[AoC] Peace I Give You

[Amz]

From Mandalore, to the far-flung stars of the Galaxy where Sabarene was quietly nestled, Chiara knew their guests would need rest from the long and arduous journey. And what better place to find rest, than here? For every speck of darkness in the ‘verse - and the darkness as of late was vast - Sabarene shimmered as a beacon of light to all who needed a quiet place to lay their head. Hopes and dreams could be rekindled here, they were welcome here.

The Mandalor’s daughter would be welcomed here, too.

Chiara never ceased to be amazed by the mysteries of the Force, [member="Adara Raxis"] was one such peculiarity that’d been drawn to her attention.

The redhead knew in passing of the current history of the Mandalorian Empire, of the child with eyes darker than a darkside nexus point, and something about an entanglement with Darth Carnifex, but the details of how everything came to fruition was fuzzy at best. In due time she knew all would be revealed, in the meanwhile, she prepared tea for her guests.

She’d heard that the Mandalor’s mother was a fan of tea, which suited Chiara just as well, and hoped that the scent would help them to settle. Familiarity was the best way to ease the pangs of becoming homesick, in her experience.

The smallest of smiles pulled up onto her pale, freckled face, as the water began to boil and several approaching presences were felt.

“Just in time,” she greeted, waving them to enter as the door slid open to admit them and noticing they were lead by one sharing the face of Dalia. Carefully, she poured the water over the loose leaf tea. “Thank you for bringing them, Sari. Please, come in and sit. I hope your journey was not too difficult?”

[member="Baiko no Kaho"], [member="Beth Australis-Mantis"]

 

[Adara Raxis]

“Rrrgh! But Baiko I don’t like this dwess! Its itchy!!” Adara Raxis screeched, attempting for the fourth time to run away from [member="Baiko no Kaho"] and [member="Beth Australis-Mantis"]. Aboard the Myrmadinas, Yasha’s daughter discovered the myriad hidey-holes her mother knew all too well on Aditya’s beloved ship.

“Adara Vigdis Raxis, you settle down child! Oh! You are your mother’s daughter!” Baiko stalked back into the room, and sat Adara down on the table, watching out for [member="Achani Raxis"] and Beth. “Are you having more luck with Achani, Bethy? Gracious this girl is about to try my patience to the last str-oh, Adara, please!”

Adara wriggled and jerked, using every trick in the five year old girl’s arsenal to pounce free from her captor and hop down from the table.

“I don’t wanna! I wanna go home! I wanna see Baba and Buir and Ram’ika and and and I don’t wanna wear the dwess and get my hair all did and wear lipsmick! I wanna go home! I wanna!!” Adara burst into tears, hiccupping in sobs while salt water poured down her face and snot dribbled out of her nose.

“Goodness me, I’d rather take Yasha trying to stab the hired help than deal with this… Adara!!” Baiko clapped her hands together hard. Adara stuttered and hiccupped more air, lips pressed together.

“We are moments away from meeting my extended family for the first time in my life. And however you feel about dresses, and whatever else, you will behave. I blame your Baba for this… rash of emotion, child! Now. What has you in a tizzy? Out with it! Now.” Baiko tilted Adara’s chin, drying off the girl’s face with a cloth and positioning it to blow the girl’s nose.

Adara’s black eyes peered up at Baiko, full and red rimmed.

“The planet feels ouchie, like needles from the doctor… I wanna go home. I wanna go home and see Sloobieboo.” One more hiccup and Adara settled enough that Baiko looked to Beth and picked the child up.

“Blubber all you like on the way home, Adara. Now, You don’t want the Princess to see you in such straights, do you? There, now. Come here… oooh you’re getting to be a big girl!” Baiko rubbed Adara’s back, cuddling her in her arms, while hoping beyond hope the grey and white silk she wore would maintain its’ pristine quality with a clinging child connected to her neck.

Yasha would be halfway to murdering Baiko if she knew where her daughter was, and the reason for the visit… yet some things were better done and dealt with in the after effects.

This was the most important day of her life, barring the meeting of [member="Gray Raxis"] and the birth of their twins. This was the day Baiko met her brethren, and with any hope, connected those of a Lighter persuasion to her beloved’s Mandalorians. Surely it was worth a few tears.

There [member="Chiara Viren"] stood, a spectre from history just as graceful as the holorecords portrayed. A very distant aunt, Chiara was breathtakingly lovely. Baiko wished she had taken more time for her own ablutions, even though she was impeccably dressed and hair perfectly coiffed.

She curtseyed, made much more difficult but no less graceful with the sniffling child in her arms. Yet, Adara wouldn’t let go. She hid her face from Chiara, burying into Baiko’s shoulder.

“It was the journey of a few tired children, but simple and easily made. Thank you for allowing us entrance to Sabarene, your personal attention in these matters is unexpected and quite thrilling for a muddle-blooded Echani half-ling like me.

Might I introduce the Lady Beth Australis-Mantis, eldest daughter of Mand’alor the Infernal, her Ladyship Yasha Ghada Nussyn Fitz-Kierke Mantis, Eldest-Born Cedecimr of House Fitz-Kierke of Panatha and Atrisia, and the Warmaster and Alor Kaine Australis, brigand of Myrkr, and the Lady Adara Vigdis Nussyn Mantis Raxis, Heir Apparent of the House Fitz-Kierke no Kaho of Atrisia and Panatha, First-Born of the Infernal and the late Kaden Mantis.” Baiko attempted to tilt Adara’s head so Chiara might see her, but Adara nuzzled deeper with a whimper.

“I am Baiko, former Lady of House no Kaho, now Fitz-Kierke, wife of Alor Gray Raxis and this is my daughter Achani. My father bore the face of Manu Xextos, a son of his line. You honour us, and I thank you with gratitude from the Infernal.”

