Mushrooming Knowledge

[Dune Rhur]

Before the Bith could do much of anything, Nikias dashed off into the trees. With a sigh, he followed at a jog whilst unhooking his lightsaber. He couldn't understand why Padawans always felt the need to rush off into the thick of danger. Mulling over this thought, he sensed the attack coming from his left and barely had time to throw himself out of the way.

Coming quickly to his feet, the Bith turned expecting to see another rancor. Instead, there was a huge creature easily as big as the rancor but very different. The acklay had smashed through the undergrowth like a bulldozer, it's crustacean-like body something from a youngling's nightmare. It's three eyes regarded him intently and it drooled hungrily.

From what Dune knew of them, they were always hungry and there was no mistaking it's malicious intent with it's six razor sharp appendages. The Jedi just had time to draw himself into a ready stance when the acklay lunged for him. Somewhat limited by thick vegetation, Dune could only leap up into the branches of a nearby tree to avoid the slashing claw. The crustacean screamed in frustration as it wheeled on him and slammed it's huge body into the tree.

Dune wobbled, spreading his feet in order to maintain balance on his now precarious perch. While the Bith was much nimbler by comparison, he didn't have the size and strength to smash through centuries old trees. That was just what was being done and so he knew he had to move. As the predator reared back to strike again, he propelled himself through the air.

Just behind him, the tree was sent in a free fall on to the jungle floor below. Landing on yet another tree limb, this one significantly closer to the three-and-a-half meter tall beast, Dune grimaced. He had to do something quickly before he ran out of places to run. The acklay could literally smash through as many trees as he could jump into.

As the beast whirled to face him again, the cunning Bith had an idea. He knew that disabling such a creature with his lightsaber could be done but it would be very risky with a high chance of being ripped apart. Though a being of an urbanized world, Dune decided to let nature help him now. With another hunting shriek, the predictable hunter lunged into the tree again.

This time, he was crouched in a wide-legged stance in anticipation of the shock of impact. Braced as he was, it wasn't nearly as bad as the first time. Tree already splintering, he readied himself to act as did the acklay. When the second hammer blow came, he waited until the last second to propel himself away.

In the air, he thrust out his hands and sent as powerful a Force push as he could manage at the tree. When it connected, the trajectory of the fall was changed into that of the hunter. Dune landed on the ground and his impact was buffered through the Force. The acklay couldn't say the same about the tree landing on it.

The Jedi grimaced as he couldn't tell what was louder, the crash of the tree or the splat of the crustacean being crushed beneath it's weight....


[member="Azlyn Ike"]
[member="Nikias"]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Squatting next to the deceased Acklays[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Nikias examined the corpses. He could smell the burnt flesh of them and how it filled the entire area around him acting as a natural repellent for other Acklay's. Even the most violent species didn't often like the smell of their own kind and took it as a sign to stay away. Hence why Nikias was taking his time letting not only the smell of the burnt Acklay's flesh stick to his clothing and body[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]but even digging into the cauterized stump to dig out what blood he could from inside the Acklay. As his hand dug into the still warm flesh Nikias had a scowl on his face thinking about all the trouble him and Dune were going through to chase the Sith with the holocron. The Sith couldn't handle them both at once[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] so she had fled into the forest where the wildlife could do her work. What Nikias was doing would put an end to it. Now shoulder deep into the creature’s body Nikias pulled his arm out. Completely coated in blood and the smell of the Acklay's blood. Smearing it across his toned chest and neck he placed it on a few more areas. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]While the scent wouldn't be repelling any rancors[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] the Acklay's would no longer be a problem. The feeling of the warm blood on his flesh reminded Nikias of his days on the battlefield. Of having to lead an army against his father’s enemies and those nights where he himself had to participate in battle and had been bathed in his enemies’ blood. Not his most proud moments in life by far[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] but he wouldn't regret the decisions he had made. Standing Nikias thought it best if he circled back and attempt to find Dune and bring him to the area so the Bith could do the same[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] though the thoughts were broken by the sound of a massive crash and a sharp crunching. Looking in the direction of where the sound had come from Nikias ran back[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] thinking that something had happened to Dune or that the Sith had attacked him.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Coming out the underbrush Nikias was welcomed by the site of a fallen tree and beneath it the twitching legs of a crushed Acklay. Looking around Nikias spotted Dune and approached the Bith though he was sure the knight would probably be repulsed by the smell Nikias now had on him. "Acklay blood. Predators don't usually like the smell of their own kind[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]acts as a natural repellent." Nikias said looking over at the dead Acklay and back at Dune with a raised brow. Nikias wasn't sure if the Jedi knight would participate in covering himself in blood[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]but it was worth a try. Though now they were together again.[/SIZE]

[member="Dune Rhur"] [member="Azlyn Ike"]

 

[Dune Rhur]

Dune shook his head.

