Sanity Seems Counter-Productive

[Helios Venth]

Helios was pleased when he managed to catch her. As he smiled down to her and held her in a firm yet careful manner. He saw her eyes dart, and he blushed a little. Just before her lips were pressed against his. Causing to hum in a soft and happy manner. As he returned the kiss in a soft and affectionate manner. Helios almost frowned as he felt her slowly withdraw. Helios notice Kalyn cast her eyes downward shyly. As he blushed a little and placed a soft kiss to her forehead. "Mine." he reminded her in a cheerful and gentle tone.

Helios carried her into the bedroom. As he softly tucked her into the bed. Then gave her a warm and joyful smile. "There. Now you can't complain about taking my bed. You can just say you were placed in it against your will." Helios said to her playfully. As he sat down beside her and gently brushed some of her hair out of her face. He yawned a little bit as he observed her. Feeling rather tired himself. Though wanting to be sure she was settled and safe first. It was a different feeling having to look out for another. Though Helios found in the case of Kalyn it was an enjoyable duty. Except for when she got upset at him.

Helios thought about somethings as he sat. Looking around his room and humming a little. "Should we look into getting a place better suited for two people living in it?" Helios wondered out loud. As he tried to consider the options they had. Helios wasn't sure how often him and his partner would be residing together. They both have personal duties that they are responsible for. Though Helios also knew about Kalyn's disturbed conscious regarding borrowing his bed. So, Helios decided it was at least an idea he could place out.

[member="Kalyn Tyree"]

 

[Kalyn Tyree]

Kalyn laughed lightly as he declared her as his once again. Helios started to walk and Kalyn turned her head, noticing he was taking her to the bedroom. she groaned shortly and placed her head on his chest, remembering Helios was adamant on giving her the bed. "You take the bed, please." She said dragging out the end of the word a little. He continued walking and Kalyn realised he wasn't going to agree. But, that didn't quell her stubborn streak did it. As he placed her in his bed, she made an attempt to gently and slightly playfully fight against him, refusing to stay put in the bed.

At one point it seemed she'd succeeded, hoping off the bed and about to move away from it before [member="Helios Venth"] wrapped an arm around her waist, gently pulling her back onto the bed before tucking her under the sheets. Which was when she finally, and unwillingly, gave up. Her pouting lasted only for a split second before her fatigue forced her to yawn, he head sinking into the pillow comfortably. She smiled and laughed lightly as Helios spoke to her about being placed in the bed against her will. Which was rather true. Though Kalyn was too tired to try any further plans to get out of the bed.

He brushed some hair out of her face, making her even more sleepy as his hand skidded across her face, sending shivers down her spine. Even if she wanted to stay up any longer she was finding it hard, as her eyelids started to get heavy and slowly close. Only reopening as Helios spoke again, this time about getting a sufficient living space for the two of them. She thought about it, she didn't want to be the sole reason Helios had to pick up and find a better living space now that she was here. Of course she'd help pay for most if not all of the funds, though she had a feeling in the back of her mind Helios would be far from content with letting her pay for the entire thing. Then there was the obvious question, how much would they use it? Having their personal duties to attend to regularly. "Perhaps, nothing too big though as I fear how much we'd be using it in the long run." She said sleepily.

Kalyn started to yawn before speaking again, "You can sleep in the bed I don't mind that, I just didn't want you to have to sleep on the couch again, it can't be too comfortable." She said, her eyes closed as she turned onto her side.

 

[Helios Venth]

Helios settled down beside her. As he studied her and smiled. He would of mentioned he didn't mind sleeping on the couch. Though he didn't wish to disturb her desire to rest. As he yawned some himself now. "Sleep well, Kalyn." Helios spoke to her gently. Laying on his back and closing his eyes. He soon drifted asleep himself. After all [member="Kalyn Tyree"] may of been the one travelling a lot lately. Though, Helios had his own set of duties to maintain. Plus, it wouldn't be but a day or so until they proceeded to acquire what Helios needed to craft not one, but two lightsabers, and their interlocking mechanisms.

Helios had a dream of course... One of an order, and in this dream. Helios was seeking their guidance. In hopes of finding a higher purpose. A cloaked being told him to find them. That if he could do so, he could prove himself. Even a cynical individual appreciates purpose and guidance. The dream didn't have much to offer. Only mentioning serving a supreme leader. Something which wasn't onew to Helios. He did follow a queen after all.

Helios woke up and blinked. Casting the dream off into the back of his mind. As he looked to where Kalyn should be resting. To see if she was still asleep. Either that or of she had awoken before him. As, Helios stretched and yawned some. Not sure what exactly to make of the day. Humming softly to himself and yawning. He remained elsewise still and stared at his ceiling after that, quietly contemplating things of a random nature.

