A New Begining (Page 203 of 214)

"Yes, it's been abandoned for quite some time," Safira confirms. "When my Padawan and I crashed here this outpost was the only one still around. From what I gathered from the few remaining Mandalorians, a wandering tribe of Mandalorian San Dwellers stumbled upon some sort of chamber beneath the sands and awakened what the Mandalorians quickly named Orik'baar... 'those of undying flesh'."

Her hand reaches out and she begins lazily writing the name in the sand. "I was told it was the Orik'baar who nearly annihilated the inhabitants of the planet. I didn't truly believe in the tales until I witnessed their last attackfor myself, as it swept all remaining life from this place... including my own Padawan's." Her gaze rises to meet George's though it is uncertain what she sees.

"The Mandalorian San Dwellers are all that's left of this planet's population now but they reside in the desert and have been very difficult to track. They are exceedingly wary of outsiders at a time like this and do not seem to understand I only wish to help defeat the Orik'baar..."

The sharp, repulsive smell of blood and death suddenly clings to the air, harsh, ragged breath immediately drawing all attention to the blonde figure who'd decided he'd come back around. George's blood instantly boils, his grip on his lightsaber's barrel tightening as he takes in Slade's tall, masculine form almost completely drenched in blood.

Sweat mingles with that dark crimson liquid, falling from the tip of the blonde vampire's nose onto the hot sand at his feet, his body shuddering violently as a sadisitc grin showcases prominent white fangs. His callous blue eyes shoot up, finding George of all people as his devious tongue flicks out to lick away the blood dripping onto his lips. He chuckles darkly through rough breaths, throwing two mangled bodies -or what's left of them... -forward.

The rags which at one point served as protection against hot, blowing sands are now nothing more than bloody shreds wrapped around chucks of flesh and bone. The bulky, redheaded figure thrown over Slade's left shoulder George immediately recognizes as Kain... but who were these two unfortunate souls? What had that bastard done to them?

Safira crawls forward towards the bodies, the slight movement earning her a growl and unnerving glare from Slade but the Jedi doesn't seem to care, more concerned for the vampire's latest victims. Her hands run over one of the bodies before she rolls it over, revealing a gaping hole in its chest where Slade had obviously ripped its heart out in a crazed feeding frenzy.

Sorry I have been working overtime but I am back now.
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I look over at Lost and slowly walk to her.

I am ready to leave this place and serve the King.

Some people just like their real names, Prince dear. I just like different names.

Also, Jest you might want to go back and read just a bit, hon. There's some somewhat significant vampire stuff on the last page somewhere I think. Four new Force vampires were introduced and Mortis's plan is kinda explained (though that sneaky bastard does like his games... literally )

Be back to post tomorrow.
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Yeah it seems that way. But things still need to develop so we could fully see what's going on with George. And with Slade...
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"That won't do any good, Safira. We must explore the Mandalorian outpost" George said with his eyes still focused on Slade. He hated that guy even more now. His hand was playing with the barrel of the lightsaber, anxious to turn it on and go into duel. But now was not the time for it.

Leina seemed to have calmed a little, but that was only on the outside. Inside she was greatly fearing for George. She knew who killed his parents and that he wouldn't tolerate vampires easily. But now, he couldn't tolerate it at all, though she agreed with him up to a point. She was disgusted by Slade now.
She sensed someone approaching the scene. It was one of her soldiers. The soldier didn't pay attention to the obvious tense situation. She expected him to go to her, but instead he went to George!

"Master Kwei." Soldier bowed to him. "Mat sent me to escort you all to the mandalorian outpost.. We found some wild beasts, but they ignored us. Though he's not sure how long that will last." George nodded opening his mouth to say that they should move out, and then he blinked. Something was wrong. "Why didn't Mat contact us over the comm?"

Soldier expected that so he simply answered. "We have a problem with our comms. It seems that something from the outpost is jamming out signal, probably a signal jammer of some kind."

George looked at Riordan and Leina. She couldn't notice anything that would give away what was going on in his head. "We should go... And quickly." His eyes met with Riordans. This will escalate if things are not settled soon.
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I thought that we have spent too much time by the ship. Do what you will though. ;D

As you wish, Danijel.

While Force vampires don't necessarily drink blood that's still how they feed off a person's soul, life force, etc. They pull power out of their victim's blood. But they do like the taste of blood and thus most vampires will drain their victims completely. Slade and Kain can usually control themselves and not do that... most of the time anyway...
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Kain groans, the sound a deep rumble, drawing both Slade and Riordan's attention to the redhead returning to consciousness. Slade flash steps to a nearby ruined building, gently setting the younger vampire down on the ground and leaning him against the wall in a sitting position... for the most part. The blonde remains crouched down in front of Kain, a finger slipping under the redhead's chin to lift his head so his still-closed eyes seem to be looking back at Slade.

