Repercussions
Chapter 32
Gaikusan strode through the cell door, a covered container in his one hand. "Good morning, ready for another lesson?"
Kyran blinked and came too slowly. "Not really. I was still asleep. Go away."
"That will be part of the lesson, respect. You are to address me as Master and speak in an appropriately respectful tone." Gaikusan continued to use that even, calm voice that somehow managed to completely infuriate Kyran.
Kyran rolled his eyes. "Fine. Leave me alone, Master while I try to sleep."
"Better, but not quite there yet." Gaikusan flipped open a small control panel next to the door. The push of a button suddenly lengthened the chains holding Kyran upright by his wrists. The unexpected slack sent Kyran crashing to the floor.
Kyran cried out at the pain in his arms as they were suddenly dropped after being held up for over four days above his head. He gritted his teeth and tried to relieve his aching muscles.
"Hungry? I imagine so, since you haven't been fed since you arrived. All you need to do is ask in the correct manner." Gaikusan pulled the cover off the container he'd been carrying. The smell of a rich stew filled the air.
Despite his resolve to say no, Kyran's mouth began to water slightly at the thought of a meal. He closed his eyes as if trying to block out the smell.
Gaikusan stood, waiting patiently as Kyran obviously struggled against the temptation presented by the first food he'd seen in almost a week.
Kyran gritted his teeth as he mentally debated. He hadn't had food in almost a week and he was injured. He needed food to heal, but he really didn't want to ask Gaikusan for any. Finally his loudly protesting stomach made up his mind for him. " Gaikusan, please."
"Master," reminded Gaikusan.
Kyran gritted his teeth but forced the words out. "Master Gaikusan, please."
"Yes?" Gaikusan said expectantly, clearly intending to make Kyran beg.
Kyran forced down his anger at himself and the situation. Gaikusan wanted him begging for food. He would do it only because he needed energy to heal and his was long since spent. "Please, may I have some stew?"
"You forgot the Master, again. Perhaps you need a stronger reminder of the cost of disrespect." Gaikusan resealed the container.
Kyran gritted his teeth. He was inwardly seething at himself for being in this situation in the first place. "Master Gaikusan, please may I have some stew?" He looked away as he finally forced the words out.
"Perhaps later I will give you another opportunity to ask for it. Perhaps if you can remember the proper phrasing you will receive some."
Kyran looked up and his stomach growled louder. "Please, Master Gaikusan...I apologize. I'm hungry." Kyran inwardly cursed himself for even thinking of asking Gaikusan for anything but like it or not Gaikusan had him. His back was torn, his arms nearly useless from the strain of supporting his weight for so long. He needed nourishment to survive, and Gaikusan had made it clear that the survival of his friends depended on how he acted.
"Good. It will help you learn."
Kyran gritted his teeth. He was so hungry. Just a mouthful of the stew would help. He'd begged and pleaded and still Gaikusan wouldn't give it to him. He reached out for the Force and tugged the bowl of soup out of Gaikusan's grip. Gaikusan gripped the container harder at the slight Force tug. The pull ended quickly as electricity zapped Kyran through the chains he still wore around his wrists and ankles, triggered by his use of the Force.
"Hunger must be making you forgetful as well as disrespectful. Another lesson in the price of defiance then." Gaikusan flipped a switch in the control panel and the large vid screen that filled one wall sprang to life. On it was a flatpic image of Qui-Gon, chained spread eagle between two posts.
Kyran looked up, his mouth dry as Gaikusan turned the holo-vid on. He saw his best friend chained to a post. He felt as if he'd been punched in the gut. How stupid could he have been to act in a way that would get Qui-Gon punished.
"Qui-Gon was quite defiant at first also. This was part of his punishment." Another switch and the image began to move. The terrible scene of Qui-Gon's savage whipping was played out in front of Kyran.
Kyran shook his head. "Gaikusan please, he hasn't done anything to deserve that!" He flinched as he heard the whip with the metal stud pop on his friend's bare back and Qui-Gon called out the numbers, one by one.
"Its not what he's done, its what you have not. You will obey me, call me master, and serve me."
Kyran stared in horror at the holovid as his friend's back was torn over and over. Blood was flowing freely down his back and shoulders. Qui-Gon screamed until it was nothing but a hoarse whisper, and still the beating continued.
Kyran closed his eyes trying to block out the picture of his friend's beating. He couldn't close his ears and as his friend cried out he thought about his situation. It was all his fault. he should have gone with his friend in the first place. Then none of this would have happened. Period. Every lash, every stripe, was his own fault. Anger surged in Kyran, as he opened his eyes. He was furious with Gaikusan for beating his friend, he was furious at Devin for not managing to rescue Qui-Gon like he'd promised, but most of all he was furious with himself for not going in the first place when Qui-Gon had asked him.
