The Abyss Looks Back

[Kyyrk]

[member="Vytal Noctura"]​

There was a certain sense of foreboding permeating the halls of The Desolation as it cut through the starred black. It had made one final stop to collect a passenger, before setting course for her final destination. The crew knew something was happening, but they had not been given specifics. Just that they were to escort Darth Voph and his guest to the Ilum system. Once the passengers had been delivered, they were to return to Vylmira with all possible haste. No one was to know they were there. Nor why they had come.

Voph sat in his meditation chamber, watching a holorecording of an expedition gone awry. He'd had the file for some time. And now, he felt, was the most appropriate time to review it. Nightmother Vytal had been summoned to meet with him, and had boarded the Desolation not five minutes prior. Voph watched quietly as the holoimage before him shifted and turned, as the observer moved from pillar to pillar of an ancient temple, watching from the shadows as a pair of ships fell prey to an EMP array defending the temple. He felt, moreso than heard, Vytal nearing the chamber. Voph did not move from his seat, instead lifting a hand towards the door to open it for her.

"Nightmother. An honor for you to join us." Voph did not stir from his seat, instead remaining focused on the scene playing out before him. By now, a collection of individuals were pulling themselves from the wrecked ships. ​"I apologize for the curtness of my message. The matter at hand is one best kept in secrecy. Even our destination is need-to-know."

He gestured to a seat near his own, and turned to face the nightmother directly. ​"I heard of your foray into the Netherworld. A bold venture to be sure. And one that I feel I may be equipped to assist with." Voph turned back to the rerecording. He'd worked alongside Vytal before, even prior to her appointment as Nightmother of the Mandragora. But this was the first time they had to sit and speak with each other. Ilum was some ways off still...

 

[Vytal Noctura]

Attire: Black and Green Robe

When Voph reached out to her discretely -- as had often been the case -- Vytal sent reply that she would meet with him presently. They say ill news and death came on swift wings; if this were true, then it would be perilous to whomever had crossed the Dark Lord today. As it was before. Nay, the Nightmother did not have Darth Voph tarry long as she found a marker among the dead like a signal beacon whence she could locate the man and save quite a bit a time in travel. Admittedly, such things had been easier with Pom's intuitive honing ability, but with her Sister's departure Vytal relied upon the merciful grace of the spirits -- and perhaps a bit of strong arming those less inclined to listen.

The elevated heels of the reinforced boots Vytal sported this day sounded against the deck as she made her way toward Voph's meditation chamber. A few spiritual wisps revolved about her as she went; they passed quickly in front, but lazily bobbed on either side. They seemed particularly curious today. Yet their curiosity did not seem to hold, or perhaps they thought better of loitering as she neared the door which parted at her approach. Alone, the Witch of Dathomir stepped into the chamber.

At the man's invitation, Vytal calmly strode deeper into the room and to the indicated seat. That he mentioned the trip into the Nether did not unsettle her in the slightest; she'd made no effort to conceal the expedition. It was not one for the faint of heart or foolhardy. There were 'riches' to be found in the Other Realm, but greed alone would do little to ensure your safe return.

"Would that have something to do with what transpired on Crait, Darth Voph?" She found a comfortable position in the seat offered to her, and her lips turned upward in a small smile as a recording played out before the man's eyes. "In our brief encounters we have had little time to discuss anything at length, but I have not once been disappointed in your judgment and discretion. It will be a pleasure to hold council with you." That was to say in what could be garnered from their time together, she trusted him in these secretive matters. If what he had to say required a good deal of keeping to the shadows, Vytal would keep such to herself. While even she couldn't escape politics of being alive, she did whatever she could to avoid becoming some kind of information vampire eager to find daggers used to stab others in the back.

Tag: [member="Voph"]

 

[Kyyrk]

[member="Vytal Noctura"]​

​

Voph mused silently as the hologram faded. The recording had grown dark, as the observer turned and hurried within the temple. The occasional glimpse of movement was visible as the camera moved deeper, before pausing near a window to spy the strike force from before nearing the temple. There were a pair of soldiers, but the rest were undeniably Sith.

"Maker willing, it has little to do with Crait. Though I fear we may not be so lucky."

Voph fell silent for a moment, collecting his thoughts. Vytal seemed to be regarding this with a considerable deal of discretion, which he approved of, but couldn't help smirk at. For now that she was here, the need for secrecy would not last much longer. "I, too, have begun investigating the realm of the dead. Ever since that day on Crait..." Voph turned to look at Vytal, speaking with a tone and sincerity that only his closest allies had the honor of hearing him speak in. "Something happened to me. I know I state the obvious to one such as yourself, but...something has changed. Something...or I fear someone, has been watching me. I do not know their identity, nor from where they might be spying upon me. But that, perhaps, is a matter for another time."

