Training Apprenticeship of Sharkish'Ki

[...]

Aboard The Taral
Leaving Korriban orbit, destination Thyrsus

Only a few days ago Sharkish'Ki found himself masterless, his future uncertain and without direction, though it was not long before he was contacted by an agent of House Cruor and given a datapad. The datapad held his new orders, by the looks of it everything was already arranged and he was scheduled to travel by shuttle to Thyrsus immediately. Thyrsus. Those versed in the Mandalorian histories will recognize the Thyrsian people as their passionate and fierce rivals, the Sun Guard having long ago made themselves renown mercenaries and cultists of the Sith, but they would also know that sometime after the death of Darth Plagueis the people had come into the service of Darth Cruor and become central to the might of his Black Legions.

The former apprentice of a Mandarlorian would not doubt wonder at why he had been called here of all places, not only to the home of the Mandalorian's most deadly rival but also the planet which serves as Darth Cruor's center of power in the Empire. As it turned out the "shuttle" he would travel on was House Cruor's most powerful capital ships, Darth Cruor's own ship "The Taral". Upon boarding the command ship he was escorted to a luxurious suite where he was informed he could stay for the duration of the trip, but he was by no means restricted to the room, and soon after was informed personally that the ship had departed and was no enroute to Thyrsus.

Tag: @Sharkish’Ki

Feel free to reflect as the ship makes it's way to Thyrsus, at the end of your post you can note that you are informed you are coming out of hyperspace shortly and tag me for a response.

 

[Sharkish’Ki]

Aboard The Taral
Leaving Korriban orbit, destination Thyrsus

Only a few days ago Sharkish'Ki found himself masterless, his future uncertain and without direction, though it was not long before he was contacted by an agent of House Cruor and given a datapad. The datapad held his new orders, by the looks of it everything was already arranged and he was scheduled to travel by shuttle to Thyrsus immediately. Thyrsus. Those versed in the Mandalorian histories will recognize the Thyrsian people as their passionate and fierce rivals, the Sun Guard having long ago made themselves renown mercenaries and cultists of the Sith, but they would also know that sometime after the death of Darth Plagueis the people had come into the service of Darth Cruor and become central to the might of his Black Legions.

The former apprentice of a Mandarlorian would not doubt wonder at why he had been called here of all places, not only to the home of the Mandalorian's most deadly rival but also the planet which serves as Darth Cruor's center of power in the Empire. As it turned out the "shuttle" he would travel on was House Cruor's most powerful capital ships, Darth Cruor's own ship "The Taral". Upon boarding the command ship he was escorted to a luxurious suite where he was informed he could stay for the duration of the trip, but he was by no means restricted to the room, and soon after was informed personally that the ship had departed and was no enroute to Thyrsus.

Tag: @Sharkish’Ki

Feel free to reflect as the ship makes it's way to Thyrsus, at the end of your post you can note that you are informed you are coming out of hyperspace shortly and tag me for a response.

The sands of Korriban never seemed to cool. Sharkish’Ki had wandered the Valley of the Dark Lords for days, taking time to meditate on his current state. The Kaggath had been brutal, entertaining, and revealing. Not all things had been as they should be, and yet the Force had revealed his new path as Sharkish’Ki sat in the sand and rocks outside the entrance to tomb of XoXaan. He wasn’t really sure why he was there. He felt the pull of the Force, like a leash who’s master wielded with slight tugs and subtle command.

The agent of House Cruor approached the Acolyte, with the sun on their backs. It was slight; tall, but slender, and left oddly deep footprints for such a frame. It was dressed in fitted black robes, with matte black plates in the usual, expected areas, and was escorted by two Onyx Guard, that he instantly recognised from his previous encounter that led to him interviewing Lady Invadator.

Sharkish’Ki felt their presence encroach like a warm darkness, despite the shadows they cast on his back that interrupted the natural infrared. He turned his head as the datapad came into view, and in one swift motion rose to his feet and began to follow his new escort.

Moments later, after a brief shuttle trip, they were aboard the grand capital ship that could only belong to the Father of his House, Taral Cruor. The quarters he’d been led to gave just as grand a view of the feat of engineering, and was adorned with red leather finery, black glass tables, and black and white drapes that carried the Cruor sigil.

He felt apprehensive, and uncomfortable amongst such luxury, as he stood at the vast, panoramic transparisteel window. His stump itched, making him wince slightly as he willed the sensation away. He could picture the lost appendage grappling at the innards of Darth Skyllan, hoping that it have him a bowl ache like no other, and the thought made him smile briefly as the ship entered hyperspace.

The room was alight with a white, swirling glow as the wormhole of the hyperspace route cast its raw brilliance across the room. Sharkish’Ki found the least flamboyant chair in the room and sat down.

Minutes turned into hours before the agent returned, announcing our proximity to Thrysus. Sharkish’Ki stood, and walking to the window he clasped his clawed right at his side.

