Private Dragons of the Stormbound Sky

[Adonis Angelis IV]

Dragons of the Stormbound Sky

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Dreams were coming to Adonis in waves. Some prophetic, some mundane, but all heavier since Onderon. It was hard to put a finger on the pulse of it, but Adonis knew he was on the right path, part of his destiny. Ever since joining the Mandalorians, things had started falling into place. He had learned much about the Manda that connects all living things, about right and wrong, and most of all, how to protect the smallest of his people.

One dream took him back to Onderon. The same mechanical beast as before, its maw open and swallowing Mandalorian warriors. Only he and Athena stood in its way. She had been pivotal in taking down the first menace, and even in the dream she was there. When the Knight awoke, sweat dipping from his brow and breath quick, he felt at peace. He knew exactly what needed to be done, and exactly who to reach out to.

Adonis had meant to contact her sooner. He had forged a shield for her from the beskar salvaged from the walker they had downed together. With the help of the Forgemaster, he had created two items for them, together able to strike foes down in arcs of lightning, apart still formidable. The Manda had aligned their paths again.

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Athena,

Meet me on Onderon. I have something for you, and we both have unfinished business. Bring Miit'alor, I've got her a present too.

-Adonis

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Adonis found himself back in Kalavar Ridge, the same hallowed ground he had touched the last time on Onderon. It looked different now. The scars of battle were everywhere, but so were new chimneys with smoke curling into the sky, and storefronts selling wares. The Mandalorians had moved quickly to restore security. Aether was a great leader and would not let his people go without.

Even the storms seemed tamed. Where once lightning veined the sky every few seconds, now there was only the steady grumble of distant thunder, a reminder that things weren't perfect, but Onderon had a fighting chance.

He sat tall on the back of a Fambaa, carrying not only his armor and gear, but also the gift for Athena, wrapped in ancient, heavy Vaalian fabric to keep it from the elements and preserve the surprise. The beast also bore the gift for Miit'alor. Adonis had met the beautiful creature a couple of times, but this would be the first time he hoped to ride her. The gift was fit for something as powerful and wise as she—more than simply offering her the Fambaa beneath him, though if she wanted that too, he wouldn't say no.

He had woven together a kind of bevor for Miit'alor, a covering for the dragon's sensitive neck. Not knowing her exact dimensions, he had made it adjustable. The plates were pressed and dried from the fibers of the Bulwark Bloom, forming a protective barrier. It wouldn't last forever, likely only good for one hard strike, but its true purpose was ceremonial.

As he entered the clearing, he saw the grave in the same condition as when he had last been here. There was still work to be done. Once the two of them destroyed what remained of the Stormguard, Adonis wanted to create a new memorial, one that honored those who had died in the past and those lost protecting that honor now. For the moment, he soaked in the history and the residual essence of the Manda that seemed to drift in the air like a heatwave.

He dismounted from the Fambaa, readying the gifts and equipment from its back. A familiar presence touched his senses through the Force, followed by the faint flapping of wings, hopefully signaling Athena's arrival. Together, they would make something meaningful from all the pain Onderon had endured.

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Tag: Athena Faar ​

 

[Athena Faar]

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Gear: Athena's Beskargam, Athena's Bes'kad, Euk Siha Service Knife, ZV1 Mentor Blaster Carbine, Madrugar Repulsor/Blaster Hybrid Revolver

Tag: Adonis Angelis IV

There was no hesitation. Though Adonis' message was a bit mysterious, Athena trusted the Knight. An offer of a gift was certainly enticing, and the suggestion of unfinished business left her very curious. She prepared Miit'alor for the journey and wasted no time in returning to Onderon.

She made planetfall near the agreed meeting place, and mounted the dragon to return to the sight that fueled the vengeful rage of the Mandalorian vode, including she and Adonis.

Onderon was different, and so was she. The storms had been tempered, there was hope and restoration in the villages. But as the great winged beast settled on the edge of that clearing, the site of the desecration remained.

Athena slid from the riding harness down the dragon's front leg, landing gracefully on the sacred ground. Tugging the helmet from her head, she placed on the dragon's harness.

She was different. Her worn, inadequate armor had been modified and upgraded to suit her unique role as a dragon rider, and on her back was a newly forged custom Bes'kad, both had crafted and forged by a new mentor and friend, Red Mobius.