Voph glanced back at the hologram, now overlooking a large circular chamber. Against one end, what seemed to be a Rakatan stasis tube rested, guarded by five beings. Four identical suits of armor, obscuring the identities of those within, and a single helmetless individual clad in pristine black armor. It was clear that the battle of words had begun between this leader, and the Sith that had arrived to battle him, but it was unclear what they were saying. "One might say that I possess a tool most important to any ventures within the afterlife. A haven. Untouched by the evils of the abyss. And...depending on your point of view...I created it."

Voph turned his gaze back to Vytal as the hologram erupted into fighting. The four suits of armor were soon revealed to be just that: armor, with no pilot or soul. But the lone figure that fought the Sith alone did not fall so easy. The battle was titanic, even for a strike force of Sith. The trained eye would recognize the outside influence of a Force Nexus, and how the black armor'd one, among others, had fully surrendered himself to it. "Death is a strange thing. Supposedly an irreversible phenomena. Or so some are led to believe. You, I think, know of my true nature, even if by suspicion. For what you witness before you is the battle that finally claimed my life. But forces beyond my control did not allow me to simply surrender to the void."

Voph fell silent, confident Vytal would understand his meaning. Souls must go somewhere. And if not to the afterlife proper, then where?

"I have not returned there since my escape nearly a decade ago, but I know of a way to return. If you are intent to explore the void, then I can offer you safe haven on your journeys. But the small matter remains of the gateway. Lost and abandoned clear across the galaxy from our allies. It must be sealed if you wish to utilize the Rest."

 

[Vytal Noctura]

[member="Voph"] had been investigating the Netherworld? Perhaps she should not be surprised by this. She knew of his long history as an exploration. His exploits as a warrior or a leader were well known by most -- those often garnered acclaim -- but the Nightmother was more interested in the pursuits most did not salivate over. Delving into dangerous, unexplored territory and recovering lost and forgotten relics or power could reshape the world. It was better that they be the ones to find such things rather than any that worked against them. Sadly, long-term investments rarely garnered the attention they deserved.

What intriguing was that Voph believed something happened on or after his exposure to the Nether on Crait. Not before. Not from a less than well-documented past. Somehow he had garnered some entity's attention when he had been cast back out of the Spirit Realm and to the material. The Dathomiri woman's right hand finger up to trace her lower lip in contemplation.

Yet the man did not stop at that. If anything he seemed to table the matter regarding his own encounter and focused on yet another development -- a 'haven' in the Netherworld. One he may have created? Such was indeed possible, but this did not sound like a broken platform or rock and ruin with a metaphysical flag planted in a mistaken belief one could own a part of the Nether. Vytal expected more of such a sanctuary. "Such would be of value to any that sought to explore the Realm of Spirits," she agreed.

A slit tilt of her pale head followed Voph's comments about death. Irreversible? That was, perhaps, a gross overstatement by and for the masses -- only to their benefit. Dispelling such an illusion would invite trouble.

Vytal remain silent as the man spoke of the recorded events of the past as they played out, and of the topics with which he spoke aloud and openly. Obviously she would not attempt to refute or express shock that such could happen or that Voph would dare claim it. It was not unheard of. Nor was it common. What Voph spoke of was more than a mere persistence of self that lingered in the world. His was a very real, very tangible manifestation of life after death. Resurrection? After certain and utter death that was no small effort. It raised a great many questions.

"Such a place would be of immeasurable worth. It is not easy securing a place in the void. Is that our destination, then? To visit the gateway of old and to ensure others cannot use it against us?" This would be a worthwhile endeavor. While there was no telling how far apart it and the gateway on Ryloth would be -- material distance had no meaning there -- it hardly mattered. They needed to establish camps within the void if they had any hope of exploring its fathomless depths. Unlike the spirits that resided there, the material interlopers required food, water, and rest. They could ill afford to traverse so far only to turn back, and only ever reach a set 'distance' within the Other World. "I would welcome your involvement in exploring the next world, if it interests you; even if you had not such a sanctuary under your command. And I'm certain we can undercover its secrets, as well as whatever seems to have taken an interest in you personally."

 

[Kyyrk]

Voph nodded once as Vytal asked of their destination. "In truth, it is the primary reason I sent for you. Portals and gateways have never been my speciality." Come to think of it, he'd not come into contact with a portal of any kind since the Dread War. All the better, in his mind. He hated them. Never knew where one was going to end up.