For a moment Slade's mad blue eyes calm, the hungering gleam fading to be replaced be something else George couldn't quite place... not that he cared. The vampires' affairs were their own as far as he was concerned. Riordan moves to see about his brother but stops in front of George. Though he does not turn his head to meet the Jedi's gaze his voice drops to a whisper even Slade's highly tuned ears miss.

"My harsh words were meant as a warning, Master Jedi," he clarifies. "Your tongue shall get you into more trouble than it is worth," he adds, his piercing green eyes narrowing as he casts George a quick glance. "Forget not you too shared this taint of ours once, Master Jedi, and it can easily return if you do not watch your step."

"As for Slade..." he continues, looking away as if to ease the tension of the situation. "I would advise you refrain from goading the man. He has far more honorable intentions than you believe," Riordan assures, "but he possesses a very quick temper which often gets the better of him. Continue stepping on his tail if you wish but do not be surprised when his fangs finally tear your throat..."

With his last words the noble flash steps, a gentle -yet unsteady -hand landing on Slade's blood covered shoulder with a soft word. The blonde immediately stands and moves away from Kain, allowing Riordan plenty of space as the noble crouches down to tend to his brother. The redhead has regained consciousness though he remains a bit groggy from the blood loss. Slade says something but George can't make out the words at such a distance. Riordan looks up at the blonde, replying firmly and with a shake of his head glances back over his shoulder at the Jedi.

"You may proceed without us," he calls, sliding a small dagger from his boot. "Slade shall accompany you...; my brother and I shall be along shortly."

George's eyes warily fall to Slade, the vampire's own eyes narrowing at Riordan's words though he makes no visible objections. Slade's body suddenly shudders but the Jedi quickly realizes it is not from hunger or rage. For an instant, Slade's body appears to magically shed his blood coated shirt revealing a well defined, masculine upper body covered in countless brutal scars. George can easily tell, however, that they were not made by blades or blasters but by chains and whips. Where once Slade had struggled against a powerful oppressor and been harshly punished for rebelling.

George also catches the edge of a faintly glowing silver charmed tattoo resting along Slade's apollo's belt, the tattoo peeking out from beneath the vampire's low sitting pants line. But all too suddenly the scars and tattoo vanish, hidden beneath an exact replica of his white shirt which seems to magically flow over his skin from thin air. Slade shudders one last time before taking a heavy sigh, blue eyes finding George before the vampire disappears, gone ahead to the outpost without waiting for the Jedi. Deviant as ever... how delightful.

Safira turns her head away from Riordan and Kain, not wanting them to think she is starring. Even without eyes which could see it still seemed rude. She can't help but reach out through the Force, however, and observe the simple act of kindness as Riordan slits his wrist and offers it to Kain. She had easily overheard the brothers' telepathic conversation and knew what was coming. The redhead had fervently refused from the beginning but now he submits to his younger brother's kind words, pulling the other man close the best he can so as not to waste a drop of Riordan's vital blood.

The soldiers begin to move towards the outpost and Safira stands to her feet, pulling her hood back over her eyes, and follows...

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Well, well, well... Slade's got some dark secrets...

An apollo's belt is another term for that "V" shape in a masculine guy's hips. Also, vampire magic allows vampires to manifest clothing from thin air. This comes from their ability to shapeshift into other beings thus needing to have suitable clothing. And again, Kain and Riordan might seem... uh... a little funny but I promise they're not. They just really care for each other... as brothers. Nothing else.

Safira nods politely. "It's a pleasure, my Lady." she replies formally, reaching out to faintly brush her fingers against Leina's as they continue to walk. Power rushes through Leina's veins for a mere instant, Safira learning the truth hidden behind the other woman's words. "And you don't need to apologize for them," Safira continues, moving her hand away so as not to make Leina uncomfortable. "The Master Jedi simply doesn't wish to be bothered. His problems are his own and he'll deal with them as he always has. If he wishes to do so alone... well, that's his own choice."

"As for the one you call Slade..." her voice trails off. Now he was a confusing one. His walls were ancient and strong; impenetrable. But when he'd first set foot on these forgotten sands, he allowed himself to relax, allowed his thoughts to roam freely. This place... it reminded him of a far different time... of someone he'd left behind...

