Private Danger on Denon

[Valery Noble]

​

Location: Denon​

Valery: Appearance​

Outfit: Civilian clothing​

Lightsabers: Link!​

Pregnancy: end of 2nd Trimester​

Tag: Aayla Shan ​

​

Valery stood in front of the mirror and sighed as she looked at herself. No matter how many weeks passed, seeing her body like this was strange to her. Ever since she was young, she had been in shape, toned and muscular even. But with the pregnancy, a lot of that had changed, and it's why she had to be so careful. She was more vulnerable than ever before and most importantly, the child was vulnerable. ​

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She let her hand gently glide over her shoulder and finally stepped away from the mirror.​

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Because she had plenty of enemies, she couldn't often leave Yula Perl 's apartment. But the days that she could, she enjoyed the fresh air and freedom of moving outside. Today, the plan was simple - she was going to a local market to buy a few essentials and to be a little bit active. She couldn't just sit still every day, for 9 months straight, after all.​

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But just to be safe, she had a friend watching over her, protecting her in case something were to go wrong. Aayla Shan had been a good friend ever since they first met and trained together, and now she was sacrificing her free time to protect both Valery and the unborn child. ​

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<Transmission>​

"Aayla, it's Valery. I'm ready to head to the market."​

​

With everything ready, she left behind a note and stepped out of the apartment to head into the city. Aside from the signs of pregnancy, there was nothing about her that drew much attention. She covered herself up and more often than not, chose to wear a hood as well. So as quietly and normal as possible, she began to head to the meeting place, from where they'd go towards the market.​

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​

 

[Aayla Shan]

Appearance: W/O the Mesh, when Valery runs into her
Equipment: Yellow Saber Blue Saber Bodysuit
Objectives: Whatever we want!
Well, this had been a journey. The one thing she was worried about, being whether or not she would be granted leave was the least of her worries. Apparently, Shadows didn't need to conform to regular scheduling; mainly because they weren't on the schedule. Nor did they exist. Her only stipulation being a way to be connected to the SIN network discreetly, and securely. In her current setting, this was done with the help of the safehouse Aayla asked set up for her on Denon.

It was close-by, but more of a studio high-rise than an actual apartment. Within held more than enough space to train, because yes even on vacation Aayla was obsessive regarding her progress. There was also a secured computer in her apartment, which allowed her to send and receive messages securely. And yet she spent most of her time surprisingly in front of the tube, munching away on whatever sweet snack she had bought the night before.

The Apartment was furnished to the absolute minimum, for purpose of being easy to abandon at a moment's notice. Hell, even the door's security system was a regular old civilian model; synced to the local authorities mind you, but still mundane.

This morning, Aayla was utilizing the computers audio input sensors. Also testing out her Vexis Mesh bodysuit. The more she used it, the more she learned about application. What was important, and what wasn't. For one thing, she quickly realized she wanted to wear one of these all the time... She liked how it hugged her.

Making very slow, but concise hand stands, twists, light cartwheels and such, Aayla would parade about the room; just taking actions within the mesh. There was a very distinct whisper of air when she released a breath. She couldn't hear it, but the decibel scanner seemed to tick in rhythm with her own released breaths. And yet, they hadn't rose above 29 decibels throughout her testing. Impressive. This was her trying to make noise in a sense, and it was all muffled.

She was definitely going to use this to get into trouble. Although, there was so much more to do with it...

Befo-...

She would raise her wrist, and glance down at a message coming through. Had to be Valery... She swiped up, pulling the mesh from around her head, and rolling it back into the fabric of the suit, craning her head to hear.

"Aayla, it's Valery. I'm ready to head to the market."

