Private Your Padawan is in another System!

[Braze]

TAGS: Yuri Maji

The air of Alderaan was lighter than Braze expected, carrying the subtle scents of mountain flora and fresh morning dew. His eyes traced the distant peaks, rising above the sky line around the capital city. Amid the bustle of Alderaanian nobles and merchants, he almost felt out of place—but the allure of this world's beauty, and the treasures it held, captivated him. He tightened his cloak, beautiful piece gifted to him by Thelma Goth .

The marketplace stretched ahead, an open-air labyrinth of colorful fabrics, gleaming jewelry, and finely crafted artifacts. His first stop would be the gemstone stalls. Alderaanian sapphires and Cularin stones were rumored to be exquisite, carrying a brilliance that seemed to capture the peace of this world itself. He imagined a sapphire imbued in his lightsaber, a crystal that could reflect Alderaan's tranquil essence even in battle. Braze scanned the vendors, seeking the sparkle of those rare gems. But gemstones weren't the only thing he sought. His fingers brushed over a bolt of Cortessian silk at a nearby stall.

Yet as he browsed, unaware, another figure lurked in the shadows. Unknown to Braze, he was once again the target of Lady Kyoteru Seraphine's fixation, her desire to bring him under her influence stronger than ever. This time, she'd gone a step further, dispatching a bounty hunter to track him through Alderaan's labyrinthine market, ready to seize him at the first opportunity.

​

 

[Yuri Maji]

The last time Yuri set foot on Alderaan, it was for a job that coincided with a reunion he was not ready for. This time, he was terrified that it would be a repeat. His safest bet was to get the job done as quickly and smoothly as possible, before he ran into any other family members. At least the job was simple enough, but that didn't mean that it was easy to understand.

Some crazy mom hired him to abduct her kid, who was a Jedi on top of that, and bring him back to her. Setting aside his -now complicated- feelings about the Jedi, anyone who was weird enough to hire him to kidnap a Jedi padawan who seemed to be doing great for themselves would definitely form some questions in his mind. But the pay was nothing short of extreme, he would have to be a moron to turn that offer up.

Standing by a nearby stall with some admittedly interesting clothing, Yuri watched the kid in the reflection of a nearby mirror. The faint beeps from his tracking fob confirmed the kid's identity. With a floral button-up shirt and shorts, he looked like a tourist having a wail of a time on Alderaan. He even went a step further and dyed his mane white for this outing, just to put a cherry on top. The only oddity on his person was a leather satchel slung across his chest, containing what he suspected was everything he needed to get the job done. Along with an integrated stunner in his new cybernetic arm, all he needed to do was get close and knock him out. The issue was in the execution. Running up and screaming 'loth-wolf' was out of the question. No, he was going to have to play it a little more smoothly with this. Play the long game.

He thanked the stall attendant and calmly continued to browse until he reached the same stall as the kid, switching off the fob before he reached him. Rather unintentionally, he accidentally clipped a stone and staggered into the kid, nearly landing on top of him and the fine rolls of cloth in front of them. "Crap, I'm sorry!" He quickly apologized, scrambling to get up and help the kid up as well. "You okay? Kark, that's embarrassing." He chuckled at his own mistake as he held a hand up to him and the understandably upset stall owner.

Braze

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Yuri Maji

​

Braze blinked, startled by the unexpected collision, but he didn't stay down. Rolling with the motion, he bumped into a nearby shelf, sending several items toppling. Reacting with cat-like reflexes, he sprang to his feet and caught each falling object mid-air, one after another, his hands moving in a blur.

"Oh…uh, sorry about that!" he said, a touch sheepish as he gently set the items back onto the counter. Unaware of any deeper intentions from the stranger, Braze looked him over with genuine concern, his large jade-green eyes searching the man's face. "Are you okay?" he asked earnestly, oblivious to the subtle danger masked by the man's easy grin.

