Darth Malvus
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Post by Darth Malvus on Apr 27, 2018 19:02:15 GMT -8
Move! Move! Move!
Malvus waves his hand forward as his Sith Warriors form up and charge forward, cleaving a path for Malvus and Luxeria. the Sith Masters remain back with Kaan, pooling their own techniques against the spirits, making up the rearguard actions. Malvus makes sure a path is cleared enough to take the right path. His eyes noticing movement to the left and behind him slightly. The Sith Lord turns swiftly, unleashing a powerful shockwave of lightning that ripped through the hallway. The spectral beings dissipated and were repelled backward. Their ghastly screams echoing across the hallway as they dissipated temporarily.
Malvus rejoined Luxeria, and his warriors, moments later where a couple of them were moving the statue to reveal the access panel mentioned before. The Sith Lord examines the console, scoffing slightly. This was one of this secret panels, only usable by the Lords of the NoE and those of the High Command. Malvus had never reached such ranks since he kept his distance from Sith Orders after the fall of the Neo-Sith Empire.
Malvus turns to Kaan as he appears with his Sith Masters, the attack of the specters had died off for now, but that was because they were regrouping and reforming themselves. The Sith looks at his soldiers present.
Go and join the surface forces outside. We will handle the rest from here.
Yes, my Lord Malvus.
One of the Sith masters replied before the rest gathered nodded quietly behind their masks. They took off seconds later, leaving Malvus, Kaan, and Luxeria alone. Certainly more than enough firepower to take on the awakening Nexus. Malvus keeps his gaze down the hallway, keeping a good watch out while Kaan accesses the console.
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Vasari
Blackguard Imperium
Tell me that I wont feel a thing...
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Post by Vasari on Apr 27, 2018 23:01:28 GMT -8
With Vasari leading him Ifrit had nearly returned power to the entire structure - with each movement and each relay connected they illuminated more of the Temple with power. She had been able to link several of the systems to this console but the last one was a secure line that she knew was never designed to be linked to the rest of the Temple's network. That power source controlled the entire network of catacombs beneath the Temple and was probably the most crucial to the missions success. With this place practically secured she passed orders for several of the Sith warriors to continue with the basic reboot of the entire Temples computer network and then she called two of them to her side and began making her way to the last relay - which she shared with Ifrit through the connection she had formed with the entire group. Malvus and Luxeria had passed beyond her reach - something kept her mind from reaching them... it was as if they were there but she could not see them, something was interfering with the connection and Vasari knew the only way to help them now was to finish her part of the plan. She moved past the Sith Warrior holding Ifrit's larger than necessary War Glaives and set her Saberstaff on the terminal next to him - her eyes falling upon his expectantly and with deadly purpose - her intention quite clear 'lose this, and you die'.
From what she could feel of this place, the staff would be of little to no use. She wrapped her mind around her task and stepped upon the ledge and falling out of the three story viewing window - conveniently broken - and used the force to slow her fall, landing lightly on the Hanger bay floor. She took off at a run the moment her feet hit the ground, her cloak billowing behind her. Normally she would have cast it aside as well having known that combat was a certainty, but this sort of battle was not one of the body, but of the mind. A mind that was still being bombarded by Ifrit with questions and inquiries into her motives... At first she had simply considered him curious, but now was hardly the time. Her first attempt to distract his questions with the obvious had failed and now he pushed for a more stable answer, down to the heart of the issue, and that was not something she was capable of sharing - with anyone, and so she answered again with yet another deflection...
<<Not Everyone is me... let them seek knowledge for their reasons, and leave me to seek it for mine... Now we must reach this final juncture to bring power to the lower levels - They are running out of time.>>
Vasari had already passed into the corridor she had originally been called to before being sent on this task - but now the corridor was lit and the ominous feeling she had gotten from it was gone. There was something there, but it was beyond the grasp of her mind - or perhaps it was waiting for the right time to strike, either way it gave her time to reach her objective and that was all that mattered now... the rest of the group was drawing the majority of their attention. Yet still Vasari knew... her luck was not bound to hold for long...
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Kaan
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Post by Kaan on May 5, 2018 9:15:09 GMT -8
Kaan says not a word, merely nods to the other two Sith, and moves to the access panel. He places his hand on a seemingly innocuous section of stone. After a moment, it lights briefly, a soft hum of a scanner taking a reading, and the sound of a latch releasing clicks. Kaan shoves the section aside, revealing the "room" beyond. No more than 8 feet across, the access tunnel is completely vertical and perfectly round. It disappears beyond view both up and down, and a ladder is set into the side of the opening, likely for maintenance access. Kaan steps in, and thumbs a button on a panel. He waits for a moment, tries again, then frowns. He turns to the other two.
IC: "It appears power is not restored to this section. Not completely surprising, since the lifts in these tunnels are on their own system. I had hoped your compatriots would have managed this as well, but it seems we're taking the...'hard' way down. Mind yourselves...it's several levels down, but we will be going all the way to the bottom."
Without another word, he straddles the ladder, hanging in the open air with his feet pressed against its sides. He takes a deep breath, and glances down into the darkness beneath him. He stares into the void under him for but a moment.
IC: "Truth be told...part of me always did want to try this. It always looked entertaining in the holovids."
He loosens his grip, just enough to begin to slide down. More confident after a few feet, he relaxes his grip more, picking up speed as he drops out of sight. The minutes seem to drag as he continues his controlled free fall. He watches the sides, keeping count of the openings he flies past. Counting on his memory, he starts to slow, gripping the ladder more tightly to halt his descent. He's a little off in his timing, hitting the bottom at a slightly faster speed than he would have liked, but uses the Force to cushion the impact. He flexes his extremely warm hands, then reaches into a pouch on his armor's belt. Removing a light stick, he activates it and places it on the silent turbolift at the bottom of the ladder. Best to not let his new allies flatten themselves against the metal. He opens the hatch at the bottom, and takes a few cautious steps into the hall beyond. The lights down here were still deactivated, and the walkway seemed as silent as a tomb. In truth, the metaphor was not too far from the mark. The architecture is slightly different than the rooms above...this hall was part of the original temple over which his Order had built theirs. He looks down either way, then steps back into the access tunnel to await the other two. He suppresses a shudder. Even with his control, his power, he had never liked coming down here. The fact that his last memory of being down here involved his death certainly didn't help matters. He slows his breathing, forcing his uneasiness down. They were too close to lose control now. He stands silent, waiting for Malvus and his apprentice.
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Luxeria
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“Even the strongest mind can be manipulated. It’s simply a matter of finding its weakness.”