"Blood may repel other acklays but it will attract other hungry predators. I'll take my chances."

Now that they'd met back up within the treeline, the Bith was going to make certain they stayed together as much as possible.

"She's still here, I can sense her. We need to work together and stay together."

The would-be thief would probably try to pick them off individually either way. However, by staying closer and coordinating their efforts, they stood a better chance. He gestured for the apprentice to follow and headed forward at a measured pace, senses sharp....

[member="Nikias"]
[member="Azlyn Ike"]

 

[Azlyn Ike]

[member="Dune Rhur"] [member="Nikias"]

They were making things interesting as she stayed n the move, quickly and quietly to not arouse her direction and changing paths while round deeper sections of the forest. The sounds of creatures below was still there along with that scent of moisture in the forest. The small atrisian stopping on a branch and checking herself in case of injury before she kept leaping and swinging towards the larger protruding spires. They looked like teeth when she touched one of them sliding down into the open ground. More overgrown area of jungle before finding one of the things she knew from the history books. Remains of imperial equipment while she started tinking with some of it slicing off a panel to check parts of it.

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]"We are in their territory,[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] chances of another creature invading the territory much less even appearing are slim. Even then they're probably the top of the food chain in this specific area. Considering how many there are." Nikias said nodding to the crushed Acklay. It was common sense for him coming from a world that was covered in not only creature’s native to the planet but also creatures that had been transported there long ago. Nikias knew enough about rancors that they wouldn't wander too far from their own territory unless being specifically controlled to do so. Coming from a world like Hora would teach one many things[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] especially when you had to spend the years after your thirteenth birthday fighting on battlefields that often would involve having to fight the wildlife as well. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]"Staying together also makes us easier to take out in one fell swoop[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] and confines us to searching the same area." Nikias said. He was thinking like a general and a warrior[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]not a jedi. He'd been with the jedi long enough to notice their approach and he wasn't used to it nor would he likely adopt it completely. They'd shown to put the lives of others first at the cost of their own[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]but Nikias didn't believe in showing enemies such mercy and giving them time to buy their strength nor in sparing creatures that would attack them. "Though I shall surrender the lead to you this time." Nikias said waiting for the Dune to begin walking while Nik kept his eyes on the environment around them scanning the area and staying aware of things the force couldn't always point out. Such as traps and such. “What was wrong with you earlier? You seemed troubled before even engaging the Sith. Something I should be aware of?”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt][member="Dune Rhur"] [member="Azlyn Ike"][/SIZE]

 

[Dune Rhur]

Continuing into the trees, the Bith listened while keeping his senses sharp for attack.

"You're not strong enough to face her by yourself. You may know dangerous creatures, but a rancor pales in comparison to her."

His words weren't condescending, just a statement of simple fact. Many a Padawan had lost their lives from overconfidence. Many of them would've made excellent Jedi if they'd learned the importance of caution. Some Jedi might've taken offense to Nikias' lack of propriety but he didn't care, especially not now.

The jungle began to thin out as they progressed, rusted out hulks of Imperial equipment scattered hither and thither. Just ahead, Dune saw her.

"Stay with me."

He sped up and he thumbed his blade to life....

[member="Nikias"]
[member="Azlyn Ike"]

 

[Azlyn Ike]

[member="Nikias"] [member="Dune Rhur"]

She felt them coming again and was finishing as she came up and jumped away from the piece of equipment jumping back towards a large platform and wriggling tentacles that were dragging a large bull rancor in. She could work with that and held up the small bag they wanted as she was moving. Her attention seeing them when she climbed up onto the metal walkway. "Still coming, you must really like me jedi.... Try flowers next time." She really really liked flowers while staying at it and roaming back until she stood near the pit and looked down at it. A grin on her face as well as her saber ready to go for another duel here before she activated with a snap hiss the cross guard holding it near the cables suspending it up. SHe didn't know how good they were at saving themselves but she could grapple the blade to swing to another one.

