Junction They Came From The Wall | SO & HR Junction of Ord Vaug and Bassadro

[Lily Decoria]

​

Objective: 1
Location: New Cov
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Equipment: Arwr Da, Hydrangea Moonblade (concealed)
Tags: Darth Carnifex | Kito | Reina Daival

As the Dark Side energy intensified around Carnifex and the surrounding area. Lily found her precision and power getting stronger and speed was increasing. The Lightsaber she wielded was built to combat the Dark Side. She had made it specifically for Sith like Carnifex in mind. So, as long as he tried to become stronger and revealed more of his Dark Side power, the Lightsaber would become stronger, deadlier and demonstrate that no matter how much darkness surrounded Lily, she would be a ferocious beam of light. Burning through shadows like himself. The power that flowed within Lily meant that she wasn't struggling with blocking the vicious power of Carnifex, or having to use her two hands. Battle focused, Lily couldn't take joy in the fact that her weapon was working better than she had expected it to.

There was too much danger lurking around every strike that Carnifex launched, even if she was getting better at predicting and handling the strikes.

Twirling her blade behind her, Lily caught Carnifex's blade in a defensive saber lock. As the debris from his hard landing was launched towards Lily, her free hand outstretched and created a barrier around her. Forcing the debris to pass her by. Lily locked eyes with Carnifex, there was a confident grin on her lips as she felt good in the moment. Her plan was slowly being realised and it was far better than Lily had imagined it would be. She was still a long way from being dangerous in a fight with this warrior but Lily was determined to make him know that she was never going to fear him. There was no need to fear an enemy that she was beginning to understand.

"The darker you go, the brighter I become." Lily warned with a smirk on her lips, it was a little foolish to reveal the information but there was not much Carnifex could do. He relied on the hatred, the Dark Side of the Force. Her Solari crystal would always be boosting Lily to ensure that she would be a formidable match in combat. She spun the crossguard Lightsaber and blocked the thrusting strike of Carnifex. "I am becoming the warrior that will be your folly." Her foot snapped out a hard and fast kick to force the Sith Lord's stance to be overstretched and unbalanced. With the energy that she conserved under the Sith's barrage of attacks, Lily felt ready to unleash her own storm of attacks. See how he could handle the defensive position for a change.

 

[Del Mirah]

Tags: Daxin Veyr | Warren of the Narrows

The invisible tug of Daxin's Force pull dragged Del across the durasteel deck, snapping her eyes open just in time to witness the chaos unfold. She watched in paralyzed fascination as Warren's desperate gambit with the crane turned into a disaster. The subsequent ion blast, the blinding glare of the exploding control console, and the sickening screech of snapping support cables played out like a nightmare in slow motion. When the heavy overhead platform finally came crashing down, burying the roaring Dowutin beneath tons of structural steel, the impact jarred her teeth and sent a cloud of choking dust over the pad.

Her relief lasted only a few seconds. From beneath the tangled wreckage, the unmistakable hiss of a crimson lightsaber cut through the din, accompanied by the smell of molten metal as the giant began to carve his way out. Warren's shout to run finally shattered her paralysis. The landing pad was already buckling beneath them, the structural integrity completely compromised by the impact and the Sith's sheer rage.

Fleeing toward the edge of the platform, the three Padawans were left with only one viable option: the dense canopy of the New Cov jungle stretching out below. Del didn't hesitate this time. As she leapt off the crumbling edge alongside Daxin and Warren, a sudden, strange warmth surged through the air, mirroring the light side resonance that had rippled from the temple moments prior. The Force seemed to cushion their descent, turning a lethal plunge into a chaotic tumble through thick layers of branches and broad, spongy leaves until they hit the damp jungle floor.

Scrambling to her feet through the brush, Del looked up through the canopy just in time to see the Dowutin emerge onto the ruined pad above, his armored form framed by fire. Before the giant could leap after them, the remaining supports gave way completely, and the entire landing pad collapsed into the ravine in a thundering avalanche of stone and metal. Breathing heavily and wiping mud from her face, she pointed a trembling finger through the dark trees. "The structural collapse will only delay him for a few minutes," she hissed, her bossy tone returning as adrenaline cleared the last of her panic. "We need to double back toward the primary evacuation zone immediately before he scales the ridge."

 

[Cali Ziiva]

Friends! None
Not Friends? Kasir Dorran
Objective: Keep Sekrits Safe and Escape
Equipment of Note: Mobile Workshop, Lightsaber (Blue) with Lens Modulator, Bubblegum Popper Gloves

​

"Sure it is. All chocolate I get my hands on belongs to me." Cali stood tall, chin high until it suddenly deflated. "Can't carry away the chocolate fountains or waterfalls though. Even if I stick my mouth under them. I can only eat so much at a time. So, ya know, I share. I'm Cute like that." It was a perfectly cromulent philosophy. At least inside Cali's head, anyway.

A quick blink and a tilt of the head followed. "Huh? Uh, okay, so, like, Steve? Jim? Big Bite? Emperor of the Galaxy (bit of a mouthful)? Come on, Bob, ya refused to give me a name and I don't like calling on people like they aren't there, ya know?"

