Ask Why?

[Karys]

A week after the events of Judgment.​

Karys slowly floated in the cool jelly of the bacta tank. Over the last week he’d gone through two surgeries, one to remove the metal armor that had melted into his flesh and the other to stabilize damaged organs. He remembered neither, he’d been unconscious through both. But now his eyes were fluttering open and his groggy mind was slowly having memories roil to the surface.

Cyutadakyr choking Vossari, their fight, her telepathic announcement to him, the Kaggath, his victory.

But as he looked around the room, save for things he recognized as Vossari’s the room was empty. There was no one there and he floating helplessly in a tank. Where was Azar? Where was he? Why was he alone? The questions pounded through Karys’ head as anxiety and terror welled up within him. It built until Karys screamed out in fear, in confusion, and in pain through their shared connection. It would shudder through lightyears in a matter of moments to reach Azar on distant Korriban.

Where are you? Why am I alone? Why aren’t we together?

The questions were laced with all the swirling emotions within him. The truth of them would be clear to Azar, Karys didn’t really care for answers. He only needed Azar right now.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Far across the galaxy, Azar was making huge strides in establishing himself a foothold for taking the crown. The city of Ur was with him, and he had reclaimed his standing as Kressh, no longer exiled after almost a decade. The Pureblood was back in the city of Dreshdae, making his way towards the Kressh fortress when the surge of emotions from Karys pierced through like a knife. He almost collapsed in the streets, exhaling a shuddered gasp as he got his bearings.

He had forcefully put thoughts of Karys aside since the fight he had with Cyutadakyr, unwilling to face his own emotions. A sense of betrayal lingered like an open wound that refused to heal, and his own thoughts worked against him. The sudden flood of emotions made him sick to his stomach, reminding him all over again of the man he cherished and yearned for so badly over the past month.

Azar worried for Karys every day, always wondering if he healed okay, if the Dark Lord saw to his recovery. But he had to push the thoughts aside, he had to focus on his own mission, he had to remind himself that Karys had been weak.

I am following my path, His voice would echo back through their bond, one which happened without him even actively forging it, and you have yours.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Azar had his path? Karys had his own? Weren’t they the same? When had they diverted? Each of the questions darted back and forth through Karys’ still half clouded mind. Each question would unintentionally flow through Karys’ mind and into their connection, his brain still groggy from the weeks of unconsciousness. But he steadily became more alert, aware of what happening, and began to remember the final moments of the fight.

He remembered seeing Azar leave him half dead on the floor. That memory would bleed through their bond, the sense of betrayal and fear would as well.

The pain and grief overflowed through Karys. He tried to breathe but the mask that held the tubes running down his throat and into his lungs was tightly fastened to his face. It created a strangling sensation that only served to fuel his panic until he forced himself to calm down.

Azar wouldn’t feel all of those moments but the grief and panic at the realization would reach him. Karys wouldn’t be silent in his suffering, he never had been when it came to Azar.

Why? Why did you abandon me Azar? He asked, his mental voice cracking beneath the pressure of his emotion.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar wasn’t going to entertain dialogue like this. As Karys asked his question, the accusation channeled even through the Force. A surge of anger bubbled in his chest, and he had to remember where he was. He had to remember who he was. He was no longer some exile. He was a true Kressh.

I am not going to bind myself to someone that is bound by others.

With that, the communication channel was closed off much like Azar had done on Malachor. He wasn’t going to keep going back and forth like this - not when each stream of thought felt like a dagger. Karys would continue to feel Azar’s presence through the bond, but he wouldn’t answer any further.

Through the communication, however, Azar unwittingly revealed glimpses of his location. Karys would see visions of the desert, of a grand city right next to a spaceport, of an extensive marketplace and stalls lining the streets. He would feel a whirlwind of emotions in Azar, he would almost feel the heat of the air. All of this was felt by Karys without Azar realizing.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys reeled at Azar’s words. If he had still been an inexperienced Acolyte he would have exploded in rage. But he wasn’t, he swallowed his emotion as best he could. Then Azar vanished from his mind just like he had on Malachor.

Did he fucking hang up?

Karys let himself be annoyed at this for a few seconds, just like he’d done on Malachor. And then he started trying to pull his mask from his face. He wanted out of this fancy hospital room, but his struggles set off an alarm which alerted staff.

They didn’t let him go anywhere.

For five more days, Karys’ wounds were treated and he was pampered by the people there. Every luxury was afforded him, every wish was granted, and every desire was offered. All but one. Being close to Azar. Eventually, though Karys was allowed to leave the world and return to the Galaxy at large.

The first thing he did was set his destination to Korriban and to Azar.

Karys knew Azar, in someways he knew his lover better than he knew himself. He knew that while Azar was annoyed or angry, he wasn’t done with him, not really. Azar may have hung up and he may have walked away but that was simply Azar. The other man wanted to be chased and feel loved. Thankfully, Karys was fine with chasing.

