On the Trail Towards Home

[Kimiko Taiyou]

It had been several years since she had been to Nar Shadda. Not much had changed.

The recent events in the Galaxy had sent ripples to far corners of the spiral.

They might have also uncovered a clue for a certain white-haired woman, who had only recently discovered what she truly was...but still had no idea as to what that is.

The lead had her to the planet she was now stalking, deep within the bowels of the underworld, after a big-time slaver, who happened to have passed our very heroine onto another before her current freedom.

Ki followed the train of 'merchandise' from a distance, covered in her cloak to avoid detection. She was here for information, information that would hopefully lead her somewhere closer to home.

After some time on her mobile stakeout, the wranglers had reached their destination and began herding the newest group inside. This is when the woman's eyes spotted an odd one in the group...the ears and tail stuck out like a blinding light...

Could it be...

Her rage bubbled over, and she closed the distance to them, reaching for her hilt beneath her cloak, ready to pounce and free the slaves...

[member="Ryn'Dhal"]

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

The BB unit rolled along, before accidentally bumping into the young, cloaked female. The droid squealed, startled, as it looked up at [member="Kimiko"]. Warbling an apology, it tumbled past her and continued on, following a safe distance behind the caravan of slavers.

After a few moments, it realized the woman was following as well. It warbled at her a warning. It's hurried, excited speech was not the easiest for most who understood droid speech to understand, but it seemed to want to convey that it's Master was in the slave procession, and that it was important that they got where they needed to go. Apparently there was a plan to liberate some of these slaves in action!

Hopeful that the woman understood, and wouldn't intervene, the BB unit turned and continued rolling after the procession of slaves.


_______________________________________________________________

After reaching where the slave auction was going to occur, the slaves were divided into groups, and contained in cells, based on quality of slave, or rather, value. The black-furred slave found himself thrust into the high-cred cell. His features were exotic, his body lean and athletic, he would serve well in some entertainment venue, maybe even in a brothel carrying males for services.

But, unknown to the Slavers, this particular 'slave' had been here before. This very auction. Nearly fifteen years earlier. He was back, with a purpose. It was all he could do to keep his patience, his calm, and his emotions in check. But in his core....

There was red.

[member="Kimiko"]​

 

[Kimiko Taiyou]

Ki stood dumbfounded after being given a warning, or so she thought, about following the slaves, from a droid. Her eyes watched the mechanical ball roll on after the gloomy procession...before she snapped out of it and gaze chase.

"Hey, droid...wait!" she yelled after the machine, failing to maintain her stealth, as her curiosity got the best of her.

The path was short as she followed the droid around a corner and succeeded in tripping over it. Tumbling almost on top of the droid, and in a way most undignified, Ki groaned in pain. The droid, however, forced its way from beneath her and continued to watch the slaves.

She came back to her senses and placed herself beside the ball droid, watching as the slavers herded their merchandise into the auction house...

"I'm gonna guess, your master is going too be for sale soon hm?" she asked casting a speculative glance at the droid...

[member="Ryn'Dhal"]

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

She guessed right. As the words left her mouth, the black-furred, heavily scarred form of the felinoid was paraded out for the auction block. Some bidding began, before being interrupted by a large Trandoshan. "You.... I know you...." He began. The fur on the back of the felinoid's neck stood on end. He flexed his clawed hands, wrists bound by shackles. "Yes.... you should....."

The large reptilian stepped down from his post, and walked up to the bound captive, circling him. "You've grown. A lot little Ryn.... So, the Jeedaaai fed you good. How did fortune favor me so that you come home?" The furred one snarled, "Most unfortunate for you.... If I could get my hands around your neck...." He threatened, just before the Trandoshan buried a fist deep into the furred near-human's stomach, dropping him to his knees. "SLAVES DO NOT SPEAK TO THEIR BETTERS LIKE THAT!!!!"

The large reptilian began striding around, fists thrust in the air in triumph, though that expression quickly fled his visage, as the sound of shackles hitting the ground echoed through the area. "I do not speak to my better...." A cold, dangerous voice cut the silence. The Trandoshan found himself bodily hoisted into the air, two strong hands wrapped tightly around his neck. "I speak to prey."