Aayla would smirk at the notion, perfect timing actually. Any more of that and she wouldn't worked up a sweat. Aayla began taking off the unnecessary pouches off of her mesh, and would instead just carry both her sabers at her back; again, using the wrist-computer to deploy the cloak, but then powering off the system. Resulting in it looking, and currently functioning like a collection of fabrics and weaves. Oddly stylish at that. Only someone with a good eye would really look at it and peg that it wasn't exactly an everyday outfit.

~~~~~~~~~~

When Aayla arrived at Valery's meeting place (literally a three-minute walk if that) her hood would still be up, ivory strands cascading from underneath the brim of her hood, and gently hiding some features, while accentuating others. Aayla looked like a professional civilian.

"Ello' Madame"

Aayla joked with the older Jedi Master, not like it made sense to call her Jedi Master after going through all this trouble, right? Not to mention, Valery never struck her as the type to hound others about things like a title... She hadn't hounded her for it yet anyway. Glancing down at her belly, Aayla smirked a little. There was totally a baby Valery growing inside Valery. She still couldn't get over it, but the further along they went, the more excited Aayla was for her.

"You know, you really gotta' teach me how to cook. Step by step... That soup yesterday?"

Aayla dipped her head, holding up separate pinched fingers briefly before giggling a bit.

"I went home, and fell right out..."



Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Location: Denon​

Valery: Appearance​

Outfit: Civilian clothing​

Lightsabers: Link!​

Pregnancy: end of 2nd Trimester​

Tag: Aayla Shan ​

​

When the two met at their meeting point, Valery would greet Aayla with a smile. But quickly, she'd roll her eyes at the way Aayla greeted her as well. While she wasn't overly strict with titles, she did tend to use them whilst working - she was used to the traditional Jedi methods of showing respect. ​

​

"You know, in most circles, it's considered rude to stare," Valery smirked as she caught Aayla glancing down at her stomach. "But I suppose there are worse things to stare at, hm?" she joked and began to walk in the direction of the market with Aayla by her side. It wasn't very far from where they lived, but this area of Denon wasn't the most friendly either. There were shady types at the corners of most streets, and Valery looked like an easy target now that she was visibly pregnant.​

​

"I'm glad you like the soup though. It's not hard to make but it tastes great. I'd be happy to show you how to make that and more. Especially the simpler things - they are easy enough to make even out on assignments "​

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There was something nice about being able to talk about the basic things in life, such as cooking and going to a market. As a Jedi, there was often not enough time for it, but now she had plenty, so she made sure to enjoy it all.​

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"Hmm, I need fresh fruit and vegetables. Maybe some steak, if you like that for dinner?" she asked Aayla, wanting her to weigh in on what she'd prepare tonight. The two were now walking into the market area, where it was rather crowded - people from all over the district came here to get supplies, food, and other basic items.​

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What wasn't quite clear yet, however, was that the two Jedi were being watched.​

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[Aayla Shan]

Aayla followed along, keeping a light heart in this moment, and quite frankly since she had been here. It was frankly therapeutic. Aayla couldn't shell up when she was seeing Valery every day, and Valery wasn't the type of person that made you reclusive in the first place. She was just so... Easy to be around. Even more surprising when Valery had called her out on something she realized she had done more than once on their trip.

"You know, in most circles, it's considered rude to stare,"

Her eyes shot up with concern, silver hues softening as they came to rest on a smirk from the Master. Causing Aayla to grin herself and look forward, arms swinging a little more pronounced than they needed to for a brief moment.

"Darn right about that. You know I swear cities are most of what's wrong with these economies. I get trade, and markets; but if the majority have to live like this just so the rare few can live like that"

She pointed far (miles) ahead at the looming metropolis in the distance. Before brushing the whole idea away with a hand.

"Certainly, don't see places like this on Kashyyyk."

Aayla said, being a little smug and insensitive. Though to her why these people did what they did, and lived how they did was simply beyond her. She couldn't see the wheel of nuisances that caused things to be the way they were.

"I'm glad you like the soup though. It's not hard to make but it tastes great. I'd be happy to show you how to make that and more. Especially the simpler things - they are easy enough to make even out on assignments "

'Great? You should be on cooking with Caltin, are you kidding? Oh God Caltin AND Valery on a cooking show together?' Aayla thought, casting a forlorn look forward before she realized Valery was still speaking to her.