Gear

Sabers:
Training lightsaber [Normal] |
Gauntlet Shield [Katar + Shield] |
Corsage [Dueling Foil +Gun] |
Calypso [Hand an a half + Board Saber] |
Sentry [Parrying Dagger] |
Requiem [Light Foil] |
Echo [Two handed with Crossguard] |
Resurgence [Two handed with Crossguard] |
Whirlwind [Chin Kama] |
Twilight [Polearm] |
Nightshade [Throwing Knives]
Hot 'n' Heavy Compensator [ War Maul]
Troublemaker's Trickblade [Dual Spinning Saber / Chakram]
Voice of the Wind Krysteel Sword

Crystals:
Amplification |
Serenity |
Phantom Ghostfire |
Frostheart |
Entropite |
Tiger's Fang |
Mindshatter |
Echos |
Mestare |
Melee: Knife

Ranged:
Fang |
G.O.O. Gun |
Phantom |
Chiru Tranquilizer Rifle|
FFS- Quiver Trigger - Grip / Stock |
FFS- I. S.P.Y. : Scope |
FFS- H.A.R.M. - Shroud

Thowing :
BA-K177 Kamino Saberdarts X15
E.G.G.S. x10 |
Thermal detonator (Class-A thermal detonator) x5 |
G-20 Glop grenade "Impact" x5 |
C-22 fragmentation grenade x5 |
WW-41 CryoBan grenade) X5
Telescopic stun grenade staff
Serenity Flashbang Incense


Equipped Gear:
Neck: Lightveil Circlet | Charms x3 | Amulate |
Chest: Light Armor [Integrated in to armor | Boots | Gauntlets | Mask/Helm | ]
Belt: FFS- Utility Belt
Left Hand: Compass Ring | BCA - Solid State Hologram Tool Band

Other Items:
Survival Kit |
FSP - Besh ( Advanced Force Suppression Drug )
Sil-Alert Stim
Trauma Care Package
Trauma Kit
Trauma Spray
Aspha Serum
TS-N Healing Serum (For those allergic to Bacta)
Reanimation Serum Aurek
PharmaTech BioStamp
PharmaTech DNA Identi-Kit
Bota M9-A2: Berries
FFS-RIP-Cell: Power Cell |
Vixen's Vault |
In the Zone Compact, Mister, and Lipstick|
Essence of Zeltros DUST Compact|
Lekkuphoira|
S.I.N. Devaronian Blood-Poison Nail Polish|
5 Lbs bag of Thermite |

Ships:
Ashwing - Starfighters
Phantomray Stealth Assault Interceptor Fitted with Werlaara Stealth Suite

Warmount:
Dragon Knight

Guardian:
AX-01 Vanguard Mark I
[Character Bio]

​

 

[Yuri Maji]

While not in its entirety, Yuri did manage to catch a glimpse of the kid as he scrambled to catch everything that fell off the shelf. Yeah, this kid was a Jedi, alright. He went on to ask if Yuri was okay, earning a casual wave of the hand as Yuri chuckled at the situation. "Yeah, I'm golden. Just... ya think two decades of walkin' and martial arts would help to avoid this kinda sitch." He joked, brushing his white hair out of his face.

His eyes suddenly widened and he proceeded to rummage through his satchel, briefly pulling his pistol aside to make sure nothing fell out. "Thank goodness, everything's here." He muttered with a relieved sigh. At this point he was simply rolling with the clumsy and awkward demeanour. With a glance back at the kid, he extended a hand to the kid to shake. "Name's Yuri, by the way." He introduced himself with a grin, allowing a golden canine tooth to glimmer in the sun. "Those were some pretty nifty reflexes you got. You a Jedi or somethin', or just real quick?" He asked casually with a hand on his hip, nodding to the impressive amount of items the kid caught.

After a few seconds of awkwardly standing by the stall, his ears perked up as if a realization dawned on him. "Crap, I'm... uh... I'm sorry. Readin' people's not always my strong suit. I'll leave ya be." He awkwardly apologized with a raised hand as he took a step back, seemingly to walk away.

Braze

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Yuri Maji

Braze's brows furrowed slightly at the man's words—something about them seemed… off. He couldn't quite place why, but he tentatively shook the man's hand. "Oh… I'm Braze," he offered simply. As the man began to step away, Braze tilted his head, watching him with curiosity, and took a small hop forward. "I don't think I've ever seen anyone quite like you before," he chirped with a friendly tone.

In response to the man's earlier question, Braze nodded. "And yes… I suppose that term could be apt."

He paused, considering. Hadn't Vazz looked similar? "What are you, if you don't mind me asking?" he ventured, wanting to learn more. He was curious about Vazz too, but maybe this was different. He wouldn't really know unless he asked a few questions.