And she was becoming, in minute increments, more attuned to her connection to the Force. That connection seemed stronger as she drew near the Knight, who the woman knew to be strong in the Manda. She laid eyes upon the warrior, himself donned in new, glorious armor, and a new blade. He stood like a bulwark, and so he was, not only of martial prowess, but of the might and virtue of the Mando'ade. Athena added the mere sight of him was inspiring.

Adonis stood beside two items, one draped in an exquisite but sturdy fabric. The other was equally mysterious, but Athena could guess at the nature of what appeared to be some sort of armor, the shape suggesting its purpose.

"Hello friend." She approached Adonis, reaching to grasp his forearm in a warrior's greeting, but then pulling him into an embrace. "It looks like Onderon is starting to get back on its feet." She commented, then peered around her. "But all isn't well yet, is it." The Korun added, a bit more soberly.

Behind her, at the edge of the clearing, Miit'alor snorted and offered a loud coughing bark. "Miit says hi too." Athena quipped, her serious look fading to a smirk. "So, what have we here, esteemed brother-in-arms?" The dark-skinned dragon rider asked, quirking her brow and donning a wry grin, resuming her more casual demeanor.

​

 

[Adonis Angelis IV]

ADONIS ANGELIS IV
Mandalorian Knight of House Angelis | Risen Son of Vaal | Vanguard of the Manda

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It wasn't long before Adonis heard the now unmistakable beat of Miit'alor's wings. The dragon was closing fast, and he knew Athena would be on her back. He could already feel her presence through the Force, stronger than the last time they'd met. She'd been a quick study, a natural, and it made him grin to know she'd been doing well.

He stopped unpacking the beast and pulled his helmet free, trading the climate control for the chance to greet her face-to-face. A few new cuts had taken some of the youth from him. He was still young, sure, but the sparkle in his eyes had been dulled by blood.

Rider and dragon moved in perfect synch, Athena's body shifting with Miit'alor's, making for a smooth, and, if he was honest, downright badass entrance. He was already looking forward to the Stormguard's faces when the three of them dropped in together with fire and lightning.

Athena came in with the formal Mandalorian clasp, then pulled him into an embrace. It wasn't something Adonis got often. The Heathen Army boys were good for a laugh, if you liked dick jokes and heavy drinking, but they weren't the hugging type. It caught him off guard, but it was nice.

"Athena, it's been too long, my friend." He let her speak before adding, "Our Mandalore's doing a great job rebuilding." He smirked. "We're here to do our part, but first, presents."

She was already shorter than him, but in his beskar'gam, he had nearly a quarter meter on her. Her signature wit and bite were still there, but her kit had changed, upgraded since they'd last fought side by side. He was looking forward to adding to it. Stepping back, he glanced at Miit'alor and raised a hand in greeting, keeping his distance for now. Always best to offer the gift first.

"Sword's badass, isn't it?" he said, drawing it from his back and giving it a spin. Lightning ran along the edge, drinking in the storm-heavy air around them. "Made it after our last time here, from the beskar we took off that walker."

He sheathed it again, grabbed the shield from the Fambaa's back, and hauled it over. The heavy fabric covering it was already building static just from being near the sword. He pulled the cover free, revealing the shield in all its glory.

"This is for you," he said with a nod. Lightning danced along its ridges, and the weapon seemed to come alive in her hands. The sword on his back reacted instantly.

"They know each other," he explained, drawing the blade again. He passed it from hand to hand, arcs of blue electricity chasing the steel a heartbeat behind every move. Then he stopped, the weapon alive with power. Turning toward the treeline, he smirked and sent a controlled blast of lightning that scorched a trunk but didn't drop it.

"You're gonna love what yours can do." He nodded toward a high branch that was barely holding on. "Go ahead, throw the shield at that branch." The weapon was brimming with charge, feeding off the air between them. If this worked, he couldn't wait to show her what he had for Miit'alor next.

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[Athena Faar]

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Gear: Athena's Beskargam, Athena's Bes'kad, Euk Siha Service Knife, ZV1 Mentor Blaster Carbine, Madrugar Repulsor/Blaster Hybrid Revolver

Tag: Adonis Angelis IV

As if reading her mind, Adonis pulled the new sword from its place on his back, the sound it made slipping from its scabbard was not the typical singing of sharpened metal. Athena could only describe the sound as brutal.