Lips formed an 'o' as Cali stared at Kasir. Immortal hunger for chocolate didn't make sense? How did it not make sense? How could he say it wasn't anything? That was just rude. The chocolate obsession was real! Not that Cali was complaining, but Kasir needed to recognize his own addictions if he planned on managing them. Cali manages hers by devouring chocolate. See? Managed.

As for it taking her down... Chocolate? She wasn't allergic to chocolate though. How could it take her down?

Then another blink as Kasir said he was 'done' with her. She waited for him to finish, eyes wide as she listened attentively. Cali was actually a great listener despite being an equally great talker. "Ya know, I learned how to use a lightsaber by listening to a Jedi Master on Zeltros once. Taught me all kinds of things. Not really my thing though, meditating all the time and giving up worldly connections. Zeltrons are very connected people. Anyway, just sayin', if ya wanted to talk then maybe I'd understanding more about ya, ya know? I told ya my name earlier right?" Sometimes he honestly couldn't remember if she'd properly introduced herself to others. "Cali Ziiva. Got ads on the holo net with my contact deets if ya ever, ya know, want to talk." Maybe he was worried people might overhear. Or maybe he really was tired. Maybe talking wasn't his normal activity and he needed some alone time to recharge. Introverts. Cali had no idea what being introverted was like being pegged at Totes Extrovert, but she knew some people recharged by not talking.

"So, uh," Cali slipped the rod into the holster again, "guess I'll see ya later, 'kay?" With a smile, she'd turn to go if Kasir was serious about wanting to be alone. Maybe she'd have to try and find his nameless self. He really seemed like someone that needed a conversation partner. Like that Jedi Master had needed years ago.

 

[Darth Nefaron]

JEDI SCUM: Balun Dashiell
DZARA BRO'S: Helix Lirka Ka ​

Ah, to debate the philosophy of the force once again. Balun was proving more interesting by the minute.​

"You are wise beyond your years, Balun, but you fail to understand that you are not like your brothers and sisters in the order. Even beyond your connection to the Dark Side, the fact that you are engaging with me at all sets you apart and, more importantly, makes you worthy of my attention."

Nefaron snatched the holocron from the stasis field, holding it in place, deactivating the map they had both gazed upon. A thunderous explosion rocked the temple, dust falling from the ancient ceiling as the pair reached an impasse, though the Corpse Lord wasn't quite done with the Jedi Knight yet. While one of his droids came to collect the holocron, Nefaron at last drew his lightsaber and stepped down from the raised platform, creating distance between himself and the Jedi as his crimson blade leapt to life.

"Perhaps you're right. Perhaps there can be no peace while even the spark of hope or ambition exists. Luckily, I have the solution to that; a solution that I will share with the entire galaxy in time. For there to be peace, every living being must know fear every waking moment of their existence."

The Corpse Lord tightened his grip, cruelty and rage building within him as he watched his droids form a sort of dulling circle around them. While Nefaron knew little of honor, he could at least pretend to for the sake of theatrics.

"I sense much fear in you, boy. Despite your new title, you are full of conflict. I could teach you to harness this power, but it appears this lesson requires a physical demonstration."

The droids around them activated their weapons, but did not move to strike. Instead, they watched their master suddenly rush forward, lightsaber sorching the stone as it dragged along the floor, as Nefaron prepared to swipe the blade upward to cleave the young Jedi in two.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Strosius showed them why he'd earned his title as a Lord among the Sith, deflecting the airborne rubble in front of him while moving to push his advantage with Novac. His heavily armored robes would likely have the strength absorb the striking of shattered tiles that had come from behind.

Novac was quick on his feet – er, tail? - too. He'd successfully dodged the Sith's initial attack, but now he had an electrified sword to contend with.

Cora curled and uncurled her fingers. The debris Strosius had earlier knocked away now levitated behind her. She swung her arm forward, and the floating detritus whipped towards the prophet's helmet.

The Jedi followed quickly after, on the heel of her own assault, lightsaber drawn. She jabbed once, twice, three times, testing the response as she aimed for his shoulder, then his hip, then his knee.

Darth Strosius Novac Lyrikal

 

[Novac Lyrikal]

Novac was lucky, he was never trained well in traditional combat, but rather to use his biology and unique saber to his advantage to surprise the opponent.

As novac's blade was blocked by the siths sword, novac used his lower arm to turn the saber at the midpoint and pulled down. once the bottom half was free he ignited the purple blade just as his heat pits along his mouth sensed a surge of heat. If not for his serpentine biology he'd likely would have gotten hit by the full force of the lightning but instead managed to move out ot the side enough where his hood was only glanced by it.

Even if it wasn't the full force of the lightning it still stung like crazy. Trying his best to ignore it he swung his sabers at the siths left elbow and knee in a attempt to strike the weak points in the armor.

Darth Strosius Corazona von Ascania

 

[Kasir Dorran]

Cali Ziiva
​

Kasir pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to stifle his irritation. In stunned silence, he grappled with her twisted logic, the ease with which she balanced addiction and.. mock indulgence? That arrogance in managing her fixation was a language he neither spoke nor wished to learn.