"I feel your anger. Now what are you going to do about it?" hissed Gaikusan.
The words hit Kyran like a ton of durasteel. What was he going to do about it? What could he do? Nothing. He was chained to the ceiling and he was a prisoner. He could do nothing to help his friend. Tears slowly fell down Kyran's cheeks as he watched the beating. Qui-Gon had nearly lost his voice and could barely count. "Nothing." Kyran said, his tone thick with the effort of control.
"Worried about that Force monitor? Lets take care of that then." A last switch was thrown on the control panel and the chains fell away.
"If you destroy me, what is there to keep you from freeing your friend?"
Kyran looked up in astonishment as he was freed. What indeed? A blind hatred like he'd never felt coursed through him. He wanted his saber back. Not for defense but to kill. With every fiber in his being he wanted to kill the madman who was hurting his best friend. With a cry of rage Kyran leapt and tackled Gaikusan, bringing him down hard to the ground, struggling to his hands around his throat. It would take just a few minutes, that was all he needed.
Kyran was thrown across the room, hitting the wall hard. "Did you feel the power? Even as weakened as your body was from hunger, thirst and pain, you still had strength by drawing on the Dark Side. Take the final step. Accept that power and learn from me how to use it. Pledge me your loyalty and his suffering ends. Prove your loyalty and I will give him to you."
Kyran stared at Gaikusan and as he did the words registered of what he had just done. He'd attacked another in anger. /oh Force./ He stared at the image of his friend on the holo-vid. No matter what, he knew Qui-Gon wouldn't want him to turn to the Dark Side, no matter what the cost. His comfort wouldn't be worth Kyran's soul. With a hoarse voice he said. "I will never join you."
"Never is a very long time and you have already given into your anger twice. Watch what happens to your friend. Think about what else is going to happen, that you could prevent."
Kyran sunk to the ground and curled up, resting his head on his knees. "No. You would not spare him even if I did turn so why should I do something that would lead to my destruction?"
"Feel the truth to my words. Qui-Gon will not suffer another moment at my hands if you give me your oath of loyalty."
Kyran reached out for the Force tentatively wrapping it around himself. He reached out trying to find Qui-Gon through their link. Qui-Gon?
Kyran? Where are you? We've been trying to locate you for days! Qui- Gon's mental voice sounded clearly in Kyran's head.
Sudden realization flooded through Kyran hearing his friend's anxious voice in his head. Gaikusan had lied. He didn't have Qui-Gon. Sudden hope surged in him. I'm in the palace dungeon...Gaikusan has had me chained up to where I can't use the Force ...
A sharp blow to the head interrupted him. "Every moment you waste, Qui-Gon suffers more."
Kyran inhaled sharply as he was cuffed on the head. Kyran smiled coldly at Gaikusan's taunt and stood, crossing his arms over his chest. "Prove it. Take me to him or bring him here."
Gaikusan lashed out with his foot, kicking Kyran in the knee, knocking him to the ground. "You forget yourself. I am Master here."
Kyran fell hard to the ground, gritting his teeth at the pain as he impacted the floor. "Even a Master has to have credibility with their student."
"A student must often be taught the same lesson over and over before they learn." Gaikusan pulled a heavy whip down from its hook on the wall. A sharp crack rang out as it cut across Kyran's chest.
Kyran? Are you alright? What's happening? Qui-Gon's voice demanded.
Kyran gasped as the whip caught him in the chest. Qui-Gon . . . Gaikusan . . .
The pain flooded over their bond, Qui-Gon sent as much reassurance and strength as he could. He cursed the delay his own injuries had caused them. We'll be there as soon as we can. Hold on, Devin and I are coming. We'll get you out of there.
Kyran gritted his teeth as the whip fell over and over against his chest. /You're alright? You're not in prison?
No, Devin rescued me from the speeder. I'm sorry. There was too much pursuit, we had to run. Then . . . then . . . I'm so sorry, but I couldn't let Devin go after you alone. He would never had made it, but I wasn't in any shape to act as back up. We had to find a healer first. If there had been any other option, we never would have left you. Please believe that. Qui-Gon could feel his friend's agony.
I .. I believe you ...I was just worried about you... Gaikusan. showed me... holo-vid...He gasped and nearly broke the contact.. but struggled to keep it there.
Qui-Gon picked up a flash of the images Kyran had been shown. I . . . it was what happened . . . in Tuvlat. Kyran? Kyran what's going on?