As the life quickly fled the Trandoshan's life, followed by the sickening sound of a sudden *CRACK*, his body fell to the floor, as the black-furred humanoid roared a challenge. "WHO IS NEXT!?!?" as all hell collectively broke loose....

[member="Kimiko"]​

 

[Kimiko Taiyou]

It wasn't long before the sounds of chaos reached the fox-kin's ears, alerting her to commotion within the auction house. She stood, focusing on the source of the sounds before glancing at the rolling droid,"I presume this all part of a plan, and that's why you're here?"

And without so much as a beep, the droid rolled towards the violence erupting from the building. Ki quickly followed, pulling her hilt from beneath her cloak, coming to a stop outside the same door that the group had entered only moments ago. The sounds inside only getting worse the closer she was.

The droid was nearby, and it seemed to be searching for an entrance. The woman got it's attention and beckoned it to her,"Wanna get in there and help? Let's go in the same way they did." she activated her viridian bladed saber for dramatic effect.

Ki stepped away from the entrance, all nine of her snowy-white tails making an appearance, before she etched an X in the door and forced the weakened barrier in on itself.

Her tails wagged anxiously behind her looking at her work before turning to the droid with a grin,"Shall we?" and she went through the breach, saber in hand, not knowing what she would find...

[member="Ryn'Dhal"]

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

The droid rolled in under her arm, as a compartment opened, revealing a curved hilt. The black-furred man reached a hand back, as the saber shot loose from the compartment, and into the waiting hand of the furred man. The iconic snap-hiss of the silver blade, and the largely nude furred-jedi began his rotations. Blaster bolts began leaping out towards him, as with minimal effort they were batted away, the furred Jedi's Soresu on-point. He began advancing on one of the containment areas, striking a control panel to release the slaves contained within. He then used his own body, saber whirling, as a physical barrier protecting the slaves as they fled, heading towards the newcomer with a viridian blade.

After the last one made it out, the black furred man moved back towards the middle of the room. "This trade is closed. Surrender, now.... You have lost." He stated when there was a lull in the fire. "Unless, you really wish to push your luck...." There were more slaves to free.... but, hopefully.... just hopefully.... Ryn would be able to close this out without to much more violence. He got his retribution for all the horrors the Trandoshan inflicted on him and his peers for years. He'd never hurt another again. He could feel the young..... fox? Person? Approaching.... Perhaps between the two of them, they'd have this wrapped quickly. The droid rolled up, releasing another saber-hilt for his master to take. Twin silver blades at the ready, he welcomed the threats of the Slavers, equipped and ready to destroy this slaver operation from the inside out if needed.

​

[member="Kimiko"]​

 

[Kimiko Taiyou]

Before she knew it, Ki was ushering freed slaves past her towards the exit. Her eyes followed the ball droid as it reached who she now knew was it's master. A tall, black-furred humanoid stood, towering in the center of the slave area of the auction house. His twin silver blades caused her eyes to widen in realization of the situation; he was a Jedi, and he had this well under control.

The last of the newly freed prisoners made it to safety before Ki swallowed audibly, steeling herself, and stepped beside him. Her hood remained up, and she brought her saber before herself boldly, yet untrained.

"You might not need it, but I offer my assistance in your endeavor." she offered loud enough for him to hear, though her focus remained forward on their mutual enemy.

[member="Ryn'Dhal"]

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

Hearing the younger one behind him, a grin cut across his face. "A friendly blade, to lighten my load, is never something to turn away." The thugs began circling around, preparing to engage the two Force Users from flanking positions. It seemed the higher-ups were attempting to flee down a particular corridor, judging by the larger numbers of blasters staged over there. "You take those guys over there...." He motioned in the opposite direction, where a quartet of thugs, two near-humans and a pair of Rodians, were preparing to open fire. "And I'll claim the rest as my 'dance partners'..." He'd state with a laugh.

A premature fire from the larger group was met with a saber idly deflecting it. "Looks like it's game-on. Name's Ryn. Don't die." And in a flurry of motion the black-furred Knight bolted forward, closing the gap on the slavers. Blaster-bolts met an impregnable wall that was Ryn'Dhal's trademark Soresu variant. He clashed into the gathered blaster-warriors, a pulse in the Force causing the men to scatter wildly. Flashing arcs of Silver Light left blasters in pieces on the ground, more than a couple slavers with cauterized stumps where hands used to be, and in what felt like an eternity, but was truly only a matter of moments, nearly a dozen slavers cowed and injured, unwilling to continue the fight for fear for their lives.