His next chapter would soon begin. And it would be glorious.

@Darth Cruor

 

[...]

OOC: Excellent, though just a note to format posts as follows ...

IC: Your Name
Your Location

< Your post >

TAG: @ Whomever you are RPing with

On the Forums vs FB we are a bit more formal, this becomes helpful when in larger games that have many players.

IC: Aleister Zyn
Shuttle bay of The Taral, orbit above Thyrsus

The blue lines of hyperspace disappeared suddenly, before the eyes of Sharkish'Ki was the blue and green planet of Thyrsus, capital planet of his House and home of Lord Cruor himself. No sooner had the planet appeared in his field of vision than the door to his quarters opened and and the agent from before returned and instructed the Sith to follow him, "There is a shuttle with an emissary coming from the surface on the way now, we must hurry." He urged as they made their way through the corridors of the dreadnought.

Though it took them only minutes to arrive at the designated shuttle bay they found that the shuttle had beaten them and was just setting onto the landing pad, it's doors opening and the landing ramp smoothly extending. What stepped onto the ramp was a well dressed young man with long white hair and a look of confidence, or was that arrogance?

"Death Apprentice Sharkish'Ki?" The man inquired before he had even reached the bottom of the ramp, he must have known by facial recognition that he was correct because he did not wait for conformation from Sharkish'Ki before continuing. "I am Apprentice Aleister Zyn, I am the Voice of our Lord Cruor. Welcome to Thyrsus." He greeted cheerfully.

TAG: @Sharkish’Ki

OOC: Thank you for your patience during this time of transition, but we should be able to proceed now.

 

[Sharkish’Ki]

IC: Sharkish’Ki
Shuttle bay of the Taral, orbit above Thrysus

Sharkish’Ki was ushered hurriedly to the broad shuttle bay, his footfall prominent and confident, whilst his escort shuffled, almost scuffing the deck as they went. Waiting for them was a sleek shuttle, of unknown manufacture. The embarkment ramp was descending as they’d entered the bay, and down it walked a tall, finely dressed man that called out to Sharkish’Ki in a casual manner, as he walked up to the shuttle.

Sharkish’Ki slowed his gate, taking in the details of his condition and comparing them to his own. ‘Apprentice, huh?’ he thought, as he assessed the demeanour of his new acquaintance. He stopped a few meters away from the silver-haired man. With his feet together, and with his left hand by his side and consciously holding his right stump close to his body, he held a bow for a few seconds.
“I understand our master is busy, but I was unaware he made or had time for other apprentices.” He wondered if there were indeed more than just the pair of them. ‘Perhaps the number of apprentices were limitless, like their power...’ he fought back ideas and realigned his focus.
“It’s an honour to meet you, Zyn. I’m not sure what Lord Cruor expects of me.” He raised from his bow, and looked the young man in the eyes. “Know that I will deliver my best, though I may be in need of some assistance in the meantime” he gestured toward the missing limb and noted it’s tingling, like the feeling in it was manifesting a fist of anger in defiance of his condition.

Tag: @Darth Cruor

OOC: Patience certainly goes both ways, so thank you for yours. And thanks for reminding me of the format. It’ll be second nature in no time.

 

[Sharkish’Ki]

(Bump)

 

[Reiis Invadator]

IC: General Reiis Invadator
In Orbit above Thyrsus, approaching The Taral.

Dark Lord Cruor had been known to crush people. Not figuratively. Literally. She'd watched him curbstomp a hapless underling to their bloody death, and that was why The General never entered his personal ships or space without permission.

Not that he'd curbstomp her...but he might.

In the shuttle bay of The Taral, she knew...could sense...stood both Sharkish'Ki and Aleister Zyn. The former she'd known for quite some time -- the latter less well known. She had come for the better-known of the two, but both would sense her approach. Her TIE Interceptor, gleaming in night-sky black, approached and hovered gently near their position before setting down. And soon, General Invadator descended the ship, approaching the pair of apprentices. She glanced at both before addressing Sharkish'Ki.

"Apprentice Sharkish'Ki," came her voice, too synthetic to be natural and too natural to be fully synthetic. "With Lord Cruor's blessing, I hereby take you as my own apprentice, in conjunction with Lord Vexx. We shall begin immediately.; we're descending to Thyrsus."

It was a tone that left little room for questions, though most in the Empire found that The General wouldn't consider it an executable offense if they did speak up with a query. The decision had been made, though, and Sharkish'Ki could ask questions along the way.

"Come."

OOC: You can come in my TIE. There's room. You can RP getting in the TIE and us taking off for the planet, if you want. Ask whatever questions you want.
TAG: @Sharkish'Ki

 

[Sharkish’Ki]

IC: Sharkish'Ki
The Taral shuttle bay

Sharkish'Ki stood patiently awaiting a slightly distracted Apprentice Zyn's response, when he noticed exactly what it was that had stollen his attention. And rightly so. Following the man's gaze led him to spy a pristine TIE Interceptor. The sharp edges and abnormally smooth, mirror plating perfectly reflected the bright lights of the main hangar.

