Ask Pick Your Poison

[Darth Arcanos]

He didn’t know how long he sat there staring at that datapad. It should have been a day of celebration, a day to mark as a milestone in his career as a Champion, a day to embrace. And yet it felt as if he swallowed one of his own poisons. When he had first arrived on Zygerria, he had played that role of teacher initially. And yet things completely spiraled from there and he and Karys became something else entirely.

The last few weeks had been some of his happiest memories. Though it had to be hidden, he looked forward to seeing Karys’ smiles and hearing him humming to himself while he cooked. He was getting used to the smell of homecooked meals, fussing over the other man, having Karys teach him Basic, Azar reading him stories of their people in quiet evenings. He was even growing fond of all the times Karys complained and whined about frivolous things Azar didn’t care about in his little acolyte circles. And yet when this notification arrived, Azar felt like vomiting. He wanted to take on countless droideka than accept what this meant.

But there was no getting around it. The Sith constantly tested its members, and this was yet another test.

Azar exhaled slowly, waiting for Karys to arrive. They hadn’t given a name to whatever it was between them. Azar didn’t concern himself with it and Karys likely didn’t fully understand. All of that would come to a head today. He had asked for Karys to meet him earlier than usual and Azar was visibly tense.

Once his lover stepped through the door, Karys would notice that Azar didn’t have a bright and affectionate smile waiting for him as usual. Instead his face was solemn. He stared at Karys for a long moment, wanting nothing more than to throw the datapad away, embrace him and kiss him. He wanted to melt into his arms and forget reality.

His feet moved of their own accord, his movements methodical and stiff. Without a word, he slowly extended the datapad to hand to Karys for him to read.

The message was short and succinct - After a long wait, Karys was finally assigned a Master.

Azar Kressh.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

A month ago Karys would have never believed that he be in the situation he was currently in, much less that he would have survived Zygerria. Instead, he had someone he cared for deeply and that he was pretty sure cared for him as well. He visited Azar daily, often staying the night with him. The pair would sleep curled up in each others arms. Karys had shared much of himself with Azar and Azar did the same in return, this was beginning to feel like more than just mere affection.

Karys didn't question when Azar asked him to come and visit earlier than usual, sure it was odd but he didn't really care. To him, this merely meant that he would get to spend more time with his lover and that was all that really mattered. In his drawstring backpack there was another gift. Karys had ordered more utensils for Azar, these were made of iron instead of gold like the first pair, but they were good for use around the house.

He was excited to see Azar's face when he gave them to him.

<Hey babe, I got you so-> He began when he walked into the room.

The happy smile that was on his face faltered for a moment when he saw Azar just standing there. There was no smile. There was no glimmer of hope and excitement in his eyes like there usually was. Instead, he saw the same solemn, pensive man he met when he was on Zygerria. Karys first reaction was to worry that something had happened, he dropped his bag where he stood and began towards he lover.

<Is something wrong?> He asked. <Did something happen?> He continued, panic rising in his voice as he spoke.

The way Azar walked towards him caused Karys to instinctively recoil. This wasn't the affectionate, gliding stride that Azar usually had. The stride that told Karys to kiss him, to hold him, to let him forget the Galaxy for just a little while longer. Instead, this was the stride of the Potionsmaster, the rigid man who taught Acolytes and took no excuses. Confusion etched itself on Karys' face as Azar moved towards him in such a emotionless manner.

Karys frantically searched Azar's eyes for anything he recognized. Fear gripped him.

Azar extended the Datapad for him to read.

Karys wanted to vomit. He wanted to scream in despair at what he read. He knew what it meant and his world came crashing down around him.

<Is this a joke?> He hissed. <Is this a FUCKING joke?> His eyes watered as he tore them from the datapad. His voice was tinted in rage and sorrow. <Babe, tell me this is a joke.> He started, his eyes wild. <Tell me this isn't fucking real.> Desperation bled in to mix with the countless other emotions Karys felt.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

He knew Karys would have an explosive reaction. It was just who he was. It was the way they were so different and yet so drawn to one another. Karys always wore his emotions on his sleeves where Azar kept them locked in a box. Karys’ carefree nature had been infectious, and it pierced through Azar without the latter even realizing. Azar found himself smiling more and starting to wonder if it was so wrong to take the Passion line of the Sith Code so literally. He almost began to forget that with the Dark Side, everything had a cost. Everything had a price. And today was the day his dues were owed.

He felt numb as Karys had his reactions. He heard that term of endearment over and over again, and it stung him every time. Azar’s jaw tightened, his nostrils flared, and he couldn’t meet Karys’ gaze. He heard Karys’ voice break, he felt the surge of emotions rolling over him through the Force like an acidic wave, corroding his very being and psyche. It peeled away at everything Azar constructed around himself, everything he had worked years to build. He wanted nothing more than to tell him it was a joke. He wanted to collapse against Karys and tell him they could leave this all behind. They could go find some corner of the galaxy and start anew. Be kings of their own domain.