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Sabarene. Beth could feel the energy from the planet almost as soon as they entered its atmosphere. It was different than most. Warm, bright... Light. It calmed Beth's usual nervousness about being halfway across the galaxy from home to a planet she had never been before. What were the people like, here? What about the people they were going to meet? Baiko has explained some to their purpose of coming here but did not go into great detail. That was fine, though. Beth enjoyed traveling! It just seemed more... Serious, than usual. Which was also fine. She just wondered what was in store of them on the surface.

Beth assumed she was mainly invited due to her natural, fairly extensive, light-sided tendencies. It was supposed to do something to help Adara be less well, dark. Did Beth have any idea how they'd pull it off? Nope! But if there was a chance at giving Adara a choice between light or dark, Beth wanted to take it. If she could help, she was more than willing to do whatever it would take.

In either case, Beth couldn't help but smile at the bickering between Adara and Baiko. Adara was really not happy being here - and she assumed it was probably due to the natural light energies around the planet. It couldn't have felt good for a girl who was forced to be the dark side from the start. Her suspicions were confirmed later. Beth gave a smile to Adara just was Baiko was finishing cleaning her up, "You know, since you're in a dress, we may be able to get [member="Yasha Mantis"] into one soon, too. Remember that dress we bought her from Vena not too long ago?" She said as she pulled some of Adara's hair behind her ear. "You've never met any of them before?" She asked towards Baiko as she straightened her own dress.

Baiko was nobility and she expected Beth and Adara to act like it. Beth had been around Baiko long enough to know to not fight such things, but Adara would learn in time. In either case, once they entered the room behind a woman named Dalia. She gave a curtsey as Baiko would expect. She, in truth, wasn't expecting the long introduction but she grinned. "It's an absolute honor and pleasure to meet you!"

[member="Adara Raxis"] | [member="Chiara Viren"]

 

[Amz]

Her eyes lingered, however briefly, on the child hiding her face into Baiko’s shoulder and immediately sensed the malevolence of the darkside.

A crease of concern formed around her violet eyes, though she opted to say nothing. Instead, she peeled away her gaze and carried over the tray of steaming teacups, with the same reverence someone might reserve for the Queen’s crown, setting it down on the table in the middle of them all.

She stayed quiet while each person was introduced, waiting to speak until after. “I could feel the signature mark of a Xextos pressence from the moment you and your daughter came in, Lady Baiko. It’s always an honor and blessing to have more family come home. I know my father would also like to meet you and your daughter before leaving.” Chiara addressed Beth and Adara next, in a tone that was gentle and courtly. “I believe you and your sister may be the first daughters of a Mand’alor I’ve ever met, so it is I who should be so honored and pleased to meet the both of you.”

Her hands folded together and she smiled softly.

“As I’m sure you already know, I am Chiara Viren, Princess of the Royal Houses of Cron and Xextos of Sabarene, but I request that you please address me as Chiara.”

She motioned towards the couch next to the table where the drinks waited, “Please enjoy the tea while it’s still hot. Adara and Achani? There is Irli juice and puffcakes that were specially prepared by Batta for the both of you. Would you girls like some?”

There was a pause to see if the promise of food and a sweet drink would finally see Adara un-glue herself from Baiko. There was much to discuss in regards to Adara Raxis, but right now she was concentrated on fostering a calm and healing environment to try to help the girl feel some level of comfort in a place that conflicted against the very core of her nature.

Chiara angled her legs to the side as she sat, pushing the pastel pleats of her dress out from beneath her. “Lady Baiko, what more can you tell me about her condition?”

[member="Adara Raxis"], [member="Beth Australis-Mantis"], [member="Baiko no Kaho"]

 

[Adara Raxis]

“Not once. I was born on Atrisia, a place my father emigrated to back oh, much before your parents were born. This is something of a treat for me, the Princess Chiara is my progenitor’s daughter and I would much like to entreat with her. Perhaps a little half-ling like me will even receive an audience with the Progenitor, Manu… oh wouldn’t that be fanciful?” [member="Baiko no Kaho"] flushed in the cheeks, tucking her fingers along her hair as if to inspect it for any loose strands.

The room they appeared in was well situated, and [member="Chiara Viren"] even more radiantly beautiful than Baiko could believe. The Echani-Kiffar settled with an all encompassing peace and joy, here with her People.

“Achani too? Oh, that is lovely.” Baiko actually grinned, stroking her daughter’s hair with a singular prize. “I had no knowledge if Achani would bear the marks of a Xextos, how pleasant! Oh, oh my no, I couldn’t… I couldn’t possibly take your father’s time, I wouldn’t dream of it… oh but if he wouldn’t mind terribly, it’s been so long since I lost my father, I… if he wouldn’t mind.”

Adara whimpered, digging harder into Baiko’s shoulder and side. The lights were bright, the Princess felt funny, like [member="Beth Australis-Mantis"] and Ba’Buir [member="Gray Raxis"] put together. The whole place they walked around in felt like doctors stabbing Adara’s skin with needles and the small child began to stutter and cry.

“I want to go home”, a weak voice whispered.

“Shush now, you’re alright. It’s all okay, Adara. I know this feels strange for you, being used to Mandalore, but we mustn’t let strangeness deny us a pretty princess day, mustn’t we?” Baiko soothed, rubbing Adara’s back in soft circles.

“Home, Ba’buir… home.” Adara stuttered another cry and curled as deeply into Baiko’s arms as she could, trying to shield herself from the sensations bathing the room. Foreign, strange feelings, which curdled her rumbly tumbly and hit her skin like burning embers from a camp fire kicked up by a gust of wind.

