Private Manda's Will

[Jos Krayt]

JEDHA | TEMPLE RUINS
TAGS: Khamul Kryze
GEAR: In bio

After the time spent at the Jedi temple, talking to a host of bright and sincere people, Jos was feeling miles better from the losses he witnessed over Ilum. But he was not himself yet. Not fully. The Manda still felt a need to test him, showing him a vision of a planet he had long forgotten. Jedha. The planet was once destroyed, but the miraculous attempts at terraforming the planet after the Gulag plague restored it mostly to its former self.

It was a very spiritual place. Not just for Jedi, but for any who wished to commune with the Force. He had visited it once before, long ago when he just left Dorin. It was a special place for him back then. Even now, it still held a bit of sentimental value in his heart. Though the Manda's intentions for bringing him back was still a mystery. It was only after he arrived that he could feel that something was off. A powerful being was close, most certainly aware of his presence through the Force.

Jos was in no rush for this test. His heart was troubled, but still calm and centered. He was at the top of an old temple, long abandoned and weathered by the millennia, though the connection to the Force was still as prominent as ever. He sat cross-legged with his pistol and electrostaff neatly placed in front of him. His helmet rested beside his weapons as he meditated, reaching into the Force. He could feel that the time for his test was nearing. Luckily he had a pot of tea brewing in front of him for his guest.

 

[Khamul Kryze]

The Unchained

Tags: Jos Krayt

Loadout: Mandalore's Lament, Regret, beskar'gam

The shuttle touched down on the sandy terrain of Jedha, kicking up its fair share of dust as the Demon Mand'alor made his arrival known. A small cadre of his faithful brethren had accompanied him to the planet, though he had wished to make the trip alone. It seemed that, for all of his power, his followers felt a need to protect him wherever he went. The devotion was welcome, of course, yet the Unchained often found himself quite annoyed by their dedication to his protection. He was Mand'alor, after all. If he wasn't able to protect himself, then he did not deserve the title.

"We are ready to depart, Mand'alor."

"No... stay with the ship. This is something I must do alone."

Khamul could sense their apprehension at having to stay behind, but their reply was nothing more than a bow of acceptance. These young, eager recruits had done well to prove themselves, but the Unchained had felt a calling they knew little about. He was being guided to Jedha for an unknown purpose, and he would see it through alone. As he exited the shuttle, he ignited his jetpack, making way for whatever may await him beyond the horizon.

As he approached the top of the temple, the Unchained noticed a quiet individual sitting upon the roof, no doubt the presence that had drawn him to this very place. Perhaps there would be opportunity for a new ally... or more likely, another test of the Mand'alor's mettle. He touched down a few feet from Jos, his cold, masked gaze staring down at the pot of tea as he made his approach.

"So... it seems you were expecting me."

 

[Jos Krayt]

TAGS: Khamul Kryze
GEAR: In bio

The serene silence was broken by the echo of a jetpack in the distance, drawing the meditating Kel Dor's attention up to his new acquaintance. As the large figure drew closer, the darkness from him grew with intensity until finally the armoured warrior touched down in front of him. Jos knew exactly who he was. The entire Enclave, and likely every other Mandalorian in the galaxy, knew who the tall warrior was.

"So... it seems you were expecting me."

"Mand'alor the Unchained." Jos muttered with a calm tone, devoid of any malice or disgust. He was more curious than anything else. So this was the Manda's purpose. A final test of strength, perhaps? Or maybe something else. It was far too early to say. "I was not sure who or what to expect." His digitized voice continued as his expressionless mask and visor looked up at the figure before him. "I do not question or challenge the Manda's will. I am merely a servant of it."

His gaze lowered to the cup and kettle resting atop a small power generator, keeping the tea warm. "Have a drink. I must apologize for the power generator. I am sure that the... bones of your enemies... would have made for more adequate kindling, but sadly Jedha is in short supply of that for the moment, it seems." A gentle chuckle escaped him as he gestured to the ground across from him.

"It is fascinating... the Manda guiding us both to this location. A planet ripped apart by the hubris of an ancient empire. A miraculous feat of terraforming to heal that destruction... and through it all, this temple still stands. I'm sure there's a lesson to be learned here, but I think that it can wait until later." His expressionless mask shifted to look into the expressionless T-visor of the self-proclaimed Mand'alor. "What do you suppose the reason is for the Manda to have brought us here?" He asked calmly with an unwavering serenity through the Force. Despite the darkness that plagued him since Ilum, the Kel Dor maintained his composure.

