OOC:

To Walk The Jaded Path

The Origin Story of
Kyrus Sagen Hassar

OOC:

Chapter 1

The twin suns of Tatooine sat above the horizon, casting it's final rays of orange sunlight across the dessert sands as the twilight of evening began to recede. Nothing ever went unseen under the watchful eyes of the suns, save it be under the cloak of night. They constantly watched over the golden planet as they bathed it in their fiery glow. Thus they too, looked down solemnly at the humble ceremony that took place beneath them.

A small group of people gathered around an open grave, freshly dug into the ground earlier that day. Silently, they each gave their respects as a wooden casket was lowered gently into the ground. There was no prayer said to send the spirit of the Zabrak lying within the casket safely on to the next life. The thoughts of all those present was all the assurance the Zabrak would need to know that his life had been well lived.

Only a few people from the congregation knew each other personally. Some of them were at least acquainted with each other, since they each were hunters, and occasionally saw one another in the Hunter's Lodge. The rest of them were friends or family of the Zabrak. Despite all their differences, there was one event that would bring them together like this: the death of Kronos Hassar.

Kronos had been a well known and well liked hunter. He had been a great warrior when he lived on Iridonia and was known by many to be an honest man. Since moving to Tatootine, he again gained the respect of the other hunters through his achievements and kills. One day, while returning home from a hunt, Kronos's hunting party had the misfortune of being attacked by a Kyrat dragon. They lost nearly half of their numbers, with the rest only barely escaping with their life. Those who did survive told of how Kronos had fought valiantly, trying to save as many of his comrades as possible, before he fell to the dragon. There was no body inside of the simple coffin, for there was no body ever recovered.

Amidst the crowd of strangers stood a young Zabrak and his mother. Tears stained the young boy's face as he looked down at the casket. He knew the man inside the grave not as the brave hunter that others saw, but instead he saw his father; the guidance and familiarity that he stood for, buried six feet in the ground. He remembered him not how he died, but how he had lived. To him, he was the kind and understanding father that had been with him his whole life. His father had always been the voice of reason in the cacophony of a confusing world; the unmoving rock in his ever-changing life; reliable and consistent, no matter what the situation.

And now he was gone.

Now, when he looked down at his fathers casket, the young boy saw an indiscernible future. How could he go on if he could no longer look up and see his father? He had no answer for this question.

One by one, people began to leave. In passing, they would each give sympathetic words of comfort to the mother. Smiling, she would thank them and bid them farewell. Two of the hunters stayed and helped cover the grave. Night was quickly falling, and still the young Zabrak stared at the grave, contemplating his future.

The young boy, lost in speculations, did not notice as his mother came up behind him, resting her hand on his shoulder. "Come, Kyrus. It's time to go now."

Kyrus stared a moment longer at the grave before looking up to meet his mother's eyes. He sniffled then, nodding, taking her hand. "Yes, mum."

Together, they walked quietly back to their hut on the outskirts of the city. Farther and farther they walked away from the grave, until it disappeared into the dark horizon of night.



Saphira sighed and wiped off the suds from the dishes she was washing before she rubbed her eyes. Tossing the towel back into the sink, she walked over to the small dining table and sank down in one of the chairs at the table. She stared at the two empty chairs sitting across from her. Tears brimmed her eyes as she realized that her family would never be whole again. From now on, there would always be an empty seat left at the table, a missing plate during dinner, an empty spot next to her in bed, a void in her heart.

Saphira couldn't bear the pain any longer. She cupped her face in her hands and wept, heaving sobs that shook her whole being. The hole in her heart seemed to grow, clutching her heart in a cold grip. Her mourning became a physical pain that consumed her. There was nothing she could do besides grieve her husbands death and wait for the pain to relinquish her.

Finally, she sat up and wiped away tears from her eyes and cheeks. The pain she felt was still present, but had mercifully subsided to a throbbing numbness.

Fatigue settled over Saphira like a heavy blanket. She wasn't used to this kind of burden. Before, she had her husband, Kronos, to share the responsibility of taking care of their four year old son. She also had him to lean on when her life's trials became too overwhelming to bear on her own. The more she thought about it, the more she came to realize just how much she needed him. Now that Kronos was dead, she was entrusted with the responsibility of raising Kyrus on her own. She would have to be strong. If not for her, then at least for her son. At the very least... for Kronos.

"Mummy," Kyrus called from his room.

Saphira smiled at the sound of her little one's voice. Reluctantly, she withdrew herself from her thoughts and went to attend to her son's needs.

In his room, Kyrus lay on his bed, blankets curled up tight underneath his chin. He looked at Saphira as she entered, with big expectant eyes. She sat down gently next to his small figure.

"What is it, honey?" she asked softly.

He seemed to hesitate a moment before answering. "Mummy... can I have a glass of milk?"

Saphira couldn't help but give a sad smile. She should have known that he was going to ask that. Kyrus would usually ask for a glass of milk before falling asleep. He claimed it helped him sleep better, especially after having a hard day, but Saphira suspected it was simply a ruse to stay up a little while longer.

She also remembered that it was usually his father that performed this nightly ritual with him.

"Of course you can," she whispered to him. She kissed Kyrus lightly on the forehead and stroked his cheek.

A small smile crept up on the young Zabrak's face. "Thanks, mum."

"You're welcome. I'll be right back."

"Okay."

She got up and went into the kitchen. Opening the fridge, she poured the blue liquid into a cup. She put the milk away, then returned to Kyrus's room.

Kyrus gratefully accepted the cup and began to drink from it. Saphira smiled as she watcher her boy. When he finished he wiped his mouth on the blanket and handed the cup back to his mother.

"All better?"

"Yes."

She smiled and said, "Good." She kissed his forehead again, and began to tuck Kyrus in.

"Mum."

"Yes, dear?"

"What's going to happen to us now?"

Saphira stopped and looked into Kyrus's eyes. There was uncertainty in them, but he looked hopefully back up at her. She wished she could tell him that every thing would be fine, and that everything would be the same as it was before. But the truth was, she wasn't even sure of what the future held in store for them. She couldn't honestly give him the assurance that he asked for. But she had to stay strong. Now, especially after his father's death, Kyrus needed her more than ever. She could not afford to let him down. She knew deep inside of her that fate had bigger plans for him; He was destined for greater things.

"Don't worry about it, honey. Everything will be alright." She smiled at him. As she stroked his cheek, she tried to convey all her love and hope for him in that simple gesture.

"Okay."

"Now, get some rest."

Kyrus nodded and rolled over. Saphira got up and walked to the door. She turned and looked back at her son, resting peacefully in the safety of his blankets. Flicking off the lights, she whispered, "Good night, my love."

"Good night, mummy." Kyrus answered. He yawned sleepily and snuggled deeper into his blankets. Slowly, his eyes fluttered shut, and his weary little body gave in to the solace of sleep.

To Be Continued...