Then he showed it off with a flourish. Electricity arced angrily along the edge. It looked like it had been pulled out of a lightning-struck mountain by a god.

"Feth..." Athena murmured in wide-eyed awe. "That really is badass." Her emerald gaze followed the myth-worthy sword as it was returned to his place on the knight's back.

Adonis moved to the big beast of burden and retrieved the large, covered object. She expected him to reveal yet another marvelous creation new to his inventory. Then he pulled off the fabric covering to reveal a shield.

Just like the sword, it danced with lightning. The shield's design matched well Adonis' sword, with that same mythosaur emblazoned on it. It would make sense for him to have such an impressive set, armor and shield.

Until he looked at her and held it out.

"This is for you,"

Her eyes widened and her mouth fell open in shock. "What the hell!?" She explained, taking the shield. "Adonis, really?" Athena added in disbelief. No one had ever given her a gift, not like that shield. Her eyes examined it closed. It looked...intimidating, savage. It looked like it belonged in the heat of a bloody battlefield. "Sorry, its as badass as your sword." She quipped with a chuckle.

In response, Adonis drew his mighty blade again. The sparking of the shield changed slightly, as if in response to the sword being revealed. He handled the weapon easily in his strong hands, the bright arcing sputtering up and down the edge. Adonis confirmed, the sword and shield had a connection.

Then he did the unexpected. When a bolt of lightning streaked from the imbued blade to strike a tree, Athena let out a loud whoop. "Damn!" she cried out, clapping her hands. "That is frickin' awesome!"

Adonis encouraged her to see what her new gift would do. Already, it was alight with dancing arcs. At his direction, she took the shield in her hands, flat, twisted her body and flung the shield like a throwing disc. It spun towards the branch, striking it. A charge of lightning was released as it struck the limb, tearing it from the tree.

Athena grinned from ear to hear, letting out another whoop. But she fell silent suddenly, bracing herself as she saw the shield continue to spin, its course reversing and heading right for her. For a split second, she wavered between standing her groud and running for her life. But she trusted Adonis, he didn't seem surprised. In fact he was calmly pleased.

Instintively she held up her hands, and the shield returned to her. A stream of explatives in Korun spilled from Athena's lips as she marvled at the incredible device. Then she looked up at the knight.

"Adonis... I don't know what to say. Thank you." Her excited words slowed at the end of the sentence, giving a sincere weight to her gratitude. She mounted the shield on her arm, feeling its solid weight. She slid her new bes'kad free, the long, curved songsteel blade catching the reflection of the lightning-strafed sword and shield.

She crouched, lunged, swung the sword and maneuvered with the shield, finding the use of the two together instinctual. "Oh yeah, I am going to love this! We can kick so much ass with these together!"

It was true, they were a good team, they had brought down the Stormguard behemoth walker togetherr. And now, with the matched sword and shield, They would be an even more formidable pair.

​

 

[Adonis Angelis IV]

ADONIS ANGELIS IV
Mandalorian Knight of House Angelis | Risen Son of Vaal | Vanguard of the Manda

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A smile crept across Adonis's face at Athena's genuine joy and interest in the weapons. There weren't many moments of calm in the wars that the Mandalorians raged, there was no silence to the call of glory. So, Adonis drank in every small moment, as fleeting as they were. It was nice to see someone happy for once, even if it was a precursor to much more violence in a few short moments.

The Knight watched as the warrior threw her shield into the sky, the lightning arcing off of the atmosphere in explosive fashion. It painted itself into the tapestry of the stormy sky perfectly. The hair on Adonis's neck stood on end as the limb cracked to the ground. The surge of residual electricity from Athena's Stormbound Aegis fed Stormtooth, and vice versa. The weapons were truly a symbol of Onderon and the fight the planet was still going through.

"The only thing that can make this better is me letting you know what we are doing here." His smile turned more coy now, he knew she was curious as to why he chose Onderon if it wasn't just for the gifts. "I've tracked down the last of those damn thieves." He let a pause in the air as thunder rumbled slowly in the distance. "We're going to ride Miit'alor down from the skies and make them shit themselves before we electrocute them in their stolen beskar." There was an unmistakable giddiness in his voice.

