Whether It's Damned Or If It's Good [Atretes Rhoujen]

[EmKay]

Atretes stirred, his immediate thoughts turning to why he was undressed. Then it hit him, and he was hit instantaneously with embarrassment. He saw her nubile form and his pupils dilated from realisation of what had actually happened. He caught the pants thrown to him and shoved his legs in quickly. One they were on and belted he slid over and his feet slid right into his boots. He'd at least remembered where those were. He laced them up and knotted them off. He stood and looked around for his shirt. He couldn't find such, and he was soon distracted by [member="Luna Vega"]'s voice. He lofted a brow and hefted the mattress over. The sight made him give a low hum of surprise.

There were myriad weapons here, some of them he didn't even know what they were. He looked to Luna and took a step back from the mattress to give her freedom of choice, then his heel kicked his own pistol. He picked it up and holstered it with a quick motion to his thigh holster. His shirt was still nowhere to be seen, unfortunately.

 

[Luna Vega]

It was smooth, natural movements as she dressed. Fluid. Methodical even, as she strapped on her shoulder holster over a white well-worn torn tank and slid two blaster pistols in. The way her heated skin seemed soothed by the cool metal somehow seemed... she seemed at ease. It was not until she fingered a few blades that the sparkle to her gray eyes returned, giving them a slight gloss. It was almost an intimate act when she slowly slipped one in each boot while lacing them up. Luna took a moment to finally look up and away from her own world to him. She sort of gave a half-cocked grin and slipped on her arm sheathes, both already dressed with blades.

There was a salty taste when her tongue darted out to moisten her lips, just a hint of silver more noticeable now. Luna held his gaze through the motions and made her way to the beat up armoire just in the corner of the room and pulled the only thing out left in it. Wrinkled as it was, it would still conceal her weapons. The floor length coat slipped on and fit like a glove where it should and gave room for mobility.

All in all, the attire was a bit much- the coat anyway. She simply was not leaving it. It was the only thing she still had since... that day that seemed so long ago. Luna loved the thing. She gave the mattress a once over and scavenged a pistol, then checked the settings, flipping if off from stun. The pirate went for the door, eyeing him over her shoulder, "Any last words?"

Ever the pessimist.

[member="Atretes Rhoujen"]

 

[EmKay]

"Don't suppose you have another coat, eh?" Atretes muttered with half a grin, still checking around for his shirt. He gave a sigh, abandoning the hunt, and stepped a bit closer to [member="Luna Vega"].

"Last words? I'd say this is more the beginning." he said with an air of destiny, as though he knew what he were talking about. Part of him did, deep down, know that this was hardly the end of their respective, or mutual, journey. He of course, had no idea and was simply trying to be optimistic. He felt significantly under-armed, but he had done well with his blaster so far.

 

[Luna Vega]

"No shirt?" her voice teased just before slowly opening the door. The darkness was overwhelming, only small splashes of moonlight spilled in the cantina's main floor and she stood on the platform silent. Quiet was always unnerving- the fear of breathing too loud always scratching at the back of your mind, never mind the creak of the old stairs. Luna leaned back into him, putting her lips to his ear, "Step when I step. Slow, easy, that's it." She could have swore she was holding her breath, all senses on high alert. Straightening, she gave him room. Eyes shifting from side-to-side.

At least he was optimistic. She needed that right now. It wasn't that she couldn't handle the thought of dying, it was the process- or the wanting to that these people would almost certainly give her. Lenny would kill him the same way, but he would make her watch. The grip she had on the pistol tightened and she let out a cool breath when they reached the bottom.

Freedom was five minutes away, if they moved quick. A little under three hundred steps. But it would all seem like eternity. Vega motioned him to get in front while she skirted a couple tables to the bar, snatching up her bottle of port. "Go. Ya know ya ship, I don't," she whispered as they neared the exit.