 

[Kalyn Tyree]

She mumbled a quick 'you too' before she fell into a deep sleep within seconds, fatigue taking over her.

The next morning Kalyn laid in the same position she'd gone to sleep in. Evidently having a deep and comfortable sleep having not moved all night. She had the covers pulled up to her neck assuming she'd gotten chilly during the middle of the night. Sunlight cracked through the window and past the curtains, making its way to Kalyn's eyes. She opened her eyes a little and groaned, pulling the sheets over her head. "Can't you stay down a little longer sun." She mumbled to herself.

She sighed before hoping out of bed, stretching and turning to look behind her, seeing [member="Helios Venth"] still asleep. She smiled as she looked at his sleeping figure. She then decided to walk out before Helios woke up and caught her creepily staring.

She walked into the kitchen, turning the kettle on to make some tea for the duo and looking at the ingredients he had to offer for a breakfast. She hummed in thought before she thought of something she could make, grabbing a few ingredients and placing them across the counter.She got started and prepared breakfast for the two of them.

 

[Helios Venth]

Helios smiled as he smelled breakfast and tea. Causing him to stand and seek out [member="Kalyn Tyree"]. As he assumed they were in for a nice and enjoyable break. Before they proceeded to harvest crystals on Dantooine. Helios researched more and learned that they could also find crystals in the caves. Which were of various types. So, He would definitely look into that for additional ideas on his personal blades.

--------

It was a few days later. Helios had managed to finally get off the system he was starting to come to know of as home. His travels would become more frequent of course. Though he intended to make sure he honored the loyalties he had on the planet. Right now however Helios and Kalyn were on a mission. To help a 'slightly' mentally unstable man, acquire not one, but two of the most lethal types of weapons you could possibly acquire.

Helios had recieved plenty of informational discussions about when he should and should not use them. So, surely nothing bad was going to happen. Helios sat quietly near the navigational computer of the ship him and Kalyn had rented. As he flipped through pages of a piloting manual. Humming ever so softly to himself. As he tried to kill time. He ocassionally glanced up to see what Kalyn was doing. Though for the most part remained rather isolated. Which was the way he preferred to travel.

Finally, Helios felt the ship begin to slow down it's momentum. The landing protocols slowly being inititated. Causing Helios to settle down and close his eyes. Helios felt the environment change as they entered the atmosphere of Dantooine. More so as they approached the surface. Only after they landed in the space port they had set course too. Had Helios managed to stand up. Which then resulted in him going over to Kalyn and smiling some. "Are you ready for this?" he asked cheerfully.

 

[Kalyn Tyree]

Once Helios and Kalyn had rented ship for their travels to acquire the specified crystals, they took of and set a course for Dantooine. Kalyn jumped into the pilot seat and flicked some controls as all her flight training came back to mind, of course she wasn't the best pilot around as flying was not what she specialised in. But she knew the basics and right now that's all she needed to know.

The ship jumped into hyperspace and Kalyn sat back in her chair as she let the ship do the rest of the work. Looking over, she saw [member="Helios Venth"] sitting in the opposite chair, reading through a piloting manual.

Kalyn was aware of the fact they would not be arriving in a second or two, so she decided to use the time she had to meditate and prepare for the mission ahead of them. In her early days of training she was told meditating help centre ones mind before a battle and prepare them for the trials ahead.

She headed to the back of the ship and knelt down, closing her eyes and stabilising her breathing as her exhales and inhales became even in length, her mind clear and centred.

Awhile later she felt the Force and the atmosphere around her change a she opened her eyes, assuming they were entering the atmosphere of Dantooine and preparing landing. She hopped up and made her way back to the cockpit where Helios stood.
The ship landed in the spaceport and the hatch to the exit lowered as the ramp made contact with the ground. Helios looked to her, she looked back at him with a smile, "I'm always ready, let's go." She replied back with a slight smirk.

As the duo stepped off the ship and made their way to the exit of the spaceport where they would begin their search for the crystals. An officer stepped towards them, "Good day to you both, may I ask why you two are here on Dantooine?" He asked, being it protocol to check no one arrived here with intentions of hostility or harm. "Just Jedi business, no harm will be brought to the natives of Dantooine we won't be within any villages." She assured him that everything would be fine during their time on Dantooine. He nodded and stepped back. Though if he were smart he could have a pretty good guess they were here for the crystals if nothing else.

 

[Helios Venth]

Helios contemplated the promise Kalyn made to the protocol officer. Helios was sure he likely wouldn't harm anyone. Especially not with Kalyn nearby to keep him in check. Though there was always the possibility. Helios felt a village was looking at him strangely, and decided to turn it to ash. Accidents do happen every now and then after all...

