A Facade's Deception (For Emerald_Phoenix)

[Archangel99]

Peace is a fragile illusion. Easily shattered by a harsh word, the wrong action, inaction, misinformation... Yet such is the state of Republic Space as of now. There has been a relative peace in the Inner Rim, but less so in the Middle and Outer Rims as planets struggle to support their economies. The threat of the Sith has not been heard or seen of in almost five hundred years, and the Jedis have become complacent. No longer the real protectors and defenders of the Republic, they act as arbiters in cases of dispute, investigators in high profile missions, and as escorts to a select, important few.

It is at this time our characters find themselves about to be indoctrinated in the Jedi Order. They are almost at the end of their training, and are currently on an unnamed ice planet. [Not Hoth!]

Four graduates step out of a dropship onto the planet's freezing surface, shivering a little in the cold. A zabrak, a Cathar, and two humans stand in the cold, facing a tall Quarren, who stares them down intently.

Za'roc is a male Dathomiri Zabrak, standing at around seven feet tall. As is typical for his race, he has black tribal tattoos in jagged patterns across his face. His eyes and skin are yellow, with his skin being a few shades darker than his eyes. He is well built, broad chested and muscular, with a well defined six pack, and thick, muscular thighs.

[Go ahead and put your character description.]

 

[Emerald_Pheonix]

Turoc, a male Cathar, has white tiger-like fur, piercing light blue eyes with slit pupils, and pale skin. His body is lean, but with some muscle definition, and he has a claw-like scar across his left cheek. He has black chain tattoos around his wrists, ankles and hips, and his claws are ivory in colour. His chest holds two A-cup pectorals which are somewhat soft, which support 0.6 inch nipples that are coloured a pale pink. He has a four pack below his chest, the definition soft but noticeable.

He sniffs the air, shivering slightly before looking up at the Quarren, looking unfazed and indifferent to this whole situation. His hand is calmly placed over his lightsaber, relaxed, but ready to whip it out should trouble arise. He can't help but glance over to his right, taking a small moment to take in his appearance. He looked at the humans too, but with less interest, before returning his attention to the taller creature, awaiting instructions.

 

[Archangel99]

[I forgot to mention. Right now, we both just have basic training lightsabers. We have to make our own after this.]

Zar'roc looks calmly at the Quarren, wondering why he's staring at them so intently.

"You all know why you're here. This is the final stage of your training, and I expect all of you to do your best, so you may serve and protect the galaxy! My name is Kalidor, and I'll be monitoring your activities for this test. First, you will all have to come with me, to that cave over there." He points to a cave with a large, dark, and wide mouth. "I will not tell you what you find in there. I am only here to point you in the right direction. The rest is up to you, as trained Padawans, learn. Now come." He says, turning to walk towards the cave.

 

[Emerald_Pheonix]

Turoc follows without question, or any vocalized thought for that matter. He understood why he wouldn't provide any help other than direction. This was a test of adaptability and quick thinking. Powerful Jedi could easily overcome any shock and turn the tide in their favour, regardless of the situation. This would also be good practice for survival skills and endurance building. If you couldn't stand the nature of any planet, then you might as well go home.

 

[Archangel99]

Something was off. What wasn't he telling them? Zar'roc wonders, following behind Kalidor. He keeps quiet, through, waiting and watching. Sometimes, silence was golden. He spends his time letting his eyes run over his comrades, trying to assess their prowess in combat by the way they acted.

After a long and rather cold walk, Kalidor stops at the mouth of the cave. "In there, you will find your lightsaber crystals. That's all I will say. There are four different paths, and each of you must choose one." He says, pointing to the inside of the cave.

Hmm. Odd. He's hiding something alright... But then again, Jedis are known for their secrecy. A reason many people don't trust us... Roc thinks.

 

[Emerald_Pheonix]

"A test of faith then. The Force will lead us." Tyroc answers cryptically, not waiting for a response as he walked into the cave. Not bravely, he didn't look brave at all. He looked... indifferent. Uncaring, about everything. His stance was relaxed, perhaps even unguarded. Did he think this was a game? He didn't look cocky...

As the Cathar trudges through, he idly glances around, examining the walls of the cave, but really, he's actively listening, using his sense of hearing. He would let the Force guide him when he reached the four tunnels. For now, he just tried to let his senses roam, and pick out things for him.

 

[Archangel99]

The cave is quite large, with a huge, vaunted roof. The dark walls are lined with jagged spikes of ice and crystals, and the whole place seems to radiate with power. The Force was strong in this place... Before him, there are four dark tunnels, each leading to a different section of the cave.

Roc watches the Cathar go in, his eyebrow twitching upwards slightly. This guy looked cocky. And cocky usually meant dead. He shakes his head and walks in, catching the odd gaze Master Kalidor throws his way.