More names tumbled from her lips, each one more ridiculous than the last. Then it arrived once more.. the one he dreaded most. Bob. His eyelid twitched. "You haven't earned my name," spat in the air.

That should have ended it, but she was as stubborn as a sandstorm. The name Bob might've echoed a hundred more times, maybe forever. "Kasir." The name slipped from his lips like a blade surrendered hilt first. Whether she registered that small victory was anyone's guess. "There. You have it. Don't make me regret it."

Her words surged onward in a dizzying torrent, but Kasir's shoulders just rolled, shaking off all traces of sincerity like falling dust. Or sugar.. fitting for the Pink One. "Then you should've listened closer to the Jedi Master."

A hand lifted from his side. Opening his palm, fingers splayed as if detonating an unseen charge. A gesture that spoke what he refused to say. "There's nothing about me you can understand, nothing you need or should know"

The night outside beckoned toward more import tasks demanding his attention. "Take your name, your antics, your.. desire to talk." Kasir's voice sharpened like broken glass. "And go."

But she turned like the night wasn't a battlefield, as if New Cov wasn't crawling with things that wouldn't rip tear her apart. As if she wasn't the brightest, loudest, most obvious target in city currently full of predators! The Sith's weapon eased back into its krayt-leather sheath at last. He didn't want to deal with her any longer, yet letting her walk out alone? That would be.. wasteful. And for some reason, quite maddening too.

"You know, I doubt you'll make it back to your ship alive, if you even remember where you parked it."

His shadow fell across her optimism. "Here's a thought," he added. "I'll get you there myself. Then maybe.. just maybe.. you'll return to whatever rock you crawled off of and train properly." Eyes locked. "And the next time we meet? I'll truly give it my all to kill you. How does that sound, Cali?" Barely a breath passed before he snarled, "But I swear to Bogan, if you call me Bob again, I will strangle you."

 

[Cali Ziiva]

Friends! None
Not Friends? Kasir Dorran
Objective: Leave with New Cov Sekrits
Equipment of Note: Mobile Workshop, Lightsaber (Blue) with Lens Modulator, Bubblegum Popper Gloves

​

Earned his name? What an odd fellow. Didn't people like being referred to directly? Cali really didn't understand Dark Sider culture.

Then, as if to emphasize her lack of understanding, the man gave her his name anyway. A warm smile was her response to Kasir demanding she not make him regret it. Not that she knew how she could do that, really. Very strange. And it wasn't a victory. Not that Kasir would accept that if she'd explained, but there wasn't really a need to explain. Mostly because he hadn't brought the matter up, but there was no smugness to the Zeltron's smile regardless.

A blank stare followed his claim she wouldn't understand anything about him. That totally missed the point!

But he didn't want to talk. Maybe later. She'd have to try again. After all it'd take five... seven... ten? times before he'd given his name. Obviously the man rewarded stubbornness. Probably because he was stubborn. Well, later. Kasir looked kind of tired.

Cali paused and looked back at Kasir with wide eyes when he spoke again. Her ship? Was he offering to escort her to safety? Maybe he still wanted to talk! Maybe a little. Could she do a little? Xobos always said she had a bad habit of talking too much around Dark Side Lords. Well, someone had to. They were all stoic and grumpy if you didn't initiate.

How could she put it, really? Kasir seemed to think she hadn't given it her all. But she had! Kind of. In her way. Maybe he was upset she didn't play the Jedi Knight facing off against the Sith Warrior? But she wasn't a Jedi. Not the way he probably wanted her to be one.

"Huh? Why would I do that? Yer name's Kasir." Cali's smile returned. "Anyway, ship's this way. Ya know, if ya ever want to spar or something, ya can call too. I'll give ya a friend's discount." Well, maybe Kasir wanted a combative party, which was totally okay, but as a party host she had to charge a fee for time and material. Man was probably going to cause a lot of damage. Good thing she didn't have to pay for New Cov's damages. Who did? Well, whoever it was would need an Engineer too. Cali could help there as well. "Oh, and if there's some technique ya want me to practice beforehand, ya'll let me know, right?"

 

[Balun Dashiell]

THEY CAME FROM THE WALL | SO & HR JUNCTION OF ORD VAUG & BASSADRO
LOCATION: New Cov, Site of the Ancient Jedi Temple
INVENTORY: High Republic Jedi Robes | Crossguard Lightsaber | Standard Lightsaber
DIRECT TAGS: Darth Nefaron
ALLIES: The Jedi Order | The High Republic
OPPOSITION: The Sith Order

​

"I would be flattered were I naive enough to trust the words of a Sith Lord so ready to bring harm to my fellow Jedi. Unlike the Sith, the Jedi do not seek individual prestige. We might harbour aspirations, but our overall objective means working together as a congregation of stewards to the Force and to the people," The Jedi Knight replied, Balun finding Darth Nefaron 's attempt to sway him to be hollow, laced with promise and power yet ultimately certain to end in tragedy. If the Sith Lord did indeed see potential in him, then the flipside of his flattery also echoed the potential threat that Balun exemplified to the Corpse Lord's presence.

