Private A Jester's Playground

[Cali Ziiva]

Location: The tent of the Acrophylia, Zeltros.
Wearing: White Dress
Tag: Xobos Yakieer | Leven Jeyd

Cali knew what Xobos intended from the start. From her behavior most expected the Zeltron to be a tad oblivious at times; however the pink woman was quite perceptive. Recruiting a Force Sensitive Changeling didn't even require a great deal of awareness to see the inevitable pitch either. So, naturally, being a fun-loving Zeltron and Jedi trained, shouldn't she derail it? Sure, and leave Jester to the tender mercies of the Ringleader. Or, maybe, squirrel her away into the embrace of some strange Master, which Jester neither knew nor respected -- that was sure to turn out well. The Changeling's personality was totally the type that respected authority... or people in general.

No, no, Cali saw Jester for the person she was. Curious, selfish, and afraid. The latter two the result of being in this Circus, and the latter of those might even be genetic. Went with the whole 'Changelings are hard to find' thing they had going on. Usually they didn't want to be found. Probably best, really. Lots of people would abuse them. Actually surprising if all this Circus had her doing was being a sideshow freak.

"She's serious. I'm fun. Really, we're offering the best of both worlds." Cali giggled. "You won't find what you're looking for here though. You'd have to be the same planet as another Changeling that wants to go see a Circus with a 'freak' or a 'creature,' and then one that is willing to risk their own safety to meet you like we have. It's a non-zero chance, but we can give you a chance to look at huge books of information that might have something. Plus, with you out there under your own power, I think another like yourself would feel more confident meeting you." Cali kicked her feet lazily from atop her perch. "Oh, did I mention no more Ringmaster?"

Hopefully Xobos knew what she was signed herself up for. Like, Cali could see Jester being all sorts of mischievous to the Ringmaster. and he was probably an uncaring jerk. Sure, Xobos could do the whole Sith thing like Malvern did, but that'd probably only cause Jester to act out even more. Vicious cycle. Made a pink girl wonder what earned Jester's respect. She seemed to be responding well so far... maybe just feeding her curiosity? Dunno. Something she'd have to discuss with Xobos later.

 

[Leven Jeyd]

"A Jester's Declaration"

Location: The tents of the Acrophylia, Zeltros.
Tagging: Xobos Yakieer ~ Cali Ziiva

The clear eyes of the Jester followed Xobos' hand as she took her own. The changeling allowed the gesture, even if the discomfort was still real she had began to accept its presence and the many surprises that the two women had shown her had fed her tolerance, she wanted to know what was going to happen. Then, her gaze moved to be placed where the Sith Knight's eyes would be, as sharp and bright as cut diamonds. When she felt the woman's influence start to reach out to her she almost backed away, but its calming effect goaded her to stay in place.

It was pleasant, and because it was enjoyable it was easy for the Jester to give in and allow her breathing to even out and connect even more to the same thing that she had decided she despised some moments ago. She know understood that what she had felt had been the magic, and when her view was overtaken by that of Xobos' a slow but deep shock was unlocked deep within her. Her breath got caught in her thin throat, eyebrows knitting in profound concentration as she examined this flow and the shapes it took.

In a way, she thought, it was like her. Living within as many shapes as it pleased.

A small smile began to creep onto the child's lips.

The Miraluka's words seemed to solidify her thoughts, and once the experience came to a close the Jester nodded once to signal her understanding. Her mind was still too occupied analyzing what she had just seen to form words. But the girl was quick of mind, and it wasn't long before her inquisitive shining eyes sought the adults once more. Jester remained silent, clearly processing too much to respond right away but attentive to the upcoming words. An offer that surprised her. It was the first time that someone took interest in her for something other than her pirouettes, stunts and shape-changing; and although the litter Jester had too much of an ego to be flattered, it did entice her.

Why were they offering this? What did they get out of it? If one thing had always been true in her short span of life is that nothing came for free. There was always something to be gained and something to be lost, it was all a matter of balancing the scales to ensure one was on the winning side of them. It was saddening to know that someone so young and in many ways innocent, even if somewhat wicked from time to time, was so painfully aware of such a hurtful reality. But alas, her cards had been dealt some years ago and there was no changing the past.