Eventually Karys landed in Dreshdae. He had changed into the thinnest robes he had. Karys gazed at himself in the mirror for a moment and he gave a throaty chuckle. Two years ago, when he and Azar first got together, he wouldn’t have been caught dead wearing robes. But now? He wore them regularly. Azar had rubbed off on him more than he truly understood.

Karys then left his ship and took his first steps onto Korriban. And it sucked. Azar had been completely wrong about it being a dry heat and that it would be fine. It wasn’t fine, it was burning Karys and his freshly healed wounds alive. But, he didn’t turn back.

Karys hunted through an alien city. He asked guards, merchants, and shop keeps where to find where the Kressh dwelt. And eventually he was pointed in the right direction, the upper city. Which only threatened to start his hunt anew once he got there.

Fuck this.

Karys sent an image near where he was standing. He sent how hot he felt, how lost he was, how much he just missed Azar. He made sure that Azar knew he’d traveled all the way to Korriban, just to see him. Karys would always chase after the love of his life.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

For a while it would appear as if the thoughts he fired away were unheard.

The people in the markets kept milling about, walking past him or some eyeing him curiously since he appeared as such an obvious tourist. A few locals tried to sell him things, others did a double take at the impressive Sith blades he had on him. Karys would see that Dreshdae was filled with offworlders and pureblood alike, and he would find others of his kin with the five fingered hands just like he had.

Every now and then, he would see Massassi towering close to 8 ft tall striding by, both men and women alike. Eventually Karys would see a jewel lined palanquin carried by multiple muscled grotthu. People stepped aside to allow the palanquin through and the grotthu would come to a pause several meters away from Karys. The palanquin was gently set down and the curtains were brushed aside.

Azar stepped out from within, adorned in a white, refined attire that spoke of his royal heritage. He wore ornate earrings, golden bracelets and necklaces. His eyes were lined with refined kohl, and he had an air about him that was nothing short of authority.

He was once again Azar’ithar Shah’Zahan Emyr iv Kressh.

It was difficult to read his emotions from his face alone. The grotthu formed a line in front of him, and he gave a breezy wave of his hand to bid them to move aside. Azar didn’t close the distance, his yellow gaze studying Karys from a distance. He couldn’t deny the relief he felt upon seeing Karys alive and recovering, but he quelled the thought. Azar was shocked to learn that Karys actually traveled across the galaxy to arrive here, but a part of him wasn’t entirely surprised. He was the most stubborn man Azar knew.

“Karys,” Azar said simply, his accent far more clipped and posh by virtue of living the royal life again. Even saying the name aloud sent a jolt of pain through him and reminded him of all the ways he felt shattered by Karys’ choices. But he wouldn’t run away either. Azar exhaled slowly, “Why have you come all this way?”

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

There was a moment when Azar stepped from the palanquin that Karys hesitated. He didn’t look like the same man anymore, he didn’t hold himself like the same man anymore. But Karys recognized the man he loved by the look in his eyes. He read the relief, the shock, the pain, and the hurt as easily as if they were expressed openly.

The robe Karys wore was drenched in his sweat. The burn scars across his chest and torso tugged annoyingly whenever he moved. He hadn’t finished healing yet, not completely, and he knew that. One of the last places in the galaxy he should have come was Korriban.

But he’d come for Azar.

<You’ve redeemed yourself.> He replied softly. A small gentle smile touched his lips, the pride and exhaustion reflected in his eyes in equal measures. <I always knew you would baby.> He continued. <I am so proud of you.>

There was no anger, no malice, no hate, and no rage in Karys voice. Instead, there was just the same still gentleness that there always had been in their quietest moments. Karys was proud of what Azar had accomplished here and he wanted him to know before anything else was said.

When Azar finally asked him why he’d come, Karys strode forwards. If the Massassi warriors tried to stop him, he’d rip them apart with his bare hands. Nothing in the Galaxy would ever stop him from being near the man he loved. He stopped a few paces before his man, his golden gaze still soft, his shoulders relaxed for the first time in over a month. Tension washed from him by their mere proximity.

<Are you so surprised?> Karys asked gently. <I have always chased after you Azar. From the throne room on Zygerria. To the balcony on Umbara. To the streets of Panatha. To crawling to you on Malachor. Even here and now, I have come to you.> He replied. <I have never stopped chasing the most beautiful and handsome man I’ve ever seen…> He continued. <…and I never will Azar Kressh, King of Korriban. Breaker of Zygerria. Claimer of Panatha. Tamer of Malachor. Potionsmaster of Umbara. Sith Master…> Karys paused in listing the titles for Azar. A faint smile touched his lips before he spoke again. <…and the man who holds my heart and I love so dearly.>

Throughout all of this, Karys wouldn’t move to touch Azar. Not because he didn’t want to, every fiber of him screamed to kiss the man he loved, to melt into him. But he wouldn’t do that, he knew Azar had taken offense to something and it would be Azar who chose to let it go or not. But Karys had made his choice already, he had thought he would want answers, he had thought he would rip a world asunder to have them.