"Hmm, I need fresh fruit and vegetables. Maybe some steak, if you like that for dinner?"

"Uhm, yes absolutely... Oh my gosh, the Nerf Roast you made? Anyway... What do you want to get first, the veggies and fruits, or the Steak?"

Aayla asked curiously, moving to hop down the first step on a flight of stairs, and turning to assist Valery down. Aayla had done this before, and almost every time (so far) Valery lightly reprimanded her, letting her know that she wasn't all that helpless. Maybe this time she would cave. All the same, every time Aayla stood downstairs from the woman. Probably being a little hyperactive on her 'protection', but it came from a good, and slightly naive place. After all, Aayla had never been pregnant.


Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Location: Denon​

Valery: Appearance​

Outfit: Civilian clothing​

Lightsabers: Link!​

Pregnancy: end of 2nd Trimester​

Tag: Aayla Shan ​

​

Valery couldn't help but smile at Aayla after she had jokingly called her out on the staring. The woman was a true friend, and it really showed in the way she cared for Valery in these difficult times. She wasn't just protecting and offering her help with the little things; she was also there for her as a friend when she struggled. ​

​

And... she was daydreaming again when food was mentioned. Valery absolutely loved cooking, so the fact Aayla really enjoyed her meals made her happier than Aayla likely imagined.​

​

"Uhm, yes absolutely... Oh my gosh, the Nerf Roast you made? Anyway... What do you want to get first, the veggies and fruits, or the Steak?"

Valery smirked, "Fruits and veggies first. Steak is kept in a freezing unit, so it's best to get that last and then head back to keep it cold." Valery said before stopping at the top of the staircase. She looked down, narrowed her eyes, and anybody who knew Valery would know that it was her stubbornness coming through.​

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With a hand on her stomach, and a careful step, she slowly made her way down the single step and sighed. How many more steps are left? She looked down and blinked, then turned her gaze to Aayla, offering her a sheepish smile. Without saying a word, she took the offered assistance from Aayla and slowly made her way down the staircase. ​

​

This pregnancy thing really changed a lot for her.​

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"Thank you," she said, her eyes turning to Aayla after they made their way down. As much as she disliked the idea of needing help with simple things like this, she appreciated the assistance that was being offered.​

​

The two then continued towards the market but as they began to enter the crowds, Aayla would get a strange feeling. A hint of danger and a feeling as if they were being watched. Looking around, there were plenty of shady figures but none seemed particularly interested in them. ​

​

However, as Valery greeted the old lady selling fruit and vegetables, Aayla would spot a hooded figure in civilian clothing not too far away, leaning with his back against a building. His eyes were focused on the two women while he smoked a cigarette. Each time he inhaled and the tip fired up, his strange yellow eyes became briefly visible.​

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[Aayla Shan]

Well heck, this was the job, right? Aayla carefully took the steps backwards one at a time, watching Valery with caution. Though would be surprised when the woman finally cracked. The outstretched hand was taken gingerly, turning lateral to the other to help them the rest of the way down the stairs.

"Thank you," she said, her eyes turning to Aayla after they made their way down. As much as she disliked the idea of needing help with simple things like this, she appreciated the assistance that was being offered.

Aayla nodded on queue.

"Of course Mas-... Err, Mam."

Aayla said, getting her to the landing before relinquishing her light grasp on the woman's arm. Which she inadvertently would note was muscular. Aayla worked out, but she wondered at this point whether or not she was doing it right. She wouldn't ask Valery for her formula though, for some reason it felt... Cringey? She couldn't place it.

Pressing on with Valery, Aayla felt it first like needles rapidly prickling at the back of her neck, forcing her to shudder in discomfort. That felt wrong. That felt like clear and present danger. An imminent threat. Though she had no motion to share her feelings. Instead, her face became stoic, eyes slowly but steadily tagging every face in the crowd with purpose. Did anyone look like they meant them harm? Not yet...

An old man, another old man...

Old woman? That one was missing an arm, and while that wasn't an immediate disqualifier, his rapidly shaking hands didn't exactly give her trained killer vibes...

And then she looked directly ahead, catching sight of a pair of vicious yellow eyes, and would allow hers to rest on them, taking a step closer to Valery as her own heartbeat increased. This wasn't something she may have needed to tell Valery, as Aayla wasn't hiding her emotions. Valery would be able to easily read the apprehension from Aayla, and from there be able to follow her eyesight to Aayla's perceived threat. Though, she had made no action to ready counter-measures, and was silently pressing forward.

"Val.."