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Post by Luxeria on May 5, 2018 10:40:36 GMT -8
Luxeria stood guard with her master, waiting for Kaan to open the path to the Nexus. They were getting close, she expected, though they still had a little ways to go. It was only when the door finally opened that she turned around. Looking in, it first appeared as a simple room, which made her curious, if not edgy. Was this the Nexus? No, it couldn't be. That would have been obvious otherwise. Perhaps maybe a turbo lift to take them where they needed to go. That thought seemed the most likely and was ever more confirmed by Kaan's words. However, without power, it seemed they were stuck for the moment until Ifrit and Vasari could get the power back up. She ha faith in her friend to get the job done.
Yet, Kaan didn't appear up for waiting. With the lifts still down, another route was still present. Truthfully, a smart idea in case they needed to descend but had lost power. She moved up to the vertical tunnel as Kaan took his place upon the ladder. When he spoke again, she couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as his comment, wondering just what he intended to do. She then watched as he plummeted down the shaft, slow the first few feet until increasing speed as he grew accustom to the feeling of the rapidly passing metal against his hands. Standing straight, she gave a scoff. "I don't think so."
She wasn't about to attempt the same stunt, nor was she going to slow things down by simply climbing down. Letting her hands rest at her side, palms up, the two pouches at her waist opened and the six purple orbs emerged. She would have preferred a larger flat object, but she had to make due. Letting the orbs levitate a few inches off the ground, they split into two groups of three, line back to back. Taking a step on them, she focused herself and her balance so not to fall off. She was confident enough in her telekinesis to hold the orbs in place so they didn't spin as well as her balance. Ready to move, she lowered herself down the hole, using the light Kaan had activated as a guide to when she was at ground level.
Reaching the bottom, she stepped off the orbs and they levitated up and around behind her. Opting to keep them out for the moment just in case they would find use, she waited for Malvus to join them.
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The Fallen
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Post by The Fallen on May 6, 2018 7:33:24 GMT -8
No matter how much he pressed, Vasari continued to evade his questions. Her focus shifting more and more towards the mission at hand. Which was understandable now that she was on the move to the final objective. A location she had shared with him just moments before via the mental link they maintained for the time being.
Ifrit headed back out into the main atrium, his work in the archives now complete. He focused his mind upon the layout from earlier. Shifting and moving it around mentally to find his path to the final objective. With his route figured out, he took off at a sprint. His hoofed feet propelling him forward at faster than normal speeds as he navigated the labyrinth of hallways that riddled the interior of the temple. Which in turned caused his path there to be longer than he would have preferred.
As he rounded a corner, he came to a standstill as his field of view expanded. Several weaker entities were starting to form together in the hallway between where he and Vasari were located. Cutting him off from reaching the objective for the time being as the creature's attention was drawn to his arrival. It's shapeless form taking a monstrous shape as tendrils sprouted from all over
You will not feast today... RETURN TO THE SHADOWS FROM WHERE YOU CAME!
Ifrit swung a ball of energy at the creature then. Blowing a chunk of mass from it. But ultimately leaving the rest of the creature intact. His expression dropping for a moment as it became apparent this creature was not going to go down easily. His mind touching upon Vasari's then for the briefest of moments so as not to draw the creatures attention to it
Time to show what you're made of... Let's blast this thing and get the power turned back on!
He drew his right arm back then, focusing the Force into his forearm. Arcs of energy skipped across it as the power built up. Ifrit thrust his palm forward then, unleashing a torrent of electricity as the Tendrils shot out at him. The opposing attacks clashing midway. Lightning forked off from the point of contact. Hitting against the hallway and managing to arc along some of the tendrils. The creature might be able to hold out briefly against him, but Ifrit was confident once Vasari started her attack that they would overwhelm it
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Vasari
Blackguard Imperium
Tell me that I wont feel a thing...
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Post by Vasari on May 6, 2018 8:17:18 GMT -8
Vasari had sensed the apparitions closing in around her - they were stalking her, waiting until she was deep enough into their net so that escape was not possible. They gazed upon her through the eyes of the Force and saw little more than an acolyte, weak and insubstantial but still a meal for them... a taste... an appetizer to prepare them for the feast that was the Masters she had accompanied. Her presence she knew was impossible to conceal from them completely - even slipping into a full Quey'tek meditative trance would leave her mind open to attack - these creatures had form, had substance, but were based in the ethereal. Nothing about them was normal. You didn't read about how to defend yourself from something like this. And so she continued her slow pace - cloaking her signature to the point where only a sliver of her true self became visible to them. She reached out with her mind, the Living Force touching each of the apparitions in turn and relaying their positions to Vasari - sort of like a mental Radar. And it wasn't long until she felt a strong burst of energy moving towards her. The clip-clap of hooves, the drum beat of adrenaline pumping Ifrit's heart faster, and then the shout of challenge against the beast. Vasari signed softly... she knew they would have to fight eventually, but she had hoped to lead as many of them towards her as possible before revealing herself. Once she felt Ifrit's mind touch hers and call her to action she knew her time was up.
"Havn't you been looking at what I'm made of since you met me darlin'?"
Vasari turned back reached out to every apparition within the set distance she had already set within her mind. Most of the ones closest to her were the small ones, ones that avoided the larger sources of power. The two Sith troopers stood next to her each in guard stances around her body - she had already connected deeply with their minds and they were aware of her plan - each hiding their own signature in the force as well as they were able until she was ready to strike - now they were responsible for protecting her while she made her move. The Apparitions felt the build of energy and rushed her - hoping to end her before she was prepared. The Sith warriors each repelled the advances of those closest with blasts of darkside energy and lightning. Both were mildly effective against the smaller forces but their connection was deep in the force and the bursts only pushed them back for a short time. Vasari caught her first glance at the force ghosts as she turned back towards Ifrit and raised both of her hands - her cloak falling apart as if that were the veil she were hiding behind and her presence within the Force exploded from her. Her eyes flashed green for a moment in time and a Storm of Ichor Lightning shot forth from her fingertips, her eyes, her cloak, her entire body seemed to release the same energy... the power of the Living force laced within Sith Lightning drained the Force Energy of everything around her that the lightning touched. Her mind protected the two Sith Troopers at her sides but with the explosion of power her body felt the pain of the ghosts of the past even while the Ichor storm melted them from existence. Her Focus then turned upon the larger one and she screamed in pain as she channeled the storm into a single focused blast from both of her hands into the Apparition's flank - its attention distracted by Ifrit for the time being - but no longer. The moment she began to suck the Force connection from the beast she felt its presence weaken - but also felt all the pain, rage, and other such negatively charged emotions flow through her mind threatening her connection to the Living Force and just like Mustafar pushing her off balance towards the Dark. She pushed it away splitting her mind once again - the third now - to protect herself from the energetic backlash of the beast and screamed out against the intrusion doubling the output of the green tendrils of lightning into the beast caging it within an emerald prism of lightning. All that was left was for Ifrit to finish the thing and they could be on their way...