Kyran struggled against unconsciousness. The edges of his vision was beginning to darken...Dark side...was all he had time to say before the world went dark around him
Chapter 32
Gaikusan strode through the cell door, a covered container in his one hand. "Good morning, ready for another lesson?"
Kyran blinked and came too slowly. "Not really. I was still asleep. Go away."
"That will be part of the lesson, respect. You are to address me as Master and speak in an appropriately respectful tone." Gaikusan continued to use that even, calm voice that somehow managed to completely infuriate Kyran.
Kyran rolled his eyes. "Fine. Leave me alone, Master while I try to sleep."
"Better, but not quite there yet." Gaikusan flipped open a small control panel next to the door. The push of a button suddenly lengthened the chains holding Kyran upright by his wrists. The unexpected slack sent Kyran crashing to the floor.
Kyran cried out at the pain in his arms as they were suddenly dropped after being held up for over four days above his head. He gritted his teeth and tried to relieve his aching muscles.
"Hungry? I imagine so, since you haven't been fed since you arrived. All you need to do is ask in the correct manner." Gaikusan pulled the cover off the container he'd been carrying. The smell of a rich stew filled the air.
Despite his resolve to say no, Kyran's mouth began to water slightly at the thought of a meal. He closed his eyes as if trying to block out the smell.
Gaikusan stood, waiting patiently as Kyran obviously struggled against the temptation presented by the first food he'd seen in almost a week.
Kyran gritted his teeth as he mentally debated. He hadn't had food in almost a week and he was injured. He needed food to heal, but he really didn't want to ask Gaikusan for any. Finally his loudly protesting stomach made up his mind for him. " Gaikusan, please."
"Master," reminded Gaikusan.
Kyran gritted his teeth but forced the words out. "Master Gaikusan, please."
"Yes?" Gaikusan said expectantly, clearly intending to make Kyran beg.
Kyran forced down his anger at himself and the situation. Gaikusan wanted him begging for food. He would do it only because he needed energy to heal and his was long since spent. "Please, may I have some stew?"
"You forgot the Master, again. Perhaps you need a stronger reminder of the cost of disrespect." Gaikusan resealed the container.
Kyran gritted his teeth. He was inwardly seething at himself for being in this situation in the first place. "Master Gaikusan, please may I have some stew?" He looked away as he finally forced the words out.
"Perhaps later I will give you another opportunity to ask for it. Perhaps if you can remember the proper phrasing you will receive some."
Kyran looked up and his stomach growled louder. "Please, Master Gaikusan...I apologize. I'm hungry." Kyran inwardly cursed himself for even thinking of asking Gaikusan for anything but like it or not Gaikusan had him. His back was torn, his arms nearly useless from the strain of supporting his weight for so long. He needed nourishment to survive, and Gaikusan had made it clear that the survival of his friends depended on how he acted.
"Good. It will help you learn."
Kyran gritted his teeth. He was so hungry. Just a mouthful of the stew would help. He'd begged and pleaded and still Gaikusan wouldn't give it to him. He reached out for the Force and tugged the bowl of soup out of Gaikusan's grip. Gaikusan gripped the container harder at the slight Force tug. The pull ended quickly as electricity zapped Kyran through the chains he still wore around his wrists and ankles, triggered by his use of the Force.
"Hunger must be making you forgetful as well as disrespectful. Another lesson in the price of defiance then." Gaikusan flipped a switch in the control panel and the large vid screen that filled one wall sprang to life. On it was a flatpic image of Qui-Gon, chained spread eagle between two posts.
Kyran looked up, his mouth dry as Gaikusan turned the holo-vid on. He saw his best friend chained to a post. He felt as if he'd been punched in the gut. How stupid could he have been to act in a way that would get Qui-Gon punished.
"Qui-Gon was quite defiant at first also. This was part of his punishment." Another switch and the image began to move. The terrible scene of Qui-Gon's savage whipping was played out in front of Kyran.
Kyran shook his head. "Gaikusan please, he hasn't done anything to deserve that!" He flinched as he heard the whip with the metal stud pop on his friend's bare back and Qui-Gon called out the numbers, one by one.
"Its not what he's done, its what you have not. You will obey me, call me master, and serve me."
Kyran stared in horror at the holovid as his friend's back was torn over and over. Blood was flowing freely down his back and shoulders. Qui-Gon screamed until it was nothing but a hoarse whisper, and still the beating continued.
Kyran closed his eyes trying to block out the picture of his friend's beating. He couldn't close his ears and as his friend cried out he thought about his situation. It was all his fault. he should have gone with his friend in the first place. Then none of this would have happened. Period. Every lash, every stripe, was his own fault. Anger surged in Kyran, as he opened his eyes. He was furious with Gaikusan for beating his friend, he was furious at Devin for not managing to rescue Qui-Gon like he'd promised, but most of all he was furious with himself for not going in the first place when Qui-Gon had asked him.
