In the Deep End

[Cassus Stoma]

GALA​

The Padawan ascended the dirt track that had been worn down from all too many feet beating the fertility out of the soil. On either side swayed knee high grass. The rustling of it becoming increasingly loud as the hillside breeze intensified the higher he seemed to go. Ahead of, further in the distance, was a relatively small home with a speeder parked out the front. Nothing else was in sight, nothing else mattered. The weighted feeling of a blaster pistol resting on his hip, and a lightsaber buried away inside his clothing.

Whether Jace was intent on helping Harper because it was what any Jedi would do, or it's what he thought​ would make him a good Jedi was anyone's guess. He knew why he was here, and it was to do what he thought was right. Certainly dangerous to delve closely to Sith Empire territory, but it wasn't as if he had any choices. If even one Delltalt survivor was in the building ahead of him, and he could learn about more of them then it was definitely all worth it. The Sith had the same questions to ask them of 'where are the others', but Jace was sure they were nowhere near as hospitable. He had to reach them first.

Sometimes you learned from these hazardous scenarios. One he was sure to find himself in soon enough.

[member="Tsisaar Taral"]

 

[Shade of Decay]

One of the most unfortunate parts about Tsisaar's mutations was that, unlike many Khil, he was now an omnivore rather than an herbivore. This wouldn't be a problem if it weren't for the liking he had taken to the taste of meat, rather than the usual vegetable and fruit juices his species normally consumed. However, when he was out in the wider galaxy and at least making a pretense of being stealthy, he had to eat and act as any other Khil would, which meant sucking up fruit juices through his huleppi, rather than enjoying a proper meal.

Something that he had come to loathe.

Grumbling to himself while drinking down some sort of herbivore-specific cocktail of fruit juices, essential nutrients, and some proteins, he pulled out his datapad, reading down the mission he had been given again while waiting for his taxi. Possible refugee of Dellalt. Spaceport coordinator. Useful lead to other refugees. Capture by any means necessary. Then a set of coordinates for where the person appeared to be staying. It was rather tedious, in the nascent Sith's opinion, as he would far prefer to be studying, practicing, or anything like that. But, he supposed, missions like this were necessary for advancement within the order, and he would have to complete them to the best of his ability.

Something was nagging at him, though. Some sort of sense through the Force that this wouldn't be nearly as easy as it ought, or that he wasn't alone, or something akin to that. Before Jaminere he might have been likely to chalk it up to simple worry and ignore it, but after the events of that rebellion he'd become more attuned to such feelings. It was the feeling itself that had made him start to feel apprehensive, rather than the other way around. "Taral?"

Tsisaar looked up from the datapad, noticing the repulsorlift that had just arrived for him. He stood and walked to it, giving the driver a wave to make sure the mand didn't keep shouting out his name. The datapad, meanwhile, went into a pocket of his clothing, while he handed the coordinates for his destination to the taximan, written down on a sheet of flimsiplast. "The quicker I can get there the better, if you please." The driver nodded, and the repulsorlift quickly sped off. Rather than watching the scenery go by, Tsisaar took the time he had to meditate a bit; even if the sensations he'd been receiving through the Force proved unfounded, his quarry wasn't likely to come easily anyways. It would be good to be centered prior to a conflict.

[member="Jace Khel"]

 

[Cassus Stoma]

Jace didn't have a lot of credits, and so nobody could really blame him for saving each and every one. Whilst a Taxi certainly would of made this endeavour shorter, even saved him the hassle of a confrontation, it was necessary as of now. Perhaps further down the line he may have the opportunity to throw credits around. Yet for now it was dirt tracks, hillside hikes, and worn out boots. It wasn't as if he didn't enjoy it, though. An opportunity to grow, by any means, was always beneficial too.

The Padawan pivoted his head over his shoulder, facing the hub of Gala that he left behind. It's area stretching far and wide, but only a city in the distance now. Yet his attention was stolen by the Taxi Speeder as it soared over head, it's engines utterly apparent to him as he began to feel uneasy. He'd felt it before, but nothing to this extent. Something was off, but Jace was naive. He figured it was best to assume that whoever was catching a Taxi to this home lived there. It was a sensible conclusion, right?

[member="Tsisaar Taral"]

 

[Shade of Decay]

Tsisaar's eyes snapped open quickly.