But he couldn’t.

Even in the depths of his pain, the fires of his hate, the moment he saw Azar, it all faded. This was the man he’d given himself to. This was the man he’d shared dreams with. This man he’d protected as he cried. And no matter how he looked or dressed or acted, that was all that mattered. This was his greatest strength and the weakness he chose. This was Azar.

And that was all that mattered.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar heard the grotthu shift in place when Karys called him baby, but his face remained impassive. Karys was no longer speaking privately when he spoke ur-kittat, not on Korriban. It was then that Azar took the time to actually take in sight of Karys’ attire. Robes? Any other time and Karys would never hear the end of it from him, but he held his tongue now. He had been crushed, and it would take time to piece up the pieces again.

The grotthu stood in silent obedience as Karys spoke, trained to have no real thoughts and opinions of their own. They would bear witness to many secrets and impassioned words and do nothing with it. Azar not stopping Karys from speaking was evidence enough that Karys was no enemy. When the Massassi stepped forth, he would find no resistance. The grotthu stepped aside and stood at attention on either side.

Azar’s jaw tightened at Karys’ words, emotions threatening to bleed over. He had to bite back tears from despair, wanting to punch Karys in his rage, wanting to kiss him because he was still in love. And he felt restrained from doing any of that. At the core of it all, betrayal left its ugly wound behind. Karys being angry with him would have been easier to deal with. Karys wanting to start a fight would have been simpler. The words he said instead sent daggers through him and made him want to close the distance.

But he wouldn’t.

“You truly do have a honeyed tongue, Karys,” Azar said at last, keeping his emotions out of his voice. Karys was exceptionally charismatic - something that wasn’t common among Massassi. He had won over several diplomatic situations and he could charm anyone. However, Azar had long since learned that at the end of the day they were simply words, “You have told me a great many things and things I genuinely believed,” Azar said calmly, “And when it comes to showing..it’s nothing but talk. You said only I held your heart, and yet the Echani woman commanded your thoughts and I risked myself to act because you couldn’t bring yourself to. You said only I held your heart, and yet you couldn’t finish the kaggath because something that has yet to become a child managed to create fantasies in your head. By extension Cyutadakyr held your heart,” Azar scoffed, “I prepared to fight Param and Cyutadakyr for you. I bled and sacrificed parts of myself to create that blade for you. I lied to the Dark Lord for you and could have easily lost my life,” He glared at Karys, “Do not tell me I did not have to do these things because they are all things I would do for the person I love. But the reality is that you are not worth that.”

Azar let those words hang in the air for a moment before he spoke again, “You are concerned only with yourself. You do not know what it means to love and actually show it. You do not understand what true love feels like. Because you are just a child and you think like a child. I am a shiny toy you have an infatuation with, nothing more.”

His voice never raised as he spoke, and he maintained his calm resolve, “You have come a long way for nothing, Karys. It is true that I am in love with you, but you cannot claim the same,” It had all been talk - abandoning Sadow, no one else having a hold over him, all of it was words. Karys didn’t know what it meant to love someone so much that nothing else in the galaxy mattered. There were always other people, always other things that could have the same level of influence, always something that proved time and time again that Karys could be easily swayed.

“Like I said, Karys…” Azar said, “You have your path and I have mine. I wish to love someone only when they are worthy of it and can return the same.”

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Azar’s words cut the to quick of Karys. He was unworthy of his love? He had done nothing for him? He’d broken and killed his only friends. He’d sacrificed them willingly because of the interference they’d caused. Karys’ head recoiled instinctively, he reeled on the inside.

<I didn’t rush to the Nevizkas side. I didn’t rush to aid the child either. Instead, when I awoke you were the first thin in my mind. And the moment I could, I came here to find you. Because you are what matters to me.> Karys replied. <I wounded you by not killing her. I will never forgive myself for that.> He continued. <You should know, I didn’t see her in my dreams Azar, I didn’t see her raising that child. I saw you and I, the three of us in that house or in a palace or in a cardboard box.The where or how never mattered to me, just that you were there. Because my dreams have places for you and you alone.> Karys stated his voice cracking in emotion. <No one comes before you in my heart Azar. And I will spend the rest of my days proving that if I must.> He continued, as he blinked away tears. <Our paths will always be intertwined because my heart is yours and I cannot turn away from you.> Karys said with a nod.