Cali's words then strengthened Xobos' message. And even though the Jester's dubiety was clear, nothing in the child could reveal what she was thinking in that moment. The candle behind her eyes had become a wall, an impenetrable one. Utterly unpredictable. Learn more about changelings. Be taught and shown more about the real magic. No more Master Feltt. Her freedom...

She would gain much by agreeing, perhaps too much. So much, she didn't really think there was anything she could lose that wasn't worth losing. A sly grin replaced her small smile before she stood up, eyes gliding between the Zeltron and the Sith. "Leaving the circus?" She asked, once more not a real question but more an emphasis of her own thoughts. "To learn magic and find changelings, and with no Ringleader." It was as though she was narrating the clausules in a contract, a contract with a Sith.

A moment of silence, and then her decision finally came through. "I want to go with you." It was a declaration, another of her absolute decisions. She had made up her mind, and that was a knot very few if any could untie. She smiled at Cali and at Xobos, beaming with excitement. Although, there seemed to be something more to it than just excitement. There was mischief. "Master Feltt won't be happy about this."

As if on cue, someone could be heard approaching the deserted tent while whistling a happy tune. Speak of the devil...

 

[Xobos Yakieer]

Location: The tent of the Acrophylia, Zeltros.
Wearing: Formal Eye Mask, Ceremonial Dress, Knight Saberstaff
Mental State: Silent.
Tags: | Cali Ziiva | Leven Jeyd |

Freedom was a wonderful motivator. It was one of the greatest pieces of Adron’s plan to get her under his power, and now, the apprentice was using it to gather her own forces. Starting with this very, very interesting little piece, freedom and taking one’s lives into their hands were the cards Xobos felt most confident to play. And it seemed as though these cards were enticing enough to Jester in their own right. All the Miraluka could could hope to do now as be able to follow through on her promises.

The serious look on Xobos’ face fell for just a moment, replaced by the smallest of smiles when Jester said she would come with the pair. The mischievousness in her eyes did not go unnoticed by the sith either. They were the eyes of a child who was quite used to getting what she wanted and causing trouble whenever she karking well pleased. A thought began to grow at the center of her mind that perhaps she was biting off more than she could chew. Teaching an apprentice wasn’t even something that she knew she could do. Were her abilities developed enough to teach? Would Jester be better off staying here than in her charge?

Those were the thoughts of younger Xobos. A mind tortured by disapproving voices that sought to break her down every step of the way. It wasn’t who she was any longer. Even if she struggled to bring Jester under her control, she still had Adron to help. She was Sith. She could do this.

That was assuming that they could even get Jester out of here in the first place. Her first thoughts at the ringleader coming back into their little meeting room were shown through the action of reaching for the hilt of her blade. By how the man had treated her and Cali earlier, there wouldn’t be anyone in the galaxy that would miss that man. It wouldn’t take much. A quick slice, and Feltt’s head would be rolling on the floor. Such a sight would satisfy her blood lust that had been boiling since meeting the man, as well as setting the tone for the relationship between her and Jester immediately.

But…

Her eyes turned to look at where the Zeltron sat, her feet kicking back and forth and that innocent smile plastered on her face. Neither Cali nor the Zeltron government would like that solution very much. At least that’s what she assumed. Xobos didn’t have authority on this planet, one that she would very much enjoy coming back to at some point. Having the Zeltron government at her throat wouldn’t be very much fun for anyone. They needed another solution.

Then it hit her. Another acting job that would test both her, Cali, and the newest member of their little crew. Reaching into the back portion of her belt, she pulled out a small holdout blaster and tossed it to the changeling. “Change into something…conspicuous. Rodian, Zabrak, something that would..hold up a princess.” Jester could figure out the rest, for Xobos, her part started by moving over to where Cali sat, igniting her blades and crouching into an defensive stance.

Letting out a little exhale to steady herself, Xobos raised her voice loud enough to where the ringleader could easily hear as he walked in. “Ringmaster! You might want to come in here!”

 

[Cali Ziiva]

Location: The tent of the Acrophylia, Zeltros.
Wearing: White Dress
Tag: @ Xobos Yakieer | Leven Jeyd

Cali's smile broadened with Jester's enthusiasm for her future prospects. Then her eyes shifted over toward the Miraluka when the Pink One felt some unsettling emotions churning within. Got what she wanted, and now Xobos was unsure if she should have wanted it at all. Later they'd talk. Like, no one was ever truly ready. Then again, the Miraluka would have her hands full with the troublemaker Changeling before them. If she thought the Zeltron was difficult... at least Cali wasn't trying to test Xobos' patience. Oh, Cali had tested Xobos' boundaries, and even pushed beyond them, but not her patience.