​

 

[Yuri Maji]

Yuri paused in his steps when Braze spoke up again. He turned his head to glance at the kid for a moment as an amused smile took hold. He admitted to being a Jedi, but Yuri couldn't get a chance to respond before a very curious question was asked by Braze. He couldn't help but chuckle with a shake of his head as he stepped back to the kid.

"That's a question I haven't heard in a while. He quipped, scratching the back of his head. "I'm a Shistavanen. We ain't the most common sight in the galaxy, so I get it. Gives us a bit more spice than you smooth-skins." He answered with a wink and a friendly smile. He needed to get the kid out of the market. Way too many people here for him to do his job. "You say you're a Jedi, huh? I actually got some questions for you as well." He continued, gesturing to the path they were standing in. "Ya wanna take a walk, by any chance? Wanted to get some lunch. I'll stick ya if you're in the mood." He offered, turning to stroll through the market.

If the kid agreed, Yuri would stick by his side with a content smile on his features. "So, you here for work? Or just shore leave... if Jedi get that kind of thing." He asked, sparing a glance down at Braze. Hopefully there was a café nearby for them. Despite the act Yuri was putting on, he was genuinely hungry. Plus, sticking the kid for some lunch was an easy way to win him over... he hoped.

Braze

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Yuri Maji

​

Braze perked up, his interest piqued. "A… Shistavanen?" he repeated, trying to mimic the sound he'd just heard, a hint of intrigue in his tone. "I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you have about the Jedi, and lunch sounds like a good plan. I'm actually here to find some rare materials—working on a few gifts for some friends and projects of my own."

With a casual nod, Braze continued, "What brings you here, by the way?" Then, his expression brightened as he added, "Oh, and if you're up for trying a particular restaurant, we can eat for free. Don't mind treating you if you're interested."

As they walked, a look of curiosity passed over Braze as glanced up at Yuri. "You know, if I were in your shoes, I think I'd have a ton of questions about Jedi too. Like… what is it about the Jedi Code that's so important to us, beyond just the words? Or maybe why it can feel so open to interpretation sometimes," he mused, a thoughtful tone underscoring his words. "Do Jedi all see it the same way, or does each of us take something different from it?"

He shrugged lightly, letting the idea linger as he went on. "And maybe I'd wonder if being a Jedi changes someone—if it's a choice or if it just becomes who you are after a while." Braze looked up at Yuri, "You ever wonder about things like that? Or you got other kinda questions?"

​

 

[Yuri Maji]

Braze seemed rather taken aback by Yuri's answer, luckily he got the name right pretty easily. To top if off, the kid seemed more than happy to mingle a little with him, even offering free lunch while asking what brought the Shistavanen to Alderaan. "I'm curious about what you mean with free lunch." He remarked. "As for me, I'm here on business. I'm a delivery guy, sometimes people on Alderaan want stuff that ain't always available here. Other times they wanna send stuff off world quickly. Either way, it's always nice to get here early, place is amazing." He explained casually with a glance at the kid.

Before he could even extend any questions, Braze beat him to the punch with a few heavy examples that Yuri could only describe as philosophically loaded. He blinked with surprise as he met Braze's gaze. "I mean... I guess?" He chuckled. "Was more thinkin' of some lighter questions. Like, how much free time y'all get, or what the pay is like. But... you're onto something. I actually knew a Jedi a while back, so I know a little bit about the dogma." He shrugged, sparing a look around them.

He felt bad every time he had to work on a place as beautiful as this. They were heading for a lane that appeared to be sparsely populated, at least for the moment. Biggest issue was going to have to be avoiding the security personnel, moving along the rooftops could help with that.

"Which one is it for you?" He asked gently. "You feel like it's who you're meant to be? Or did you get shaped into bein' a Jedi?" He elaborated, waiting patiently for Braze to answer as he looked down at his cybernetic hand. With a quick, casual tap on his shoulder, Yuri sent an electrical pulse through the kid with enough power to knock him out. "Sorry, little dude." He muttered.

In one smooth motion, Yuri hoisted him onto his shoulder and drew his pistol to fire an ascension cable. In a matter of seconds, the Shistavanen disappeared into an alley and onto the rooftops with a much cleaner route back to his ship.