Voph reached over and paused the recording, the image freezing on Voph and another unidentified Sith clashing blades. "The Rest, as I have taken to calling it, served as my home and prison for nearly four thousand years. Something of a...halfway point between life and death. Alas, I remember little of it, in truth. Four thousand years of apathy does not a keen mind make..."

Voph smiled. "But, I think it will serve your purposes nicely. For even with all my ailing mind, I cannot help but feel the warmth and security one might associate with home when I think of the Rest. We, of course, shall see."

[member="Vytal Noctura"]

 

[Vytal Noctura]

Four thousand years? Vytal found this difficult to put into perspective in the moment. It was a considerable length of time even if [member="Voph"] seemed to have limited recollection of his time there. In truth, her interest was peaked more by Voph having been stuck between life and death after having die. It was not the way of things, so far as the Nightmother herself had come to understand the process. All rules had exceptions, however; so the Dathomiri woman was undeniably curious what triggered such an exception and likewise what broke him free of it.

"We shall," Vytal agreed in acceptance of his offer. "Though I will consider the Mandragora guests of this 'Rest' in the Nether, and ensure we do not compromise what is so dear to yourself." Much as it would benefit them to lay claim to such a place, the Nightsister was not as ignorant of dealing with offworlders as she had once been. One such as she could not simply demand people hand over their possessions out of a belief in one's superiority as a people. More than that, despite limited social interaction between them Vytal found Voph someone pleasant to deal with. Knowledgeable and strong, it would only serve them both to be respectful toward him.

"Even if it seemed to once serve as a prison. Though," she glanced at the recording, "I wonder if it was intended to preserve you in some manner? Cast adrift through time. Few spirits that are sent to the Nether retain their original identity, and I had not heard of one before ever returning from there more intact than not." When the Nightsisters called upon their dead to rise and defend their homes, did they expect to 'talk' with the risen dead? Hardly so. Yet here Voph stood quite physical and whole despite a remark about an ailing mind. He had accomplished the seemingly impossible. Vytal was impressed and at the same time mindful of complications that might come with such a thing. The Mandragora, however, were there should he ever need them; and as Nightmother Vytal would ensure this to be so.

 

[Kyyrk]

[member="Vytal Noctura"]​

Voph was silent for a long moment, dwelling on things that had been. Vytal was right. Voph had borne witness to the very phenomena himself. She was not wrong. Not entirely. "I feel that you are right. Though I do not know if that was the cause, or the effect. In the days following my death, I mustered the strength to visit my loved ones for one final visit. My son, at the least, had deserved one final goodbye. Sovryn...took advantage." A hand raised as he said the name, indicating the woman crossing blades with him in the hologram. "My spirit was bound to a Holocron through means unknown to me. She said it was to...give me an anchor to the mortal world. But in truth, it did little more than hold me prisoner in a limbo between worlds. The Rest."

Voph rested his chin on his fist, lapsing into a thoughtful silence. "I never had time to stop and wonder, in the old days. It was always time for the next mission. The next battle. The next war. No time to stop and wonder why. But of late, such thoughts consume me. Why I am here. Why I was brought back. My purpose had been fulfilled. It was my time. And yet..." Voph paused for a moment. "Here we are."

Voph sighed quietly, then stood, turning to Vytal. "Let us walk. There are...things I feel you ought to know. Things that, for now may verge on suspicion. And maker willing shall remain unfounded. But if there is truth to it, it is best if someone knew the truth."

 

[Vytal Noctura]

Vytal gave a single, short nod at Voph's description of what befell him. Some spirits lingered int he world all their own, though rarely without sacrificing much of who they'd once been. Deliberately anchoring a spirit that would otherwise pass on, however, was quite possible and could in theory retain most or all of the original essence. It was not easy to do nor recommended. Just because the soul lingered did not mean they would appreciate what had happened. Few managed to retain a semblance of sanity over prolonged periods of time. Most sought release or became violent. There were reasons Witches did not 'trap' souls of the departed aside from merely breaking the natural order.

There were exceptions. Life was nothing but an exercise in finding exceptions.

[member="Voph"] continued to speak, and as he did so the questions so oft associated with souls denied returning to the ether fell from his lips. 'Why?' It always boiled down to understanding what led to one's circumstances, and how they might have been different 'if only.' A person could question the purpose of their life, but there were many distractions and pressing concerns that kept most from dwelling too long on the matter. A soul anchored to this world, especially to an artifact kept 'safe' in some cupboard, wouldn't have distractions. Questions, doubts, regrets, and resentment could fester without end.