"I feel your anger. Now what are you going to do about it?" hissed Gaikusan.
The words hit Kyran like a ton of durasteel. What was he going to do about it? What could he do? Nothing. He was chained to the ceiling and he was a prisoner. He could do nothing to help his friend. Tears slowly fell down Kyran's cheeks as he watched the beating. Qui-Gon had nearly lost his voice and could barely count. "Nothing." Kyran said, his tone thick with the effort of control.
"Worried about that Force monitor? Lets take care of that then." A last switch was thrown on the control panel and the chains fell away.
"If you destroy me, what is there to keep you from freeing your friend?"
Kyran looked up in astonishment as he was freed. What indeed? A blind hatred like he'd never felt coursed through him. He wanted his saber back. Not for defense but to kill. With every fiber in his being he wanted to kill the madman who was hurting his best friend. With a cry of rage Kyran leapt and tackled Gaikusan, bringing him down hard to the ground, struggling to his hands around his throat. It would take just a few minutes, that was all he needed.
Kyran was thrown across the room, hitting the wall hard. "Did you feel the power? Even as weakened as your body was from hunger, thirst and pain, you still had strength by drawing on the Dark Side. Take the final step. Accept that power and learn from me how to use it. Pledge me your loyalty and his suffering ends. Prove your loyalty and I will give him to you."
Kyran stared at Gaikusan and as he did the words registered of what he had just done. He'd attacked another in anger. /oh Force./ He stared at the image of his friend on the holo-vid. No matter what, he knew Qui-Gon wouldn't want him to turn to the Dark Side, no matter what the cost. His comfort wouldn't be worth Kyran's soul. With a hoarse voice he said. "I will never join you."
"Never is a very long time and you have already given into your anger twice. Watch what happens to your friend. Think about what else is going to happen, that you could prevent."
Kyran sunk to the ground and curled up, resting his head on his knees. "No. You would not spare him even if I did turn so why should I do something that would lead to my destruction?"
"Feel the truth to my words. Qui-Gon will not suffer another moment at my hands if you give me your oath of loyalty."
Kyran reached out for the Force tentatively wrapping it around himself. He reached out trying to find Qui-Gon through their link. Qui-Gon?
Kyran? Where are you? We've been trying to locate you for days! Qui- Gon's mental voice sounded clearly in Kyran's head.
Sudden realization flooded through Kyran hearing his friend's anxious voice in his head. Gaikusan had lied. He didn't have Qui-Gon. Sudden hope surged in him. I'm in the palace dungeon...Gaikusan has had me chained up to where I can't use the Force ...
A sharp blow to the head interrupted him. "Every moment you waste, Qui-Gon suffers more."
Kyran inhaled sharply as he was cuffed on the head. Kyran smiled coldly at Gaikusan's taunt and stood, crossing his arms over his chest. "Prove it. Take me to him or bring him here."
Gaikusan lashed out with his foot, kicking Kyran in the knee, knocking him to the ground. "You forget yourself. I am Master here."
Kyran fell hard to the ground, gritting his teeth at the pain as he impacted the floor. "Even a Master has to have credibility with their student."
"A student must often be taught the same lesson over and over before they learn." Gaikusan pulled a heavy whip down from its hook on the wall. A sharp crack rang out as it cut across Kyran's chest.
Kyran? Are you alright? What's happening? Qui-Gon's voice demanded.
Kyran gasped as the whip caught him in the chest. Qui-Gon . . . Gaikusan . . .
The pain flooded over their bond, Qui-Gon sent as much reassurance and strength as he could. He cursed the delay his own injuries had caused them. We'll be there as soon as we can. Hold on, Devin and I are coming. We'll get you out of there.
Kyran gritted his teeth as the whip fell over and over against his chest. /You're alright? You're not in prison?
No, Devin rescued me from the speeder. I'm sorry. There was too much pursuit, we had to run. Then . . . then . . . I'm so sorry, but I couldn't let Devin go after you alone. He would never had made it, but I wasn't in any shape to act as back up. We had to find a healer first. If there had been any other option, we never would have left you. Please believe that. Qui-Gon could feel his friend's agony.
I .. I believe you ...I was just worried about you... Gaikusan. showed me... holo-vid...He gasped and nearly broke the contact.. but struggled to keep it there.
Qui-Gon picked up a flash of the images Kyran had been shown. I . . . it was what happened . . . in Tuvlat. Kyran? Kyran what's going on?
Kyran struggled against unconsciousness. The edges of his vision was beginning to darken...Dark side...was all he had time to say before the world went dark around him