Homewreckers

[Akhilleus]

Making his way through the streets of Yaga Minor, Akhilleus looked down at his datapad detailing the location where he was supposed to be meeting his most recent contact in his hunt for ancient Sith artifacts. He had been within the Mandalorian Empire’s boarders for easily a month traveling from planet to planet chasing what appeared to be multiple dead ends. Many would ask why he wasn’t searching ancient Sith worlds and the answer was simple, because they had all most likely been looted. There obviously would’ve been more than just himself looking for what was left of their legacy, he was sure there were even some Sith out there arguing over the ancient cod piece of some legendary Sith. Akhilleus on the other hand wanted it for one reason… The power it offered and to follow in his brothers’ footsteps. There were many enemies that Akhilleus would have to hunt down in revenge of Nikias, but he needed to be sure he had something to even the odds.

Wearing Nikias’ old Doom Bringer armor, Akhilleus cut an intimidating figure when walking through the marketplace easily blending in with the numerous other Mandalorians there. While not a Mandalorian in any way he did have the benefit of having a set of their legendary Beskar armor. Walking down the alley that was indicated Akhilleus quickly turned to a door rapping on it in a specific pattern alerting those inside to his presence. Entering the backroom of what appeared to be a cantina Akhilleus saw two other individuals sitting inside. “Where you followed?” A Duros asked his Ithorian partner eyeing Akhilleus.

“Of course not… Did you bring what I asked for?” Pulling up a seat to the wooden table Akhilleus sat down not worried about his identity being given away. With the voice modulator in his helmet he sounded like a man speaking through a respirator.

“How can you be sure? Your antics have drawn the attention of the Mando’s!” The Duros shrieked fear evident in his eyes. “They don’t take too kindly to Sith and someone within their borders asking around about Sith artifacts was sure to draw their attention sooner or later.”

“Well then we will make the exchange and then I will leave. If the information you claim to have is accurate I won’t need to stay here another standard day.”

“No! We must renegotiate the deal!” The Duros shrieked fist hammering on the table. With a solemn nod the Ithorian agreed.

[member="Keira Ticon"]

 

[Keira Priest]

There was a saying in the galaxy that went something like, 'Don't mess with Mandalorians', and it was safe to say it existed for a very good reason. The warrior people were a force to be reckoned with to say the least, having brought multiple nations to their knees throughout the course of galactic history. Of late the galaxy was relearning what the moniker Mandalorian yet, understanding once again the strength behind a T-visor. Mand'alor had recently declared a Crusade on the Sith and Republic both, the Clans attacking Kashyyyk with the Crusaders as an ally. That was their first real show of force, proof that Mandalorians had returned united as one people under a single banner, and that they wouldn't stop for anything in their way.

Now that the war drums had quieted their beating for the time being, all had returned to what it once was. After the hell that had been yet another large-scale battle Keira had returned to spending time with her family, temporarily relinquishing the life of a warrior for that of a mother, wife and simply an individual. The transition was jarring in some ways but welcomed openly in most others, as she was allowed to forget, for a time, the constant fighting and death that had near-constantly encompassed her existence up until recently. While she would never truly leave war behind, no longer would she constantly be on the front lines with no recompense. That way of life was no longer, and for that she was thankful.

But, of course, nothing lasted forever. Recently there had been reports of suspicious activity originating from a planet on the fringes of their territory, Yaga Minor. The call had gone out to all those high-ranking within the Crusaders, more specifically the three Warmarshals. As always she had been the first to answer, though nothing less had been expected. At this point donning her full armor and the arsenal that accompanied it was routine, the weight of her equipment a forgotten thing in comparison to its capabilities in the right hands. It was very possible that arriving prepared for a conflict as explosive as her attire hinted at was overkill, but intimidation was just as valuable a tactic as any. The message was clear: don't mess with me.

"Walking into the unknown yet again, huh?"
"At least this time it's less dangerous than a war zone. It's just a trespasser."
"The last time 'just a trespasser' ended with near-death and punishment."
"I'm the only one on this. It'll be fine."
"Just stay sharp. The cantina's up ahead."

A verbal warning wasn't necessary for her to know that. It was enough to sense the dark, volatile presence within, but now that it had become known that there was one on the hunt for Sith artifacts the simple existence of the aura was enough to damn them. As much as she wanted to end things explosively and violently, she had some kind of reputation to uphold as a Warmarshal of the Crusaders, and so would approach with more of a level head, though barely. In lieu of a more explosive entrance she stepped up to the door and simply knocked.

[member="Akhilleus"]

 

[Akhilleus]

There was a rapping at the door. Three knocks that caused the Duros and Irthorian to look at the door eyes widening. Akhilleus didn’t even turn around he could see the entrance from where he sat due to the 360 degrees of vision offered by his helmet. Though a slight chill did descend down his spine. He had just wanted to collect the information and get away with it. Simple enough, why were the Mandalorian’s acting already? “She’s here! You were followed!” The Duros shrieked voice still a whisper but the urgency coming through perfectly clear. His voice was strained and those eyes seemed to carry a look of fear. Were the mando’s truly that dangerous to where they struck such fear in an individual?