[member="Atretes Rhoujen"]

 

[EmKay]

The silence was getting to him. They descended the stairs. There was a nagging feeling in the back of his mind. It told him caution. He was young, foolish. He didn't listen. As they neared the door something in the back of his head screamed at him to be prepared. He wasn't. He went ahead of [member="Luna Vega"] as advised, and few steps later he was assaulted and restrained. He squirmed and writhed against the strong grip. He couldn't see who it was holding him, but soon he felt the cold metal against his bare upper body. He heard a snarl from beside his ear, then searing pain from his kidney. A twist. He fell to his knees, blood pooling by his right leg.

He felt cold quickly.
Was it poison? It must have been.
He fell prostrate.

"No. You will survive, boy." came the racing, sneering voice again. Then he felt it.

A cold chill ran up his spine, differently than the cold that overwhelmed his body. His muscles tensed, and even those who were insensitive to the Force would feel the chill radiating out from him. Energy coated him like a blanket, and soon the bleeding stopped. He heard talking above him. He looked up and saw Luna's face. His vision was blurred, but he still thought she looked distraught. Something about that was the final trigger.

The air around him warped and shimmered as though he were engulfed in invisible flame. His fingertips were set alight by invisible energy, which was soon given light. Black and violet flames, accented with licks of blue, engulfed his hands. Sparks flew between the tendrils of flame, wild and fleeting. The air around him was cooler than death, and wilder than a rancor. His eyes focused, and a reflection of those unnatural flames blazed in his eyes like the spirit of damnation. He heard a gasp from the male above him, but before a reaction could be made, Atretes seemed to disappear into the shadows. He spun back into existence, standing where he was prone, and reached a hand to grasp the hostile man by the throat. The flames disappeared from his hand, and spread through the now-victim. His veins glowed with the ethereal burning energy, and a brief shriek of horror escaped his lips before the vocal cords were charred into oblivion.

With crushing force only ever seen by a Mandalorian crushgaunt, Sigma's hand closed upon the man's neck. Bone snapped and skin split, and blood poured over the young man's hand before every muscle in the modified sentient's arm tensed and the man was thrown toward the kitchens. The, at this point burned and beaten, man crashed through the steel walls and into some unknown area. Sigma sensed that the fool's miserable life force was extinguished, and just as suddenly as the power came to him, he staggered and fell to a knee.

"Wha..." Atretes muttered under his breath. His wound had healed, and he was reinvigourated, but that raw power had left him. He was back to his normal self, and in the wake of what just happened was... confusion.

 

[Luna Vega]

The bottle fell, rolled in the dirt at her feet.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO--!" before she could reach him, the entirety of her face was palmed, causing her to swallow her scream and muffle anything she had to say. Luna could not have said who had her, but who ever it was, didn't know her. He only wanted to quiet her. Which was fine, she thought, as the blades on her arms, slid just past her wrists. Her head shook, pale eyes frantic to find his face. Luna spun quickly, being handled by someone made of much larger stock than she was. Again, that was fine. The pistol slipped into a pocket of hers.

The man had her shoulders when she let the knives turn in her palms, she shoved her weight forward suddenly and pushed the blades up under his ribs on either side. There was a moment of pain as he squeezed, trying to stand and she whirled, dragging the metal with her so it turned and opened her assailant up that much more. His blood painted her hands, coated her weapons, and shimmered in the pale light. She stomped at his face, the crunch of bones crackled beneath her boot.

A calmness stole her expression as he bled out at her feet.

Adrenaline had made it so she hadn't felt the attack from the rear, slicing open her back and leaving a nasty gash on her jacket. Luna only felt the cool air from the new opening and liquid running down her leg. She turned in time to block the next, fending him off with her forearm. This in turn slid one dagger back into it's sheath with a little shake of her wrist. "Nuh uh uh," the female pirate tsked at her former lover and pushed off from him, turning. She had re-armed herself with the pistol and met his gaze with the barrel aimed straight at his head.

No matter how much she wanted to, she could not look at Rhou. Luna couldn't afford the distraction. She couldn't save him if she was dead. And she was running out of time.

BANG.

Everything went still. It slowed.

The flames. Rhoujen.

Horror filled her instantly, but then was quickly replaced by curiosity. She held out her hand, unsure. Afraid. "Can we go now?" The blaster fell from her other hand, face pale. She was going on pure will to survive, the adrenaline rush gone.

