Curtain Call

[Seto du Couteau]

Seto Du Couteau Former Knight of Ren
Planet: Jandur, Edge of First Order Territory
Location: Outside Family Cabin

​

Wearing a weak smile, his fingers traced an outline of his own name on the window, the cold allowed such ability and provided distraction for the young Du Couteau heir. His cape rather larger and thicker provided warmth much needed as Seto waited for his transport off planet. The lull in his travel offered time, until the following morning, for some undesired self reflection.

The pessimist outlook warranted him to accept how life turned out for him, the galaxy had finally given Seto the last joke and he was the punch line. Seto on the other hand rationalized that he should laugh along with the galaxy, even if he was still the punch line.

Another Empire, another Order, and entropy continues regardless of our best attempts.

The air around him gave form to his breath as he walked away from the window. Blue eyes lingered on his handiwork, just as elegant when it was first taught to him. My tutors would be proud, his arms returned over his chest, his fingers glad to be beneath and away from the cold.

The snow had stopped falling, some early reports indicated that spring was approaching thus this would be the last season for the lovely ice to blanket the area. Snow continued to crunch underneath the young Du Couteau, his footsteps trailed behind him , he continued to explore the surrounding park with heavy heart and darkened thoughts of death.

Unlike Seto, the trees around him were laden with soft pure white snow, their branches had sprouted new leaves, no doubt ready for the incoming days of spring. Though for the moment, the trees had to contend themselves with another cold night and snow perched over their leaves and buds. "Maybe I should have asked for a retirement plan. . ." a small joke that held more venom than what Seto originally intended. I'm hardly one to be quick to anger, perhaps Seto hadn't accepted the galaxy's cruel joke and a small part of him remained resistant.

I should apologize.

[member="Kaiah Nihl"]
[member="Marriskcal Lati"]

 

[Marriskcal Lati]

Knight, Praetorian Guard
Equipment: Vibro-Arbir Blade & Lightsaber (Blue)
Location: Reserve, Jandur Surface
Objective: Confront Seto
With: [member="Kaiah Nihl"]
Hunting: [member="Seto Du Couteau"]

​

​

​

“Now and forever…” Marriskcal whispered to herself, her breath coming out in small clouds of white. Though the words were spoken in a gentle tone, they tasted like bitter ashes and vile poison on her tongue.

Again, she was being left behind.

First, it was Primat. Now it was Seto.

Was there something so deeply flawed with her that they both found it easy to abandon her? Was she unworthy of their barest considerations?

Now and forever.

Marriskcal had treasured these precious words once. Every time when she felt small, or felt discouraged, she had repeated them like a litany in her mind. Now? They burned like a brand.

Rare were the times where the blonde felt the all consuming touch of rage. It churned and swirled within her dark and viscous like pitch. It was hot and heavy and choked her every breath. And it felt as though a claw has pierced past skin and flesh, through organs and bones to grasp at her heart.

And beyond her fury were twin emotions of disappointment and betrayal. They were unfamiliar to the blonde, who has only ever lived a sheltered life. But even further than that, they made her vulnerable and fragile. And thus Marriskcal chose to embrace the fire and brimstone within.

Silently, and with only her prey in mind, the Hunter stalked through the winter wonderland that was Jandur. The stars shone bright overhead, illuminating the wakening trees and pristine snow in an eerie light. This was her dominion, for she was the one that lead the hunt within the Praetorian Guard. Her steps quiet and presence imperceptible, Marriskcal was in her element as she moved from shadow to shadow as she followed her bro– no, the traitor.

 

[Kaiah Nihl]

Kaiah Nihl, Disciple of Ren, Broken.
Equipment: Crimson Lightsaber.
Location: Snowfield, Jandur.
Objective: Confront Seto.
[member="Marriskcal Lati"] | [member="Seto Du Couteau"]

​

It is said that nothing is short of complicated in mess called the galaxy, but for a while her life was simple. She served her master, she crushed the enemy and she protected her friends. She had sacrificed much for a new life. Her family, her home, even her sanity. For a while, all that had seemed worth it.

That life seemed crystalline now, and she wondered why she was surprised that it had shattered. Betrayal was not an unfamiliar feeling for Kaiah, but it tasted more bitter than she remembered. Now everything was complicated again, and the new thoughts that surged through her mind seemed to be layered with doubt.

Did she ever truly know the man? She remembered he had white hair and an absurd fondness for expensive clothing. That he was always protective of the younger Ren and that he was a worthy ally on the battlefield. Such traits seemed like fallacies when attributed them to a man called traitor.

