AGE - Lurking in the shadows

[Eisa Swan]

At Galaxy's Edge - Batuu

As the Rebels start to establish a presence on Batuu, locals start to speak of a rumoured abandoned temple from a long extinct Force worshipping sect from several millennia ago, that has become a hot bed for a band of outlawed cultists that practice an abhorrent worship of the darkside - Two Jedi make their way into the temple and investigate, attempting to put a stop to the dark rituals of the cultists.

Yet Despite the best efforts the Jedi lead attempt to drive out and clear the cultist presence from the temple, they will find that as a result of their years of rituals taking place unhindered, the lower chambers has become home to darkside abominations.

Coming out her meditation as an incoming message alert chimed throughout her quarters within the transport shuttle. The fiery haired Jedi knight slowly opened her eyes, the vibrant emerald hued irises scanning about the interior of the shuttle that had been requisitioned from the larger Galactic Alliance fleet. Her gaze panning over the empty compartment, baring a few assigned rebels who had been tasked with keeping the ship safe and protected, the only other occupant was that of her Padawan, the white haired Terria.

Reaching an arm out as the ship came to a sudden halt in it's descent, her grip tightened around the support rail as her body lurched forward with the ship, her green irises looking towards Terria briefly before turning to face the approaching visage of the temple through the view port, her gaze narrowing as she regarded the twisted effigies that adorned the building in the near distance. Her attention was drawn away from the scene in front of her by the voice ringing over the tannoy, revealing that this was as close as they would get, nodding before casting a cheerful wave towards the camera in acknowledgement.

Reaching down, she lifted her belt from decking floor and fastened it around her waist, before picking up her two lightsabers, uttering a few ancient words and gently pressing the hilts of the weapons against her forehead in conclusion of a prayer to the Force. Once finished the two weapons where holstered in place, with a deep breath the young Jedi Knight sprung upwards from her knelt position, as the loading ramp of the shuttle lowered, revealing the temple in all its twisted glory to the two Jedi.

With a quick final pat down, the young Jedi tightened the fastenings of her Duraplast underlay bonded brown leather bodice, and matching forearm duelling bracers that made up her personal Jedi armour before reaching out and summoning her flowing white hooded cloak to her hand before throwing it over her shoulders and fastening the clasp in place. "Right lets go" Eisa spoke out to her Padawan before jumping down off of the loading ramp onto the ground below, knowing that she would be following closely behind, she broke out into a run, her connection to the force flooding out into the surrounding area allowing her to sense the darkness that emanated from within the temple.

Slowly she lowered her gaze to the floor, part in apprehension of the uncertainty over what they were going to face as well as concern over what lay within the doors. "Terria" Eisa spoke after a brief tense silence, her gaze raising up from the ground to face the white haired female. "There is a terrible darkness within those walls" she continued as she narrowed her eyes as she continued to draw upon the light of the Force "Protect your mind from the whispers of the Darkside, they will try to tempt you at every cost" she added, her usual cheerful expression, replaced with an grave and serious look. "Keep strong, and trust in the Light of the Force" the youth concluded, she knew from experience just how alluring the tempting whispers of the Darkside could be. The last thing she would want was for her Padawan to succumb on their first mission together.

@Panda

 

[Terria Cyrrl]

If the shuttle was any bigger than arm's length, Terria would probably be pacing right now. She was nervous, and not the quirky first date kind of nervous, it was more along the lines of 'I might kriffing die here forgotten and alone' nervous. Well, she hesitated to say alone, looking to her right at her new Master. After so long of just drifting from lesson to lesson, it felt like she was finally making some headway now that she had someone to actually teach her. It was good for the Alliance too, more Knights meant more instructors, which meant more knights could come around at once, allowing the order to grow once more after its resurgence and temporary shrinking again. Ona more personal level, it just felt good actually having someone to bond with and learn from, someone she could actually talk to on a semi-regular basis. She had Levi, that was fair, but they didn't see each other too often - this just felt...it felt right.