[member="Atretes Rhoujen"]

 

[EmKay]

Atretes' muscles shook, but not like before. This was as though he'd just taken a beating yet was perfectly fine. He looked back up to [member="Luna Vega"] and saw the fear playing across her features, and heard the clatter of her weapon falling to the ground. He leaned over and grabbed it, before reaching out to her hand and gently taking grip to help stabilise himself as he stood. He held her hand for precious moments of silence, his gaze an attempt at reassurance, before he brought the blaster to her hand.

"Yes." he said simply, quietly. He pulled her along by the wrist now, the cool night air washing over them now that they were away from the building. He released her then, and pulled out his own blaster. They were on their way out, but who could tell what else lie in wait.

 

[Luna Vega]

There were no words, and it was as if she were a whole other person. She moved quietly along side him, allowing him to lead them the rest of the way. No fight, no complaint, no questions. One would think she was just happy to be alive, but no. Luna was merely in shock with what she saw, unable to make sense of it. And the pain, it had it's own heartbeat. It was taking every ounce of stubbornness left in her to not cry out.

The cut was deeper than she thought. If it wasn't enough that the pain was overwhelming, but now the energy to move to keep up caused her vision to swim. She fell forward, taking in a mouth full of dirt and sand, and spat. Luna bit back a scream and crawled, gun in tow and all. She'd make it. Eventually. Leaving a bloody mess of a trail behind. Walk it off.

Would that if I coul' walk. She mustered the little strength she had left and pushed up from her knees to stand. One step. Two step. Three step. Fo- "Oh loooook.... staaars," she was on her back now, lids fluttering closed, blood encircling her petite frame.


[member="Atretes Rhoujen"]

 

[EmKay]

Thwump.

Atretes turned around to see [member="Luna Vega"] sprawled on her back, looking like a drunkard with fluid pooling around her. He wasn't sure what to do. He fought panic, refused to let it set, and did the only thing he could think to do. He scooped her up, and eased her over his shoulder. The blood flowed over his skin and brought chills in the night air, but he was goal-oriented. He focused on the task. He walked, his pace heavy with the extra weight, to the landing pad. The journey was not far, yet it was long. Every step was laboured effort. One pace closer to his ship. One pace closer to freedom. They were close. The open doors were right before them. Precious moments to safety.

 

[Luna Vega]

It was an inevitable for the pain to be the cause of her sudden slumber. Then again, it was also the vehemence of it that woke her. With every step, she felt the blade as if it were slicing her open for the first time everytime. Over and over again. She felt sick, but with not enough strength to vomit and alas nothing sat waiting to rise. Her stomach was empty and she feared for a moment that the rest of her was as well.

Silently, Luna sobbed, her body shaking with the strength of it. New pain erupted and she screamed, unable to contain the surprise of it from even herself. "RHOU RUNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!" I need. I need. I need. I need a fix. The pirate was dizzy all over again, fighting to stay awake, even though her eyes promised to betray her and shut. "The blood... is... is..."

[member="Atretes Rhoujen"]

 

[EmKay]

Peace is a lie, there is only passion.

The ancient code of Sith, unknown to Atretes, would have fit this situation perfectly. Her scream woke the spark of panic within him. The calm, determined demeanour melted away to a visage that spoke of desperation and urgency.

Through passion, I gain strength.

His muscles wound and sprung, his steps nearly leaping, and he struggled to keep [member="Luna Vega"] from jostling too much. He daren't let her bleed out.

Through strength, I gain power.

His feet fell upon the loading ramp. He heard alerted voices nearing. He slammed the button to shut and seal the ramp. They were secure in the vessel. He rushed and set Luna down on a clear space of floor -- his ship not being very accommodating in terms of sitting and sleeping space -- and he rushed to the cockpit. His hands flew over the controls, and the moment the engines roared to life blaster fire bounced from the active shielding. He glared out and flicked the arm button for the proton torpedo. The repulsors activated. The ship rose. The torpedo bay was no longer in danger of hitting point-blank and damaging the KWS Morvak.

Through power, I gain victory.