Her thoughts were oxymoronic, a slush of rubbish that swirled around her head. ‘Friend or foe?’ it whispered, but never answered. The thoughts burned through her mind and, to her horror, her powers had reacted. Her veins had risen to the surface, ashen black and speckled with glowing embers. Her breath did more than condense in the cold; wisps of smoke curled out from between her lips. She didn’t need a mirror to know her eyes where shining brightly orange.

She made her may through the snow, the white powder melting beneath her bare feet. Marriskal was nearby, she could feel her presence clearly in the force. Approaching from another direction, they both followed after the young Du Couteau, forming a loose triangle.

She didn’t know what she would do when the trinity eventually met. For now, it took all her effort to keep one foot in front of the other...

 

[Seto du Couteau]

Seto Du Couteau Former Knight of Ren
Planet: Jandur, Edge of First Order Territory
Location: Outside Family Cabin
[member="Kaiah Nihl"]
[member="Marriskcal Lati"]


The wind continued to bring chilled air, for even Seto shivered by the dropping temperature. His hands played along his sleeves, practiced motions of talented street magician. Now I can barely remember the last time I performed. Such was the cruelness of the galaxy to burden him with duties and loyalties, pledging service until his dying breath. Anger though began to grow, a cry made in the darkness of his mind, a warning rather to which Seto paused a moment.

His eyes glanced towards the snowy ground, the specks of ice layered the ground like alabaster cross the entirety of the land around Seto. His hands stretched outwards, the Force whispered to the snow and slowly whisked into the air with slight movements of his fingers. The focus now trained on the snow itself, an aspect of the Art of Small, the snow flakes willed into a lithe motion to form a creature. A bird, caught in flight with its wings extended and with a single motion of Seto's hand the snow bird faded as it slowly fell back to the ground.

Seto had company and for a brief moment he considered running The city is too far and I dare not ruin the cabin.The Order shared no desire to allow one of the chosen to merely leave with one's life, he had taken the oath and sworn fidelity after all. But Seto had not been true to himself that day, for it was fear that had motivated his actions, and yet this moment Seto felt nothing but regret.

I guess the Galaxy wants me to face the final curtain. The two Force presences drew closer and Seto felt his anger grow, the earlier cry of hatred grew into a large spark but for what he couldn't fathom a reason. Perhaps his anger with the Galaxy once again, but if such was the case why did he simply stand and his eyes fell towards himself and not up to the sky above him.

Seto sighed, hands falling to his sides, no calling to the Force nor any stance to either fight or defend. Seto awaited for Lord Sieger's retribution to be delivered. His smile feigned once more, his lips cracked into a wide grin, "If a man such as myself could be given the honor of a last request; allow my body to rest upon the snow here."

Whoever were sent to deliver his final judgment would see a large smile, eyes shut and his arms gestured for anyone to come forward. Yet, anger continued to grow and dangerously close to spill over, but as before Seto found himself unable to fight back or even yell at the galaxy for such a cruel joke given to him.

At least I can die knowing I was given a family once again. . . Seto had not wished for this, but he feared to have his new family torn away once again in front of him. When Lord Sieger cut down hundreds of Ren on the mere whim of finding them 'unworthy', how can I justify one life being less worthy than my own?

What if they had been Marr or Kaiah?

Seto told himself months ago that he would never join an Order to only hunt traitors and wrong thinkers, but to find a family and secure something for himself and them. And yet now, he found himself facing his death. "I know I'm being selfish, but if you may ask for one more request and pass these words down to Marriskcal and Kaiah; I was not the perfect brother, but I hoped I was good enough to earn your forgiveness for this final error."

 

[Marriskcal Lati]

Knight, Praetorian Guard
Equipment: Vibro-Arbir Blade & Lightsaber (Blue)
Location: Reserve, Jandur Surface
Objective: Incapacitate or kill Seto
With: [member="Kaiah Nihl"]
Hunting: [member="Seto Du Couteau"]

​

​

​

At his words, her wrath burned all the brighter.

Discarding all pretenses of stealth now that her presence has been perceived, Marriskcal stepped away from the embrace of shadows and on to the path, her military boots marring the snow as she came to a stop before the traitor.

A gust of wintry wind tousled her hair and tugged at the edges of her clothing, a understated combination of navy and ash that hinted at her haste in following after their former brother. Her fair features were set in an impassive mask, were it not for the subtle scowl that twisted the corners of her lips and her usually clear blue eyes gleaming with the desire to wreak violence. Now standing before the man she had claimed as family, Marriskcal finally allowed her firm reign over her presence to fall. Her aura surged and swelled, sharp and cold and unforgiving as it flowed around her.

It was clear that the blonde was not here to greet Seto as a loving sister, but as his executioner.

There would be no mercy from the Hunter.

