End Game

[Judah Lesan]

Wild space, the home of legends. Something was out there, lost souls once feared by the galaxy. They had been forgotten, pushed aside, and now there were few who knew the stories. These legends had been forgotten by the galaxy at large, legends that used to strike fear into the hearts of every sentient being. They were legends that Vizios was about to discover for himself.

His ship came out of light speed and broke the atmosphere of the wild planet. The dark side was rich and called to him as Xander landed the vessel. The engines hummed to rest as the walk ramp descended. Booted feet clanked against the durasteel as the Sith took his first steps toward discovering the legends that birthed his current order.

Xander had a sense that he was being watched. There was a peculiar presence, but he continued forward. His mind was set on the temple. Once he could find it, he would expand his army. The sights and smells were different than anything Xander had seen, but the sounds of footsteps were familiar.

Three individuals stopped around him. Stones flew his way which were deflected with a flick of wrist. The snap hiss of his lightsaber announced the death sentence which fell upon the men who attacked without a greeting. Xander was a stranger, but a powerful one. They could not have been allowed to live with how easily they underestimated him. The master moved on leaving their bodies behind. The temple drew him, but the presence he felt when he came off the ship was still lingering in the back of his thoughts.

The Sith Knight, dressed for the hunt, continued to where he felt the draw. There was so much dark energy that Xander was beginning to get lost in the feeling of power that he was drawing in. The lost Sith would be found, and Xander would find them.

He was not alone on this trip. His current lover, [member="Sitara Qin"] had joined him for this venture. It was one of discover, and freedom. The two wished him to be free of the past which held him captive, a journey which was near to a close. His mind was set and focused. The path now clear, the two would make way for the temple which held the device he was seeking.

 

[Sitara Qin]

Their journey was a long one; but it all lead to this lonely planet in wild space. The history books were outdated, and even Xander couldn’t fully tell her what to expect. It would be an adventure for the both of them, and hopefully Xander would be liberated by the end of their quest.

She wasn’t sure what her role was here, though she knew she needed to provide Xander some emotional support. She’d be there to fight with him, to lay with him, to hold his hand through everything. However, what would happen after this scared her. What if the amulet just couldn’t be destroyed?

What if Xander was stuck with it forever?

The people who had stopped them were hostile; though Xander fended them off easily. It seemed to her that she was useless here, helpless. Perhaps, she couldn’t provide as much support as he needed her to give. She leaned up to him to give him a kiss, her hands gripping his biceps tightly.

They would be moving towards a temple; one that possibly contained all the answers they needed. She was scared, though excited at the same time. Her suede boots scraped the ground as they moved and she held on to his hand tightly. Her other hand found themselves holding the holstered lightsaber.

“Are you ready, Xander?” Sitara asked him, leaning against him.

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

"As ready as I will be," he answered sensing her concerns.

They were the same concerns Xander had as well. This could be his end, it could change him. There was also the very real possibility that it didn't work. If this didn't work, Xander knew he couldn't ask Sitara to stay connected to him as a lover. He couldn't really ask that of anyone as they would be in danger of whatever that nightmarish vision of his was. Perhaps that's why he had just killed those men without leaving any for Sitara to deal with. She would get her fill though. Xander was going to need her to protect him as he dealt with the amulet itself. He was about to engage in something dangerous. Unbinding a spirit from an amulet was tricky work, and certainly not safe.

Her kiss had stopped his pacing, and calmed his rapidly beating heart. How he wished he was the one keeping her steady, but instead it was him for her. There was nothing he could do or say right now that would make everything okay, but he still tried. As much as what he was about to say could very well be a lie, he said it anyway.

"Everything is going to be alright, you'll see."

There it was, the gentle reassurance that when all this was done, Xanders past would be just that, the past. He gave her hand a squeeze before letting it leave his bare bicep. Pressing forward, his mind set into a determined state as the temple they sought would soon be coming into view. From there they'd have to deal with whatever ancient traps awaited them. Xander knew this would not be easy.