Aayla mumbled cautiously, right hand lightly grasping at Valery's left elbow in advance, wanting to be able to maneuver the other at a moment's notice if it came down to it... Gently though, if anything happened, she had to be gentle. Valery and her baby were Aayla's mission. Well, was it a mission now?

Aayla could only grimace at the thought. No one was going to harm them. That was that.

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Location: Denon​

Valery: Appearance​

Outfit: Civilian clothing​

Lightsabers: Link!​

Pregnancy: end of 2nd Trimester​

Tag: Aayla Shan ​

​

With an extended arm, Valery offered the old lady the credits and in return, she was given a small plastic bag with the fruit and veggies she wanted to buy. She had come to this same market stand each time she visited, so they always spent a few minutes casually chatting before Valery went on her way again.​

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"28 weeks," Valery said in response to a question about her child.​

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But before the conversation could go any further, she felt something change about Aayla. Her friend stepped closer but it was especially the emotional shift that she picked up on. So when her elbow was touched, she turned around and looked at Aayla with some surprise in her eyes.​

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"Hm? What's wrong...?" she asked but as she looked at Aayla, she noticed the woman was looking in a different direction. Valery's gaze began to track where she was looking, but a group of people that walked interrupted their vision for a moment. When they passed, there was nothing - just the wall of a building.​

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"Seeing ghosts?"​

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Normally, Valery would have likely felt the imminent danger that Aayla still felt as well. But during her pregnancy, she had been training and maintaining her skills so little, that her focus had slipped a great deal. She was, however, able to notice that Aayla didn't seem particularly at ease. There was still something out there.​

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A few seconds passed by and her questions were answered. ​

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It began with a loud scream of a man who likely stared death straight in the eyes. It was deafening, chilling and it came from the other side of the market. Then another followed, from their far left side, and soon, it would be pure chaos all around them. Faintly, they could hear the sounds of blaster fire coming closer, but it was barely audible with people running and screaming all around them.​

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Then Aayla would see them.​

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Large figures in stormtrooper armor were ravaging their way through the market but there was something different about them. They weren't ordinary soldiers. These beasts were wearing animal hides over their armor, had red hands painted over their helmets and body armor, and some were sinking their teeth into people they pinned down with their brute force, while others used blasters to gun civilians down.​

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But they weren't here for civilians at all. Slowly but surely, they were making their way towards the two Jedi.​

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"Aayla..." Valery said with widened eyes. For the first time, Aayla would be able to see genuine fear in Valery's eyes. Perhaps not fear for her own life, but definitely for her child's.​

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[Aayla Shan]

What in the world was coming? She couldn't see it yet, but she just felt in her being. Danger, Fear, Anger, Panic even...

"Seeing ghosts?"

Aayla briefly deadpanned at Valery in shock, training somewhat sidetracked by the Jedi Master. Was she joking? No. Though Aayla noted she felt a little aloof in the Force. Lighthearted in the start, which was understandable; but blinding in the current situation. All the same, that was what Aayla was here for. Grasping lightly on her elbow, Aayla shepherded her a little to her right, beelining for a market exit.

"We aren't safe here, there's something wrong--.."

No sooner than the words left her lips, her silver hues shot towards the opposite entrance, and crowd in general. And the training kicked in, Aayla's face tightened to a grimace, spinning to Valery and urging her with gentle motions up one of the nearby stairs, clearly trying to get her out of what was sure to be a stampeding crowd. In fact, she would move in front of Valery and sacrifice her own body to eat some blows from fully sprinting individuals. After the first hit however, the next individual was unfortunately met with matching Force, pushing him to the side and turning to place Valery in a very small corner between a stall, and a wall. Most importantly though, out of the stream of running individuals.

Once there, Aayla tried to look again, processing exactly what was happening when it became all too apparent.