Braze

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Yuri Maji

"Oh, that's easy! I did a bit of business with Miss Danger Arceneau. She gave me this really cool card that gets me perks in certain places," Braze said with a grin. "She's one of the nicest ladies I've ever met."

He perked up at Yuri's next comment. "Oh? You knew a Jedi? That's pretty neat!"

But at Yuri's final question, Braze paused. It was a question he often mulled over, one that lingered in his mind on countless nights, leading him to slip out of the Temple walls just to taste the idea of being a 'normal' kid. Did he feel destined to be a Jedi, or had he simply been shaped into one? The weight of that thought distracted him, his attention turning inward, deep enough that he didn't notice Yuri's slight movement.

Without warning, an electrical pulse shot through him. The world around Braze faded as his small frame went limp, easily hoisted over Yuri's shoulder.

As Yuri reached his ship, something slipped free from Braze's cloak, tumbling to the ground with a metallic clatter. The silvery object shimmered in the low light before rolling to a stop.

 

[Yuri Maji]

It took longer than he would have liked, but he finally reached his ship and deposited the kid onto the floor of his improvised holding cell. After searching Braze for any devices or weapons, Yuri activated the ray shields and went to close the cargo hold. It was then that he noticed a device on the ground outside. With a shrug he grabbed that as well and closed the ship up. The desire to use the kid's card for some free lunch was present, but he knew better than to leave a Jedi unattended.

Braze's effects were safely stashed away in a separate compartment onboard and Baby was ordered to keep an eye on the kid. With everything taken care of and the ship finally underway, Yuri quickly changed into his usual tank top and cargo pants before preparing some lunch for himself and the kid. The least he could do was give him something to eat. He made his way back to the holding cell and dragged a crate closer to use as a chair while he waited for Braze to wake up.

"Hey there, sleepy head." He would remark with a dry tone once Braze stirred awake while taking a hefty bite of his sandwich. "For the record, if you try anything, Baby here will light you up like a Life Day tree." He warned, tapping the side of the Basilisk war droid keeping its rotary cannon trained on Braze. He watched the kid for a few moments, simply enjoying his lunch before continuing with his business. He finally set his plate aside and picked up Braze's sandwiches. "You still hungry?" He asked casually, setting the food down in front of Braze's cell.

Braze

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Yuri Maji

It looked like an elegant silver… whistle? Yeah, it was a whistle. Braze blinked as he registered it in Yuri's hand, trying to shake off the grogginess. The whistle was decorative with intricate engravings along its polished silver surface, something that looked almost out of place in a bounty hunter's grip.

He noticed Yuri had managed to collect all five of his lightsabers, too. And then, as if Yuri had rifled through every last pocket, there were the three little charms Braze kept on him he found missing as well. the matching charms for Aliris Tremiru Loomi and Jasper Kai'el

With a groan, Braze shifted, forcing himself to sit up, neck cricking as he got his bearings. He squinted at Yuri, still half-dazed, then shot a quick look over to the nearby droid before returning his gaze to the man on the other side of the cell. Blinking, he tried to put two and two together.

"Yes… I'm still hungry," he muttered, rubbing a hand over his face. "Though I figured we'd be grabbing a meal at a nice restaurant… not, uh…" He looked around the bare, metallic walls, then closed his eyes as if hoping the scene might disappear. With a weary sigh, he opened them again. "A ship?" he guessed, sounding unsure. "Not the politest way to ask for a sleepover, you know…" he added, frowning as he rubbed at his eyes.

He let the silence stretch for a second before speaking again. "Is Yuri even your real name?" He figured if Yuri wanted him dead, he wouldn't be here to ask; and if it was an interrogation, he'd be tied up and hurting, not just sitting there with an empty stomach being offered food?

"Just so you know," he added, "My family's gonna wonder where I am. I can't be out past curfew; my dad's going to be… less than thrilled.... We could still be friend you know. You don't have to do this... I was kinda hoping we could be friends... "

​

 

[Yuri Maji]

With a nod, Yuri rose and picked up Braze's food. In all fairness, he put more effort in than he normally would for someone in the kid's situation. The Shistavanen ignored the kid's remarks for the moment as he stood in front of the ray shield. "You move, you're dead." He warned before disabling the ray shield to place the kid's food in front of him. Immediately the ray shield went up again and Yuri reclaimed his seat on the crate. "Trust me, little dude, my definition of a sleepover and yours is a little different." He remarked with a chuckle.