Nefaron drew his weapon, causing Balun to instinctively ready his own and brace himself in a defence stance, his crossguard ablaze in front of him held horizontal at chest height, the centre of being form. His eyes swept to either side as the droids that had been guarding the Sith Lord fell back, creating a defensive ring around the two, keeping their distance likely at Nefaron's bidding, as if they would honour the coming duel between them. Of course, the Jedi suspected that Nefaron would have them strike when they saw an opening, and so Balun would need to widen his senses, broaden his attention for any shift in their movements lest he be caught off guard.

"Fear is natural in all of us", He retorted to Nefaron's goading, "Worry not, Darth. It will not cloud my judgement". It was true: combat always invoked an element of fear as the sentient mind worked to identify a threat and shift into survival mode; yet Balun was stoic in his faith in the Force and in his training. Feelings were acceptable, provided he did not allow them to consume him. "The day that battle no longer concerns me will be the day I am no longer fit to serve", he elaborated. Life was precious, whether it was his, his enemies and most especially those who could not defend against the greater political powers that be; the Force lived and breathed in all living beings, and Balun could not accept the notion of no longer caring for the safety of others. Should he fall today, how many might he have helped tomorrow? Self-preservation was an extension of service to the greater good.

Balun's vision tightened, eyes narrowing as he focused on the Sith's movement. Nefaron sought to cleave him in two, yet Balun brought his lightsaber in both hands to sweep sideways, the blade pointing south as he connected with a strong parry seeking to drive Nefaron's weapon aside and away from meeting his mark. The Jedi Knight continued, angling his weapon to counter, slashing out at the Sith Lord's midsection from left to right, returning the gesture in kind.

Former Mentor: Ala Quin
Jedi Apprentice: Cerys Dyn
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Kasir Dorran]

Cali Ziiva
​

Before departing the shattered corner store, Kasir's fingers drifted instinctively toward one of the cluttered counters. Another chocolate bar met his grasp. More than one would've been nice, but pockets eluded his cloak and leggings. Minimalist garb to be sure. The paper crinkled as he ripped open the wrapping. A sharp canine disconnected a small bite and released another scent of cocoa.

Mouth half full, it almost sounded like she mispronounced his name through the muffled crunch. "Kas‑seer, not Kassir," he drawled, stretching the words.

Beyond that threshold and into the streets, fires danced against the darkening sky. Clearly a tempest raged moments before. Somewhere distant, he heard screams ripple.

Something pulled at Kasir's mouth as Cali tossed the phrase 'friend's discount' out like it was nothing. Dark orbs drifted sideways. It might've looked like a casual glance on the surface, but the mind was prowling along each strand of her hair. Surely, there had to be another stash of chocolate bars hiding in there, that secret hoard she still wasn't ready to admit. Of course the logic behind the offer struck as odd too. "We're not even friends, so why would you give a 'friend discount?' That doesn't make any sense." He'd never done business with corporate types, but he knew discounts didn't come without a catch.

His tone turned colder, "And what's the discount for exactly?" Shadows lengthened around them. "I don't spar with Jedi, you know. I probably shouldn't even be talking to one." No further explanations needed. "But it's probably not the worst thing I've done tonight."

The Pink One's next question felt a little heavier. Probably heavier than she intended. "I don't even know what you want out of technique. It all depends on your intention. Who you want to become, what you think strength is."

He walked a few steps ahead, boots crunching over broken glass and debris. When he went quiet, it was because he was actually thinking. Kasir wasn't sure what advice to give, or whether it actually mattered to her.

A soft sigh left him. "If it were up to me, I'd start with awareness. Not any specific stance or form, just awareness." Another thought. "Because you move through the galaxy as if nothing can touch you. You treat strangers like acquaintances. acquaintances like friends. Why? It's.. rather foolish, you know." A turn over his shoulder brought her back into view "Ok. And be honest now. How many things are you hiding in your hair?"

​

 

[Darth Nefaron]

JEDI SCUM: Balun Dashiell
DZARA BRO'S: Helix Lirka Ka

His below deflected, Nefaron was on the defensive.
​

In response to the blade attempting to cut him in half, the Dark Lord whirled around and met the blow head on with his own saber, locking the pair in place. Nefaron, devotee of fear that he was, refused to believe that Balun had mastered his emotions. Even the Jedi Council had fallen prey to bouts of anger and rage if the stories of rival Sith were to believed, so why was this boy any different? That being said, Nefaron sensed a confidence in Balun that was absent from their first encounter, making him all the deadlier foe if the Corpse Lord was not careful.

"Fit to serve? What a cruel joke. The citizens of your precious Republic would turn on you in an instant if it meant their own selfish desires were met. You delude yourself, as has your council."

