Ask Sins Of The Father

[Ezra Thorne]

Arla was going to cart the Sith off to collect bounties on them like they were caged animals. In truth, Ezra was indifferent to the sentiment. He had his reasons for despising Sith - he had faced them several times before. He lost countless friends to Sith, almost lost his closest circle of people to them. Despite all that, he wasn’t going to tolerate torturing and mutilating for no reason other than for entertainment, and he didn’t put any of that past Arla.

The Thorne was doing his rounds around the medical bay, stopping by to volunteer with the Wookiees that needed help. Some of his own little gadgets came in handy for quickly applying bacta and this proved to be a perfect testing ground. There was a separate building that was closed off to anyone but Jedi, and it housed the injured Sith.

Ezra was normally not the nosy type, but the motley crew that attacked them at the village was curious enough to pique even his interest. He assumed they were all too broken and wrecked to be awake, and he drew back a curtain to spot the Zabrak from earlier. Ezra noticed his IV needed a change, so he decided to work on that for now. Nurses were too terrified to even enter this section of the medical units.

@Scoobert

 

[Drexus Brogroo]

Drexus' eyes opened to see his father, Draugr.. "Drexus.. rise boy. We have training to do." The older Zabrak would hold his ever stoic look before leaving his son's bedside and out of the room. Drexus looked around confused. How was he back on Dathomir? Why was he back on Dathomir. "Of course father." Drex would reply as he got up out of bed and began towards his wardrobe where he would throw on some light clothing and then grabbed his saber.

The young Zabrak made it out of his hut and would find his mother holding Ateyim and waving at him, "Good luck Drexus!" she even held little Ateyim's hand and waved it to say bye. Waving back, the young Zabrak made his way to the training yard he helped his dad set up. "What's the lesson today father?" When he asked he could see his father's eyes, Sith yellow, "It is time for you to learn the power of the dark side boy.."

Something felt off now.. like deja vu. How had he seen this all before? "Look forward son, what do you see?" Drex's eyes turned over and noticed what looked like the Jedi Order's symbol. "Looks like the Jedi Symbol? Why is it here?" Drexus turned back to his father and looked in confusion. Though it wouldn't last long when he noticed droids all around them. They would flick a hologram of random Jedi on. Many of the faces looked familiar in some way but he couldn't place it at first. "These are the faces of the Council of Jedi. They want to limit your power in the Force by taking away the pure freedom of it's usage."

Drexus nodded, "The Dark Side." "Yes, precisely.. now ready yourself. One day these will be your enemies, and who knows.. maybe we'll fight them together." Draugr's face gave a slight smile to the eldest son, and Drexus returned the smile back. Then his head turned to face the droids. His father behind him, and he waited for his father's signal to begin.. until he heard a thud. Like someone being slammed. He turned to see what happened behind him, thinking his father took a droid out or something but no.. what he saw was far worse.. He saw his father weakened and knelt on the ground.

Just when Drexus was going to speak up, he saw his father's arms fling out to the sides as if he was being crucified. The pure speed of it happening and the way his father still looked helpless, he could tell it was involuntary. As he blinked the background of what was his family home would turn into a Jedi chamber with a carbonite freezer behind his father. To the side was none other than Emryc Thorne.. was.. was he going to relive his father's death..? Then he noticed the Jedi.. the three Jedi Council members.. Hera.. Kaisa.. and the Grandmaster herself Alex. Drexus wanted to move but he couldn't move an inch all of sudden. It was like he was paralyzed.

Kaisa made her way toward his father, toward Draugr her lightsaber igniting and going for the throat. As the blade swung he could see his father struggle, he could see his face enraged. As the blade grew closer the slower that time seemed to pass, his father's eyes went from Kaisa to him.. no words were spoken, but the way he saw his father look at him one more time, it felt as though he were saying he was sorry.. for everything. A burning rage filled the young Zabrak, his eyes glowing yellow and he reached out and made his way forward yelling only one thing with tears in his eyes, "Father!"

---------------------

Drexus' awakes from the nightmare, his left eye had a tear fall from it and he was breathing heavy. His surroundings vastly different, like a hospital almost. He closed his eyes and was a little relieved his nightmare of his father's death was over. Taking a few deep breaths he regained his composure and the pain from the battle began to sink in. Then Drex thought to himself, if he was here and getting medical treatment and not in an Imperial cage left to die.. did the Sith win? His eyes opened and he turned to see one face.. "Fuuuck..." Needless to say.. the Sith did not win. Nor did Drex.