Karys didn’t move as he spoke. He was happy the hood to his cloak his the tears that betrayed him from onlookers. Instead snapping or touching Azar. he pulled out a datapad and handed it to Azar. On it would read a pair of assets, one was the coordinates to a desert tribe that lived in dunes of Korriban. The other was a manor on Ziost. He had come prepared to give pieces of his power-base freely to support Azar’s dreams.

<These will act as entry points for your campaigns against the desert nomads and on Ziost respectively.> Karys explained. <I will have secured a paths for you by the time you are ready to take them.> He continued. <You are a king Azar. Part of me always thought you a god. But I am no king, and I am no god.> He explained. <I am Sith though and to those who resist you, I will be death.> Karys said with a nod. <If you need to find me, follow the pyres in my wake.> The amulet Cyutadakyr had used against him lightly jingled as he stepped back.

A soft, broken smile touched his lips. This would kill the last vestiges of who Karys was. It would rip out his kindness and bleed his good heart cold. But for Azar? It was a worthy sacrifice. There was nothing he wouldn’t put upon that altar.

<I love you Azar even if you don’t believe it. I do and no matter what I become, I always will.>

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

It killed him to see Karys like this. He wanted nothing more than to pretend everything was fine, to be back in those powerful arms, against that unyielding chest. It had become his home for months now, a place that felt more home than the Kressh fortress ever did. And yet, he remained standing where he was, letting the tidal wave of Karys’ emotions wash over him through their bond.

Karys spoke a lot of words, but Azar didn’t buy into them this time. As badly as he wanted to believe them, he stood by his perspective. He couldn’t help who he loved, and while it felt exquisite at the time, it stung just as badly now. Azar had no answer for him, no argument to make. He glanced down at the datapad, scanning over the information.

Azar opened his mouth to say something, but a thunderous explosion resounded behind them. The grotthu jumped to his defense, some leveling their spears towards Karys accusingly. Azar turned to look, his eyes widening as he realized a chunk of the Kressh fortress was missing.

“Master, we are under attack!” One of his Massassi guards said as he rushed up to him. His gaze flicked over to Karys suspiciously, “Sadow,” He said with venom dripping from his tone.

Azar’s blood ran cold. Kressh and Sadow strikes on one another were common, but one hadn’t happened in years. At Karys’ side, he would feel the forged blade pulse to life, thirsty for blood. Azar gazed at Karys, but no words crossed his lips.

“Let’s go,” He said simply to his guards, turning on his heel to rush back towards the fortress.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Azar didn’t need to say anything. Karys understood why his lover didn’t trust his words, they were empty platitudes until results could be given. He had taken another step backwards and away from Azar when thunder shook the ground and an explosion rocked the upper city. While Azar would have to turn to see the damage done to the fortress, Karys did not.

His blood ran hot as rage pulsed through him.

Karys almost missed the grotthu who leveled their spears at him. His golden gaze remained unmoved from the citadel as a chunk crumbled and fell. When the Massassi made his report, Karys felt the hatred aimed towards him. He remained unflinching.

His gaze didn’t soften when it met Azar’s this time. Instead, he simply followed his instincts. He followed his lover and his entourage as the made their way to the citadel. There was a second explosion that went off somewhere in the market square. Civilians were being targeted as well. All were fair game in war, especially on worlds like theirs.

<Do you know how ma-> Karys’ words were cut short by the sight before him. <Fuck me...>

Three behemothian Massassi, clearly alchemically altered to increase their massive size were clad in warplate. Their dark armor emblazoned with the symbol that was cracked back at his own ship, Sadow. Behind these three there was chanting to be heard as a sorcerer worked the Dark Side to rain chaos and destruction down upon their ancient enemy. Tu’kata hounds ripped grotthu of both sides apart as they loped from skirmish to skirmish hungering for blood. What caused Karys the most panic was the distant sound of warbeasts. Untold or unseen horrors created for the purpose of war and death.

Sadowbane left its sheathe and was held firmly by Karys. The weapon hummed in his hand. It hungered to taste the flesh and blood of his kin. But Karys didn’t throw himself into the fray, instead he stayed near to Azar.

<Keep behind me, I will protect you as you weave your magick Azar.> He told his beloved. <None will harm you.> He promised.

Karys took a more forward position as four Tu’kata tried to flank and surround them. When the beasts charged in, Karys would let the Kressh Massassi deal with the most forward charging beast, but he would deal with the flankers. The first Tu’kata would be snatched from the air and flung down into the marketplace below as it leapt towards Azar. There would be a sickening crunch and scream the signified its end. The other was met with a swift chop from Sadowbane as it rushed in to clamp its teeth around Karys’ calf.

His golden eyes cast backwards to look at Azar. That was under the ground shook beneath the weight of giants lumbering forwards. This quick skirmish had caught the attention of the three Massassi and they lumbered forward. A strange green glow emanating from the eyeslits of their helmets.