He brushed off Braze's remark regarding his name, he wasn't going to fuss over that now with a kid, though he definitely caused a bit of a trust issue by kidnapping him. He did, however, snicker when the kid warned about his family. "Kid, who do ya think sent me to get you? Your mama couldn't shut up about how important you are to her. So I'll be takin' you back to her." He explained as he leaned back and pulled a cigarette from his pocket.

"Besides..." His metal hand separated to expose a plasma cutter to light his cigarette. With a puff he returned his attention back to Braze. "Friendship's a luxury I can't afford right now. If you're lookin' to be friends with me, I'm worried about your social life." He continued, taking another puff as he watched the kid. As far as lies went, this had to be one of his worst that he told himself. But the kid didn't need to know that. "So why'd ya run away from home? From the look of things, you got everythin' on a silver platter." He asked him with a tilt of his head.

Braze

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Yuri Maji

​

Braze sat still until the shield went back up, then happily picked up the offered food and started eating. Ah, so it was Lady Kyoteru Seraphine who had sent him. Braze took a thoughtful bite of his sandwich, considering the situation.

"I didn't run away from home. My dad expects me back at a certain time, and my 'mom' is an officer of the law. I presume you mean to bring me to my dear 'mother'? That woman abandoned me to the Jedi Order, and now she wants me back? How much is she paying you?" Braze asked, shaking his head. "I could give you more."

He continued, "Sooner or later, my real family will realize I'm missing, and then you'll have assisted a crime lord with the kidnapping of a Padawan who's a decorated war veteran—the one responsible for capturing the traitor Marlon Sularen . I may not have a lot of friends, but the few I do have are not ones you'd want as enemies." He paused, then added, "Could I please have some water?"

​

 

[Yuri Maji]

Yuri sat with an amused smirk and a raised brow as he listened to Braze's comments and threats. Either this was "baby's first negotiation" or he was simply terrible at reading the situation. The remark about Marlon Sularen earned a laugh from Yuri as he took another puff. "Baby... you mind gettin' a beer for me and a soda for the kid?" He asked, not taking his eyes off the kid. A second or so later, the Basilisk went into standby and a little BB-unit emerged, rolling along to the freighter's galley.

"Not used to the bargaining and threats comin' in this quickly. Gotta be a new record for me." He remarked, idly analyzing his cybernetic hand. "She's payin' me decent. Enough to make me wonder if I need to contact a social worker for this job." He looked back at Braze. "And a little advice for future reference... read a room before ya start slingin' threats around. For some people in this galaxy, that kinda talk's more a dare than a threat." Baby came rolling in with two bottles in the grasp of his tiny pincers. Yuri took the bottles and waited for Baby to get back in his Basilisk body before dropping the ray shield between him and Braze.

He set the bottle of water down and brought the ray shield back up, however he lingered by the cell for a few seconds. "Why would your mom put up a bounty as big as this just to get you back?" He finally asked, killing his cigarette in the palm of his cybernetic hand before he picked up his beer.

Braze

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Yuri Maji

"Oh... I didn't mean it as a threat or a dare or anything like that," Braze said calmly. "I just wanted to keep you informed of the simple facts. I don't like upsetting my dad or my friends—they can be pretty scary when they're mad."

He stayed still when the shield was briefly disabled, waiting until it was back up before reaching out to take the drink. "Thank you," he offered simply. "I haven't had anything to do with that woman for years now. She tried to go the legal route and was turned down. I've been adopted, so legally speaking, I'm not her 'property' anymore."

Finishing the food and drink, Braze made sure his plate was clean before stretching out and laying back on the floor.

"I don't want to go back to her, and I have no intention of staying there. That would be a bigger hassle than it's worth. I'd much rather strike a deal with you if all you're after is credits. I own several businesses. I could give you one of the products we sell for my freedom. I have nothing to gain by deceiving you. " Braze mused, adding, "I'd rather avoid causing my friends and family any unnecessary worry."

He rolled over on to his side and shifted his feet kicking off his boots and drawing his arms up to used as a make shift pillow of his own body as if settling down to take a nap after being fed. He didn't seem to want to cause the man any trouble and seemed content to just focus on his well being and gather strength as he readied to just go to sleep in his cell.

"Would you want to go back to some one who abandoned you?"