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]"I wouldn't speak so soon if I were you." Nikias said to the jedi as they continued on through the forest. "I was fighting before becoming a jedi and it’s not all about the force." He said tapping his head. Not only did Nikias have a physical advantage being larger and taller than most he also had a mind that was impenetrable that protected him from whatever machinations others tried to use. Nikias said before spotting the Sith at the same time as Dune and following the Bith. As they entered the clearing and looked up at the woman on the large platform and beneath her the large maw with wild tentacles. Feeling his mouth run dry Nikias' mind was immediately changed by the sight before them. "You know what... You can take her[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]I'm out of my league." Nikias said looking at the tentacles. That was one thing he'd never seen before and knew absolutely nothing about he didn't even want to approach it at all. From the way they moved they seemed as though they'd be able to drag either of them in easily. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]"You engage her and I'll support you from down here. I can't jump that high." Nikias said to the Bith. "I'll harass her with what I can and keep her attention divided." Half of what Nik said was an excuse to not have to approach the gaping maw while the other half was true. He wouldn't be able to jump onto the platform and would be nothing but a hindrance to Dune as he tried to keep up with the jumping from platform to platform. Plus[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] there was plenty in the area he could make use of to harass the woman with and if Dune was about to fall Nik could catch him. [/SIZE]

[member="Dune Rhur"] [member="Azlyn Ike"]

 

[Dune Rhur]

Dune regarded the man levelly as he spoke. His tone was dry as the desert of Tatooine when he spoke."Are you finally learning the value of discretion?". He turned his gaze back in the direction of the sarlacc pit.

He couldn't see her very well but, through the Force, she burned with a dark fire. Beneath her, the sarlacc itself didn't stand out nearly as much as the woman above. Her words reached his ears and he chose to ignore them as he analyzed the situation. If he wanted the holocron, he couldn't simply risk blasting her into the maw of the pit.

As he strode forward, his mind quickly came up with a solution to the problem. Attacking her directly in such a naked way wouldn't work. She'd simply repel his attacks and he'd waste his time. Rather, he needed to be more subtle as in his encounter with the acklay.

The would-be thief could move and avoid but her platform couldn't. He stopped and thrust out his hands, sending a strong wave of telekinetic energy smashing into the surface below her....



[member="Nikias"]
[member="Azlyn Ike"]

 

[Azlyn Ike]

[member="Nikias"] [member="Dune Rhur"]

Oh now was the time they chose tactics right when she was near her moment of victory and going to convince that Bith to stop all this silly business and take her to a casino... their force powers could clean up and own at the slot machines. Oh yea..... but no matter as she moved with some intention forward and then felt something strike the metal walkway causing the old metal to buckle and rattle. Another cable snapping as it started to fall back and she jumped grabbing one of the girders and holding on carefully. The bag on her hip while she loosened it with her hand to go to her feet. "Ever play catch?" She was looking at him and holding the bag with her boots while looking at the pit before she swung hand over hand to the section of walkway across from him. The holocron was valuable sure but worth her life... no... worth theirs if they decided to chase after it sure and she reached out with the force to squeeze at the one large tentacle. "Hey dinner time ding ding ding." There was a sound like something out of a nightmare and more of the fleshy spires coming up to swing around and grab at food while she was seeing the rancor it had pulled down kicking the bag over the edge with her foot as an arm came. something to knock it down faster and provide cover while she was watching it with some guidance and influence score a direct hit into the howling maw od the rancor making it choke clawing into the fleshy opening going down but clinging to the side as the arms were wrapping around it. "Have you ever seena rancors stomach, not very friendly to bags holding things."

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Nikias let Dune do the hard work of moving the walkway and kept his eyes focused on the Sith watching her for any movement and looking to spot the holocron so he could snatch it up with the force while she was distracted with trying to survive. Spotting the bag that the woman was slowly untying Nikias slowly began moving closer to the Sarlac but keeping himself outside the tentacles range while his eyes were focused on the bag solely. The more it loosened the more Nikias built up his energy to snatch it not only from her grasp but keep it in his own telekinetic grasp. Though before he knew it she let the bag fall and as he heard the mighty roar that shook the sky and earth Nikias reached out with his left hand focusing on the bag while the tentacles of the sarlac tussled with it dragging the bag down, deeper and deeper within its depths. He had shown his proficiency plenty of times when using telekinesis so moving a bag was easy[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]though as it was trapped in the sarlac's grip Nikias couldn't rip it out with pure force alone. Rearing back his right arm and hurling his saber nikias focused on the weapon as it spiraled through the air slicing partially through one of the tentacles holding the bag. the sarlac certainly hadn't liked that as it became enraged its tentacles flailing around. with a yank of his left hand nikias guided the forgotten bag away from the sarlac's grip.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=10pt]Even from the miniscule time it had been trapped in the sarlac's tenetacles the bag had been covered in a thick layer of slime. Tightening his grip on the bag and holding it telekinetically as well Nikias backed away slowly to not upset the sarlac. "So will you drop her?" Nikias asked Dune as he neared the knight. As Dune was a jedi Nikias was sure he already knew that answer even if he didn't agree with it. The least they could do was aim to arrest her.[/SIZE]

[member="Dune Rhur"] [member="Azlyn Ike"]

 

[Dune Rhur]

Dune looked at the Padawan dubiously as he somehow managed to pull the bag away from a sarlacc, creatures known to be hundreds of meters wide and deep and strong enough to consume a bull rancor whole. He must be a Skywalker, first effortlessly cutting down two 3 meter tall monsters then this! the Bith thought. Taking the bag proffered, he grimaced as he felt the shape of...a rock!?

