Reliance - an old story from the archives

Reliance

Of all the beings in the galaxy Cyran Oghma was one of the few that could make Kalius A’dar laugh. The two old friends were sparring, a weekly event kept away from the younglings’ peering eyes. Cyran was fighting with rapier and dagger, Kalius an ancient katana. Steel rang against steel as the two spoke of temple business.

KALIUS – You know the younglings refer to the cantinas as your second temple.

A brief exchange, steel ringing in their hands.

CYRAN – Really. I wasn’t aware of that.

Cyran said through his trademark wry smile, then lunging for Kalius’ sternum. Kalius swatted it away.

KALIUS - You are bad influence on them Cyran, you spoil them. Too over protective. And the brawling. You are even training the assassin sent to kill you.

Kalius struck at Cyran’s head, he ducked, Cyran riposted with a strike to Kalius’ left wrist, which Kalius parried and spun.

CYRAN – Twice a week, she’s getting good

KALIUS – And the cantina incident with Udo.

Cyran dodged, as Kalius gave him a head butt. Cyran threw a kick.

CYRAN – Math is not my strong suit.

KALIUS – And you do love to listen to the cantina singers don’t you.

CYRAN – Is that a crime.

Cyran disengages.

KALIUS – She used to sing to you, didn’t she. Does she still?

Cyran, rarely at a loss for words, changes the subject and went into a retreat thrust. Kalius, knowing Cyran’s tricks from his bag of death, didn’t take the bait.

CYRAN – What are the stakes today?

KALIUS – I win, you stay sober for a month.

CYRAN – My gods, and when I win.

Kalius went high, Cyran blocked him, then struck at Kalius’ eyes with a quick snap of his wrist.

KALIUS – You can go drinking- lecture free- for a month. Do you accept?

Cyran Oghma nodded.

CYRAN – Shall I compose a sonnet while we duel?

Kalius threw all his power into three devastating strikes to Cyran’s shoulders and head, The Makashi / Jar’Kai master used both blades to hold off the onslaught.

KALIUS – Quit showing off.

CYRAN – So what are you going to lecture me about this fine day, sword brother; the evils of drink?

Cyran went into a blizzard of thrusts.

KALIUS – No, wouldn’t have any credibility there. And that was last week.

CYRAN – Smoking too much of the pipe.

Kalius parries with ease.

KALIUS - Week before last, no my old friend – today we talk about the force.

CYRAN – Heard of it

Sarcasm pouring out of him, Cyran charged forward and stepped out to get a clean strike at the Juyo Master’s center line.

KALIUS – You rely far more on your sabers, although formidable, than you do on the force. And I’ve only seen you use the force when you are….

CYRAN – Drinking the liquid muse.

Kalius launched two devastating strikes at Cyran’s hips, which he parried with grace.

KALIUS – Why?

CYRAN – My blades are enough.

Cyran launched into his 8 star weaving pattern.

KALIUS – Or did you lose your faith?

Cyran sped up, a blur of motion.

CYRAN – Faith is Sun’s department, not mine.

Kalius stepped up his defense.

KALIUS – Then give me your words.

CYRAN – You cut deeply my friend. The force failed me once.

Kalius struck back with power, Cyran grace and precision.

KALIUS – Mirana.

Cyran changed tactics, new patterns weaving through the air blades cutting the air. More power now in the blows.

CYRAN – Don’t speak of her Kalius, you have never loved. The Juyo you perfect is all focusing of anger. My focus is love. Indifference is not part of me.

KALIUS – I know, old friend. But your love will get you killed.

CYRAN – We all die Kalius, just some die better than others.

KALIUS – Huh, always the poet.

They locked blades Cyran pushed away.

CYRAN – But of course.

KALIUS – You still hear her voice.

Cyran stuck hard and fast

CYRAN – Stop it Kalius.

KALIUS – You still write for her.

Kalius counters, with more effort than he wanted.

CYRAN – Brother I warn you…

KALIUS – Then don’t throw your life away.

CYRAN – It’s mine to do as I please.

KALIUS – She’s gone Cyran.

Cyran screamed and went on the total furious offensive, then quoted the old Jedi Code.

CYRAN – Death, yet the force!

The two locked, throwing blades, punches and kicks.

KALIUS – Then let’s get you back your faith.

Kalius said landing a perfect backfist into Cyran.

CYRAN - I rely on no one nor no thing.

Cyran pummeled Kalius with both blades, knocking Kalius off his feet. Kalius recovered and took to the air.

KALIUS – Then your reliance should be with us.

The two masters stopped, in high parry; neither budging, neither giving ground. The argument was too long coming.

CYRAN – We’ll call it a draw, two weeks sober

KALIUS – Two weeks without lectures.

The two friends, two masters stared at each other for a moment.

KALIUS – Let me buy you a drink, brother.

CYRAN – Who am I to refuse. How many Sith does it take to light a lantern?

KALIUS - How many?

CYRAN - One thousand and one. It requires the Lord of the Sith to order that the lantern be lit, Nine hundred and ninety nine Sith lords to leer, moan, be evil and scream, and one apprentice to light the lantern.

Kalius laughed all the way to the cantina.