<Do you have a plan?> Karys asked as he readied himself for these twisted monstrosities.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar acted braver than he felt, fear gripping him as he saw the tu’kata. He had a crippling fear of them and he was immobilized. His guards ran ahead and he remained rooted in place, freezing on the spot. Karys remained behind with him, and his words quickly jarred him back to reality.

“Of course I have a plan!” He lied through his teeth, really having a panic attack upon seeing the beasts. Fortunately, several of them were cut down, the others wisening up to scatter to attack them at an opportune moment. The engineered Massassi charged at them and Azar prepared to channel the Force. However, one of the lumbering Massassi abruptly fell to the ground screaming, clutching at his head as it all but combusted within his helmet. Blood and gore spilled out from the helmet slits. It was the effect of Azar's deadly poisons, but far more efficient and far more devastating.

Moments later, a tiny, wrinkly old Pureblood woman angrily power walked out from the direction of the debris - clearly the attacker. She was adorned in all manners of jewelry and fancy clothing. If Karys looked, even in age he would see a remarkable resemblance to some of the features Azar had. She scowled in a very familiar way, “Sadow attack on a nice day like this? Honestly, right when I ordered a massage day,” She huffed and waved her hand and a tu’kata’s head abruptly snapped to one side, breaking its neck, “And your good for nothing mother has been slacking on the security for almost a decade,” She said as she wagged a finger at Azar. The woman came to a pause to glare at Karys, “And what are you supposed to be?”

“Nana, no!” Azar snapped before she could crack Karys’ head open next, “Why are you here and not in the retirement-”

“OHOHO you all thought you could get rid of me, eh?!” Nana Kressh scoffed, her hands on her hips before she pointed at Karys, “You explain to me why that man has a blood forged blade on him, Azi! WE ONLY CRAFT THAT FOR OUR BETROTH-”

“-NOW IS NOT THE TIME, NANA!” Azar screeched back to cut her off, his face suddenly extremely hot.

Of all the chaos he expected to face, a shouting match with his granny was beyond anything he could have predicted.

Meanwhile, the remaining Massassi that knew better than to intervene with such a powerful sorceress shimmied their way over to harass Karys instead.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys felt almost as stunned as the two oversized Massassi had to feel. An ancient Pureblood woman came from behind their defenses and slaughtered their beasts while taunting them. She looked so much like Azar…the realization dawned on him. Karys blinked several times when her attention turned to him and Azar defended him, yet again.

As the two engaged in a shouting match, the battle seemed to pause at the odd sight. The din of war slowed to a crawl for a moment. Then the older woman said something he hadn’t expected. His blade was meant for Azar’s betrothed?? He felt giddy and excited and the warmth of love flooded system flowed through him. However, it died when he realized the conversation they had just had and what it meant. He might have lost Azar forever. As these thoughts passed through him, he also felt Azar’s embarrassment run and in return Karys’ tensed. His back tightened as he stood a little straighter, he cleared his throat awkwardly as he slipped in front of Azar.

Karys awkwardly waved with Sadowbane at the older Pureblood woman, Azar’s Nana. <Hi, I’m Karys.> He called out, unsure what else to do in the moment. <I, uh, I’m not with them…> He continued sheepishly and pointed Sadowbane at the pair of giants.

<Babe, if you want we can discuss it later?> He asked Azar in a hushed tone. <But can we please continue killing my relatives for now?> He asked awkwardly.

Around that time the last two engineered Massassi almost scampered by the sorceress to engage Karys. <Now that’s just embarrassing boys!> He called out as he flicked the blood from his blade.

Karys would engage the pair as they came into him. Karys would at first reach out with the Dark Side, he could feel the Kyber crystal he was so attuned to sitting at the small of his back. The hilt would fly towards one of the lumbering monstrosities and snap to life moments before it was buried in its chest. That blood orange blade so easily carving through the chestplate of the creature. Then, he’d enhance his own strength, his own might to ensure he could keep pace with the mass of muscle.

The creature brought its pole axe down but Karys wouldn’t dodge. He knew moving meant putting Azar in harms way potentially. Instead, he rose Sadowbane up to block the strike and braced himself. When the blow collided, it felt like a hammerstrike. Karys felt the hit ripple through his bones and rattle his teeth.

<Gods, what are the feeding these things?> He wondered aloud.

<Food?> The creature mumbled stupidly in reply.

Shit it can talk.

<Azar please kill this thing. I want to kill it’s master with you and then get some water.> He pleaded. His mind reaching out to lock the Massassi’s weapon against his own.

The sorcerer would taste Sadowbane’s fury. He had to. The blade sang for his blood. What else could he do but obey?

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Was Karys waving to his Nana using Sadowbane?