"Then, after we have snapped the last of their necks, we're going to collect all of our stolen beskar, and we're going to move forward." He said looking between the dragon and Athena. "Together, as an Empire, we will show Onderon that Mandalorians deserve this ground, that we are invested." He patted his chest twice to punctuate.

"Speaking of you, dear Miit'alor, don't think I've forgetten you." Adonis looked over toward the beautiful dragon as he unstrapped the last of the gifts, this one being the heaviest. "A bevor woven of Bulwark Bloom fibers from my homeworld of Vaal." He lowered himself into a bow, giving enough distance between himself and Athena's companion. He lifted it above his head, showing an offering.

"It is good for defense against fire." His eyes now looked up back toward the pair of ladies in front of him, dancing with mischief. "And she'll look really fucking cool."

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TAG: Athena Faar ​

 

[Athena Faar]

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Gear: Athena's Beskargam, Athena's Bes'kad, Euk Siha Service Knife, Stormbound Aegis,, ZV1 Mentor Blaster Carbine, Madrugar Repulsor/Blaster Hybrid Revolver

Tag: Adonis Angelis IV

Athena stood with the shield again on her arm, blue-white arcs of electricity dancing around the edge and through sigil of the mythosaur embossed upon it. She was beaming. Adonis had no idea just how perfect the shield was, for her in particular. Red Mobius had crafted a songsteel bes'kad that absorbs electric energy and expels it with following strikes. It also had prototype repulsor tech. She would show him, but first, it appeared the knight had more to say.

The dark-skinned Korun listened, laughing out loud at Adonis' bold plan. Not in derision, but in surprise and delight at his brazen strategy. It was a glorious image, the two of them astride the giant winged beast, shield and sword dancing with power as they decimated the remnant of filth that remained on Onderon with fire and lightning.

"Hells yeah! You sure do know how to show a girl a good time." Athena teased the knight, but struck her breast plate with her fist as well, to show unity in the noble cause.

But Adonis had one more surprise in store.

He presented a bevor, a gift for Miit'alor. With due respect, the knight offered the gift, not to Athena, but to the dragon herself. As Adonis humbled himself and held up the heavy bulwark bloom barding, The dragon's head lowered. The beast sniffed at the armor piece, then drew even closer to sniff at Adonis. She grunted haughtily, then lifted her head again, chin up, wings back. She was presenting herself to be fitted with the gift.

"Well, I'm not the only one you have impressed here." Athena said with some surprise. She moved to take one side of the armor to help fit it to the great beasts chest. "I think you have earned a place as a passenger on her back." She added, patting the bevor, feeling the curious fiber scales.

"Thank you, Adonis." Athena offered, her jaunty sass left aside. "You and Red have been good to this old Aruetii soldier." She looked over her refit armor and the marvelous shield, then up to the majestic beast she had trained. Athena was no longer just a soldier, she was a Mandalorian warrior, and thanks to her friends, a damn bad ass one to boot.

"Come on big guy, lets see if you can hold on." Miit'alor instinctively lowered her body to the ground, Athena climbing up her forearm and into the riding harness. "In the back, friend." She indicated to Adonis with a smirk.

​

 

[Adonis Angelis IV]

ADONIS ANGELIS IV
Mandalorian Knight of House Angelis | Risen Son of Vaal | Vanguard of the Manda

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Adonis couldn't deny the relief he felt when Miit'alor accepted him. Whether it was approval or indifference didn't matter- what mattered was she hadn't rejected him. Even a Mandalorian his size would be little more than indigestion for a beast like her. The warrior stood, gift in hand, and helped fasten it around her neck, meeting Athena in the middle to secure it.

The air smelled of rain rolling in from the west. Static danced across their weapons as the storm grew closer. Moments like this were rare, and Adonis drank it in. He hadn't made many friends outside of duty, and it felt good to breathe easy for once, to welcome the storm instead of watching his back.

He stepped back to admire Miit'alor, regal with her new gift, and the sight of Athena beside her, both a living testament to Mandalore's raw power. Through that power, they would liberate the galaxy. "You're easy to shop for," he said with a playful shrug, offering a hand to help her mount. Old habits from Vaal, courtesy of his father, though he was smart enough not to insist if she refused.