Jester pointed out an obvious complication in their interaction, of course. Old whatever-his-name Ringmaster/leader/guy was coming back. Probably thought they hadn't paid enough for the entire night or something. Maybe hoped to wrap his arms about her pink self. Like, Cali totally didn't mind being ogled; but she wasn't interested in actually sleeping with the guy. Sexual freedom didn't mean 'whoever asks.' Like, all things in moderation, right?

Big, warm eyes stared back at Xobos as the Miraluka seemed lost in thought for a moment.

Oh, the Miraluka's thoughts about killing the man? Quite negative, yes, yes. Not at all Zeltron friendly. But Cali knew her Sithy, and such internal ruminations passed quickly. If Zeltrons were allergic to even brief exposure to negativity they wouldn't let outsiders on Zeltros! The trick was turning frowns upside down, and everyone having a blast. Uh, that is, a party. You know, dancing and celebrating. Oh, fiddlesticks, the normal stuff not the euphemisms for shooting, fighting, and death.

Cali's tufts of pink hair flopped a bit to the side as her head rotated a bit with Xobos' abrupt request. A Force Projection of a Zabrak was provided to the Changeling if she didn't have or couldn't come up with something on the spot. Given Jester could be anything maybe it was hard to choose. Kind of like being rushed to pick out a dress from Cali's enormous closet back home -- so much to wear, so little time.

When Xobos called out for the guy to hurry back, the Zeltron leaped from her perch and onto her feet behind the Miraluka with such force the stool toppled and bounced on the ground. Might as well play up the 'surprise, I'm going to kidnap/kill you' angle right? Pretty in Pink like her should take cover behind her valiant Knight.

 

[Leven Jeyd]

"About Improvisation"

Location: The tents of the Acrophylia, Zeltros.
Tagging: Xobos Yakieer ~ Cali Ziiva

The Ringmaster would only need a handful more of his long strides to enter the current tent, and from one second to the next the curious changeling found herself holding a blaster in her hands. Her big eyes lit up at the sight, and a mischievous smirk formed in her lips. She had never held a blaster, these were dangerous, right? It looked like fun. Xobos' words were just an afterthought in comparison to the lethal new toy that was now between her pale grabby hands.

Time was indeed running short, if she didn't change soon they'd be discovered, but her the changeling seemed to be too distracted at the current moment. Her attention only returned to the Miraluka when she ignited her saber. Now the Jester was looking at a very flashy, bright red light coming from a stick as Xobos adopted her position before Cali. The Jester's head tilted to one side, a small giggle coming from her.

What is that?

It looks pretty.

It hums.

A higher note of Master Feltt's whistling son was heard, and it seemed like this was what it took to snap the Jester back into the urgency of the moment. Without a second thought, she turned into the first thing she could think of that looked like it would hold up a princess: a tall, black-clothed, imposing Trandoshan. After all, Trandoshans were the closest species she could think of that resembled a mean dragon, minus the wings. Jester was not used to taking adult forms other than Feltt's when she felt like pestering him, but her malleability made it easy for her to set in on this one as she lifted the blaster, pointing it at Xobos and then at Feltt when he finally walked in. The smirk on the Trandoshan's fanged mouth was utterly disturbing.

And Jester was enjoying this so very much.

Feltt's smugness seemed to disappear as soon as his eyes settled on the form of an armed trandoshan, an ignited lightsaber and an absence of Jester. There were very few things that could surprise the cunning man, this proved to be one of them. His greenish eyes darted between the Trandoshan, the Miralukan and the Zeltron and he tried to appear still as he tried to reach for a commlink in his pocket, intending to alert the rest of the artists of the current situation. It would be wrong to assume that the Acrophylia was a stranger to...complications, if he managed to reach for the comm an army of clowns and freaks packing heat would come marching in. After all, this entourage did hail from none other than Nar Shaddaa.