In the wind was wisdom, and revelation… yet these were too advanced for the child to understand, or sensibly latch hold to. She was both too young and too inexperienced to recognize the wind and the needle-like calm stabbing her skin, and the kind healing Chiara peppered into the air.

“Now, Adara. Please! Behave yourself and sit as a Lady.” Baiko set the child down, detaching Adara’s clawing fingers with a minute struggle. The girl immediately scrambled into the corner of the couch, pulling the cushion up and trying to curl up behind it, attempting in her childish way to hide from harm.

Baiko sighed heavily and looked to Achani and Beth… perhaps it was time to speak what truth she knew.

“I know very little of the realities, for I was otherwise engaged in bearing Achani and Azure at the time of the… event.” Baiko picked up her cup and saucer, sipping the tea and setting the cup down with a soft chink. “My husband Gray was present. Yasha bore Adara six weeks too early, entering early labour after being thrown through a building by the concussive blast of a terrorist cell, who wished us to go to war with the Silver Jedi Order. Ribs broken, suffering from internal bleeding and a fractured hip, Yasha endured the process of labour captive in a holding cell, while pirates took shots at her feet… by the time Gray and the other Mandalorians got Yasha to safety, the damage done was extensive.

If not for Yasha’s survival instincts, I doubt she would have survived at all. They rushed back to Mandalore, and Yasha was stabilized… Adara made no sounds of any kind… she was immediately placed into an ad hoc incubator, and treated for respiratory distress, as her lungs were unprepared for life outside the womb.

It took the doctors days of intense work… [member="Kaine Australis"] watching over the infant on behalf of her broken and recuperating mother. Yasha’s husband [member="Kaden Mantis"], you see, was lost to us in that same battle.

The baby was born in terror, and suffered for four days, before Adara’s body gave up, and her spirit released to Manda. Yet… before Adara could die for more than a few tender seconds, the Bral, great force nullifying tanks we had positioned through Sundari, were all destroyed.

Someone possessed of an immense power in the Dark Side of the Force used Midichlorian Manipulation to resurrect her. It was the fervent anger and passion of the Dark Side of the Force which gave Adara life, a life once born out of pain and helplessness, passed in struggle and returned in desperation.

She was small, but healthy enough that the paediatrician marvelled at the recovery of what he came to know was a dying child. I read his reports, he was quite thorough. We thought little of Adara’s distemper and meek feeding, until Yasha visited Bastion to introduce Adara to her godmother, and paired the visit with a meeting with [member="Darth Carnifex"].” Baiko’s voice shifted from the honey sweet chirp of Gray Raxis’ songbird to a hard and grimacing woman.

“Carnifex cut his palm and fed her his blackened, decrepit blood. Adara immediately began to thrive. She settled in the Zambranos’ arms. Yasha has, in her ignorance of the Force, allowed the Zambranos’ treatment of Adara’s condition to include regular sustenance on the Dark Side itself.

Yasha believes there is no life for her daughter without it. That is what I know, and I knew also of your father’s sustenance, of your people’s work as healers. There must be something which can be done to sustain the life which was lost and stolen back. We must cure Adara from this reliance on the Dark Lord of the Sith and his macabre potions.”

Baiko was as close to a vengeful grandmother as she could be. Her aura radiated a hidden power, unfurling minutely in the safety of her ancestral displaced home.

Adara continued to hide under the cushion, crying softly and whimpering, “I wanna go home. Home… I wanna go home.”

Little did the girl-child know she was beginning to project her fear and intention to return to Mandalore outward, fledgeling and tethered to the only true Force Connections she had.

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Achani hid next to Baiko, nuzzled into her dress carefully as she watched the... Princess?! In front of her. She spoke and moved so elegantly. Achani herself felt a bit of sympathy for [member="Adara Raxis"]. While not in the pain that Adara was going through, Achani would have much preferred to be back on Concordia playing with dirt and bugging her brother, [member="Azure Raxis"]. She knew better than Adara did, though! She stayed quiet and listened to her mommy at all times. She never wanted to hurt or make her mommy or daddy, [member="Gray Raxis"] upset. She even bet Azure wouldn't have done that! Especially if he had his nerf gun...

She needed to find a way to get him back for that time he shot her with it! She'd figure out a way, eventually... But for now, Achani gave a small little nod at the promise of juice and puffcakes. Achani wiggled away from Baiko and quickly gave a little curtsy, "Thwanks for your hawspitalwity, the tweats look very yummies," she said with a slight lisp before she shot over towards the treats!

She took a small puffcake and quickly began to nibble into it, ignoring the others mostly as she did her own thing, although turning around at Baiko's mention of her name. "I'm a six toes! Mommy, I'm a six toes like you!" She hollered her words with a puffcake in her mouth as she ran back to cling to Baiko's dress again.

Beth, on the other hand, was in awe of [member="Chiara Viren"]. Maybe it was the intensity of the light that was surrounding Chiara, to the planet itself, to just... Everything. It was strange to Beth - she felt in a place that made her feel so... Right? At home? Safe? She didn't know how to word it. It brought more comfort to her soul than anywhere else in the galaxy she'd ever been. She felt more comfortable here even than when she was cozied in her bed in Sundari. Could the Force really be this strong? Beth had studied hard and long - and continued to do so, under Gray's supervision about the Force and ways to help her Master its many facets. She was doing fairly good! Or she thought she was, anyway. Maybe she could even be considered talented! The planet, it's energy, Chiara, and everything else just felt so... Right, for Beth.