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The Fallen
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Post by The Fallen on May 6, 2018 9:50:39 GMT -8
Ifrit had certainly been looking at her and what she was made of. But there was a difference between simply looking at her and seeing her powers in action. A display which he got a few moments later as her cloak disappeared and the Ichor Lightning surged forth from her. Easily consuming the much weaker spirits, whilst caging the much stronger apparition.
Ifrit had never seen the Force used in such a way. Especially one which seemed to be causing its user so much pain. It was certainly something he would enquire into later once this was all done and behind them. He approached the cage then, reaching through the bars to grip the weakened beast by what appeared to be its throat. Sparks of electricity arced through his arm and into the beast then. Causing its physical form to shatter into a million pieces as he finished it off. Any surviving spirits quickly withdrawing as they realised the threat the pair posed to them.
He clapped his hands then. Quite impressed by her display of power and plan which seemed to still work despite his actions which pushed it faster into action. Her entire being still shone brightly with power as he looked upon her within the Force
Most impressive, as they say... That is what I've been waiting all day to see. To say people vastly underestimate you is quite the understatement...
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Vasari
Blackguard Imperium
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Post by Vasari on May 6, 2018 10:29:16 GMT -8
Vasari exhaled softly and graced Ifrit with a rare smile as she leaned forward to collect her cloak from the ground and use it to cover her body from sight once more. The secondary process the cloak held of aiding in her Quey'tek - effectively shielding her presence from the eyes and the ears of the force had now been neutralized by that display of power. Until that point the stronger more powerful apparitions had been hunting for the other Masters and Luxeria delving deeper into their home - their lair. And with Ifrit galavanting around the Temple his signature quite clear as he tore through the ghosts in his path he proved a far more illusive target than the collection of Masters - their power a bonfire in the night for the Spirits of the past. Until that point Vasari's presence had been a ripple in an otherwise peaceful pool of energy - her mind and her mastery of the living Force allowing her to remain as such - which is why she had been waiting until she was closer to the control room to open herself up. With that display of power she had just sent waves of her presence crashing through the entire temple informing every being living or dead that she was there, and she was a Force to be reckoned with - and for the dead a meal more or less on her own and unprotected. Yes she had cleared them some breathing room and helped Ifrit slay the larger apparition, but now they had to reach the last power conduit and fight through the larger ones that would no doubt now be after them while they had to remain in place for a small period of time. It was too flashy for her liking, but she couldn't worry about that now - they had a job to finish.
"People have always underestimated me, because I wished it to be so..."
She gestured for the Sith warriors to move forward and secure the last power conduit beckoning the Sith Master to her side as she followed after them. Her words had run true, but barely scratched the surface of the deeper truth they held - a secret she had kept burrowed within the maze of her mind deep in the pool of her inner most thoughts and that was something no one had ever gotten close enough to her mind to see. The true heart of her motives at the Academy - why she had striven for so long to fly under the radar. She walked - briskly mind, but walked none the less - after the two Sith Warriors, almost as if she did not care about the coming battle - in truth she was still attempting to put together the pieces of her mind and center herself within the ocean of thought that was her first defense while her conscious mind continued to converse with Ifrit a mild shield against revealing the momentary weakness that she was quickly dealing with during the brief respite she had bought them.
"Also darlin' that was just the preliminaries... and now... on to the main event?"
Her voice was equal parts sass and seduction as she sauntered slowly into the room that held their quarry. The two Sith warriors had already cleared the room of smaller spirits lingering in the shadows and had taken up flanking positions around the conduit - their goal. Vasari connected once again with the three other minds within the room - her own finally recovered enough to form a dual split to allow her battle meditation to resume with them while the main brunt of her consciousness dealt with the matter at hand. She pointed Ifrit towards the last conduit and the two Sith Warriors while she moved across the room to a powered down computer terminal - as soon as Ifrit had the power reconnected she would be ready to reboot the system - from here it would only take moments to reconnect the Temple Security and main Power, finally allowing the lower sections to be restored as well... And just as she had anticipated within moments she felt several more, much larger apparitions moving on their position. They had entrenched themselves, and now they were about to be overrun...
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The Fallen
The Dark Jedi Order
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Post by The Fallen on May 6, 2018 12:41:26 GMT -8
He smirked as she collected her cloak and wrapped herself in it once more. The object serving more to conceal her body from those that could physically see. His gaze upon her tattoos as he committed them to memory. Mentally reminding himself to do some research into them later on. He simply nodded in agree with her statement. Which, while it might seem cocky, she certainly proved she had the skill to back up.
Ifrit followed alongside Vasari as they headed to their final destination. Noting her recovery after such an effort whilst striving to keep him from wandering too far into her thoughts. An admirable effort, not that he would use such tactics to learn what he wanted to know. Her actions and her answers to any question he asked would tell him all he needed to know. If she wanted to let him in further, she would
Preliminaries you say? Well then, I do look forward to the main event much more... Though, I suspect that what you and I mean when we talk about the main event are two different things right now...
There was something enjoyable about watching her walk away from him. She held herself with a confidence that said she could have what ever she wanted. Something he sought to test the limits of. But another time. For now, he strode into the final room and got to work connecting the power. Giving Vasari the access she needed to reboot the last of the systems and allow them access to the catacombs beneath.
While she rebooted the systems, Ifrit moved to near the doorway. Like Vasari, he could sense the gathering storm that wanted to try and threaten them. He squatted low then, his clawed finger tracing markings upon the surface of the floor. As he stood back up, he stepped back from where a series of runes now covered the ground. Written there in Ifrit's blood since he'd needed some to inscribe them with. They were fairly rudimentary spells that would trigger against the vanguard of what ever attack came their way. But the bigger enemies that were bound to come for them would be unaffected
How long are you going to need?
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Vasari
Blackguard Imperium
Tell me that I wont feel a thing...
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Post by Vasari on May 6, 2018 13:26:30 GMT -8
Vasari rolled her eyes at his obvious reference but couldn't stop a smirk from breaking through the façade of disgust upon her features - she had however add a playful sway to her hips as she stalked towards the terminal she now stood behind. Once the power was reconnected the terminal powered on - the reload process taking no longer than the others - but it seemed as such when the two Sith warriors began fighting back against the smaller apparitions that moved in while Ifrit was carving his wards into the stone ground of the temple. She wished she would have had more time to study them and watch as he crafted them but such moments would have to come later - as soon as the computer reboot itself she was focused one hundred percent upon the screen - her fingers flying over the keys with a practiced and almost effortless ease, her eyes never having to dip to catch a missed keystroke. Not an impressive feat until one realized this would have only been the tenth or so time she had ever touched a keyboard - the truth was the progenious act was the product of her split minds technique and nothing more.
"Shouldn't need more than a few moments if I am uninterrupted - but that is unlikely..."