His meditation had been fine until the last few moments. There was some presence that should not have been there. Not in his mind, but in the surrounding area; and it was not, by any stretch of the imagination, an average one. Whoever or whatever it was, it was touched by the Force, the same as was Tsisaar. He looked out the back of the repulsorlift, seeing the rapidly diminishing form of a man behind his transport; looking at the humanoid figure brought back the exact same feeling that had just interrupted his meditation. "This is far enough," he told the taxi driver, who brought the repulsorlift to a stop quickly, somewhat startled.

"A'ight, sir, but yer still abou' three clicks off -" Tsisaar cut him off with a raised hand, credits clutched in it to pay for the ride. "I understand that. Your service has been most appreciated." He handed the credits over, before stepping out of the repulsorlift. Without much time to wait, the somewhat-spooked driver quickly sped off. Tsisaar, for his part, simply stood in place, looking on down the road, as the form of the man he had passed slowly grew larger in the distance. Slowly, he withdrew his lightsaber from his belt, carefully concealing it within one of his sleeves, before resuming his statuesque stillness.

It was rare that true coincidences ever ocurred, especially between those who were able to wield the Force. Tsisaar himself knew that he was far from the only one who would be searching for runaways from Dellalt - and he would be extremely surprised if this new Force sensitive wasn't one of those others. Competition was something the acolyte could do without, either from his own side or from any of a more hostile persuasion. Which meant that now he needed to deter this potential source, before his own goals could be affected.

Feeling the weight of the concealed lightsaber, he resolved that he would deter them by whatever means necessary.

[member="Jace Khel"]

 

[Cassus Stoma]

As the speeder came to a halt, Jace stood still. A squint creased his youthful features as the sun beamed down upon him, obscuring his vision. His right hand raised to make a make-shift cap over his eyes; starting in line with his eyebrows. He knew something was off, but he didn't know what- it was just another one of those feelings he got but didn't quite understand. At least not yet. In truth, he did believe that it may just be a family member returning home, and so he stood there watching and waiting. Not daring to intrude, especially once the figure stared him down.

"Can I just ask some questions?" The boy foolishly bellowed out, speaking over the deafening winds as they blew against him. Khel almost struggled to stand firmly all things considered. He drew no weapons, but the pistol was evident on his hip as the lightsaber remained hidden on his person. You couldn't go around with it in the open, especially not in space so close to the Sith Empire's.

[member="Tsisaar Taral"]

 

[Shade of Decay]

Tsisaar struggled to hear the man.

Truthfully, he'd been hoping that they'd just continue walking up and make things easier, but apparently common sense was lacking for the person before him. He sighed, taking a moment to banish thoughts of annoyance from his mind before calling back: "I'd prefer it if you would converse in a bit more audible distance." His invitation to conversation given, he stood still again, his narrowed eyes carefully trained on the boy before him, huleppi twitching in anticipation of...something.

The last time that Tsisaar had met a Force sensitive outside of a Sith-run escapade, they had been a Jedi, and they were trying to harm him. He didn't much want to repeat such a thing, but the possibility couldn't be ignored. And so, his huleppi twitched. Hopefully it would just look like the wind blowing them. "Please, feel free to come closer any time you wish."

[member="Jace Khel"]

 

[Cassus Stoma]

Jace stood there. A dumbfounded expression slapped across his face as he silently conversed with himself, within his mind, whether or not the Alien ahead of him had truly said what he did; that being 'come closer', in a manner of speaking. He waited, a feeling of social anxiety crossing him for a moment or two. Ultimately, however, he decided to just approach the Alien ahead of him. His booted feet colliding with the beaten path as he ascended the incline further on his way towards the home. Whether or not someone was inside and they were watching the entire time, or maybe nobody was home. Who could tell as of now?

Upon moving in an acceptable distance to speak and be heard, Jace started again, "Do you live here?" Maybe a bit of a rude question, but the answer he sought wasn't given you can be sure that he would persist with others. He didn't want to out himself as a Jedi, even if he was just a Padawan, until he was absolutely certain. You couldn't discern who was loyal to who most of the time, and finding himself in a hot mess was the least of his priorities.

[member="Tsisaar Taral"]

 

[Shade of Decay]

"No."