 

[Khamul Kryze]

The Unchained

Tags: Jos Krayt

Loadout: Mandalore's Lament, Regret, beskar'gam

Khamul had been instinctively reaching for his blade, though he found his hand stopping short of grabbing it. The Man's posture was... quite different from what Khamul had tended to experience from those that so desperately sought to put an end to his rule. Calm... collected... and serving tea, of all things... in some ways, it reminded the Demon Mand'alor of his former master, Darth Petrichor . A man that had once sought to make him a prodigy... a man that once sought to end his life once he saw what Khamul would become. Perhaps there was a curiosity within the Unchained, as he found himself staying his hand for the moment.

"I serve the Manda as well, even if there are those that do not see it..."

He took two steps closer, eyeing the man as he began to close the gap.

"My only enemies are those that wish to keep our people in the dark, scraping a living while others enjoy the fruits of our labor."

Quite unexpectedly, the Unchained found himself having a seat across from the stranger, though he would forgo the tea for now. Though he didn't believe it to be poisoned, there had been too many attempts on his life for him to trust such an offer so soon.

"Empires come and go. The only true certainty in this galaxy is death. The only true home our people will ever know is with the Manda. I seek to help us find that home, and to make our enemies shudder at the very mention of our name."

He kept his wits about him as he spoke, keeping an eye on the stranger's hands from behind his ancient mask.

"Perhaps the Manda has brought us here so that one might see reason..."

 

[Jos Krayt]

TAGS: Khamul Kryze
GEAR: In bio

Jos listened at the man as he spoke, taking note of his tense posture and choice of not touching the tea for the moment. He had no intention of poisoning him, and he would have helped himself to a cup if he was able to, but he understood the man's hesitation. Any warrior would have done the same.

"Of course, the irony in that hope is that we both believe we are right, and that the other is misguided." Jos chuckled as he looked up at the proud warrior. The ancient helm hiding his face, the broad armour capable of demanding presence even among all the thousands of other armoured warriors that belonged to their culture. "It certainly is unfortunate that we see each other as enemies. As those who lost their Way."

He slowly reached over and picked up his bone-plated pistol, snapping the cell housing up to remove the golden kyber crystal inside. "I am curious, though. What do you mean by all you said?" He asked calmly as the crystal lazily hovered in the palm of his gloved hand. "You say that you wish for our name to strike fear into the hearts of our enemies. And yet it does already. The Maw has met its match more than once against our people, whether they fought under the banner of the Enclave or not. The sith might show confidence when fighting our people, they certainly earned that confidence after the genocide. And yet... they hesitate against us. They are cautious. I am certain that my clan alone has left quite the lasting impression on your allies... and even thst pales in comparison to the bloody blows the Enclave has left in its wake. The feats we achieved in a mere two decades in the Outer Rim."

His gaze shifted back up to Khamul as he set the crystal down in front of his electrostaff. "We already have a home, where our people prosper without the evils of stagnation filtering into our minds. You have seen it. Death is certainly an inevitability in this life... but is it not our duty as guardians and guides to ensure our people strive to do their best in this short life or ours?" His tone was devoid of malice or condescension as he looked into the Mand'alor's visor.

"You wish to help our people towards a better future, and yet you ally yourself and your followers with those that sought the destruction and extinction of our people. You harness their power for your own, instead of finding balance in the gift the Manda has bestowed upon you. You wish for me, a guide for our people, to see the reason in your Ways. I wish to learn why you made these choices, when they seem to contradict all you said, at least in my personal point of view." Jos admitted gently as he watched the man.

 

[Khamul Kryze]

The Unchained

Tags: Jos Krayt

Loadout: Mandalore's Lament, Regret, beskar'gam

"Indeed... we seem to find ourselves in a quandary then, I suppose..."

Khamul still didn't fully understand why he was taking the time to entertain a follower of those that sought to kill him. Yet nevertheless... here he was, debating on whether or not tea would be an appropriate beverage for a debate that could turn to a fight at any moment.

