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CANADA!

Personally I think PvP would be awesome. Although I don't think there should be a limit on it as to area. If you think about it, in an actual Star Wars universe you can get attacked at any time. PvP should be allowed anywhere.

I think it would be really neat if you could even organize ambushes within the game. Like get with some other players and attack enemies [both sides] or even same sided players [for Sith related classes only... cause you know they turn on each other]. Maybe even be able to form ambushes or raids on NPCs and related aspects.

However, to keep people from taking advantage of the PvP system you only get a certain amount of XP, credits [if that's what to be used in game], and possibly equipment from a fallen PvP combatant instead of everything [otherwise people would get really pissed about it]. Each of these items which you earn from a fallen player will be subtracted from that player. So if you killed StandAlone and got 500 XP, 2000C, and a Mandalorian repeater [in inventory; not equipped] from the kill, StandAlone would lose 500 XP, 2000C, and the Mandalorian repeater she/he was holding.

Also, you should only allowed to attack the same player every once in a while to prevent people from taking advantage of a weakened player. So if you attack StandAlone at 12:00 PM you shouldn't be able to attack them again until let's say... 2:00 PM. I mean it's not very likely that you'll run across them again but you never know. It's just a way to keep everyone happy you know?

I think that does it for my opinions/ideas for now. If I have anymore I'll be back.

Don't believe I have.

lol They really do sometimes. But that's what great about games like that. You really get connected to it that way.

Oh I like! ^_^ And it doesn't screw anything up. It actual helps me along. I was struggling with an idea of how to pull them out of Lala Land lol. Way to save my ass there.

Also... I'm thinking about doing something in one of the next few posts... but I don't know if I should. I mean, I've never been so conflicted about writing an idea before. I really can't decided if I want the story to go in that direction...
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* Riordan growls, unconvinced. He quickly adjusts his own body so that it separates Kain's and this newly arrived stranger... as if he were intending to protect the corpse. "How do you know my true name when I do not know yours or even your face? You are nothing but a stranger to me."

"I am George Kwei and you know me well, Riordan Koga," the man replies in contrary. "You accompanied me into the Tomb of the Elders on Naboo and it is within its depths you have become trapped... snared within an illusion. This is not the fate which Kain has met. There is still time. He waits your return at the Gates. Will you so easily be conquered by despair...?"

Riordan's eyes soften, coming to a sudden realization. He gently lays Kain's body on the ground, standing to his feet as the lifeless form turns to dust which is blown away by a faint wind; the gladiator stadium, arena, and the very ground around him beginning to disappear in the same manner. He stands before George as everything begins to fade, reaching out to grab the Jedi's shoulder with a fierce grip.

"So it is a game death wishes to play with me?" he smiles. "Well... it shall not claim its prize here..."

And everything fades... *

...

He gasps as his eyes shoot open, his body falling to the floor in a broken heap. He shudders against the cold, merciless ground, his body crying out even at the simple movement of muscles. He slowly reaches out in pain, his fingers curling into the dirt as he tries to lift himself off the ground, his spine refusing to obey.

Was is this? he thinks to himself, his breath fogging the ground around his face and evaporating into the air. I... I should be dead... my... my spine...

My Lord! Shouten Yaiba's voice suddenly echoes within the confines of his mind. You have regained consciousness!

"Shouten..." Riordan's thoughts whisper, "my spine... how am I-"

Alive? Shouten Yaiba finishes for him. Riordan nods weakly and the sword ponders the situation. It... it would appear that bearing the taint for such a strenuous period as you have has granted you certain... extremities beyond that of a normal fullbring who is still human.

Most interestingly your body seems to possess the necessary means to withstand a great amount of damage and heal itself... given time. Because you are not a full vampire, however, I can not say how long such a healing process would take, Shouten Yaiba adds.

Riordan hears the gasps of Leina and Mat as they return to consciousness as well, the noble turning his head as best he can to find them. Aware of their escaping its trap the animalistic voice booms around them. "Mane?" it seems to laugh. "Kutni han ku'wake alai."

Riordan catches a flash of movement out of the corner of his eye and immediately manages to turn his head to look at Mat. Mat is taken aback by the fire he sees deep within those normally calming green pools. Those eyes... blazing with rage and shimmering with a dark gleam. They seemed to belong to someone else entirely.

"Help me to my feet!" Riordan demands harshly. "I will not die in the dirt like a damn dog!"

...Korriban...

The woman smiles, flashing sharpened fangs. Such an obedient pet. There was hope for him yet.

"I am Natayla Sazen," she announces, looking down upon the man before her. "I am third to the High King; many know me by my title... the Lost. You have become like us now, fullbring, sharing in our cursed blood. As such you shall serve the High King without hesitation and with undying loyalty until He sees fit to... release you."

She bends down, grabbing Jester under the chin so he's forced to stare into her bloodthirsty red eyes. "I will not tolerate a weak, ingrate serving Lord Mortis. Such flaws within our ranks will only slow His ascension. Falter and I will crush you; refuse and I will break you; hesitate and I will cut you down; fail... and I will devour you."