The simple reply hung in the air between them, Tsisaar's eyes watching every light twitch of Jace's body. He could tell that the boy was armed - at least with a blaster - but he'd be surprised if there wasn't a lightsaber hidden elsewhere on his person. The human was too obviously sensitive to be lacking such a thing. Tsisaar began to calmly walk around the boy, his arms still hidden in his sleeves, alongside his lightsaber. "Just what is it you're out here for, boy?" he asked, his voice flat. "There are few people out here, nobody who should be of note."

His eyes carefully watched Jace for any untoward movement, ready to whip out a weapon—or the Force—as might be needed. "Nor can I imagine there being much of value to search for as well." By this point, he'd completed a full circle, returning back to where he stood, in between the boy and the home. "So why come?"

[member="Jace Khel"]

 

[Cassus Stoma]

Uneasiness.

It was all that washed over the Padawan as Tsisaar began to spoke and further encircle him. It was visible across his face as it turned into something of confusion, shock, and nervousness- he couldn't help but express it. This was the first time Jace had ever seen a Sith, or someone who he believed to be one. Through the force, the same emotions radiated and he felt helpless to control them. As of now, he was simply a Padawan without a Master. Someone who had trained himself beyond the basic lessons of Lightsaber combat, and force use. A Holocron had helped, but not all was understood- Jace was too confident, arrogant even, to believe he needed the entirety of it before stepping out into the field alone.

Oh how wrong he was.

Although, he felt as it was best to jump to a conclusion now before it was too late. The boy's left foot slid backwards through the dirt, and his right remained forwards. His right hand reached into a portion of his clothing, gripping the Lightsaber without pulling it out. "You're here for them aren't you?" He should of felt it before but now he just knew. "I can't let you."

[member="Tsisaar Taral"]

 

[Shade of Decay]

"Here for who?" Tsisaar replied, feigning ignorance. He watched the Jedi's hand avoid the blaster and move straight for a separate weapon, which had to be the lightsaber Tsisaar expected. For his own part, however, he stood entirely still and relaxed, appearing as calm as could be. It was all a front, of course, but some of his first training in the Sith had been to make sure he understood how important it was to appear calm - and how much more important it was to be relaxed leading into a duel. Tight muscles were slow muscles. "Oh, you must mean the spaceport coordinator. It's a shame, really, I'd been hoping to get him out of here peacefully, but if you're looking for him then that means there are others I'll have to contend with as well."

Tsisaar sighed somewhat dramatically, his voice possessing a hard mocking edge to it. "Ah well. I can get any of the information I need out of him before the inevitable." He cocked his head quizzically, looking over at the wary lad before him. Completely hidden from the Jedi, his own hand tightened around the hilt of his hidden lightsaber, with any rustle of his sleeves due to the movement being hidden by the wind. "What, then, shall it be?" he asked after a moment, breaking the tense silence.

"Will you strike me down? Cast me aside, and ascend to your goal?" His voice carried with it an unnatural weight, as Tsisaar reached out with the Force alongside his words, probing at the other man's mind. "I am defenseless, of course. It would be so easy. You'd be triumphant, and whoever sent you for this would be so proud of you." Dun Möch wasn't a skill that the Acolyte had worked with much, but it would be entertaining to watch its effects on the overly-open face of the man before him. "You'd just have to never tell them about the one obstacle to your goal, and how you had to cut it down, wouldn't you?"
Tsisaar's face was impassive, while his finger hovered near the activation switch for his lightsaber.

"Go on then, boy. Do it."

[member="Jace Khel"]

 

[Cassus Stoma]

Jace never bought his feigned story. It was something that the Padawan wasn't aware of, and promptly ignored it. Although, his grip on the Lightsaber within his clothing was loosened as a result, perhaps coming to a mid-conclusion that Taral wasn't the bad man Jace suspected him to be. Maybe just on a mission of his own that lacked sinister intent. His stance remained strong, unyielding and ready for what was to come- if it would at all. There was one thing that Jace knew and it was that those within mustn't be allowed to suffer whatever fate was to become of them without Jedi interference. Possibly an arrogant perspective, believing that they are to be better off in the hands of the Jedi.