But that wasn’t why Karys came to the Sith. He came here to learn and be forged into a more powerful version of himself. And fate was cruel enough to deem it Azar’s responsibility. He could do his part to mold Karys as was intended, or he could cave to his selfish desires and escape with him. The pureblood slowly looked up to meet his lover’s gaze, seeing the tears in those crimson eyes. Azar’s face remained stoic and difficult to read despite the powerful waves of emotions coursing within.

He would do right by Karys. As much as it killed him.

“You will address me as Master Kressh, acolyte,” He said sternly. In Basic. His fingers were curled hard enough to where blood seeped from his palms. Azar could mask every bit of himself except his eyes. His eyes betrayed him, the yellows hinting at the tremendous pain those simple words caused. His eyes betrayed the yearning he had for the other man and the deep longing for something he had been too afraid to name. And now perhaps he may never have the chance.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Acolyte.

The word rang in Karys' ears. The room began to spin around him. His ears began to ring. His heart and stomach sank in that moment. The datapad clattered to the floor and Karys sank to his knees. That word, that one word if it had been uttered by anyone else would have been meaningless. But when it left Azar's mouth it crushed Azar's soul and left him broken. He did the only thing he could.

He screamed.

His world, every part of it was broken now. He had risked everything on this opportunity and even it was ripped from him. Karys never saw the pain in Azar's eyes, he never felt the hurt that washed from him in waves, his senses were too clouded. The sound that echoed from his lips was that of a wounded animal, it was born from a pain so deep that words could never find a way to express it.

He didn't care if Azar would punish him for this. He didn't care what happened next. None of that mattered to him anymore. The only thing that mattered was his shattered heart and the void that was already creeping in to fill where it had once been. Hot tears streamed down his cheeks as he sank back and sat on his calves. A realization had begun to sink in.

His father. Ziost. His betrayal.

It had all been for nothing and he'd still have a price to pay. Karys gaze slowly lifted to the man that he still loved more than the Galaxy itself. His crimson gaze had lost it's vibrancy, the life that shown behind it. There was nothing left but suffering now.

<Just fucking kill me...> He whispered. <I'd rather it be you than him.> Defeat etched into every syllable of each word.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Karys dropped to his knees and let out an anguished wail that surged powerfully throughout his quarters. Rows upon rows of beakers and glasses shattered. Books flew off the shelves. That round window had deep fissures streaking through it. Azar’s alchemy table shifted backwards and the empty cauldron dropped and tipped over. Despite the complete disaster in his home, the Pureblood remained steadfast through that tidal wave.

The scream pierced right through him, and the man that existed within Azar, hidden behind the walls, screamed back just as loud. And yet, externally he kept that icy visage and dug his heels in. When Karys looked at him again, Azar could see the defeat in his gaze. He could see that life leaving him.

“Promise me you’ll never change this side of you, Karys Sadow,”

“Promise me you’ll always embrace the galaxy as you do now. Promise me you’ll always keep this side of you alive no matter how many times the Sith Order breaks you and rebuilds you..Promise me.."

Azar had been the one to say those words. Azar had been the one to make him promise. And now he was the one pushing him to break. A part of him hoped against hope that Karys would honor that promise no matter what happened. He thought of the day when Karys would harness and command the Force as he unleashed it today. He thought of days where Karys would move on. Where he would find others and find a home elsewhere. And he hoped through it all he would keep that promise. He hoped that whatever Karys felt for Azar was strong enough to honor just that alone.

Because Azar would never forgive himself otherwise.

There was a long moment of silence after the destruction of his home. It took every ounce of his being not to shed tears. To push down the lump in his throat. His chest felt as if it had a million pounds on it and he couldn’t breathe.

This was a poison he wouldn’t wish upon his worst enemies.

“I will forge you into the warrior you are meant to be, Acolyte Sadow,” He said, his Basic improved significantly from Karys’ own nurturing and teaching, “The emotions you feel now..the surge of pain.. You must learn to harness it into power,” He calmly gazed into those crimson eyes. The eyes that captivated him to this day, “Through Passion you gain strength.”

The line Karys swore by. The line that just became poison in his mouth.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

In a room shattered, Karys knelt. His red eyes still bleary, his voice horse. The death he begged for never came. The freedom from this pain never came. Instead, the mantra he had adopted, the first line of the Sith code that had brought them together, broke him. His head sagged in defeat. The young man who had tried to defy everything that was natural to the Sith was just beginning to understand, this was the way of the Dark Side.

Param had been right and he hated her for it.