Azar wanted to melt into the floor and disappear. One of the engineered Massassi could have lopped his head off and he would have been thrilled. Karys went on to introduce himself, cheerfully splattering blood everywhere from waving the blade around. He would notice Nana Kressh didn’t address him directly, and she wouldn’t unless he introduced himself as a royal. She eyed him reproachfully before her gaze flicked from him, to Azar, then to him to size him up, and then back to Azar.

“I hope you are the top,” She said dryly to Azar, “Because he looks like he can rearrange your-”

“NANA PLEASE!” Azar screamed, trying unsuccessfully to shove the unmoving wall that was Karys away from this disastrous scenario, “Let’s go, nana has it covered out here,” He all but squeaked, “Let’s go inside the compound!”

Nana was notorious for having no filter and mortifying and embarrassing everyone in the household. She had been talked into going over to live in a retirement community, but clearly wormed her way back into the compound to terrorize her family.

Azar charged inside and saw nothing but chaos. Several members of his extended family lay butchered on the ground. While he felt a pang, he reminded himself that these were the same people that ousted him not too long ago. Azar walked past the bodies, catching two Pureblood that were attempting to tear the clothes off one of his younger female cousins. He channeled the Force and superheated their armor, outright cooking them and fusing their armor to their bodies. The pain would be indescribable, and they collapsed to the ground. Azar finished the job by choking them until their throats caved in.

The elusive sorcerer was nowhere to be seen and Azar began to worry. Sadow were notorious for their assassination techniques, so he could only guess they already had people up in strategic positions. He turned to look at Karys, “Where are the assassins?” He mused aloud. On that note - where was his mother? Having a horde of Massassi was not normally Sadow’s style, which meant it was likely a diversion.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

When the elder Kressh didn’t respond to him but simply eyed him up and down, Karys grinned sheepishly. He figured she could tell he was Sadow, he had all their features and matched the standard profile, albeit larger. Around the time of that realization, Nana spoke again and Karys froze, his eyes went wide, and his mind completely blanked.

He’d rearrange Azar’s what?

It wasn’t until Azar began to shove and push on him, begging him to just leave that Karys blinked back to awareness. Azar scuttled towards the compound, Karys could feel his embarrassment at everything his Nana had said, he didn’t say anything to assuage it right now. Honestly, he wasn’t sure he could anyways, instead he focused on what he could do. He was Sadow, he understood how they fought and this didn’t align with the teachings of his House.

Karys fought just like Sadow did, he used underhanded tactics, ambushes, and any advantage he could to gain victory. This was the way of House Sadow. Even as Azar flash fused the armor of several warriors to them, Karys’ brow remained furrowed. He was thinking something that Azar would easily be able to tell when he turned to look at him.

<The blast zone.> Karys replied, tension clearly written in his voice. <No one will guard that area, that is their insertion point.> He continued. <Where to do the children sleep in the house? Where are they taken when an attack happens?> Karys asked urgently. <They will start with the next generation and move up the line from there.> The panic in his voice was palpable. <Tell me where and I will find them, Azar.>

This wasn’t just Azar’s family, Karys had long considered Azar his only family left. A protective instinct that didn’t exist for any other being was birthed within Karys. This was Azar’s family, this was Azar’s kin, he would protect them with his life.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar felt like vomiting when Karys asked about the children. He hadn’t even considered that brutal angle, but it made sense. He stared at Karys for a moment, unable to form an answer. Telling him the details meant sharing a secret his family protected with their lives. He would be sharing it with a member of the house of his sworn enemy. Azar’s heart thundered against his chest as he looked at Karys, the man he just told he couldn’t keep loving, the man that could just as easily align with his lineage in a time of crisis and help eradicate Kressh.

“I…” He stammered, hearing the fighting erupt all around him. He gazed into Karys’ eyes, saw the tenderness that existed since he first came over with those custom utensils. Could he still trust that man with the future line of his house?
“Underground,” He said, “There is a corridor that leads to the dungeons after you take the south staircase,” He pointed, still uneasy about sharing these details, “If-If they’re not killed already.. They will be there guarded by our Massassi.”

He grasped Karys’ bicep, gazing up at him, “I’m trusting you Karys.. I....shouldn't.. but I am,” Azar said through gritted teeth, “I will stay here and find my mother,” He said, knowing he had no idea how Sadow assassins worked. They were a whole different level of combatant. Azar could face off against Kissai and sorcerers for days, but the famed Sadow assassins did surgical strikes and left entire houses dead before anyone realized what happened.

“Please be safe,” Azar all but pleaded with Karys before he watched the other man charge towards the path he outlined.