No sooner had the craft made berth, the ramp descended, followed swiftly by a slim, lightly armoured figure, instantly recognisable as the Head of his own House. The General moved with purposeful grace, almost too quickly for Sharkish'Ki to react. Confusion and intrigue filled the warriors forethought as the renowned warrior approached. He had no idea what was happening, although there was only one response needed for such a meeting. Zyn knew also, as they both turned to face their host and knelt in unison. A nearby squad of troopers stopped their manoeuvres to hold a salute to the General as she passed. She stopped not a pace away from them both, squaring off in front of Sharkish'Ki before addressing him.

"Hail, General! I understand, and am honoured to be continuing my training under your combined guidance." He called clearly, staring at the plating between her glossed boots. The General promptly about-turned, her slight cloak catching a gust and flicking behind her as if it hurried to follower her command. Sharkish'Ki sprung to his feet, quickly gaining pace to match his Master's as Zyn slowly rose to his. Sharkish'Ki looked back and gave Apprentice Zyn a nod. 'Perhaps we'll meet again...' he thought.

They hastily made their way onboard the Interceptor, and the General buckled herself into the pilot's seat, as Sharkish'Ki held on to the rear of the frame. He'd remembered the last time they'd met... His fifth task! How he forgot he would never know... His task involved interviewing a Warrior from each rank, asking what it was to be a warrior to each of them. The memory came back, as he watched the General pilot like any other seasoned professional. The calm of her presence was as surreal then as it was now.

He knew there was turmoil ahead, but for now, he'd enjoy the ride back to Thrysus.

@Reiis Invadator @Grievance Vexx

 

[Reiis Invadator]

IC: General Reiis Invadator
Approaching Thyrsus

The General had not yet told him her plans. In fact, she didn't have any yet, other than what she'd already done: find him and make their way to Thyrsus. She had often been in favor of a very flexible training plan, one which would be acutely tailored to his current skills, but most especially his current weaknesses. Invadator had been known to try her apprentices to the very limit of their mental capacity -- to touch their inner being and their history in ways that could break them. Good thing she prepared them so well for it. In her opinion, anyway.

The flight to the surface was short, and before long, both had landed.

By the darkness and vastness of the pyramid that loomed above them, Sharkish'Ki might have guessed this was a fortress of some sorts. The truth was not far from it: it was The General's old headquarters and center of operation. She explains this as they walk, breaking the silence.

"This was my primary location, when Thyrsus was our House's capital. I've since set up a new headquarters on Ailon Nova, but there's nothing quite like the first, I suppose. This will do well for your training. It's all but deserted." Still, she did not reveal what exactly that training would entail.

Invadator did not consider herself to be a harsh master, but she knew she was demanding. She expected a great deal of effort from her apprentices, and she was sure Sharkish'Ki would do well under those expectations. He was talented and attentive, and that's really all she expected. She had never chosen, nor accepted, apprentices that needed too much work, instead preferring to hone and sharpen what was already there. Invadator considered herself fortunate with the luck she'd had with apprentices, although she also knew that some didn't see her luck quite as she did. But that was a long time ago.

And despite whatever reputation might be lingering of her, Sharkish'Ki might have found her surprisingly...approachable.

"If we graduated you now," she said, marching up the steps of the pyramidal building, "you'd make for a decent knight." She looked at him squarely as she continued her strides. "I'm not here to make you 'decent,' and neither is Lord Vexx. Even while training, apprentices are often keenly aware of their strengths and weaknesses. Lord Vexx is the best one could hope for to teach dueling. And extremely capable with the Force, though he may not say it himself." She paused, though she kept walking. "We're both here for you, but if I'm to truly test you, I need you to be honest with me." They'd reached the top of the obsidian steps, the sun radiating down upon them with unmitigating harshness. "What are your greatest weaknesses...your greatest fears. When you consider where you are...what are you lacking."

OOC: You have a talent for concisely vivid description, my apprentice; a most enviable skill.

@Sharkish'Ki @Grievance Vexx

 

[Sharkish’Ki]

IC: Sharkish'Ki
Thrysus, Entrance to Fortress Invadator

The flight down to the old House Cruor capital was a brief yet oddly thrilling ride. Sharkish'Ki felt a renewed sense of excitement as his master and chaperone expertly piloted the craft to the foot of her previous base of operations. It was like the Interceptor was as much a part of her as any limb or thought. Even though no formal lesson had been initiated, he watched her level of control and felt the connection she exuded on the ship. Any pilot would fly the nimble TIE adequately, but there was something extra to be said about a pilot in tune with Force, that could preempt the turbulence of reentry, and generally fly with exceptional confidence.