"Please, friend, I'm sure this is all just a misunderstanding, let's not lose our heads..." He said, his rich and pleasant voice trying to de-escalate the situation but the Trandoshan hissed and growled, apparently pleased with Feltt's horrified expression. The the Jester, now a lizard man that could put in the fear of death into the bravest of hearts, side eyed the two women. What was the next part of her script?

 

[Xobos Yakieer]

Location: The tent of the Acrophylia, Zeltros.
Wearing: Formal Eye Mask, Ceremonial Dress, Knight Saberstaff
Mental State: Silent.
Tags: | Cali Ziiva | Leven Jeyd |

Xobos had said a rodian. A rodian. Cali had even portrayed a picture of those slimey things. Or anything other than exactly what Jester turned into would’ve been better.

A horrible..no good..awful..trandoshan. Just seeing one of the scaley beings caused Xobos’ blood to boil forth, the sight bringing back to the forefront of her mind so many, many horrible memories. The long, cold nights in that cave. The days of never knowing safety, being hunted by those monsters. And the times of desperation…where food had run dry..and they were the only things around that she could kill. Just thinking of the torturous years she spent on that jungle moon at the hands of her own mind turning against her was horrifying enough. And for this little changeling to change into the exact species that had tortured her for so long…

Needless to say Cali, and perhaps Jester, would be able to feel the anger that rushed throughout her mind and body, threatening to consume it if she didn’t channel it into something much more useful. For the first time that night, she was happy to see the fat stagemaster enter back into the tent, allowing her to focus the negative energy on getting them all out of there. Still, her hands were, maybe only to the zeltron who now occupied the space behind her, gripping the hilt ever so noticeably tighter.

“Will you cram a pie in that gaping black hole of a mouth of yours..and shut the kark up.” Her words were not yelled, nor exclaimed loudly. Yet the words were spoken with such an authority that only came with one knowing that they completely controlled the outcome of the situation. The stagemaster wasn’t even afforded a look from the Sith apprentice. Instead, her gaze fixated on the being that drove the anger coursing through her veins. With a steady exhale, she spoke once again, this time toward the alien standing before them. “You have our money. You have my princess’ jewels. All of ask of you is to leave now, with..your..life, before I decide to destroy every single part of your being.” Perhaps her demands did not have to be so forceful, but the with the combination of seeing how the stagemaster had treated her zeltron, and the alien the changeling had decided to change into prompting the memories to come rushing back…

Well, it felt good to let lose a stream of venom. Therapeutic, even. Now it was up to the changeling to take the hint, leave the tent, and allow her to deal with the stagemaster. Hopefully the little thing was smart enough to take the cue and get out while the getting was good. And there would be no playing around with the stagemaster’s feelings this time, either.

 

[Cali Ziiva]

Location: The tent of the Acrophylia, Zeltros.
Wearing: White Dress
Tag: Xobos Yakieer | Leven Jeyd

Cali crept closer to Xobos' back as the stand off was drawn out. Sure, it looked like she needed the protection and the situation was real, but that wasn't what drew the Zeltron in. The Miraluka was palpably upset to a pink woman like Cali. It took conscious effort and/or a great deal of training for people to school their unconscious and broadcast emotional states; not that many people could hide how they felt from a Zeltron. Xobos wasn't really trying. Bit of a... personal trauma had snapped up much of the cutie's focus. Sith-type would probably goad her about it so widely radiated the anger and hatred was.

Not toward Jester, of course. Well, anger, yes. Not hatred; that was the specism against Trandoshans showing. 'Course her Xobos had a good reason. It wasn't like she hated them because they were green or reptiles or something. Like, deeply personal, non-specific, faceless kind of trauma resulting in a desire to annihile an entire species kind of specism. Not that that was "better," but it was at least understandable. Cali wished Xobos would open up about these things, she might be able to learn how to manage it better. Even a Zeltron wasn't going to say 'maybe eventually learn to like them' because they weren't blind, merely optimistic. What Xobos went through wasn't easy to go from 'hate' to 'like.' They'd do well with... neutral.

"Please... Please just go." Cali scrunched her shoulders in toward her core as she crouched down a bit behind the Miraluka. It wasn't really 'acting' when most of it was real, you know? Like, there was a fun-loving Zeltron present in the company of some serious, dark emotions radiating off someone -- Xobos -- and that was not what the pink people of the world liked. The narrative was quite straightforward -- the Zeltrons as a whole would want such a venomous, cruel being off their world just about as fast as they could.