The Pureblood turned the opposite direction, running up a spiraling staircase as more warriors ran down to engage him. He effortlessly threw them over the side of the railing, moving up another step before a stream of lighting streaked his way. Azar used the Force to yank one of the Massassi into the path, frying them before he hurled the man at the Kissai behind him. He knew he had an extensive fight ahead of him.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys felt Azar’s hesitation, parts of him understood why. If their situations had been perfectly reversed, he likely would have felt the same. But in the moment, with all their history it felt like salt in Karys’ wounds. Had his singular mistake torn down all Azar’s confidence in him? Did he truly believe Karys would betray him like this?

<Azar,> He stated in his best attempt to sound calm but the wound bled through in his voice. <They are your family. They are a part of you.> He explained. <I could never harm or kill anything that is a part of you.> He assured him.

When Azar finally told him where the children would be, Karys turned to leave but felt Azar grip his bicep. His hand instinctively encompassed Azar’s own, it was tender touch. He listened to Azar saying he was trusting him but shouldn’t, it hurt worse than it should have.

Azar wouldn’t have the time to finish his explanation, because Karys kissed him. He didn’t care if it pissed Azar off, he didn’t care if he’d pay for it later. There was a chance he’d die protecting children that he’d never met and if he did, he wanted Azar’s taste on his lips.

<Nothing will happen to the Kresshlings.> Karys promised. <I’ll protect them with my life.> He vowed. <I love you, where ever you are going just be smart and be safe please?>

Karys wouldn’t waste anymore time, he sprinted down the hallways and away from Azar. Only pausing briefly to recall the hilt of his lightsaber to him. He’d make his way down the stairs and into the darkness below. Karys knew how Sadow Assassins operated, they worked in teams. They were trained to trust House members implicitly to maximize their impact during assignments. It made them dangerous foes most of the time.

However there was a cuckoo in the nest.

As Karys moved from the stairs to the labyrinthine dungeon system he heard the shadows whisper to him. <What is the gift of death?> A feminine voice asked.

Karys had heard these questions before, they were tests used by the assassins that served in his father’s court. His mind ran back to remember the ritual answer. He took a deep breath and finally answered.

<Solace, my sister.>

The answer hung in the air for a moment, silence filling the void where words once were. Then the shadows unraveled and four assassins stood before Karys. One of their number was injured, likely from an engagement prior. The lead of the team examined him, she was fierce and an experienced killer, Karys could tell.

<Your accent, you’re an off-worlder. What are you doing here?> She asked cautiously.

<I’ve been on a long assignment, there is a mutual interest in the downfall of this House.> Karys explained. <Kressh cannot be allowed to take control of the homeworld. We must collapse this line.> He continued.

The assassins would glance between one another, unsure of what to do next. Karys’ heart thundered in his chest as they looked between one another before the team lead returned her gaze to him. <You are Sadow, you are one of our number. Let us end this Kressh filth.> She stated cooly with a nod.

Karys simply nodded in reply. He had come here to do a job and of all the lessons he had learned from Azar, deception was the most important. Now Karys was in a position to tip the scales one way or another.

Regardless of his choice, betrayal was his only way forward.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar could only gasp against Karys’ lips as he kissed him. It was dangerous, and it risked both their lives. He placed a hand against Karys’ chest, preparing to push him away. Instead, his fingers instinctively curled against the robes, briefly surrendering to the moment. Karys drew back and left Azar glaring. He glared at his own inability to sever anything with Karys, at how much he still desired that intimacy, and how for that brief moment he felt a taste of sanctuary again.

---​

<We will execute the children,> The woman said to Karys as they walked, <But one of our main targets is Azar’ithar, the returned son of Kressh> She said with venom in her voice, <He must be slain. It was his poison that wiped out our entire splinter clan in the northern cities of Ziost. They said it was an avalanche that wiped out the village, but it was Azar’ithar.>

It would slowly dawn on Karys that one of his brothers just so happened to die in one of those cities while visiting home on Ziost. He too would have been told it was some ‘natural disaster’ that resulted in the death.

<He also stole our secrets in concocting potions to alter the appearance> Another Sadow added in with hate, <One of our guarded methods to execute our ways. And he disgraces us by applying the same methods.>

<Don’t worry, he will die> The woman snickered, <He will be no match for the sorcerer we’ve brought. He is expecting a Sadow sorcerer> She gave a cruel laugh.

The group arrived at the lower dungeons soon enough, but the path was blocked by multiple Kressh Massassi.

---​

Meanwhile, Azar kept climbing up, drawing out a blade to coat it in one of his activated poisons. He already used one to paralyze a warrior, and he brought out the ones that caused internal combustions. His gaze fell upon one of his cousins lying dead with her eyes missing, and he shakily stepped past her to spot another body. And then another. He felt sick as he opened door after door, the floor slick with the blood of his brethren. This wasn’t right - his kin were all accomplished Kissai. No single person could have done something like this.