There was nothing else he could do, there was nothing he could say to change this fate from happening. Even in his numb state Karys wondered if this was meant to be a reward. He wondered if someone believed this would please the two of them. He wondered if that person knew what they had done. And in that moment, he swore to take everything from whoever had done this.

They would suffer as he did now.

The cycle of pain would continue.

Kneel

Just like on Zygerria, Karys felt like a puppet on it's strings. He felt his body dipping. He felt his palms press against the cold floor, glass bit into them and blood flowed freely. There on while on his hands and knees words that he never had promised to never utter came out of his mouth. They were a hollow and broken thing even as they left his lips. They were words older than time itself. They were words alien to him.

<What is thy bidding, my Master?>

 

[Darth Arcanos]

---​

Azar remained unwavering and committed to the role that was thrust upon him. He would train Karys, and he would forge him into the warrior he was meant to be. He couldn’t let his own feelings bleed into it. He knew he would have to punish Karys for any insolence, and he would have to force him to course correct where he failed. Azar couldn’t do that while his heart yearned to be in his arms and gently stroke his hair or use his skills to fix any problem like he had done with the cooking mishap. No, that chapter had to be closed. Perhaps not permanently, but closed for now.

While it was difficult getting here, it was worth it just to have the warrior culture here obedient to the Sith. Panath was just out of reach where happenings here wouldn’t make it out into the broader galaxy. There were several angles to work here - one by defeating the existing warrior chiefs, the other to leverage diplomacy. As this was Karys’ story, Azar would put his acolyte in the position to choose and drive.

Unlike his usual flowy robes, he dressed more like a mercenary. Karys never would have seen Azar donning clothing like this, but it was appropriate for the culture here. He had his lanvarok disc launcher attached to his left arm. Azar was not a polearm user, so he instead had a Sith blade on him. He had a bag of his usual poisons slung over his shoulder, but this wasn’t about him.

His yellow eyes would pan over till he spotted Karys arriving. The two were positioned in a forest outside of the towns ahead where clan wars were running rampant. Azar tried to ignore the way Karys looked at him, wanting nothing more than to see that familiar bright smile and his eyes lighting up. He almost wished Karys wore a helmet so he had a cold, faceless metal to deal with instead of a face he desperately wished to kiss.

“Panatha was chosen because of principles,” He said calmly, his voice the familiar stern the Potoionmaster was known for, “The Epicanthix are a warrior race with a thirst for conquering galaxy around them,” Azar explained, “We can impress them with our prowess or we can convince them our visions are aligned,” He said, “If we do correctly, they will expand Sith influence to Rattatak and other planets because it is in their psychological nature,” Azar stared at Karys, “What do you make of this, apprentice?”

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

The last two weeks had been both heart breaking and numbing to Karys. Of all the people in the Order they could have selected to be his Master, it had to be Azar. He was the only person in the Galaxy Karys wouldn't betray, the only person he wouldn't cut down to break these chains that bound him. Despite wanting to break, Karys refused. Somewhere deep down, the younger Pureblood hoped that they could remain together, that he could show Azar it didn't have to be like this.

Tradition could be defied and they had already done it once.

Karys arrived on time, as Azar had instructed. He wore the armor of a raider to blend in, also as instructed. As he moved through the crowd, Karys would spot Azar first. He'd stop to gaze at the man he sought after, the man fate deemed to be his Master. He drank in his appearance, longing to embrace him once more, to hold him against his chest. He wanted things to be like that had been on the night he cooked for Azar. He just wanted him, nothing more or less.

After that moment, Karys was glad for the face wrapping, it hid the deep and sad frown that had formed on his lips. But nothing could hide his crimson gaze. Whenever it fell on Azar, it would be hunting his eyes, looking to discern how he truly felt. Karys longed for a glimmer of hope that was hidden behind that icy gaze, something to tell him that Azar still cared. That he still wanted him.

When Karys approached and Azar laid eyes upon him, there was a moment where Karys believed he saw that glimmer. Excitement filled his chest. He wanted to kiss this beautiful man. And then the Potionsmaster spoke. Not Azar, not the man who had giggled once he saw his shirt. Not the man who had buried his face in Karys' chest countless times. Not the man who had kissed him so deeply and revealed his inner most thoughts. Not the man he had shared a bed with and made love to. The stern and stoic voice of the Potionsmaster.

Karys withered at sound of that voice.

His gaze dropped as it did every time over the last two weeks, each time a little more defeated and broken than the last. The pain and loss he felt was only mounting and festering into rage and what he feared would eventually become hate. Karys had to talk to Azar, not his Master, not the Potionsmaster but Azar Kressh, son of Korriban. He had to get all of this out of his system, he had to tell him how he felt and what he needed. But he wasn't sure how to, where even to begin, and how Azar would react.