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

His words were reassuring, and for once she felt as though this whole thing was going to go smoothly. She smiled as she stared at the path ahead of them. Though they hadn’t even stepped through the booby traps or destroyed the amulet yet, she was already exhausted. It was tiring keeping up with so many adventures.

Xander’s small bit of reassurance helped her decide that he needed her to be there right now. She was as scared as he is. This was all greater than her, this was more excitement than she thought she’d be getting. Xander was definitely something otherworldly. She was just a small city girl who wanted some fun.

“After you.” Sitara said, gesturing to the path ahead of them.

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

Xander saw the temple, and felt a knot form in his stomach. The closer they got, the more nervous he became. It was okay though. This was a major step toward a free future, he'd be worried to not feel nervous. Stone steps led to the heavy doors of the temple, and so far the temple seemed unguarded. That was either because it wasn't, or the locals weren't foolish enough to venture into the building. Likely both, but they would see soon enough. Xander was determined to press forward.

"You didn't have to come for this," Xander finally said, sensing from Sitara the conflict about why she was there. "I really don't know what's going to happen when I do this. I just know this is my chance to be free of the nightmare, the one that keeps me held back."

It was true. Xander was held back in regards to many things by the nightmare which haunted him. This "baggage" as Sitara called him got in the way of great many things, and one of those was with him. Whatever relationship he had with Sitara, be it her casual lover, or someone she could see herself with, nothing would progress with the baggage looming about the ancient Sith. How could he not seem otherworldly? Xander really was being 800 years removed from his time. Nothing was the same anymore. The man was adjusting to life in this time, but he wanted the nightmare gone. If it could be removed then he would see it done. Xander could never truly be close to anyone without it.

"Well here goes nothing," he said pushing his way into the temple.

The door creaked, and his steps echoed against the empty walls. There was no sneaking about. If there was someone or something in the temple, their steps had just announced their arrival. Stretching out with the force, Xander felt nothing, but that wasn't a guarantee they were alone in the building. Xander kept his guard up as he pressed deeper into the main chamber, with his Sith lover following close behind.

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

Despite all the weight he was carrying, he was a good man. Arguably a better person than she was. She smiled, recalling some of their fondest memories. Like when he started threatening her for teasing him. She wanted to snicker. God. How long ago was that? Like a month? Xander had a funny way of expressing his emotions; it was good to know that at least now, they could be honest with each other.

It was the right thing to do after all, be honest.

“I won’t lie to you Xander,” She looked at him, her dark eyes staring into his. She wasn’t smiling either, and heck, she was worried as hell. “But hey, I care about you. A lot.” That was the only L word from her he was getting today. She adored him, but she wasn’t sure about the extent of her feelings. “I’ll be with you through whatever you’re going through. I’ll protect you no matter what.”

She followed him into the temple. She could sense something. Perhaps it was because she was honestly scared, and nothing really scared her. Was it because she felt like she was going to lose him to this? Even the possibility of it wasn’t exactly what she’d call inviting.

“I have your back.” She said, her fingers finding her saber.

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

The thing about a concentration of dark side energy was the creatures it attracted. Xander was glad to know Sitara had his back. He was also pleased to know she would see the amulet destroyed which was around his neck. Certainly this would not kill. Were it done right he knew this to be true. However, he did expect to become severly weakened by the process. Sitara would then be faced with a choice. Would she strike him down in that moment, and assume the mantle Xander carried, or would she protect him. Sitara was not the only one who walked into this with uncertainties.

He kissed her, wanting to taste lips, but also wanting to reassure her that they were together, and that together they were strong. He did not mind she could only express care for him. Neither one of them had sorted their true feeling for the other. They knew the potential for a deep connection existed, but would it lead them to a love that would keep them together? Time would only tell, and this, what Xander was doing, would buy them the time they needed, and allow Sitara to know the man who did not carry such a huge weight around his neck. It was a milestone more than it was a jewel.