He fired. A red inferno engulfed the street. It crumbled buildings and shattered streets. A fuel main must have been hit in the mess, because a chain of explosions illuminated the night in destruction, decimating structural foundations and leaving allen buildings in its wake. The ship rose out from the city, and in its wake the massive boom of the fuel depot lit the night sky like a bomb. Then nothing.

Through victory, my chains are broken.

He entered coordinates for a planet. Any planet. Nearby, had a city, a medical bay. Twenty minutes. He nodded. He leapt over the back of the pilot seat and raced to check on Luna. He took her hand and held it, regardless of anything she would say he was concerned. He felt the ship lurch and then jerk slightly as hyperspace was entered.

The Force shall free me. But is this truly freedom?

 

[Luna Vega]

The Morvak was filled with screams that echoed from the hull and back. In those moments of pain, she prayed for death. Luna was just to stubborn to embrace it though, even though it had come knocking. Death had answered her call, it's long, cold tendrils promising to take her far far away from her self-inflicted misery. Before Luna could answer, a hand a cradled hers and a face loomed just inches from hers. With what little strength, she reached up, blood stained fingertips grazing the cheek of her savior.

It was ironic to her, while even now as she slipped away, that she was supposed to save him. Somehow, somewhere along that journey, she had been the one in need of saving. Rhoujen had, even though he did not have to. Even though leaving her would have made his escape easier. Luna had told him not to let her watch him die and he obliged. She mentioned nothing of herself.

At least I'm not gonna die on that rock. She would much rather be amongst the stars, space pirate that she was. Vega faintly smiled, the beginnings of crimson spilling along the corners of her mouth. Her hand dropped then, having not the strength to keep it up. The constant, yet slow deep beats of her heart thudded in her ears; her chest rose and fell quickly. Her lashes fluttered, struggling to stay awake.


[member="Atretes Rhoujen"]

 

[EmKay]

"Don't you dare die on me, Luna." Atretes spoke, his voice soft but his tone commanding, as though if he could reach into the spiritual plane and snap Death's neck he would. Whether it appeared so or not, she had saved his neck and he wasn't about to let that be her final act. He rested his palm on her forehead, not sure even why, and closed his eyes with a deep breath. No power came to him like before, but it was sometimes said that willpower alone, even among those not sensitive in the Force, could change wars and save lives. He willed now, that [member="Luna Vega"] live.

Time seemed to slow in that moment, yet minutes flew past like the stars in space. It seemed like forever, yet no time at all, in some vexing paradox of the senses when the alert told of reversion. He squeezed her hand, and went to the cockpit to deal with docking and aid.

"No, I'm not trying to get off a free docking permit! I'll pay your frelling fees, just get me a medic!" he shouted over the intercom at the bureaucratic schutta on the other end. After more irritating waste of precious time, he was finally permitted to land. The KWS Morvak slid down to the docking pad on this world he didn't bother learning the name of. The moment the loading hatch opened an intensive care mobile unit swept into the ship and immediately got to work treating Luna. Atretes appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, at the woman's side while the doctors worked. They patched her up, hooked her up to an I.V., and applied a bacta salve to the wound. All the while, Atretes tried not to look at the medical droids floating around and aiding the medics.

Perhaps minutes passed, perhaps hours, but soon the medical team took their leave and Luna had a large wrapping of bandages around her middle, and she was also relatively cleaner.

 

[Luna Vega]

I'm alive in here. So alive in here.

Only the white light. She was dead... right? Never had she seen such clean, bright... Within her body, she fought with teeth and claws at the thought. This beacon of finality, Luna did not want it. She wanted a drink. She wanted Rhou and his optimism back. It was as if she were in a cage- one so small that it hindered movement and stole her vocals. Her freedom even. Luna had no control, only blinding death that she couldn't close her eyes to.

It was an eternity. It was hell. Why had she always imagined it dark? That was a lie, one she wished wasn't. Perhaps she could live with the darkness. The feeling of having emotion and literally not able to release it was enough to tear her to shreds. The pirate couldn't scream, she couldn't cry. There was no peace in death. That was a lie too. One she wished like hell she could take back. It was lonely and wretched and her mind was her only companion.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Click.

Beep. Beep.