Perhaps Safira had misread his feeling for that person, a mistake she'd almost paid for with her life. But no... there was no mistaking that feeling... yet it was not that man which lashed out at her. She sighs heavily. Despite everything she still felt a deep need to defend him. He wouldn't do it himself; it wasn't in his character.

"He's a man... and a troubled one at that... more so than you and the Master Jedi care to believe," she adds curtly. "You choose to see nothing more than an animal... a monster you intend to slaughter in the end no matter how his hand may help you reach your goals. Do either of you believe you can hide your intentions from him?" She huffs softly. "You're only fooling yourselves..."

Safira quickens her step, thankful her hood veils her eyes. While she could not use them for sight they didn't hesitate to betray her emotions. Emotions she shouldn't have as a Jedi. They arrive at what remains of the Mandalorian Outpost. George wonders where Slade might have wandered off to when he catches a glimpse of white along the roof of one of the crumbling buildings.

And there he stands atop his ruined throne, cruel eyes looking down on them from his lofty height as if he were a god. Perhaps he was to some extent...

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Safira Quote: But no... there was no mistaking that feeling... yet it was not that man which lashed out at her. --> that feeling is obviously love; by that man Safira means one of compassion or how she expected Slade to be.

Why Safira defends him after he tried to kill her... well...

Slade's eyes narrow, focusing on George and the others. How long since someone had asked him that question; since someone had dared show a hint of concern for the dreaded Shirokami? There had been those in the past but... he stops, quickly cutting that memory short. Riordan and Kain had also once worried about the man but had quickly learned he didn't take kindly to compassion or pity. His decisions had been his own; he certainly didn't need anyone to coddle him and tell him they were right or wrong, wise or brash. He couldn't change anything so dwelling on the past did him no good.

He closes his eyes on a heavy sigh, attempting to clear his mind of events long passed. As for the Jedi... Well he doesn't really care. Jedi never care, Slade condoles himself. They aren't allowed such emotions. "It's nothin', Jedi," Slade answers softly, surprising Mat until his head turns slightly. Chilling blue eyes land on the other man, driving hammers into his spine, the Jedi's lungs panicking for a mere instant, deprived of too precious oxygen.

"Just an old wolf reminiscing that beautiful tune he sang long ago but can never sing again," he admits though the meaning behind those words alludes Mat, the blonde looking up into the sky where dark clouds begin to form and swirl above the Outpost. That can't be good... he thinks. Slade suddenly disappears, reappearing near George though the vampire is careful to keep a bit of distant between them, dust swirling around his feet.

"Ya need somethin' killed?" he asks, obviously being rather skilled in that field. He pulls a cigarette out of his pants pocket and lights it, taking a long draw before slowly blowing the smoke out of his mouth. He avoids looking at the Jedi directly, instead watching the soldiers continue searching through the ruins of the Outpost.

Safira lowers her head faintly, seemingly uncomfortable around Slade, once again thankful her hood veiled her eyes. It wasn't surprising really; many were intimidated by Shirokami especially after seeing what the man left of his victims.... "Nothing's special about Ordo," she begins. "It's just sand, Mandalorians, and more sand. You're looking for some kind of key you said?" she wonders.

Slade looks to George, his cigarette held clenched in his pristine white teeth. "It isn't in the Outpost," he interrupts. "Even if the Taung were guardians of one of the keys the species died out ages ago. The Mandalorians are nothin' but a mess of cultures now. If we're lookin' for one of the keys, we're gonna need to be searchin' for a tomb... somethin' under the sand."

"The San Dwellers-" Safira begins only to be interrupted by a soldier's voice.

"We've got movement on the other edge of the Outpost!" the soldier calls from his vantage point atop one of the buildings.

Slade immediately flash steps to the man's position, startling the soldier. "Let me see," he orders, pulling the man's weapon away from him to look through the scope. The vampire pulls away from the scope with a growl, flash stepping back to George's position. He props the assault rifle up on his shoulder while taking another draw from his cigarette.

"Well... I'll believe you'll be wantin' my killin' services right 'bout now, Jedi..."

o.O.o

Kain licks at the gash in his brother's wrist, his tongue running over the open wound, tainted salvia sizzling at the contact with fresh blood. His pours his power into the small motions, vampire magic forcing new skin to form and slowly stretch across the opening, healing it completely. He looks up at Riordan allowing the other man to pull away and rub his wrist, fingers tenderly caressing new skin.

The redhead sighs. He'd hated using his brother like this; hated the curse which made him to crave such a wicked thing. But it was a curse, a burden, he would bear as best he could. He'd given in for the right reasons; saved Riordan's life in the end. That was all that mattered.  Riordan looks up suddenly, green eyes narrowing as they find the dark clouds forming over the Outpost not too far off in the distance.