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George I wanted to give you a little play so you can have Mat help Riordan to his feet (since his spine's still all jelly he's going to be clinging to him for a bit). Whatever attacked them to begin with is now circling them so you can have Leina see it and try to attack it if you'd like. ^_^ Or whatever else you think of is fine as well. They just can't escape until they kill the figure lurking in the shadows. *spooky noises*

Sweet. Though I'm more of a Dark Lord of the Sith myself. ^_^ Bad guys have all the fun.

Okay, really, really LONG post (seriously it's got to be the longest on this site... EVER...) but I wanted to go ahead and get it all in there. There was more I wanted to write about Riordan and Kain's past in these flashbacks but decided to just go ahead and get to the real despair part so... prepare yourself! ^_^

And it is manly to cry about certain things so don't be hating!

P.S. Fixed the Farghul link.
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* "Release him!" the woman demands again, the tip of the dagger she was holding to his throat now piercing the skin near his jugular.

Blazing green eyes meet the molten gold ones belonging to Mika and though his hands allow Ravi's own throat to slip away for their crushing grasp his eyes hold the same rebellion as always; refusing to submit.

"There's a good boy," Mika purrs charmingly as Kain falls to his knees, oblivious to the blood sinking into the fabric of his clothes. Mika's dagger moves away from Riordan's throat and she frowns at the dead mutilated bodies on the ground around the redhead. "You certainly do have a temper problem..."

Kain's eyes find the tiny trickle of blood streaming down his brother's neck and his eyes soften. "Riordan..."

"Shame that we will have to break that fighting spirit of yours," Mika continues, "but I do not tolerate insubordination from anyone..."

Kain glares at Mika, obviously not giving two shits about whatever it is the Farghul just said. "He needs ta see a healer, damn it! Wha' tha hell is wrong with you?! He's dyin'!"

As if suddenly realizing the only way to get to this barbaric man before her, Mika's hand moves to rest on Riordan's shoulder, her claws digging into the tender flesh which had been scorched by the Jedi's 'experiments'. Riordan flinches, closing his eyes and turning his head to hide the pain.

"Get yer f***in' hands off 'im!" Kain roars, rising to his feet.

He stops mid-way, however, when the woman's grip on Riordan's shoulder tightens, the boy groaning softly and leaning down in an attempt to avoid her touch. "Ah, ah, ah," she scolds. "We don't want you misbehaving and your poor little brother here taking the blame now do we?"

"You b**ch!" Kain spits, slumping back down onto his knees.

Mika smiles, her hand moving away from Riordan's shoulder, slipping around his neck to tease his other ear, the pads of her fingers dancing along his strong jawline. "Don't use such strong words. They only make you look weak," she criticizes.

Kain replies with a sharp growl and Mika chuckles faintly. "Shall we strike a deal, Akaijin? You are a man of incredible strength; truly formidable... I do not doubt you could have escaped my trappers without so much as a scratch. But your weakness, on the other hand, is not something you cannot easily protect," she adds, her fingers peeling away the cloth at Riordan's shoulders to reveal the damaged flesh there, "and that leaves you open to constant attack."

"No. You bastards all just 'ave f***in' death wishes," Kain snaps. "Anyone who hurts Riordan will die. I thought that was perfectly clear but it looks like I'll 'ave ta spell it out for ya. Those Jedi... hell will be f***in' paradise compared to what I have planned for them... and mark my words, Farghul b**ch, your days are numbered too."

Mika is nothing but amused by the threat. This would certainly be interesting. "Lend me your strength until that day, Akaijin, serve me... and I'll make you a king among gods. And as long as you do what I ask of you... we will not harm your brother."

"How tha hell do I know you'll keep yer end of tha deal, Farghul?" he questions.

Mika smiles. So... he's not just brute strength after all.

...

Five years. Had it been so long since they'd first come to this living hell? Loovria. They had learned its name well. It was a place as desolate and dry as Tatooine... but blood did not stain the sands as it did here. Blood. Here it was all that matter to these simpletons. That and the fight it took to obtain such a precious crimson treasure, thousands upon thousands cheering for more of it.

More...

But five years of it.... Within those five years it seemed he was seeing less and less of his brother with every passing day. The man had become like a god to these people; an unstoppable, bloodthirsty god of the sands. Riordan sighs heavily, taking his helmet off and wiping the blood away from his forehead so it wouldn't fall into his eyes. He stares into his faceless mask. What had they become?

"Riordan!"

Riordan looks up, his face remaining cold and indifferent as Ravi approaches him. He had quickly learned that emotion and attachments would not only hinder him but get him killed. It was like that within a prison were only blood and money mattered; mercy and compassion had no value. It was kill or be killed and he would not lie down and die for anyone...

"It has been some time, gladiator," the Feeorin says, patting the man on the back.