The Bith didn't know whether to feel relief or to feel stupid. He grimaced at Nikias and then the thief. "She doesn't have it," he said with a long sigh. "She will live. It's obvious we're not going to catch her today." If she had it, she would be taunting them with it, judging by her enjoyment of egging them on.

That meant she'd hidden it somewhere but the Force alone knew exactly where. Perhaps she actually wanted the holocron and perhaps it was simply a game in her mind....

[member="Azlyn Ike"]
[member="Nikias"]

 

[Azlyn Ike]

Remains of imperial equipment while she started tinking with some of it slicing off a panel to check parts of it.

She felt them coming again and was finishing as she came up and jumped away from the piece of equipment jumping back towards a large platform and wriggling tentacles that were dragging a large bull rancor in.

Azlyn was looking at them while she snickered and with the writhing arms ran away back around the equipment. They could have what was in the bag it was heavy and obtrusive... she was a thief and an Ike... albeit evil. The Ikes were known for their abilities and knowledge moving forward with a lot of her attention on things. Holding the blade while she moved and kept her attention on some of the things. They had been working on somethings and who knows the one seemed to have a brain while she was walking back. Let them search hopefully the forest for it where she had left a trap or two. They might not know what she was doing as the girl was moving with her attention on the largest parts. Shuffling and leaving some tracks to get away from the sarlacc into the scrap yard of junk taking a few places she could look at the old wrecked vehicles.

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Azlyn Ike, on 10 Apr 2016 - 8:10 PM, said:[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10pt][member="Nikias"] [member="Dune Rhur"][/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt] "Have you ever seena rancors stomach, not very friendly to bags holding things."[/SIZE]

[Misread Azlyn's post and thought it fell in rancors stomach. Post edited]

[SIZE=10pt]Nikias didn't understand the look that Dune was giving him all he had done was finish enforcing his grip over the bag and yanking it out of the sarlack pit while it was enraged by having one of its tentacles partially chopped off. Nothing hard at all[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]ones’ limits with the force were only as wide as their abilities[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]and moving small objects and gripping them was something Nikias had done many times before even lifting a sith and throwing them. Manipulating a saber to cut through the necks of creatures wasn't hard when all you focused on was telekinesis and couldn't use many other aspects of the force and spent less time on using the saber, Nikias wasn't the type to engage in battles against creatures he knew he couldn't defeat head to head so he struck out at their weaknesses such as an acklay's long neck. maybe the jedi just weren't used to someone being efficient in their work. Sabers were near weightless and in the grip of the force it made them easier to guide their spin. Though Nikias soon enough found out why the look should've been given as a rock rolled out of the bag onto the ground. "Stang." Nikias growled as he looked at the rock.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]"Should've dropped her and the walkway in the pit. Would've made up for it." Nikias said kicking the rock to the sarlac pit and throwing the bag to meet the same fate. "Well lead on." Nikias said casting a final look back at the pit. Due to his own lack of being able to sense anything out in the force except for the very limited danger sense Nikias would have to let Dune follow the holocron's trail and lead the way.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt][member="Azlyn Ike"] [member="Dune Rhur"][/SIZE]

 

[Dune Rhur]

OOC: I'm just gonna end things on my end with this post. Consider it a sort of epilogue.

Dune had found the holocron he'd been seeking after all. The thief had hidden it within the hulk of an old Imperial walker among the debris field before the sarlacc. It was only through happenstance that he'd felt the unmistakable aura that led him to his prize. By that point, the Jedi had thought the artifact lost.

The Dark Sider herself had made her escape, of course. Not before waving and making a mocking, theatrical bow. She had told him that she enjoyed their 'little chase' and that she would see him again. He silently promised her that next time, she wouldn't be so fortunate.

Now, he and the Padawan Nikias made their return into friendly space. They were within the bluish light of hyperspace, aboard the shuttle they'd arrived in. With the taller male in the co-pilot's chair, the Bith sat in the pilot's seat. He'd already set in the coordinates to their destination.

Now, he allowed himself into a light, meditative trance, the closest a Bith came to actual sleep. He did so gratefully and patiently waited for the Force to help heal and refresh him.


[member="Nikias"]
[member="Azlyn Ike"]