Once the man took to standing, the Nightmother rose from her seat as well. "What you confide in me will remain between us," she said aloud. Even if it was an unnecessary reassurance, the gesture was dutifully made.

"Perhaps, when you have the time, there are matters I can share with you. Together I am certain we may come to understand much about the world, and our place in it. If nothing else, I can listen." It was Voph that seemed to have a great weight on his mind and desired to share it; and so the Dathomiri woman did not take great pains to consume the time with her own words. If there was something pressing, however, she would share it. The rest could wait until later.

 

[Kyyrk]

[member="Vytal Noctura"]​

​

Voph walked slowly, absorbed in thought. He made for the observation deck near the hangers, so as to be ready to depart the moment the Desolation arrived. Voph did not look at Vytal much as they walked, instead allowing himself to be visibly absorbed in his thoughts and recollections. "In a time before your ancestors, the galaxy was embroiled in war. Not the paltry squabbles and occasional battles of these days. Imagine, if you will, a war stretching to all corners of the galaxy. A galaxy in which Tanaab, and battles like it, were standard. Commonplace, even. So widespread was the conflict that the suns never set. And it was into this time that I was born. To what name, I no longer remember, nor care to remember. The man that was, is dead. And I shall never become him again."

Voph reached across, and adjusted the gauntlet on his right arm, the motion seeming automatic and mechanical. A well ingrained habit, moreso than actual discomfort. "I was taken from my people near my thirtieth cycle. For what I had done, I was to be destroyed. But one came to my defense. She...took my memories from me, and hid me from those who would seek to kill me. I could never go back. But I could never betray myself, even by happenstance." Voph turned to glance at Vytal for a moment. "To this day, she is naught but a fleeting memory. I see her in my dreams often. And, when my time is come, I know that I shall see her again. But I remember nothing of my own accord. Simply that I am the reason that Vylmira has suffered at the hands of the Sith. And it is for this reason that I chose to lead them. To atone for sins of the past, and to guide my people to a new future."

Voph folded his hands behind his back, clasping them together as they walked. "When I died, it was in service to the Empire. Luring an ancient enemy, one who would join Vitiate in his bid to destroy the galaxy, to the forefront. I was to be the sacrifice. To willingly surrender myself to his grasp, and contain his essence within me. Only my son knew of my true motives. The rest must be made to believe that I was acting against them. Turn them against me, lest they permit me to live." Voph paused for a moment. "Sovryn failed. At the critical hour, she sought to save me. To heal me. The father of her child would not be so easily surrendered to the void. So you can imagine the horror when our son struck me down, to finish what I had started."

A soft chime in Voph's ear informed him that Ilum was drawing close. They were nearly at the journey's end. "In my final moments with my son, he told me of something...dire. My wife still lived. She had never forgotten me. Never abandoned me. Even though I could not remember her, she remained loyal. She came to Sovryn, offering her aid on the condition that I be surrendered to her care. When my son took action, Sovryn threatened him. I was her prize, and hers alone. My wife died, old and alone, knowing that she would never have the chance to see me again. To heal the wound she had caused within me. All because Sovryn wanted her...family."

Voph spit the last word with no small amount of venom. After all, she was responsible for four thousand years of suffering and agony. "I think you may have some idea as to why I tell you this. Particularly if told that Sovryn was...different. Something was changed within her. Time stood still within her being. Unable to pass on as we do. Only to be struck down in battle." Voph paused as the pair reached the observation deck, and turned to look at Vytal, the undeniable implication of what he was saying left unsaid for a moment. "Someone that knew what she wanted. Willing to kill her closest allies to claim it. And the patience and time of the gods. To discover what must be done, and how to execute it." Voph stepped over to the window on the far side of the room, staring blankly at the blue void of hyperspace beyond. "I do not know why I was brought back. Nor how. But I believe I know who. That even now, after four thousand years, Sovryn is still out there. Scheming with darker forces to lay claim to me once again. To reunite the family. I think...unless I am wrong...it was her influence felt on Crait. It was her machinations that brought me back to the land of the living."

 

[Vytal Noctura]

What [member="Voph"] said did not frighten the Nightsister in his presence. The dead were not monsters that instilled terror by their very mention as so many other civilizations thought of them. However, what he described of this one -- this Sovryn -- concerned Vytal. To imprison a soul against its will, to walk the world long after their time had passed, and to be ever vigilant in the accumulation of knowledge or allies... for four thousand years. A patient creature of will and intellect. Such a thing could be truly terrifying to even the strongest among them. To think a plan might be laid over hundreds and thousands of years... To watch, observe, and time your movements to bring about an end with far more experience than most could hope to achieve.