Riordan nods in agreement. "Indeed," he replies simply, adjusting the straps of the gauntlet on his right arm. "You need something of me, Ravi? It was my understanding there were no more fights for the day but if Mika commands it..."

Ravi shakes his head. The boy had certainly grown into a fine soldier: loyal and relentless despite the fact that they were basically holding him prisoner. But he and his brother were so close to their freedom they could almost taste it... and they would do anything to obtain it. What he found curious is that while Riordan and Kain shared blood, the first did not seem to possess such terrifying power as Akaijin.

But... if they shared the same blood surely they shared at least a portion of the same power. So what was Riordan doing hiding it? He grins to himself. Well... they just have to draw it out of him...

"We have a special treat for you," the Feeorin replies. "Rumors have spread about Akaijin's faceless brother. There are some frightening tales regarding the Hikonjuu... some even say he sacrificed his own soul to surpass Akaijin."

Hmmm... if only they realized how close they were to the truth... Riordan thinks to himself.

"They want to see you in a match together," Ravi continues.

"They... they want to see us fight... together?" Riordan wonders in astonishment. "But we haven't ever fought with each other before. How do they know of me beyond my own name?"

Ravi shrugs. "Ah, things get around. You know how it can be in a place like this. Mika is arranging the match as we speak."

And with that the Feeorin leaves. Riordan's gaze finds his faceless helm once more.

...

The massive, barred doors slowly open, pushing sand along the ground beneath them like tiny desert waves. Already the crowd begins roaring "Akaijin! Hikonjuu! Akaijin! Hikonjuu!", demanding their gods to come and face what awaits within the arena.

Riordan pulls on the blue strip of sash tied around around his belt, tightening the knot, ensuring it wouldn't fall off. Not that Kain wouldn't know it was him. Riordan begins the trek though the dirty chambers leading up to the gladiator pit. A figure stands in the center of the ring, waiting for him.

Kain...

As Riordan walks towards him, he takes in his brother's impressive stature as a gladiator. He dons a spartan-like war helm adorned with long, blood dyed hair; his body armor shimmers in the light, layered over to cover most of his upper body, hiding his abdomen from easy strikes. It was a sure sign he was indeed doing well within the arena.

A blue enchanted brand glows faintly on his left arm. Fighters often became religious and superstitious when they could die anyday. Akaijiin was considered a god of death himself and as such the brand was there to prevent the souls he slaughtered from being dragged into eternal damnation as the Farghul sage claimed.

When compared to Kain's armor, Riordan's left little to be desired. He had easily proved himself within the arena as well and as such donned armor to protect himself. However, Riordan's most prized piece of armor was his animalistic, faceless helmet. The "face" of the helm was covered by a diagonal bars which formed diamond shapes, hiding Riordan's face in the shadows.

Two horns protrude from each side of the helmet just behind and above his ears. Riordan was quite proud of it and it was this that gave him the name Hikonijin. A worthy name. He stands before Kain now, the man carrying a massive war spear. Many had been impaled and paraded about the arena on such a weapon.

"Brother... it's good to see you..." Riordan smiles though Kain cannot see it past his helmet.

"And you as well, Riordan," Kain answers emptily.

Riordan is taken aback by his brother's reaction but before he can speak with him further the crowd quiets as Mika stands on the platform above the gladiator pit. "Many have fought this day; many have died, their blood staining the sands. Yet this arena towers above all others in the Republic! It is a vast beast... and still it hungers!"

The crowd erupts into wild roars and cheers, demanding blood. "Akaijin and Hikonjuu... blood brothers. Five years ago they first stepped onto these sands and today they stand before you as gods! But... the gladiators can have only one they fear so. Now witness the fight of fights, one that shall be remembered for ages!"

Riordan shifts. He did not like where this was leading. What did Mika have planned?

"Akaijin and Hokonjuu shall face each other!"

Riordan's heart stops and his eyes widen, a coarse breath escaping his lungs. WHAT?! Was... was this her plan all along?! He'd have never agreed to it had he-!

"Only one shall leave this place alive," Mika continues, "the other slain merciless by his own brother's hand!"

"We never agreed to this, Mika!" Riordan roars, the crowd quieting to hear what the gladiator has to say.

Mika smiles and chuckles faintly. "You may not have, my dear boy."

Riordan gasps, immediately turning his head to look at his brother. "K-Kain?" the name comes out on a shudder of a breath. Kain's green eyes meet his own, holding no shame. It is then that Riordan notices the red sash tied around the other man's waist...

"You have lost your hold on him," the Farghul adds as Riordan's eyes find her again. "He is mine now and is no longer tied down by some petty human morals. Prepare yourself, Hikonjuu. He will show you no mercy."

Riordan's attention jumps back to Kain as the redhead twirls his massive spear, bringing it around to point the sharpened metallic end at his younger brother. Riordan takes a step back, unwilling to believe the situation. "Kain... you can't do this! We're brothers, damn it!"

Green eyes narrow and a growl escapes the monster before him. "I am a god. I have no brother."