Ah, she'd figure it out. For now, though, she nodded with a big grin. "I didn't even know we had family on this side of the galaxy! It's so awesome," she cleared her throat as her eyes widened a little. "I mean, it's really great to meet more family!" Shouldn't she be more proper in front of a Princess? Granted, the woman did offer to approach each other on a first name basis. In either case, Beth turned her attention to Adara as the small, frail girl as she curled up on the corner of the couch. Despite Beth's desire to ask questions with the Princess, Beth decided to do her best to comfort her little sister.

She came over and sat down beside the girl, carefully putting one arm on her small shoulder and rubbing it softly, "Sweet Pea, are you okay? I know it feels funny... Does it hurt...? C'mere," she said as she reached her arms out in an attempt to get Adara to cuddle into her lap. Beth may not be able to help her like she wanted too, but at least she could try to comfort her as much she could. She nodded as she collaborated Baiko's explanation, "My dad... Kaine, he did it... He... Brought her back. I think it had to do with someone from his past but he never would explain it... And mom, she just didn't get it. At all." She wasn't really sure if that was something she should have said or not but... It was the truth. Beth didn't feel any reason to sugarcoat such a truth from the Princess.

Especially if it meant helping Adara.

 

[Amz]

Adara’s story left a shadowy grief on Chiara’s countenance, many of the details troubling her greatly.

“...I am glad you brought her here, and you are right to be concerned in the matters of her reliance on Carnifex. The Emperor is a Sith to be wary of, and I can only assume his interest in Adara is as corrupt as the concoction he feeds her. But fear not, I do believe there is hope to bring light to the darkness that surrounds her.”

She looked towards Adara who was being comforted by Beth. There was no small part of her that didn’t wish to reach out and sooth away the child's pain through the light, but it seemed terribly painful for Adara, so she withheld.

When Beth spoke next, Chiara listened. She was glad for the girls' honesty, and her sweet and tender spirit. She was confident that given the correct tools and direction, she would one day become a great stalwart for the light.

“To accept death is to accept pain and the pain of those around you. There can be peace in acceptance, but the road to get there is not easy.” Chiara inhaled deeply. She could hardly judge another when she herself had struggled and failed in the same area in her own past. “I don’t fault your father for trying to save her life. Nor do I fault your mother. The depth of the Force is difficult to understand without never having experienced it. Which is why it is important that we protect those who do not know the weight of this incredible responsibility.”

With a long silent sigh, Chiara set down her teacup on the tray and rose to her feet.

“In this case, that means protecting Adara. We must tip the scales from the dark and back to the light. There are many Jedi through history who have extended their lives hundreds of years by using the lightside as a way to sustain themselves, my father is living proof that it's possible. If she remains as she is, Adara will always need more and more of the darkside to live and thrive and it will eventually corrupt her completely. It may take longer to get her to a place where she is fully reliant on it, but the light has no such bonds and will provide for her needs. I will need to establish a connection with Adara and bond with her through meditation, then we can slowly drain the darkness from her and fill that void with lightside energies.”

[member="Adara Raxis"], [member="Beth Australis-Mantis"]

 

[Adara Raxis]

“Yes, Achani, you are a Xextos just like me. Just wait until your Buir finds out? Won’t he and [member="Azure Raxis"] be excited? We shall have to celebrate, ad’ika.” Baiko petted Achani’s hair, leaning down to kiss her daughter’s head and pulled Achani into her lap for a moment to wipe crumbs off her face. The former servant chuckled warmly, nuzzling her nose into her daughter’s cheek and holding tight. “My little six toes.”

Keeping an eye on Adara, Baiko continued to spoil her little girl, reaching for the puff cakes to make them easier to access. It sat ill on her shoulders to hear [member="Beth Australis-Mantis"] speak of [member="Kaine Australis"]’ last use of power… yet looking at the child in Beth’s arms, Baiko knew with all of her spirit and soul that Kaine made the right decision.

Adara deserved life, abundant and joyous. Yasha too deserved to have a daughter born of joy, not the terror and vulnerability she received.

“It can be done, but we must be cautious. Her mother must never know, lest she misinterpret the intent. We must not give the Dark Lord the opportunity to meddle.” [member="Baiko no Kaho"] cast a serious face upon the women gathered, her eyes migrating to the ceiling and space above.

“I fear Adara is a companion of the Dark, for it is all she’s known. May it be as you say, Chiara. We must attempt the act of healing this Darkness out of her, as the girl has too large a talent for it.” Baiko watched Adara curl up in her sister’s lap, whimpering softly into [member="Beth Australis-Mantis"]’ chest.

“Befthy pwease…” Adara whispered, her voice strained as she crawled into her sister’s lap. “Wanna go home, Befthy. I’ll give you all my chawk-lits if we go home.”

The fear of a child banished all reason and the daughter of Kaden & Yasha Mantis was terrified the moment [member="Chiara Viren"] rose. Adults spoke of ‘corrupt’ ‘Carnifex’, ‘darkness’ and ‘connection’, words the five year old heard but did not understand contextually. All Adara knew was she hurt.

She hurt all over and none of them, not her sister, or her grandmother, nor this new shining face hovering above her wanted to do a thing to prevent further pain. Her heart fluttered frenetically inside her chest.

Something deep inside worked on the girl. Adara could not understand the greater implications of these conversational words, but the Dark inside her peered back at Chiara Viren…

​

… and screamed. ​

The scream unsettled the walls, and sent Adara tumbling out of her sister’s arms as puff cakes and tea cups flung away from the child. Adara hit the ground, dashing her forehead on the side of the low table and with a dull throb, a cut opened.

Adara panicked. ​

She cried out for her mother, for Baba and Sloobieboo… and when they were not in earshot to answer her, Adara’s spirit roared for a deeper connection, one whose blood she fed upon as an infant, whose family sustained her in these young days.

‘Glomkhoduil!’

[member="Darth Carnifex"].

Baiko's eyes went wide. "No... quiet her! NOW!"

 

[Darth Carnifex]

Adara's scream reverberated through the Force, echoing deep into the dark recesses of the abyss from which the Dark Side exuded most profoundly.

And something from the abyss answered back.

On the complete opposite side of the galaxy stirred a being of immense power and cruelty, one who sought dominion over all things and craved the chaotic turbulence of unfettered war. Meditation and reflection on the mysteries of the Force were shattered by the infant's wail, and eyelids slid back to reveal deep wells of uncompromising darkness swirling and oozing around halos of molten hatred. The being rose, the air displacing around his gargantuan and muscled body, and with steps replete with purpose the being began to march from the shadowed sanctum to a chamber designed to intimidate and enchant both visitors and residents with resplendent awe and fascination.

At its center sat a throne carved from a slab of black iron and polished obsidian, its surface carrying various runes and inscriptions in a language unknown to only a scant few. Above it was perched a device of distinct alien origin.

Seemingly alien to the galaxy itself.

The contraption surrounded a transparent sphere, which began to shimmer and hum as the being took his seat upon the throne and poured his dark energies into the device. Through it he could scour distant worlds, peering into the webways of the Force to see farther than his mortal eyes could ever comprehend. The planet faded away from him, stars stretching until they were an incoherent scramble of incandescent light. Sabarene rushed to meet his gaze, the resonance in the Force bringing him to the source of the cry that had broken him from his trance.

A dark presence fell over the room.

Curiosity.

Recognition.

Anger.

Then the presence faded as quick as it had come, but there was no mistaking it now. A terrible evil had sensed [member="Adara Raxis"]'s anguish and had appeared from afar to investigate, and now it knew where she was. Now it would be coming.

He would be coming.

The Dark Lord of the Sith was on his way.

[member="Chiara Viren"] | [member="Beth Australis-Mantis"]​

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Achani beamed with pride at being a six toes like her mommy. Achani might be a little mischevious and did tend to blame things on other kids her age (what kid didn't,) but she did want to make her mom proud as much as possible. She could see how happy it made Achani. "Azwure is going to be so jwealous! I'm a six toessss and he might not be," she giggled as she nuzzled back against her mom.

Beth held Adara close against her on her lap, rubbing her shoulder and back gently as she quietly hummed a small lullaby. Beth could feel the pain that [member="Adara Raxis"] was in through the Force. Adara didn't deserve to be trapped in this, forced to be in pain. But what else could they do? "I'm sorry, Sweet Pea, we won't stay long," she said quietly as she brushed some of the hair off the girl's cheek. Beth was beginning to get worried over Adara. She was a weak child to begin with - was this really safe for her? "Is she safe? She seems like she's in a lot of pain..."

But they had to find a solution. They had to cure her, somehow. This pain didn't mean much compared to a lifetime of pain that she might encounter or force onto others through the darkness. But right now? Adara was in pain and Beth just wanted to help her. "I promise I will give YOU all the chocolate on Mandalore when we leave, you and I will have a chocolate party together, how does that sound?" Beth cooed towards Adara, kissing her soft head a couple of times.

She glanced to [member="Chiara Viren"] as she explained the potential solution. Beth was hopeful, "Do you think it'll work? Is there anything we can do to help? I think I'm relatively talented at Force stuff. At least, that's what everyone says," she said quietly to the Princess.

At that moment though, Adara screamed. It was no ordinary scream, though, it was a Force scream. Beth saw Adara fall out of her lap but Beth quickly pulled her hands up to her ears as she was pushed back slightly on the couch. The darkness that emitted from it nearly made Beth sick. It was dreadful, terrifying. How could such a thing come from her little sister? She took a breath, quickly diving into the floor next to Adara as she tried to sit her up and wipe the blood off of her forehead.

Beth glanced up at Baiko. Panic riddled her facial expression and eyes. Why did they need to shut her up? What in the world did Adara just say? Beth's long, pointed ears were fully pulled back - defensive, worried. "What? Adara, please stop, it's okay, it's okay." Adara's Force use made Beth feel even more dread as she tried to comfort the girl. It was hard to ignore the dark energies that were warping around the girl and through her Force use. Karking hell. Beth had to hold back her own tears and her own feelings as tried to gather and hold Adara close in her lap.

[member="Darth Carnifex"]

 

[Amz]

There wasn’t time to respond to Beth’s inquiry, nor to Baiko’s reveal about the Mand’alor’s ignorance of this trip. The unseen malevolence that she felt from Adara had extended itself, drawing the woman's immediate attention.

What she saw when she looked back, made her blood run cold.

The darkness peered at her…

No...

It confronted her.

Chiara nearly stumbled back but managed to stand her ground, the light warring to eradicate the vestiges of the twisted Force spreading its invisible tendrils. Chiara drew nearer towards Adara - towards the looming shadow, but there was no time to unravel what’d transpired.

The sudden howl of Adara’s voice caused an immense strain on everything surrounding them. Chiara resisted being blown back completely and spurned to take action. Reaching out her hand, the Princess gave a sharp twist of her wrist, unleashing the force in a contained yet effective capacity to buck the shattering teacups and soaring trays with a wind of light, stopping it from striking Baiko, Achani, or herself.

On this planet that thrived from the light, Adara, an untrained child, had manifested the dark side to a powerful extent. A worrying sign of what the future would hold if things didn’t change.

In the aftermath, she stretched out cautiously with her perceptions to greet the darkness in an attempt of calming young Adara’s mind, tugging at the threads, pulling the sufferings she was feeling onto her own shoulders. She groaned from the needle-like pain, but maintained the hold and stood, sending waves of peace to the others in the room and pouring comfort into them all.

She pressed her fingers into her temple and her shoulders slumped, yet she exerted herself more to send out a warning to [member="Manu Xextos"] and her family.

‘...The Dark Lord is on his way.’


[member="Beth Australis-Mantis"], [member="Adara Raxis"], [member="Darth Carnifex"]

 

[Adara Raxis]

“Evacuate the Palace!” Baiko’s countenance fell the instant [member="Darth Carnifex"]’s presence struck the room. The Echani-Kiffar hybrid bristled. She set [member="Achani Raxis"] on the couch, behind her.





“Get away from my granddaughter, snake!” Baiko no Kaho opened silver eyes. In the time it took to feel Carnifex’s fury hit the room, Baiko’s many illusions dropped.





None living but [member="Gray Raxis"] knew the truth of Baiko no Kaho. The Undying’s regime was not the first Force Killer regime in the Galaxy, neither was it the only the Fallinassi Master survived. The illusions hiding Baiko’s true nature dissipated with a crash, and Achani’s mother stood far less Atrisian of face. Without the illusions there was no mistake: Baiko was Echani. Her face tattooed down lips, chin and cheeks with white bands signifying her mother’s Kiffar heritage. The air filled with the songbird levity of a Master of Light, uncoiled and unfurling in this most holy of places.





Adara screamed, attempting at first to hide from the presence radiating from Baiko. She shrieked in agony. Adara's natural inclinations against mental intrusion meant [member="Chiara Viren"] would have to try harder, if at all. Curled in her sister’s arms, Adara writhed. The light burned across her skin. The air seethed across the child, as if Light itself was a poison to her, and all it provided was frigidity and pain.





Adara’s heart beat frenetically in her chest. There was no expression but agony, which cessated all motion and speech. Her soul called outward, attempting to continue the connection with the only presences she knew. [member="Darth Carnifex"]. Alvarex. Skorvek. The more the Jetise poured forth, the more Yasha’s little girl craved the comforting warmth of the Dark.

 

[Baiko no Kaho]

“Beth, I don’t have time to teach you, but you need to trust me. Do as I say, do not come back for any noise or horror you may experience.” Baiko put her hands on Beth’s shoulders and tried to pull the girl up. “You need to take Achani… You will not fight me on this, we have no time!”





She was a Lady of noble heritage reduced to indentured servitude, elevated only recently to a marriage most profound. Yet Baiko lost none of her inner noble bearing through her years as Aditya’s slave.





“Run. Take [member="Achani Raxis"] straight to the Myrmadinas. The Sabarenans will protect you, but you will cause more damage if you disobey me. I can protect you insofar that you are quiet. Silent as mute mice. Can you do it?” Baiko entrusted her precious daughter into the arms of Kaine Australis’ elfin girl. She brushed her fingers over Achani’s hair, kissed her daughter’s cheeks and brow, thumb fondling skin she may never see again.





Around Baiko, Beth and Achani, the room dissipated for bands of holy white. The bands wafted around them, a gentle blanket against the harsh realities of the outside world. The White Current was softer than gossamer, a representation of the Force’s benevolence which stood against might with its’ mercy. Now, Baiko folded the current to Immerse Beth and Achani away from harm.





“Adara is projecting too loudly, she will be seen, especially by the Dark Lord. You must head to Commenor. Gray can meet you on the way, but you must… you must save my daughter.” Attached to Baiko’s belt, a single scabbard with two blades pressed at her thigh. Invisible to all outside the Current, Baiko was armed.





“Run, Beth. Run! Do not stop or he will catch you. Run.” Baiko stepped through the Current, gasping at the strain of placing two within its’ immersion.





For all others, Beth and Achani would be invisible. Removed. Baiko stared at the place she left them, then shut her eyes and swooped to hand the writhing Adara to [member="Chiara Viren"].





“Is there anywhere we can take her, which could salvage the people of this city!? Somewhere remote? Chiara, I am sorry I brought her here. I didn’t think… I didn’t think.” Baiko looked out the window, searching the sky. “Adara is half human, half Epicanthix, her mind is naturally guarded. Try harder you may still break through to her.”





‘Fortify yourselves in the desert. Evacuate the city and… ugh, clean my mental mouth but… call Xander…. I feel dirty.’ The mental voice of [member="Manu Xextos"] was the antithesis of the corrupt anger from [member="Darth Carnifex"]. It struck Baiko and Chiara, even as Manu was too far to get to them with any haste. It resounded without judgement, sweet to the ears of those who followed the Light.





‘Chia pet, keep trying to calm the child down. Daddy’s coming… but I’ve got ships’ worth of refugees from Coruscant aboard. We’re not getting to you quick. Might I suggest you leg it?’

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Achani started crying. She didn't know what else to do. Everything felt so dark, so scary and she'd never seen her mom so scared or angry in her little life. Achani wiggled nervously on the couch that she was set on. "Mwommy, what's wrong? We can't weave you behind!"

Beth did her best to try to calm down and help Adara to no avail. The darkness that was being projected made Beth feel sick to her stomach - more than once, she held down a revolt. Her own eyes were watery as she tried to calm Adara down, "Adara, Sweet, it's okay, don't cry. It's uncomfortable, I know, but it'll pass." In truth, Beth had no idea. Everything was just so karked up.

Beth's eyes widened towards [member="Chiara Viren"]. That explained the feelings. It wasn't just Adara dark sided, she had phoned in on the Dark Lord. How could they be safe if she could do that? She stared at the innocent little girl in her arms. Beth was at a loss, her long, pointed ears fully pulled back. Did Baiko just call Adara a snake? Beth felt like the first time she met Adara when she was just a baby. Maybe Adara was doomed to exist as a puppet for the Dark...

She looked up to [member="Baiko no Kaho"] with a distraught, confused expression. Why were her eyes silver? And she had tattoos? Wait... Baiko was Kiffar?! She could feel the Force radiating from Baiko, which only led to more confusion. Beth, in a relatively confused, distraught state, was easily pulled up by Baiko when requested. "Gramma, I can't leave Adara or you..."

She stared at her sister, then to Achani. "If he's coming... Please be okay, please don't get hurt." She knew she wouldn't win the argument. Beth took a deep breath and gave a small, weak nod at Baiko's request. She didn't realize it, but small tears were escaped her eyes. She picked Adara up and put her on the chair, "It's going to be okay, Sweet Pea. I love you, I hope you know that." She kissed Adara's forehead. Every touch of the child felt like pins were being pressed into Beth's skin.

Achani fought to be held by Beth, but Beth did her best to comfort the child. Beth spoke first, "I'll keep her safe, I promise..." Then, Achani spoke. "I lwove you, mommy," was the last thing that would be heard from them as they vanished into the white current - except for maybe the sniffling of Achani's sobs.

With that, Beth ran. She ran straight to the spaceport where the Myrmadinas was located. Baiko needed to release them - the sooner the better. She needed her strength if what was about to happen was to come to pass...

[member="Adara Raxis"] | [member="Darth Carnifex"] | [member="Chiara Viren"]

 

[Darth Carnifex]

​

Proximity alerts all over the sector would wail in warning as a gargantuan object plowed through hyperspace at a phenomenal speed, faster than a vessel of that size should ever consider moving. The space above Sabarene would distort, twist, and warp before the emptiness was split by the sudden materialization of a warship over six miles from prow to stern, and bristling with hundreds of turbolaser batteries and similar weapon emplacements. It was a ship designed for combat, to destroy and eradicate any and all opposition that was arrayed before it.

And it radiated dread, unadulterated fear and anger that pulsed out in tangible waves as the Dark Lord made his presence known through the Force. Twenty-eight powerful ion engines maneuvered the Emperor's flagship into orbital position, its distinct dagger-like shape visible even from the planet's surface. To prevent escape, the ship activated all of its gravity well generators to interdict the space around the planet with as minimal overlap as was possible to spread out the effectiveness of the generators.

A burst of destructive energy surged out from the dreadnought's ventral cannons, obliterating a pair of Argente-class cruisers in one fell swoop as the energy scythed through each ship and continued down into the planet's atmosphere. With the path clear, several fighters would soar out of the hangar bays and stream down towards the planet. Behind them would trial the Emperor's shuttle, the Crestfallen II, heading on a direct course to the source of Adara's suffering. Emperor Carnifex would be sitting in the main hold, meditating on the Dark Side as he focused his hate and anger for the coming skirmish.

Though, he doubted it'd be a skirmish.

It'd be a slaughter.

[member="Chiara Viren"] | [member="Beth Australis-Mantis"] | [member="Adara Raxis"] | [member="Baiko no Kaho"]​

 

[Cynthia Solus]

Oops something went wrong

​

 

[Amz]

[SIZE=10.5pt]The Princess took a glance out the window at the city below, feeling a tremendous weight crush against her chest, dread pressing into her ribs. What was promised to be a safe haven for the people, was now swarmed by the same nightmare they’d tried escaping...and she had welcomed them here.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]With Beth and Achani gone, Chiara bundled the squawking Adara in her arms and tried to reach deeper at the urging of her Father and Baiko. She wasn’t a mentalist, and she wasn’t as strong an empath as her father was, could she do it? Chiara had to keep trying and pressed more, mentally willing entry…[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]The edges of her sight blurred and she felt a fade, a small space that seethed with dark current.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]The clash of lightsabers were heard….screams…[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]...It came in an instant, and she snapped back to reality in the next.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Her stomach flopped and twisted, her eyes darted to catch the end of Baiko apologizing. Brows scrunched together, not quite sure what happened. Her body shifted and she held up a hand.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]“You’re not to blame, Lady [/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]Baiko.[/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]” [/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]she said the words as much for the other woman as she did for herself, trying to ignore the pang of guilt listing through her.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]A feeling she could not allow. Not in this moment, not right now. She needed answers to whatever the Force was trying to show her, she needed to stay composed, she needed to break through to Adara, she needed to not let the facade of calm crack, and occupy the place of peace in adversity.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]No, she could not feel guilt.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]There is no emotion, there is peace.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Fear, nor guilt would not be allowed to dictate her, and subtle determination settled around her slim shoulders.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]With Adara still in her arms, Chiara ran to the wall on the far side of the room to a computer bank and tapped on the console which lit up. Fingers quickly moved across the screen, claxons around the city were going off already, but this alert was directed to the Abaresh Temple, to her son-in-law [member="Yuca Najwa-Keth"], and [member="Hajrah Marjanah"]. To those who were not with Manu and could yet fight the threat against their home.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]She swiveled around on her heels and tipped her head towards the door, [/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]“There are ruins we can head to on the east side of the city in the desert, they’re not far, let’s go!” [/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]She pressed the Force into her legs and propelled herself to run.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Everything was about to unfold in a single moment.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]A moment that would change the fates for many on Sabarene this day.[/SIZE]

[member="Baiko no Kaho"], [member="Darth Carnifex"], [member="Beth Australis-Mantis"], [member="Adara Raxis"]

 

[Darth Carnifex]

"The landing will be contested, your Excellency. They know we're here."

When the Behemoth emerged above Sabarene and decimated two of the defense ships in orbit, the warning had been sounded that the Emperor of the Sith had come to their quaint backwater world. Anti-air flak blossomed all around the shuttle, some even coming so close as to dance across the shields as the ship strafed back and forth to weave through the intermittent explosions. Some ships had even tried to intercept the shuttle as it descended through the clouds, but the Crestfallen II was a ship designed to muscle its way through heavily contested airspace and was equipped with a myriad of countermeasures that sent those offending ships spiraling down to the hard earth below.

"Good, let them know. May they choke on their fear as they realize that the Dark Side cannot be stymied, it can only be endured."

The Emperor had no quarrel with the inhabitants of this world, they were inconsequential and were unlikely to know just who their superiors had in their clutches. Even then, if they knew of what was to be done with the child born of the Dark Side, would they have objected? More than likely they would have demanded the child's body, broken and bloodied, to be strung up from some street lamp merely for its existence. The thought brought newfound anger rushing back into his veins, his disdain for the ignorant sometimes greater than his disdain for the Light Side of the Force.

Buzzing over the city's buildings, the Crestfallen II found a stable patch of ground beneath it and began landing procedure. Several local militiamen attempted to rally and cut down whoever exited the shuttle, but as the ramp lowered and a dark figure appeared from the hold they found that their fingers would not respond to their commands, nor would their arms or legs as they stood there, immobile and vulnerable. The dark figure walked slowly, menacingly as the Dark Side swelled around him like a raging tempest of hate, anger, and fear. A blade of sunfire ignited in his hand, and as he stalked among their ranks they fell one by one, bisected or impaled by his crackling hatred.

With the soldiers handily dispatched, the dark Emperor turned his attention towards Adara and began to encroach on her position.

[member="Baiko no Kaho"] | [member="Darth Prazutis"] | [member="Beth Australis-Mantis"] | [member="Adara Raxis"] | [member="Chiara Viren"] | [member="Yuca Najwa-Keth"] | [member="Hajrah Marjanah"]​

 

[Baiko no Kaho]

“Run. I will cover you.” The crush of the Dark Lord swelled around them, yet unto it Baiko allowed her strength in the graces of the White Current to flow.

She kept her hand on the pommel of her sword and nodded to [member="Chiara Viren"], jaw set in a grim line. Pulling the Force around her, Baiko bolted for the east, knowing full well any illusions she built could not include Adara.

[member="Adara Raxis"] called too loudly to the decrepit immortal. There was no illusion nor immersion in the White Current, which could hide one screaming to get out of it, calling for one who sensed much and dove down to the surface to obtain her. Adara was still screaming, fully terrified and wriggling without success against Chiara's hold.

The child was beside herself. ​

Yet, a curious happening overtook Baiko. Experiences, roads and paths throughout Abha blossomed in her mind. [member="Manu Xextos"] set his concentrating spirit upon his descendant, and allowed her the knowledge of location to find her way.

Perfect, unadulterated peace flowed through Baiko’s veins. ​

‘Fear not, I am with you. My lost daughter, you are now and forever home.’ The words of the All-Father, he from whom hundreds descended. The man who shared her own father’s face spoke in her mind with an ease of silk on easy flowing water. Adara’s screams no longer shook her, nor did the fate which awaited them linger heavy in her mind.

As Baiko and Chiara fled into the desert, the Fallanassi Master constructed a grand series of labyrinthine tunnels around them, to complicate and buy time as they ran.

Adara would not get left to the Dark in her spirit.

And there… ​

… he… ​

​

was.​

“I have not been watching over mother and daughter for decades to allow your putrid stench to take that which Aditya loved, xar’chath. Adara will never be your pawn! You are incapable of loving her! Yasha will never be your daughter! You've lost, Butcher-Prince.” Baiko swerved in the sand, skidding to a halt as vast shales of it whipped in the growing wind.

​

[member="Darth Carnifex"] [member="Darth Prazutis"] [member="Yuca Najwa-Keth"] [member="Chiara Viren"] [member="Beth Australis-Mantis"] [member="Hajrah Marjanah"]​

 

[Darth Carnifex]

Running only prolonged the inevitable.

The Dark Lord continued onward, unfettered by the illusions the Baiko woman conjured to slow his advance. He broke through them, one wall at a time, smashing them with the will that had subjugated millions and destroyed millions more. The Dark Side of the Force had made the Emperor of the Sith its avatar, the perfect embodiment of its wrath and of its boundless hatred, anger, fear, and all-consuming hunger. And as he drew closer to Adara, that young child which cried out to him for sanctuary, that power was magnified with each step. Darkness radiated out from him like an explosion, a mushroom cloud of negative emotions that collided with the small child and was, in turn, rebounded back and forth between the two of them.

A superconductive loop of darkness.

He used that link between them to zero in on those responsible for her suffering, like a bat using echolocation to find its prey. And soon enough he was upon them, smashing through the last barrier in an explosion of sand and earth as the Emperor trudged through the wastes to stand directly within their sight. "I've lost nothing but time, woman." He reached out, the curved hilt at his hip flying up into his outstretched palm as fingers curled around it and a blade of sunfire ignited into existence with a serpentine snap-hiss. The blade cast a macabre crimson glow on their surroundings, accenting the shadows of the Emperor's face as he drew the blade near and flourished it in a challenge.

"You, however, will lose everything. Hand over the child and your death will be dignified."

[member="Baiko no Kaho"] | [member="Darth Prazutis"] | [member="Beth Australis-Mantis"] | [member="Adara Raxis"] | [member="Chiara Viren"] | [member="Yuca Najwa-Keth"] | [member="Hajrah Marjanah"]​