Soon after landing, they'd made their way to the main entrance to the General's citadel. Their footsteps seemed to echo slightly in the semi-deserted fortress complex. Sharkish'Ki listened to his new master, who moved with a defined sense of purpose as he followed behind her, half a pace to her left. The dark grace he found himself in made a refreshing change to the rabble he'd been associated with for the previous five and more years.

"What does Ailon Nova offer as an advantage over this?" He slowed his gate slightly, and with low, outstretched arms he gestured to the vast, onyx pyramid that loomed above him. There was a tone of disbelief in his voice. Though a flash of inspiration led him to think that the citadel meant little more than sentiment; it was the members of House Cruor that made the home, not its location in time and space.

The General spoke as she walked and, upon stopping at the final step, turned to face him. Sharkish'Ki halted as he found himself under her deceptive gaze. He bowed his head at her remarks, having taking those valuable steps to construct his answer. "Master, you honour me." Disbelief still ruled his tone, as his mind flits through his previous tasks and encounters. 'I don't know what would make me a decent Knight...' he thought, concern and self-doubt flashing to the forefront of his mind, as evidenced by the quickly formed frown.
"Honesty is something I pride myself on, up to the point of being self-critical." He trailed off, rethinking the remarks he made in his head. He had no doubt that the General could pick up on his lack of confidence, no matter how he tried to dress it up. "Whilst I've been part of this great House a while, I feel I've barely started my training, my Lord. There's so much to learn, I'm not sure I even know where to begin." There was another slight pause.
"My greatest weakness is my greatest fear, and my greatest fear is failure; failing you or Lord Vexx, in failing my training; failing my future apprentice." His frown relaxed a little as he continued. "What am I lacking? Knowledge and power, that only comes through experience and time." He raised his gaze to meet the vacant glow of the General's crimson visor, a gesture allowing her to peer into his being.
"Now if I may, Master, what weakness and fear do you see in me? What do you feel I'm lacking?"

OOC: Thank you, General. I'm slowly training my imagination, trying to think critically about the characters and how they would interact, so it's nice to hear that I'm on track with that.
I guess what I'm trying to explain above, perhaps a little vaguely, is that my knowledge of lore is far below that of my peers - mostly due to time spent reading it, or lack of. Whilst I'm very grateful that you'd consider promoting me having only completed half of the required tasks, I think that would leave a fair knowledge gap. Thoughts?

Also, I'm away visiting family for the duration of this week, so my posts may be a little slower than expected.

@Reiis Invadator @Grievance Vexx

 

[Reiis Invadator]

OOC: Putting this first so the IC part has context. I will be blunt: lore doesn't matter as much as you may think. It is important, yes, but I know next-to-nothing about Star Wars and ESE lore, most especially compared to many others. Still, I consider myself capable, and I have learned what pieces of lore are most important to the functioning of an Empire. (Funnily enough, the most common questions are what materials are saber-resistant and how can one obtain them ). The best indicators of someone's success is how well they do in the structure of the Empire. And how well they write (but you have that pretty down pat). So, I don't want you to worry as much about lore BUT, because you have indicated you feel this is a gap, I will absolutely help you in filling those gaps. We operate a lot in Legends, so I'll focus on that. If there's anything in particular you think of, let me know.

We'll have a task later that goes over the Master's Handbook...which has ESE history. That'll be a thing all in itself so don't worry.

Also, if you post to prestige drops or any type of writing, do tag me. I like to follow my apprentices closely around the Empire to see how they interact.

And no worries. Take your time.

IC: General Invadator
Her Old Fortress, Thyrsus

The General uttered a noise that barely passed for a chuckle when her apprentice asks her about the merits of Ailon Nova over Thyrsus. She laughs because he's accurate. "Nothing in particular, no. Just a restructuring of power claims and troops. It just made sense for Lord Cruor to take Thyrsus as a personal claim, while the House is officially settled on Nova. Besides, the Nova Guard are formidable warriors."

She could easily tell him that he lacked confidence. But telling him that would be a poor answer. A lazy answer. Confidence, she felt, was not at the core of it. Readiness could not be measured quantitatively. She'd known Sith who had passed every type of measure of 'quality', but still failed as Sith, ultimately. It'd probably not do him any good to hear that, but on the other hand...perhaps it would.

"Nobody really knows when they're ready. Only when they're more than ready can they look at themselves and know they can handle their Trial and what lies ahead," she said quietly. She guides him into the massive structure, striding down a deep hallway with a massive, arched ceiling. Much of the temple was exposed to the overhead sun, but this was one exception. She did not tell him where they were going, but they kept walking. Her words might not have made apparent sense, but in her mind, you cannot know when you will barely make it: only when you know you'll make it easily. The rest is risk, and a fair chance of death. And as demanding as The General was, she did not risk death so easily for her apprentices.

"We'll focus first on your involvement in the Empire," she concludes.