"Begin!" Mika's voice echoes throughout the stadium, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

Kain grins, charging forward with a thrust of his spear, roaring as he attempts to impale Riordan. Instinctively in defense the younger gladiator sidesteps to avoid the first blow, quickly ducking when the blunt end of the redhead's weapon is twirled around in an effort to hit him when he's off guard.

Riordan continues to step backwards, trying to put as much distance between him and Kain as possible. He would not fight his brother! He refused! Kain, being the one advancing, is much faster than his younger brother, twirling his spear in both hands as he lunges for the other man, wildly jabbing at him with the head of his weapon.

Riordan dodges each attack and retreats again, the crowd roaring at the prospects of this match. Mika laughs over the arena speakers. "You should draw your sword, Hikonjuu! Then again... if it comes down to that I doubt even it would save you from your brother's bloodthirsty wrath."

Kain swings his spear around again, using it to gain momentum before he throws it at Riordan. The younger gladiator slides backwards to avoid the first strike and then to the side in order to evade the tip of the spear intent on piercing him through. Riordan growls. He couldn't keep this up forever and the longer they fought the more a rage became a possibility.

He'd have to beat Kain into unconsciousness if he could and then find a way to get them out of this mess. Riordan immediately changes his stance from defensive to offensive, surprising Kain, the younger man lunging forward and kicking the redhead in the face, sending the gladiator's helmet flying through the air.

The crowd roars at the first strike of the match, Kain stepping backwards and reaching up to wipe the blood away from his nose.

"Was that so hard?" Mika purrs over the speakers.

Riordan rushes forward again, Kain blocking his kicks this time with the shaft of his spear. The younger man uses it as an anchor to propel himself backwards, flipping in midair to land safely on his feet, immediately rushing forward again and dropping down. He swings his legs beneath Kain to catch him off guard but the gladiator reacts quickly, jumping up and swinging his spear at Riordan's face.

The younger gladiator rolls backwards onto his feet, evading the sharp weapon. The redhead growls, becoming increasingly more aggressive with each missing blow. He goes for stabbing Riordan's face, putting more power and speed behind the spear. Riordan ducks and when the spear thrust towards his heart he sidesteps, grabbing the weapon under his arm and yanking it away from his brother.

He twirls it and jabs it at Kain, using the man's own weapon against him. It was a weak attack. Though the power and speed behind it were as merciless as the older gladiator's had been it had no malicious intentions. Riordan expected him to easily dodge... wanted him to dodge...

The crowd goes silent for a mere moment. Riordan's breath hitches in his lungs and his heart pounds in his ears, the sound of the sudden uproar from the stadium around him going deaf in the young gladiator's ears. "Kain..." he whispers.

Kain's hand weakly wraps around the shaft protruding from his chest, blood dripping onto the sands at his feet, his breathing ragged and uneven as his pierced lungs scream for air and his heart desperately tries to continue pumping blood through his body. Not removing the spear, Riordan immediately rushes to his brother's side, the redhead groaning softly and falling to his knees, blood seeping from the corners of his mouth.

Riordan moves Kain's hand away from the pole of the spear when the man tries to pull it out. "Don't!" he snaps. He rips his helmet off, casting it aside as if it were nothing, frantically looking around, the sound of the roaring crowd completely drowned out by the sound of his panicking heart. "We need a healer, damn it!" he shouts.

His voice, however, does not reach beyond the sands of the arena, the people within the stadium oblivious to the young man and his dying brother, too busy collecting money from each other or reluctantly giving it up. Riordan looks back down at Kain, the redhead's eyes glossy and distant.

"Brother..." he murmurs as the redhead leans into him, blood dripping onto Riordan's golden armor. "I didn't want this..." he shudders, tears stinging his eyes.

Kain's breath comes out rough, the sound more like a growl. "Don't... cry... little brother," he manages, the act of speaking more than difficult, obviously putting more strain on the redhead's body. "I'm... I'm here... Riordan..."

Tears trail down Riordan's cheek, the wet drops landing next to the crimson ones left by Kain. "Brother..."

Kain closes his eyes on his last breath, understanding the unspoken words. *

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OMG! Done! I think I'm going to go die now... that took forever! o_O Well Riordan's despair... forced to fight his brother and then ending up killing him by accident. And Kain sorta apologizes in the end (it's the meaning not the actual words that count )... that's pretty harsh. *tear*

So for this one... the reason Riordan doesn't do much during Mika and Kain's first little chat is because he's under the influence of a nice little drug. Kain was given the same drug but really... the dude's a monster. He needed at least three doses.

Also I realize that Riordan may be seeming a little weak but he has been really roughed up bad by the Jedi's 'experiments' and he hasn't gotten healed so it's expected. He's not weak though as you see. Mika did end up using him as a gladiator. Riordan's flashback is not twisted until Kain turns on him. Just to clarify. The rest of it actually took place the exact way it was described.