"Come... I can hear the creatures in here. We must not stay here long, and keep your eye out for hssiss. The dark side has a way of attracting them, or making them, regardless of what planet it can be found. According to the map, the chamber is just ahead and to the left. We will bar the doors once we arrive. I do not know how long this is supposed to take."

Xander moved them along. Aside from the scurrying he could hear, the temple was quiet. Thus far their steps were unchallenged. Xander could only hope this would remain the case.

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

It was a kiss of reassurance—for both her and the man by her side. He understood her fears of being weighted, of being tied down to things she couldn’t even begin to understand. There was too much chaos that swam ahead of them; the waves of burden wishing to drown them. But Xander was strong, if Sitara allowed herself only to trust him further, she knew that together they could destroy the destructive fate that bound him. She brushed her thumb against the cold amulet, a chill rushing down her spine.

“The duration of our stay wouldn’t matter.” She gave him a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. ‘I’ll be here for you. Thick or thin.’ She passed the thought through his mind, there was a connection between them, and she begged for him to let her in, to allow her to breathe in the comforts of his warmth. “And don’t you worry your pretty little tush,” She joked. When was the last time she was playful with him? This whole thing probably really freaked her out. “I’ll protect you, baby.”

She wrinkled her nose and then gave him the sweetest of smiles. She was alert. Even the tiniest of scurries could lead to the most dangerous of creatures. Her hand was on her lightsaber, ready to snap to life at any time. As they moved closer and closer towards the temple, she could feel tiny little goosebumps form on her arms. With every step that they took towards the door, Sitara’s heartbeat grew louder.

She pushed the door open, and before they slipped inside, she turned to the handsome yet burdened man. Her lips would utter the three little words he's answered before. “Are you ready?” To let go, to fight, to move on?

...To be free?

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

It was an oxymoron to tell her to keep an eye out for hssiss as they hunted in pairs. One was seen while the second remained invisible. It wasn't that she didn't know better, he was trying to make light of the situation with certain irony. In a way they were like the hssiss that could be lurking about. They were best together. Sure they were strong apart, but it was when they were together Xander felt the strongest. So why had he held her at arms length, because of the danger he wore around his neck. Xander nodded to her question. He was ready to be free, so that there would be nothing keeping her from being able to traverse as deep as she wanted to go.

"To have this done, for the future, for you, for us... for whatever will happen when this is over, yes."

When the entered the chamber, Xander closed the door with a wave of his hand. The heavy stone doors slammed closed with a loud, ominous bang preceded by a scrapping sound as they dragged across the floor. The device was in front of him. It would separate the spirit from the jewel, and Xander would have to battle the spirit. He was ready for that part. Was he strong enough? That was the question, but Sitara was there as well. She was lightning in a bottle, and he knew she would intervene if it meant keeping Xander alive.

The two were closed with their feelings, and yet, they knew the truth. While on Ec Pand they had shared with each other the scary realization that they had the capacity to fall for the other. Had they? Xander wasn't certain, but he knew it was possible, and would be more so once he was free.

A silver chain was loosed from his neck, and the violet jewel placed on the stone slab. Xander moved the focusing lenses in place, and once he was ready, he activated the device. It was only a matter of time before the spirit would reveal itself to him.

"Today, Sitara, I will be rid of this thing once and for all. I will be free to be whatever it is you wish of me to become."

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

He bolted the door shut and Sitara kept herself on guard. She had to stay alert. While Xander was facing his demons, Sitara was facing whatever wanted entrance to this place. She imagined the amulet to emit such a large dark sided aura that plenty of those slimy lizard creatures would be clawing down the door any moment. “I’ll always be right behind you, sweetheart.” She said, her eyes lingering on the small of his back and moved down towards his butt. What? She wasn’t allowed to be perverted with her own partner?

She grinned. Okay. So this wasn’t so bad. It was all going to be over soon. Nothing really bad was going to happen. They were going to end up kissing and making love by the end of the night. And well, after this she could choose to leave him or stay with them till something terrible actually broke them apart. She had her clauses though, and he certainly had his. The lightsaber snapped to life in her hand as Xander removed the amulet from his neck and set it down onto the stone slab. She watched him, circling him and keeping her distance from the gem.