Nefaron snarled as he broke from their locked sabers. This time, there was to be no toying with Balun, instead he must be broken if he was to prove any use to the Sith in the future. Yet this new danger also freed the Dark Lord's hand, he could call upon the full power of the Dark Side in this battle, unafraid of harming the boy now that he had proved he had earned his title. The droids that circled the pair now took a few steps back, giving the pair more space to battle each other, space Nefaron was quick to exploit as he ripped chunks of carved stone from the statues around them and sent them at Balun, only to be followed up by the Corpse Lord's lightsaber as he went to swipe at Balun's head, the blow strong and filled with rage.

"Billions will die for your dedication to the fading light. You wish to die along with them? Forgotten and crushed under the tide of the Dark Side?"

The Corpse Lord left little time for the Jedi Knight to answer as he invoked that greatest of Sith traditions.

He began to cheat. ​

While Nefaron distracted the boy, one of the droid guards broke from the circle and approached with it's lance set to deliver a painful shock to the Jedi that may just see him opened up for a truly deadly blow.

"I will always win, Balun. There is no end to this duel that does not see me triumph."​

 

[Cali Ziiva]

Friends! None
Not Friends? Kasir Dorran
Objective: Stroll through a War Zone with a Sangir, Keeping Sekrits Safe
Equipment of Note: Mobile Workshop, Lightsaber (Blue) with Lens Modulator, Bubblegum Popper Gloves

​

Cali's head slowly rotated for one bright eye to peer back at Kasir as he nibbled a new bar. "Kan-see-bars!" Sticky fingered grump was trying to distract her while he gobbled up the goods!

To think Kasir was eying her hair like she was the one holding out too. She was, but she wasn't the one sneaking a bar off a shelf on the way out! At least Cali would pay for them later. Uh, maybe indirectly. This specific shop probably wouldn't reopen, but she'd throw in some pro bono work for the reconstruction.

Kasir would throw in some extra fire, probably. Just better if you didn't ask a Sith to repay their debts. They thought it was funny when they did the opposite.

Suddenly the Pink One spun about and leaned in Kasir's direction with wide eyes. "That's good, Kas, 'cause I'm not a Jedi!" Cue giant grin. "So you can spar with me," she swayed, "and talk to me," other way now, "and maybe we'll even exchange chocolate secrets." She paused to stare and blink as if expecting him to excitedly accept her offer.

Doubtful he'd be an jubilant, however, so Cali would slowly lean back and start to turn to resume their walk.

"Huh? Who I want to become? I'm already me. I don't need to become anyone else. And strength? My Xobos is the strong one. I just make sure the things needing doing get done." If Kasir wanted the standard Jedi-Sith philosophical squabbling he'd only end the day disappointed. Strength and technique made sense though. Not that Cali knew what to do with his perfectly fine response. Kas wasn't asking her to bulk up, right? Sure, sure, some very cute muscular men and women out there, but Cali didn't see herself ripped.

Then he offered some more advice and Cali's head flopped to the side with wide eyes. Awareness? And why wasn't he aware of how many chocolates she had in her hair if awareness was important? It didn't make sense. Her eyes rolled upward toward her hair at his question. "Not as many as I'd like. But what's a cutey to do? Well, I suppose I could make an extra-dimensional pocket hair broach. What do ya think, Kasir? Miniaturized pocket dimension? A bright yellow flower? Could hold all the chocolates then!" The man might think she was spouting nonsense, but Cali genuinely would work on something like that. She worked on whatever popped into her head. Often inspired by those around her.

What would she make Kasir? A cloak was too obvious. Every Sith wanted a robe or cloak so they could be super mysterious. She could give him a non-lethal lens for his saber, but there was no chance he'd use it. Sad, really. He looked kinda pale. Maybe he needed some special sun screen lotion! Might help him tan.

 

[Balun Dashiell]

THEY CAME FROM THE WALL | SO & HR JUNCTION OF ORD VAUG & BASSADRO
LOCATION: New Cov, Site of the Ancient Jedi Temple
INVENTORY: High Republic Jedi Robes | Crossguard Lightsaber | Standard Lightsaber
DIRECT TAGS: Darth Nefaron
ALLIES: The Jedi Order | The High Republic
OPPOSITION: The Sith Order

​

The facade of civility that Darth Nefaron had fronted was quickly set aside as Balun's affirmations of personal and Jedi doctrine were heard and finally understood to be steadfast. The Jedi Knight, young though he was, held no aspirations of joining the Sith, nor would he be swayed in his beliefs by the offer of personal gains that Nefaron had hinted at. The Sith Lord had forgone trying to persuade him any longer, and in doing so, the two were released from their discourse to enter into true, deadly conflict. No holds barred.

Balun should have felt disappointment in the loss of opportunity, yet he had anticipated the course ahead and was not surprised when Nefaron enveloped himself in the Darkside's embrace once more. With their lightsabers locked against one another in a battle of strength, Balun grit his teeth as he fought to keep the Sith Lord from gaining momentum against him. The Corpse Lord was strong; despite his decrepit appearance, the decay of his flesh was not a reflection of the Sith's dominion in combat or physical prowess.