Regarding Gladiator armor: Kain has short red hair otherwise it would get in the way. The hair connected to his helmet is actually that of a number of his opponents whom he killed... so they wouldn't miss it. It's died red [some claim it to be blood] to help mark him as Akaijin. Riordan's helm is supposed to match the color of his armor so just imagine it as goldish (and yes he is that buff beneath all those robes ) ^_^

Hikonjuu: Faceless Monster; the name given to Riordan Koga by the gladiator crowds... most likely a reference to his faceless helmet and fighting abilities.

Liked it did ya?

Because I tend to have a lot of things in italics flashbacks will also be marked by a * at the beginning and the end to help clarify. ^_^
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A simple glance; a simple word.

"Brother..."

He leans forwards to rest his head in his hands. There had been something beyond that normally indifferent voice, something he couldn't quite put his finger on.

"Brother..."

He sighs heavily, running calloused, scared fingers into crimson hair. Sorrow and regret had filled those cold eyes if only for a moment; why then did he hide the emotion in that single word? Was he scared?

"Brother..."

Was that all, Riordan? the redhead wonders to himself. No. There was more wasn't there? I saw it in your eyes. You can't fool me, little brother. I want to hear the words you meant to tell me...

His eyes narrow, his mind suddenly wandering off elsewhere.

* The hum of the ship's engine echoes in the confines of the empty room, turning the soft sound into a roar. His eyes open, his body crying out in pain, the metallic taste of blood drying his mouth. So... the belly of the beast...

"Kain..." a weak voice calls suddenly.

Kain immediately sits up despite his own pain, chains clanging together as he does. He searches the dimly lit room for the source of the voice, his eyes finding the battered body laying on the cold floor on the other side of the room, green eyes screaming in pain as they stare deep into his own, an arm laying stretched out as if desperately reaching for the man. A finger moves, a silent plea.

"Brother..." the voice calls now.

Kain easily frees himself of the shackles which hold him to move to his brother's side. "Shhh," Kain commands gently, carefully breaking Riordan's own shackles from his wrists and ankles. He pulls his brother's body into his arms, wary of the countless bruises, the areas of scorched flesh, and the poorly bandaged wounds. "Don't speak, Riordan," he continues, his own breathing heavy and strained as if he were carrying a tremendous burden. "I'm awake. Save your breath."

Riordan shudders, his breath coming out in raspy gasps. "Kain... my body... it... it's on fire...! I... I'm burning... it hurts... brother..." he manages, fisting a handful of Kain's shirt weakly as a tear trails down his dirtied face.

Kain cannot help but hold Riordan closer, closing his eyes on a wave of heart-wrenching pain, his own body trembling with rage -though it would do little to help him in the situation they were in. Those bastards! He'd kill every last one of them for doing this to Riordan! He'd tear them to pieces, make them watch as he pulled their still beating hearts from their pathetic bodies! He'd-he'd...

"Kain," a voice cries softly.

Kain gasps, his attention returning to the boy in his arms to realize he is crushing him. He loosens his grip, horrified. "Riordan, I'm sorry... I didn't mean..."

Riordan nods simply, understanding. Kain stares at him for a moment, his eyes narrowing. Never. Never again would he allow anyone to hurt Riordan. He didn't care what it cost... he would become stronger. Would protect Riordan... by any means... *

His posture straightens and his blood runs cold. Something didn't feel right suddenly. He glances towards the Temple's Gate.

"Riordan..."

...Riordan...

Dark, bleak... empty. His breathing is shallow and the only sound in the haunting silence. His heart begins to pound violently, adrenaline rushing through his blood. The emptiness... it was so familiar... so terrifying...

* A deep sound rumbles around him and a light breaks through the darkness suddenly, blinding him. He barely makes out the form of the biped walking towards him; a second form remaining in the doorway, waiting. Their voices echo around him though he can't quite make out their words, his mind groggy. Strong, cold hands clamp down around his wrists...

...

He was weak and the heavy hand on his shoulder put little effort into the push which sends him to his knees. He tries to lift his gaze but the same hand holds his head down, forcing him to stare at the ground like an unworthy slave.

A gruff and dangerous voice comes from the figure behind him. "Eh, Mika, what should we do with this one?" it tugs on the chains connected to Riordan's shackled wrists to emphasis.

The hand on his head moves away, a soft one slithering beneath his chin so that he looks up into fierce, golden, cat-like eyes. A... a Farghul? Where was he?

"Be gentle, Ravi," the woman purrs, her voice sultry but holding the same dangerous edge as the figure behind him. "The poor thing is injured enough as it is. It'll be at least a week before the healer can get him into the pit," she adds, turning his head this way and that as if he were a prize animal she was looking to purchase.

Riordan has no choice but to do as she wished... not that he would resist or do otherwise; whatever drug they slipped him was keeping him docile. The Farghul's hands slip under Riordan's clothes, her fingers trailing over every well-toned muscle of his upper body she can reach. Riordan closes his eyes as her fingers leave painful aches and burns in their wake.

His injuries from their encounter with the Jedi had not been medically addressed and his body could do little to heal itself in such a condition. Mika immediately notices and her touch softens.