Then Kalyn stated that her and Helios would be avoiding the villages. So, Helios was more assured he wouldn't be lighting an entire village on fire. It didn't verify the safety of other travelers of course. Though it was better then the alternative. Helios noted how she managed to both state their intentions, while not specifying their intentions. Causing him to smile a little bit. It was odd how Jedi's frowned upon deception, yet relied upon misdirection. It reminded Helios of a risky style of lightsaber combat. Where a person would activate and de-activate their personal lightsaber. To cause an opponent to go off balance, or incorrectly respond to an attack when they should of been looking for what the follow up stroke would be.

Helios got bored and so he had spent time researching things during his travels. Occasional trivial facts came to mind now and then. Helios nudged Kalyn on her arm softly. Before he grabbed a pack. Then began to head to the exit of the space port, and to the safety of the wild lands. Curious to what they would encounter on their travels. Helios would meditate when given the chance. To see if the force would guide him to any new techniques it felt he was ready to learn. Perhaps some that would aid Helios in his quest. Plus, Helios had Kalyn to rely on for aid should he need it.

[member="Kalyn Tyree"]

 

[Kalyn Tyree]

Kalyn felt the soft nudge before she saw [member="Helios Venth"] walk away and towards the exit of the space port. She smiled once more at the protocol officer before following Helios. She did a quick half run half walk to catch up with him before slowing down her pace.

Once she exited the spaceport she felt the fresh air hit her face as the duo entered the wild lands, steering away from the villages. She saw a few people walking along the dirt walkways, whether they were natives or just travellers was beyond her, she could tell some of them were natives. But that didn't matter she just wanted to make sure none of their safety was at risk when they went looking for the Dantari crystals. Though she was confident all would pan out well.

"When we reach the general whereabouts of the Dantari crystals you'll need to let the crystal as well as the Force guide you to it. You may, and probably will, come across trials and issues when getting your crystal. Not to mention the Kinrath." She explained to him as they continued walking down the trail. She didn't fear the Kinrath, she was confident they'd be able to move past that problem, despite Helios not having a weapon yet, he still had his fire. Though she'd never dealt with Kinrath before which was a disadvantage or her behalf, and her confidence may simply be turning her cocky.

 

[Helios Venth]

~Crystals.~ Helios subconsciously acknowledged. He didn't know why. Though that was definitely the amount of color crystals he would need. Then for some reason a solaris enhancement crystal came to mind as well. Helios hummed softly as he thought about trials. Helios decided he would like to kill them with fire. Though some how knew this wasn't the type of trials he would face. He was sure meditation was going to be key.

Helios hummed softly as he watched travelers pass by. "Can I enslave their minds?" Helios asked during a solitary moment. The question was rhetorical in nature. Not exactly aimed to Kalyn. As, Helios was merely considering whether he was yet skilled enough. When he realized he spoke out loud. He looked to Kalyn and tilted his head some. "Ignore the fact I said that." he suggested to her and smiled a little. Before looking forward again. Helios began contemplating an idea. Maybe he could fidget with messing with the minds of animals. When he subjugated one or two... Perhaps he could enslave the minds of the kinrath... Having a minature kinrath army on this planet sounded fun... Plus, he guessed Kalyn would praise him for thinking of a non-violent alternative to dealing with the hive creatures... Even if it envolved possessing their probably very dull minds. Of course the key would be the queen.

Helios moved closer to Kalyn. As he started to develop a twitch. The anticipation making him on edge and in a state of unpredictability. [member="Kalyn Tyree"] was the only constant he currently had in his life. So, relying on their new found relationship was also going to be a major factor. Probably more so then what they could predict. As, Helios brushed his conscious across her mind. Still wanting her to get familiar to when he was reaching out to her. That way she could detect a hostile mind intrusion, and of course when Helios meant to reach her.

"Would you mind if we stopped and meditated. I have a hunch I wish to focus upon." Helios spoek softly. Plus, Helios had been reachinf out to touch the minds of near by creatures. Helios brushed conscious against a specimen who had become a slight rarity after an attack upon the planet in it's earlier years of existence. Helios brushed the conscious of a Kanth hound. Helios already decided he would name him Seth. Why name a wild Kanth hound? Well, Helios intended to... 'Domesticate' the creature. Which is part of why he wanted to meditate. To learn the secrets of enslaving a creatures mind.

The other reason was Helios genuinely felt that he needed to rest and meditate. It was an odd place to wish upon meditation. Though it was a place none the less. Helios didn't choose when the will of the force came knocking on his mind's doors. Helios looked to Kalyn and smiled some.