 

[Yuri Maji]

Yuri watched with curiosity as the kid kicked off his shoes and made himself comfortable on the floor. He wasn't used to people being this cooperative in situations like these. However, an involuntary laugh escaped the Shistavanen when Braze mentioned owning several businesses. "Yeah, sure kid!" He barked out. "And I'm the CEO of my mother's business." He taunted, though it most likely had more of an effect on himself than on Braze. "I doubt there's anythin' in this galaxy that you got that I need or want." He continued as he downed his drink and set the bottle aside.

"Would you want to go back to some one who abandoned you?"

He halted at the question for a moment, simply staring at the kid with pale, golden eyes. "In a twisted way, I've been livin' like that for years." He muttered as he glanced away. His hands rested on his hips as he tilted his head back in thought. This was turning out to be too complicated for what he was prepared for. He made a point in trying to keep emotion and personal feelings outside of work, but the overlap between him and the kid was becoming a bit too much to ignore. "I need a drink." He walked off toward the galley, leaving Braze alone with Baby and his cannon following every movement the kid made.

The Shistavanen drew another beer from the fridge and plopped down onto the couch, using his cybernetic thumb to casually pop off the cap. Though he barely drank any of it as he sat deep in thought, trying to figure out what the hell was going on with him and this job. He had done jobs like this in the past, the irony of slavery being too low for him but kidnapping being just fine wasn't lost on him. Yet he couldn't shake the odd feeling he was getting from this. With a sigh he leaned back and took a hefty swig from his bottle...

---

Yuri finally returned to the cargo hold, this time fully dressed in his armour and with a pistol drawn. "Change of plans." He spoke up. The ray shield came down and immediately Yuri fired a volley of stun bolts at Braze in rapid succession. "We're doin' this my way." He holstered his weapon with a flurry and returned his attention to the cockpit as the ship neared its destination.

Braze

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Yuri Maji

"And I'm the CEO of my mother's business."

"Really?" Braze asked, perking up. He briefly wondered why a CEO would resort to kidnapping. He doubted it was about the credits—assuming the company was successful, at least. Perhaps he was doing it for the thrill, a sentiment Braze could understand well.

"What kind of company did your mom own?" he asked curiously. "Was it an arms company?" Braze mused, thinking that Mandalorians, plain and simple, had a strong affinity for weapons. He'd seen it with Strill Securities, and from what he knew of Shuklaar Kyrdol and even Cyran Vaas . Yes, Mandalorians certainly loved their gadgets and tech.

"In a twisted way, I've been livin' like that for years."

"I'm sorry to hear that. It's not very fun feeling like you don't matter to any one... I was supposed to celebrate my 15th birthday in a few days," Braze offered. "Birthdays don't really mean much unless you have someone who cares enough to celebrate with you… it can be really lonely." He paused, his voice softening with a hint of melancholy. "The only one I really remember was last year, with my adoptive dad."

"I need a drink."

Braze watched him curiously, offering a puzzled look as he watched him leave. With a sigh, he curled up and settled down to sleep.

 

[Yuri Maji]

Thankfully he didn't need to worry about a complication with knocking the kid out, he was fast asleep. The stun rounds simply made sure that he stayed that way for a little while longer, though it didn't help Yuri's already guilty conscience in this situation. The more he listened to the kid speak, the more he saw himself within Braze. Frankly, it was jarring how similar aspects of their personal lives were. But the deed was done. He was going to have to miss his birthday party this year.

The ship entered Nar Shaddaa's atmosphere and smoothly glided over to the drop off point. The boss' compound. Most would probably not even identify it as a base for the crime lord, and those who did likely knew to keep their distance. But for Yuri, it was just another location to do business. The ramp opened up and Yuri, after slapping some binders on his hands and feet, hoisted Braze over his shoulder and calmly made his way to the entrance. Naturally several guards were ready to jump him, but a quick flash of the bounty puck had them back off. "Just show me to the boss." His synthesized voice broke the tense silence as his T-visor glared emptily at the gangsters.

The place was well secured and well guarded.

After a lengthy walk, Yuri finally reached the inner sanctum of the compound's owner. Numerous guards watched his every move as he dropped Braze onto the floor and rested his hands idly on the grips of his pistols. "Deal's done, darling. Want me to wrap it up and put a bow on top, or is this good enough?" He remarked with a dry voice as he stared at the admittedly gorgeous woman.