Large figures in stormtrooper armor were ravaging their way through the market but there was something different about them. They weren't ordinary soldiers. These beasts were wearing animal hides over their armor, had red hands painted over their helmets and body armor, and some were sinking their teeth into people they pinned down with their brute force, while others used blasters to gun civilians down.But they weren't here for civilians at all. Slowly but surely, they were making their way towards the two Jedi.

Aayla needed to get her out, but reality blocked all her plans. She couldn't just outrun them with Valery. Which narrowed her options down, albeit the remaining option was often her first instinct all the same.

"Aayla..." Valery said with widened eyes. For the first time, Aayla would be able to see genuine fear in Valery's eyes. Perhaps not fear for her own life, but definitely for her child's.

"That will never happen..."

Aayla said sternly, taking a step back and looking in the opposite direction of the approaching juggernauts briefly. They weren't surrounded, but there was still a LOT of muscle on the way... All the same, she would reach behind herself, unsheathing her yellow saber and activating it on its max power setting. She had seen enough of what they were doing to the civilians to know they weren't about to be talked down, or beat into submission, nor did she have any interest in trying.

She quickly pulled the mesh back over her head, using the right hand which held her saber and pressing against her wrist-pad to power the suit. It pulled together tautly, near restricting her movements right up until she turned, and it relaxed to hug her form comfortably. With that, she would relax, and seep herself in the Force. Reaching out, and letting go until all that remained was the opponents in front, and Valery behind.

None of them would pass.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Location: Denon​

Valery: Appearance​

Outfit: Civilian clothing​

Lightsabers: Link!​

Pregnancy: end of 2nd Trimester​

Tag: Aayla Shan ​

​

"That will never happen..."​

​

Hearing these words from Aayla made her feel a lot better. Not that she doubted her friend's ability to protect her, but the confidence and determination in Aayla's tone just made it even more convincing, somehow. She then stepped back and watched as Aayla prepared for the incoming horde of both civilians running, and man-eating beasts.​

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They were definitely here for the Jedi - they could see it in the eyes of the attackers.​

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With her hands over her stomach, Valery then watched the civilians finally clearing out, with only a few remaining who were being hunted down. But right ahead, the first wave of attackers came for them - 4 in total and they were not messing around. Luckily, they didn't seem particularly intelligent either, but they were strong and carried heavy vibro-blades. With their brute strength, they were easily capable of cleaving people in half, and that's exactly what they seemed to want to attempt with the two Jedi as well.​

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"I'm with you," Valery said and as the 4 ran up a few steps towards them, she flicked her wrist to pull on the leg of one beast. It fell over and struck the staircase with its face, which caused a disruption in their attack as now only 3 of them remained to charge towards Aayla.​

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They didn't seem to care about one of their own falling at all.​

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The leading figure of the group screamed and raised his weapon for a powerful overhead swing down towards the woman, while the other two moved around the flanks in preparation to swing their own weapons in for the kill. ​

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"Aayla!" Valery called out to warn her. It likely wasn't needed at all, but she cared about her friend and feared for how much she had to take on all alone. While Valery was able to help out a little from the backline, it drained her so much faster than it normally would.​

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She relied on Aayla to allow none of them to pass.​

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[Aayla Shan]

She was already focused on the task at hand well before its full parameters became known. Standing calmly, Aayla ignored every negative possibility that laid ahead for her and Valery. She hadn't survived warzones, and crossed blades with some of the vilest people in the galaxy to fail now. She just needed to be precise, unwavering, and while she knew it was shunned. She needed to be lethal. As such, she would wait with her eyes closed; sinking further and further into her Force induced stupor.

The leading figure of the group screamed and raised his weapon for a powerful overhead swing down towards the woman, while the other two moved around the flanks in preparation to swing their own weapons in for the kill. "Aayla!"

Eyes still closed she stepped directly into his guard, her movement fluid as the foot was extended, saber thrusted into his heart. She pulled the weapon out and to her right, stepping past him now just as his ally's weapon cleaved him, leaving her with the opponent on the right. They matched sabers once, to which Aayla would relent and attack from an entirely new angle in the blink of an eye. A light scream emanating from her as she did this, opening his belly, and ignoring the large palm on her shoulder until she tried to move up the steps, rolling her shoulder to free herself before stepping in the way of the brute and Valery's position.