 

[Kalyn Tyree]

As the duo continued walking Kalyn thought about how they were going to deal with the Kinrath, trying to come up with a plan so that when it came to that problem they'd have no problem dealing with it. She remembered that there was the possibility of them using the gland from a deceased Kinrath in order to disguise themselves amongst the hive creatures. Though in order to do that they would have to somehow find or isolate one or two of the Kinrath and kill them, making sure it was far away enough so that it didn't alert the other creatures. Or else they'd have a much larger problem to deal with. Kalyn hummed quietly to herself as she tried to think of other possible ways to take them out. Perhaps if they somehow lured them elsewhere...but then that would mean that they'd all be bunched up together and have the advantage over the two of them in numbers. No, they needed a way where they could pick the creatures off one by one, as the hive as a whole attacking them would be far too great of a challenge.

Kalyn was knocked out of her thoughts when Helios randomly asked if he could enslave their minds. She looked up at him with one eyebrow slightly quirking upwards, noticing that he was referring to the travellers that passed by the two of them every now and then. He looked down to Kalyn telling her to forget he'd just that. She smiled and looked forward again.

Kalyn felt [member="Helios Venth"] move nearer to her and she could sense him being on edge. His aura seemed to be one of instability, and agitation. She didn't know if it was the whole current situation and the trials he would face in getting his crystals or if something else was bothering him. Her eyes fell down onto the dirt walkway before they flew back up in front of her when she felt something within the Force, within herself. It took a little bit but she soon recognised the familiar feeling and came to recognise it as Helios as he reached out to her. In return she sent her consciousness over to his own mind, channelling the Force within her.

Kalyn looked up to Helios when he spoke again, "Of course that's fine." She said, agreeing with the idea and believing meditation was a good call, especially before their mission. Despite the two may have had different reason upon why they wanted to meditate, the pair stopped and began to do so. Sitting down Kalyn tilted her head slightly to Helios, "What is it that has spiked your interest, if I may ask?" She asked curiously as she wondered what his hunch was. Perhaps this wasn't the best place to stop, drop and meditate. But Kalyn found it quite calming and peaceful, sure the temples and quiet serenity and stillness may help with the meditation process, but Kalyn found they weren't necessary, believing if you truly focus and centre ones mind you could meditate almost anywhere.

The cool breeze and sounds off the leaves and grass rustling made its way to Kalyn as she looked around and took in the sights the planet had to offer.

 

[Helios Venth]

Helios looked around the area and softly hummed. "Just a hunch... If a big creature charges us... Quite aggressively. Don't worry about it too much." He noted as he closed his eyes. Helios zoned out rather quickly. It was staying focused that he struggled the most with. While Helios focused. Visions of his past, intertwined with visions of battles, and changes the land around him experienced. Him like most worlds never stayed the same, always becoming a victim to time and the will of the force.

Helios was already starting to get off track. Lost as he watched periods of prosperity, and times of ruin. His child hood occasionally surfacing. Up until Helios remembered his goal. As he focused on the Kanth hound. His mind splitting into three tasks at once. Keeping track of the Kanth hound's mind and seeping into it. Learning a new force technique, to allow him to 'tame' the beast in question, one seeking an answer.

Helios finally focused onto a vision of an old force user. One who had been in this same area. He held a red lightsaber on him and seemed to be lecturing an apprentice. "Power. Power not over the envionment though the mind of another sentient creature. A technique both strong and fragile. You need to know how to break their minds, without shattering it. You must learn to exploit their pain and fear. To control it. Then when it is in your grasp. You must rebuild it. To what you see suitable. Do you understand Alveron?" The old man questioned the young man. The young man nodded his head in anticipation. "Good. Though remember. Knowing yourself is key. Elsewise the power will rule you, and the gift will never truly be yours." The man spoke as the younger one nodded and focused.

Helios watched the kid reach out. As he tried to touch the conscious of a Kanth hound. Like Helios was reaching out and doing. Helios began to reflect upon himself. Finding the truths to his shattered mind. His family. Whom he loathed. Above all his mother. It was a cruel irony her necklace survived the fire. It moved to fire. Helios felt safe with fire. One of the only things his mind could center on. It was a blanket to him. Finally, Kalyn... Kalyn supported him in manners no one else could, nor bothered to try. She gave new purpose to the necklace. For that he was thankful.

Helios grasped the mind of the hound. As he seemed to follow the footsteps of the apprentice. Helios focused on the creatures pains, it's hardships, and it's fears. Twisting them, warping them. Breaking the will of the creature as it resisted. Helios felt the resistance. The anger the creature felt. Helios could tell it was approaching him. Intent to kill. Like the Kanth hound the vision was trying to do. It was isntincts to kill the threat that was harming you.

Helios heard the growling. The snarling and the defiant barks. Both in his vision and of the beast he intended to control. Helios was feeling good, but then something happened. Helios watched as the Kanth hound the boy in his vision. Arrived and tore at the throat of the boy. The boy to distracted dominating the mind of the creature. Unable to defend himself. As the master stood and simply looked in disgust. "You forgot the most important part... You were unfit to rule the beast." helios heard in the faint echoing as the young man lost consciousness.