"You presume much, if you think I see the Brotherhood as allies. They are snakes, all of them... and they are not built to last. No empires will be founded by the Avatars and their priests. No century long lineages will hold their name. They have merely been a stepping stone, a pack of rabid dogs that have allowed me to bide my time and gather the faithful under my banner."

A brief pause followed...

"Besides, there are those outside of the Maw and their ilk that need to be shown Mandalorian ferocity."

It was a strange thought at times, the things he had accomplished while rampaging across the galaxy with the Maw. He had found a home for his own people, gathered many of the remnants of Death Watch to his banner, and had even managed to enlist a host of long-forgotten Taung warriors. A strange thought indeed... having come from a family that had suffered so much at the hands of those that once terrorized his people.

"Our lives are meant to be spent in battle. It has always been thus. Peace brings its own form of stagnation, even if our people thrive on whatever world they claim as their own."

He leaned forward, his eyes narrowing from behind his mask as he listened to the man's views on Khamul's decisions. The slightest hint of anger began to boil within him, but for the first time in years, Khamul pushed it down instead of letting it roar through him as he had countless times before. He leaned back, taking back to the calm posture he had held before.

"You misunderstand me, as many do. I am called a Sith, and yes, I wield many of their tools within combat. But that is all they are... tools. Tools that can be used by any capable of wielding them. I have never taken the title of Darth, and there is a reason for that. I am Mandalorian first, and that will never change. You say that I use these powers for myself, but I did not take up the mantle of Mand'alor out of hubris. Heavy lies the mask, and not many are able to handle that weight... the weight of our people... on their shoulders."

A slight chuckle followed.

"I'm sure that last bit will sound like hubris to you, but it couldn't be further from the truth. I simply want what I believe is best for our people. Everything I have done has been for those willing to follow in our forefather's footsteps. A day will come when I finally meet my end, and in those final moments, if I can look at the state of the Mandalorians and see that old, fiery strength we once all bore, then I will die satisfied."

 

[Jos Krayt]

TAGS: Khamul Kryze
GEAR: In bio

Jos nodded faintly as he listened to the man’s words, though he made no attempt to interject or speak up for the moment. He did what he was known for. Sit back and listen, let his companion speak his mind and allow the Kel Dor to think carefully about each word spoken. Though he couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle as annoyance briefly flared up from the Mandalorian across from him.

”I just realized… Neither of us formally introduced ourselves yet.” He spoke up after the man finished. He leaned forward and stretched a hand out towards the man to shake. ”I am Jos Krayt. Shaman of the Mandokarla and Alor of Clan Krayt.” He spoke with a clear and polite voice.

He leaned back and looked at the tea in front of him for a moment. ”I would not dare to call it hubris, Mand’alor. I understand better than most. The mask of the Mand’alor might not adorn my face, but I am a Shaman. A guardian and guide for our people. Men like us do not have the luxury of showing weakness in our lowest points, or taking a break from our duties. Even now, despite the Manda’s will for me to be here, I feel that I am letting my people down by not being there for them now. I am sure you feel the same.” His gaze lifted to stare into the man’s T-visor once again.

”However, please do not take this as an insult… I do believe there is a sense of arrogance in believing that the Dark Side is a tool for you to use in the service of your people. And not the other way around.” With a wave of his hand his cup and teapot lifted into the air. The cup was filled and the pot was set down again as the cup drifted to his hand. His free hand reached up and carefully released the mask from his face, revealing his true appearance to the Mand’alor for a moment as he took a long sip, finishing the cup in one go. Still holding his breath, his pitch black eyes were hidden once again as he set the mask back in its rightful place.

A deep breath escaped him as he was finally able to breathe again. ”My apologies, my throat was somewhat parched.” A smile traced every word as he looked at the man.

”You know the Dark Side well, Mand’alor. However, I do too. To believe that one is capable of wielding its power, no matter how noble or pure their intention, is a mistake. This… feud… between our people is evidence enough of that. I apologize for assuming you claimed to be Sith, and call the Maw your allies, however I must also show you the flaws in this path you have chosen.” There was a hint of sadness in his voice. A weight of pity and guilt over having to be at such odds with his own kin. ”As Mandalorians, we are not just warriors. We are not just bloodthirsty hounds itching to throw our lives away in battle. If we were, me and you would be no better than the tens of thousands that have met their end at the end of my people’s barrels. No, as Mandalorians, we are, above all else, survivors. Where the Jedi stagnate, where the Sith grow comfortable, our people adapt and move on. We do not forget our past and our traditions, but we also do not let them tie us down. We fight to punish our enemies, but we also fight to preserve our people. To secure a future for our sons and daughters to keep our legacy alive. This is the Way.”