Grunting in his language the Ithorian began rising from its seat pulling a blaster rifle from beneath the table and aiming it at the door then Akhilleus. Eyebrow twitching beneath the visor Akhilleus growled. How dare they pull out such a weapon and think to use it on him. HE had half the mind to kill them both where they stood but the situation was already bad. They were overreacting, there was no way for them to know if it was truly another mando on the other side of the door. With a growl the Ithorian drew its partners’ attention. “HE’s right deals off we didn’t sign up to die for you. WE don’t even know if this was a set up.” The Duros also began to rise but an invisible force pinned him back to the wooden chair. Head not even turning to the ithorian, Akhilleus formed his left hand into a fist. The barrel of the blaster rifle would begin to crumple becoming misshapen. Waving the same arm as though swatting a fly aKhilleus released a push that knocked the IThorian off his feet and into the far wall where it slumped to the floor unconscious.

“I paid good credits for this information, and I won’t be leaving till I get it.” Standing to now tower over the Duros, Akhilleus reached into its jacket pocket pulling out a worn down journal filled with loose pieces of flimsy. Examining the pieces of flimsy Akhilleus saw a language he couldn’t even begin to comprehend. The words were sharp and wickedly angled. HE knew the appearance, the ancient language of the Sith.

Good…Tossing a handful of credits onto the table Akhilleus turned to the door. “I’ll get rid of them and you can hide till its clear.” It was the least he could do for the smuggler. There was no point in killing them as they didn’t know who Akhilleus truly was. Nor did he feel like leaving a trail of bodies.

Hand resting on the door panel Akhilleus took a deep breath and pressed the button letting it open and reveal himself the journal tucked away inside a storage department of the armor. “May I help you?” Akhilleus asked stepping out and onto the first step where he could take in the Mandalorian. With a hiss the door shut hiding the Duros and Ithorian.

[member="Keira Ticon"]

 

[Keira Priest]

Music
From without Keira could sense the uneasiness that poured from the Ithorian and Duros in droves, and in a certain light it was a good thing that they were afraid. While she certainly didn't want those within their borders to fear the Crusaders, it was better that the individuals who did step out of line knew when they were doing something wrong. However, it wasn't the two of them she had come for. Hopefully this would be enough to dissuade them, but if they caused issue again she would bring the matter to her brother. There were only so many times she could take charge with issues like this before she tired of it. Sure, it paid to get things done, but not when you were the only one doing so the majority of the time.

When the one she sought out emerged she studied him for a few moments, gauging the armor he wore along with how he stood and carried himself, taking in even the minor details many would disregard. Nothing was too small to be looked over when it came to combat, a lesson she had oftentimes leaned the hard way. He had an advantage on her already as far as height and weight was concerned, but she knew from the get-go that she was the more experienced warrior. As far as she was concerned that made them about even, though she had the advantage of home turf and, well, being a Mandalorian.

"Yeah, you can help me out." Her voice was low, harboring numerous promises of violence in its undertones, "You can start by ceasing to exist." Her presence in the Force spiked instantaneously after those final words had passed her lips, those violent intentions becoming a reality. If her actions went unimpeded she would ensnare him in her ethereal grasp before bodily throwing him into the building behind them, pulling the tomahawk from her belt. "Mandalorians don't take kindly to trespassers. I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

[member="Akhilleus"]

 

[Akhilleus]

This is what I was scared of. Akhilleus thought, he just knew there would be some Mandalorian that came and stuck their head into his business. From the shape of the armor Akhilleus figured the Mandalorian was female. This didn’t he mean he would discount her, any woman could be as good a warrior as a male. The Hellyni were a species of warriors taught war and combat from childhood similar to the Mandalorians. Only difference Hellyni were actually sent to war at those young ages. The answer the Mando gave him wasn’t to be expected. There was no asking for a warrant, no telling him he was under arrest like in the inner rim… No one moment she was talking to him and the next Akhilleus found himself spiraling through the air.

Did… Did she just throw me? He thought as he hit the wall she had thrown him into. The passive telekinetic barriers he always had up absorbed the blow as Akhilleus flew through the wall and into the room beyond. Hitting a bar with enough force that the wood cracked beneath him Akhilleus smiled. IT had been a long time since he had been hit that hard. Oh I’m going to enjoy this. Inside the room were numerous other occupants of the cantina that had risen to their feet and moved away from their tables. Behind Akhilleus he saw the fearful face of the bartender. “Just mando business.” He said jokingly.

Brushing off the dust that had compiled on his armor from crashing through the brick Akhilleus’ smile turned to a wicked sneer. “Well I can’t leave without paying my hosts back for their hospitality.” Right foot placed at the base of the bar Akhilleus leaned forward and pushed off his back foot. With an explosion of telekinetic energy he flung himself at the woman like a missile right fist rising at the last women to catch her dead in the face if it landed another wave of kinetic force would be released on impact. Without using the force Akhilleus already hit with the strength comparable to a wookie, with the force he felt sorry for whoever was on the receiving end.