By now, they were entering an old space....one that had been Invadator's primary "office" during her time as a Dark Lord. It was more of an atrium, though, but what was perhaps more striking was that the lingering Force signature in the room was her own...but not. It lay more deeply with the Darkness,, and it was Darker than the General's presence at the moment. "It's been a while," she said, as if answering for the difference.

She turned back towards her apprentice, regarding him placidly. "Tell me...what do you wish your reputation to be among the Sith?"

@Sharkish'Ki

 

[Sharkish’Ki]

IC: Sharkish'Ki
"The Old Fortress", Thrysus

Sharkish'Ki did well to keep up with The General as she made her way through the maze of corridors. It was clear she knew this place, better than he ever would, though he knew he would miss aspects of this place. Not that he would willingly share such sentiments. The echoing footsteps they shared did little to encourage a feeling of belonging, as many things had changed in his short time under her banner. Before long, they'd reached an antechamber of sorts. Sharkish'Ki immediately recognised it as the room in which they'd first met in an official capacity. It was here that The General had graciously offered to be interviewed for her views on the nature of being a Warrior. He remembered the sun glaring in his eyes, providing an almost divine corona for the Head of House Cruor.

Turning again to face him, she spoke, her femininely electronic voice was calm and yet commanding; the question posed to him was unusual. He'd never considered his reputation, let alone made it a decision. "I've only ever been what I need to be, master." They both stepped further into the room, approaching the steps that led to the tall slit-like windows that overlooked the Thrysus wilderness. "I've never had to consider how others saw me," he continued, "before I came here, when I was young, I was either a freak and shunned, or I was feared. Even more recently, before I escaped, my Boss feared me enough to set me up. I was getting too big for my boots, I guess!" he snorted, letting a out short huff from his nostrils.

They'd reached the steps, and Sharkish'Ki stopped as The General ascended. "Things are different here, master," he feared stating the obvious, but he knew no other way of explaining the situation. "I'm a small fish in a big pond. Of course I'd rather be a big fish..." Somehow the thought triggered a olfactory memory, and Ever-rot's stench momentarily flooded his nostrils. He physically shook the memory clear, screwing up his noes in repulsion, and refocussed on The General as she made her final strides up the onyx steps. She seemed to stop just short of the shadow's end, as if stepping into the sun was somehow a discomfort she despised. If it were to be, she would make the sun come to her. "I've been called ruthless and vicious, in the pits. But as some old Jedi once said 'There's always a bigger fish'." He let out a snigger "No surprise that the bigger fish was Darth Maul!" he said, as he considered the steps he'd taken to arrive in this moment.

"I seek power, General, as you do. Power to enable the weak, power to crush our enemies..." He trailed off, as he began to feel it; a rise in strength. Something about the room he'd not felt before. It would seem Lord Vexx's training had paid off, as Sharkish'Ki tapped into the darkness around him. Was it The General's power he felt? He looked down at his clenched, clawed fist, and felt the tingling of sparks between his fingers. It couldn't be The General, alone; perhaps this place amplified her Force signature. "Our paths determine our publicity, no? A hero to some, is a villain to others."

He relaxed his grip as he allowed the Darkness to wash over him, breathing in deep before letting out a long, controlled exhale, as if the power around him somehow cleansed him. Looking up at the silhouette of his master with a visage combined of puzzlement and curiosity, he asked "How do you think the Empire views you, Lord Invadator?"

@Reiis Invadator

 

[Reiis Invadator]

IC: General Invadator
Old Atrium Office, Thyrsus

Invadator listens to her apprentice carefully as he speaks of his reputation, explaining that it was not something he'd really had to answer before. She understands this -- in her personal opinion, the best reputations were the ones made unintentionally, but it was good to have goals. And that was what she wanted: she wanted him to have goals. Even if they were tentative goals, she wanted him to have something to work towards. He could always adjust along the way: certainly, she had as well.

He wanted power, greater confidence in that power....this, she understood. She remembers the time that she, too, wished to not feel so small. And she felt sure she could teach him that. She nods attentively, internalizing everything he's saying.

She actually laughs aloud when he asks about her perception of her own reputation. Her laugh came unexpectedly, very much to her own surprise -- and probably Sharkish'Ki's. His question had caught her off guard, but she appreciated his boldness and lack of a strong filter. That could either get him killed or win him admirers and loyal friends.

"I make a point not to think about it," she says, her voice almost smiling thoughtfully. "I've been told I am hardworking, determined, considerate...perhaps a bit combative...but I'm of the opinion that reputation is not something that can be obsessed about...unless your reputation is obsessing about your reputation." She's grinning, now. "It's not the type of Sith I aspire to be, although you may be wondering why I asked you, then..." She pauses, descending into deep thought for a few moments. "It's helpful to think about reputation. It helps set goals. Often, a goal cannot be articulated as easily as a feeling...and reputations are often about feelings." She shrugs. "You'll learn to narrow down what you're looking for over time. Change it if necessary. It's a process."