It was a comical sight, a seven-foot Mandalorian in full beskar trying to match Athena's grace climbing onto a dragon. Adonis had ridden beasts before, but never while wearing armor heavier than some people's transports. After two tries, and with Athena's help, he managed to get himself situated.

He settled onto Miit'alor's back, adjusting to the shifting muscle beneath him. "West," he directed. "Straight into the storm. There's another Mandalorian graveyard. That's what they're after: more beskar. They're afraid, they're desperate."

He sealed his helmet with a hiss, his voice crackling through the vocoder. "Let's show them what happens when you steal from us." Thunder rumbled above them, and even if they didn't ride west, the storm would soon find them.

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TAG: Athena Faar ​

 

[Athena Faar]

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Gear: Athena's Beskargam, Athena's Bes'kad, Euk Siha Service Knife, Stormbound Aegis, ZV1 Mentor Blaster Carbine, Madrugar Repulsor/Blaster Hybrid Revolver

Tag: Adonis Angelis IV

The unexpected mission would be the first in which Miit'alor would carry someone along with Athena. In fact it was the first time anyone else would ride the dragon. Athena cajoled the great beast through their bond that it was alright. The gift Adonis offered didn't hurt either in assuring the dragon that the knight was a friend. Miit'alor agreed, Athena sensing the animal's pride in being able to show what she and her rider could do.

Of course, they both knew Athena didn't need assistance climbing onto the dragon. But Athena wasn't offended by the gesture. She knew it didn't come out of some notion that she was a damsel that needed help. It was a sign of congeniality, a notion of chivalry mostly lost in the galaxy. Athena reveled in the fact that the Mandalorians held one another as equal, without respect to race or gender. But to be seen as not only a warrior, but a woman, but the knight, pleased the dark-skinned Korun. Athena took the offered hand as she made her way up the dragons leg to the riding harness. Adonis was truly a knight in all senses.

As it turned out, Adonis was the one who needed assistance. His bulwark-like armor made mounting the beast a challenge, but he finally succeeded and took his place on Miit' alor's back. The dragon seemed to accept the heavy rider, her head lifted high, as if the gift she now wore gave her a reason to beam.

Athena looked west towards the brewing storm. Arcs danced across her new shield, as if it anticipated the storm as well. She fixed the shield securely to the harness for the moment, donning her helmet. Adonis had a glorious mission for the three of them. A grim smirk hid behind the dragon rider's visor. She and Adonis had left Onderon as victors. Now, they returned to rain retribution on the survivors and finish the job.

"West." She repeated, then spoke through their bond to Miit'alor. Though her passenger probably couldn't tell, Athena could feel the dragon hunkering down a bit lower, her wings spread wider, to accommodate the heavily armored warrior that had joined her rider. Great wings beat against the damp air. Powerful legs coiled and pushed off as the dragon lifted from the ground. Low at first, she gained momentum and rose higher. She turned to face the storm, even as the air took on the cooler touch of pending precipitation. Lightning could be seen lacing through the clouds as the sky darkened. She could feel the static dancing across her shield.

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[Adonis Angelis IV]

ADONIS ANGELIS IV
Mandalorian Knight of House Angelis | Risen Son of Vaal | Vanguard of the Manda

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Even after the blunder of trying to mount Miit'alor, Adonis settled quickly into the saddle. It was a strange sensation, riding the back of something living, something that chose to carry him. A beast of burden was one thing, but Miit'alor was different. She had her own mind, her own pride, her own sharp edge that reminded him of Athena. The dragon even carried the same quiet strength her rider did. Adonis could feel the shift of his heavy armor as she adjusted for his weight, making room for him without complaint.

The Mandalorian drank in the sight of the sky, lit in flashes of lightning. He hadn't spent much of his life in the air; grunts like him were meant for the mud, fodder for the front lines. The only times he looked up during war were when ships were dropping fire on his head. This was different. Now he was the one carrying the storm. Residual electricity crackled across their weapons as they cut toward the horizon.

"They've made camp in a highland settlement," he said, leaning closer so Athena could hear him over the wind. His voice came low, almost conspiratorial. "They'll be tucked in for the night, trying to ride out the storm. That gives us the surprise."

He felt her gaze linger on him through the visor. She didn't say anything right away, and the silence stretched between them, thick with the charge of storm and steel. Athena didn't need to question his resolve; she knew he meant every word. But Adonis caught the edge in her presence, the weight of her scrutiny, as if she was measuring whether this knight in gilded beskar was still the same man who'd stood beside her last time Onderon burned.