"We must go, Kain," he murmurs. "Dark forces amass and swiftly rise against us."

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Slade Quote: "Just an old wolf reminiscing that beautiful tune he sang long ago but can never sing again." --> Slade is referring to when he was a human/mortal.

As for Kain healing Riordan's wound: all vampire's possess healing properties in their salvia. Should a vampire have a basic understanding of the healing arts the capabilities of their salvia is intensified. Why their salvia is able to perform such feats is something of a mystery...

If you want you can bring the Orik'baar [known in Basic to mean 'those of undying flesh'] in for your next post or leave it to me. If you remember the San Dwellers stumbled upon some sort of chamber beneath the sands and awakened the Orik'baar and it was they who have nearly annihilated the Mandalorians on the planet.

As we go along our adventurers may stumble across more of the Orik'baar Army but for now it's just some 50 of the infantry class soldiers. They cannot be killed with rifles or blasters of any kind. Swords/sabers work best when you stab them where the heart would be or cut their heads off.

Gonna try and add some Force vampire parts in the new few. Kinda been neglecting them too. So guilty...

Ooh... it's getting good again. I think you'll like what I have planned. Again flashbacks have the * at beginning and end. ^_^
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The Orik'baar facing George suddenly stops and, as it falls to the ground in a crumbling heap of rages, its head slides from its shoulders and rolls to a stop somewhere nearby. George's eyes meet Slade's intimidating form, black smoke dancing dangerously around clenched fist. The blonde turns his head towards the fighting were gold clashes with black again and again and for a moment George catches a glimpse of something distant in those sky blue pools.

George's heart stops in his chest and his eyes widen slightly as his mind is suddenly thrown back into a whirling chaos of memories long dead.

* A man stands in the dark, driving rain, partially illuminated by the lights of the ship, blonde hair soaked and tense muscles rippling in the cold beneath his drenched robes as he lets out a shuddery breath. His head is turned, soft blue eyes remorseful and distant as if he were searching for something he'd left behind... someone he'd left behind.

The soft sound of footsteps brings the man's attention to the ship, eyes traveling up the ramp to find the beautiful woman standing there, a baby wrapped safely in her arms. "Rule?" she wonders, looking down at him, her voice like velvet, gentle and smooth. A mother's voice.

The man drops his gaze, feeling unworthy to look upon her. "Forgive me... mi'lady..."

"Rule," she urges, taking a step down the ramp. The man holds up a hand to stop her.

"Please," he pleads huskily, still not meeting her eyes. "Leave me... I... I don't deserve such kindness from you after what I've done."

The woman appears genuinely clueless. "You've done nothing wrong..."

The man simply shakes his head but the woman becomes visibly upset, the baby beginning to slightly squirm in her arms as it senses its mother's distress. "I refuse to just leave you here to face those monsters alone, no matter how fervently you claim to be one of them. You didn't heed his call. That proves you're not like them, Rule..." she adds compassionately.

The man sighs, shoulders slumping as if he were accepting a burden. "But I am, mi'lady. I'm no more human than they... simply a wolf in sheep's clothing... a monster waiting to devour your children in the dark," he growls, cursing himself. "I'm not worth anyone's pity and compassion. I won't have it," he bites.

If the woman is upset by this, it doesn't show. She takes another step down the ramp, her eyes pleading. "I've seen what those creatures are capable of. You're not like that. I know it. Please, Rule... come with us..."

"Leave me!" the man orders harshly, cruel eyes jumping to meet the woman's gaze, shocking her into taking a step back. He seems satisfied with the results though he looks away again, ashamed, when the baby begins to cry. "Already my belly aches for more than food can give it... I would rather anything than I break that promise I made so long ago..." he whispers.

The woman holds her baby closer, attempting to soothe it. How often he spoke of that promise... of the one who inadvertently cursed his soul to this eternal damnation. Yet still he loved her, still he strived to keep that promise... to remain as human as possible... for her. He may be monster in his own eyes but a monster has no concepts of love and promises.

The woman finally takes one last look at the man before stepping back into the ship. As the ship's ramp begins to close Slade's eyes caringly find the bundle in the woman's arms, the baby boy snuggling against his mother.

One day... you and I will meet again... *

George is abruptly jolted back to reality as Slade flash steps to a nearby Orik'baar, his fist traveling completely through the creature's chest before the vampire quickly moves onto the next kill. The Jedi is in complete shock, almost unable to move, his limbs numb. That-that vision... that... memory... it-it couldn't be...