Just then, Valery would feel something unexpected however. Anger. It was a brief, but bitter thing. Washing over Aayla, and emanating from her signature solidly to be read; though how Valery would take it was debatable of course. The other pushed forward, and Aayla simply raised a left hand, encasing him, slowly at first, but soon he was simply trapped within her ability, suspended in mid-air as Aayla mentally willed the area of control smaller and smaller, intent on crushing him in the process.

Though she hadn't killed him yet...

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Location: Denon​

Valery: Appearance​

Outfit: Civilian clothing​

Lightsabers: Link!​

Pregnancy: end of 2nd Trimester​

Tag: Aayla Shan ​

​

Valery watched and held her breath as the fighting began. She trusted fully in Aayla's skills but these were enemies they hadn't yet encountered, and underestimating new foes was never a good idea. Luckily though, the first wave was swiftly and expertly being taken care of by the Silver Jedi. ​

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One by one, their bodies struck the floor as the plasma of Aayla's lightsaber cut into them, but the last one was struck by a different kind of force. Feeling the spike of anger from her friend, Valery looked at the beast-like man as he was lifted off the ground and held in a powerful grip. Slowly but surely, the Force began to weigh on his body from all directions, compressing and crushing him.​

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As much as Valery was in favor of being lethal here, she wasn't one to slowly and painfully kill her enemies, nor did she want her friend to lose herself in the anger. Even if what she felt was only brief.​

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So from within her jacket, Valery produced the hilt of her lightsaber, which she hadn't used in some time now. She channeled the Force and launched it at the floating enemy. The purple blade ignited and exploded through its skull, killing it instantly and thus rendering the crushing useless.​

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"Conserve your energy, Aayla," Valery said with a calm and worried tone as she drew her lightsaber back into her hand.​

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"There are more of them." ​

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Looking ahead, another group was coming, this time 8 in total and all with the same murderous intent. They stayed together in a group with the 6 melee weapon-wielding beasts in front, and 2 with blasters right behind. But all the way in the back, Aayla and Valery could see the figure in dark robes as well, moving behind the beasts he unleashed.​

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"What do we do?"​

 

[Aayla Shan]

So from within her jacket, Valery produced the hilt of her lightsaber, which she hadn't used in some time now. She channeled the Force and launched it at the floating enemy. The purple blade ignited and exploded through its skull, killing it instantly and thus rendering the crushing useless."Conserve your energy, Aayla," Valery said with a calm and worried tone as she drew her lightsaber back into her hand."There are more of them."

It wasn't intentional, her usage of more aggressive Force techniques, but something she had used before to great effect. The saber cutting into the individual made her head snap back to Valery briefly as the other spoke, purging the built-up emotion from her heart with a simple exhalation of air. They were dead, and Valery was safe. That was what mattered to her overall. That said, after regarding her better, the young Jedi would look to the new wave of enemies that had appeared.

Another breath in, yellow saber flourished and held ignited at behind her back. The currently faceless Jedi waying their options before responding to Valery.

"I have to get you out of here."

She mumbled more to herself than to Valery honestly, turning and observing the area around them. They had a chance to break out onto the street, even perhaps disappear into the crowds, surely not everyone realized a massacre had been occurring right? The truth was, she wanted to fight, but the current situation didn't leave much room for it. Aayla's eyes searched the market, noting corpses, and enemies. The stairs leading to their position was a relative chokepoint, but she didn't know how much goons the individual had to send, and the last thing they needed was to be attacked from both sides.

"Go ahead Master Noble, I'm right behind you."

Aayla said, holding her position and using her head to motion in the direction of the exit. Though the pace of the incoming enemies made her rethink immediately. She reached at her back, unclipping her other saber, and rolled her shoulders.

"Keep egressing, I won't let them touch you."

She directed, holding both sabers at her side, pointed away from herself, and aimed haphazardly towards the approaching gang of villains.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Location: Denon​

Valery: Appearance​

Outfit: Civilian clothing​

Lightsabers: Link!​

Pregnancy: end of 2nd Trimester​