She felt the battle raging at the other end of the room - the Sith Warriors were now standing back to back protecting each other with ever increasing difficulty as the apparitions got larger and more powerful - their redirection and repulsion tactics no longer working causing them to double up on some of the larger beasts to simply get them to turn from their target. Vasari split her mind again and linked it with the both of theirs - her battle meditation granting them increased focus and awareness of each other's actions moments before it happened. Almost as if to mirror her words she had to dive away from the keyboard - just missing the raking claw of one of the dark beings phasing through the wall right at her side. She felt the armorweave cloak tear at the ghosts touch - a strange occurrence as they lacked any real form - and her entire left side went cold as she realized the thing had brushed against her as it had drifted by. Rolling into a crouch she turned and raised her hands towards the beast closing her eyes and waiting...Within her mind the ocean of thought roiled. Her mind was now split three times - not quite her limit but more than her norm. The thoughts of that third split now separated again creating a forth split and she strained her consciousness a little - hence the meditative/defensive stance she had taken and the look of concentration that now spread across her features. To an outward observer this last split would have appeared as nothing more than Vasari slipping into a meditative stance - yet in the center of a battle.The darkside spirit noticed this and saw it as a perfect time to strike - the black vaporous creature lunged at her, the hands raised against it barely a thought until it met a barrier of energy. When it attempted to recoil to slam into the barrier again a shriek of annoyance mixed with pain and surprise filled the entire room. The two sith warriors hesitated - thinking that it had been Vasari succumbing to the apparition and they quickly rushed across the room towards her, only to realize the sound had come from the spirit itself. Its form was quickly destabilizing / eroding / evaporating even upon the hands of the young Sorceress. From the palms of each of her hands swirled a whirlwind of dark energy as the apparition was slowly absorbed into her hands - anyone familiar would notice the art of Tutaminis brought to bare against the spirit energies - but what was unclear, was what the energy was being converted into...
The Shrieking stopped several moments later, just as the two Sith Warriors reached Vasari's side. She was regaining her feet and had a lost / bewildered expression on her face. She wordlessly turned back to the computer and continued typing away at the keyboard as if nothing had happened - her level of focus and the strain the forth split had put upon her mind made it seem as though her conscious mind was becoming more and more reclusive - allowing her connection to the Living Force and its many aspects to carry her body in the ways that her mind's splits directed it. The Sith flanked her position once again acting as guards for the main objective and Vasari continued her work... Within a few keystrokes the power to the room they were within was restored and other terminals were beginning to power on and reboot - next lighting came on - though it flickered and died away any time an apparition flew through a power line or conduit. One of the parts of Vasari's mind wondered if they concentrated their efforts on the conductor instead of them if their energy would be able to overcome and trip the entire system... another part of her then wondered if just such an opportunity had caused the origin of the power failure within the Temple the first time and if their efforts to restore the power were in vain. Nothing of these thoughts were vocalized or even expressed as she entered the last series of commands to spread the restored power down into the Catacombs reaching out to Luxeria and her Master with that fragile fourth split of her mind.
<<Power restored - the Temple has recovered - Cannot guarantee its continued state unless these Apparitions are dealt with.>>"
"Ifrit, we can...-"Vasari's voice was softer and just as distracted as her expressions had been - and before she could conclude her thought two parts of her mind rebelled against her right to speak. The split controlling the battle meditation warned her of the movement of the two Sith Warriors, just as the split that controlled her own safety was triggered. A grunt of pain followed combined with another Ethereal shriek and then a very feminine cry of agony as one of the Sith attempted to knock Vasari aside from an Apparition that had appeared at her feet - its essence seeping through the stone floor. Vasari's movement and the Sith's assist caused her to miss the brunt of it - which had been bestowed now to the Warrior that was half in her place - and while Vasari's entire left leg froze and gave way almost lifelessly beneath her causing her to tumble to the stone floor - the grunt of pain was all that issued from the Sith warrior charged with protecting her before the Apparition phased through the man's chest and he fell dead half atop Vasari's lifeless leg. Vasari let out a savage roar of frustration and anger - her splintered mind reforming in almost an instant as she raised her hand and shot a beam of Ichor lightning so concentrated and so powerful into the bulk of the large spirit the shriek that might have been of victory and the taste of the Force after so many years being stripped from a living beings cold corpse turned into a howl of pain as the blast of Living Force Energy tore through its body seeping away that same energy it was now attempting to feast upon. Vasari held the blast and her roar turned into a growl - her eyes flaming red now and narrowed upon the beast not letting up until the Spirit that had robbed her of one of her men was nothing but smoke and the lingering presence of death and despair. Moments before the Arcing bolts of Ichor lightning stopped its color distinctly changed from its normal emerald green to a deep crimson red... the red of fresh blood... the same red that was seen in Vasari's eyes. It was clear then where Vasari had been storing the energy she had stolen from the last spirit she had defeated - though what had yet to be seen was how such energy would effect her now that she had succumb to drawing upon it.
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The Fallen
The Dark Jedi Order
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Post by The Fallen on May 8, 2018 5:02:31 GMT -8
As the assault began, Ifrit's attention became focused in upon the entities as they started trying to come through the doorway. Many of the lesser entities falling to the spells he had written upon the ground. It was a pretty effective combination in which some of the runes drained the weakened spirits and used their power to activate the flame and lightning wards. But eventually some of the entities started to make their way through the trap, using their fellow fallen as shields against his traps. Meanwhile, the stronger apparitions moved through the walls.
Ifrit drew upon the Force. He flung a number of concentrated balls of energy at several weaker apparitions. Which proved a fairly effective offensive for a while. But soon their numbers were starting to swell to more unmanageable levels. Ifrit whispered a quick spell in the ancient Sith language, before stretching his open palm towards several of the shapeless creatures. A burst of fire rushed forth from his hand, burning the creatures.
As Ifrit burned the creatures, his attention was drawn briefly to Vasari as she drained the energy of one of the creatures. Storing it for later use as the Sith Warriors closed in rank around her. After which, she managed to finish booting the power systems up. Allowing the others to get to the catacombs below. A trip he did not suspect they would be able to make with the resistance they were currently meeting.
He relented on the flame then as Vasari called to him. His focusing turning to her just as the Sith Warrior pushed her out of the way as a spirit flew up through the floor. Killing the warrior and injuring Vasari's leg. Before he could react, the female Zabrak was already unleashing a torrent of energy into the creature that she had stored from before.
Ifrit turned back towards the doorway then, as he sensed another wave incoming to their position. They needed a moment of respite, if only to get Vasari back on her feet. He moved to her side and crouched down. Drawing a symbol to create a protective barrier around them. He then grabbed Vasari's hand and placed it atop the symbol
Focus some of that excess energy into this for a moment... Just focus on a shield, ok?