Terria jerked up at the sound of the tannoy, groaning quietly at the announcement. It looked like they'd need to go on from a distance, not too bad a thing but still risky. Then again, maybe just getting in close and dropping into a hot zone was more dangerous, but there wasn't much point in debating it, she had a job to do and she needed to switch into mission mode. This was actually her first real Jedi-centric mission to her mind (unless her brief soiree into the realm of politics counted) so she wasn't sure what to expect, but the presence of Eisa helped allay any concerns. She was a guiding hand in more ways than one, there to keep her calm and in control during difficult times. It occurred to her that their literally week-old relationship might be a little thin for her to have this much trust, but until the day she encountered someone whose trust was betrayed, she figured it was a safe bet.

She quickly double checked her own armor before sheathing her vibrosword (a placeholder for when she made her lightsaber) and letting her feet lightly hop off the edge of the shuttle, joining Eisa on the ground. From the moment they landed, she could tell something was just off about the place. Something in the air sent chills up her spine and she just felt a general uneasiness abound. Eisa was quick to explain that the Dark Side was strong with this place and that it would tempt her. She felt a knot form in her throat, she had never been tested against the Dark Side before, she had no idea what she was up against. Like a natural mind reader (which she could've been for all she knew), Eisa stepped up and just uttered some soft words, gentle reminders of what she was and where she drew her strength. Terria looked at Eisa and smiled weakly.
"I'm not so sure about trusting the Force, still have a bit of trouble with that...but I trust you, Master."

@Plebometer

 

[Eisa Swan]

A warm smile crossed her features as her Padawn spoke out about being unable to trust in the Force, before shortly adding that despite that, Terria trusted in her Master. Although it was perhaps better than nothing, the Fiery haired Knight was reassured of her ward's faith. She inwardly hoped that despite what ever horrors they would face within the temple, her padawan was strong enough to resist the temptations of the dark side. Through their shared time together so far Eisa had grown quite fond of the female padawan, whether it was down the fact that she had spent the bulk of her life surrounded by male shipmates, it was a welcome novelty to spend time with someone of the same gender. "That's comforting to know Terri" she responded as she reached down to her two lightsabers, carrying out one last visual check of her weapons and allowing the Force to reach into each of her Kyber crystals, drawing from its comforting song one last time before heading into the fray.

"Well, no turning back now" Eisa spoke as ship lifted off from the ground and veered away, stepping forward, making sure that her padawan was no more than a few steps behind her. As they came to a halt at the edge of the path that would lead them to the temple, her bright emerald hued eyes panned over their surroundings before looking over towards the vegetation that ran along long the path ahead. Keeping her mind open to the ripples of the Force, reaching out into their surroundings, keenly looking for the slightest disturbance that would give indication of another's presence, or whether their arrival had stirred the natives. If that was the correct saying.

Slowing her breathing down to increase her concentration and focus, the corrupting influence of the cult's practices had caused for currents of the Force flow out from the temple like a maelstrom of swirling dark energies, the corrupt taint's intent to bewilder and confuse the senses of those who dared approach. Making it difficult to see the truth through the force. Slowing her pace down, something just didn't feel right. The plant life was dark and barbed, as if they had originated from a demon world, failed to register as possessing any life. The Fiery haired Knight narrowed her eyes, assessing just how far the taint was reaching out from the temple.

"Terri, I Want you to reach out with the Force towards the plant life. Sense what it is like and see how lifeless things are after they have been corrupted by the darkside" Eisa cautioned her Padawan, turning her gaze round to face her fellow Jedi. "keep that sensation in your mind, I fear that we may need to rely on feeling that sensation soon" she continued, before pursing her lips in thought as her brow furrowed into a heavy frown. She wasn't fully sure, and deep down in her core she hoped that it would not be the case, but from the rumours that surrounded this accursed temple, came talk of creatures that were devoid of life. Creatures that had become so corrupted with the Dark energies, they had taken form as foul demonic beasts, they had become Abominations.