An eyebrow quirked when the true nature of Taral emerged. Coming to an absolute conclusion that this Acolyte knew exactly what Jace was: a Jedi, albeit a Padawan. The attempt to twist his mind into doing unspeakable things was held at bay by the young man with a formidable mind. It was times like these that Jace called back upon the code, and his teachings. Knowing full well that what the Sith spoke of was going directly against them, he couldn't and he knew that. Although, a hint of temptation seeped it's way into him. Aware of how easy it might just be, and the guaranteed safety of those he was here to protect. The Padawan was stubborn, naive, and lacking impulse control. Yet, he had grown to know that he could not do what was being spoken of.

"No." Jace replied firmly. "I won't." Continuing. "Go now." Offering a glance off to his right as if he expected Tsisaar to wander off into the wilds. The grip on his lightsaber became more tense as it called to him, ready at moments notice.

[member="Tsisaar Taral"]

 

[Shade of Decay]

The resistance was impressive. Refreshing, even.

Tsisaar's frontmost huleppi twitched in amusement. "Make me, Jedi," he challenged, not moving from his spot. He lifted his chin, baring his neck to attack. "But know that you'll have to kill me for it to happen." His challenge given, he stood in place once more, neck bared, and his hidden hands grasping the hilt of his lightsaber firmly.

It was a dangerous game he played, refusing to take the offensive. Perhaps the Jedi might be too quick, if he did move to strike; even then, he'd be consumed with guilt over killing a defenceless man. An easy route to draw him to the proper side, even if it should mean Tsisaar's own mortality. Or he might react with the blaster, something that Tsisaar could easily defend himself from—though it would mean revealing that he was armed.

Most amusing of all was the idea that the Jedi might try to move him via the Force, or simply walk on past him.

"I don't have all day, boy. Remove me or turn back. Your choice."

[member="Jace Khel"]

 

[Cassus Stoma]

Of all the things that could of been done, be it murder by blaster or lightsaber, movement through the force, or to simply ignore him, Jace did none of them. He stood there still, just waiting. The biggest issue of Jace was his lack of knowledge, be it through the force or of the code itself. As a result, the Padawan was determined to stick by it's teachings until he could properly interpret them for himself. It was something he was yet to understand, and thus played it as safe as possible. Perhaps even stupid, but that is just the way things were in this current moment.

"No."

He further replied. As stated before, Jace was not barging. The wind continued to blow, the grass still rustled, and the question on whether or not someone was still in that building was unanswered. Hell, it may even be amusing if nobody was home, or if they came home mid-way through the current exchange.

[member="Tsisaar Taral"]

 

[Shade of Decay]

Tsisaar had to give the Jedi credit, he was persistent.

Tsisaar, however, was just as stubborn.

The Khil dropped his chin and shrugged. "Alright, then," he said relaxedly. "Have a nice day." With that said, Tsisaar turned, and started walking up the road to the house. No doubt leaving the young Jedi standing in confusion behind him.

Though that wasn't to say Tsisaar's danger senses weren't on the highest alert they ever would be, given that not only did he have a known enemy in close proximity, said enemy was currently behind him. It wasn't particularly likely that the Jedi would think to attack him now, after all the previous attempts to goad him into it didn't work, but you could never trust them to be consistent. Certainly not if they were silvers.

[member="Jace Khel"]

 

[Cassus Stoma]

Whether what was to come next was right or wrong, Jace didn't care anymore. He knew that this Sith wasn't going to leave, and he was to do unspeakable things. It was in times like those that a Jedi interfered, right? A Jedi took action against the forces of evil when he exhausted all other alternatives. Even if a Jedi Knight, or a Master, disagreed with what Jace's next action was, he didn't care. It was what felt like the right thing to do for the people within, and it's that in which counts more than anything else to a young man like Jace Khel.

His right hand remained firmly placed around the Lightsaber within his chest region, drawing it slowly and holding it in front of him with both hands grasped tightly in the centre of his form. His legs shifted to an even and combative stance, the blue blade igniting and shining bright with an ever persistent hum.

"I won't let you go any further." Even then it didn't sound like he had any power of this situation. Struggling against the Code, and struggling against himself as a superior opponent was before him. He didn't have a good feeling about this, even for all his brash confidence.