The Trandoshan. Now Xobos. Well, at least in the one-act play. Real life was more complicated.

Cali didn't want Xobos to go anywhere without her. Though they really needed to work on the anger management, and she didn't care what Adron Malvern -- King of Grump -- would think.

 

[Leven Jeyd]

"A Bloodied Ring"

Location: The tents of the Acrophylia, Zeltros.
Tagging: Xobos Yakieer ~ Cali Ziiva

That pestering feeling of impending doom crawled through her skin again, but she was too inexperienced to tell that this dread was being evoked by the darkness that loomed around the Miraluka and that had seemed to thicken the moment Jester's form changed into a reptilian near-human's skin. Soon enough what had been fun and enticing for the little Jester became threatening and worrisome. The snarls and hisses that had been giggles stopped and were replaced with silence as she kept her blaster pointed at Feltt but her slit, amber eyes on Xobos. What was happening? What was wrong?

The Miraluka's words then came, taking not only the ringleader but the changeling by surprise, the venom dripping from them potent enough to instill fear. But, in the case of Master Feltt, they also led to confusion. The trandoshan put down its hand holding the blaster, and one slithering of the tongue later the Jester seemed to take the hint and began moving towards the tent's entrance, eyes meeting Cali's, still questioning and curious although undoubtedly still affected by the darkness permeating through the air.

With every step nearer to the outside, excitement began growing again. She was leaving the Acrophylia. And just as her spirits rose, Feltt's seemed to lower as anger and realization began to dawn on him. The man, however, was no fool. Xobos had a lightsaber in her hand, and that alone was enough for the Ringleader to know he stood no chance. It was very lucky for him then, that right at that second his hand reached the comm on his pocket and he signaled the rest of the artists of the danger. "You dirty force-users..." He mumbled, just as the small army of angry clowns and threatening freaks marched in through all available openings, pointing blasters at the Miraluka and the Zeltron.

Some, perhaps, would have expected the Rinmaster to ask more questions. Where was the Jester being the main one. But born and raised on Nar Shadda, like so many of the present people had been, the policy of shoot first-ask questions later was their second nature. A volley of blaster rounds flew towards the sith and the Zeltron, as the Ringleader moved with the intention of getting out of the tent to seek the lost treasure, the salvation and main star of the Acrophylia: the little, treacherous Jester.

 

[Xobos Yakieer]

Location: The tent of the Acrophylia, Zeltros.
Wearing: Formal Eye Mask, Ceremonial Dress, Knight Saberstaff
Mental State: Silent.
Tags: | Cali Ziiva | Leven Jeyd |

Xobos knew her anger was scaring her pink love. She knew it was. Even she could feel the anger radiating off her body at Jester turning into a species that inadvertently sparked some very bad memories for Xobos. There wasn’t much more she could do to lessen the anger that radiated from her mind, despite her desire to in front of Cali. It was obvious the Zeltron didn’t like it, and she did her best to keep the pink alien as happy as possible most of the time, but in this situation, memories were doing their absolute best to override any sort of feelings.

One thing did override those negative feelings very, very quickly. The present and real danger that flared up the moment the circus folk pulled out blasters and began to plug away at the Miraluka and her alien.

Her blades spun circles around the pair, defelcting the majority of the bolts and diving underneath the rest. Some reflected back into the unfortunate beings who thought it smart to challenge a sith who had recently gotten into a very bad mood. Those that didn’t have their attacks sent back at them were more concentrated toward the front instead of circled completely around them. With their positions now, Xobos was able to take a spot next to the Zeltron, breathing hard from the sudden exertion of energy that had been needed. “So…they fired first…how much trouble am I going to be in with the Zeltron government?” The question was floated while Xobos slammed another bolt back into the chest of a particularly gruesome looking clown, smirking lightly at the fruitlessness of their attacks.

She was genuinely worried how the Zeltrons would see her. Xobos wanted to be here, especially with Cali. If there was questioning, there was a chance they would see her as the instigator, which…might be true. None of this would’ve happened if she had just gone back to the mansion, enjoyed the rest of the night snuggling..and aggressively snugging Cali. Instead, her curiosity had gotten them both into this mess, and there was no telling what the outcome would be from this point.