Helios almost panicked. His heart racing as he lost foucs. The beast was ever closer now. No. Helios refused to wind up the same way. Master himself. Master himself... Helios focused and kpened his mind. He was a broken man. Though not one who was lost. Helios had three cores that kept his mind in tact. Pain. Destruction. Passion.

Helios felt pain from a family who could not accept him. They made that clear in very painful lessons for six years of his life. Helios was the son of two force senstives. Who were darksiders. Helios originally displayed no force affinity unlike his brothers. It was a mistake which his brothers would torture him for, his parents would discipline him for, and of which the would refuse him relief for.

Destruction. Helios drew to fire when he had enough. The fire came to him. He unleashed it against the home and family he resented. Making ashes of the responsible parties for his fractured mind. Destruction towards any one who meant him or anyone else harm. With no intent other then to inflict pain.

Passion. Helios was a loyal man. He had come to place his emotions fully into something which he cared for. Kalyn was a good example of this. Helios was quite sure of it. As the thought of Kalyn blanaced his mind again. Freeing him of the fear of death. Ridding him of uncertainty... He had one last thing to do.

Helios felt the canines of the Kath hound. It was about to sink it's teeth into him. Though Helios had the time he needed. He may be broken in his mind. Though his cores and beliefs alwaus remained the same. Helios was always in control. Maybe not in obvious ways. Though in the ways in whichbit counted. "Enough." Helios commanded. As he shattered the mind of the kanth hound. Causing the creature to stumble and writhe around the ground. As Helios exploited the weakness in it's mind. The struggles of the beast soon settling. "You are mine." Helios declared to the creature. Who slowly and shakily rose to it's feet. Having your mind broken and controlled wasn't exactly a peaceful experience.

Helios stood up and motioned the creature over. Helios eyes burning with fury as he looked to Kalyn. Breathing and centering his mind to it's neutral state. When Helios was in a good mood. He smiled a little to Kalyn. "Meet Seth... My new pet." Helios decreed to her cheerfully. "I promise this had a purpose... Plus, I think it helped me some." Helios said and tapped his head. To indicate he meant his mental state. Of course he was unstable still. Though Helios was confident. Nore times then not. Even in his most hectic of personalities. Helios somewhere in his mind. Would always be in control.

[member="Kalyn Tyree"]

 

[Kalyn Tyree]

Kalyn started to focus her mind, becoming aware of her surroundings and letting her mind open up to the Force. Times like this reminded her of when she began her training back at the Jedi Temple. When the Jedi who saved her convinced the Order to take her in and train her, despite not being of the desirable young age, they were hesitant to train her. Most of the training she did consisted of meditating and nothing more. She'd spend days focusing her mind.

As a student she was quite impulsive and rushed to things. Still is, but much better than what she used to be like. She was eager to move onto more serious training as she believed she was ready for it. She wanted to move on, get a crystal, construct her saber. Eventually she managed to do so. After retrieving her kyber crystal on Ilum and constructing her single bladed lightsaber she began learning to fight with it. When she began fighting with the weapon it was evident she had pent up anger and fought only out of revenge and hate.

It became clear that this was extremely dangerous in terms of treading near the dark side of the Force. She was forced to take a step back and start back at meditating believing she was not ready for battle until she dealt with her own demons. She was aware of the fact she fought with hatred flowing through her, she just hated to admit it, seeing it as a sign of weakness.

After learning how to properly meditate on her past and channel those feelings into something useful she was allowed back onto saber fighting, proving that she was ready. She knew she hadn't fully dealt with her past, but it was behind her and didn't cloud her judgement or way of thinking as it used. It was evident in the way she fought now, more strategically rather than with power and rage. She could feel a difference within herself as well.

Not to say her past doesn't bother her every now and then, you can't just forget something like that, that was apart of your life for so long. But she'd learnt to not allow it to control her as it used to.

She heard an unfamiliar and quite close snarl, animal-like. She opened one eye, curious to find out what the noise was coming from. When she saw a Kanth hound nearing the duo both her eyes went wide and she went to go on the defensive, but then slowed down her movements, rising to her feet slowly so as to not startle the creature. Her eyes not leaving the hound.

"Helios.." She whispered, looking to him as he sat still in a meditating position. She wondered if this was his doing and came to the conclusion that it was. But was unsure whether or not he had things under control. The Kanth hound slowly stalked closer to Helios and its jaw opened as it bared its sharp canines. Kalyn went for her saber, igniting it and about to strike before she heard Helios say sternly, 'enough.'. She froze, not striking the animal as it fell to the ground, squirming on the floor in pain. She looked to Helios, confused.