“If only you thought about our feelings before you pursued this path,” she spoke, her voice taking on a clear imperial lilt in her ire. There were too many words she wanted to say to the other, and even more words that Marriskcal continued grasp blindly for. “But in the light of the relationship we once had, any last words you wish to convey to Kaiah will be delivered to her.” It was the first lie Marriskcal has ever told Seto, meant to unbalance the other when her sister finally revealed herself.

By his leaving, the former Ren had hurt her deeply. For one who barely understood its vast spectrum and varied hues and allowed people into her heart easily, the wound in her heart was far more painful than any injury she had sustained thus far. And unlike a physical wound, an emotional wound was not something Marriskcal could heal with the Force.

In a fluid movement, the young woman unsheathed her twin arbir blades held them in each hand, its electro-plasma filament lighting up and glowing a menacing red.

“You should very well know what the consequences of betrayal are by now, Seto.”

 

[Kaiah Nihl]

Kaiah Nihl, Disciple of Ren, Broken.
Equipment: Crimson Lightsaber.
Location: Snowfield, Jandur.
Objective: Confront Seto.
[member="Marriskcal Lati"] | [member="Seto Du Couteau"]

​

It was hard to keep going. Forward was a future that she didn’t want, backwards was a past already obliterated. Around her, snow flurried like the static in her mind, but her feet kept her moving. If anything, her body would simply take her out of the inclement weather, but that way would take her past a man with hair as white as the snow.

The fire within her was rising. A small circle of snow had melted around her, and her feet touched wet gravel as she walked. Her skin had started to blister and crack; and while it did not hurt, she could see fiery rivulets running beneath.

Yet, as she stumbled out of the tree line and took in the scene, she felt an icy hand wrap around her. Within the forest, the wind knocked the snow from the branches but here the snow lay undisturbed. She saw them standing there, the traitor and executioner, frozen in a vivid tableau.

She moved forward, but fell, her legs weak. She lay in the snow, knowing that she must rise, but her legs wouldn’t obey her. ‘I must join them’ she thought. She needed to be there. But to help or hinder she knew not.

She knew she was sick. Her powers were wild at best, and her stressed out state was making them worse. The cool slush of snow helped, a little, but made it more difficult to stand.

“The one of white shows his true colours” she whispered into the soft powder, near delirious. “But is he deserving of the colour red? The colour of blood?”. She began to pull herself through the snow, slowly making her way towards the two.

She felt the heat rising through her neck, getting worse and worse as she drew closer. Wisps of flame touched her mind and for a moment she could see nothing, save a flickering orange light. Fearing what remained of her sanity was fleeting, she moved more quickly through the drifts.

 

[Seto du Couteau]

Seto Du Couteau Former Knight of Ren
Planet: Jandur, Edge of First Order Territory
Location: Outside Family Cabin
[member="Kaiah Nihl"]
[member="Marriskcal Lati"]

Smile, that was all he ever done, smile through both pain and anger for neither emotion offered much to the Du Couteau. His smile now though was broken, like glass, and perhaps for the first time in a long time Seto truly felt angry. He took a step backward, his body forced to acknowledge the pressure now exerted upon him. Knuckles turned white as his fists clenched tighter, nails dug deep into his palm and even as Seto felt the sting he merely stopped digging further.

"This Galaxy thinks nothing of me, it only laughs at my attempts to demand reasons for my fate." Seto angrily retorted, his cheeks felt a stream of heat that had been occupied by the cold air around them. I did think of your feelings! I never wanted this! This Galaxy continues to betray me!

The price of betrayal? Seto wanted to scream, his whole body ached with the urge to call upon the Force this moment and tear this world a sunder. He turned his attention to the second presence. Kaiah, this Galaxy, the utter contempt this galaxy has for me. The memory of that fateful night flashed before him, the lights of sirens and the look that the adults gave him when they informed him of his parent's death. Her physical glow mirrored the glow of anger within Seto.

"Price of betrayal?" A laugh, broken and sadden it sounded followed, "-This galaxy betrayed me and I-" His eyes darted towards Marr and to Kaiah. The anger and hurt in both of their eyes, the confusion of the situation and here stood Seto. I am- I am. . .His hands relaxed and his knuckles returned to their normal color, his next breath relaxed his shoulders and the third had him step forward instead of backwards.

The galaxy didn't betray them, "-I betrayed you both." Seto admitted, he hurt them. He left them, and it was he that broke his own promise. Seto continued to step closer to the two, his head hung low with the realization of his fault. My anger was towards myself, this Galaxy did nothing to lead me to this place. I'm my own joke, a joke to myself.