Suddenly, Nefaron broke out of the saber lock and reached out with the Force, throwing shards of rock directly at the Jedi. Balun doubled back quickly, his left hand unconsciously leaving the hilt of his Crossguard to reach for his secondary, igniting the Lightsaber in a sharp snap of copper light, joining alongside the sunfire blade as Balun pirouetted and sent both blades spinning around him, burning away the larger mass of stone that would have hit him, cleaving some of them in two, yet allowing the smaller lesser debris to wash against him as he skidded to a halt.

The Light surrounded him, coursed through his body, strengthening his resolve and guiding his instincts. Movement caught in his peripheral alerted him to the approach of one of the guardian droids, and he turned to cast his crossguard against the Sunfire Blade against the Lance, catching it with the crossguard and forcing it aside as the Jedi turned in on the Droid, his other hand bring the standard of his weapons sweeping around, aimed to strike through the neck of the droid and severe its processing unit from the rest of its body. As a precaution, Balun raised his left foot and planted it against the droid's chest, delivering a mighty kick that would not only send the droid away but also propel the Jedi Knight backwards, twisting himself into a 180-degree turn to re-engage the Sith Lord.

No words were spent; the Jedi Knight would meet the Sith Lord's aggression directly with his own merit and stewardship of the Light. Balun launched himself forward, his Crossguard Lightsaber thrust towards the centre mass of Nefaron, aimed to pierce his torso, while his left hand kept the second blade raised at his side and ready to deliver a follow-up strike, aimed to cut the head from the body.

Former Mentor: Ala Quin
Jedi Apprentice: Cerys Dyn
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Kasir Dorran]

Cali Ziiva
​

Moonlight glinted off Kasir’s teeth. Tightening at the temples betrayed yet another warning. Chocolate smeared his lips as he spoke through the next mouthful. “I already told you, it’s Kasir. Not Kas.” He wouldn’t admit it was a cosmic improvement over Bob, even if only by a hair.

More embers drifted in the distance. The Sith pressed onward, ripping the final chunk from the chocolate bar. When it was finished, the wrapper fluttered from his fingers and into the street. What was one more scrap to a city already burning? The scene before him was pleasant, flames like crimson petals in war’s garden. More beautiful than when he’d first arrived.

Tilting his head in bewilderment, he could feel question marks floating orbiting his skull. Curiosity broke the silence. “Why do you have a lightsaber, then? And why defend this city and its dying streets then?” Only the High Priest ever sparked questions, always about contracts, targets, death. Now every answer from her cradle of contradictions birthed even more questions.

Eyebrows slowly rose to her next answer; nods of disbelief danced in his gaze. He could agree she wasn’t the strong one. That part made sense. What didn’t make sense was how she’d survived this long. Not that he knew her age, nor did he really care. But still. “If strength isn’t your path, then what is? What drives you forward when things get difficult? Strength in this galaxy doesn’t offer optional modes.”

She touched topics he’d never been educated on. Anything beyond sneaking through shadows and carving people apart was foreign terrain. And well, she strolled through them like a festival.

Kasir’s gaze followed hers up to the hidden chocolate reserves he was convinced existed. Of course he was searching for crumbs nestled in those tresses. She wasn’t doing a great job at convincing him. Forgiven, for now. Her concept of a pocket dimension kind of made sense. But the location did not. The Sagnir's tone was casual in a way that could’ve passed for sincere. “If you tore a hole in reality for chocolate, I would leave you in there.” A thoughtful hum escaped him. "No. I'd leave you in there no matter what you opened it for."

At the street’s edge, they pivoted into the next stretch. Fire painted the path. “And if you want to trade chocolate secrets you’ll still have to survive the march to your ship first.” Probably not the best way to ask how close they were. One could only hope she hadn’t parked on the opposite end of the city. Not that time wasn’t on his side. Immortality certainly had its uses.

 

[Darth Strosius]

Equipment: Lightsaber - Sword - Dagger - Robes
Tags: Corazona von Ascania / Novac Lyrikal
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Behind the dark visor of His mask, His golden gaze narrowed as the serpentine Jedi used his extra limb to work an unusual advantage. Rather than pressing back against His sword, the Jedi instead managed to maneuver out of the clash almost entirely and aim a swing below where He was in little position to intercept aside from using His own lightsaber and thus leaving His rear exposed to the other Jedi. Clever, He could respect the mindset displayed by the Jedi before Him thus far. A shame that it wasn't quite brutal enough.

Thankfully the debris that was aimed for His head would work just fine in serving to block the coming slash of the purple blade without leaving Him vulnerable. Rather than struggle against the Jedi's hurtling of the tiles to stop them wholesale, Darth Strosius glanced back at her over His shoulder and willed the debris to adjust their course with a mental push of His own. Directing them down towards His legs just as He raised His sword to bring it down on the Jedi in front of Him in a cleaving motion towards the serpent's upper arm.

Only to feign the strike and instead take the slightest sidestep and spin on His heel, moving out of the way of the debris and putting Himself into a more horizontal stance between the two Jedi that allowed the Sith Lord to bat away the jabs that she made towards Him before bringing in His lightsaber out in a heavy upwards swing to try and force her back from the ground that she'd gained.