Creep. He's been staring at me this whole time! Roc thinks, annoyed. He looks at the four paths, before choosing the one at the extreme left, and walking towards it.

 

[Emerald_Pheonix]

Turoc glances over, watching him go for a moment before closing his eyes. He retracts his senses, then lets his conscious gently tap into the stream of the Force. Before this, when he had discovered his talent for this power, it interested him greatly. Something new, something fun! Of course, it came with laws and responsibilities, but he had ignored that fact.

He dabbled in it, toyed and played with it, grew accustomed to it. He didn't have much time to spend before a Jedi would escort him to the academy, but during his time he let himself discover new ways to manipulate it, before trying something new. Instead of tugging or grasping it, he let go, and let himself flow in it. That moment, everything felt so alive, filled with a stream of energy that was pure and unwavering, even things he thought would hold no such thing. Such beauty was so breathtaking and hypnotising... but he forced himself to cling to his conscious, and pulled himself back. But, sadly, it seemed he would not feel it again for a while. No matter how many times he tried, it just did not happen.

Once he was done reminiscing in the past, he opened his eyes, choosing to walk the middle-right path, eyes set and calm. He knew his true goal: to experience that purity and essence of peace once more. He would be patient, of course. He had to strive towards it in baby steps, not leaps and bounds. If he didn't, he might miss something important.

 

[Archangel99]

As soon as the candidates walk in through the hallways, they hear a crackling behind them. Turning, they see thick ice has formed over the entrance, and now they are cut off form the exit! Now, the only way out was forwards, into the darkness, with nary a light to guide them.

Doc's head snaps around, and he looks over the ice wall. Well... Looks like he was stuck in here... Briefly wondering how the other candidates were doing, he started walking forwards, casting out his Force to try and pick up anything out of the ordinary.

 

[Emerald_Pheonix]

Turoc gives a small sigh when he sees the frozen entrance. No doubt they were either going to find another way out, or they would work together to break through. But for now, he simply turned and continued onward. The 'strand' of the Force he was mentally following lead him through the tunnel, while his other senses branched out once more, feeling in a large radius around him.

 

[Archangel99]

He goes deeper and deeper into the cave, until he finally sees a tiny pinprick of light at the very end of his passage, which grows steadily brighter the closer he gets.

Roc, on the other hand, hears movement in the darkness. Whispers, disembodied voices, calling out his name, telling him to come towards them... Suffice it to say, he was a little unnerved. He walks a little faster, trying to get wherever his passage was taking him. Though his Force senses told him there was nothing there, he could still hear them. All of a sudden, his surrounding change, and walks into a large, circular room. There is a figure standing in the centre of the room. A large figure, cloaked in black, broad-shouldered and tall. Power practically radiates off of him, and he turns, revealing a face with a mask. A very familiar face. Roc gasps and staggers back. No, this isn't possible! He's dead! The Sith are dead! Roc's mind screams, filled with panic at the figure before him. Darth Malgus. It was impossible. He was dead!

 

[Emerald_Pheonix]

The male Cathar walks closer to them, but he keeps his senses alert, slowly letting go of the strand and gently bending the Force to aid his reflexes. No doubt there would be a trap of some sort, or something to test him. And he would be ready. He takes a few seconds to question how the others might be faring, but regardless, he surges forward, drawing closer to the light.

 

[Archangel99]

He comes out into a huge, brightly lit cave. The room is circular, and almost the size of the Galactic Senate hall. Right at the center of the room, is a single spire of ice, with a glowing blue crystal on it! Except... The floor looks odd... It seems to be solid for a few feet, and them gives way to a sheen of thin ice covering a gigantic lake.