He smirked under his helmet, letting the silence hold a second longer before breaking it. "Don't worry. I'm not planning on letting them live long enough to fight fair."

Miit'alor banked west, wings cutting through the charged air. Thunder rolled around them as if the storm itself had decided to follow their lead. The Mandalorian tightened his grip on the harness, feeling the tension coil, not just in the sky above, but between him and the woman at the front of the saddle. They were both predators, circling the same prey. And soon, they would strike.

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TAG: Athena Faar ​

 

[Athena Faar]

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Gear: Athena's Beskargam, Athena's Bes'kad, Euk Siha Service Knife, Stormbound Aegis, ZV1 Mentor Blaster Carbine, Madrugar Repulsor/Blaster Hybrid Revolver

Tag: Adonis Angelis IV

Miit'alor seemed to pay no mind to the storm gathering, even when it seemed to gather around them. Darkness had nearly consumed the sky, the sun having faded, the stormclouds veiling any light from moon or star. Only the lightning, growing bolder and more frequent illuminated the landscape below as they drew closer to their prey.

The circumstances had become the stuff of fireside tales. Vengeance had taken to the skies astride a fire-breathing monster. two warriors, joined in their fierce intent, bound together by sword and shield across which licked their own lightning arcing in synergy. The souls within beskar armor finding their own bond in battle, the Force strong in one, blossoming in the other, man, woman, hunters, it wove a tale that Athena knew would be shared in halls beneath the banners of the clans. She relished the sensation of the hulking armored knight behind her, his power palpable, his brand of virtue gloriously Mandalorian.

Athena simply nodded at Adonis' words. She spoke instructions into the dragon's mind. Soon, beneath them, amid the first drops of rain, the lights of the Stormguard encampment twinkled weakly. "Lets stir the nest, Sir Knight. Hold on."

Miit'alor dove, then leveled out low over the highlands. The wind and rain whipped at the armored riders, but the beast did not slow. She was on an attack run. Over the camp, the drake unleashed a torrent of liquid fire, strafing the temporary dwellings with searing flames, lighting up the scene with horrible orange light.

The dragon pulled up and wheeled around. Athena looked down to see the thieves swarming, some, engulfed in fire, ran like like dancing torches.

"What now, my Knight?" She leaned back to ask Adonis.

​

 

[Adonis Angelis IV]

ADONIS ANGELIS IV
Mandalorian Knight of House Angelis | Risen Son of Vaal | Vanguard of the Manda

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Fingers gripped tight against Miit'alor for support while they danced through the air. The dragon's wings cracked like sails in the storm, every downbeat shaking his bones. Electricity leapt across them, flicking from shield to sword to sky, the sound sharp like tearing metal, and the air stung his nose. It was a perfect reflection of the energy between them. Adonis felt alive. Fulfilled. For the first time in his life, he knew he was doing the right thing. Not just for Onderon, not just for Athena, but for everything. The darkness that had stirred within him when he joined the Mandalorians had once frightened him. Now he understood it for what it was: power. And he was no longer afraid.

He watched as the huts burned below, firelight licking upward in orange and red tongues clawing at the night. The camp shrieked with sound, shouts, panicked orders, the crackling of flames tearing through canvas and wood. The Stormguard scattered, blind and leaderless, their panic rising like smoke. The smell of charred timber mixed with the acrid bite of burning flesh, carried on the night air. Through the Force he felt the echoes of fear: sparks in the dark, weak and uneven, a few sensitives fumbling to hold their ground. None with the weight of the warlord they had slain before, but still, they were dar'manda, and he would not be caught unprepared.

He leaned forward, helm nearly brushing her shoulder. "Now, my Storm, we give them two gifts." Even over the roar of fire and wings, his voice carried like thunder, the Force resounding in every word. "Make another pass. Low and fast. Let them scatter, let them choke on their fear. Then- " he paused as a thunderclap rolled across the clouds above, " -then we descend." He tightened his grip on the hilt, the sword alive with stormlight. Rain slicked the blade, sizzling where lightning coursed along its edge.

"You with your shield. Me with my blade. Together, we cut the head from the snake."

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TAG: Athena Faar ​