[member="Keira Ticon"]

 

[Keira Priest]

Music
That her strike had connected in full brought about the same satisfaction as it always did with the simple knowledge that she was capable of inflicting something on another. It felt good to be capable, and Keira most certainly was just that. Her gaze beneath her helmet was altogether impassive as she watched him crash through the wall and into the bar beyond. It was only what was deserved, though not enough to take him out of the fight permanently just yet. A part of her still retained the amusement found years ago in toying with her enemy, something she had never completely grown out of. While ending a fight quickly was beneficial, things became mundane if you couldn't test your mettle every once in awhile.

When he picked himself up off the floor she only inclined her head slightly as if in challenge. She had already proven herself in those few seconds, and now it was time for him to do the same. Thankfully for the both of them he didn't waste any time in doing so, charging forward and cocking his fist back at the last second for a punch to the face. Even with her full armor she wasn't too keen on taking the brunt of the strike, and so did her best to duck to the side. Despite this his fist still clipped her, the telekinetic burst released upon even the slightest impact unbalancing her. Flipping backwards she found her feet again, granting him an appraising look. "You haven't seen the half of it. But I'm still willing to let you walk away."

Except she wasn't, at least not completely. If he did make a move to turn and leave she likely wouldn't pursue him overly far, her only concern being his departing the planet entirely. For now, however, there was the fight. Her form blurred as she augmented her speed with the Force just as he had done, closing the short gap between them in a matter of seconds. The tomahawk - Akaa'gai - made a sharp cut for the gap between helmet and chest plate, the slash fully capable of cutting through the mesh and into his throat if he didn't react quickly enough. Her words might have hinted at mercy, but her actions communicated the exact opposite. If he wanted to walk away from this, he would have to work for it.

[member="Akhilleus"]

 

[Akhilleus]

The woman he was facing was no stranger to combat. Akhilleus could tell that when she had dodged his punch and only took a fraction of it. A hint of satisfaction filled Akhilleus as he took this as a lesson about who he faced. She didn’t want to take the full hit; did that mean that she hadn’t branched out into the same forms of telekinesis as himself? Akhilleus had spent his time creating a telekinetic barrier different from many other force users. There’s only stopped themselves from getting ragdolled with the force, Akhilleus had spent his barrier building it up so it could literally soak up a variety of damage. The flip she did in the full body armor hinted that she could enhance her body with the force as flipping in Beskar was something Akhilleus simply couldn’t do or many of the mundane beings in the galaxy.

“We both know that walking away was off the table this started.” Akhilleus mainly said this due to both of them belonging to warrior cultures. He wouldn’t step away due to his position as a king and she likely wouldn’t due to being a Mandalorian. They’d be stuck in this deadlock till one of them was beaten and at worse dead. That was the way of the warrior. Then once again the battle started with the woman closing on the dark jedi that wickedly sharp tomahawk. Akhilleus knew that if she was brandishing it against a foe wearing beskar that the weapon would be a very real threat.

Left hand raising in an open palmed strike at the wrist holding the tomahawk Akhilleus would hold it at bay. While his right arm came up from below in an open palm strike for Kiera’s armored core. The strike was a simple ploy as before impact a telekinetic wave would be released point blank into the mandalorian meant to throw her up into and through the waiting ceiling above.

[member="Keira Ticon"]

 

[Keira Priest]

Music
Typically Keira would have despised the idea of any sort of disarmament, even if it came down to him simply grabbing her wrist and preventing her strike from connecting. Given that the tomahawk was held in her left hand - the cybernetic - it would have been child's play to break free and cut his throat. However, that was a card she would play closely until the proper time came to reveal it. His next strike came too quickly for her to properly consider such a tactic, and her focus instantly shifted to erecting a shimmering barrier that effectively absorbed the worst of his attack in the short amount of time she was granted to formulate any kind of defense. The kinetic force still more than took its toll, but it wasn't near as bad as it could have been.

Even still she was thrown off her feet and into the ceiling, the sheer force behind it driving the breath from her. Twisting in the air she planted her feet on the ceiling and pushed off, her trajectory taking her right back to the origin of the telekinetic wave. At first it didn't seem like she was going to make any offensive, until her left hand curled into a fist once more swinging for the exposed area of his throat. A relatively mundane strategy, until the vibroblade shimmered to life from the gauntlet plate of her armor. Once again a cut that could very well open his throat and leave him gasping for breath while choking on his own blood. Mercy was fleeing from her mind the longer this wore on, as she knew nobody would raise any complaint if she brought forth the body of a trespasser rather than a captive.

Regardless of whether it connected or not she would land on her feet and skid to a stop a few feet away, blade disappearing just as quickly as it had materialized in the first place. "You're smart enough to know what you got into when you set foot on this planet. Don't mess with Mandalorians. Besides, around here they'd praise me for killing you." It was only the truth. After what had happened with the first trespasser, none of them were keen to make the same mistake. For them, it was always shoot to kill.

[member="Akhilleus"]