“I’m sorry, Cali. I know this wasn’t how we wanted the night to go..and that this isn’t your type of excitement..” Another slash of the blade, and another of the clowns groaning on the ground. “I’ll make this up to you…promise.” The words were sincere, as sincere as the bolt hitting the final performer and putting them on the ground. It would be the chase now. The chase to see if they could get to the changeling before the other. And the chase…to see if they could get out of here before the authorities arrived.

 

[Cali Ziiva]

Location: The tent of the Acrophylia, Zeltros.
Wearing: White Dress
Tag: Xobos Yakieer | Leven Jeyd

The Pink woman dropped to the ground in a crouch with one hand fast on the ground as the troops poured in. Best not to be in the way of her Miraluka while she swung her saber about, right? That and a gentle current of the Force seemed to swell around them, but with no discernible effect. Cali remain still as the blasters fired, and bolts were flung all about. Most of their time on Zeltros Cali had been without her own saber; as unlike a typical Jedi or Sith, she didn't feel it necessary to carry it around everywhere. Certainly not on Party Central. So it seemed all up to Xobos to handle the situation.

By the time Xobos slid into position beside Cali, the hush wash of the Force in the area lifted as bright eyes lifted to regard the taxed woman. One blink of the eyes followed the question posed. "It'll be alright, Xoxo." A smile spread across the Zeltron's face.

Slowly, Cali stood to her feet and gave her white dress a few swipes to brush off any dirt. An act far more effective than it had any right being, but then there were other uses for a pervasive energy field -- weakening the attraction between the dirt and fabric was one of them. Once to her full height again and with all the nasty people brought down, Cali flashed Xobos another smile. "I like that kind of promises, Xoxo. Hope we get to soon. I like spending time with you... You know," she tilted her fluffy head, "I'm even good in tight spots. You ever need backup, I'm your cutie." Of course her Miraluka was quite protective and wasn't likely to invite her along. Cali wasn't sure why. Probably her cute demeanor making her seem helpless; but she didn't feel helpless. Gotten out of plenty of bad situations in her time.

"Well, guess it's time then." Cali planted her hands on hips. "We have to catch the guy, right? Before he hurts Jester; cause he won't stick around after all this." At least, he shouldn't. Cause Cali could totally explain what happened.. big mean lizard, then suddenly the Ringleader goes scorched earth, and so what was a Xobos to do but fight back? Totally self defense. 'Course the important bit was making sure they didn't catch Jester in her lizard form, or have someone see her change out of the lizard form. That there'd be no record of said lizard arriving was just one of those mysteries with no good answer. Maybe the guy would claim it was Jester, but then they'd have to find her. A little shell game of people should do the trick.

 

[Leven Jeyd]

"The Final Curtain"

Location: The tents of the Acrophylia, Zeltros.
Tagging: Xobos Yakieer ~ Cali Ziiva

Away from the frantic dance of blaster bolt's another game of chase was taking place. As soon as she was out of sight, the Jester had slipped back into her human-looking skin, her clothes black and white and weird-patterned, just like the outfits she was so used to wearing in her performances. Although the lack of color seemed was strange, unlike her. It gave away, to someone who cared enough to notice, that there was currently a tension putting a restraint on her creative little self. Hand still clasped around the blaster, her eyes darted through the deserted ways of the carnival. It was dark, but she adjusted her eyes to the lack of light without a second thought, out of mere instinct.

I am free, I can leave.

No, I have to wait for the blind woman and the princess.

Even though she knew the Zeltron was no princess, and she had expressed as much, Cali had already been dubbed as such within the thoughts of the changeling. Even though she had no clear objective besides getting away from the tents and find a suitable place to wait for the two that had convinced her to leave, Jester could swear there was something within her that was telling her were to go. And the girl, always one to entertain her curiosity, was following its pull.

Her feet, nimble and light, carried her in a swift trot throughout the empty and dark lanes against the crispness of the night air. She didn't want to go too far, a tiny smile on her face, oblivious to the massacre that had just taken place, feeling nothing more than that uncomfortable wrongness that she had already accepted, was only the way magic felt because she didn't know it. Another thing she did not know, was of the wrathful ringmaster following her, closing in on her form with his longer legs.

She stopped running, brown furrowing as she realized she had reached a dead end: the entrance to the house of horrors that the carnival hosted. For a moment, Jester was confused. Why had that feeling led her here? Should she go in and hide?