[member="Tsisaar Taral"]

 

[Shade of Decay]

"Is that supposed to impress me, Jedi?" Tsisaar called back over his shouler, as he continued walking to the house. "You're far from the first person I've met who has a lightsaber." His pace was stately and dignified, giving Jace ample opportunity to catch up...if the Padawan would ever choose to do so. As it was, Tsisaar hoped the boy was at least enjoying the weather.

He looked up at the house somewhat disinterestedly—about half a kilometer away—and then at the sun; he had a few hours yet till sunset, which was good. He fingered the lightsaber he had up his robe somewhat, waiting for Jace to try and actually stop him. It had been upgraded compared to when he first got it, with one of the stones of Pho Ph'eah in it and a Shard of Nil from Kruskan. It would potentially be interesting to see what the latter could do to the Padawan...but there would surely be other times to test it. More important, more pressing, than a simple fight along a road.

"I do hope you're enjoying yourself back there!"

[member="Jace Khel"]

 

[Cassus Stoma]

The Padawan felt as if he had truly reached the end of all available options. It was now that only a direct confrontation was to prevent them from moving forward and into the house of those he sought to protect. There was an uneasiness too it, however. It might just be wrong, but it didn't matter anymore. If it truly is terrible, Jace can simply be consoled back at the Praxeum- evaluated and taught anew. He was rather fresh to the concept of being a Jedi after all. One slip up shouldn't be too damaging.

Careful, don't jinx yourself.

Jace got a running head start, moving up towards the Sith who turned his back on him. No doubt aware that he was on his way, either through the force or literally feeling his presence get closer and closer. The hum of the saber continued to ring true, and was ultimately slapped from left to right in a swinging motion at the body of Tsisaar.

It had to be done.

[member="Tsisaar Taral"]

 

[Shade of Decay]

Finally.

Tsisaar's ears were sharp, and his senses within the Force sharper. When Jace made the decision to press the attack, Tsisaar already knew about it and was fully prepared for it before Jace could even come close to him. Still, he presented a calm and relaxed figure, almost boredly walking the trail while Jace ran up behind him. It wasn't until the very last possible moment that Tsisaar would make any move to protect himself.

When Jace came close and swung, Tsisaar quickly turned to the left, his lightsaber activating near-instantaneously as he turned. By the time the acolyte had completed his about-face, his blade caught Jace's in a drop-point parry off to the side. "Good, Jedi," he said, almost approvingly. "I was almost beginning to think you'd never make a move." While speaking, he surreptitiously raised his free left hand; as he finished, a short arc of lightning shot forth from the fingertips, aiming to catch Jace in the abdomen and create some space between them. Space, and pain for the Padawan.

[member="Jace Khel"]

 

[Cassus Stoma]

The Padawan pushed against the Sith, his Blue Lightsaber clashing with the Pale Blade of the Sith's. The uneasy feeling had been transferred into a sound, or so it seemed. Both weapons grinder against each other, creating a noise that sounded as if two red-hot metal rods were slapped against one another, and then held there, pushed further until one was to give way. Symbolic of what was to come, really.

A tense expression was across Jace's face. This was the first time that this had happened, though it wouldn't be the last. That he was sure of, unless he didn't survive this encounter. Who was to tell that, though? Not him. A zap of electricity collided with his stomach, and the force behind it proved rather impactful. Forcing the boy off of his feet and backwards, careening through the soil as the Lightsaber within his hand narrowly avoided dismembering himself. He rapidly thrust himself back to his feet, ready to go once more, even if it was the most foolish thing to do.

[member="Tsisaar Taral"]

 

[Shade of Decay]

Tsisaar raised his blade back into a defensive position as Jace rolled away in the dirt, watching his opponent carefully. His huleppi twitched in amusement as the Jedi jumped back up, though the mirth didn't show in Tsisaar's voice. "I recommend you turn back," the Acolyte said mildly, keeping his blade in between himself and Jace. "This battle benefits neither of us." Tsisaar started to step backwards, in the direction of the house, still watching Jace carefully. "I suppose you won't do that without any extra coaxing, though, will you?"

Tsisaar's voice sounded almost regretful, as he raised his hand and pushed it sharply forwards. Jace would the telekinetic energy reach out to sweep him up and off his feet, throwing him further on away from the house should he be unable to defend himself from it. Tsisaar, meanwhile, continued his steady backpedalling, inching further and further towards his goal.

[member="Jace Khel"]