"Besides," she returns her attention to Ravi, "do you really want to draw the attention of the other by manhandling this one?" she raises an eyebrow.

Ravi chuckles. "Rumor goes he killed three of our guys when they tried to chain 'em back up. They even had to use quadanium steel chains I hear. But you know how rumors can be..."

Mika runs a hand up Riordan's back and she smiles. "The thing about rumors, Ravi... is that you can never tell when they're exaggerated... or when they're actual truth."

She stands to her feet, extremely unpleased. "Take him to the healer immediately. The boy can barely stand my touch without crying out in pain; how the hell am I supposed to expect him to fight?" She growls. "You tell that 'Jedi' and his friends that the next time they decides to play with my merchandise I'll have them slaughtered like the dogs they are. And please do provide a demonstration for them, Ravi..."

Ravi grins maliciously. "My pleasure."

He grabs Riordan by the shoulder, pulling the boy to his feet and easing him towards the door so as not to injury him further, allowing Riordan a quick glance of the Feeorin's face. A Farghul warrior suddenly runs into the room, almost colliding with Riordan and Ravi.

"Mi'lady!" he shouts, rushing towards Mika.

She turns to him. "Yes-"

Before she can finish speaking, however, the Farghul warrior continues. "The-the red demon!" he takes a deep breath. "He's escaped!"

Her eyes narrow but she seems relatively calm. "What do you mean 'escaped'?"

"The drugs didn't have much of an effect on his body it seems. He came about when they were removing him. He-he pulled Akin's knife on him and stabbed him in the eye, killing him. He's holding Captain Soren captive as we speak. I've-"

The warrior's voice fades away from Mika's mind and she smiles to herself. Ah, I see... so that's how it's going to be, Akaijin? This is quite interesting....

"Where is he now?" she asks abruptly.

"They've still got him cornered by the ship I believe. Though not for very long. He's calling for the one that was with him," the Farghul adds though he does not motion towards Riordan. "When he doesn't get an answer he... I-I've never seen anything like it, mi'lady. He's already killed the ten crew members that were with the Captain. I would not think him above slaughtering Soren and many others should he not get his answer..."

Riordan's eyes widen. Kain...

"That will do; you're dismissed. Ravi and I will deal with the situation ourselves," she adds.

"Ah... yes, mi'lady," he bows and leaves.

Mika moves towards Ravi who stands with Riordan by the door. "Mika?" the Feeorin questions.

She grabs Riordan under his chin again, her golden eyes gleaming. "So... your brother wants to play hostage, eh? Well... it seems I have a card in that deck as well, don't I?" *

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My, my... it seems Riordan and Kain were betrayed by a Jedi, tortured (Riordan more so than Kain for some "mysterious" reason ), and then sold over to some Farghul to do who knows what. No wonder they have such a hatred of the Order. I wonder what Mika plans to do with them though... hmmm....

Okay so for the flashbacks Riordan and Kain are in their years before they became tainted so they're still pretty young. In this post both flashbacks take place when Kain is 20 and Riordan is 17 (Riordan is referred to as boy a few times cause calling him man just didn't sit with me). And though this may seem a little more than brotherly love at points I promise they're not g*y. lol They've been through a lot together so they have a very unique, very, very strong bond.

Akaijin: Red Demon; the name given to Kain Koga by Mika... most likely a reference to his hair color and demonic aura/power.
     Aka normally means "red" but it can also mean "bloody". Ijin is often used when referring to evil spirits thus meaning "demon" or "devil". However, it can also be used as a cultural insult which means "barbarian". Thus the name has two meanings: Red Demon or Bloody Barbarian. Both names fit the man very well.

Took me some time but I hope it's worth it!

Jester: I was under the impression that this was during the Jedi Civil War. That's the timeframe for the whole RPG has been in for some time (since we last restarted). It's why Revan, the Jedi Exile, and the war itself are intertwined in my Force vampire plot. [I'll wait to write my character's part until we figure this out.]

Also, Mortis (a.k.a. the Vampire King) does not have a weakness. He's like the ultimate bad guy of the ultimate bad guys you know? The only reason the vampires nearly went extinct was because the Elders started hunting them down one by one. Eventually Mortis grew tired of their game and eradicated the entire species.

On another note, you -as a vampire yourself- are instinctively drawn to Mortis; your desire is to serve him. It's in your very nature, etched into your bones. This isn't like the Sith were the underling(s) despises the "Master" or eventually tries to off him. Force vampires are fiercely loyal to one who's proven himself as their King.

Only purebreds can hold the title and even then only the strongest of them can claim. There's no use in anyone trying to take it for themselves seeing as there are very few purebreds and none of them match Mortis's power. The Vampire King cannot relinquish his title to another, however, should the Vampire King die the title is immediately passed to the strongest remaining purebred.