No doubt something was going to be released from it. Whether it was going to be an actual spirit or the essence of one, she certainly wasn’t sure. “I want you regardless of the things that tied you back.” She breathed out, her eyes moving from the dark amulet to him. She was ready to attack anything that hunted them, especially since one of the hssiss was hiding.

“And as long as you’re good to me,” She smiled, softening her posture. “I will want you once this whole thing is over.” And that was the truth. She longed for his kiss and his warm caress. Hell, she’d fight the beast in the amulet if it meant he’d be okay after. There was a strange scratching sound in the walls. She alerted herself, her ears trying to find out where it was coming from.

Xander only had to worry about himself, Sitara would take care of the rest.

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

Xander nodded. "I know," he said responding to what she had just spoken. It was the truth they both knew. Regardless of what happened, they wanted eachother, and not even this thing was going to get in their way. Xander gave a small smile as Sitara ignited her saber. The scratching could be heard, so Xander took that as his signal to activate the device.

A beam of dark light shot into the jewel. Xander could feel the dark energy which flooded into the amulet. At first it seemed to do nothing, but not long into the process an image began to form in the room with a loud angry yell. The spirit before him was young looking. That surprised him. His youth was something Xander had not accounted for in the story. The lovers had not been old lovers trying to cheat death, but young lovers looking for a way to never lose what they had.

"You fool! What have you done!?" The spirit neared him. "So many times you've been close to giving us what we want, and every time you fail. Certainly had you given us her," a finger pointed to Sitara, "We could have had what we wanted!"

Xander shook his head.

"At what cost? The visions I have of what will become of myself, of any lover I take, because of you is not a price I am willing to pay. Your greed is not mine to carry, your goals have never been mine. You've exerted your control over my life long enough."

Tendrils of lightning shot out from Xander's fingers as he stretched his arms out toward the spirit. It could not counter him because the device weakened him, as well as gave him certain properties that would allow physical attacks to work. I'm essence, Xander had the ability to kill this thing. The confrontation created a thick field of dark energy as the spirit launched back with his own lightning. They were locked in a battle, and it was attracting unwelcomed guests.

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

“Come out come out wherever you are.”

Sitara’s saber was a beacon of dark energy. Flashes of lightning zapped through it, making it seem like one giant taser. She moved around, taunting the creature to emerge from its hiding place. ‘Come out you filthy freaking lizard. Come and play with me.’ The thoughts were channeled throughout the room, whispering towards anyone who was willing to listen. If this creature loved dark energy so much, it would listen.

She spotted it. Two beady eyes eyeing her from the darkness. She gritted her teeth, trying to stop eavesdropping on the fight that was about to start in the background. Xander had his own demons to face and she shouldn’t be focusing on a battle that wasn’t hers. Even if the stupid spirit implied that she was sacrificial goods. She gripped her saber tightly as the hssiss began to ready itself to pounce at her.

She channelled her own lightning. She was much stronger now since she first saw Xander. She started to train and develop her abilities. The lightning moved from her fingers, dancing with some kind of electrical cackled and jumped towards the hssiss’ hiding place. It illuminated it, and since it was drawn to it, it was hard for it to bounce away. Instead, this was the first strike.

The hssiss charged with a fury, and Sitara moved to catch it with her blade. It yelped as it burned, however, it was still eager to feed off of her and Xander. “You aren’t going to go near him.”

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

Xander could hear the hssiss as Sitara sliced it with her blade. She would kill it, of this Xander had no doubt. His own mind was able to focus on the battle with the spirit. Lightning continued to clash, until Xander realized he was at a stalemate with this route. A force barrier was pulled up and his lightsaber drawn. Once the blade was fully engaged, Xander dropped he shield and absorbed the lightning with his blade. The spirit cackled as he moved toward Xander.

"Your efforts are futile. You cannot expect to defeat me."

"That's where you are mistaken. Look around you. This is Kesh, and the chamber where you forged this amulet, and imbued it with your essence. I've already activated the process. You cannot stop it. Separating the two amulets kept you from seeping into me, and you have already lost.

