into him, time ticked by as Ryujin awaited the Raze’s answer. A hundred scenarios danced within his mind, though his thoughts always drifted back to the same one. Death. Even with the threat of the reaper hanging over him, there was a little hope inside the Inquisitor. Hope that he would be allowed to regain some honour within himself, with a death at either the hands of Darth Raze or perhaps the ultimate honour within his own.

A small breath slipped through tightly closed lips as the Dark Lord signalled that indeed his life was over, but at the pleasure of his own blade. Ryujin raised his head to lock eyes once again with the red slits upon the mask. “Thank you Lord Raze.” Ryujin gave Jaikus a quick look as to signal he needed a little more room before he began preparations for his death.

Standing from his kneeling position Ryujin reached to his left side and slowly one by one removed the clasps that held the Red Duraplast chest and back piece together. Pulling it over his head he placed the armour to one side, standing like a third fourth spectator to his death. Next came his bracers they sat crossed before the chest piece, finally was his belt. He unclipped the lightsaber, placing it in front of him before wrapping the belt around the resting armour, the clasp open ready for its next owner.

The bright red Gi he wore underneath was easy to slip out of. His snow white skin seemed to shine bright in his eyes as he uncovered his upper body, scars from battles within the pits of Nar Shaddaa, to the wars of the Sith littered his body. Kneeling before the resting lightsaber he picked up the blade, with a click he removed one side of the circular guard, another click removed the other side. It was now once again just the blade of a Sith.

Ruyjin now sat before all assembled, all semblance of his identity as Susanoo gone, he was now only Ruyjin Izanagi. Without looking at anyone Ryujin picked up the lightsaber and held the unlit end of the blade above his heart. Looking forward, not a quiver in his body he spoke his last few words, it wasn't a warning, or a threat, no it was his creed. “Trust no person, only your faith in the Empire will guide you.” As the last syllable left his lips he ignited his blade, a bright streak of crimson plazma burst through his chest, his heart sliced in two.

It took only a moment for the darkness to consume him. For his end to come, his body slumped forward slightly, but still it sat upright. The last of the Inquisitors pride in his duty, evident for all there to see.

@Sreeya @Scoobert @Altaris

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

Jaikus felt the frigid gaze of Raze upon him as he spoke, not a single reaction manifesting from the Dark Lord. The Axxilan knew the mistakes he had made, and they hung very with each word that was spoken. He was committed to going above and beyond to rectify his own failures, regardless of what it cost it. If he was even given that opportunity.

He remained silent as Ryujin spoke, citrine eyes flicking away from the Dark Lord and Draugr and instead fixating onto the Inquisitor. He listened, attention fixated onto the man as he laid the lion’s share of the blame on himself, holding himself further accountable than the Axxilan. Perhaps Ryujin had the specialization, perhaps his expectations were high, but Jaikus has been there on Dantooine that day.

He knew where they had both failed to act accordingly, and how the blame both laid on his shoulders. And yet Ryujin claimed the blame for himself. And it brought a shroud of guilt with it that hung heavy on his shoulders.

Jaikus gaze snapped back towards Raze when the Dark Lord spoke again. The confirmation that death awaited the Inquisitor - and perhaps himself as well - was not a possibility that the Axxilan had not seriously considered. What did shock him, however, was the revelation that the Inquisitor would have the honor of doing the deed himself. Jaikus’ citrine gaze flicked down to Ryujin, taking a step backwards when indicated to do so.

He watched, silent as a crypt as Ryujin slowly stripped of his armor - drawing the Lightsaber from his belt. There was a morbid grace and almost ritualistic dedication to detail as he underwent the process, until the Inquisitor was bare before them - saber pointed towards his heart.

Jaikus couldn’t help the faint exhale that passed through his nostrils when the blade was ignited, piercing the Inqusitor’s heart in a split second. He heard the man’s final words as they were spoken, and he watched as the body slumped forward from where he was sitting.

In an instant, it felt as if that same blade had been plunged deep into the Axxilan’s stomach. He felt the sensations of dread and guilty that pressed down against him oppressive, coupled against the aura of the Dark Lord standing like an obsidian statue in front of him. Ryujin had served the Empire faithfully to the end, and his death now lied at Jaikus’ feet, just as he bore the guilt of what had occurred on Dantooine.