Before allowing her a moment to reply, he moved to her leg. His left hand holding it down in place as he examined it. The very Force itself had been sucked from where the spirit had passed through her leg. Every biological process had come to a standstill as its symbiotic relationship with the Force was drained away. There existed no known one time fixes. But Ifrit knew a spell or two that would patch her up for the time being. He would have to re-examine and continue to tend to her leg later on, but he could get her moving again
You might feel a bit of a sting as this takes effect...
He pressed his index claw into her leg. Breaking the surface of the skin as he carved a couple Sith Runes into it. Their aim being to draw upon a mix of her own energy and that of the surrounding world. In a sense, a transfusion of sorts. If he got to it in time, they might be able to save her leg later on. But for now, she would have enough limited feeling in it that she could stand and walk with some assistance
That should hold you over for now... Can we make it to the catacombs? Or are we trapped here for the time being?
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Vasari
Blackguard Imperium
Tell me that I wont feel a thing...
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Post by Vasari on May 8, 2018 5:43:26 GMT -8
Across the expanse of the Temple each of the warriors who's mind Vasari had made contact with would feel a tremor in the Force moments before the link of Battle Meditation was severed. For those who had not felt it before there would be a momentary sense of loss and the feeling of being left alone in the world - that level of connection garnered a bond between the minds of those that shared it, and with it gone they would only be left with a lingering sadness. Those familiar with the feeling - and those powerful enough would easily be able to hardness those negatively charged emotions to push them through the worst of it, therefore returning their mental equilibrium to a balance.
Vasari's eyes faded slowly back to their original orangish yellow color as she watched the apparition burn to pieces before her eyes - a brief smile flickered across her lips before her gaze fell on her fallen warrior and that feeling of rage returned a little stronger - making it more difficult for her to combat the emotion to retain her balance. However, before she could linger on the feelings that threatened her connection to the Living Force, Ifrit was at her side setting to work on another Rune around them.
She had read about what was called Bone and Blood Magic, by the books on iridonia, before but had never seen it used until today. Ifrit guided her hand towards the Rune and asked her to help sustain it, but before she could explain she hadn't the slightest clue on how to do that he was carving another set of runes into her leg. She growled at the intrusion into her body but grit her teeth together and pushed the pain away, her eyes flaring with concentration as she connected with the symbol feeling the lingering energy Ifrit had instilled within the stone and flooding what little of the Darkside energy she had actually been able to retain from the creature into the rune - which only seemed to ampliphy her own thoughts and abilities and focus her mind enough to barrier the two of them within the Rune's circumference.
The remaining Sith Warrior lingered on the outside of the barrier - his energy declining and and he seemed to be distracted and more sluggish than a moment before. Vasari hadn't noticed that when she focused her mind to destroying the creature she had abandoned the Battle Meditation and he was having a more difficult time adjusting. Vasari watched his movements slow with each assault from the Apparitions - but for the moment he was able to hold his ground and distract the ghosts while Ifrit did his work.
Feeling slowly returned to her leg and he had been right, moments before she had felt nothing - like the leg had ceased to exist and she had been left with its rotting carcass - now all she felt was pain and that annoying tingling sensation when one of your limbs lacked sufficient blood flow to operate effectively. She bent her knee and felt her muscles groan in protest but her body headed her command and she was able to shift from under Ifrit's protective touch to a kneeling stance within the barrier she had created. She attempted to split her mind between her leg and the barrier but found that she could not - her connection to the Living Force was weakened to the point where her mental disciplines became increasingly difficult to control.
"Once our mission was completed - we were tasked to meet up with Malvus in the catacombs, I don't intend on failing in that Task do you?"
She forced herself to stand obviously favoring her strong leg but as her skirt evened out the lingering image of the Sith runes carved into her thigh were still visible - small trails of blood running down her leg. The barrier was beginning to falter now that several larger ghosts had taken notice to her weakened state and began to taste the chum in the water. Vasari's eyes narrowed as she surveyed the several apparitions in the room then cast a glance a few yards away at the Warrior who was weakening but still alive just outside their barrier. He wouldn't last much longer unless something changed.
"With the power back on i have a plan to get us there... but we'll need to get clear of this room - and down THAT corridor..."Vasari pointed to the far end of the room across the expanse of apparitions that had also sensed a lull in the battle and taken up hovering positions just beyond those assaulting the shield - obviously arrogant enough in their position to wait patiently for their meal."Think you can manage that if i can maintain this barrier for a while longer?"
Vasari was slowly beginning to test the limits of her mind as she grew used to the wound and the constant draw of energy Ifrit's magic seemed to have on sustaining her leg. The Sith were not known for their healing arts so the moment her leg had been consumed by the vaporous dark side spirit she had come to grips with the fact she might lose it - but as she felt life return to it she felt all the stronger for surviving the encounter. Raising her hand she spread her fingers and sent five arcing bolts of blueish hued sith lightning from the barrier into the apparitions assaulting the sith warrior, causing them to back off long enough for the Sith to catch his breath.
"To my side... I have need of your remaining strength."
The Warrior nodded in acquiescence and with Vasari's leave stepped through the barrier and wrapped an arm around the Zabrak's weak side supporting her as she refocused her energies towards the barrier that allowed them a small modicum of safety while Ifrit prepared their escape. She looked back at the Sephi-like Master with a playful smirk - as if nothing about this were proceeding any way other than she had foreseen and it would only get better from here.
"All eyes on you, darlin'."
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Darth Malvus
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Post by Darth Malvus on May 13, 2018 16:15:02 GMT -8
Malvus turns to his Sith Warriors and Masters, pointing back the direction they came.
Return with the others to the outside of the Temple and keep a safe distance.
Their masks move as the Sith nod in agreement with their overlord. The small group of them turns and darts down the hallway, turning right and vanishing from view. It was best to ensure the Nexus did not have other sources of power to draw upon once they got closer. Malvus knew Kaan, Luxeria and himself could handle this foe from here on out. As he turns to the dark shaft where his apprentice and Kaan descended into, he picked up Vasari reaching out in the Force and speaking to him. The Sith Lord looks down the dark shaft for a moment. He then draws in the Force, connecting with Vasari and Ifrit.
Vasari, Ifrit, order my warriors with you to retreat outside to a designated rendezvous point. Luxeria, Kaan and I are about to descend into the under-passages of the Sith Temple, where the Nexus awaits us. You may seek to join us or continue to distract the spectral enemy within this temple. I will leave that decision up to you.
With the message sent, Malvus leaped off the edge and descended into the darkness below. Luxeria would hear her master landing beside where she stood seconds later, having taken the quicker route like Kaan did. Malvus adjusts his force sensitivity, reaching out and around the area they were. There was something strange about where they were... it felt far more ancient than the Sith Temple above. Of course, thought the Sith Lord, as his gaze turns upward. The temple above was a creation of the New Order of the Eye. Where they were present was an old Sith Temple, the one that he had suspected existed on this planet since the days of the Old Sith Empire.