With a forceful step forward, Xander stabbed the spirit through the chest. The properties of the device made the spirit feel the attack as if it had been real. The room started to shake as the device was now at full power. A loud scream echoed in the chamber as the spirit began to fade into nothing. This only served to attract more hssiss, to which Xander now joined Sitara. He looked at her, fatigued, but ready to fight.

"Shall we?"

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

The hssiss dropped dead beside her feet, and she stabbed it once more for good measure. She could feel dark energy blazing in the background behind her. Lightning was crackling, and more of the slimy lizard beasts began to pound on the door. Some found their way inside through hidden openings in the walls, and Sitara felt outnumbered. However, she couldn’t risk Xander’s safety.

She generated some of her own lightning, shocking the lizards that tried to move towards him. ‘Hurry Xander.’ She pleaded, as the hssiss began to swarm over her, taunting her with their ugly faces. She gritted her teeth, striking at them with her saber.

It was then that Xander joined her, he was tired, she could tell. She was glad to have him by her side, nonetheless. “Yes. We shall.” She nodded, smiling. She could tell he was happy to be done with everything that held him back, but first, they had to get out of here unscathed.

She launched a ring of fire around them, serving as a defensive barrier from the lizards. “It’s time to play.”

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

The ring of fire gave Xander an idea. He smirked, it was tired looking but playful. Reaching of with the force, Xander called on the dance his master had taught him with the wind. Forming a whirlwind, Xander carried the fire around to the lizards and ignited them.

"Zap them!"

Xander unleashed his own lightning as he had instructed Sitara to do the same. The plan was to burn the lizards to a crisp, and get out of the temple. As the Lightning went from his fingers, Xander noticed his abilities were draining. This was unexpected, but he was feeling something tear from his spirit. He knew what it was. Somehow the spirit had been attaching himself to Xander despite the fact the other amulet was far from him. Soon Xanders Lightning fizzled.

He called his lightsaber with what power he had remaining and finished off the lizards in front of him. He stabbed each in the eye, and decapitated the other. Sitara would have three more to deal with, as Xander nearly collapsed on the ground from exhaustion. His body was fatigued, and he could not connect to the dark side to keep going.

"Sitara, we need to leave... now... I'm in trouble if I stay here!"

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

She listened to his command and zapped them with her own lightning. They fried in the whirlwind and she felt that something was very off. Besides being extremely tired, she could feel his force signature weaken. Sitara bit her lips. Did this mean he was dying? No! He couldn’t. But something was fairly off. She felt hot tears forming in the corners of her eyes.

Stay focused.

She continued to zap the lizards as Xander stabbed them in the eye. Soon, she was left with three more to deal with, and she could feel Xander weak. She zapped the remaining three, paralyzing them. She then turned to her tired partner. She was panicking…and that didn’t happen too often. She helped him move. “C’mon, we’re going!” She said, as she helped him run to the entrance.

Ship. Where was his ship?

She moved, trying to avoid all the other creatures that wanted to come for them. As they reached the ship, Sitara was glad when the ramp was lowered and they began to climb up. “He needs a medic! Fast” She commanded.

What was wrong?

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

Xander was feeling helpless, and hi male ego suffered a bit as his lover had to help him back to the ship. She called for a medic, Xander waved it off. He was about to insist that he didn't need the medic, but collapsed to the floor. Naturally he was taken to the medical bay on the ship. It was small, but served to be fine for the small crew which handled the ship. As soon as he was secured, the ship took off. The Medic attending to Xander. After about thirty minutes, the medic left the room to find where Sitara was waiting.

"Nothing is wrong with him physically, or internally for all I can tell. He's simply over exhausted. Whatever it was you two did in there, whatever he did in there, it pushed his body near to the breaking point. A couple of days to relax is what he needs, and some good company to keep him from being the stubborn ass we all know he can be sometimes."