An Orik'baar comes up behind George, raising its sword in triumph as it prepares to cut the Jedi down. The creature, however, emits a ghostly screech as a black blade runs through it from behind, whatever was within turning to sand and leaving it's armor hanging from the end of Riordan's sword. The noble tosses the rags and armor to the side. "Is something wrong, Master Jedi?" he wonders.

Leina continues clashing blades with the two Orik'baar soldiers but suddenly a third flanks her, taking the Jedi completely off guard. Kain appears from thin air, blocking the creature's blade with an arm. He turns his head to glance over his shoulder at Leina. "Ah, miss me, princess?" he chuckles, reaching out to rip the third Orik'baar's head clean from its shoulders. He then throws its sword at the second creature with such force that it goes through its chest completely. He holds his hand out politely towards the last Orik'baar surrounding them. "'Ave at 'im," he grins.

Safira clashes blades with two Orik'baar, dropping down to sweep one off its feet. The second lashes out at her with its sword but she ducks and twirls around, coming back up to cut its head off before stabbing both sabers through the chest of the one of the ground.

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Completely unexpected right? lol Oh yeah. Slade was around when George was originally born (not a reincarnation or second-life... the first time) and apparently was a Force vampire at the time but helped George's mother escape an attack by other vampires....

Finally! I've been waiting to go in-depth with Slade's past and how he's connected to everything for like ever! ^_^ I'm not going to reveal everything in one big heap. Just slowly, little by little... Oh and Slade does know George is well George... or the baby... There's a reason Slade's acted all aloof, "oh, I don't know you", and all out "I hate you" towards George though. We'll get to that eventually.

Wonder what that memory has to do with Slade's (and a bit of George's) past before then though... hmmm... ^_^

Okay a few things... (1) Slade's "her" is not a Force vampire. (2) In case of confusion Slade's promise doesn't have to deal with him remaining as human as possible. It was a promise he made before becoming a Force vampire thus he feels the need to remain as human as possible in order to keep it. The promise itself will be elaborated on later. (3) Feel free to finish up the fight with the Orik'baar.

Slade calls the woman "mi'lady" not "my love" or something endearing. This means he was addressing her as if she were his noble or higher -not a lover -meaning Slade was a hired hand.

Seeing as the woman was attached to Slade to some extent and Slade to her -as well as her child (George) -means he was more than likely a very close personal guard, one which had been around for quite some time [why he seems to care for this woman and more so her child will be elaborated on later]. What that has to do with everything... well... we'll find out won't we?

Oh and George having these memory flashbacks doesn't really have to deal with anything other than revealing parts of Slade's past which will help lead up to the rest of Slade's past being uncovered... eventually.

Now George will only have flashbacks of significance and where he was present at the time [which will be few considering George was still a baby when Slade was left behind]. Each flashback will usually only be brought about by a bit of deja vu [such as Slade saying something or moving/standing a certain way].

But hey, ya kinda know why he decided to heal George now don't ya?
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Slade throws Mat a scolding glance. "A wise general never sends his best soldiers 'gainst an enemy who's strength he doesn't know," he begins, dropping his cigarette and snuffing out the flames beneath his boot like it was a detestable bug. He blows the last bit of smoke from his nostrils. "With this attack we can tell whoever's behind this knows damn well what they're doin'. It only gets harder from here and bein' cocksure will get ya killed faster than a blaster bolt between the eyes," he adds smoothly.

The vampire turns his head towards George, shoving his hands into his pockets as black smoke and eerie whispers slowly fade. "Like I said... we're gonna want to be searchin' for a tomb. The Taung died out ages ago and if they'd been hidin' a key they would have had it buried with the last of their kind," he concludes, "in a massive, hard-as-f**k to get into tomb."

Above them the dark clouds which foresaw the arrival of the Orik'baar begins to swirl and clash more violently, silent purple lightning shooting across the sky in wild streaks. Though Safira can't see it, it's obvious she senses the raging storm... as well as other things. The fighting had distracted the Jedi from his paranoia and his shielding had weakened. But Safira doesn't prod... it wasn't her place...

Instead Safira simply nods gently, agreeing with Slade though she appears reluctant to do so. "We need to find the San Dwellers," she begins. "One of their parties stumbled across a cavern beneath the sands. Shortly afterwards the Orik'baar began their attacks. I... I think the San Dwellers might have discovered this tomb you may be looking for and the Orik'baar resided as its guardians... it would make sense."

Slade chuckles, the sound shocking just about everyone. He grins charmingly, white teeth flashing. "My, my. Thank Saa Aket she isn't as dumb as the rest of 'em."