Braze's heart sank as he witnessed the chaos unfolding before him. The scene was filled with pain, betrayal, and impending danger. He could sense the desperation and fear emanating from the dying Sith, the sense of hope slipping away. The realization that death was imminent for her struck Braze deeply, resonating with his own fear of mortality.
In a swift motion, Braze moved to shield the unconscious Sith from the incoming onslaught, positioning himself between her and the firing squad. He adopted Soresu with ease and vigor.
Any pleas he may have had fell on deaf ears as the soldiers, consumed by their loyalty and rage, unleashed a barrage of blaster fire. The bolts flew towards Braze, the danger closing in around him.
At that moment, Braze's training and instincts took over. His hands became like whirling blur of motion. He called upon the Force, drawing upon its power and guidance. The air around him crackled with energy as he utilized both sabers at the ready.
Using his agility and honed combat skills, Braze swiftly deflected the incoming blaster bolts, creating a wall of green energy that shielded him and the unconscious Sith from harm. His movements were precise, his focus unwavering, as he redirected the lethal projectiles away from their intended targets.
As the last blaster bolt dissipated, leaving a momentary calm, Braze stood firm, his lightsaber held defensively before him. He looked into the eyes of the soldiers, searching for any glimmer of understanding or empathy. He found only hate and despair. The battlefield was filled with tension, the outcome hanging in the balance. Braze's heart raced, but he remained resolute, committed to protecting the life before him and standing up for what he believed was right.
Braze's grip tightened on his lightsaber, his body poised in defense as he faced the soldiers ready to take his and the Sith's life. The intensity of the moment weighed heavily on him, uncertainty and fear clouding his thoughts.
The now corrupted Emerald Tide gnawed at his being filling him with the sentiment that he could stand against the precipice undaunted- what had once been a source of confidence that bolstered him to bravery was whispering delusions of arrogance and grandeur that truthfully surpassed his caliber of skill. It was in this pivotal moment that a familiar presence reached out to him through the Force, resonating with a sense of urgency and concern.
Loomi's voice, gentle yet firm, echoed in Braze's mind, breaking through the chaos of the battlefield.
Braze's eyes widened as he recognized the connection, the Force bond he shared with Loomi. The bond they had forged through their shared experience now served as a lifeline, guiding him in this critical moment. He could feel Loomi's genuine concern, her desire for him to escape the imminent danger.
A surge of conflicting emotions washed over Braze. His instinct was to protect, to stand his ground, and fight for what he believed in. But he also knew the value of survival and the wisdom of retreat when necessary. Loomi's words carried weight, reminding him that his life was precious, and his journey as a Jedi was far from over.
As blaster bolts streaked through the air toward him, Braze hesitated for a fraction of a second. The decision weighed heavily on his shoulders. But at that moment, he made a choice.
Lowering his lightsaber, Braze took a step back, his gaze fixed on Aliris' still form. He trusted in their connection, in the bond they shared. With a mix of determination and sorrow, he turned away from the battlefield, Extinguishing one of the blades as he drew Aliris to him with a forced pull. He never had practiced something like this before but he had always tried to invent new strategies and wild actions in his duels- this was a life-or-death challenge now. To commit to Soresu whilst carrying Ali would be difficult- more so as he willed the force in transition t assist him in departing post haste, moving at an inhuman speed.
"I'll trust you, Loomi," Braze whispered, his voice filled with a mix of determination and vulnerability.
"I'll run."
With one final glance over his shoulder, Braze broke into a sprint, his feet carrying Aliris away from the danger, guided by the Force and Loomi's urgency.
As he disappeared into the distance, the echoes of the battlefield fading behind him, Braze carried with him the weight of his choices, and the weight of Ali's motionless form, and the hope that he could still make a difference somehow.
He didn't care how it looked- he was going to make his own path as he had learned from Wake, and he committed fully to it, lungs burning and crying out for oxygen as he pushed his body to it's limits.
Braze sprinted through the chaos of blaster fire, his movements fueled by desperation. Despite his best efforts to dodge and deflect the incoming shots, he couldn't avoid them all. Blaster bolts grazed his shoulder and side, causing searing pain and leaving burning wounds in their wake.
Each near miss and painful graze served as a constant reminder of the danger he faced. The agony coursed through his body, making each step a struggle. Gasping for breath, he sought cover behind a crumbling wall, his body trembling from exhaustion and the pain of his injuries.
Leaning against the wall, Braze's thoughts turned to Loomi's guidance. Through the haze of pain, he knew he couldn't escape unscathed. The wounds he had sustained were a testament to the risks he had taken. But despite the pain, he remained determined to find another way, to help the unconscious Sith and bring about a resolution that didn't involve further violence.
As he caught his breath, Braze's resolve solidified. He would carry the scars of this battle, physical and emotional, as a reminder of his commitment to making a difference. The path ahead would be bathed in his blood and tears.