Speaking of change, she had noticed that Sharkish'Ki was affected by the Darkness in the room, as if it'd permeated the very structure of the building. Perhaps it had. "This was me a few years ago," she explained, expecting he would understand. If he guessed that her signature had pulled away from the Dark over the past few years, he would be right. And to her...it felt better. Fit better.

"You never know where your path will take you, Sharkish'Ki," she says calmly, looking straight into his eyes. "But know this: I am here to help, and so is Vexx. And we're here to make sure you get where you want to go. Power, you say? Then let us work on power."

She turns, cloaks flapping as she quickly strikes a few meters away. The General turns back towards her apprentice, seemingly excited and pleased. "You cannot know Darkness unless you dive into it...lose yourself in it. Sharkish'Ki, you want to crush your enemies...so crush me. Do it. Give in to the darkness in this room, and kill me." She does her part too: she is already channeling anger and darkness into his psyche, emphasizing herself as a target.

It is a dare, a challenge, a game. She wants to see him dive into hatred and rage, because only then when he explores the depths of it, will he know how to use it like a fine-tuned instrument.

@Sharkish'Ki

 

[Sharkish’Ki]

IC: Sharkish'Ki
Old Atrium Office, Thyrsus

The last time he was in this room, he was knelt, stoic and respectful. This time felt different. They'd arrived together, and he felt accepted as her apprentice. He still held the same respect, if not greater, as their alliance grew, yet his body language had changed. The General had noticed.

Sharkish'Ki began slowly pacing; one step, two, three, and back again. He always felt restless when in a strong Force presence. He paced back, as the Dark Lord laughed, and proceeded to illustrate her point. He listened intently as The General explained her development strategy; a perfect set of points that resonated with him. He wasn't interested in reputation for reputation's sake.

He stopped, and stared at her, as he considered her request. She was a slight character, and yet she looked as fortified as the building in which they both stood. "Goals," he thought, as his mind flit to his Council request and back to Taris, where he lost his family blade to a Morgukai. He wanted that which only the Sith could offer: Power, and his master was offering it up for the taking. He had it in him; a well of untapped energy
currently being enriched by the darkness of his surroundings. "...So crush me. Give in to the Darkness in this room, and kill me." she said, daring him to give in to the rich emotions that fed the Sith's passion.

He turned abruptly to face her, and knelt immediately. "My Lord, I..." To say he was conflicted, was an understatement. The General was a conundrum; slight, yet deadly; alluring, yet terrifying; and her current request, inviting him to make an attempt on her life was no less so. He felt the darkness permeating through him. He felt the Force flowing between them, as she and this place exuded their influence upon him. Conflict welled within him. She was his master. He was... him. Perhaps it was time to step up. This was what he was here for.

He gave in, energetically thrusting his clawed hand toward her as he slowly rose to his feet, searching out with the Force, and engaging in the turmoil that flooded his psyche. He attempted to channel his strength in the Force, as he took one tentative step forward, firmly planting it on the first of many steps that led up to the General's overlooking position. She looked down upon him, fuelling his telekinesis that was trying to discern between the mechanical and the organic of the General's throat.

Now it was for her to decide how much he would learn from this, and how much he would regret being so bold.


@Reiis Invadator

 

[Reiis Invadator]

IC: General Invadator
Old Atrium Office, Thyrsus

He is a thoughtful one, Sharkish'Ki, and The General sees the cogs turning in his brain as she requests an attack. He kneels before her, his loyalty to the Sith Hierarchy abundantly apparent. But as she has come to expect from him, he does not disappoint.

Her eyes widen slightly in delighted surprise as he rises and chooses his attack-- he's gone for her throat! Not a saber attack, or a punch or a swipe...but seeking to perhaps choke her? She isn't certain at first what he intends to do, but she is quick to attack in her own way, stepping forward quickly and forcefully to lunge at her apprentice, a mechanical fist aimed for his stomach. She hasn't brought him here to overpower him and display their power difference: she's brought him here to learn!

But there was another lesson here, one perhaps he would not yet see. While the Dark Side provided vast powers....plenty for the taking....it was a volatile beast, as capable of controlling him as he was of controlling it. If not more... It was an endless pit, in her mind. True mastery of the Force required something of a...balance. But that was for him to learn, if that was the lesson he wanted. Not all saw it the same, and she knew many who submitted to the Dark Side of the Force and did very well with it. It was something she'd discuss with her apprentice in time. But for now...fight!

If her punch to the gut is successful, her next aim is to knock him into his back with a well-aimed telekinetic push to the back of his knees.

TAG: @Sharkish'Ki

 

[Sharkish’Ki]

IC: Death Apprentice Sharkish’Ki
Old Atrium Office, Thyrsus

Sharkish’Ki glared at his master, as she preempted his ambitious and perhaps primitive attempt at taking her literally. As if she would just stand there and let him deal out damage!