Barest hints of noise seeped in from no where, overloading her senses. Finally, after what seemed like eternity, she blinked and was in awe that she found she could. Small fingers wriggled. Then her toes. She sucked in a breath, gathering in all the air she could for fear of being without it again. Slowly... cautiously, she turned her head to the side, only to have cords and a man in her sights. Rhoujen... Dull gray eyes squinted, trying to better focus. Her parched lips parted as if to speak, but nothing came out.

[member="Atretes Rhoujen"]

 

[EmKay]

The flutter of eyes stirred the young man's attention. Atretes gazed upon the mended, though perhaps not fully healed, form of [member="Luna Vega"]. He saw her try hard to focus, and gave her a small smile. He delicately placed his hand over hers, careful of the equipment still attached to her. The medics told him to keep her resting for at least another hour before removing the I.V., switching off the monitor, and placing the equipment outside for them to collect. It had all cost him quite the penny, and luckily the Port authority backed off upon seeing that he wasn't playing for a free landing.

"You're safe, now." Rhoujen said simply. He was relieved that she was out of harm's way and on a quick recovery from her wound. He wasn't sure why he went through these steps for her. The effort, the expense, the desperation -- he was genuinely confused. He had reasoned that, perhaps, it was an aspect of guilt that kept him from letting her die. For her to save him just to perish in the act... it would have been a cruel ending. He decided it wasn't just that though. His reasons were unknown even to him, but he didn't dwell on it.

 

[Luna Vega]

Before anything else. This might be it, she thought. Without the hindrance of cords, Luna grasped his collar with all the force she had and planted her lips to his. Her eyes slammed shut, reveling in the feeling. Not just the kiss, but that she was alive and she wasn't there. Who was she to know if this had been the end? That he might of had his fill? It surely was not his duty to stick around, and she wasn't about to ask. Her fingers uncurled from the fabric of his shirt and she let herself fall back on to the gurney. Suppose it was her own way of saying thanks.

Luna took her time reflecting on the past twenty-four hours, staring at some spot on the ceiling both away from the light and Rhou's gaze. "Whar ya' headed?" Not like it mattered, but curiosity got the best of her. She chewed on her lip and cursed inwardly at her physical state. Maybe if she weren't injured... Finally, she looked back to him and gave a sort of half grimace. I suppose it's better this way, she argued mentally with herself, I'll just slow him down.

Time ticked on and silence filled that space. "So..." the pirate began, "how're yoooou holdin' up?"

[member="Atretes Rhoujen"]

 

[EmKay]

Rhoujen found himself leaning into the kiss despite his hesitancy, and his hand roamed up her shoulder to clasp the back of her neck in his palm. When [member="Luna Vega"] released his shirt, he eased her down and retracted his hand, gliding it over her collarbone with feather-light touches. He reclined from sitting on his heels, taking a cross-legged posture on the floor beside her. His gaze went through her belly and into the unfathomable recesses of his mind, projected onto the infinite distance before him. Then the lady's voice broke his running thoughts.

"Headed?" he asked, tilting his head, then he responded with what he had been thinking.

"I suppose I should find out what that power was when I almost died." he said quietly, and looked to her. He would have to seek answers alone, for the time being, but he dared not speak it. He had the feeling she'd been abandoned before. Whether or not that proved true or false he felt bad. He noted to himself to at least get her in a sustainable state before moving on -- for now. He'd find her again, he knew it.

The pregnant silence was nearly palpable. Filled with feelings unspoken, of wayward thoughts. Then she spoke again to break the silence.

"I'm... doing well enough," he said while feeling the spot that he'd been stabbed. It felt as though nothing had happened. He continued, "What about you? You weren't looking like you were going to make it." he said, his tone more hushed than the normal quiet. He reached out for her hand but hesitated. His closeness with her... it was in the heat of the moment. He shook off the doubts and cupped her hand in his own, then gave her a wry smile.

 

[Luna Vega]

Pretending a smile, "Oh aye, probably a good idea," she agreed, lying through her teeth. Power? Luna groaned inwardly, a Force user, juuuust great. No wonder her skin felt all fizzy-pop every time he touched her. Her nose wrinkled when he so casually reminded her that she didn't make it. She was here though... so, she did. By the skin of her teeth. How? Luna thought about it, thin brows furrowing as she zoned out.