However, as horrific as it was, Azar drew from the blood around him. They were all his blood, so he could pull from it for blood sorcery. He fueled himself for attack if needed, terrified of what he was about to face soon.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

As the group walked, Karys listened to their reports of Azar’s activities. The theft of their potion recipe meant little to him. If these assassins couldn’t protect their secrets, they deserved to have them stolen. However, the news of the village hit home the hardest. His mind immediately chased through different scenarios. Had it been before they met? Before they started dating? After? Did any of that even really matter?

From those questions a new myriad of ones spun through his mind. Was their entire relationship a lie? Had he been manipulated? Was he still being manipulated? Was this why Azar pushed him to betray his friends as liabilities? To keep him off the scent of his own betrayal? The build up of anxiety trickled through their Bond but not his thoughts. Those Karys managed to keep hidden from Azar.

That was what reminded Karys of the truth that mattered. Their Bond hadn’t been forced, it had occurred naturally from the closeness and intimacy between the two men. It had been formed from the depths of their mutual desires and fostered to strength through their love for one another. Even if Karys couldn’t trust in what he knew, for now he’d trust in that.

Karys knew he couldn’t communicate what he knew directly to Azar. While Sadow Assassins weren’t true Sith, they still received niche training for the tasks they’d be sent on. Anything too overt would likely be picked up on. Karys could send emotions or feelings through his bond to Azar but any words or real warnings would draw too much attention and blow his cover. As such, Karys allowed the sensation of caution and hesitancy to bleed through to him. It was highlighted in a way he hoped Azar would understand as instructions or warning and not his own legitimate feelings.

<First the children, then Azar’ithar. We are kindred, but I am Sith and will support you in this.> Karys confirmed with a nod. He forced venom into his voice, selling his doubt as hate.

When the assassins and Massassi met, Karys pulled free Azar’s Warblade. He knew the Kressh Massassi would recognize it for the bond it represented to their House and liege, the Sadow assassins would not. As the two groups clashed, Karys would put a show of combat on, “fighting” the largest Massassi warrior of the group while subtly tugging on the Dark Side to manipulate other ongoing duels.

The slowing of a parry or dodge from an assassin here, the increase of velocity from a Massassi’s strike there and soon the Assassin’s numbers had dropped by two. But even still, the Massassi fell, and Karys gave his partner an apologetic glance before his blade was buried into the guardian’s chest. There would be no time for Azar’s poisons to take hold, he would die instantly.

Karys huffed as he looked to the final two assassins. They had each slain their foes and the last two Massassi were falling back to the next defensible position. Karys motioned to the dead warrior before him.

<This was their leader I think. Their defense should be disorganized at best. The rest of the way to the children should be easy.>

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

The Sadow assassins were none the wiser after the scuffle, though they did get frustrated at their own failures. As they pressed ahead, one of them glanced over at Karys, <Where did you get that blade?> They asked, <It makes me uneasy. It is..unnatural..>

—​

Meanwhile, Azar finally burst through the last door and found his mother suspended mid-air. The Pureblood’s eyes widened at the sight and he turned to look at a shocking sight. The Sorcerer in question was a Massassi woman, standing at 7 ft in height, bulky, but wielding the Force like he would expect from an accomplished Kissai.

“Ashani?!” Azar gasped in surprise, recognizing the sister of his former lover. She gave him a cruel grin before he heard a sick snap and a thud.

“No..” Azar moaned weakly before dropping to his knees. He felt powerless despite collecting all the energy for blood sorcery. His will was suddenly sapped from his body as he gazed at his mother’s lifeless form, “No…”

“How does it feel?” Ashani said with a smile, striding over towards the dead body, “How does it feel to be responsible for the deaths of every member of your direct family?” She coiled the Force around his mother’s body and hurled it right towards Azar, “Look at her!” She said, “Look at her as I gazed at Salini,” Ashani sneered, “Or what was left of her after you abandoned her in the dunes like a coward. You thought you could simply run away and the problem would go away.”

Azar felt sick to his stomach, but he simply couldn’t summon his strength to himself.

“You thought us desert trash could never rise to new heights,” She said, “You thought we could never seek vengeance. You thought we could never learn sorcery. You thought the problem would be brushed under a rug because you were a prince and she was of the desert,” She said, punctuating her point by using the Force to vigorously rub his dead mother’s face into the rug she landed in. The twisted display wasn’t lost on Azar. His mother had been blameless. She yearned for him to come home. She loved and cherished him through every bit of it. She had been the one he leaned on. But now that she was gone, his will to fight left with it. Azar collapsed on the ground beside her, curling into a fetal position as he stared into her vacant eyes and the tortured face from her moments before death.

“Enjoy your moments together,” She scoffed as she stepped over him with her long, muscled legs to leave the room, “Azar’ithar Shah’Zahan Emyr iv Kressh,” She rattled off nonchalantly, “It will be a name forgotten just as my sister’s was.”

@Apollyon