Keeping his steely glare focused on his cowed quarry, his ears were angled back, focusing on the young woman engaging the four behind him. A stray bolt from her foes was deflected, as he would chance a glance back when the skirmish would eventually fall quiet. "You alright over there?"

[member="Kimiko"]​

 

[Kimiko Taiyou]

These thugs were simply pushovers, she had been nervous for no reason. Ki still would not do physical harm to others, even though they were trying to put an end to her and the other knight's lives so they could continue their dealings. She chose to simply incapacitate them, which was made easy with her agile and acrobatic moves, only using her blade to deflect blaster bolts and keep her allies back covered.

Her hood fell during a rather flashy roundhouse which sent her fourth villain to the deck in a crumpled heap with his companions. She held for a breath, blade before her, before she registered her surroundings going quiet. Her fan of tails fell along with her saber as she turned to her ally, her own white mane billowed out behind her.

"Yes. I do hope you are unharmed as well?" Ki answered, before her eyes took in his nearly bare state and turned bright red and averted her eyes.

[member="Ryn'Dhal"]

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

Clad in little more than a loin-cloth, he did look quite... well... savage... The beast of a man that he was though, fur-aside, was a sight to behold. Towering over the significantly smaller female, and weighing well over double her, he cut an impressive figure, muscles all long, lean, and incredibly tightly compacted. His twin sabers deactivating, he turned and bellowed at the still conscious slavers. "IN THE CELL! ALL OF YOU!" He ordered, a snap of his arm gesturing towards one of the empty cages, his eyes narrowing as he commanded them.

Cowering in fear, the dozen or so slavers dragged themselves into the designated containment area. He then turn his attention to the four the small female routed, smiling warmly at her with a nod. "You did quite well..." he commended, as he hoisted the two near-humans with practiced ease, one in each arm, before tossing them unceremoniously into the cell with the others. This was repeated for the two Rodian's. He gave a relatively dark smirk to them, as his BB droid rolled over to him. "Contact my brother. He'll send someone to pick this trash up." The droid whirled merrily, as it set up a relay message to [member=James Justice]'s offices back on Soceras. He'd enjoy the gift his little brother was leaving for him. He'd enjoy it indeed.

Looking back to the female, his tail would swish slightly, perplexed at the reddening of her features. He'd approach, and lean down, bringing his face near to her own. "Are you quite alright? You seem flushed. Perhaps you pushed yourself too far?" Genuine concern was worn upon his face, as his ears independently pivoted about, tracking noise from multiple sources. He, being of a solidly furred variant of near-human, had little-to-no understanding of 'blushing' and what it could mean outside of a medical sense.

"Do you need to rest? I can pursue the others on my own if needed."

[member="Kimiko"]​

 

[Kimiko Taiyou]

The commotion had died down even more, and before she knew, the standing slavers were locked in a cell, including her four unconscious foes. Her ears picked up the conversation between the male and his droid. She then heard his steps approach and she met his eyes, albeit, her face darkening at the closeness all of a sudden. She swallowed,"I-I am fine. It was nothing I couldn't handle. But...but, you're..." she sputtered out before using her finger to motion to his attire.

It was simply he being a complete stranger and clad in nearly nothing that caused her dismay. She eventually would recover, though, still not looking anywhere but his face, she nodded that she was ready,"I do hope this will not take to long, I must ask you some questions."

[member="Ryn'Dhal"]

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

He frowned slightly, a little perplexed. But, again, he knew that females in limited garb, especially in close proximity, did evoke some response from him.... She felt uncomfortable about his attire. Looking down at his scarred torso, he'd nod slightly, before grabbing some tattered cloth. He'd make some make-shift coverings on the fly, just to serve to make his appearance less..... burdensome on the young woman.

"We're off." He'd state with a level of certainty, before bolting down the corridor he knew the leaders of this meager ring had fled. His unnatural agility was a great boon to the chase, but even more so was his affinity with the Force. It coursed through his very being, strengthening his muscles, enhancing his agility even further. He was a veritable blur, almost a swift breeze to those he passed, as he closed the distance on those who's fear he was the cause off.