"You karking, miserable 'roach!"

The answer came to her before her mind had time to process it, out of reflex she turned around with every intention of lifting her blaster and pointing it at the Ringmaster. But he was faster, Feltt squeezed his own trigger and well-aimed blaster bolt hit the Jester's own blaster, burning her hands too in the process and making her drop the weapon faster than one could think possible as a scream of pain ripped from her throat and her knees fell to the ground. The look on Feltt's face was one of murder, and the Jester had no doubt that this would follow if she didn't move.

Her hands cradled to her abdomen, she quickly stood up from the mud and darted towards the house of horror before he could fire again. "I will kill you." Feltt's voice was absolutely consumed by a deranged ire, bloodlust even. The man lost not a second in running after the creature he had raised for his own benefit, in his eyes the reason that now the bodies of the Acrophylia's actors laid dead and a sith was after him.

Her breathing was heavy, and tears fell down her face as her hands trembled. She could feel her skin piecing itself back together, but that did not make it any less painful, nor the experience any less terrifying. In here she had the advantage, there was little light, and her smaller frame made it easier to sort through the corridors. Until the blaster bolts started raining her way, Feltt's screams behind them. Once again, the Jester was following her instincts, and a sudden need to make a sharp turn in a corridor had her met face to face with her own reflection. The room of mirrors.

Feltt was hot on her trail, and not long after the blaster bolt's began colliding with glass, making a cacophony of broken crystals and a storm of sharp pieces. Dread began settling on the changeling, once her reflections were no longer a confusion, she would be dead. There was nowhere else to run to. She needed to disarm him, it was her only shot. Just as they reached the main room of the hall, Jester suddenly stopped her running, forcefully halting herself before beginning to run in the opposite direction: straight towards Feltt.

The Ringmaster was suddenly disoriented by this, not having expected the decision at all and suddenly being confronted by an army of Jesters: the real one and the reflections. Propelled by momentum she crashed onto him fast, throwing both over and getting him to drop the blaster which slid somewhere into darkness, out of reach and sight. The girl then attempted to stand up and resume her escape, but she was not swift enough and the long, strong arms of the man grabbed a hold of her. Both of his hands clenched around her thin and long neck in a vice grip, and soon enough her tiny figure was dangling a few feet above ground. Paralyzed by fear, the young girl could not bring herself to concentrate enough to change shape, and the Ringmaster knew her better than anyone.

A lack of air would not kill her, but enough wounds would. One of the hands keeping her up let go, and Feltt grabbed onto a vibrodagger hidden within his clothes, blade which would then be plunged deep onto the girl's side, her eyes widening and a muffled scream attempting to leave her constrained throat. She tried to struggle, earning some time, but a second stab was inevitable, and her blood began running fast. Too fast for her healing to be of any help.

Her eyes got lost in the mirror before her, she could see Feltt's back, his head, his hand around her neck and her own face, paling and contorted in agony. Desperation began rising within her, something consuming her as her survival instincts began to kick in, a Force reaching into her and pushing her to bring about a side of her she did not know. Her own reflection in the mirror suddenly changed, as if it were a stranger, struggling face replaced by a calm one, with an insane look in its eyes and a dark grin.

Kill him.

I’m going to die, this can’t be how I die.

She struggled against him, a futile albeit honorable attempt. The desperation began turning into something different, deeper, and stronger. She could not die; he couldn’t kill her. A rabid fever began overtaking her, making her tremble. Anger, numbing the agony to transform it into outrage. He could not kill her.

Kill him.

One final push was all it took, and the next thing she knew, her hand intercepted Feltt’s as he was aiming for another stab. An unnatural strength fueled her, born not only of her own species’ traits but of her sudden urge to rip the man to shreds. She could feel the thin bones of his hand give beneath her own smaller one, and soon the handle of the vibrodagger was in her possession. One groan after, the blade was lodged right down to its hilt in the Ringmaster’s throat. The hand holding her up by the neck gave, and her own body fell to the ground, surrounded by broken mirrors.

A dark content settled on the girl as she felt her blood still pouring, but now she looked upon the corpse of the one that had tried to kill her and failed. The Jester was not entirely sure if she would see the next dawn, but right now one thing was certain:

She was the Acrophylia, all that was left of it.