Braze

 

[Lady Kyoteru Seraphine]

Yuri Maji

As Yuri approached the imposing compound, its simple non de script architecture betrayed the wealth and power of its owner. The high metal gates swung open at a nod from the guards, their wary eyes following his every step. The compound held an odd sense of luxury and menace—polished marble floors, muted torchlights, and automated turrets tracking his every move. As They stepped in to the interior there was a noticeable shifting temperature. The interior was practically frigid.

Two guards in black armor with crimson accents escorted Yuri through a labyrinth of halls, lined with artifacts and fine art encased in glass passing several doors that slid open before them and closed in their wake.

They reached towering reinforced double doors, which slid open to reveal a spacious hall. At its center sat Lady Kyoteru Seraphine herself; her ink black hair flowing over her shoulders, as she sat up, her emerald eyes narrowing as Yuri approached. She was perched in a plush high-backed chair adorned with with lush fur blankets, flanked by guards and war droids, their red sensors glowing in the dim light.

Kyoteru's eyes locked onto him; her gaze weighed on him, as she offered him a pleased, cold smile.

"Ah, the hunter returns," she purred. A flick of her fingers signaled the guards to step back, allowing Yuri to approach.

Kyoteru's gaze lingered on Braze before she nodded at Yuri.

Ace, the scarred redhead bodyguard, wore a sleeveless trench coat and sported a top knot with the lower half of his hair buzzed short. He spoke briskly, "You're free to go, bounty hunter. The Lady has no further need of you—for now." His turquoise eyes narrowed as he drew up and opened a suit case revealing an absurdly expensive assortment of Corusca gems and credits. The left side of his body, including his arm, bore gnarled burn scars that stretched up his neck, face, and the back of his head.

 

[Yuri Maji]

The whole way, his HUD was scouting his surroundings and potential threats. No nobody's surprise the entire place lit up like a Life Day tree with all the painting the targeting system was doing. He was in the rancor's den. What was he subjecting this poor kid to? He shouldn't have been bothered by this, it was a job like any other. Hell, the damn kid was even a Jedi, even more reason for him to get rid of the kid.

And yet, his heart weighed heavily in his chest.

His gaze shifted to the bodyguard approaching him, then back to the mistress perched atop her throne. As far as royalty went, Vince and his family set the bar rather high, even though this woman arguably had more power at her immediate disposal. Still, a pretty face and an incredibly distracting body wasn't enough to shake the growing resentment in his heart. What kid of monster had he become? Was he turning into her? The next Wardog, with no regard for the lives of those in front of them.

No, he couldn't be. What he was feeling now all but proved it. He might have suffered his own share of shock and horror, of irreversible trauma. Suffered the consequences of his own mistakes and actions, his arm was a testament to that. But he could never turn into her.

"It's really hard to take you serious with that haircut, ya know." He remarked as he took the suitcase and clipped it to a hook on his belt. It was a lot of money, a ludicrous amount that would set him up for a long time. But it didn't help the weight on his chest, not like it used to with similar jobs in the past. "Pleasure doin' ya." He looked back at the Mistress and gave a two-fingered salute as he turned to leave. A few moments later, he was back in his ship and sitting down on his bed to remove his armour.

Instead, he found himself staring at the cupboard ahead of him, thinking of the hidden contents within. A long, empty stare as time seemingly came to a standstill...

---

OH NO!!!​

An engine whine emerged from the freighter parked outside, however it was not from its own engines. The whine grew in intensity until a splitting howl drowned out pretty much every other sound in the vicinity. The terrifying howl grew even louder when the loading ramp of the freighter's cargo hold opened up, revealing a large machine draped in a fluttering tarp. Barely a second after the ramp cleared, a devastating sound drowned everything out, except for the near constant stream of particle bolts tearing through any and all obstacles between the freighter and the compound.

The powerful machine crawled out and rose to its full height, losing the various tarps that covered it, before lifting into the air. It went forth to open fire with all of its might on the compound while obscure, beady red eyes rotated through various vision modes to locate the target. Its scanners built an entire minimap which was immediately sent to the beast's owner.

Yuri followed closely behind the Basilisk's onslaught with his weapons at the ready. He was going to try and fix this mistake.

Braze