A red glow and a hum washes over the room as Malgus activates his lightsaber, stalking towards Roc. He freezes for a second, then hastily scrabbles at his own lightsaber. A soft green glow fills the room as his lightsaber ignites. Malgus hardly falters, and steps forward, swinging down a hard blow at Zar'roc's head!
He dives out of the way, rolling to the side, and bringing up his lightsaber again. Malgus turns before he can make a move, and swings at his midsection. Roc parries the blade, before noticing something odd. First, the room seemed to be getting smaller. Second, Malgus should have obliterated him by now had he been a real Sith Lord... He blocks a strike at his legs from Malgus, before stepping back and trying to assess the situation.
"So... You've noticed... There is hope for you yet, weakling..." Malgus says, twirling his lightsaber, his voice a turned mechanical by the respirator mask covering the lower half of his face. "I'm not weak!" Roc says, his eyes tracking Malgus' every movement, looking for an opening. "Yes you are. Look at you. Couldn't even kill a Sith Lord almost five hundred years older than you are." Malgus says, a horrible, dry chuckle emanating from his throat. "I can show you power, Padawan. Real power! Come... Take my hand. Take my hand, and I will show you what it means to truly be powerful..." Malgus says, extending a gloved hand. Zar'roc freezes. Power... He'd always thought he wasn't powerful enough... He almost reaches out to take Malgus' hand, but catches himself. "I don't believe the lies of illusions! Now die!" Roc yells, lunging towards Malgus, his blade extended. Malgus moves too quickly. He deflects Roc's blade, causing him to overreach and stumble, before he kicks upwards with bruising force, sending him straight up into the air, before smashing his head on the way down, slamming him into the floor. Roc's lightsaber skitters away, out of his hands, and Malgus raises his blade to strike and end his life. But the fight isn't over yet. With a growl, he rolls over and grabs Malgus' foot, twisting it hard. The Sith Lord goes down with a grunt, falling to one knee. Roc takes the opportunity to riloll out from under him and attack him once more, devolving into the aggressive fighting styles of Ataru. He hacks, slashes, and stabs, trying to wear down Malgus' defenses, but Malgus effortlessly keeps pace with him, matching him blow for blow. "Hah! Ataru. An old, outdated form of combat. But it's good! Choosing a form like this. There's still a chance for you!" Malgus says, laughing as he parries Roc's blows.
This is seriously pissing him off. With a roar, Roc sends a wall of Force toward Malgus, blasting him off his feet and sending him into the opposite wall. "Yes! Good! Good! Feel the Dark Side! Feel its lovely call! Its bountiful rewards! Its power!" He screams maniacally. Roc, who was about to move in for the killing blow, suddenly stops. "What? Lost your nerve, boy? Can't kill a downed Sith Lord?" Malgus says, laughing. "No... It's not that I can't... It's that I won't. Not unless I deem you a real threat. A threat to people around me, the galaxy, and its inhabitants! And I doubt an illusion will be much of a threat." Roc says, narrowing his eyes at Malgus.
Malgus slowly stands, and starts to clap slowly. "Wise words, young one. Wise words..." He murmurs as he fades away.
A soft purple glow fills the room, and Roc looks up to see a purple Kyber crystal glowing, right in the center of the roof of the cave. With a grin, he Force Jumps to the top of the cave, and snags the crystal. Another passage opens as soon as he lands, and, with a smile on his face, he walks through it, not even caring that his nose is bleeding and his ribs are probably fractured.

 

[Emerald_Pheonix]

Tyroc frowns, taking a few tentative steps forward, testing the floor, before he moves closer. He takes his saber in hand, before activating it, gripping the handle somewhat loosely with both hands, torso twisted to the right as his eyes scan around. He considered manipulating the Force to launch himself over to the spire, but that would be too easy. He relaxes, then closes his eyes, once more expanding his own senses.

It was cold, he couldn't deny that. But, perhaps, under that thing ice, there was a monster underneath, waiting. He opens his eyes, then gently taps the thin layer with his left foot. If it was safe, he would try to cross, slowly, with as wide a stance as he could manage to distribute his weight in a large area, and not send himself plunging to the bottom.

 

[Archangel99]

The ice immediately creaks and cracks below his weight, and the cracks radiate in all directions. This was going to be dangerous...

Roc happily walks through the passage, feeling a little elated at his success. This was good. He had already gotten his crystal, and now he was probably on the way back out. The crystal seemed warm to the touch, and it felt like it was vibrating and humming in his hand, like a tiny, living, crystallized soul. He keeps walking, and sees a light at the end of the tunnel. Picking up the pace, he jogs forward to the exit, where he sees Master Kalidor waiting for him. Alone. "Congratulations. You're the first one out!" He says, smiling and clapping. "Let me see your crystal!" He says. Roc grins and holds up the crystal, the soft purple glow filling the room. "Ah! Purple! You're a volatile one, Hmm? Like that Windu. Always getting himself into trouble!" Kalidor says, nodding. "Say... You're Master Bulq's student, aren't you?" He asks. "Yes. Yes I am." Roc says, nodding. "Hmm. I see." Master Kalidor says, nodding slightly. Roc, for some reason, can sense a bit of... Disapproval, almost? Odd...

 

[Emerald_Pheonix]

The Cathar frowns, stepping back. He wouldn't make it if he tried to sprint over. Instead, he kneels down. Time to think outside of the box. He just relaxed, letting the Force flow over him. Again, he could not sink into that perfection and purity, but he did not focus on that. Slowly, he places his hands down on the ice, shivering at the chill, feeling the Force flowing through it. A concentrated look appears on his face, as he pushes and bends more energy, attempting to strengthen and form at least a temporary safe path so he could reach the spire.