Karys pushed his feelings aside for now, he forced his mind to focus on the Potionsmaster's words, the explanation he gave. Karys' eyes flickered back and forth as he dwelled on the information, dissecting it, sifting through it to discern the best course of action. Once he was confident, he would return his gaze to the Potionsmaster's own, beautiful golden eyes.

<The weight of diplomacy is always valuable.> Karys began, his voice hollow and emotionless. <We have many successes that we can point to within our exile to garner favor with these war chiefs. Ailon chief amongst them.> He continued. <It would protect the Order, keep us hidden from scrutiny. But it would also take considerably longer.> He explained. <Breaking the tribes would be a quicker path to success but it also has risks...namely the Order being placed out in the open.> Karys would pause then, allowing himself a few more moments to think.

<These tribes war amongst each other and their neighbors all the time. Any wars outside this planet would likely have minimal impact on our Order.> He began, his voice was slow and uneasy at first, but picked up confidence and speed as he continued. <We don't try to break each individual leader, it would take too long and be too risky.> He continued. <We follow the example of the Drast and when she broke our people.> He explained. <We call the war chiefs to a moot, we challenge the mightiest amongst them, and we break them. We make that leader into an example for the rest. We break their spirits and earn their respect in one move.> His eyes focused on the Potionsmaster, he had watched Azar on Zygerria, now he'd have to emulate.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar didn’t miss the emotionless, dead tone of Karys’ voice. Each word pieced him simply because of that voice. He was used to a cheerful demeanor and positive intonation. All of that was subdued now and Azar was the cause of it. He externally kept his stoic resolve, listening to Karys lay out his thought process. He was pleased to see that Karys was factoring in multiple angles to arrive at his conclusion.

“And why would they come to a moot called by us?” Azar asked calmly, prodding at the logic, “We are outsiders of no consequence,” He stated.

Azar started to walk, bidding for Karys to walk with him, just as he had on Zygerria. The sentiments between them were similar to when they first met, and yet it was nothing but turmoil and agony under the surface. The only difference was this time Azar was walking alongside Karys instead of leading the way, “There are multiple ways to show that you are someone worth listening to,” Azar explained, “There are three clans fighting one another. One specializes in the planet’s infrastructure such as their buildings and means of transportation. One specializes in foodstuffs such as farmlands and produce. The last specializes in banking and economy. None can survive without relying on the other, and yet they all quarrel for supremacy.”

He turned to regard his apprentice, “So, Acolyte, who shall be decimated to assert ourselves as a competing force, if any?”

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys listened to the Potionsmaster, he had not thought of the fact their names held no weight here. His mind started ticking once more, absorbing more of the information the Potionsmaster presented to him. Of the three clans, one had to be potentially broken, which made the most sense. The first clan to jump out to him was the Banking and Economy. The Sith Order was flush with credits since their acquisition of Zygerria on top of the income other Sith brought to the Order. Collapsing the economic structure of the world could create dependence on the Sith, especially if they simply cut off that cash flow.

It would slowly break the other two clans and force them into subjugation. But that would take time.

Karys squinted as he mentally examined the problem again. Instead of collapsing a clan, they could just inflate the power of one to dwarf the rest. Simply upend the balance and crash this house of cards. This too held many risks, namely that any clan that gained too much power might become unruly. Karys was beginning to understand the risks of his decision making here.

<I see only one clan to target but two different options Master.> Karys began. <Since Zygerria, the Order has seen a substantial increase to our income. We could afford to either collapse or support the banking and economy clan.> He explained. <By collapsing the clan, we could simply cut off funds from the other clans. This would starve them out and could lead to them becoming dependent on the Order for survival.> He continued. <But it could also lead to attention being drawn to the sector by humanitarian efforts or worse, lead to rebellion and wasted resources.> He mused. <In addition, that takes time. Time we simply do not have.> Karys eyes would turn to the Potionsmaster. <Alternatively, we could support the banking clan directly, disrupting the balance of power between the clans by inflating their focal industry.> He pointed out. <It could lead to other complications such as unruly servants but it would enable us to potentially avoid the moot entirely.> He continued. <An example would still need to made to ensure these tribals stay in line though.>

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Karys had been paying attention to Azar’s exploits on Zygerria and had learned from his own work in overseeing the change in council. The revelation was pleasing to Azar, and perhaps he would have celebrated it if he didn’t internally wish to smile and express that pride with affection. The light and jovial atmosphere they had between them was gone along with other traces of their intimacy. Instead, Azar gave a curt nod as the only indication that he found Karys’ answers pleasing.

“Make a choice and stand by your decision,” He said simply. Karys presented multiple solutions, but he needed to end his proposals with selecting a choice. Azar had to avoiding a bitter laugh at his own advice. Make a choice. If he could, he would have chosen Karys. And yet he remained too cowardly to do so. He gazed silently at the other man, his yellow eyes almost betraying him before he looked away.