If no purebreds remain to carry it the title will remain void until another is born. [Man that was longer than I thought it would be. I get carried away sometimes. ]

George: Fixed the error. For the monster voice link (not the breathing, the actual voice) given below: 2:09 to about 2:13 is how I want the being's voice to sound. Real short I know but it's the best I could do. Not a lot of options but at least it gives you an idea. ^_^
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Riordan does not turn to them, his gaze remaining transfixed on the stairway descending into dim darkness as if it were something more. "I cannot say for certain," he replies to Mat's question, "but I... I cannot ignore it," he adds darkly.

Shouten Yaiba's flames dim, the sword voicing his uncertainty. My Lord... is  such a risk wise? Whatever lurks within those depths... I fear I cannot help you defeat; I do not sense it as you do. I will be unable to harness your power and as such it will be of little use. My blade will not find the heart in this darkness...

Riordan waves his hand, uncaring. "I cannot ignore this, Shouten Yaiba. Something waits for me; calls me. I must go. If you cannot utilize my power then bestow it upon me; all of it. I shall no longer burden you."

My... my Lord?! Shouten Yaiba questions Riordan's sanity, beyond shocked. I... your body... should I cease my efforts to control your power and unleash it upon you... I cannot guarantee you would survive! You are still human...

"Yes. I am well aware of that fact," Riordan reconsiders. "Still... such a desperate act may be necessary... if only as a last resort." He steels himself. "Know my will, Shouten Yaiba," he addresses the blade cooly. "When the time comes I do not expect hesitation."

The sword is considerably defiant to the idea but he cannot deny Riordan's wish. Yes, my Lord, he agrees submissively.

The noble throws Leina and Mat a careless glance as if unaware of the woman's ignited lightsaber and both individual's heightening suspicion. Hmmm... he was acting rather odd wasn't he? The dark gleam in his eyes suddenly fades and he appears to regain control of himself once more.

"We must move swiftly," he speaks, his voice thick with icy authority only a noble could produce. "I do not wish to spend anymore time in this cursed place than needed but I must deal with whatever lies beneath this Temple. I shall not allow it to escape."

Without checking back to see whether or not the two Jedi follow him, Riordan begins his descent down the stairs. Of course the two have little choice in the matter it seems and follow, though somewhat reluctantly. The stairway which leads to the lower level of the temple curves, wrapping around a rather large waterfall which flows far into what appears to be a bottomless pit.

Riordan is careful to watch his step on the slippery stones, his grip of Shouten Yaiba's handle as merciless as ever; unrelenting and ready for whatever awaited him. The stairs flatten and straighten out to form a wide hallway which leads into an open area, the edges of the gray plane falling down into the same depths and darkness as the waterfall.

Only two doors greet the trio on this bottom level of the Temple. The door directly in front of them is simple but strangely a fire burns in the torch placement on the wall above it... as if someone had been there recently. The door to the left is slightly smaller but a massive skull-like crest adorned with four animalistic horns rests above it, two fires blazing atop the small columns on either side of the door itself.

Riordan remains motionless, unsure which door to test first and whether it would be wise to open himself so gallantly. Suddenly the door in front of him opens, darkness seeping out onto the fire lit floor, consuming whatever light it finds. Riordan raises Shouten Yaiba, daring anything to leap form the shadows to devour him.

However, when the noble catches the fleeting vision of the woman once more the man throws away his guard and rushes in, Leina and Mat on his heels. The room closely resembles the desolate place where they encountered the Vashan Abyssian though a deep, haunting blue light dances dimly throughout the room.

Riordan remains unconcerned, his focus on the ghostly phantom of the woman escaping his grasp. He eventually loses sight of her in the darkness and groans in frustration.

"Damn it! Where is she?! Where did she go?!"

The noble suddenly realizes he is unable to move, turning his head to find Leina and Mat in the same predicament. He curses violently, tugging at invisible restraints. His struggles immediately cease, however, his body tensing as the cold breath at the back of his neck sends shivers down his spine.

Leina and Mat can do nothing but stare at the large cloaked being which materializes from the shadows behind Riordan, the sound of its breathing haunting their minds with vicious images of what lay beneath. Though the lighting in the room is poor the inhumanely bent legs of the figure beneath protrude from the cloak, glistening whitened fur clinging to purplish grey skin.

An arm moves from within the cloak, a long, clawed finger trailing down from Riordan's ear to his shoulder, slitting the flesh of his neck open, bloody slowly seeping out. The noble groans softly, his attempts to escape resuming.

"What is this? What is going on?!" he demands as if he expected to be answered.

The figure behind him presses it's tongue to the cut on Riordan's neck, moving upwards to lick away the blood, its salvia burning the man's skin. "Rgalom," it answers, though none of them are sure what it says. The violently deep, animalistic voice seemed to be communicating more with mutilated growls than actual words.

"Juo'vigyaz peje agba'son," it continues slowly, demonic voices eerily echoing the being's own words around them. "Han ku'eka majaknak fu'gond en."