Yet there was a fatal weakness in such a thing's designs. There almost certainly was of any with such designs -- the very thing that gave their long existence purpose. Was it Voph himself? The man seemed to think himself the obsession which this Sovryn sought. If it was as he saw it then perhaps this could be used against her. The problem, however, was the lack of true understanding of this woman or whatever she had become. What about Voph did she command? The male figure in some illusive concept of family? A partner to rule over some region? A mere prize to demonstrate her power or position? Or had any meaning been lost to time and it was the very chase itself that drove her, with what lay beyond a terrible and vacuous sight?

Yes, Voph knew of the thing that haunted him. What they'd been before. Was it what they were now? That was what troubled the Dathomiri that accompanied the Miralukan male thus far.

"It concerns me, Voph, that this woman or whatever she may be brought you back, yet has chosen kept their distance. Is it your intention to seek her out, or to uncovering more of her nature or source of power?" They could be walking into a trap -- fulfilling a design laid out and only possible if Voph performed some act he and he alone were capable of doing. Even so, they could not turn back on a whim. Second-guessing themselves over what might be might be just as perilous as advancing forward, and with far less achieved for their effort. They needed information even if it put them in jeopardy of walking straight into this Sovryn's arms.

There was another matter as well, which Vytal was curious about. "And, if I may ask, what would you do if you could confront Sovryn?" Presuming Voph intended to imprison or excise her existence might prove fatal, if he had no such intent. It seemed unlikely he went into this seeking to become the husband in this 'family' she sought to reassemble. Four thousand year imprisonment would not ingratiate a person toward another easily; but there were dark rituals capable of many things. Perhaps, the Nightmother thought, she should endeavor to shield the man's mind and soul from the greater threats once their destination was in sight.

 

[Kyyrk]

[member="Vytal Noctura"]​

​

Voph remained quiet, staring out the window at the hyperspace tunnel. What would he do, should he confront her? What, indeed. Voph sighed quietly. "No. Not seek her out. Not directly." Voph turned to look at Vytal directly. "I sent a message. After Vylmira was accepted into the Confederacy. A message to the woman she had once been. I told her that I had moved on. She was dead, and it was time for me to seek companionship elsewhere. That was nearly a year before Crait. To be honest, I had expected results earlier, but...here we stand."

Voph mused quietly for a moment longer, before speculating quietly, "I do not know that she had a source of power. Nothing...special, anyways. To my understanding, her affliction simply prevents her from succumbing to entropy as you or I would. But maker knows she can, and will, fall to the blade. Or she could."

Before he had a chance to respond to Vytal's second question, the ship dropped out of hyperspace. The great white sphere of Ilum lay below them. Voph glanced out the window, then back to Vytal, gesturing that they had best depart. Voph did not speak, slipping into a focus that Vytal may have seen when the time for business arrived. He led the way to the shuttle that would bring them to the planet's surface, nodding in acknowledgement of the attendant bringing a large case to the shuttle.

Voph, quickly and efficiently with decades of practice, began to shed his robes as soon as the pair entered the shuttle, revealing a bodyglove underneath. In short order, the case was opened, and Voph began to don his Desolation armor. Black as night, and lethal as death itself, it was not long before the skeletal mask lay upon his face. Red eyes illuminated in the dim cabin of the shuttle, as Voph turned back to face his companion. And for a moment, history had become life. The armored titan stood as though fresh from the battlefield of Zakuul, the Darth Voph of legend reincarnate. Then, as the shuttle touched down on the icy plains, Voph strode from the cabin, now intent on the mission before them. In the distance, the temple loomed above them, now being consumed by a mountain of earth and ice. Voph turned to Vytal and nodded once. "We are here. The portal is nearby."

 

[Vytal Noctura]

If Vytal had less respect for Voph, the Nightsister would have laughed -- even mentally -- at how the man had asked the creature that pursued him to simply walk away at his polite request. He, however, did have her respect as a warrior and someone knowledgeable in the many mysteries of the galaxy; so she did not think less of what might be seen as an innocent attempt at resolving his plight. Perhaps, were such a thing chasing Vytal, once someone dear and close to her heart, she might even try the same. It was difficult to fathom a four thousand year old relationship such as they possessed, and how that would shape how one responded.

Actually, she wondered if by his expectation of an earlier response he might have anticipated any response for good or ill. As a woman of Dathomir the presence of men as strategists and leaders was difficult to embrace, but Voph had a sharp mind. Vytal could see him having prepared himself for both contingencies. At least, at a certain level. The conflict was written in his soul. Whatever he had told himself in preparation for such a day, the Nightmother wondered if he were truly ready to do whatever was necessary to end their eternal suffering.