There was an almost distant look in the Axxilan’s eyes as he stared down at the corpse of the Inquisitor, citrine eyes lingering for several additional seconds. He couldn’t change what had happened on Dantooine, nor could he change the ultimate fate of the Inqusitor.

But every ounce of the guilt and agony burned deep in his chest, and fed directly into the Axxilan’s conviction to redeem not only himself, but to ensure that Ryujin’s death would not be in vain.

His gaze lingered on Ryujin for only a moment longer, Without another word, Jaikus turned his attention back onto Raze - the chilling aura of the Dark Lord pressing down against his chest and fueling that sensation of dread in his stomach. The fact that Draugr stood beside him was almost forgotten entirely - as Jaikus’ attention remained solely on the half-Sephi. And whatever consequences awaited him.[/justify]

@Sreeya @Braden @Scoobert

 

[Darth Draugr]

Standing to the side watching on Draugr felt a rage within him. It would be more satisfying to take the kill from the inquisitor. They hadn't earned anything in the yes of the Zabrak. All he did was admit to being a waste of Sith time. He should have been fed to Nexu for his betrayal of Sith trust. In the end though, Darth Raze will get what he wants, and if that was to see a boring drug out suicide then so be it.

The Inquisitor spoke more of his creed.. it didn't matter what he said the failure was disrespectful as well as untrustworthy now, his suicide won't be looked at with respect from Draugr. The Zabrak stood tall arms crossed waiting for Jaikus' punishment. Neither of them will leave the room without losing something of theirs for the loss of something to the Empire. Draugr would not interrupt Darth Raze's punishment, but he would certainly like to dish it out.

"If I may my Lord.. I believe I have a good enough punishment set for Jaikus before we give him his opportunity for redemption."

Draugr would speak with respect and clear words. He did not want to cause for annoyance or disrespect in any form. The Dark Lord of the Sith almost killed him before, he knows he wouldn't hesitate to do it again. So with a calm tone he would continue with hopeful attention to what the Lord was saying from the Dark Lord,

"We both lost parts of ourselves at Dantooine.."

Referring to the lost leg, and Raze's scar where Hannibal had stabbed him with the saber.

"I believe taking a limb will teach him the sacrifices that are needed to be made to be successful. May even drive him to be a better Sith and hope to not lose more of himself."

Draugr had his blades set on his belt of his robes and eyed the failure still breathing.

"Then whatever else you wish as well of course. That is my one request."

An angry stare towards Jaikus remained. His face stern. Yellow eyes piercing through him.

@Sreeya @Altaris @Braden

 

[Darth Raze]

Raze watched the Inquisitor complete the deed and slump over. It was an unfortunate turn of events, but word would spread through the Inquisitorius as a reminder of the price of unforgivable failure. The Dark Lord kept his gaze on the body for a moment before looking up again when the Sith Lord spoke.

In truth, Draugr talked far too much. However, Raze had little desire to invest more energy into this than necessary. He noticed Jaikus only addressing the Dark Lord right then, acting as if the Sith Lord didn’t exist in the room. As if only Raze were worthy enough to dole out judgment. The Axxilan held no special rank, and was no one of any particular note. He didn’t have the luxury of acting like he was above his station regardless of his ties to Emryc. Jaikus owed his respect to Sith Lords in the room and to act so dismissively towards Draugr was open disobedience, one even Raze could recognize. A few more seconds of silence took place after the Sith Lord spoke.

Raze took another step back, crossing his arms over his chest, “Do as you please, Lord Draugr,” The mechanized voice said smoothly. The crimson visor would turn and watch, letting the Sith Lord unleash whatever he wanted on the failure of a Champion that refused to kneel. A Champion that clearly did not understand the gravity of what he had done to act so flippant even after seeing his fellow Sith succumb. Jaikus would remain here until the reality was drilled into his head and his ego was stripped.

“Remind this all too proud disgrace of his place,” He commanded the Sith Lord.

@Altaris @Scoobert

 

[Darth Draugr]

As the Dark Lord would speak Draugr's gaze never left the champion. He felt the title champion was obscure after seeing how many failed and how often, but he wasn't going to mention it.