“We will bolster the financial clan,” He declared. He didn’t apply more logic to it beyond what Karys offered, but that was the consequence of his hesitation on a decision.

While they were outsiders, the request for an audience was immediately welcome (roll:13/20)on the promise of aid. Within hours, they had an appointment with the leaders of the banking clan. Azar turned to Karys as they approached the building, “They are immune to mental intrusions, so do not attempt,” He warned Karys.

They were led to chambers where a tall, female epicanthix stood waiting. She had a stern bearing, but was clearly here to listen. She took a moment to study them, unable to decide whether she was comfortable with their presence or not.

“Welcome to Panatha. I am Azaka Shan,” She said politely, gesturing for them to take a seat, “I was told you may have a solution to our…problems,” She hesitated for a moment, “Why have you chosen to meet with me instead of my counterparts?”

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Anger flared up at the Potionmaster's instruction. Had he already forgotten the decisions Karys had made for Azar? The sacrifices he had chosen to make? The punishments he would inevitably have to suffer for them? How could Azar even suggest that to him?

Karys crimson eyes flared with the Dark Side, the edges of his irises taking the faint sheen of gold. His gaze cut to the Potionsmaster. If a gaze could kill, then Karys would have murdered the Potionsmaster a thousand times over. But it was his words that were laced with venom.

<I already did once.> Karys hissed.

Azar would have to wonder if Karys meant the decision outside his chambers. Or maybe it was following him onto the balcony to comfort him. Perhaps even the decision to gift him with the utensils. Or worse, the culmination of each small decision he'd made the few weeks they had been together.

The words slipped from his lips before he could even stop them. A part of him instantly regretted saying them. They wounded him more than they could ever hurt Azar. His gaze and expression instantly fell the moment he finished uttering the words. He eyes turned away from his Master, the Potionsmaster in shame.

Karys wouldn't speak for the rest of the trip to this diplomatic meeting. His eyes would become bleary as guilt and pain overwhelmed him. But he didn't let those tears to break free from their dam, he held them back and blinked them away. After a few moments of silence the duo would arrive at the headquarters of the banking clan. They would be ushered inside and greeted by Azaka Shan.

Karys would clear his throat, pull the sash covering his mouth down, slide his hand into Azar's, and step forward before speaking.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Madam Shan." Karys began, a charming smile cresting his lips. "I am Mariel and this is my husband..." Karys' voice would trail off allowing Azar a moment to introduce himself. "I represent an investment firm from Zygerria that is most interested in what your clan has done here." He continued, his deep baritone voice taking on the texture of velvet. "Your work here has allowed for prosperity within your culture that otherwise would have faltered long ago." He explained. "It's just a shame that the other clans have failed to recognize how important yours is as well..." False concern lined his voice as he paused. "...but that is where we believe we can help you. We believe your clan can and should lead your people to their next golden age and here is how."

Karys would take the lead in the conversation, laying out the foundations of a plan that would not only provide the clan with monetary backing but slave labor to work jobs they weren't specialized in. It was designed to allow for the clan to become flush with credits, conquer their rivals and then step into their territories to maintain them at a minimum through provided slave labor. It would leave the other clans in shambles and Karys in a position of favor with the most powerful clan on Panatha.

An excellent position to manipulate from the shadows.

@Sreeya
18/20 roll

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar didn’t externally flinch at the words Karys spat at him. He had braced himself for jabs from the other man - he had spent an extensive bit of time with him after all. He knew how volatile Karys could be. It was a place where he could draw strength, but it would be some time before he could see that. The pureblood internally bristled, not allowing his mind to speculate on those words or the venom behind them.

There was icy silence as they arrived to meet with Azaka Shan, and Azar realized he almost would have preferred bickering and loud complaining from Karys. Seeing the man completely shut down and withdrawn bothered him far more than he would admit. He gave a curt nod to Azaka when they arrived, but offered nothing else beyond that. This was a test of Karys’ strength and a chance for him to execute on his plans.

When the other man grasped his hand, Azar’s jaw tightened. He visibly tensed, and he had to work to keep his composure. That simple touch was electric, a jolt that began at their hands streaked throughout his entire body and reached to every extremity. He felt a surge of pain and emotions he attempted to keep bottled in.

Before Azar could gingerly pull his hand away, Karys casually introduced them.

Husband.

It felt like a blow to the chest that knocked the wind out of him. They were on stage and Azaka was looking right at him. There was a lump in his throat. Karys knew exactly what he was doing. Azar had underestimated the depths of his anger and frustration, and now it manifested directly into their mission. He couldn’t have manipulated a craftier scenario on the fly like that. A part of him wanted to laugh at the brilliance, the other half felt nothing but despair.

“Sadow,” Azar blurted out before he could stop himself, completely caught off guard. He had been in the middle of internally cursing Karys and realized he was waiting a beat too long with the Epicanthix staring right at him. Internally kicking himself for the name choice (not because it would ever have any meaning to people here), he sat down as Karys outlined the plan.

To his pleasant surprise, the acolyte applied the political acumen he had picked up from his prior ventures and Zygerria to lay out an effective plan. It was obvious he didn’t come unprepared and the woman was hanging onto his every word. Azar’s methods of operating here would have relied on poison and been completely different, but Karys arrived at the same goal.

Azar didn’t even realize that he technically never let go of Karys’ hand despite being long past the need for the show.

“I find your proposal very compelling,” Azaka said, genuinely impressed, “I agree to it. With your support, I am able to block off the resources they need without hampering my own people,” She rubbed her chin in thought, “The clans only know combat, however. Are you able to assist me in defeating them for good to establish my clan as the superior one?”

“Yes,” Azar answered this time, “We have means to weaken them before you strike,” He said, “Should this play out as intended, we expect you will agree let us have a larger presence in your clan council. Our interests are the same - we would expect the other clans to follow you and then look to expand across the Pacanth Reach.”

The woman’s eyes glinted in delight. Clearly this was a conquest she had dreamed about just like her ancestors. And now she would have the means to lead the charge herself.

“You have a deal,” She said warmly, extending a hand to Karys to shake on it. She glanced between the two, "What a smart match you two. How long have you been married?"

Azar cleared his throat, "I believe time is of the essence, so we will make preparations in haste," He cut in before Karys could talk - half wondering if even that would work. His face was burning hot and he attempted to leave.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys felt the ice of shock as it ran through the Potionsmaster, internally he basked in that sensation. He had played his cards so perfectly and waited for a moment to take what he desired. Azar would be forced to allow his feelings to surface to sell their lie, he'd be forced to face what he was hiding from. Karys had ensured it.

However, it was the name that Azar chose in response that shocked Karys, Sadow. That was his surname, Azar was using his surname as a cover identity. Karys could have melted if they were alone. But they weren't and so he remained resolute and kept his charming mask fastened in place.

The entire time Karys negotiated with Madam Azaka, he felt Azar's eyes upon him. He was judging their interactions, gauging Karys' performance. For some reason it delighted Karys to know that was the case. He used all his charms on Madam Azaka, negotiating a discounted price for slave labor, the percentage of funds his "investment firm" would give. Everything from top to bottom was laid out. At the end Madam was smiling and offering Karys her hand to shake, took it and gently kissed her hand.

"I am pleased you find it so." He replied to her.

Karys would then fall silent as he quickly filled in Madam Azaka on the rough overview of their plan. He gently squeezed Azar's hand as he spoke, then he altered his grip of his lover's hand. He did his best to interlock their fingers and the touch sent ripples of pleasure and desire through him.

He had missed this. He had missed them.

When Madam Azaka complimented them as a couple, Karys smiled softly. He couldn't help but agree, they were a smart match. When she asked how long they had been together, Karys went to answer but Azar cut him off. He tried to interrupt him, it wouldn't work. Karys' hand tightened around Azar's when he went to leave, he wouldn't allow it. This lie had to be sold to be effective, every detail needed to be accounted for.

"Recently actually." Karys replied. "We were on our way to New Alderaan for our honeymoon when work called." He continued. "They absolutely needed their best negotiators to come here, meet with your clan, and secure this mutually beneficial contract." He explained. "The extra credits to spend on him were just too great of an opportunity to pass up. Weren't they my love?" Karys continued, his attention shifting to Azar, the passion and amusement clearly written in his crimson eyes. "So you'll have to forgive him for being so hasty, we are both just ready to settle into our countryside villa for the week."

After this short exchange Karys would excuse the both of them from Madam Azaka's office and onto the street. There Karys with his passions running high, he would do the boldest thing he had done yet. Karys would pull Azar into his chest, tilt his head up, and passionately kiss his "husband" like a newly wedded couple. After a moment, Karys would pull away and gaze at Azar.

<I will always find a way to keep my promise to you.> He whispered.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar bristled as Karys slowed them down, making an entire theater out of the cover he created. He stayed silent through it all, his face difficult to read. He couldn’t deny that Karys had an unmistakable way with his words and persuasion - Azar couldn’t help but wonder if he was just yet another target wrapped up in the silvertongued man’s web. His face betrayed nothing as he quietly simmered, leaning into his potionmaster persona that was distant and elusive.

He felt a sense of relief once they were both outside, attempting to ignore what just happened. He thought of the name he gave himself, the way he didn’t draw back when Karys held his hand and everything else that followed. Azar just barely began to align his focus back to the mission when Karys abruptly tugged him close.

For a moment, his eyes widened, and they were the eyes of the man Karys had grown familiar with - the man that called him Loth-kitten, the man that melted into his arms, the man that looked at him with pure affection while he cooked. But that gaze was fleeting, replaced at once with the icy gaze of the potionmaster. Karys leaned in for a kiss, but Azar was prepared this time. His hand pressed against his chest, stopping him from closing that last bit of distance. Karys was inches from his face, Azar’s fingers grabbing fistfuls of the front of his clothing.

“Stop acting like an insolent child,” He hissed as he glared at Karys, “Can you truly not stay disciplined until your training is complete?” Azar asked bluntly. It was perhaps the first time he even entertained the bantha in the room, “Would you truly sink so low as to make a mockery of what we had?” He gazed hard into Karys’ eyes. He finally released him, dusting off Karys' shoulder and fixing up his attire when he caught a few people glancing their way.

“We have work to do,” He said icily, making his way towards where he knew the agriculture clan was. This was an area where his poisons could play a role in rendering their produce useless and leave them in a powerless position.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

For the briefest of moments, the Potionsmaster was Azar again. Karys saw the warmth and joy in his lover's eyes. He longed to feel him rest his face in his chest. He hungered for the connection they shared. Then Azar pushed against his chest and spoke mere inches from his lips.

The venom in the Potionsmaster's voice coursed through Karys, it burned through his veins like the worst toxin possible. The wound it left behind was marring and impossible to ignore. Karys pulled his head back sharply at the Potionsmaster's words. But it was at the word had that Karys' jaw tensed and his eyes hardened instead of misting.

What they had?

Karys rage finally boiled over, he came to his full height, towering over the Potionsmaster. His gaze hardened as he openly seethed. Karys snatched at Azar's wrist, his grip became iron when Azar turned to leave. Karys' rage threatened to overwhelm him at those stupid.fucking.naive words.

<Had?> He hissed in response, his voice barely over a whisper. <Had? How easily those words slide from your lips Potionsmaster.> Karys snapped in his hushed tone. <How easily you accepted what I offered when there was no price for you to pay.> He spat. <But there is a price for me to pay. One I chose for you. I will die for what I chose.> He snapped. <Funny that all it took was a name on a data-slate for the mighty Azar to try and kill what we have.> The words were laced with the same venom he had applied earlier. <I choose to hold onto Azar, do whatever you need to Potionsmaster, it won't dissuade me.>

Then Karys would release the Potionsmaster to do whatever he chose. Karys had said his peace and relished in the release it brought him.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar’s immediate desire was to strike Karys. For his insolence. For his disobedience. For crossing the boundaries of what it meant to be master and apprentice. However, he felt the eyes of others on them. He kept a measured bearing, though Karys would understand he was stoking the flames. He would see clearly that the pureblood was just barely restraining himself and curbing his absolute rage. His eyes betrayed the rage, the yellows burning with renewed, animalistic fire that only manifested when he unleashed the Force in all its fury.

There was a moment of silence as he stared at Karys - the man that was supposed to be his apprentice. What crime did Azar commit to have such a fate? Karys threw his choices in his face, reminding him of the name and lineage he all but abandoned. Azar’s jaw tightened as he stared at the other man.

“Why did you make that choice? I did not ask it of you,” He said with an icy chill. Unlike Karys, he did not have a stream of words to say, no big explanation, no debate, no argument. He stood there with stony silence, a clear opposite of how Karys presented in all his fiery presence.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

The ice in Azar's words struck Karys hard, they were more sobering than the coldest of Ziosti blizzards. He blinked in shock at the callousness of the question. His rage, his venom sputtered out in a matter of moments and the only thing that remained was the anger of Azar. Karys crimson eyes flickered back and forth as he thought on the question.

<Because...> His voice trailed off for a moment as the rage slowly faded from it. <...you gave me something I've never had Azar.> He explained. <You gave me a choice.> He continued. <You gave me hope for a life beyond chains.> He continued. <And then over all those weeks together, you made me fa-> Karys caught his words.

He couldn't admit that. Not now.

<I'm not growing Azar.> He whispered instead. <I'm withering.> He explained. <I can feel it.> He continued. <Everything I used here today wasn't from the Potionsmasters lessons, it was from you. The man I desire, the focal point of my passion.> He continued. <And that lie wasn't a mockery of us, it was for us.> His voice hitched as he spoke. <I've seen the look in your eyes.> He explained. <I know Azar.> He continued. <Here and now it could be just us.> He explained. <Isn't that what you want too?>

As Karys spoke, his eyes would search the blaze of Azar's own. He hunted for any sign of the man he knew. The familiar gaze that he had grown to adore. The man he slept next to at night. Anything at all.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar didn’t miss where Karys abruptly stopped his line of thought. It felt like a bucket of ice water had been splashed on him. He felt his chest grow tight. It had been a reality that was slowly budding in the back of his mind, one he tucked away into a box to neatly stash it. That box threatened to break open now with that near slip. Azar was older, and he was not naive where he couldn’t guess where that line was going.

While Karys began to simmer down, the opposite began for the Pureblood. The streets were emptier now. Karys’ question hung in the air for only few moments before Azar moved like a blur. The Force hastened his movements, but his hand found the taller man’s throat. Karys wouldn’t even realize what happened before Azar practically flew him into the wall in an alley, slamming the larger man harshly into it. It would leave a dent and send a surge of pain through him. Azar may have been smaller, but the display of strength was just a glimpse of the Force obeying his every command. His fingers firmly grasped around Karys’ throat where bruises would be left behind. Azar’s eyes burned with rage and fury.

“And how do you expect that to play out?” He spat the words as he glared at Karys, “You expect me to coddle you when you make a mistake as an acolyte? You expect me to kiss your pains away when you royally fuck up a mission? You expect me to watch you fumble your way through the Code? You expect me to hold you tight when you deliberately disobey me as your master? ” His grip tightened around Karys’ neck, “Because that’s what I am to you right now. Your master. You are to respect me, learn from me, grow from me. Not pine like a fucking child that had its toy taken away.”

He didn’t let Karys respond. He abruptly closed the distance to kiss him. It was unapologetic, passionate, furious, painful, spoke of Azar's own pain, dove into that Force bond that started to develop, it was everything all at once. It was enough to bruise his lips, make them bleed, but it was unbridled desire and all the emotions pent up from weeks prior and with it the countless unspoken words between them. He took his time, surrendering to the kiss and drawing from it what he wanted and letting Karys have his fill.

Azar drew back after a while, his fingers still firmly clutching Karys’ throat, “Let that be your answer until you are no longer my apprentice, Karys Sadow,” He stated flatly, “Until then, you will obey me.”

With that, he stepped back, coiled the Force around Karys and slammed him down till he was kneeling. Azar watched him for a moment, wiped the blood from his lips, turned and walked away.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

The question hung in the air for a handful of heartbeats, the street had grown empty; Karys never saw Azar coming. One moment he was trying to get through to Azar, the man he loved, the next that same man had his hand at Karys' throat. He felt the metal of the wall buckle beneath the force of the slam. Ripples of pain washed through Karys' body, only muted by the shock of what had occurred.

Karys' eyes widened as Azar's fury was etched into each and every syllable of each question when he spoke. The grip on Karys' neck only tightened as Azar spoke, Karys felt his throat constrict. He struggled against it. Fear clouded his mind for a moment, had he over-estimated his value to Azar? Had he been wrong?

Then Azar kissed him.

As the connection, the Force Bond between the two men began to engulf them, the physical pain of the kiss faded to the background. Karys felt everything that passed through Azar. He felt Azar's passion, his pain, he felt how this devastated him as well. But he also felt why Azar did this. It wasn't out of spite, it wasn't out of fear or cowardice. It was out of the most intense emotion Karys had ever felt, one that was mirrored in him as well.

Azar did this because he loved him. He did this to ensure Karys would be ready for whatever the Galaxy held in store for him. He did this for them.

As their kiss lingered, the bond between them would be enlightening as well. Azar would feel the depths of Karys' fear towards his father. He would feel the paranoia that rippled through every fiber of Karys' being, born from that fear. He would feel the part of Karys that had been withering in the mire of conflicting emotions he was feeling. But he would also feel the heat of his passion, the depths of his desires, the warmth of his love.

Then that connection was pulled away from.

Karys wanted to vomit from the realizations. He wanted to scream at how blind and shortsighted he had been. All this anguish and he had only added to it. But now he knew. He understood. Nothing else mattered.

Karys gasped for breath as his senses pulled away from Azar's. He'd stopped struggling against Azar's grasp. The fires of his spiteful and petty rebellion all but sputtering out. This burden wasn't theirs to bear separately, but together as a Master and Apprentice. Azar's grip prevented Karys from speaking but he managed a stiff, short nod of affirmation at Azar's demand.

Then Karys would be forced to kneel before his Master, before his lover, before the man who his galaxy spun around. Azar would find little resistance from his Apprentice in this endeavor. Not because he was broken, not because he was afraid, but because there was clarity now. As with the utensils Karys had given to Azar, Azar had told everything he needed to know in a single gesture.

Karys would remain kneeling until Azar's steps had become distant. He listened to where they padded from. Then he would rise from his kneeling position and walked to follow in Azar's footsteps. From now on, he'd do his best to remain silent and watchful. His desires left waiting to be sated.

New Clarity birthed new purpose.

@Sreeya