Four thousand years. Such a creature obsessed and consumed by longing would not change in a day, or a year, or perhaps even a lifetime. Depending on how far she had fallen it was possible there was nothing but the all-consuming need. There might be no soul left to bargain with, or to convince. Truly the most terrifying of spiritual monster to be dealt with.

Before she could ask further about his last statement, the ship dropped from hyperspace and he took on a countenance that brokered no further verbal communication. 'Or she could.' Could fall to the blade? There truly was no bottom to which they might yet fall.

As Voph worked to don his armor, Vytal stood off to one side and turned her attention inward. Scarcely audible words whispered between her lips as she sought the council and aid of the spiritual realm. Entropy held to sway, and there was no guarantee the blade would end her -- but there was nothing beyond the reach of a Nightsister's magick and the power of the spirits. If nothing else they would need cloaks to protect them as Vytal could only imagine this woman would have assembled much at her disposal. Whether she possessed some source of power or not, she would not underestimate her prey. Only Nightsisters unprepared for their first rancor were so foolish.

Even aboard the shuttle, the spirits clung to its iron surface. They did not pass it from the world out of sight and mind of the living, but ready were they at a moment's notice to pass them out of harm's way should it seek them out in transit. Fortunately, the vessel landed without incident. No doubt, if the woman were there, she would desire a personal introduction.

Vytal's attention was drawn from her casting when Voph stood fully suited up. Her face was made of stone and did not betray her feelings on this matter. Seeing him standing there as he had long ago, however, was captivating. Yes, she thought, there was no doubt the man was not foolish or unprepared to face a turbulent future. Part of her even wanted to touch the armor to feel that sliver of history brought to life. With now not being the time for fancy, the Nightsister stayed her hand.

"Seek and find," Vytal breathed as she strode out of the shuttle behind the man. A green burst of energy flew out in all directions from the Nightmother, and quickly faded as a light ring of smoke. If they could, they would find the manner of adversary that lie in wait for them.

She strode forth to stand at the man's side. "Then we will claim it, and set any spirit that stands in our way to their eternal rest."

Tags: Kyyrk ​

 

[Kyyrk]

Voph strode with determination, but still bearing the aura of caution that he always did in scenarios such as this. They were marching into the unknown. Voph felt a chill run down his spine at the idea of what they might find inside. This was, after all, just a routine mission to find and close a Netherworld Portal before it could be exploited by enemies of the Confederacy. Sovryn wouldn't know or care about this. Right?

Voph did not say anything at first, simply silently leading the way towards the temple, scanning their surroundings with a critical gaze. He had to admit, saying what he had about Sovryn filled him with a certain sense of dread. He knew, deep down, that if she were still alive, they would have their final confrontation sooner or later. But was it real? Or was Voph simply making blind assumptions based on millennia old information?

He paused as they stepped over the threshold of the Temple. The structure was indeed impressive, and standing within it left an overwhelming sense that the Force was gathered in mass near by. Not a Nexus, but...something else. This must be the portal they were there to close. Voph nodded across the entry hall towards the grand door at the far end. "That, as I recall, is the central chamber. The portal is within."

Voph strode across to the door, scanning it for signs of damage. It seemed intact, but with the power out, there was no way to open it by conventional means. Voph raised a hand to reach out towards the door, and test its resilience in the Force. Unprompted by him the door began to slide open. Voph paused, then turned to Vytal, another sudden chill filling his bones. He unclipped the lightsaber that normally occupied his left hip, and tossed it to Vytal. "The being from Crait. It's here."

Vytal Noctura ​

 

[Vytal Noctura]

Vytal strode forth along side Voph. Her eyes slid over the remains of the temple all around them curious as to its construction and original intended function. Surely the spirits would inform her of a threat should one exist -- even if they had a habit of not providing specifics such as their location. A witch was always at the mercy of the whims of those they communed with. Some, of course, bound and forced compliance to receive precise information; but Vytal was uninterested in dominating the dead. After all, she was a hunter; she didn't need to rely upon being fed every scrap of information in order to survive.

At last the pair arrived at the end of a great hall, which drew a deep breath in response to the sight. This was truly a wondrous place. Better than so many left in utter ruin having been forgotten by the Ages. Not that this one was pristine. It had atmosphere, which was better than spotless tile floors in her estimation. Then again, the women of Dathomir did not waste their time endlessly polishing stone as many offworlders did.