It took moments, a few winding corridors, before Ryn'Dhal found himself posting outside a door, three voices within whispering in panicked tones about what to do now?

"What if he comes after us?"

"We need to get off Shaddaa!"

"Where would we go?"

"Maybe Hutta?"

"I don't care where we go, we just need to go!"

"You're right, you do need to go...." He stated coldly, stepping into the entry way. A hand reached out, sending tendrils within the Force, latching the only two other exits of the structure the slavers were within. "Your next actions will determine how, and where.... Choose wisely, for I'm not one to extend multiple mercies to slavers....."

[member="Kimiko"]​

 

[Kimiko Taiyou]

She made the realization that he was serious about not letting the ringleaders leave. Her agreement would not allow any harm to come to them, only that they be handled by the proper means. Ki was here for answers however, and dead men do no talking.

She quickly stood before her ally, arms out defensively, as her azure eyes looked up to the taller male pleadingly,"Please, I need them to answer some questions. I also have some for you, but I need you to calm down first, please?" she begged the much bigger male, hoping he would see her reasoning and not count her as a traitor.

She reached up and took a hold of the outstretched hand, gently and calmly, holding the large appendage between her own before sending out a calming aura through the Force.

[member="Ryn'Dhal"]

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

Those eyes, not dissimilar from molten pools of liquid gold, snapped down to the girl. Ears cocked slightly at odd angles, before giving a slight nod. His attention shifted back to the Slavers, as his ears folded back again in a threatening gesture.

"You three... sit...." he almost snarled the command. "Answer her questions to her satisfaction, and make no motions I dislike, and you'll all see tomorrow." His narrowed eyes, coupled with his threatening presence and muscular form cowed the three back into their chairs. Ryn'Dhal stepped back slightly, just outside the door way to keep his senses turned outward to preempt potential reinforcements.

He watched the smaller woman as she'd address the criminals. She drew an inward smile from him. She was still good, innocent. He had vague memories of being the same way.....

Once upon a time...

[member="Kimiko"]​

 

[Kimiko Taiyou]

Her offered smile was genuine and thankful towards him as he stepped back and let her begin.

She turned to the three cowering slavers, tails swished around behind her as she began thinking how to begin, and ears snapped forward.

Ki did not recognize any of the slavers before her. She had always thought Nate and Bryce and wiped out the ones who were holding her. But word had reached her one had escaped, and his trail had led her here. They would doubtfully recognize her now and her lack of photographic evidence caused her to scold herself mentally.

But she would begin anyway...

"Do any of you recognize me? Maybe if I did not have the ears and...uhm..." she glanced back at the nine extra appendages slowly waving behind her before turning her attentiong back,"...tails."

They remained silent, causing her growing frustration to nearly come to a boiling point...that is, until one of them spoke.

"Wait...I remember a girl...on Coruscant. Pretty little thing. Bright blue eyes and long white hair."

The woman rushed to one speaking, startling him slightly,"Yes! What else do you remember?" she quickly asked, not realizing the consequences of her words.

"She was the boss's personal toy. Man, I tell you, she was really tight and didn't put up a fight when you..."

His words brought back painful memories of years in servitude for the woman...and she snapped.

The other two looked on in horror as the rather small female delivered a hard slap to his face before punching him twice in the gut, effectively shutting his mouth. They then saw her wrap her petite hands around his neck and lift the taller man up against the wall. Her demeanor had shifted drastically, once bright and innocent, now her snarl bared teeth as her tails fanned out behind her, making her seem immensely more intimidating. Her aura also darkened, causing the other occupants to scurry away like rats to the farthest corners of the space.

Her target squirmed in the grasp, losing breath as the seconds ticked by. He attempted to fight, to no avail.

He only had moments left.

"What was the boss's name?" she squeezed out through clenched teeth, her eyes boring into the man's soul.

He began to go limp, but he still answered,"Hi-His name-was-Dancer..."

The attempt to redeem himself was a vain one as a wet crack echoed through the chamber and the man went limp in her grasp. She dropped the now dead body and stumbled back, tears forming in her eyes...

[member="Ryn'Dhal"]

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

Soft, steady, the sound of flesh meeting flesh, as the taller male re-entered the room. A pair of bindings were tossed to the criminals. "Bind yourselves...." he ordered, as claws extended as a warning, before retracting again.