"My mother would read me tales of brave knights, heroes, and often in these fairy tales they would sacrifice themselves to save their kingdom. Everyone would cheer and live happily; forever grateful to their knight, but-" Seto paused, his eyes softened as the last of his anger left, "-the knight would never know if his sacrifice would ever save the kingdom, he would never be a hundred percent certain if his sacrifice truly saved everyone." Seto sighed as he gestured towards himself.

"I am no knight, but I have his faith. Faith in the two of you, Marr and Kaiah." Seto finished, his smile grew and his eyes held hope for the two. Lord Sieger should be proud to have them both. . .

Seto slowly lifted his head up to meet the eyes of both of his Sisters, "If this shall be our final meeting," Seto paused, his hands slowly wiped away his tear stained cheeks, his smile slowly returning to his most genuine self. "-Let your final memory of me be smiling to the both of you." I love you both, Kaiah and Marr.

Marr's blades hummed its deadly song, his life now could be counted with seconds.

 

[Marriskcal Lati]

Knight, Praetorian Guard
Equipment: Vibro-Arbir Blade & Lightsaber (Blue)
Location: Reserve, Jandur Surface
Objective: Incapacitate or kill Seto
With: [member="Kaiah Nihl"]
Hunting: [member="Seto Du Couteau"]

​

It was the first time that the young woman has seen past the cracks in the veneer that Seto has so carefully crafted for them. Perhaps if it has been mere hours ago, Marriskcal would have been moved by his pain and would have sought to calm him and even given him succour. But with the wound in her heart still torn and bleeding and her mind determined to see him as an oathbreaker, she was walking down the path of no return.

His shattered smile and embittered words brought no joy to the blonde, nor did it hurt her to know of the turmoil he felt. Lost in her own sea and storm, Marriskcal refused to allow this traitor to any further influence over her person. Because standing before her with rage in his eyes and glass for his soul was a stranger dressed in the corpse of her former brother. And it would be a favour to them all for her to remove his existence from this galaxy.

Standing there, the carefully cold and impassive mien she wore only gained a faintest amount of concern when Kaiah made her way out of the trees to join them. Though her sister was weakened and her body further burdened by the betrayal of one they cared for, the Praetorian could not afford to allow her focus to be diverted. It was becoming exceeding clear to Marriskcal, however, that her Nagai sister needed treatment. Perhaps she had been wrong to allow Kaiah to join her, if this revelation has only further burdened her wellbeing.

But it was a little too late for regrets.

All she could do now is to silence him before Kaiah further deteriorated.

Are you sure it is only Kaiah you are worried for?

Are you afraid, Marr? Are you so afraid that you will allow the remnants of your affection to cloud your sense of duty that you want to silence him before his words took hold of your heart once more?

She once believed in the stories of far away lands, of Knights and Princesses, and of happily ever after. But after all this? They were all lies, spun and told to allow people to hold false hope. Even then, a small part deep within her wanted to believe.

It made the betrayal by Seto all the more harrowing. And his confession only made her heart bleed afresh. It hurt knowing she was foolish enough to allow him to get so close to her that the very knowledge of his abandonment was enough to break her. It hurt even more that she still loved him and still wanted to believe in him despite the corrosive anger that continued to burn. And even worse, Marriskcal knew that long after she had silenced him, she will continue to mourn and grief for him.

But such sentiments had no place here.

"Tales are for younglings who has not experienced the reality of our galaxy. Words are but lies weaved to ensnare and bind the foolish. If there is one thing that have been made clear to me by your act of betrayal, your words are empty and hollow, said only to satisfy your hubris." Her words gained a poisonous edge to them.

No more.

She will not listen to his sweet lies any longer.

The blonde lunged towards the former Ren, with a blade held high while the other was tucked close to her side. With the auspices of the Force and determination coursing through her veins, Marriskcal closed the distance between them swiftly. Lashing out with a leg on the snowy ground to slow her movement, her right arm curved inwards to strike at the defenseless male.

A swift death was the only mercy he would receive.

 

[Kaiah Nihl]

The Flame that Consumes All.
Equipment: Crimson Lightsaber.
Location: Snowfield, Jandur.
Objective: Save My Friends or Save Myself.
[member="Marriskcal Lati"] | [member="Seto Du Couteau"]

​

Her clothes and hair had caught fire now. The cracks in her skin had widened until great gouts of flames spewed forth from her skin. The flames had taken over her mind and incorporated into her very being. It whispered and crooned to her, promising that it would help her bring peace to the galaxy. After all, everything was the equal when it was ash. Together they would burn everything to end all conflict.

She was vaguely aware that she was standing, shuffling towards something. No, someone. “Help me understand what is wrong with me” she whispered. <Nothing is wrong> came a wordless reply. <This is a boon, not a burden. Let me show you>.