Riordan suddenly gasps, his eyes widening, the breath in his lungs hitching as the figure moves away and his body is crushed by an unseen force. The noble's back is forcefully arched beyond humanly possible measures, the man crying out in unbearable pain as the sound of bones breaking echoes in the empty room. Riordan's body goes limp, whatever holding the noble in place now the only thing keeping him on his feet.

The cloaked being fades into the shadows only to emerge behind Mat. It grabs him under his chin, forcing him to look towards the ceiling. The Jedi's eyes stray to the side, catching the faintest glimpse of haunting red eyes hidden within the darkness of the hood of the cloak. Pain shoots through his body as numerous sharp teeth penetrate the tender flesh at the crook of his neck.

The figure moves away, treating Leina to the same punishment. After a while they can no longer keep their eyes open, pain throbbing through their bodies as everything fades to black. The demonic voices echo in their minds as they cling to the last traces of consciousness.

"Welcome... to Despair..."

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Well... now we know that it's not Shouten Yaiba's power the blade is lending the noble. In fact it's the noble's own. As I said before Force vampires share their power with a spirit which is bound to a weapon. Otherwise the power emanating from their own bodies would crush them. So Riordan's more powerful than he pretends to be... hmmm...

Ah, the lower level of the Temple. Despair and Sanctuary are the only two rooms here. And our characters have just fallen into a little snare within Despair. You see within despair lies a being/figure which traps people in a very unique way: with the Force. The poison in its salvia then works to augmenting the smallest amount of pain to unbearable levels, sending the poor souls it happens to catch into a coma.

While trapped, the being's victims experiecnes moments of their lives in extreme detail, able to feel everything and thus not aware that are currently not existing in reality. Usually the victim is forced to relive events in which they failed miserably over and over again until they fall into despair. Where such failures do not exist, events are twisted within the mind and great achievements are destroyed to become grave failures.

You're fixing to learn a lot about Riordan and Kain's past like how and why Riordan became a noble; why Kain gave into the curse; maybe how they met Slade; etc. This is gonna be good. ^_^ Leina and Mat are gonna be unconscious as well until I work them out somehow so feel free to have events of their past come back to haunt them. Like if they save some people or something its twisted so that they didn't get there in time and they were all mercilessly slaughtered.

Feel free to drag it out because Riordan's past is filled with hardships so it'll take me a few long posts like this one I think.

lol I was actually but I love plot twists so yay! ^_^ Although this does alter some plans of mine to reveal key components involving the vampire plot and Riordan's own personal plot to George. Oh well I can work around I suppose and someone can inform George of what's passed once he rejoins the group.

But does Leina know about the Force vampires? I mean like George does?
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Riordan stares at the red stone, bewildered by what had just transpired. Never could he have imagined.... The noble brings himself back to the present reality, forcing his mind to focus, his gaze returning to the stone. Truthfully he had no idea what purpose the stone would serve in the future but he too felt it was important that it not be left within the ruins.

"I suppose we shall," he answers Mat simply, his voice distant and empty as if his mind was elsewhere.

Riordan turns towards the doorway of Bliss and leads the two remaining members of his and the Jedi's expedition back through Ignorance. He begins to question the recent events. What had happened in there? More importantly what had that stone done to the Jedi? Shouten Yaiba suddenly whispers through the Force, sensing a presence other than Riordan and the others within the close vicinity.

Riordan widens his stance slightly in a defensive manner, expecting a surprise attack only to discover the fleeting vision of a woman in ragged robes. She seems so familiar that Riordan reaches out instinctively, wanting to pull her close and hold her forever. However, she vanishes before he even moves and Mat -not seeing the woman himself- wonders if the noble is alright.

Hearing his thoughts, Shouten Yaiba relays his concern and Riordan casts the man a warm glance though Mat does not catch the effort the other man puts into the false charade. "I shall be fine," he assures Mat with a curt nod.

Shouten Yaiba's blades begins to burn brightly as the group travels back down the stairwell, reentering the darkness of the ground level. Riordan finds himself staring at the pile of rubble blocking the leftward path once more, his eyes reflecting the blue shimmering light he sees beyond the cracks.

Leina and Mat turn back towards the noble, wondering why he has stopped. Riordan reaches out and touches the rubble, the stone crumbling and falling away down a massive descending stairway which is partially lighten by some deep, haunting blue light. The sound of roaring water reaches their ears now and Riordan catches the faintest echoes of a woman's laughter.

He turns towards the others, a dark gleam in his eyes neither expected. "Before we leave I... I..." he stumbles over his words. He was really starting to worry them. This was not the cool and collected noble which had entered the Temple with them. Something was wrong.

"I feel there is something else," he continues. "This passageway, it leads elsewhere; below the Temple. Something... waits there." He looks back down the stairwell, Shouten Yaiba humming through the Force, the sound deep and low.

"It calls me..." Riordan whispers, the words escaping his two companions.

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Yeah I stopped cause I wanted to give you a little input cause the next ones are gonna be rather long I think. ^_^ George's gonna miss the importance of the Temple for Riordan though. But like I said someone can inform him later.