He had barely taken a grip on his master, and his his first step on his proverbial rise to power, that she’d propelled herself toward him, faster than he’d care to admit. Like the thunder that followed lightning, her fist connected just shy of his solar plexus. One moment she was luring him in, to feel his power manifest; the next she was challenging his hold on that power.
He felt her surge through the Force as his grip strengthened. He may have been short an arm, but she had not only played into his initial attack, she’d closed the distance for him, as his duralsteel claw attempted to embrace her throat. His breath escaped him rapidly as he tensed his abdominals, trying to steel himself through the blow that somehow sent him collapsing onto his back at the foot of the steps, as his knees gave way, whilst, depending on her footing, simultaneously pulling her with him.

Internal bleeding and severe bruising was a normal occurrence in his life as a… thug. A henchman. A fighter. It had been a while since he’d considered himself anything but Sith, and he wasn’t even truly one of them yet. The blow Lady Invadator landed on him instantly reminded him of the pits; being outmatched, out-armed and out-armoured. The thoughts one has on the flat of their back… as air forcibly left his lungs for a second time upon impacting the ground, with an audible *Ooof!*

Snapping back into the present, Sharkish’Ki noted his foot placement on the steps, ready to evade another blow. The amber of his eyes would meet her crimson visor in any case. Even in his crippled state, his martial instinct was still strong. His next move, however would depend entirely on the Dark Lord’s intentions.

TAG: @Reiis Invadator

 

[Reiis Invadator]

IC: General Invadator
Old Atrium Office, Thyrsus

Her offensive maneuver against her apprentice had caused him to stumble back, and she was unable to break her own forward momentum. So his grip and pull tipped the balance of her...balance. But Invadator broke free in time to catch her fall, leading into a roll which sent her a few feet away from her apprentice. With as much energy as she's channeling his way, she expects him to launch himself at her or attack again. But he waits. The General grimaces. It's a very Vexx tactic. She makes a mental note to verbally poke her co-Master about this in the near future, but she's genuinely proud that their apprentice is displaying restraint, even in such a tainted atmosphere.

"You do not need Darkness to fight like a Sith warrior," she states, which sounds a bit out of the blue, even for her. "The Jedi teach peace, an absence of emotional turmoil. They are fools. The Sith teach the use of that turmoil, which leads to Darkness. You can pull from the Dark side of the Force without losing yourself to it. You can be emotional without being a Sith. It's about balance, Sharkish'Ki. And sometimes, neither side teaches that." These words may sound very Jedi, or at the very least very Grey Jedi, to her apprentice's ears, but perhaps he will also have to question the nature of the Sith. Cleary, there was no absence of Darkness in the room, although the signature of a great deal of it was many years old.

"The balance is yours to find, my apprentice. And there is no shame in finding that your balance is closer to the Light."

OOC: @Grievance Vexx This is the official verbal poke-in-the-ribs for teaching our apprentice to hold back rather than strike first. I'm pretty sure it's all your fault.
@Sharkish'Ki

 

[Sharkish’Ki]

IC: Death Apprentice Sharkish’Ki
Old Atrium Office, Thyrsus

The General, as athletic as she looked, simply carried her motion forward and wriggled out of Sharkish’Ki’s grip, settling into a low, feline-like stance. Sharkish’Ki drove his focus into getting back into his feet, as he wasn’t going g anywhere from the flat of his back. He rapidly pulled his knees to his chest before pushing himself into an explosive forward roll, twisting at the top to plant himself firmly on his defensive stance, his open claw at the ready, palm toward the General.

Her words came unexpectedly, wise, and yet there was a air of superiority; perhaps designed to spur him on, by playing on his almost antiauthoritarian shadow that haunted his consciousness, baiting him into doing rash things. Perhaps not. He usually forethought his way through situations, which for all intents and purposes beat down the demon that would normally get him into deeper trouble.

“My balance, as you put it, my Lord, changes like Tarissian weather!” he said with a frown. His thoughts were focussed on his lightsaber for some reason, as he pictured the outcome of lunging one-handedly towards her and failing, falling short of power due to his missing arm. He shook the thoughts of disappointment from his mind with an angry snarl, and considered other options. The first exchanges of this lesson felt light and brief, as his master forced his attack into a defence, and yet that darkness the Sith so fondly spoke of permeated his thoughts.

“We all have our ticks that force that balance to sway towards darkness. I’m just reserved when it comes to hurting an ally… or my master!” Sharkish’Ki started slowly placing his feet on the steps behind him, cautiously making his way up, all the while his thoughts dwelt on drawing his blade should she lunge at him again. The General watched from her stance, poised like one of her plague hounds, ready to pounce from the half-shadow she found herself in.