Once they crossed the distance, the Nightmother awaited Voph's unsealing of the chamber. She trusted that he knew whatever means was necessary as he had been here before. Of course, they were both of them deceived as the doors parted without their hand.

A soft hiss passed her darkened lips as she snatched the small cylinder out of the air in her left hand. Vytal reached out with her right hand to touch Voph's shoulder. "Whatever happens next, I will be with you." A faint glow of green mists seeped out from under the hand pressed against the man for just a moment. A spiritual tether between them so whoever or whatever lay within would not so easily separate them as they had on Crait.

Tag: Kyyrk​

 

[Kyyrk]

Voph drew his own blade, and held it at the ready as he began to lead the way into the chamber. It was an odd feeling, being back here. Memories of that fateful day began to creep into his mind, along with a sense of dread as they drew nearer to the portal. The chamber was large, with ruins of the battle still scattered about. Scraps of metal and wire lay about from where the armors had been destroyed. In the center of the chamber, the stasis tube that had held Voph's enemy.

As the pair drew closer, Voph could feel an immense energy nearby. Not the same Force Nexus that had permeated the walls so long ago, but a more focused, internalized force. He wasn't sure if the phenomena was visible to his partner, but the gaping void in the Force stood out like a bright light to him. He paused, turning to survey the area around him. No sign of the spirit from Crait. But Voph wasn't going to let his guard down.

"We're here. The Crait spirit is close, but I cannot pinpoint its exact location. There's a chance it may be from within the portal." Voph glanced at Vytal. "But I don't think that changes our plan. One final piece of information before we begin. The Rest...had an antichamber of sorts when first I visited. I do not know if it will pull you into it or not, but I have not been able to return since my first awakening within the Rest. If we are separated, find the bottom."

Such a thing should not be an overly complicated task for Vytal. Assuming the antichamber would even manifest for her. Voph still wasn't sure if it was even part of the Rest, or simply a manifestation of his choice to live on, or surrender to the void. Better safe than sorry, however. "But that said, we had best close the portal while we are alone. What do I need to do?"

Vytal Noctura ​

 

[Vytal Noctura]

The Dathomiri looked down at the saber in her hand for a moment before she toggled the blade of pure energy. It was as light as she'd heard though with a strange sense of a life all its own. She followed after Voph in short order knowing now was not the time to analyze the weapon. That said, this particular weapon was not one she was trained in. An actual sword, perhaps; though her people had preferred bows and spears.

Her eyes scanned the surround carefully. The signs of what had come before them were all around. Indications of what had been transpiring on the display aboard Voph's ship. Evidence of those proceedings had a certain weight mere imagery lacked.

Within the portal? Vytal's gaze held on Voph as he said his peace. Had it not thrown Voph out of the realm of spirits on Crait? Why would it do so, only to inhabit that very realm? Had it not been prepared to face him? Had his arrival surprised it? Or could it be somewhere else... Perhaps, somewhere closer? The shadow of a frown drew down the corners of the Nightmother's lips.

Not only was some elusive force seemingly toying with them -- intentionally or otherwise -- but what Voph perceived as a void manifested in another why for his pale companion. The currents of spiritual energy -- the Force as they might call it -- were...broken in places. Disrupted. Such a thing could disrupt rituals and magick, which concerned a practitioner of those arts. It would be convenient if an enemy positioned their self here to take advantage of this.

"Stand on the opposite site of the portal. I will conjure a circle to mark where it is anchored in our world, and begin unmaking that anchor." Vytal regarded the man for a moment. "This will take time, and there are risks if it is interrupted," she cautioned Voph. If the ritual were stopped at the wrong moment... Magick was a conjuring of limitless power, and it came with consequences if not handled properly. Unlike the Force, where the worst consequence was from foolishness or reckless abandon of pushing yourself beyond your physical means.

"Perhaps you should tell me more of this Rest," the Nightmother added before her hands lifted before her to summon a green circle of ichor against the ground and begin inscribing sigils along its circumference.

Tag: Kyyrk​

 

[Kyyrk]

Voph looked around, sweeping his lightsaber as he surveyed the surrounding area. He was on guard as Vytal began to work, standing ready to protect both her and the ritual should something attack them. He knew the risks better than she might think. He wasn't as well versed in the deep magics as she was, but he knew how rituals could turn out if done improperly. It was his job, after all. Or had been, eons ago.

"We seem to be alone for the time. I will be alert for unwelcome visitors."

Voph turned back to Vytal as he walked to the indicated point, looking at the portal with no small degree of curiosity. When Vytal asked him of the Rest, he paused. What did he remember of it? Bits and pieces, to be frank. Time had eroded his mind, and most of his time within had been reduced to fractured memories. "In truth, I remember little of the Rest. Not enough to tell you of its full nature, but I remember pieces. The Antichamber is the most clear. A transition from life into death. I awoke on a spire, jutting far above the clouds."