A long sigh escaped him as he looked away for a moment. ”Although… I do have one reassurance for you. After what happened on Ilum… I have foreseen a bloody future for our people. The day when Imperial stormtroopers will learn to fear the howls of our Basilisks and the thunder of our guns is a lot closer than I thought.”

 

[Khamul Kryze]

The Unchained

Tags: Jos Krayt

Loadout: Mandalore's Lament, Regret, beskar'gam

This particular... individual... Khamul still hesitated to call him Mandalorian... seemed to exhibit a greater extent of wisdom that many had forgone long ago. At least, it was such in the Demon's mind. The man even went so far as to apologize for his lack of introduction; a trait that Khamul had long missed among his misbegotten brethren.

"It is a pleasure, Jos Krayt. I am Khamul Kryze, though I am sure you know that by now."

It was strange for him to be engaging in such formalities, yet the Unchained did it all the same. He was, admittedly, surprised by the apology, as he had grown so, so incredibly used to his "people" trying to drive a beskad through his heart.

"Your acknowledgement of my existence is not unheard."

He watched the man take his drink of tea, a simple gesture that would have meant little to most. But to one such as Khamul, it was a gesture of faith. The Unchained followed suit, revealing his face for the first time in years. His motions were similar, grasping the kettle in his ethereal hand as he motioned it toward his own cup. His touch was more heavy-handed than that of his companion... subtlety was never his strong suit. He downed the tea in a vicious gulp, and quickly replaced his ancestral mask.

"Tell me, are there not darksiders within the Enclave's ranks?"

His demeanor adjusted, taking on a slightly... was it a fatherly tone? Maybe. In truth, Khamul felt like a father to his people in a great many ways.

"You are not entirely wrong. The Dark Side is a largely unwieldy beast. Few are able to tame it. But were we not able to tame other such untamable beasts? The mythosaur adorns our very crest. Are you so afraid of the dark, inevitable hold of death?"

He paused for a moment, giving considerable thought to the words of the man that remained before him.

"You talk of others feeling our sting, and in truth, I do hope that you are right... what our people do not understand is that I simply want us returned to our former glory. And though you claim to be a part of that... I simply do not see it."

Another pause followed.

"I do not believe that our people are on the right path. Are my methods unconventional within our people's ideals? Perhaps. But I can say that many have met the Manda under my rule as they should... through the fires of battle and tribulation. Can you say the same for yours?"

 

[Jos Krayt]

TAGS: Khamul Kryze
GEAR: In bio

While he said nothing, Jos was quite glad that Khamul introduced himself formally. Not only was it a gesture of simple civilized courtesy, he genuinely was not familiar with the Mand’alor’s name. Luckily that situation was not resolved.

Another good gesture was the removal of his helmet as he poured himself a cup of tea as well.

"Tell me, are there not darksiders within the Enclave's ranks?"

"You are not entirely wrong. The Dark Side is a largely unwieldy beast. Few are able to tame it. But were we not able to tame other such untamable beasts? The mythosaur adorns our very crest. Are you so afraid of the dark, inevitable hold of death?"

”Afraid? Hardly. But depicting the Dark Side as a beast is hardly an equal measure. The Mythosaur is a beast one can tame. The Tu’kata is a beast one can tame. The Summa-Verminoth, as dangerous as it is, is still a beast. The Dark Side is beyond any of those. Beyond you or I. To harness such power for one’s self will only lead to one’s own downfall, one way or another.” He gestured to the temple around them.

”This planet is proof. A powerful superweapon built by the Sith destroyed any last semblance of life… look where we are now. The Enclave only has one dark sider, a Sith, no less. But she is merely an asset to help teach our warriors the dangers of the Sith. As guides, we can not favour either side. While I lean more to the Light, I still maintain a balance for the sake of our people.” He explained calmly to the man.

To show someone like Khamul the error in his ways was not a quick undertaking. It wouldn’t happen overnight. But if he could plant a seed in the back of his mind, it would be enough.