What the doctor could not speak to was the tearing which had happened inside Xander through the force. The act himself is what left him physically drained and the while the man would be okay, it had taken everything he could give in order to survive. Xander had fought off the spirit, and had done so with victory. It was what the Stih Code taught, through victory my chains are broken. It was the first phrase he had heard uttered from his master Darth Neferis, and finally Darth Vizios had a true appreciation for those words.

"He is awake again, if you want to go in and see him. If he wants to get up that's okay too, as long as he can hold his own weight. Normal activity as he seems to be able to handle, a lot of water, and make him eat."

With that the medic got out of the way, and let Sitara into the bay where Xander was resting. His coat and shirt had been removed as the medic had wanted them off to take his vitals and test his breathing. The man was fingering the jeweled necklace, a contemplative look on his face. Through the force, he could feel nothing as he once did, and it bothered him.

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

He was rushed to the medical area and Sitara sat in the waiting room. She didn’t want to seem too worried, she knew deep down that he’d be okay. She drew in a deep breath, impatiently waiting for the news. The medic came out the door and told her that he was merely exhausted, though Sitara knew that that wasn’t all there was to it. Something was wrong, but she wasn’t about to argue with a medic. She sighed, and nodded.

She waited a few more moments, before being told that she could go see him. She ran into the bay where Xander was resting before stopping by the door. She smiled, glad to see that he was awake. She couldn’t let him know that she was worried about him. That would’ve been majorly uncool. She grinned. “So, is my poor baby all better now?” She teased as she walked over towards him. She took a seat and began stroking his hair.

“I’m glad you’re okay.” She said, kissing his forehead gently. “You gave us all a scare.” She sighed, perhaps she should’ve brought him something to eat or drink. Could he have wine? That stuff should certainly at least make the mood all better, right?

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

"I'm alive and free of that thing," he said with a genuine smile. "though something is off. I cannot feel you in the force."

Xander was matter of fact about the news. He was neither sad about it, nor depressed. Just being free of the spirit had made him happy. His mind was simply distracted by the fact he was without the force. He had not been his entire life, and now that he was, something was missing. He knew what it was, but he also missed feeling the connection to his lover. It ran deep, despite whatever name they wanted to call their relationship by, the two had pressed deep into each other, and Xander missed feeling her presence, depsite the fact he could see her. At the same token, he expected it to recover, because he had managed to still harness the power to manage an escape with Sitara's help.

He would have moved to kiss her lips, but he enjoyed her tender caress of his long hair. His large hand reached for her free one, and he pulled it to his mouth to kiss. His strength, physical strength, was already returning, and he was in the mood to get out of the bed as soon as he could manage to sit upright on his own. He had eaves dropped on what the medi was saying to the nurse just outside the door after Sitara's arrival.

"Whatever it is will pass though. I'm already gaining my muscle strength back. Just a side effect of whatever happened. One thing is certain. The spirit is definitely gone, and I lived through it, and now you have me. It is just as you said before we even stepped into the building."

Xander looked around the medbay. He was thirsty, and ready to get out of the bay regardless. He pushed himsel up in the bed, and stopped long enough to give Sitara a proper kiss, long and slow, yet burning with passion and desire.

"Is there any wine? We must celebrate!"

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

Something is off: I cannot feel you in the force.

That sounded like torture. Sitara knew what he meant; his force abilities were dormant now. Her heart sank and her body cringed. What would life be like without being able to access your force powers? How would he ever recover and learn how to wield its beautiful power again. She gripped his hand, the one that guided her fingers to his lips. She sighed and gave him another kiss on the forehead.

“I’m just happy you’re okay.”

She said, trying to hold back tears. He pushed himself up, and gave her a long, passionate kiss. She sighed and wrapped her arms around him. She cared…deeply for him, and the thought of losing him gave her quite a scare. She feared this new emotion; it was something she hadn’t ever felt before. She pulled away from him just enough for her to wipe away the slowly forming tears.

“I hate you. You scared me.”

She growled, hitting his shoulder playfully. “And yes, yes there’s wine you big dummy. There’s always wine.”

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |