Falling Down

[Lief]

Her feet dragged along the rain soaked path.

In the distance a flash of light was met with the heavy rumble of thunder, causing her to wince. Weather was not something that was ever on her side, it seemed. Then again what did she expect from a world prone to violent storms?

Asha's arms tightened protectively around Azrael, holding the ball of fluff against her chest to shield him from the worst of what the world had to offer.

One step, then another.

Her pulse quickened, yet her breathing ceased to be. She could see it, even from here she could see the place of nightmares. Another flash lit up the sky, and with it the tavern. So simple looking, so plain and inconspicuous.

She could do this.

Three steps, four steps... Then Asha froze. Rooted in place. No life came from the inn, no lights, and the next flash in the sky revealed the distinct scorch which remained in the wake of a fire.

The place had been torched. But by who? Why?

Memories flooded her mind, of the men and women who had lain face down in pools of their own blood. Blood which seeped into every crevice. The child in the kitchens...

She fell to her knees, and Azrael managed to jump aside just in time to avoid her heaves.

She could not do this.

But she had to.

Wiping her face with the back of her hand, feeling the beading of cold sweat upon her brow, Asha gave herself a moment of respite as her whole body trembled.

Even the durasteel graveyard hadn't been quite so horrific. While there had been thousands upon thousands of bodies lining the ship, there had been no gore. No blood, no guts... Just dust, and bones.

Inside there though...

Some days she could see phantom blood on her hands from when he'd thrown her against the ground. No matter how hard she scrubbed, the signs of it would not disappear.

As if on cue, a dull ache throbbed along her spine, through the crisp white scars which lay there. Then to her palms, where further streaks of white remained. And finally her thigh. That brought tears to her eyes, and the skin had never fully healed around the burn.

Another heave.

Then she pushed herself back to her feet.

Five steps, six steps... And she turned to see the door. Boarded over, wanting to keep her out.

"I want to stay out here, too" she whispered, voice hoarse. Her face was as pale as the moon above, yet regardless Asha lifted both hands and began to tear away at the boards, revealing the door beneath. Her hands were sore, splintered, and somewhat bloody by the time she was finished.

No lightsabers, those had been lost on Vaal. Not that they'd be of much use here, after all they were only training blades. No Force... No, that had forsaken her.

Just her bare hands.

With a shudder and a sharp inhale, Asha pushed open the door and entered the room of her darkest fears with Azrael close at her heel.

[member="Sargon Vynea"]

 

[Sargon Vynea]

He'd left as quickly as he could, a few days had passed in truth, the groundbreaking had taken quite a lot of resources and he had to ensure everything was well in play before he could leave. His mind though was ill at ease knowing how badly torn up Asha was, and how quickly she'd run off. He didn't agree with Jericho, but he couldn't change the stubborn man's mind either. Once the dust had settled though he'd set out with Jyn in tow seeking out the lost soul. The Force had guided him as only it could, her signature as clear a beacon across the star, unique in every individual across the ages. Following though still took more time as she moved as she willed and the Force simply revealed only what it would, and he trusted in it.

Finally he caught her in a place of desolation, the dark side of the Force hung thick here. Memories etched on the very surface, pain and fear scared into them by force of will and terrible action. It was here though that he finally saw her as she ripped the boards from a door. Barely a step behind him trailed Jyn, his thoughts continually moving to her as he check to make sure she held herself in balance. She'd grown so strong, but this place was far from neutral. The dark side brought no real fear to Sargon though, he pitied it, the dark corruption that could taint a man's soul. The power and contest became an addiction, there was a mastery in the dark side of the Force, but the cost was deep. How much was anyone willing to give up for it? Of course it was barely them at that point, when cut from the dark side and sanity returned they ran from the darkness like a moth to the light.

Slowly he extended his mind out to her as he walked his conscious fully wrapped in the living Force warding his mind from the lingering feel of darkness. It was with this that he surrounded Asha as he walked behind her, into the burnt building. He said nothing at first, simply pushed the darkness away, the fear and pain. It would eat away like madness at any mind, and he had no doubt she'd come here for a reason. Something had happened here, and she was here for it. It wasn't simply the pull of such a strong sway of the Force, but more personal. Moving his consciousness against hers he opened himself to her. Her pain, the fear of this place, and the sorrow of her last meeting with her Father. In return he gave acceptance and warmth. He still didn't pry into her mind to see the truth lay bare before him, but instead offered out simple comfort.

[member="Asha Nyerie"]

 

[Lief]

Her gaze traveled across the room. First along the floorboards, then up along the wall which boasted the large hearth, and finally across to the bar. Both hand and back ached unbearably to the sight of it, but Asha simply sucked in a breath and took a few short steps inside.

The blackened floor no longer held any signs of blood, yet all the same her boots felt sticky and her feet too heavy to lift. She swallowed back the bile which rose, and wrapped her arms around herself.

She felt somewhat naked, the thin band of metal which rested around her throat yet remained hidden beneath her collar began to burn, and she felt certain that he knew she was there.

Asha choked on the breath she had been holding, and glanced around more intensely. Was he here now, watching her from the shadows? She could almost feel the dark tendrils wrap around her ankles, lash against her back, constrict around her throat.

Her breathing came fast and hard, and the young girl found herself set upon her knees. Her lungs burned.

She should not have come back here.

Looking up through blurry eyes, Asha could not keep herself from heaving one more time as the sight of several charred corpses greeted her. No, no, no... She scrambled back, until she struck something firm and unmoving.

Leaning there against the wall, she let her head find her hands and began to sob. Quietly, barely audible save for the occasional choked breath. Her shoulders shook, though.

She did not know that someone was here. She did not feel the warmth of a Forcly embrace. No, the nightmares had begun to take over. And not even the great [member="Sargon Vynea"] could snap her from them so easily.

 

[Sargon Vynea]

Even the peace of the Force was shaken in him for a moment as he touched the girl's mind. Flashes of visions and emotions running through her crashed against him, so entrenched in her nightmare that they radiated out from her. He knew the feel though, the dark side sought a hold on her soul. With a deep breath the Zabrak prepared himself as he sat down in the middle of the burnt out husk of a building. Closing his eyes he let the Force simply flow through him as he lost himself inside of it. Almost without thought he pulled Jyn in as well, a cocoon of peace that blocked out the rest of the world, and the darkness around them.

Steady inside that bubble he moved his mind against Asha's her mind's defenses near shredded by her own living nightmare. He saw as she did, felt as she did, and yet in the Force he simply saw and accepted. This was a thing of the past, and whatever had happened to Asha this is what it all centered around. It had the taint of darkness around it, or at least it's foundation, fear. No man or woman could live eternally in fear without simply giving into it or seeking power over it. The whole chain simply lead to one falling further and further into the power of the dark side, and he refused to simply watch that happen. His entire focus poured into her mind as he sought out the darkness within her, the great fear that feed it. Images flew by too fast to even process, emotions so strong he knew she'd suffered greatly during her disappearance, but still he pushed.

Finally deep inside where he knew he'd find it was the shell of Asha, the inner core locked away behind the pain simply trying to endure. It was this he surrounded with the light of the Force, it was here he drew his own consciousness and Jyn's behind him. Slowly he forced his mind into her own melding the two as he brought peace, and genuine care for the poor girl. As he found darkness he flooded it with the Light of the Force, and brought her mind through his to the center of his calmness, his peace. In any other circumstances he'd have considered it wrong to force his mind into another's like this, but he knew of no other way to reach her. Finally as all else was snuffed out he spoke in her mind. Breathe, Asha, and let the Force inside. Calm your mind and let me guide you, nothing will harm you this day.'

[member="Asha Nyerie"]

 

[Lief]

You can join me in the Valley, if you like, Ash. Though I understand if you're sick of the sight of Korriban... Your choice, but try not to go too far. You never know, you may yet develop the Hex curse where ships are concerned...

Her Father's words cut through her like thin shards of ice, carving into her flesh until the cold seeped into her core. She should have stayed with him, even though she had explored the tombs of the Sith Lords countless times. Why had she been so quick to leave his side in search of adventure?

Is that why he now hated her? Because she had vanished from Korriban, because she hadn't been able to message him? Did he believe she had intentionally forsaken him, and their relationship?

Asha sobbed against her hands, and hunched over where she sat.

"I didn't leave..." she whimpered, as though he could hear her. "I didn't mean to disappear... I couldn't help it..."

Had she caused it? Was it her doing? Her fingers knotted in her hair as she sucked in a breath. She had not intentionally flung herself into the path of some psychopathic Sith. Fleeing the storm was not a crime. And he hadn't exactly given her much of a choice in helping him, even at first. Nevermind by the end...

She shuddered, and pushed the memories right to the back of her mind. She would not give him the benefit of her thoughts.

Leaning her head back against the wall, she absentmindedly lowered a hand to settle over her thigh... Fingers tracing along the ugly burn which lay beneath the surface. She hated him. She hated both of them for what they had done. He had taken everything from her, but [member="Jericho"] hadn't even bothered to find her. To find out the truth.

He had simply cast her aside.

Slowly she exhaled, as her mind began to clear. Both of its own accord and, she came to realize, with the aid of another.

She was not alone.

Asha leapt to her feet, wincing as she landed on the bad leg, and backed up with a growl. Despite her suddenly heightened senses, the adrenaline which coursed through her left her a little foggy on the details of exactly who it was.

Maybe it had been him on Kalee, maybe the strange woman had been his watcher and he'd been waiting to strike. That thought made her sick to her stomach, and her knees weak, yet somehow she managed to remain standing.

"Enough of the mind games, you bastard" she said, trying to keep her voice strong though she hated herself for the slight tremor it held. "Show yourself, coward. Just try and take me back to that durasteel graveyard..."

Her lip pulled back in a very subtle snarl, fingers reaching down for weapons that were no longer present. To one side, however, Azrael padded... And while he picked up on Asha's paranoia and aggressive stance the kitten remained calm.

Which was odd. Usually he went straight to the defensive, even given his tiny stature.

[member="Sargon Vynea"]

 

[Sargon Vynea]

He didn't move a muscle, in fact he was barely aware of her posturing and readiness to attack him. He floated inside the Force, guided like a leaf upon the wind to where it needed his attention. He trusted it completely to show him what he needed to see to help her. He slowly forged a line between them, like links on a chain reinforcing each as he moved in deeper. Her pain as deep, an overwhelming sensation on multiple levels, and all around a fear so complete it ate at her every moment. He could feel her panic rising as he realized slowly she didn't know who he was so lost was she in her fear.

Letting the Force surround him he sent her the first message he thought she'd truly understand could only be from him, something he'd shown her all too long ago for her young mind. Pushing the outline of the galaxy into her mind he lit it with waves of light from the life of a thousand worlds. Slowly but surely he built each piece painstakingly as he remained so focused he simply lost all physical sensation, his body was in another world, all his mind and spirit existed here, in the Force. It was such a beautiful clarity he many times wondered if one time he'd simply let himself slip away into it, to be lost in the Force and his body left behind for the ages. There were tales of Jedi how could meditate for years, but how long would the Force sustain it?

Slipping around her mind he guided it into the river of the Force, almost pulling it as he bathed it in the light of the Force. Come, travel the stars, leave this place behind for the moment. Out into the galaxy his awareness soared, neither here nor there as he gave into the Force simply letting it guide him as it would.

[member="Asha Nyerie"]

 

[Lief]

Nothing. No response.

Was he taunting her? Leering from the shadows, watching her panic in the almost non-existent light of the room like a blinded critter who knew that they were about to fall prey to some great beast? Asha shuddered.

No, she would not allow it. She would not be tormented this way again.

Calm. She needed to calm herself. A slow intake of breath, and gentle push from the Force, and her mind began to clear. The haze which had formed over the passing minutes lifted, and she realized that the only darkness in the room was coming from herself. Her memories, her fears. Sure the room was eerie, but not innately evil. He wasn't here. She'd be able to sense him.

So if not him, then who?

The answer hit her all at once, in a moment of suspended brilliance that lit up her mind and left her in awe. A small breath was drawn, more akin to a gasp, and she felt her eyes well up uncontrollably.

Oh sweet mercy, she wasn't alone.

Her knees weakened, crumpling her to the ground as the Universe and her Mind became one. Sargon. Sargon was here... She hid her face in her hands as she sobbed her sweet relief. Not her Master, far from his horrors. Safety. Sargon meant safety.