He stood as the creature walked over to him, more placid like this time. He introduced he to the newly acquainted Kanth hound. "Seth?" She said looking down to the creature and back up to Helios, "Pet?" She was confused but Helios promised all of this had a purpose and that it somehow helped him, that being his mental state.

She disabled her lightsaber, hooking ti back onto her belt. "Alright then," She said shrugging, "So you, took control of its mind?" She asked quite surprised Helios had learnt a more advanced Force mind trick.

[member="Helios Venth"]

 

[Helios Venth]

Helios looked to the Kanth hound. Then patted it's head. "You could say I took over it's mind." Helios agreed to her and nodded. Not really wanting to go into detail what he did to the creature. Though it was over now, and Helios was sure in the long run the Kanth hound was better of being... 'domesticated'. It was lucky for them both. This was a stray Kanth hound. Helios wasn't quite sure testing the ability on an entire pack his first time, would of ended well.

"Seth might bite... He is still rather agitated." Helios noted to warn Kalyn from touching the new member to their team. At least until he was completed rebuilding the creatures mind. To where it was in his benefit. Helios hummed softly and looked to Kalyn. "How was your meditation?" he questioned out of curioisity. His eyes darting between her, Seth, and the environment around them. Trying to determine where to head next. As, Helios knew that soon enough they would be near a crystal cavern.

Helios reached out with the force. Taking a moment to see if he could sense any energies near them. There was a distant one to the east. That seemed to catch his interest. Causing him to tilt his head. Then begin to walk towards the energy(ies) in question. Before doing that, Helios reached out and softly placed an arm around [member="Kalyn Tyree"]. To ensure that she was able to keep with him, and his random wanderings.

 

[Kalyn Tyree]

Kalyn watched the Kanth hound as he seemed to twitch every now and then, she squinted her eyes slightly at the creature, wary of it. She began to wonder how the animal would act around more of its kind, would the pack attack them? She rather not find out. She did try to look on the bright side of the recent events, perhaps this Kanth hound would prove useful, she didn't know how yet though. But she preferred to end on an optimistic note of some sort.

She looked back up to Helios when he spoke of him possibly still being...hostile. She nodded at him, understanding what he was telling her. Not that she had any plans on patting the creature anytime soon. Especially when the hound had only just been added to their team. She studied the creature, wondering what was going on in its mind, tilting her head at the Kanth hound. Her eyes went back up to [member="Helios Venth"] when he asked how her meditating went. "Yeh, good. It reminded me of my days at the Jedi Temples." She said smiling at nothing in particular as the memories came back to her.

She came back to reality when she saw Helios walk off looking as though something was leading him, or drawing him somewhere. He placed an arm around her and she came walking with him. She sensed he had felt a crystal or even just the Force guiding him somewhere. She didn't question his as she assumed he was being lead somewhere important.

 

[Helios Venth]

Helios wandered for a good more set of kilometers. Then came to a stop as he spotted a cavern of interest. Yup. That was where his crystals would be found. The question was how exactly to get to them. Helios wasn't quite sure what was in the cavern. He reached out and sensed the life forms of what he assumed was Kinrath. Though that wasn't the problem so to speak. Helios looked to Seth, as Seth looked to him. Helios dipped his head and Seth took a seat where he was.

Helios looked to Kalyn and pointed to the cavern. "In there." Helios said calmly. He had a feeling Kalyn was right about a trial or two. Seth was going to remain at the enterance of the cavern. To alert them of anything the should know about outside. While they entered a swarm of rather dangerous creatures. Helios had a complicated though likely effective plan.

Helios quietly walked towards the cavern. Entering it and humming softly. "Stay behind me... Kill whatever get's through... Please." Helios told Kalyn. As he quietly walked and the cavern got darker and darker. Helios reached out and drew a flame to his palms. Which lit enough for them to see.

It also drew a screech from a nearby member of the welcoming commitee. Helios heard a group of approaching creatures. Slowly increasing in numbers. When Helios saw the first group of Kinrath approaching. Helios went to cast out a stream of fire. Though what happened he couldn't of foresaw.

Helios suddenly felt a scream form inside his mind. Though his body was in too much pain to physically produce one. His flesh was melting away and his senses overriding with grief and defeat. As he dropped to the ground. He was burning, he could hear the voices of his family.taunting him. Demanding that he be punished, as punishing was the only thing he deserved. Punished he was being as his fire tore at his own flesh.

Helios body hurt so bad. He knew he was nearing the end. He could just surrender. Give into the suffering and let it snuff him out. Though what about Kalyn? The thought caused him to pause and remember his meditation. Which wasn't that long ago in truth. Helios was understanding why he needed it now. Perhaps he really wasn't on fire... No. Helios had never been betrayed by his fire.