 

[Cali Ziiva]

Friends! Kasir Dorran
Not Friends? None
Objective: Escape the Black Harvest
Equipment of Note: Mobile Workshop, Lightsaber (Blue) with Lens Modulator, Bubblegum Popper Gloves

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Cali looked over at Kasir and stared at him for a moment. "That's, uh, a long story, Kasir. But," a smile blossomed, "I'll give ya the short version." It was possible. The bubbly one could talk less. She just chose not to. "I learned Jedi ways from a Jedi Master that needed company. Then he left. So I went looking to return their lightsaber. Never did find them though. By that point I already had business connections an' stuff so I just kept wandering around bringing a little of Zeltros to everyone." See? Short. And because of its brevity there might be countless questions spawned from it.

"As for the city... Uh, Kas, ya know I think ya're pretty strong and very capable," at murder, death, destruction, and all other kinds of Sith things Cali was sure, "but, like, going through life terrorizing people... an' I don't mean like Jedi Masters that test yer skills or something," though Zeltros knew that wasn't exactly 'proper' either, "but, like, these folk," she gestured around at New Cov. "I just don't see how that helps anyone, ya know? Them. You. Me. There's just so much negative energy when these things happen it makes someone like me reaaaaaally uncomfortable. We're made for fun and excitement and wonders not... burning and screaming and trembling in the dark." The pink woman shrugged. "Anyway, so, like, I save people so they get a chance to enjoy living again. 'Cause that's what I'd want to do."

Then Kasir questioned Cali's ability to survive without raw strength. "Sure it does, Kas! Strength comes in all kinds of shapes and sizes. 'Course, most Sith talk about it in terms of raw power or physical strength -- the ability to bring ships down out of orbit with a gesture kind of thing. And, hey," Cali grinned, "that is pretty amazing, but that isn't the only kind of strength. Me? I believe things can always get better. More enjoyable. There's always an adventure around the next corner and I love adventure. Mmm, also fixing things. I really enjoy fixing things. Galaxy's full of neglected, but cool gadgets."

"Huh?" Cali looked back over at him with wide eyes. "Tore a hole in reality? Well that's just reckless disregard for yer own, personal safety, Kas! Just the sort of thing a Sith Alchemist would do. I'd bet you real creds that's how Blackwing came about. No, I would never (intentionally) do that." There was the matter of the artificial singularity gun, which only existed in her head. That had been... an experience and she didn't want some naughty person getting their hands on one.

Had Cali just not heard Kas? Had she not understood? These were the questions countless people asked themselves after meeting the Pink One. Technically he'd just threatened her life, but from the way she smiled a third-party wouldn't have known it.

"My ship? Oh, right, uh," Cali shoved a hand into her pocket and tilted her head to one side as she fished around. Several seconds later she pulled out a commlink. "QT! QT. Come in, QT." To which Kas would have heard 'cutey' every time. "I need a pick-up, QT. The, uh, Sith are being a bit... aggressive and I guess there isn't a huge counter-assault, so time to go."

A second later another feminine voice could be heard, "A transport is touching down near your location, Cali. Please hurry. The Sith vessels are approaching."

At that moment a small shuttle settled into a nearby lot.

Cali turned to look over at Kasir. "So, ya know, call me, 'kay? All kinds of things to do or talk about. I go pretty much everywhere. Like, there was this one time I slipped through a crack in the Blackwall and... Oh, uh, actually, I should go. QT Pie'll get upset if I tell stories all day. She sounded really worried there." Another grin. "Nice meeting you, Kasir."

 

[Darth Carnifex]

Relinquishing the initiative, the Dark Lord switched to a defensive posture. Quickly His blade moved to meet the Jedi's onslaught, swapping lightsaber from hand to hand where necessary to meet the lightning-fast demands of His adversary. While He could draw no energy from Lily, He could draw it from the battle around them. Fear, violence, and death all blanketed the temple grounds, laying fertile soil for the harvest of Dark Side power. He called upon those newborn wellsprings, letting their energies draw into Him and run through Him.

He caught her blade against His own, sparks flying as the two beams of plasma clashed. Neither was willing to relent, Light and Dark breaking against one another like waves upon a rocky shore. "You've a long way to go, Lily Decoria, before you can even think to challenge me." He deflected her blade away, cutting through empty air as she then danced around His counter. But before she could continue, she found herself fixed by an intense stare from the Dark Lord.

And a single word.

Whatever was uttered could not be heard, not by Lily or anyone nearby, but its silent utterance caused a drastic shift in the Force. All along Lily's body, dark power flared to life. Scars once hidden now blazed with hideous light, illuminating straight through her clothes. Intense, unbearable agony ripped through Lily Decoria's body, her muscles seizing up as her mind was drowned in sudden, shocking pain. A thousand thoughts all bombarded Lily at once, many of them not her own.

You.

Are.

Nothing.