Memories, long since forgotten, rose to the forefront of her mind. She saw herself, deep within the Bluespire, confronting an ancient eldritch horror. The giant sinewy creature stalked forward, its pallid white hands reaching forward towards her. She backed up until she almost bumped into the artefact, the relic which she had sort. It spoke to her through her mind, promising to help her kill the creature; all she need do was pick it up. This obsidian orb scared her, somehow more than the creature but she took a gamble and grabbed the object.

<Yes, you remember> it whispered in her mind. “We killed it” she whispered. “But my mind was broken. It took the Supreme Leader to heal me” <Lies> it said, coming on strong now. <The one called Sieger Ren did nothing. It was I who healed you>. Kaiah froze. Sieger didn’t heal her? What did this mean about her oath of loyalty?

She shook the feeling off, she had more pressing matters to attend to. The return of her memories had brought clarity and a small measure of lucidity. This creature, whether an ancient aspect of evil or merely an animal, was desperate. It was a parasite or maybe a symbiote, and it needed a host.

It struggled against her as she pushed it down, reined it in. It had been feeding off her body for a while now, and had tried to take over, but now she was the master. It failed and tried to escape, but they were too closely entwined now. It a matter of seconds she had beaten it into submission.

She watched as the fires dancing along her arms died, her skin reforming. The orange haze that clouded her vision faded. She smiled, looking up at her friends, only to catch the glint of blade flashing through the air.

“NO!” she cried out, jumping forward to intercept the blade. The piece of metal embedded itself deep into her shoulder and remained stuck as she fell to the ground, screaming. The snow snuffled out the flames of her hair and clothes, thin wisps of smoke curled into the air.

“He need not die” Kaiah gasped. “Look, Seto is already gone. This is not that same Ren we knew”. The pain was excruciating. She had never realized how much she had relied on the demon within to dull her pain. “Striking this man will cut us deeper than it will him. Let him go, he will find a new life”.

She shuddered, the trickle of her blood staining the snow around a dark red.

 

[Seto du Couteau]

Seto Du Couteau Former Knight of Ren
Planet: Jandur, Edge of First Order Territory
Location: Outside Family Cabin
[member="Kaiah Nihl"]
[member="Marriskcal Lati"]

Eyes closed, his smile remained, even Seto felt the spite and anger within his sister's words. The biting edge directed at him, at his betrayal but most importantly it all centered squarely on his actions. There was no rebuttal to Marr's declaration, nor if Seto had time to conjure up a defense, he would not even speak against his sister. Yes, fairy tales are simply for children, but we were once children ourselves and the galaxy shouldn't be blamed for the reality others have created.

Seto choked down a bitter laugh, he couldn't believe himself, he had actually defended the cruel galaxy in his head. The end was approaching and the young Du Couteau hoped that none here would continue to suffer from his betrayal. Let's play among stars-

"No!"

Kaiah's shout brought Seto out of his stupor, blue eyes dripping with tears, he saw a flask of darkened skin and orange hair. The blade had not managed to pierce Seto, the intended target, rather his sister Kaiah had decided to stop his execution. For what reason? Seto did not know, the words Kaiah was speaking felt so far away and his mind had trouble taking in what had just happened in front of him.

His lips twitched and he mouthed the word 'what?' but no audible voice was offered, even as Kaiah fell to the ground in front of him. Her yells of pain were excruciating to here and Seto slowly dropped to his knees next to her. Old memories flooded into his body and his hands instinctively reached for the hilt of the weapon and removed the electro-plasma blade out of her shoulder.

Seto grasped his white cape with his free hand and with a single motion he tore a long piece with Marr's weapon before he stabbed the blade deep through the snow and into the earth below. The young Du Couteau remembered his old battlefield medicine, rather his body remembered and moved with purpose to help with Kaiah's wound and wrapping it with the bandage made from his clothing.

Kaiah's words slowly entered into Seto's mind, his eyes continued to blink to move the tears that have built up, his hands slowly wrapped the bandage with careful movements and with as much grace as he could muster. "I was afraid of the anguish that I would feel should I ever lose the two of you," Seto spoke softly, "-And here you are stopping a blade that could have ended your life instead of mine." Seto shook his head with utter disbelief.

For the moment Seto dared not to look up to face Marr's gaze, he wasn't sure if he was capable of meeting them ever again. Instead he dropped his arms to either side and simply knelt there next to Kaiah. His bandage slowly began to absorb the blood, and appeared stained like the snow below them, blood that should have been his own and not hers.

"Kaiah, Marr must fulfill her duty to Lord Sieger Ren, she has already lost a brother in me, please do not make her lose a sister as well." Seto spoke to Kaiah, his voice quivered but did not crack. "I cannot have his wrath fall to the both of you simply for my life." He added. Eyes danced across to the blade he had left struck in the ground, he knew where the blade would end up after this brief moment. Duty above all, Absolute Loyalty to the Supreme Leader.

And I done the unforgivable and questioned my allegiance.

 

[Marriskcal Lati]

Knight, Praetorian Guard
Equipment: Vibro-Arbir Blade & Lightsaber (Blue)
Location: Reserve, Jandur Surface
Objective: Unknown
With: [member="Kaiah Nihl"] | [member="Seto Du Couteau"]

​

When Kaiah appeared before her, bright and burning and with determination gleaming in her eyes, the blonde has already devoted herself to the path she has chosen.

The force behind her strike was such that even if she wanted to stop her blade from slashing down, it could only be diverted by another. And thus, it was with widened eyes and a scream bubbling from her throat that the first twin of her arbir blades cut into her sister.

As its wielder, the blonde knew how terrible a weapon it was that she wielded with such ferocity in the battlefield. Its electro-plasma filament served to sear and inflict as much pain as possible, giving her arbir twins the cutting edge of a lightsaber while sending a electricity to incapacitate. It was followed swiftly by the ruinous bite of vibroblade, to further allow its wielder to carve through most surface with deadly efficiency.

It was already traumatising enough for Marriskcal to learned that she has harmed someone she called a friend, even when they had started out on opposing ends. To have this happen to Kaiah, especially when she did not intend for it to hurt her…

Marriskcal froze, the hand that caused the grievous injury to her beloved sister trembling lightly as she lowered to her side, her fingers slowly curling into a tightly held fist. Her heart began to quicken, pounding hard and heavy against her ribcage even as her breaths became shallow, its beats filling her ears. Even as Kaiah pled for the clemency for the traitor, the blonde took an unsteady step away from the forms of her siblings, distraught at the scene unfolding before her.

It had taken first blood for her to realise something.

She had never wanted this.

While the Praetorian was prepared to slay any who betrayed the Order of Ren, she had never once found herself standing at a crossroad where the traitor was also someone she loved. While she had spoken with conviction back on the Bastion, it did not change that her heart still hurt from when their Lord and Master had given the order for the rest of their brethren to be culled. Even then, Marriskcal had thought that so long as the few she truly adored were spared and unharmed, she was willing to turn her back and ignore the slaughter of her other faceless siblings.

But now, standing here beneath the night skies of Jandur and looking at the liquid garnet that stained both snow and bandages, the flames of her wrath perished, leaving behind the ashes of anguish and regrets. With Kaiah’s truth seeping into her mind, and Seto’s own kindness despite her intent… Marriskcal shattered.

“I can’t–”

Her sense of duty warred with her love for her siblings.

She was raised to be loyal and true to the Supreme Leader and his ideals. All her life, she had only wanted to serve, and had devoted herself wholly to be his sword and shield. The realisation that she was unable to raise her hand for a second strike against her loved ones was a devastating revelation.

Because what did she have left, if she not could not even bring herself to carry out her Lord and Master’s justice?

“I can’t do it.” Despite feeling lost and adrift, her voice was clear as always. Her veneer was carefully neutral, despite the gleam of tears that made her eyes shine brighter than usual. Such composure was the least that expected of one who has ascended to be part of the Praetorian Guard.

The young woman did not know what to do anymore.

Her second twin blade slipped out of her hand, and disappeared amongst the snow.

“I will return and let him know of my failure. He does not need to know that Kaiah came with me.”

​

 

[Kaiah Nihl]

Kaiah Nihl.
Equipment: Crimson Lightsaber.
Location: Snowfield, Jandur.
[member="Marriskcal Lati"] | [member="Seto Du Couteau"]

Everything was in place, everything seemed correct. But her eyes betrayed her. Blood on snow, friends in anguish; how could this be right? But it did seem right, and for once she knew this was her own inner voice speaking and not the voice of the demon. Together, the three Ren had been chained down towards the depths; only their collective struggles kept them above the water. But now was a chance to break the chains.

“Listen” Kaiah said, here voice low but carrying authority. “There are some things in the universe that no one can control, not even Sieger Ren”. She exhaled and was pleased to see no wisps of smoke emerged. She was in control. “Search your feelings, this confrontation here is no coincidence”. She felt her hair, burned short from her fiery episode. The shortness was shocking, but the change felt good. “This is a breaking point, a fork in the road; and I have something to say”. She could feel the force flowing through the group, almost as clearly as she felt the wind through her hair. The air seemed to buzz with their collective presence.

“I had a demon controlling me” Kaiah continued, wrapping her arms around herself. “And I think Sieger knew. I was never one of the strongest Ren, yet I was spared during the cull. Sieger knew, I'm sure of it. He left me a slave to the fire”. Her shoulder was numb for now, but the true pain would set in soon.

She reached out and grabbed the hands of each Ren, pulling them down to sit in the snow with her. “The galaxy is changing and so we must change with it”. She turned to Marriskal and gripped her hand firmly. “A praetorian’s duty is to the Supreme Leader, but when you live by the command of one man, you are a tool. Tools are used, broken and discarded. You deserve more, Marr”.

She turned next to Seto, again squeezing his hand. “A traitor knows first-hand that the universe is not simple, but layered and complex. Your betrayal wounded us, Seto, but a bone that has set poorly must be rebroken before it heals properly”. She shivered. She called upon the demon, not as a demand but as a request. ‘You fear death creature’ she spoke mentally. ‘Work with me as a companion, together, and I promise you a place within”. The demon seemed to consider for a long while, although only seconds passed, before she felt a surge in power as a response.

She extended her thumbs and pushed down on the inner wrist of each Ren, digging into the skin. Her thumbs glowing, the pair would feel a hot sensation on the skin, almost painful. When she removed her hand, a small symbol blazing orange could be seen.

Spoiler

The symbol faded, leaving clear skin behind. The three Ren would find later that they could make the glyph reappear by rubbing a finger over the spot. “We may not be friends” she said, struggling as she moved to stand. “We may not be enemies, but we have earned the right to call each other family”. She stumbled away from the pair and stopped a few feet away. “Whatever you decide, my path is clear. I cannot remain here, and I cannot remain in the Order. The demon is quelled for now, but I must find the answers to its origins, lest it resurface and I burn to ash”.

 

[Seto du Couteau]

Seto Du Couteau Former Knight of Ren
Planet: Jandur, Edge of First Order Territory
Location: Outside Family Cabin
[member="Kaiah Nihl"]
[member="Marriskcal Lati"]

Seto paused, his eyes remained cast towards the ground, the snow patch white and pure as when it fell from the sky. His gaze slowly tracked the blood stained snow and his eyes shut tightly as he remained silent. If it weren't for the sheer fact that Seto felt the cold, he would have believed this was simply a nightmare. But I'm not, and you know that Du Couteau, this suffering you caused is real and your fault.

His eyes opened briefly as his sister Kaiah explained a bit more of herself to them, as all three them held no inclination to devoid the other of breath. Seto wished to be alone, Marr to run far away, and Kaiah wished for each of them to search. A demon, it all sounded too much of his childhood stories, but the singed edges and shorter hair than from what Seto remembered, it all only compounded that the fact was indeed real.

Real as the hand that grabbed his own, renewed warmth from Kaiah broke Seto's distant thoughts and anchored him back down to this moment of reality. Still he remained unwilling to meet either of his sister's eyes, he simply remained content to focus on their hands that Kaiah had brought together. Her words, though not meant to bite, bore into his head with the word 'betrayal' and such he winced but refrained from pulling his hand back.

The heal from his wrist grew, the press of Kaiah's thumb brought more heat and for a second Seto felt himself branded. But not like before. The thought vanished as quickly as the mark disappeared from sight, it's orange color and form remained in his mind for a moment longer. Seto finally broke away from his stalled form and stood straight up as Kaiah had done so.

Seto now raised his head, his eyes found Kaiah, clear blue eyes softened by emotions of both sadness and hopefulness. There were many words he wished to speak to his sister, a noble and graceful being that stood above Seto's own noble heritage. His lips twisted, nearly painful, but his smile returned and Seto nodded to Kaiah in silent agreement. But words are needed. . . "Let's have an apple again later Kaiah." Seto spoke, his voice returned.

The young Du Couteau dropped his gaze towards the ground once more, as it landed on the blade belonging to Marr, he took a deep breathe of cold air. His head cooled and his eyes dried of tears he looked up to see his sister Marr's face once more. He had broken many things in his life, but even Seto admitted what he had accomplished was the height of his idiocy. She doesn't need to see any more distraught.

Seto took a step closer to Marr, his hand outreached "-I owe you a lot." His smile grew slightly, but his assurance in his voice remained. While he could never make another promise to Marr without thinking of today, he could always repay his sister with anything in his power. Even my life if need be.

I'd crawl back to my Aunt and Uncle, begging for what it'll take to reclaim my title and inheritance that I had caste aside, like with my promise to Marr, and I'll make things right. Kaiah had a piece of his cape as a bandage, and all three of them held a mark to show their bond towards one another, Seto hardly believed in coincidence but all the same, he felt lucky to have met Marr and Kaiah.