Helios began to hear the distant sounds of combat. He blinked and growled as his mind struggled to re-focus. He was in control of his mind.. He had to know that, embrace that. Helios struggled through the pain. Till he brought his mind to a state of calmness. Slowing his breathing. As he stood and looked to evaluate what was happening. It didn't look very good.

Helios reached out and drew forth some fire. As he regulated his breathing. Keeping a controlled fury. As he called out to [member="Kalyn Tyree"]. "Get back!" Helios insisted strongly. Waiting for as long as it took for Kalyn to acknowldge him. Helios was slightly smoking, at least in his mind. Though he was no longer on fire. In fact the moment he saw a safe opening. Helios was even able to reach out and spread flames. Creating a barrier between the Kinrath and the couple. Though it was only a temporary solution. Helios knelt down and closed his eyes. "If anything comes through the flames... Hack it down please." Helios said as he settled his breathing and mind. Then began to focus. As, he prepared to launch a mental assualt against the heart of the hive. The queen.

 

[Kalyn Tyree]

As they approached the cavern Kalyn took a look around the entrance. Without even entering the cavern she could sense there were lifeforms down there. Kalyn looked to Helios as he pointed to the entrance and said that here was where the crystals had lead him. She nodded, preparing herself for whatever was going to come there way once they entered the cavern. The duo walked in, Seth staying behind, acting as guard.

Kalyn walked, every step as wary and cautious as the last. Hey eyes glanced over to Helios as he asked for her to say behind him, and kill anything that came through from behind. "Got it." She replied, grabbing her saber as the hilt spun once in her hand before she held it firmly. The flame in Helios' hand making way for a small but still useful amount of light.

A screech could be heard, Kalyn sighed hoping they wouldn't have to deal with the Kinrath as early as now. She ignited her saber, preparing to fight them as Helios raised his hands in order to set them on fire. Though before anything was being it on fire she saw Helios drop to the ground from the corner of her eye. "Helios!" She cried as he started to writhe around on the ground obviously in pain. She ran back to him, but looked back up at the approaching Kinrath. Her eyes darted between him and the hostile creatures debating whether to get Helios to safety or take the creatures on.

As her confidence got the better of her she believed she'd be able to take them out. She stood up, igniting her blade once again and walking up to the creatures. She pushed her arm out, force pushing a number of them backwards so she'd have less to deal with at one time. She then ran towards the remaining still standing and stabbed her lightsaber through the first one, shortly after she bent backwards, dodging one of the creatures sharp pointed legs. She spun around, her saber cutting its head off. She wasn't going half bad. Until she looked back to Helios to make sure none of the creatures were closing in on him.

When she turned her attention back to the Kinrath one of them had raised their legs, directed at her chest, ready to impale her. Out of instinct she brought her saber in front of her as the Kinrath avoided getting its leg sliced off and moved away. When she brought her saber down the other Kinrath that she'd force pushed back managed to find their way back to her. As she continued attacking them One of them caught her off guard, whacking her across the space. She went rolling before coming to a stop a little way away from [member="Helios Venth"] . She propped herself up on her forearm and elbow as she held her head trying to stop it from spinning.

She heard Helios yelling to her to get out of the way. She rose to her feet before holding her hand out and using the Force to guide her saber back to her hand before she ran to get behind Helios. Soon enough a barrier of fire rose from the ground as it spread across the space keeping them temporarily safe. She looked to him, her breathing unsteady from the sudden commotion. She nodded, understanding to kill anything that managed to get through.

She paced back and forth waiting for the creatures to show themselves. A few of them managed to make their way through and started on a path towards them. She headed towards them, saber ignited. She jumped, utilising the Force to propel her higher into the air, stabbing one of them on her way down. Though while she was in the air, one of the Kinrath had taken that as an opportunity to attack Helios. She threw her lightsaber, as it spun in the air horizontally. Meanwhile the last of the bunch pounced on her, attempting to stab her, she moved her head to the left as it missed, and again to the right as the creature missed again. She looked back to the Kinrath that would've had Helios and saw it motionless on the ground, she reached out her hand, calling her saber to her once again and holding it vertically on her stomach and igniting it, as the blade shot up and through the creature.

It's lifeless body fell to the side as Kalyn found the short time to catch her breath, her arms fell to either side of her as she breathed quick and short breathes, her head fell to the left as she saw Helios, unharmed and still concentrating. She pushed herself off the ground and made her way back to him, keeping guard.

 

[Helios Venth]

Helios was hyper aware of the battle. That ensued moments after he had created a barrage of fire. Luckily a good majority were un-interested in testing the fire. Helios knew Kalyn was dealing with a handful of the few tough enough to breach the flames. Which upset Helios. Though he had to keep onto his task. The alternative would be them getting overwhelmed by the hive.