Voph paused as he looked about him again, surveying their surroundings in case of danger. "The only feature, a stair that wound down to the base. Within the clouds, a large vaulted room that ended in mists. The final leap into the unknown. And though I let the mist take me, I did not pass on as I should have. I awoke on what presented itself as...an island. An island on an endless ocean. The rain never ceasing, the dusk light eternal. it was...comforting."

Vytal Noctura ​

 

[Vytal Noctura]

Vytal's focus was on the ritual, but she couldn't help noting Voph's description of 'passing on.' It was not quite what she had come to expect. Perhaps his circumstances were unique, or it differed between individuals. It still fit with her understanding of the living, the spirits among them, those in the Nether, and the host that did not languish in one form or another, however.

After a short time, sigils lined the circumference of the circle. An inner ring appeared followed by several, large sigils. Once in place, Vytal's hands lowered to her sides. It was surprising to find nothing had interfered with her efforts. It would have been an opportune time to strike while only Voph remain mobile. Yet, the danger was not yet passed.

"It is ready. We will need to repeat the process on the other side to ensure it remains shut," the Nightmother said in case Voph was not already aware of this. Sealing it on one side might leave enough trace for someone on the other to re-establish the connection. Erasing it from both ends would require someone to visit both locations, or possess considerable skill -- the likes of which should be suitably rare. Vytal, herself, knew the art, but that came from circumstances she had shared with none thus far. Pom had been the closest to learning the full truth.

With the lightsaber ignited in her hand once more, Vytal stepped toward the portal to enter the Nether.

Tag: Kyyrk​

 

[Kyyrk]

Voph turned, staring at the portal quietly for a moment. Then, he looked to Vytal and nodded, venturing forth to lead the way into the Nether realms. He could feel his skin crawl as he breached the veil between life and death. But...something had changed. He'd not been the same since Crait. The Force called out in anguish whenever he, or those around him, ventured into the realm beyond realms.

But today, it was silent. No. Not silent. It sang.

As Voph emerged from the fell tunnel, he turned about to see the all familiar halls of the Rest about him. The great vaulted arches that stood aloft far above him. The great chamber that served as the entry way, the first haven from the ceaseless rain that covered the island. And for a second, Voph felt peace.

But as Vytal emerged, Voph's heart went chill. Not for any effect of the Netherworld. But for what he saw before him. Wreathed in shadow, a man stood, blade at the ready. Crait. "She wondered when you would return. She expected you to come alone."

The voice was foul. Dark. Twisted through eons of agony and hatred. The image shifted as the figure began to walk forward. A body existed, but the spirit barely clung to it, shackled by unnatural means. The blade it held was turning to the ready. The being's intent was clear. Voph and Vytal were not welcome here.

But in spite of the impending danger, Voph was frozen in realization. His blade fell to his ankles as the horror and disbelief washed over him. Then, the Force called out to him, waking him from his stupor. It sang, joyous at his presence in the far realms. And in that moment, Voph knew what he must do. His blade rose sharply, and he called to Vytal, "Close the portal. I'll deal with this."

Vytal Noctura

 

[Vytal Noctura]

Vytal passed through the portal with measured gait in Voph's wake. Unlike the man from a time long gone that had stayed beyond all reason within the realm of spirits, the Nightsister had no adverse reaction to the touch Beyond the mortal world. While her time had been far shorter, she had stumbled across much in that time. It was that which had informed her knowledge of caution in dealing with the Nether and its inhabitants. Knowing the perils beyond, and still not being above the worst it had to offer.

When her sense of self emerged into that pale world, her eyes beheld a dark and perilous specter. A bleak, tormented existence which drew a faint scowl from the Nightmother. Animating the dead was not disturbing, so much as the vestigal remnant of soul that seemed to animate it. That offended her. The Mandragora were no police of mortals, but they -- and she as their leader -- would not stand for such depravity as this.

The energized gaze of the Dathomiri shifted in Voph's direction as he seemed to freeze for a moment. Fortunately, the man's thoughts passed swiftly and reason returned. Whatever had struck him, now was not the time to stew in the sins, regrets, or lamentation of the past. The first order of business was to survive. All else could wait.

"So it shall be," Vytal replied as she stepped to one side to allow man and specter to face off properly. She had trusted him moments ago, and she'd trust him now to handle the peril that surrounded them. The portal would be closed.

Tag: Kyyrk​