Malvus finds some doors, blocking their way further in. Still no power down here, so the Sith Lord forced it open, utilizing the Force to crush the metal with a single blow. He steps into the stone corridor outside of the metal construct that had been artificially planted there by the New Order of the Eye. He looks around, feeling the stone around them.
Its a tomb... a mausoleum to many dead Sith Lords.
Malvus speaks before looking down the hallway to their right, sensing the Nexus stirring. The examination of this place would have to wait till later. Who knew what treasures and Sith knowledge resided down here!
This way! Quickly!
Malvus darts down the hallway, heading in the direction they needed to go.
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Kaan
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Post by Kaan on May 20, 2018 8:21:21 GMT -8
Kaan lets Malvus take the lead. At this point, even one with the barest sense of Force could feel where they needed to go. The trio race through the empty halls, clouds of dust long undisturbed filling the air as they pass. With every step closer, Kaan can feel the power they approach. He glances at the other two, wondering if they felt strain from the Nexus reaching out for them, grasping tendrils of dark energy seeking their lives and souls. For himself...he could feel his strength growing, his bond with this place feeding his energy. He reveled in the Darkness around him as they cut their way through another group of specters that sought to overcome them. Resistance was getting stiffer, yet Kaan felt it easier to strike down their opponents, not more difficult. He draws more on the power pulsing around him, feeling it surge through his body. Why had he thought this would be difficult? Another spirit vanishes from existence before him, burned from the material world by a jolt of lightning. He throws back his head, cold laughter echoing off the walls. Now he saw the truth of the enemy arrayed in their path. They were nothing. Pathetic and weak...a paltry showing by a Power that feared what was coming for it. He slows to a walk as the objective comes into view. He strides confidently toward the massive door, its obsidian face gleaming even in the low light. He pulls the keystone from its pouch and stands ready, tense as a drawn bow, a chilling grin of absolute glee etched on his face.
IC: "We're here...time to end this..."
He guides the stone to a small indentation just beside the gateway. There is a soft click as the key fits, and then the sound of gears grinding as whatever holds the door in place releases. A faint light appears in the middle of the door as it cracks open slightly. Throwing all his weight against one side, Kaan pushes the gate inward, and it slowly swings open. The cavern beyond is massive, and appears perfectly circular. Ancient columns of strange architecture ring the outside edge, the ceiling above fading into darkness at its highest point. The room slopes down to its center, and there is what they have come for. A shadowy orb, dozens of feet across, floats slightly above the center. Beneath it, the floor drops away into a perfectly round chasm of unknown depth. Deep within its core a faint light glows, and spirits and spectres fly to and fro about it, a chorus of shrieks and moans echoing from the walls into a cacophony of noise.
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Luxeria
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Post by Luxeria on May 20, 2018 12:43:21 GMT -8
Luxeria followed after to duo, taking up the rear as they led on. While clear enough on what direction they were to head, she knew it best to let them lead, specially Kaan. He knew the most of what they were to encounter, so it was only logical that he was at the front. Moving quickly, she noticed the specters that began to rise to block their path. She unleashed a barrage of lightning into one, easily noticing how it vanished with little effort. She had seen how easily they seemed to disperse to Kaan and Malvus, but to do so as easily to her, it seemed a bit odd in her mind. Choosing to test a theory, she reduced the power she unleashed, dialing down her attack to a Force Shock in a single stream. That alone was enough to remove them from their path.
She didn't know what to think of it. She had expected more from these shadows, based on what she had gathered from everyone else around her. In fact, watching the pair ahead of her, even they seemed to be having a far easier time eliminating them. How was it that the closer they were, the weaker them seemed? Typically it was meant to be the other way around. Unable to process a solid answer, she decided it best to play it safe and consider this a trap, the spirits letting themselves appear to fall easily to further draw them in with confidence, only to destroy them once they entered the Nexus. It was the best way to think, in her mind. That way, if something id happen, she'd be ready for it.
The closer they got, the more the darkness bore down on them. Still, Luxeria was able to move through it with little issue. She had adapted to it over the course of her training and Mustafar had helped further her resistance to collapsing under it. It also helped that, unlike Mustafar, the darkness wasn't trying to seep into her mind and form illusions to distract her. This darkness just wished to overpower them and take them over that way, something she was much more capable of handling.
She turned her back to Kaan a bit as they reached the door and he inserted the key. She would play the guard while he did this, ready to defend him should any of the specters decided to attack in force. Luckily, nothing came as the door opened, permitting them entrance. Moving inside, she looked around at what lay before her, her mind unable to fully grasp words for the scene. Unfortunately, now wasn't the time for admiration or sight seeing. The had a mission to do and waited for the next orders on what needed to be done.
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The Fallen
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Post by The Fallen on May 25, 2018 4:24:54 GMT -8
Ifrit was relieved to see that he had managed to tend to the leg in time as Vasari was able to move to a crouching position. Her attention having moved toward the Sith Warrior that had been outside the barrier. His own attention only briefly lingering upon the man as Vasari spoke. Questioning whether he intended to fail a task laid down by Malvus.
In truth, Ifrit wasn't that concerned. If they made it to the catacombs, they made it down there. If they did not, it was not too much of an issue. However, if Vasari knew a way down there, then it was at least worth an attempt
Malvus does not always get what he wants... But if you know a way, I'm willing to try it...
Ifrit shifted his attention toward the hallway that Vasari pointed toward. There was a whole room full of spirits between them and their goal. And undoubtedly countless more beyond the threshold. If it was just him alone. He could have walked through them with relative ease using a fairly small localised barrier. But with Vasari as well to protect, he was going to need to pull something a little more out of his bag of tricks. He turned to face the hallway then, stretching his neck to either side
Oh... I can manage that...
It wasn't going to be nice, but there as only one way for them all to make it down from here. He crossed his arms over his chest then. His palms coming to rest upon the runes that adorned his torso. He had made use of this technique a couple times before. Drawing upon the darkest recesses of his mind and unleashing it upon those that threatened him. While it had been effective in the past, it was something he preferred to leave as a last resort. Which he supposed this situation fell into. A slight grin crossed his lips as Vasari joked with him that she was ready
Of course... Do not stray too far from my side, else you will get burned...
He paused a moment then, his head tilting forward as the runes started to glow a luminous green colour. He tilted his head to the side then, as if looking back toward Vasari
Do not touch upon my mind, you do not need any distractions...
He shifted his attention forward again as he opened the last of his defences. He drew his arms out to his side then. Two small orbs of green flame forming in the air above his palms. The light seemed to deflect away from his skin in that moment. Turning it a seeming midnight black colour, accenting the glowing green of his eyes and tattoos. His grin expanding as he accessed more and more of his power.