Lily Decoria ​

 

[Lily Decoria]

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Objective: 1
Location: New Cov
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Equipment: Arwr Da, Hydrangea Moonblade (concealed)
Tags: Darth Carnifex

There was a quiet confidence growing within Lily as she fought the Sith Lord. His words might suggest she was far from achieving her goals but each step was a step closer and Lily knew that her abilities were not at the peak performance that they could be. That was the resolve that never allowed Lily to falter in the fight. There was no dramatic, or flashy movements from Lily, the Jedi Knight kept her fighting style clean and sharp. Making sure to avoid leaning too far into the aggressive movements that she lowered her defences.

"Perhaps not as far as you like to think." Lily boldly stated as she held her ground, feeling the ground cracking underneath her from the stresses of their fighting.

Before Lily could plan her next strike or find where she could best drive her Lightsaber to destroy him, Carnifex uttered some word in a tongue she did not comprehend nor understood. However, her body responded to the word. In a moment, Lily was frozen in place, for the Jedi Knight she felt like it was a lifetime that she was gone. Her conscious ripped from her body and dragged down into an abyss where she could only observe the body and how it moved. How it reacted. Lily was stunned, what magic could do this? What power did this Sith Lord have that a word could be so devastating.

The thousands of thoughts that bombarded her mind attempted to devastate her. Reduce her to nothing. To shatter the efforts and the healing that Lily had gone through. However, it was latching onto her mind, she knew better. Lily just had to reconnect with her body once again. Break out of the abyss and make sure that she was not lost in this darkness that surrounded her. Focusing on her breathing, her autonomous functions. The beating of her heart. Letting those drown out the voices that were not hers, that were not voices she recognised.

Her consciousness slowly began to swimming back to her body, floating up through the abyssal darkness until she found herself panting hard. The smell of the forests, the sounds of battle, the tired muscles from exhaustion all confirmed that she was back in reality. That this was real once again.

"What was that?" Lily panted as she was confused, concerned and never wanted to experience that again.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Cora grunted as Strosius' lightsaber carved a heavy upward arc through the air. It confirmed what she had already suspected; the Sith's offense was just as tight as his defense.

She let his swing push her back without much fuss, moving with the kinetic energy rather than against it. What resulted was a controlled slide that put her further from Strosius, but she could make use enough of range.

Around them, the runes that Kahlil Noble had painstakingly etched into the temple walls continued to shimmer like liquid starlight.

<Novac,> she imparted into the serpentine Padawan's mind, <Keep him occupied for just a little while longer. You're doing so well.>

It was a bit of a gamble, but Novac was showing exemplary skill and bravery for his first live combat experience. Against a Sith Lord, no less!

Cora's blade snapped out to the side, held at waist height. She drew in a slow, heavy breath through her nose, inhaling the ambient Light suffused into the temple from its roots to the very air they battled in.

Pale, golden threads of light slithered from the runes and began coiling around her. The air caught in little glimmers, drawing in towards Cora as the Light side of the Force began to swell…

<Just a little further>, she relayed telepathically to the Padawan. <I am with you. Lean on me for any strength you may need.>

Novac Lyrikal Darth Strosius

 

[Lirka Ka]

THE PROFANE TEMPLE

TAGS: Lorn Reingard

Lirka’s philosophy was one of warped disregard for the decorum, the natural order to be defiled, and so too was as the normality of fluid combat the followed the brawls between Jedi and Sith - she would show them gladiatorial brutality. A ripple of cruel glee through her body as she could feel metal collide with flesh.

An iconoclast always, if Lirka was not to be allowed to plunder this temple then she would leave a smoldering mound of ash in her wake and deny it to all who would dare to deny the power within. Perhaps there was some modicum of irony in that, Lorn Reingard and herself dancing upon the edge destruction for this wealth of information. The Jedi’s noble sacrifice for the good of his people, Lirka’s little more than a petty flaming tantrum at being denied.

In the glimmer of her single hateful eye, illuminated by scroll aflame she looked out to her scrambling foe with maddened hunger. She would sacrifice many like him to feed her ravenous ambition - though quickly would this desire for the cosmic powers of the Force be reinforced as exquisite pain surged through her body. With a crack, crunch, and hiss of expelled air did the metal around her leg.

A metallic roar thundered over the sizzling hiss of the flames. With it came the horrid stench of something between rotting flesh and chemical ichor, a thick and viscous blackness oozed from the wounds torn into the Once-Sephi’s leg. A problem presented itself - Lirka had mechanism a many to even the playing field between the force’s warriors and herself, but quickly did those tricks mean little in the wake of a useless stump of a leg.

Letting loose a snarl, the monstrous woman twisted down to grab a handful of the ash around then and threw it up in an obscuring wall. Cowardice was a damnable thing to many, but Lirka was a survivor.

And cowards do survive.

Dragging her pitiful limb behind her, snarling did she turn to clamber her way away from the Sword with the whirling inferno of flame and ash to obscure, feeling the stinging upon her eyes as she looked for the nearest window to defenestrate from - as she clacked and scraped she saw a glimmer within the corner, a metal shine.

Well, if she couldn’t get a scroll or a decent book. She might as well steal a weapon to drag back behind the wall - limping along did she make her way to the fallen Lightsaber.

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