Tag: Aayla Shan ​

​

Valery couldn't help but feel worried, both because of the incoming group of beasts, and because she had seen the aggression from her friend. Even now that she needed protection, a large part of her wanted to help Aayla, stand with her and guide her so she would never lose control of herself. But this simply was not realistic, and Aayla wasn't some helpless young Padawan who needed someone to watch over them.​

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So only somewhat reluctantly, Valery nodded and turned around to head up the staircase that formed their easiest way out of the market area. Behind her, she could hear Aayla deflect the shots from the two beasts that held blasters, which was quickly followed by the clash between the Silver Jedi and the brutes charging her. There was no doubt in Valery's mind that Aayla could handle them. In fact, she almost felt sorry for them - Aayla wasn't going to let them walk away from this.​

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But as Valery reached the top and looked to move around the corner of a large flat, she spotted a figure coming down through her peripheral vision. From the second floor, one of the beasts had jumped between the pregnant woman and her route of escape, a large blade was drawn, and a desire to kill was written all over its features. ​

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Valery's eyes widened but before she could scream for help, the blade was swung to cleave her head off her torso. Only because of her training as a Jedi, Valery was able to duck underneath to avoid death but as the woman came back up, the beast's arm intercepted her. For a moment, everything turned black as the forearm slammed across her face, causing her to fall back and onto her rear. She spit out some blood and felt her face burning from the pain, but it wasn't over yet.​

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Staring up, the beast was readying its weapon to cut her apart.​

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"Aayla!!" Valery screamed as she rolled aside to evade the blade coming down towards her.​

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She was hurt and in trouble.​

​

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[Aayla Shan]

She had to reduce their number fast. Moving forward in blur of movement, Aayla's sabers sung an eloquent tune in the Denon night air. meeting the forward group head on in a flurry of blades and instant carnage. A low growl leaving her as she carved through their ranks.

The switch between defensive and offensive saw her cut the beasts down without a care for preservation. Every stroke, thrust, and cut meant to end, or critically maim its target; The Jar'Kai she was using needed work, but her overall mastery of saber combat filled gaps enough to best these animals with ruthless efficiency. After fainting her last attack and impaling one of the last henchmen with both of her sabers at once, she locked her eyes onto the hooded figure that seemed content with the wanton destruction; internally feeling out within the Force to assess what she could about their intentions, or perhaps allegiances.

The beast behind her slumped briefly against her form and slid to the ground, though she didn't care. One more, and she could get Valery out...

"Aayla!!"

She almost flinched at the words, spinning and dropping her guard on the hooded figure to eyes snapping onto Valery's form atop the steps a little bit away. The scene elicited a deep presence of fear within her, but within it a certain serenity of sorts. Simple understanding of what was needed. She was fast, but not that fast. Her first instinct was to reach out to him with the Force, though her focus stretched far beyond him. Initially, for some odd reason she very clearly remembered wanting to grasp him not from out, but within. Though instead, as soon as she raised her hand, her yellow saber began to vibrate oddly, its tone resonating with a more profound click as a sudden burst of lightning rushed from her fingertips.

At the beginning of the arc, green tendrils of electricity combed her hand, arcing out into a wider splotch of webbing - a violent orange rush of forked streaks that all turned a vibrant combination of blue, orange, and green at its target. The creature recoiled on impact, seemingly immobilized by the energy pouring into their form. The attack would only last four seconds perhaps, unless interrupted by the undoubtedly still approaching hooded individual, but Aayla's entire existence was focused ahead. And in the short time, he had been cooked the emergence of latent force abilities proving lethal and effective.

Her fingertips were burnt black, and if it weren't for Master Sakadi, her entire hand up to the wrist might as well be crisped too; thank goodness she paid attention in her Tutaminis classes.

Aayla released a pent breath, panting before snapping her head back to the hooded individual. She couldn't fight him now, Valery was already doing all manner of things she had no business doing after their attack. During her backtrack, Aayla however would suddenly had a lightbulb moment. Observing one of the Stormtroopers armors, but more importantly the insignia adorning their chest... No, all of them had it. And she very much knew it from somewhere, it wasn't clicking.

Valery Noble