A fact which the spirits seemed to notice as they stopped assaulting the barrier for a moment and stared at the meal presented to them. Lusting after the energy they could feed off of from the trio within the shield. A foolish thought, especially considering what Ifrit was about to do. His voice maintained an even tone as he stared out towards the hallway
You are not prepared...
The balls of green flame jumped through the air and combined with one another just in front of Ifrit. Forming a swirling spherical vortex of flame. The sphere then seemed to open up and expand as it encompassed the group. Several concentrated vortices of flame formed around the sphere. Creating a cage like orb around them as the barrier finally fell.
The spirits thought this was their moment to strike. They charged forward then, ramming themselves against the fire. But the moment they touched the barrier, they were disintegrated by the flames. Wiped from existence by the spell that Ifrit had weaved. Several of the minor spirits continued to smash themselves against the barrier while the greater manifestations held themselves back, watching for some weakness
Move...
Ifrit started the push forward then, with the Sith and Vasari moving close behind as he headed for the hallway. The greater manifestations tried to move away. But Ifrit raised his right hand, reaching out with the Force to grip the spirits and pulled them in. Watching as they were pulled through the flames and turned to dust.
He kept moving however, not stopping for such a trivial moment. He followed Vasari's instructions as they got out into the hallway, taking any turns she instructed them to take and following any corridors they needed to follow. Coming to a stop as they came within sight of a turbolift shaft which would take them down to the catacombs. But it was not their end goal that had brought them to a stand still.
Standing between them was one of the largest manifestations that any of them had seen yet. Rising the full height of the hallway and almost as wide, it was a monstrous being. Its shape seeming to shift even as they stood there watching it. Arms and legs forming first from the mass. Before a head emerged moments later. The beast letting out an ear piercing screech as it challenged them.
Ifrit adjusted his stance then to better brace for the coming impact. Which, sure enough, occurred just moments later as it charged the barrier of flames. The creature stretching out its arms to grip the barrier with its claw like digits. It let out a roar as it sprouted several more appendages from its back. All of which struck out against the walls. The creature hoping to use them to leverage itself into pushing the groupo back or through the barrier.
They were truly mindless beasts, especially if one thought sheer force of strength would defeat him. He shook his head, as if he were admonishing a child. His head snapping back up to stare at the beast. he raised his right arm then. His palm facing upward as he started to slowly curl his fingers inward. The flames seemed to increase their aggressiveness. Smoke started to emit from the points that the creature was gripping the sphere. And then the creature fell forward as its hands caught flame for a moment and disappeared.
As the beast faltered. Ifrit gripped on to the beast through the force. Pulling it forward onto the barrier. His fingers continued to slowly curl more and move into forming a fist. The creature let out several ear piercing shrieks as it started to form appendage after appendage to assault the barrier with. Trying to push itself away from it as the heat intensified
YOU... ARE NOT... PREPARED!!!
The creatures screams seemed only to intensify tenfold in that moment as its skin smoked. Green flames started to sprout from where approximations of eye sockets and a mouth were. Ifrit closed his fist then. The beast writhed in pain a moment longer before letting out another scream as it burst into a giant ball of flame. The explosion pressing against the barrier, before escaping in the opposite direction. Blasting the doors off the turbolift shaft.
The blast wave did not stop there though, as it tore its way down through the shaft and sent the doors flying off at every level. The last remnants of the creatures power returning to the nexus that existed deep within the catacombs.
Ifrit shifted back to a more relaxed stance as he motioned for Vasari and the Sith Warrior to follow him again over toward the turbolift shaft. His arms wrapping around the both of them without warning. He lifted them off the ground just enough for him to jumped down into the shaft. The trio free falling several storing through the heart of the temple. His wings extending out enough to slow their fall as they closed upon the bottom of the shaft.
He dismissed the flame barrier a he then used the Force to further slow their descent. His hoofed feet absorbing much of the remaining impact as they landed. Ifrit letting the pair go, causing them to tumble to the floor. His skin returned to its normal hue then, as his tattoos dulled back to their regular green colour.
He let out a heavy sigh as he caged his power back within its walls once more. The effort briefly apparent upon his face before he rose to his full height. His wings folding back into their usual position as he gazed out of the turbolift doors to the opening that lead into the catacombs. Beyond which he could sense the presence of Malvus, Luxeria, and Kaan. He could also sense the Nexus beyond them. Swirling with its near limitless power. Tempting any that would dare gaze upon it with unlimited power.
Ifrit turned his mind from its calls then. Focusing upon Vasari and the Sith Warrior that were in the shaft with him
We have arrived... Time to finish this.
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Darth Malvus
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Post by Darth Malvus on Jun 3, 2018 17:14:13 GMT -8
What an awe-inspiring sight to see, thought Malvus, as he gazed at the Dark Nexus of Pzob. By the looks of this chasm, it was not built by the Order of the Eye, no, it was built long before their time. Built by the Sith before them, either during the glorified days of the Sith Empire or during the dark age that followed. Whatever the case, to create such a nexus here, there was certainly a powerful group of Sith Lords that were able to conjure it up... so many spirits were tied to this place, forever, as necessary sacrifices to create it. There was this absolute ancient presence that was the Nexus, unquestionable and undeniable before them. Malvus gazes at it quietly before turning to Kaan and Luxeria.
It will require a lot of power... the Nexus can collapse and be tamed, but only under extreme pressures from an outside force. Certainly, it will try to defend itself. This Nexus has a sentient presence, perhaps one of the Dark Lords who resided here as the center of whatever ritual was conducted to create it.
His eyes glanced over at the Nexus, seeing the visible tendrils of dark energy that wrapped around it and coursed through its body. For a moment, Malvus thought he saw something within it, hidden by the dark energy. A skull, clean of skin and blood, pale as the moon... but it was only there for a second before vanishing.
But... the spirits may not rise to defend it. While we are attacking it, the specters will not be under its thralldom. In fact, they may seek to exploit its weakness as revenge. I can sense the great anger and hatred that boils here. We may have unexpected aid.
Malvus flexes his hand before nodding to both Kaan and Luxeria. He stood at the center of the trio, nodding to the two to take their positions beside him. The Sith then stretches his hand outward, his palm directed right at the orb.
On my mark, hit it with all the firepower you can conjure.
Suddenly, the Nexus stirred, aware of the danger present within the chasm. Yet before it could react, Malvus bellowed loudly, indicating it was time to strike. Immediately after, a great roar echoed through the chasm as the orb was struck with a powerful attack of Force Lightning from the hand of Malvus
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Luxeria
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Post by Luxeria on Jun 4, 2018 13:22:05 GMT -8
Luxeria began to step off slightly to the side, knowing that there was only one true way to attack this. From all the words spoken by those present, it would require them to unleash the Force upon it. And so it was clarified by Malvus. She wanted to give the others some room, not knowing just how much power they would unleash. Besides that, it gave more angles of attack, though she was certain if that really mattered.