The pirate jerked as if she were slapped when his hand toppled hers. "Doona ya smile at me now..." You're leaving, remember? You saved me, but you're leaving. Piss on it. She was angry and not quite sure why; he had gotten her off planet and risked his own life for hers. [member="Atretes Rhoujen"] could have left her bleeding out and went on his merry way. Instead, he lugged her to the ship and brought her to safety. But, he was leaving. Everyone always leaves.

All at once, Luna Vega rose, even as the room swam a little, and pulled out the IV. I canna do these... I need a drink. "Jus..." she paused in word while slipping on her pants, then grabbed her jacket, slipping it on, "Jus go... go on get outta here." If he could cause this... in a twenty-four hour period. She half ran, half slid through one door to the exit. The cool air hit her face and that was when she felt the tears, they burned her cheeks. She wiped with the back of hands and moved as quick as her recovering body would let her. Light gray eyes on the look-out for a cantina.

"Luuuuuna Vega," followed by a low whistle, "Say it ain't so."

She must have hit his face several times now, as she could no longer lift her hand. Luna spat in Blue's face and dusted her coat off. She hadn't killed him, even though the traitorous bastard deserved it. He deserved to rot with the rest of them. Now that she was free, vengeance was hers. And she would have it. Blue would see to it that the old crew knew she was alive. All she had to do now was sit and wait. They would come to her.

For now though, it was all the booze she could drink. Luna just had to figure out what she'd pay in. "This'll do nicely fo' now," the once pirate captain slipped his credit chips away and sauntered off to spend them.

 

[EmKay]

Atretes was taken aback, if nothing else. The sudden demeanour shift left him sitting there for a moment before he stood and moved the medical gear outside. He looked out over the town before him and locked up his ship behind him. He had to find her.

He followed traces and talk, and found that [member="Luna Vega"] moved entirely too fast for her own good. Finally the leads all converged on a singular corner pub. Rhoujen made his way there and entered slowly, unsure what he would see before him.

 

[Luna Vega]

"CHUG! CHUG! CHUG! CHUG!" Nearly half the patrons of the pub were huddled around a table near the bar where four people sat. Bottles all slung back, racing the liquid down their gullets to see who could empty it first. It appeared that the woman had won. Again. Something about the smug smile and the empty bottle twirling betwixt her fingers said as much. Feminine laughter mingled with and almost fell victim to the loud boisterous noise of the men. "...'ay up boys, 'ay up," Luna motioned around the table with her empty whiskey bottle, a slight slur to her already hard-to-comprehend lilt.

They all shoved their credits with groans and a mass of bottles fell, clinking and clanking off the table. Must've been about twenty or so of them.

"She can't win again," one said, quite sure, "she's too dern drunk."

Vega brushed off the sleeves of her jacket and moved to stand, swaying. "One more," a thin, gaunt man spoke, "You won't win again, doll." Oh, why? The pirate nestled back into her seat, "I canna and I will. Billay giiirl, another round on Jack 'ere." Before long, two bottles were brought out and set before them. "All in," Jack said, lifting a brow at her. He was daring her. Had she been sober, she might not have agreed.

"Bottoms up," raising her glass, Luna Vega gave her contender a sweet, bitter smile.

One. Two...

This was nothing. It was everything. From the side of the bottle hoisted to her lips, she saw him. Luna took one more pull and emptied the contents. The bottle slammed atop the table and in one, quick swipe, as the winner, she cleared the table of all the credits and emptied them into an already full purse of a pouch that hung from her shoulder. Her lips twitched and in her drunken state, she staggered as gracefully as one could only to drop the bag into Rhou's hands. "Thaaatta shou' 'over it all. I saved ya arse, ya saved mine. We're square. Now go on, gettoutta 'eere." Those gray eyes were blood shot, so they shone in the light, disappointment and all.

Luna clenched her jaw to keep herself from taking it back. It was not truly what she wanted, but it was what it was. She stared for moment, then turned away without another word.


[member="Atretes Rhoujen"]