"You talk of others feeling our sting, and in truth, I do hope that you are right... what our people do not understand is that I simply want us returned to our former glory. And though you claim to be a part of that... I simply do not see it."

"I do not believe that our people are on the right path. Are my methods unconventional within our people's ideals? Perhaps. But I can say that many have met the Manda under my rule as they should... through the fires of battle and tribulation. Can you say the same for yours?"

”Former glory is called that for a reason, Mand’alor. We will never be an empire again… nor should we strive for it. As an empire, our people lost wars against the Jedi and Sith. Our people stagnated, turning to pacifism and diplomacy. Our “empire” plotted and schemed like the very enemy we waged war against… and then we continued to form an alliance with them.” The Kel Dor shook his head.

”Striving for former glory is a fool’s errand. The past is simply that. Looking to the past will not bring back the ones we’ve lost. It will not repair what was broken. Our visors look forward. Our iron hearts look forward. We should too. The Enclave does not need to prove anything, the facts speak for themselves. Our people flourish once more. Our numbers are growing instead of dwindling. You said it yourself. The Maw is temporary. The Empire is temporary. The Alliance is temporary. And while the Manda’s will dictates the necessity for light and dark to maintain balance, there is one entity challenging both of those through sheer stubbornness and the will to survive, despite all odds.” His voice grew with intensity as the Force rippled around him. For the briefest moment, the calm and reserved disposition slipped ever so slightly.

”After all, the Way of the Mand’alor is to be both hunter and prey. We have lost plenty. We have been dealt a brutal blow… but the greatest mistake anyone can make is to believe that we will die out. Our enemies made that mistake far too many times, they are still making it now. The day will come when our Basilisks howl through the air, our ships rain hellfire down from the heavens with the might of Ha’Rangir. And our kind will show the galaxy again just what happens to those who think they can tread on us.” The tremors subsided as a digitized breath escaped him.

Jos leaned forward ever so slightly as his hands rested on his knees. ”And I do pray that, when that day comes, you will stand with us against our people’s enemies, rather than against us.” He looked down as he picked up the kettle. ”Would you like some more tea, Mand’alor?” He asked him with a smile in his voice.

 

[Khamul Kryze]

The Unchained

Tags: Jos Krayt

Loadout: Mandalore's Lament, Regret, beskar'gam

"Ah, but there is that statement again... 'for one's self'... the Enclave belief that I harness the Dark side for 'myself'... as if I suffer some incurable malady of hubris. But I never asked for this, nor did I ask for the call of the title of Mand'alor. It was only when presented with the sorry state of our people that I felt the burden weigh upon my head."

His words remained calm, the frustration having subsided long ago.

"The dangers of the Sith are well-founded. I will not be the one to disagree. As I said, I am no Sith, no matter what titles one may brand upon my flesh."

The Demon recalled countless encounters with his fallen brethren, and the countless titles of mockery bestowed upon him. Did his people truly maintain such a narrow mindset? Had they truly become so lost? He certainly believed so, though at times he often wished that it were not true.

"Former glory is simply a term used to facilitate the future endeavors of our people. I do not dwell on the past, at least, not in such a way that I look backward. I look to our future, and draw upon our past as a well of knowledge to expand upon. But to completely let the past lie is to accept that we are no longer what we once were."

He allowed himself another long sip of tea, briefly removing his mask once again. His face was not a monster as many would believe, but that of a man... a Mandalorian that simply found his own path in the treacherous waters of the Galaxy.

"Indeed, our visors and hearts look forward, mine included. Should the Enclave prove their worth, perhaps I'll see the same in them..."

It wasn't said as a jab, but rather an observation based off of one's own skeptical view. Khamul had not been sold on the values of the Enclave, nor was he sure that he ever would be. They had their accomplishments, sure. Only a fool would deny that. But the Unchained could not see their path as the true Way of their people.

"We have been prey too long. To every action, there is an equal and opposite one. Death's Hand is that reaction, the very wrath of the Manda itself in the wake of our people's desolation. One might perceive the Manda as being incapable of wrath, but what is the Manda but every living soul that has touched it? Were they not capable of wrath?"

His voice paused for a moment, weighing the claims of his new found companion.

"I pray that your words ring true. I wish nothing more than for our people to once again bring the galaxy to heel."

He noticed that his cup was now empty, and through the Force, he willed it back toward his companion.

"Don't mind if I do..."