 

[Marriskcal Lati]

Marriskcal Lati
Equipment: Vibro-Arbir Blade & Lightsaber (Blue)
Location: Reserve, Jandur Surface
Objective: Unknown
With: [member="Kaiah Nihl"] | [member="Seto Du Couteau"]

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The young woman took in a slow inhale of crisp air as Kaiah began to speak, the solemn shade to her voice and the weight of her words resonating loudly in the silence between them.

As she continued to listen to her sister, fissures began to appear in the absolute faith she held in her Lord and Master. And perhaps Marriskcal would have once argued in favour of the Supreme Leader to the bitter end, and denied what her sister was saying with great vehemence, but after the deaths of so many of their brethren...

While she despised even thinking about losing Kaiah, the blonde forced her mind to meander down the callous path of ruthless reasoning. The order for the culling came at a time where only the brightest were allowed to live and ascend. It also came at a time when her sister was already afflicted by the events of Spires of Hell, and only continued to deteriorate. Her next breath left Marriskcal in a low hiss as she gained clarity. If their Lord– Sieger Ren were looking merely for those with potential, an ailing Kaiah would have never made it past his scrutiny then.

The thought left her frozen and numb on the inside. Because Marriskcal had truly thought the Order of Ren as her family…

… They are all I have.

And to realise that the man whom she adored and trusted wholeheartedly, whom had allowed all of her brethren to think they were worth something, was nothing more than a deceiver…

Even then, Marriskcal still wanted to return to his side. She wanted everything to make sense again. She wanted herself to forget about Kaiah’s words so she could continue to live a lie.

It hurt.

The young woman allowed her sister to take hold of her hand, and when she felt the slight tug, Marriskcal fell to her knees, ignoring the sharp pain that jolted up her bones from her careless act. Because nothing would ever hurt more than the truth that Kaiah had made her see.

And her sister was right.

The blonde was nothing but a tool, a weapon and shield to be wielded. All her life, she had been carefully nurtured to be one. She was never allowed to leave the confines of the Academy until she was deemed old enough to step into battle. And when she did, she was always in the company of her brethren or loyal agents. It was only when Seto, then Kaiah entered her life with their own tales of the outside did Marriskcal began to see that life was not always about duty.

In an unconscious echo of Seto, the shattered young woman remained silent. While she would piece together the shards of her life sometime in the future, today was not the day. And though she may be filled with regrets and sorrow, Marriskcal knew she would stand back up one day. She was crafted and forged with care by the Supreme Leader to be a Praetorian Guard; to be resilient, to be resolute, to be resourceful.

If there was one lesson that has been beaten into her over and over again, it was that she was to survive. Her life belonged to Sieger Ren, and the only time she was allowed to die was when she sacrificed it in protection of her Master, or if he deemed it necessary for her life to end in order to further his own ends. With a fatalistic view of her own life expectancy, Marriskcal has never once feared death. It was with these thoughts that she wondered how she would face her future from this point onwards.

Because she was a tool without a hand to wield her.

A tool that did not have any place in the galaxy.

Perhaps she would wander the worlds like she often dreamed about.

Perhaps the other Guards will be sent to hunt and execute her.

Who knows?

After all, it was a question for tomorrow.

The burn of flames shifting beneath the skin was welcomed, for it distracted her from the dark mire of her shattered world. As the burnished orange of the glyph faded and Kaiah continued to speak once more, Marriskcal felt the faintest fluttering of hope.

Family…

She got back to her feet even as her sister stumbled away from them, touched that even after everything crumbled around them, she still wanted to claim them as family. Though it hurt that they were parting so soon, such was life. So that her Nagai sister would be able to journey on without worries, Marriskcal crafted a smile for her. “Don’t lose contact, Kaiah. And though we are apart, if you ever need help, don’t ever hesitate to reach out.”

Then, it was just her and Seto.

For a moment, the blonde was unsure of what to say, or even do in his presence. An apology was not enough to convey her regrets, so unlike the brave façade she had presented as a farewell for Kaiah, Marriskcal averted her eyes in shame when she saw him approaching her. It was only when his hand appeared before her lowered gaze and his gentle words that she dared to raise her head.

At the sight of the tentative smile and his bright eyes, the bottom of her lip quivered. She did not deserve Kaiah nor Seto, Marriskcal thought to herself, blinking back her tears even as she took the male hand into her own. “You don't owe me anything at all,” she spoke slowly, making sure her voice was steady and calm. “If it's anyone who owes anyone anything, I owe both Kaiah and yourself everything… brother.”

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