The two complied readily, unable to remove their eyes from the corpse of their former colleague. Moving towards the smaller female, Ryn'Dhal placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. When their eyes would meet, she'd find a gentle, comforting expression on his face, both ears still moving independently, though one remained focused on her at any given moment.

"You said you wanted to talk? Let's drop these guys off with my 'friends', and we can converse at my ship.... after I've changed, of course." He'd offer, a light chuckle passing his lips in an attempt to lighten the weight in the room.

[member="Kimiko"]​

 

[Kimiko Taiyou]

She remained in stunned silence, but managed a hummed response. The joke fell on deaf ears as her widened eyes fell to her feet. She was still processing the events that transpired and could barely believe she stooped to such a level.

In silence, Ki followed Ryn and the remaining two slavers as they were brought outside to the awaiting authorities.

Everything around her was a silent blur for her; the police forces rushing slavers to awaiting cars, groups of freed slaves being seen by medical providers, and Ryn conversing with a law enforcement official nearby. She watched it all through tearful eyes as her breaths began to deepen. Her memories flooded her mind...the days and nights of abuse and torture, the carnal desires of her many masters, the auctions she was hidden from...and one image, one solo picture of green froze at the end of the chain...that had to be her answer. That had to be home...

But she yet to know where that home was...

In the middle of it all, she collapsed to her knees and began sobbing as everything came back into focus around her. She stayed this way for several minutes, deciding to cry it out and waving off any who came to her aid.

Once she felt a little calmer, Ki stood and pulled her hood up over her head and ears. She approached Ryn, a somber expression across her face,"I am ready when you are done here."

[member="Ryn'Dhal"]

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

She didn't travel far too get to Ryn. The larger male remained kneeling by her, watching her with concern, and even pain etched across his face. Ears perked just slightly as she broke through and finally vocalized to him.

"It'll be alright.... come, let's go." He offered the smaller woman his arm as he stood, much the gentleman his 'brother' taught him to be. In short order the two would find their way to the Mask. After showing [member=Kimiko] to the galley, Ryn'Dhal departed to change. During his absence, his loyal K1 unit trundled in, twittering cheerfully, as it presented a small menu of warm beverages and snacks it could provide, should the young woman desire it.

Whatever selection she made would be arriving for her as Ryn'Dhal re-entered the galley. Black, loose fitting pants, a simple, sleeveless white tunic, and a long red scarf were donned. The oddest part of his attire was the large, golden bell he wore. It made no noise as he moved about the room, before coming to sit opposite of Kimiko.

A warm glass of tea was offered to him by his droid. He'd chuckle and thank it, before taking a sip. Ears and eyes turning to focus on Kimiko now, he'd offer a soft smile. "So, do you wish to chat now? I am Ryn'Dhal. Jedi Knight of the Silver Order."

 

[Kimiko Taiyou]

The desired cup of caf kept a majority of her attention before Ryn returned to the table across from her. Gently, she placed her glass down after taking a short sip, removing her hood, snowy white tresses cascading over her shoulders and ears raising from their previously defeated state.

Tired, and pained blue eyes looked upon the Jedi with more emotions than they have ever held,"I...am honored to make your acquaintance. My name is Kimiko, healer of The Kathol Outback."

With greetings dispensed, she began formulating the many questions she needed to ask. Her mind was still in a haze from the events she had been part of and it took her several moments to formulate her words.

"Wh-what are you?" Ki asked blunt as ever, but her need for answers overrode her tact, as she leaned forward to begin the process of finding a way towards home...

[member="Ryn'Dhal"]

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

She was a very straightforward woman. As he opened his mouth to answer her query, the BB unit piped up as if answering. Scowling slightly, Ryn'Dhal shook his head slightly. "Freak is a bit strong, even if I used the same word to describe myself one upon a time."

His tail swished about behind him, as his left ear have a slight flick. "I am a Felacatian. I was born with a very rare genetic abnormality which makes my species' feline features exaggeratedly more pronounced."

A soft smile remained on his lips, the gentleness extending up to those keen, molten gold eyes. "And yourself? I've never encountered your species before. You fascinate me, if I may be so bold."

[member="Kimiko"]​