"P-Please..." she whimpered as she soaked in all he had to show her, all she had been blessed with in that instance. "Please, don't go... Don't leave me."

[member="Sargon Vynea"]

 

[Sargon Vynea]

His heart was wretched by compassion and pity for the young woman before him as he reached out with his hands finally and pulled her into a gentle hug. Mentally he'd never moved from her mind as he held it within the light of the Force bathing them in it's warm comfort. Her relief left a pain inside of him, sorrow for having taken so long to get to her in the first place, sorrow for all the pain inside of her. He held her as a child looking back for a moment with a sad smile at his companion. "Fear not, child, you're safe now."

Lifting her up as he stood he carried her out towards his own ship, the cat just padding alongside them. They needed to talk, but first he felt it was best to get away from this place, this memory. Whatever happened here still lingered in the Force, the darkness of it fading, but still present. He numbed her mind with light and warmth as he walked, each step away leaving behind some of the darkness. What was inside of her could be dealt with in many ways, but some of it she would have to overcome herself, if not it would simply overcome her once more. Turning his eyes to Jyn he nodded towards the kitchen as they entered the kitchen. "Bit of food and tea I think, if you would please? Maybe a shot of ole Iridonian in the cup, might help."

Bringing the girl into her old room he lay her down and the watched as the cat jumped up next to her. "You're mother will want to see you while you're here, furball." With a small smile he turned back to Asha glad she'd had at least something to comfort her. "As for you, a bit of rest I think, no?"

[member="Asha Nyerie"]

 

[Lief]

She did not know when it was she had been removed from the tavern of nightmares.

The next time she opened her eyes there was a bunk above her and the soft patter of paws against her chest. Her breathing was remarkably steady, all things considered, though her head ached like nobody's business. She lifted a hand, curling her fingers into her hair, and winced at the dull pain which accompanied the splinters. Any other time she might have removed them and healed the skin over, but she didn't even care enough to try.

Instead she stared up and allowed her mind to become filled with cotton balls. No thoughts, no worries, just comfort and warmth and emptiness.

When Jyn entered with a tray in hand and several cups and plates, however, the clatter of the dishes drew her attention. The girl-on-fire was looking remarkably better, though the set of her jaw suggested that she was struggling to maintain that composure. Did she long to give in just as much as Asha did?

She tried to sit up, her head spun... But she used one hand firmly pressed against the bed to keep herself upright. A short breath, before the spinning stopped and she looked between the Zabrak and the woman. Relief washed over her. Contentment. This had been her home for a short while.

"Thank you..." she said as a piping hot mug was passed over to her, sipping at it and basking in the glow which radiated through her body afterwards. She didn't know what else to say. Her mind was numb, probably better that way. She just stared down into the swirling contents of the mug, and avoided looking at the plate of food which was now at her side. There was no way she could stomach that right now.

[member="Sargon Vynea"]

 

[Sargon Vynea]

With a soft smile tinged by sadness the Zabrak nodded, "Its good to see you, Asha, I only wish I'd found you sooner. You moved a bit faster then I could keep up with once I could start tracing you. Then again maybe the Force brought me to find you here for a reason, because it was here you needed to be found." Moving his eyes to the bottom of the bed he nodded to his cat as it found it's lost kitten and mewed at him. He almost made a small joke about family reunions but though better of it as he moved his eyes back to Asha.

"Well necessity dictates we talk, a nice long talk at that, but I think for the moment that's a bit much to ask of you. Instead let us relax for the day, and in the morning we'll discuss things, and if you're willing I'd like to help. For the moment though, how about we forget today and come back to it once it's not so raw?" Turning to the wall he turned on a large holodisplay, and activated a movie he'd had in. It was some Zabrak clan war movie, quite the long epic that involved a ton of betrayal, politics and fighting. All in all it was actually decently accurate was the worst part, Iridionian Zabraks weren't known for their martial schooling for nothing.

The movie went on late into the night as Sargon realized he was carried away by the story without ever really being able to draw his eyes back to the girls to make sure they actually enjoyed the movie. With a sheepish smile as he realized they'd spent a half dozen hours watching the series through he looked back at the bed at the two. "Sorry, I get a little lost in those."

[member="Asha Nyerie"]