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

He was just in the middle of stocking some of the bacta and the IV when he could practically feel the surge of emotional turmoil in the Zabrak. Ezra hated dealing with emotional outbursts, so he turned to leave at once. However, the Zabrak was awake and marked his journey to consciousness with a loud expletive.

Silver eyes stared back at the Zabrak, but Ezra said nothing. He was indifferent to the events that played out, and he didn’t understand the Sith’s fixation with him or his father. A part of him wondered if this was back from Emryc’s days a Sith - a secret he still kept for some reason. Ezra was tempted to expose his father’s secret, knowing it could ruin him. However, he held back - he knew it would crush their family.

Ezra looked away and turned to leave, just as dismissive of the Zabrak here as he was on the battlefield.

@Scoobert

 

[Drexus Brogroo]

Drex gave the stare in return to Ezra as he laid there. The Jedi was medically tending to him. Changing out the IV in his arm and whatever else he was going to do. Though Drex had a hint of confusion in his look. He was open for the kill, and Jedi have done far worse than take a life on a battlefield so why was he still alive?

Then the Sephi mixed with whatever else began to leave. Kinda stung a little to know he wasn't worth more than just a penny off a bounty. But that he kept to himself. The Jedi in the room didn't seem the stereotypical Jedi. Drexus laid there without any answers. He didn't want to just lay there until the Empire came to kill him though so he asked, "Why?"

Granted, it was a loaded and also very vague question. Though it should be clear he was asking why he was here and why he wasn't dead. The Zabrak looked over and saw his helmet on the table. His face was exposed now.. and if it was shared with other Jedi his option of being covert amongst their ranks was unlikely. "I've known Jedi to execute Sith in dishonorable fashion, and here you are.. *cough cough*.. nursing one. Why..?"

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra pretended not to hear at first, and he almost left. However, he paused briefly, turning around to face the sorry excuse for a Sith. He studied his face - noting the markings, the eyes, the permanently grumpy expression that rivaled his own. Ezra crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the doorway, “And I’ve known Sith to actually work as a team, so I suppose we’re both outliers,” He said with a smirk almost threatening to break across his face. He didn’t know why he wanted to antagonize the Zabrak.

“If you were to escape from here, would you go right back to your so-called Dark Lord?” He asked. He couldn’t understand the unwavering obedience Sith had to their leader. What did it gain them? This guy was almost killed by one of his brethren and she was prepared to leave both him and the other Sith for dead. If Ezra didn’t find the kinship he did within the Jedi, he doubted he would have stuck with the Order. What motivated these individuals to keep going in a group where your friend could turn into your enemy on a dime?

@Scoobert

 

[Drexus Brogroo]

Watching the Jedi lean against the doorway and mock the dispute that he had with Ciri at the start of their battle admittedly annoyed him. He was sure it was the point he was making that would be what was supposed to upset him more. Though his eyes didn't waiver and he kept his glare. "Not exactly a team player.."

But the question that came next was a little insulting. Were Sith supposed to show their allegiance to the Dark Lord? Yes. Did Drexus actually give a shit about them? No. "I don't serve the Dark Lord or the Sith out of loyalty." Drexus coughed for a moment, the healing process slow and painful as it was sucked. "Hell it feels like I don't serve them at all. But the enemy of my enemy and such." He would smirk for a moment. He did truly hate Emryc but Ezra hadn't done anything wrong aside from be his son.

"I came for Hera in specific. She wasn't here though, but you were.." Drex had an exhausted but angry look on his face as he took deep breaths, "Son of Emryc.. Son of a murderous bastard.."

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra scoffed at the response. What kind of Sith Order was this if there wasn’t loyalty? The faction couldn’t survive if its members didn’t believe in its cause. He couldn’t tell which was worse - directionless Sith all over the galaxy following their own rules or a well structured organization. The mention of Hera piqued his curiosity, but his face remained neutral.

“Murderous?” He quirked a brow, “My father, the guy in the suit that gives speeches?” Ezra asked dryly. He knew about his father’s Sith past, but he wasn’t about to cough anything up. He needed this guy to volunteer that information himself if that was the case. Did his Pops kill this man’s father? And if so, why? Wasn’t he a Sith as well?

“So you have nothing going on with your life other than settling some old score?” He asked, whistling, “Yikes,” He shook his head.

@Scoobert

 

[Drexus Brogroo]

Drexus grew tired of Ezra's games with the tease here and the insult there. If they were going to have conversation, then he wanted conversation. "Your father sent mine to his execution by hand of Jedi." He spat to the side a tad blood in the spit, "I am Drexus Brogroo.. Son of Xeno. Son of Draugr." It had been the one secret he kept from society but seeing how Ezra didn't much care, and they were alone, it felt like the time to tell him what his problem is.

"He didn't get the chance to defend himself. To have an honorable fight before his death." The Zabrak moved to sit himself up a little bit in the bed resting his head against the wall behind him but keeping his eyes towards Ezra. Ezra quip about not having anything better to do with his life did sit with him for a moment. It was such a puny excuse for an insult but it did hit in a way that was unexpected to Drexus. He only had one answer for it.

"If you lost something you loved, wouldn't you want to avenge it? Make things right? Get justice for the crime committed?" Drexus honestly didn't believe in the Sith as a cohesive unit. Their history showed impending doom for them. He often didn't label himself a Sith in his own mind. He just wanted a select few in the galaxy to die the same his father did. The Sith was his best option.. though now thinking of Ciri, maybe the Empire could do better. Nevertheless it would have to wait. He was here now having a terrible parley with Ezra. "When you called that Nightsister the worst of him.. who did mean Ezra?" He smiled a little.

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Son of Xeno? Son of Draugr? “Nice, I have two dads too,” He said with a jut of his chin. While the name Draugr vaguely rang a bell, Xeno did not. Ezra was silent for a moment as he considered the words, not answering his question right away. He looked away for a long moment, “I have killed someone that harmed people I care for,” He could vividly recall the way he and his friends killed a Sith Master years back, “It doesn’t make it better. It doesn’t undo what was done.”

He drifted back to the present, calmly staring at the Sith before him, “Nothing is going to bring your dad back,” He stated flatly, “Would your dad want you to kill yourself and spend your entire life obsessing over avenging him and nothing else?” Hell, maybe that was the case. Sith were usually diabolical and insane, so maybe it just plain ran in the family. Darth Draugr had a fierce reputation from what Ezra could recall, but maybe he was different as a parent. Ezra certainly never would have guessed his own father could ever have been Darth Raze.

Ezra caught the question about Arla. However, he only gave a smirk to the Zabrak in response, still casually leaning against the doorway. He wasn’t going to say jack shit about that.

@Scoobert

 

[Drexus Brogroo]

Ezra mentioning having two father's confused Drex for a brief moment before he realized what was said. It was amusing admittedly but annoying slightly that Ezra wasn't taking him seriously. And then, with a snap of a metaphorical finger, he did. Admitting to killing another for having done wrong to those he cared for. Something he could relate to the Jedi with. But when he mentioned it wouldn't bring his father back, it disheartened Drexus.

Of course he knew he would never get his father back. He knew Draugr was gone.. for good. But if there was one thing he knew growing up it was protecting family. Returning the favor to those who wronged them. And he was wronged. "You don't know what my father would have wanted.." His eyes went down for a moment. He felt the pain of loss again, and it made him angry but he didn't show it. He lifted his eyes and looked at Ezra. "If one of your fathers were executed.. with the disrespect of what my father was given.. you'd do the same."

Ezra himself confirmed that was the type of person he was. Admitting to the acts he did after wrongdoing to his family was done. Drexus chinned up for a second and stated, "I am going to avenge my father. One way.. or another." He had his mind set. Whether Ezra agreed with it or not wasn't his problem. The Zabrak also caught the way Ezra dodged the question about Arla. Seemed something was there, but he could pick at it in a bit. For now they were speaking of something else. And Ezra had caught his attention.

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

“Neither do you,” Ezra said curtly, eyeing the Zabrak. As he went right back to parroting the same exact phrase about avenging his father, the part Sephi realized something, “You have no sense of purpose for your existence other than this cartoonish revenge story,” He said icily, “If you were to abandon the fruitless quest or even fulfill it, you’d realize you have no sense of direction whatsoever. And that’s why you cling to it.”

The Thorne rolled his eyes, walking over to change the bacta. He gathered and arranged the rest of the materials. He had nothing else to say to the Zabrak that couldn’t muster dialogue other than harping about his vengeance. He silently worked around the room, briefly moving the covers to look at the bandages on the Zabrak’s legs. There were bad burns on both of them and it was a wonder he kept the limbs.

“This will hurt,” He warned before he started to remove the bandages. Searing pain would shoot through his legs, but it was necessary to clean and manage the wounds. Ezra didn’t want to be stuck doing this, but there weren't any other Jedi around and he certainly didn’t trust Arla to treat the patients well.

“You have a long journey after this to Imperial space,” He said as he worked. It wasn't exactly a secret that there was a bounty out on Sith.

@Scoobert

 

[Drexus Brogroo]

Ezra's words cut like a knife. The Jedi wasn't beating around any bushes, and to be fair neither was Drexus. They had been honest in both their eyes. Which a was level of respect that Drexus could appreciate. He may not like the Sephi, but respect was due. "Maybe you're right.. or maybe it's just the first steps in my journey." With that Drexus watched as the Jedi made his way forward.

What did he mean this will hur- OH FUCK! "Son of a Bitch!" The pain of feeling the wraps around his burns being peeled back was excruciating. For moment even Drexus forgot about his burns. But he remembered them now. All too well. If he could fight he would've pushed the Jedi away but his restraints would keep him from any such action and he didn't think to use the force as he was caught off guard by the pain.

As Ezra worked on his legs, the pain became less as he began to get used to it, but it was still one hell of an experience he didn't want to feel again. Then he mentioned the journey to the Empire. "Seems the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.. Your Father sent mine to his doom.. and here you stand. Sending me to mine." Drexus scoffed for a second as now he could see the resemblance in them aside from their looks. "Like father like son."

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra’s ears twitched and he grimaced at the Zabrak yelping in pain. Thankfully, it stopped there instead of a Force attack attempt. As Drexus attempted to guilt trip Ezra, the Thorne calmly gazed at him. Amusement danced in his normally icy gaze, clearly suggesting that he wasn’t going to fall for such an obvious bait.

“Your father was killed because he was thought to be irredeemable,” Ezra said calmly. He kept applying the bacta patches, now moving on to undo some of the bandages on the Zabrak’s arm. The Thorne was closer now, the icy silvers vivid, the stubble along his jawline and the perfectly styled hair, even the nice cologne, were all shared traits with the infamous President. Yes, and then no. He didn’t have the presence of someone that looked down on everyone in the galaxy. Not anymore. There was a humanity to him that Emryc could never emulate, even in his best speeches.

“If you wish to try a path other than the Sith, then perhaps you don’t have to be shipped off,” Ezra knew he was walking a dangerous line. He believed all Sith were hopeless, but if there was a chance this Zabrak wasn’t just a direct copy of his father, he would explore it. Ezra applied another bacta patch, his gaze flicking up to meet the Zabrak's.

@Scoobert

 

[Drexus Brogroo]

Drexus would let out a quick "Hmph" at comment on his father being irredeemable. Just cause it's true doesn't mean it needed to be said. He'd turn away done with Ezra, but then he felt the touches on his legs stop. Then touching on his arm would begin. The smell of cologne filling his nose instead of hospital smells. It was definitely an improvement, something about broken people and sanitizer was not hitting the spot.

He'd slowly turn his head back to see Ezra's silver eyes look into his. What was happening? And why did Drexus like it. Not an openly like, but deep down he couldn't deny the man was attractive. The Jedi was walking a thin line on thin ice. Everything in Drexus screamed to force push him away and yet something in his body was saying, 'let him touch.' An odd and curious feeling as Drexus never looked at anyone that way. He only ever saw Prey and Predator. This was a different feeling. Something he wasn't used to.

As soon as Ezra spoke and told him if he tried another option aside from the Sith he wouldn't have to be shipped off. It felt like an empty promise in his head. From the looks of the battle that Nightsister was calling the shots and was not afraid to get what she wanted done. How would he stop her from taking Drex to the Empire? It seemed unlikely in every aspect, and yet something inside him wanted him to be aloof, just for a moment. When Drex went to make a witty comment he couldn't muster much of any words, "But you- I- Wha- Uhh" then taking a breath and a quick gulp he would continue, trying to play it cool as if the heart monitor next to him wasn't beeping a little faster than normal, "Like what?"

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra was blissfully oblivious to whatever impact he was having on the Zabrak. He thought it was…fear? Was the man afraid of Ezra? The heart monitor began to pick up his erratic heartbeats and the Zabrak looked flustered. The part Sephi blinked a few times, brows furrowed, “Are you all right?” He asked curiously, leaning in even closer to make sure the sensors on his chest were properly attached, fingertips grazing against his skin. His other vitals seemed perfectly fine, so Ezra left it alone for now, thinking nothing of the entire process.

The garbled response from Drexus was met with a blank stare from Ezra. He ignored it, however, pressing on, “Jedi are taught to first seek out anything that can be salvaged before killing first. Frankly I think it’s a load of bullshit because I think people have to decide themselves if they are redeemable or not. No one else can decide for them,” He shrugged vaguely, moving on to work on the Zabrak’s other arm, “So, do you think you are redeemable? Do you think you could try learning the ways of the Light?”

He applied a salve to the burns, “There’s more to the Jedi Order than the people that killed your father,” He looked at Drexus again, “It was Councilor Kaisa Vanloa that dealt the killing blow and initiated the attack before any talks of rehabilitation took place. She has since been slain by Darth Raze. So are you going to hunt him next because he 'stole your kill'?” He asked, a brow raising as he laid out how ridiculous and pointless Drexus’ entire plan was. Technically his revenge story was over before it ever began.

@Scoobert

 

[Drexus Brogroo]

Drexus would clear his throat and breath slower to lower his heart rate, "Yea I'm fine considering." The man touching his chest did get a little bit of blood flow going, and the Zabrak tried to ignore it as much as possible. Then when he began speaking about the ways of Jedi, Drexus almost rolled his eyes. He never saw himself being a Jedi. Caring for others and tending to the ones in need wasn't his thing.

Drexus honestly only wanted what was best for himself. As far learning the ways of the light side, he was never against that. The Zabrak actually found many things about light side power being appealing, but he wouldn't give up the strength he gain from the darkness. So when he was asked, he would answer. "I couldn't see myself as a Jedi. Being a caretaker isn't my thing. But learning the way of the light I have never been opposed to."

When asked about Raze though, a chill went down his spine. Would feel good to be the one to put down the beast? Yes, but Raze hadn't come for him and Drex saw it as a double sided blade. Yes Raze stole his kill, but on the other hand it was one less Jedi to worry about. Drexus didn't like Raze, but he didn't mind the Sith Lord either. "Of course I wouldn't, that's suicide.. at least at my strength." He would sigh and then raise his eyes to look at Ezra again, "I'd be willing to renounce my association with the Sith. As far as being a Jedi I couldn't." He took a moment before he spoke again.

"How about a partnership? I learn the ways of the light without being a Jedi, and I help fight your battles?" He raised his eyebrows as he was making his offer, "I'm willing to negotiate."

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

“I don’t like people,” Ezra stated flatly, “And I’m a Jedi,” He said to the Zabrak, “There’s a lot more to being a Jedi than doing community service,” He said with a faint grin. Ezra was a perfect example of someone that would never just randomly stop to help someone. However, he knew when to step in where his powers could make a difference. It was something he learned over time.

“Very well,” Ezra said after a moment, “As long as you are willing to try, it’s worth the effort.”

With that, he finally left the Zabrak alone to his thoughts, leaving the tent. Ezra had his own convincing to do and a potentially furious Arla to deal with…

@Scoobert

 

[Drexus Brogroo]

Drexus nodded at Ezra's agreeance. Seemed Drexus would be training with Jedi at this point. But he would move forward with his own face. The Sith only ever seen his helmet, so maybe he could save his hide by leaving the helmet behind. His skin rarely ever showed and his peoples tribal tattoos were all similar to each other's so anyone looking to label him a traitor would need to have known him personal under the mask to make the accusation.

Ezra then turned to leave the tent and Drexus bit his tongue. How was he supposed to move forward now? All he could think about was learning new power within the light to use the strongest of both sides and become more powerful. Perhaps this was how he surpassed his father in power. Whether it was Sith, Jedi, Rogue. He would find what fit him best. For now it was time to look to the future.

/thread

@Sreeya