She sensed the arrival of Ifrit and Vasari but overall, paid them no mind. Her attention was on the Nexus before them and she didn't want to turn her gaze from it less it used that slightly distraction against her. However, as Malvus nodded to her and Kaan, she picked up where he wanted them. They would unleash their power together into a single torrent of power against the core.
And so she did. As her master began his attack, she, too, held out her hands and unleashed all the power she could muster into a barrage of relentless, purple Force Lightning
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Vasari
Blackguard Imperium
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Post by Vasari on Jun 5, 2018 9:21:10 GMT -8
Vasari could sense the tremendous amount of control the Sith warrior was using simply to keep up with Ifrit while aiding Vasari all along the way. He wouldn't last much longer at this rate - accompanying them into the pit was a death sentence for him for sure - but he was loyal and did as Vasari had instructed - and together they kept close behind the Spellbinder as he blasted his way through the Spirits, moving through corridor after corridor directed the entire way by Vasari's memory of the maps she had studied once the power had been returned to the Temple.
Feeling Ifrit grow stronger with each blast of green flame that issued from the field that surrounded them she wondered if his incredible strength had limits. She was nearly spent - having used the last of her reserves from the Spirit she had consumed to obliterate the one that had nearly robbed her of her leg - and taken their other escort from them with the same blow. Ifrit's bellows of challenge and rage were growing ever louder as they approached their destination - the last leg of the journey a turbo shaft straight down into the core of the Temple - long out of order - but Ifrit barely paused before he wrapped his clawed hands around her waist and that of the warrior as well and leapt into the shaft - his wings flaring to ease their decent.
She found herself clinging to the bizarre Sith Masters chest her body flush against his own as she experienced the near free fall into the pit below. To his credit the Sith Warrior did not make a sound, but Vasari could tell his mental limits were about to be reached. She soothed his mind with a touch of her own and he seemed to grow complacent the edge his nervousness had given the force around them vanished and he relaxed under Vasari's mental care. This she accomplished with a single split of her mind - he was a tool now, and little more - even if he survived what was to come, his mind would never fully recover. They hit the bottom with a gentle THUD and even with Ifrit's controlled landing Vasari took a moment to find her legs when he finally released her. With the Warrior at her side once again the trio made their way through another corridor and into an open room - similar to that of the rotunda she had found below the Academy on Iridonia. The touch of the Dark side here was the most powerful and potent force she had ever felt in her life.
The assembled Masters and Luxeria had taken up offensive positions around what only could have been the Dark Force Nexus they had come here to quell. She no longer had the mental capability to regain her battle meditation and even if she had their mental defenses would have been raised to the point where they would not have been able to accept her presence without being susceptible to the power of the Nexus and the spirits that were assembled in its defense. She felt Malvus' power spike almost instantly and after a split second he unleashed a massive assault upon the Nexus itself followed soon after by the recognizable Purple arclets of Luxeria's own lightning. The power they were expending made them glow like beacons within the Force and soon the entirity of the remaining spirits would be upon them. Soon neither her shielding or even Ifrit's Runes would be able to protect them - even if either had strength remaining to conjure such a defense. No, the only remaining defense was the destruction or the pacifism of the Nexus - hence the assault.
The warrior carried her towards the group giving them space and giving her space to work and her eyes passed between the nexus and the Warrior for a brief moment before they turned sympathetic and kindly towards the Sith that had all but given his life to bring her here. She raised a hand to his cheek and caressed it gently before whispering to him as she might a lover.
"Thank you for your bravery... soldier."
She leaned into his embrace - feeling the strength in his arms fade even before her lips touched his - and when they did she set her lame foot upon the ground with renewed strength. The kiss was brief but in the seconds that her lips touched the warriors his veins and the blood within seemed to pulse with an emerald light. His skin drew taut across his bones and grew ashen in color as his life was sucked from him and drawn through the living force into the Zabrak Sorceress. He felt no pain - his mind had already been broken by the power of the Nexus and he had remained conscious only by Vasari's grace and protection - with that gone he served no purpose but to give Vasari the strength she needed to aid the masters in breaking the Nexus. She stepped away and the Warrior dropped - her glowing yellow and orange eyes turned with vengeance upon the darkness and she silently lifted her hands and unleashed the power of the living force she had stolen upon the darkness in the form of brilliant green arcs of Ichor Lightning.
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Kaan
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Post by Kaan on Jun 7, 2018 8:30:49 GMT -8
It was only as they unleashed their power upon the Nexus that Kaan realized the truth. Despite his knowledge, despite his intimate relationship with the temple, he had been tricked. The spirits weren't growing weaker...he had been tapping the power the Nexus and growing stronger. He can feel tendrils of dark energy lashing against him as he tried to focus, tried to bring his Sith Magic to bear against it; his physical body and spirit were locked in battle now...no turning back. He could feel the malevolent hunger of the beings that dwelt deep in the core of the orb before them, trying to overwhelm his mind and turn him into nothing more than a lifeless puppet on strings of shadow. His essence gone, his memories devoured, all he was completely spent to feed a ravenous emptiness that could never be filled. Unfathomable weight crashes down on his mind, his own natural tie to the Nexus feeding it as it systematically beats away his mental defenses. How could he have been so foolish to think that he could do this? How could the Order have been so blind? They had fed this beast...and now it would have them. Blackness closes over his eyes. He can feel his body starting to falter, his spell dying on his tongue. This was not how he thought it would end...
Something snapped. Deep within his mind, a howling scream of rage echoes, growing ever louder. It spills through him and out of him, his own lips loosing a savage cry as his eyes snap open.
<< NO. >>
This THING did not control him. The Dark Side obeyed him. He was not a tool like the fool Jedi that muttered in their temples. He was Kaan. He was Sith, and next to the strength of the true Dark Side, this pitiful gaggle of starved and wasted ghosts was less than nothing. His back straightens as he steps back in line with Malvus. This was no creature of strength...only a trickster who had played their last card. A scavenger hunting scraps, a faded specter that paled next to the true power of those that channeled the Darkness through them. His outstretched, he resumes his spell, the uncouth arcane syllables spitting from his lips. Even as the Nexus expanded again, its dark tendrils were repulsed as he completes his spell of the sutta chwituskak, forming the very essence of his hatred into spears of dark energy. They pass through the reaching tentacles of shadow like birds through the air, striking at the core of the Nexus. Kaan is already chanting another spell as it hits, lightning coalescing about his arms and growing brighter. Even as he speaks the incantation and unleashes a blistering stream of electricity, he reaches out with his mind to the edges of the room, seeking weaknesses in the foundations of the room's supports. One way or another, they would bring low this blemish on the world of Pzob.
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