Then Draugr got the go ahead. Raze had allowed for the request to go through and accepted it. The Zabrak was pleased, a slight smirk crept on the tattooed face, and then he would begin to respond to the Dark Lord of the Sith with a deeper but more content tone.

"My pleasure my Lord."

Beginning to walk towards the champion Jaikus, he would remove a hilt from the belt of his robes and ignite it. The red glow filling the area around him. The warmth of the blade was noticeable as the chill of Raze's presence was filling the room. Reaching out with the force he would grasp the right arm of Jaikus extending it completely. Then with the blade in the right hand of the Zabrak he would place the blade on the bicep of the champion letting it burn slowly, letting for pain to fill his entire upper right side, and then slowly begin to slice through the arm.

He wanted the champion to suffer the pain. He didn't watch men and women die, he didn't fight for his life, he didn't lose anything from this failure. He had to pay. The Dathomirian Lord would see to it he did. Once the blade made it through the arm he would release his force grip on the arm letting it drop next to the failure. Showing him what the price of complete loss comes with.

"The Empire will not tolerate failure.."

Draugr would grasp the rest of Jaikus' body through the force and force him to kneel. The armless champion would then be left to hear the rest of his punishment. Draugr would disengage his saber and place the hilt back on his belt before returning to where he stood.

"The deed is done my Lord.."

@Sreeya @Altaris

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

Jaikus was deathly silent in the aftermath of Ryujin’s death - the weight of both the Inqusitor’s demise and the presence of Darth Raze weighing heavily upon his very being. A thousand thoughts raced through his mind on what would come next, only to be interrupted by the voice of Lord Draugr when the Zabrak chimed in with his own suggestions. The Axxilan’s citrine gaze shifted to meet the Sith Lord - clearly noting the hatred that burned within his yellow gaze.

His attention shifted back to Raze when the Dark Lord took a step back, authorizing Draugr to carry out the sentence. The half-Sephi would see the momentary panic that flashed through the Axxilan’s eyes for a brief moment. In an instant, the Axxilan felt the gravity of his failures and what it would cost him, and it manifested clearly enough in the emotions that briefly bubbled to the surface - hinting what roiled within the Axxilan.

The Axxilan’s gaze lingered on Darth Raze for a few seconds longer, citrines fixed onto the crimson visor that faced back at him. Whatever his relationship with Emryc, whatever bond they shared, Jaikus knew that there was only the Dark Lord that stood before him now. And there would be no mercy from him. No sympathy. No reprieve. The Dark Lord’s final words echoed in his mind in what felt like slow motion, digging their way into his mind with every repetition.

Jaikus attention was snapped towards Draugr as the Zabrak ignited his saber - the Force coiling tightly around his right arm and forcing it to extend outward. The moment the plasma blade of Draugr’s saber began to slowly burn into his bicep, Jaikus gasped out in raw agony - the very breath in his lungs seeming to flee from his chest as the Zabrak purposefully slowed the process - his voice raising in pitch as he cries out involuntarily. Molten anguish coursed through every fiber of the Axxilan’s arm and radiated into the right side of his body. Hot tears streamed down Jaikus’ tears as the pain coursed through him, his jaw setting so tightly it was a wonder his teeth didn’t crack and shatter beneath the pressure. The Axxilan couldn’t help the way he groaned out in pain - his face twisting and contorting as the Sith Lord’s blade sliced through flesh and muscle.

The pain didn’t dull until the Zabrak’s crimson blade finally completed its cut - severing the last of the nerve endings as Jaikus’ lower arm was separated from his upper bicep. The Axxilan couldn’t help but stare down at the limb as it fell to the groud, his other hand rising to grasp the stump that was his left. Molten gold swirled within the Axxilan’s citrine eyes as the pain and anguish and anger washed over him all at once, the gravity at losing a part of himself hitting him like a freighter.

The Axxilan’s knees buckled inward as Draugr forced Jaikus downward, harshly colliding with the stone below. He made no attempts to rise back to his feet, eyes fixed down towards the stump of his arm, fingers of his remaining hand digging tightly into the smoldering, cauterized flesh.

@Sreeya @Scoobert