“We are one and the same, I’m sure of that, just at different stages of our development.” He said, coyly placing another foot on the next step. “I need knowledge, and I’m not gonna get that by skewering my teacher. Am I?” He smirked. “I’ll consider all options, of course, master… so if that’s what it takes… make your move.” He met the next step, as the sunlight glinted on the sharp edges of his claw.

The high ground was his. If that made any difference, was yet to be seen.


TAG: @Reiis Invadator

 

[Reiis Invadator]

IC: General Invadator
Old Atrium Office, Thyrsus

Their hostilities wane momentarily as the General and her Apprentice abandon attacking each other in favor of discussing his balance -- one which Sharkish'Ki professes to be constantly in motion. His answer is unexpected, and in truth, she had not really known what to expect. One in the same. It's something Invadator must pause to think about, and she tucks it away in her mind for later. To his goading, she smiles, cocking her head in appreciative amusement. She had never picked an apprentice she didn't like, and she did like Sharkish'Ki's style. He was good...but he'd be great with the proper training. It was always an honor for those Masters who had successful apprentices, and a part of her mind stopped for a moment to appreciate her apprentice. But only for a moment.

She curses Vexx's name to the wind again, because their damned apprentice is waiting for her to make a move. She scowls, but she cannot fully hide that she is proud.

The General gives him what he wants by lunging, her right hand generating an umbrakinetic sword with the cutting power of a beskar vibroblade, and swinging her blade in an upwards swing that would cleave him in two should he leave himself undefended.

She hoped he'd counter this with the Force alone. Not every sparring session had to include lightsabers, after all. But most of all, she hoped it would catch him off guard, so she could witness his instinctive response.

OOC/TAGS:
@Grievance Vexx -- because I'm cursing you again.
@Sharkish'Ki -- excellent!

 

[Sharkish’Ki]

IC: Death Apprentice Sharkish’Ki
Old Atrium Office, Thyrsus

“It would seem you and Lord Vexx have conflicting methods of training!” Sharkish’Ki smirks at his master’s cursive tone toward her old friend, as the Force further darkens around them.
“He seems to advocate for patience and reasoning, whereas you’re apparently one for actions!” He feels the energy gather at The General’s hands to produce an energy blade the likes of which he’d never seen before. A blade, devoid of all light along its length, whisped into existence as she pounced for him, as if she’d commanded the space between atoms to coalesce into a solid structure.

Sharkish’Ki’s natural instinct was to parry the attack, and had he have been brandishing his lightsaber he would have, with a riposte of his own adding to his defence, as his position of height played to his advantage. Being an arm short, however was clearly a disadvantage in this situation. The surprise of her lunge would have caught any normal man off guard, as her predatory swiftness sought to eviscerate her apprentice. With the Force in his corner however, and the distance between them, Sharkish’Ki’s wits kicked in enough for him to step to his right and lean back, allowing the shadow blade to pass him by, perhaps far too closely for comfort.

This was becoming a deadly dance; one he was learning quickly, and one he would not be underestimated in. He felt great power consuming him as Lord Invadator joined him atop the rise of steps and, raising his clawed hand toward her centre mass he attempted to continue her journey with a telekinetic push that would see her careering into the stonework of the ancient atrium.
“I like it, but I say ‘why not both!’”

Tag: @Reiis Invadator

 

[Reiis Invadator]

IC: General Invadator
Old Atrium Office, Thyrsus

The General isn't sure if she's offended when Sharkish'Ki seems to insinuate that she is not "patient" and "reasoning." She scoffs internally at the remark, but merely grumbles faintly at her apprentice. He is not earning an excess of brownie points with her right now, but the reasonable -- yes, REASONABLE -- side of her understand that he must have a reason for his statement. Hmph to that!

Seeing that it would be a waste of energy to counteract her own momentum plus that which Sharkish'Ki adds to her (which, in her opinion, is a delightfully simple and effective move, and she praises him with a wave of delight through the Force), The General decides to prove that her many 'actions' over the years have led to the development of increasingly interesting actions! Gravity falls upon her, and her only, as if the wall toward which she was thrust was actually the ground. Even her cloak, her apprentice might notice, obeys the laws of this new gravitational field. So her fall was more of a gentle roll onto her side, and now she's 'sitting' right beside him, even with his shoulders.

And so she brings out a fun weapon.

Aimed at ensnaring rather than cutting, the lightwhip she produces, seemingly out of nowhere, is by no means ignited at its full intensity. Lowered significantly, it's length will only sting severely, not cut, though her apprentice's skin might be red for a few days...if she can get him. Her aim, from her perspective, is up...but to Sharkish'Ki, her former apprentice's lightwhip is lashing out to curl around his midsection, after which he will be reeled in like a cloud fly caught in a spider web.


OOC: Fun to play with Reiis being a tad 'bitter'

@Sharkish’Ki
@Grievance Vexx -- this is all your fault.