Helios thought the creatures were rather incoherent. So, whenever one had a thought. Other then protect the queen, or fire hurts. Helios struggled to avoid getting lost in thought. Ut took him awhile to trace the hive network to it's source. There was a lot of creatures, and a lot of ranks. So, Helios was aware he would need to focus as much as possible. Time was against Kalyn and himself.

Finally, Helios mind punched against a brick wall. Helios without a doubt onew this was the queen. Which forced him to slowly start to squeeze his way past the defenses. The voices of the other Kinrath. Becoming hysterical in an attempt to distract Helios. They were unaware how used to chaos Helios was. It took him a few moments to press past the defense. As a large wail could be heard in the distance of the cavern.

~Call them off!~ Helios insisted strongly. To which the queen refused. Calling Helios a few rude terms, and expressing how they must be destroyed. Helios complied by slowly crushing the willpower of the queen. Unaware of the headache he was aqcuiring. The mind battle testing his will to the edge of his limits. It took another few moments. Helios fire barrier was almost depleted. Helios knew Kalyn must be worn out from defending them. Then he had a breakthrough.

Helios took the mind of the queen. Barely. Though by doing so took control of the colony. Helios let out a sigh of relief and opened his eyes. Looking to the dead Kinrath that had gotten rather close to him. "Um... Yeah." Helios said and rubbed the back of his neck. Starting to feel the headache take it's toll. "Are you okay?" Helios asked and stood. Placing a supportive arm around Kalyn. Hoping he hadn't had her push herself too hard.

[member="Kalyn Tyree"]

 

[Kalyn Tyree]

Kalyn started to breathe heavily as she had one arm wrapped around her torso, still holding her ignited saber in her right hand. She prayed none if the other Kinrath would attempt to walk through fire. She prayed even more that Helios would succeed in what he was trying to do soon, as the fire barrier noticeably got smaller and smaller with every passing second.

She winced as the barrier got short enough that a few of the Kinrath discovered they could easily come over without burning themselves too badly. She held her lightsaber out in front of her defensively, preparing for yet another fight with the hostile creatures. She could feel her body weakening with every new battle. her stamina had been pushed to the limits as she found it a challenge to keep up with the incoming Kinrath. It seemed that no matter how many she cut down more came back twice as fast.

Her heart beat inside her chest, she wasn't quite sure how much longer she'd hold out. But she'd push herself, as much as she could, until she couldn't anymore. She had hope that Helios would pull through, and that's all she needed. That little shred of hope.

Just as she was about to initiate another fight the Kinrath froze and after a moment or two, retreated back into the cavern. She furrowed her eyebrows, confused. "What..?" She breathed out, still trying to catch her breath. She jumped when [member="Helios Venth"] spoke to her and placed his arm around her, still in the defensive. "Yeh, yeh. I'm fine." She said brushing off what just happened and trying to calm down. She then looked back up to Helios, remembering what happened to him, "What about you?! What happened? Are you hurt?" She asked worriedly.

 

[Helios Venth]

"I'll be fine." Helios assured Kalyn and nodded a little. Helios glanced to her lightsaber. "You can put that away now... The fighting and killing is over." Helios spoke softly to her. Pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Otherwise... It does make a lovely light source." he added and shrugged. Letting her decide what to do. Helios proceeded to head forward. Gently tugging at Kalyn. Wanting to keep her close to support her. Helios didn't want to guess how much energy Kalyn must of expended.

Helios followed the cavern. To where the glow was. Wanting to hede the call of his crystals. When he finally entered the crystal chamber. Helios looked around and smiled brightly. It was a beautiful site to take in. Helios closed his eyes and focused. Opening them as his head jerked and he spotted a set of twin color crystals. The two color crystals were a very dark shade of green. Helios smiled some and pointed up to the top left corner of the chamber. "My crystals." Helios spoke in undeniable confidence. He just needed to figure out how to get up to them and remove them. With only the force and his bare hands.

[member="Kalyn Tyree"]

 

[Kalyn Tyree]

She would've pressed further, her curiosity and general concern for him wanting to know what went down a few minutes ago and what caused so much pain for Helios. But she decided to leave it, she'd pick at the topic again later maybe. But not until this was completely over and they got out of the cavern safely. She looked down at her own saber, nodding her head, convinced the fighting was over. She was still in a bit of daze at the rush of how things occurred and all the creatures that seemed to never cease surrounding her and [member="Helios Venth"] . She decided to turn it off, hooking it on her belt, as she felt they were nearing what they came for. She went along with Helios' gentle tugging and walked beside him.

She began to see a glow, obviously nearing the crystals. Once they entered, the sight brought back the exact moment she found her crystal. She looked up to where he pointed, seeing the bunched up crystals and their strong green glow. "You're gonna have to climb up there, I can't see another way up." She inspected the situation trying to look for an alternate way up. "If you fall I can catch you with the Force." She assured him.