 

[Archangel99]

The ice hardens... But only slightly. It was still weak. He would have to keep the Force flowing through him and into the ice if he wanted to keep moving forwards.

"Just out of curiosity... How long have I been in there?" Roc asks Master Kalidor. "Er... About... Two hours, I guess. Not that long." He says. Roc is stunned into silence. He thought he'd been in there for half an hour at the most! "You're pulling my leg, right Master?" He asks, disbelief clear on his face. Kalidor shakes his head. "Oh. Wow. Okaaay..." He mutters.

 

[Emerald_Pheonix]

Turoc frowns, but keeps the flow going, slowly standing up. Trusting his faith in the Force, he steps forward, feeling the ice crack, but not split apart. He takes slow, tentative and light steps forward, still bending and manipulating the power to keep the ice as strong as he could manage, eyes closed. It was difficult, using it in such a way, but it was good practice. His natural senses would allow him to detect any incoming threats, but still, he was more vulnerable than he was before.

 

[Archangel99]

He gets closer and closer, the ice cracking louder and more frequently. Finally, when he's quite a distance away, the ice gives way, and he starts to fall!

 

[Emerald_Pheonix]

The male Cathar's eyes snap open. His shock makes him nearly let go of his control, but he instead, firmly pushes it underneath him, attempting to launch himself towards the spire towards safety, gritting his teeth and looking at his goal.

 

[Archangel99]

He sails through the air, and manages to land right at the base of the spire. Unfortunately, the giant leap knocks him off balance, and he's about to fall. It's now or never. He had to get that crystal!

 

[Emerald_Pheonix]

Tyroc reaches forward, willing with all his might that the Force bring the crystal to him, while grabbing his saber and stabbing it into the base of the spire, attempting to hold himself steady as he tugged with his power.

 

[Archangel99]

He manages to grab the crystal, but falls back. He closes his eyes, preparing for the fall. He floats for a second, weightless...

Then falls hard onto a frozen floor. Which doesn't break.

 

[Emerald_Pheonix]

Tyroc grunts and groans, sitting up and rubbing his back "Gh... damn... going to be an old man if I keep this up..." He looks around, sighing in relief before standing. Seems the crystal is what made the ice so weak. He looks at it, observing its indigo colour, smiling slightly. He then pushed forward, trudging past the spire, wincing gently. Now that the adrenaline was dying down, he was really able to feel the pain. Of course, it faded as he went, he didn't break anything. He would live.

 

[Archangel99]

There was an open passage at the end of the huge hall, which he hadn't noticed before.

 

[Emerald_Pheonix]

He moves through it, breathing deeply and standing tall, gently gripping his crystal as he walks forward, that small smile still on his lips. Soon enough, he's out of the cavern, spotting the other two and heading over. It seems the humans have not made it through their trials yet.

 

[Archangel99]

Master Kalidor spreads his arms. "Welcome back!" He says with a smile. The zabrak grins. "Good job. Only took you about... Three hours. Come on man, I was getting bored here!" He says, chuckling. Master Kalidor gives him a stern look. "Patience is a virtue all Jedi must have, Padawan Zar'roc. Do not demean others for their actions!" He says, frowning. The zabrak, Zar'roc, raises an eyebrow. "I was just jesting, Master." He says.

Jeez. Crazy old man. What the heck was his problem? It seems he's. being particularly nasty to me just on account of me being Sora Bulq's student! Roc thinks.

 

[Emerald_Pheonix]

"It is fine, Master Kalidor. The humour is appreciated." Tyroc placates, looking at his fellow student with that small smile. Huh, seems he was capable of emotions after all. "A rather interesting trial. But I succeeded regardless." He holds up the indigo gem, looking proud, but not boastful. He was simply stating the fact. He looks around, frowning, wondering if the other two were okay.

"... Master Kalidor... has anyone died during this trial?" He asks hesitantly, beginning to feel a little worried. It had taken him three hours, yes, but it felt like the other two were taking a long time...

 

[Archangel99]

The master sobers up a bit."Once, yes..." He murmurs. Then, one of the humans stumbles into the room and falls to the floor, panting. She holds up a green gem with a tired grin on her face. "Congratulations Brenna! You made it!" Master Kalidor says, moving to help the girl up. "Now... Only Pouran is left..." He murmurs, staring at the last exit.

 

[Emerald_Pheonix]

The male Cathar sighs softly in relief when he sees the human, but then looks at the last entrance. If he took too long, no doubt someone would go in and check things out... he couldn't stop worrying though. He takes a deep breath before relaxing, adopting a calm, indifferent mask once more. No point in making the other's nervous. If he was calm, then they could be calm. If only slightly.