Continuing towards the outer walls of the temple and taking several long deep breaths the fiery haired Jedi turned her attention to the stone structure, her emerald gaze examining the stone walls of the building standing before them. Slowly stepping forwards towards the wall and reaching her hand out, placing an open palm against the cold stone wall of the temple, Eisa allowed the Force to flow through her and into the building in front of her, opening her senses into the Force that wrapped itself around each large flag stone block that formed the tainted temple. Her eyebrows visibly narrowing as she could feel the dark corrupting presence within walls, yet she could sense that there was an air of resistance from the structure itself. It was almost as if the very building itself was doing all it could to resist the corrupting influence of cultist's practices.

Eisa slowly withdrew her hand from the wall, before slowly she lowering a flat open palm against the hilt of her lightsaber that hung from her belt. The second hand reaching down for her lightsaber pistol, and through the Force she extended her mind through to her Kyber crystals, a light escaping between the metallic and flesh surfaces, as the knight allowed the force the flow fully through both herself and her bonded Kybers. Audibly exhaling as she reopened her eyes, a determined look visible in her bright emerald hued irises, her aura in the force strengthening as her renewed focus and resolve that radiated from her.

Slowly she nodded to her Padawan to follow, before she started to scale up the large stone steps towards and then through the threshold. Leading the two Jedi into the large cavernous chamber of the temple.

 

[Terria Cyrrl]

As soon as her feet hit the ground, Terria was already reverting to her normal mission mindset, reaching down and slightly unsheathing her vibrosword to make sure it was on and functioning correctly. She also made sure to check her blaster, cleaned and chambered properly, was still functioning before holstering that too. She had a feeling a different point of view or mindset would be needed for this kind of mission, but all the same, some things were just in good practice. She looked up at Eisa, similarly preparing herself, but she looked more like she was mentally bracing herself for whatever they would be facing in there. The sight unnerved her a little, she hadn't seen her this serious before so it had to be something really dangerous to turn off the Eismile (as she had taken to calling it).

Despite her own seriousness though, Eisa still took the time to try and reassure her padawan, and that really was all Terria needed to buck up and seal all those negative thoughts away - this was a mission and she would adapt, because if she didn't, they would both die, and she didn't want Eisa to get hurt. Terria stuck closely to her behind as the pair began the hike toward the temple, occasionally looking back to make sure that no one was following them. When they stopped, Terria looked past Eisa's shoulder toward the plants, furrowing a brow in confusion at their appearance. Even if she didn't have the Force, she would know they didn't belong - there was just something in their shape and color and size and texture that did not mesh with the planet's natural flora. At the command to reach out and touch them with the force, Terria raised her hand and tried to open herself up to the Force, letting the air around her act like a buffer, the wind gently blowing through her face and the Force seeping within. It was difficult outside of immediately stressful situations to summon the Force for her - a lifetime of relying on her own natural skills has made trusting outside factors difficult and that was how she still saw the Force, despite knowing different.

The moment she touched the plants with the Force, the emptiness flooded her senses, filling her stomach with revulsion and knots that almost made her throw up. Cold convulsions briefly overtook her, throwing her to her knees as she retched and teared up, the Dark Side still lingering. Every ache in her body reared up and squeezed in agonizing unison, her head split into two from the migraine alone, and it was as if she was both light headed and heavy headed all at once. She had touched it for but a moment and the experience felt like being forced to drink engine fuel and paint mixed together, utter pain and heartache and confusion and despair filling her soul.
"W-w-w-what? WHat? WHAT? WhAt? What...," She began, breathing heavily as she fought to regain control of herself. After a moment, she caught her breath and started drawing them in deep and letting them just drift out. "What...was that...?" She gasped softly, but she already knew. It was her first time touching the Dark Side, something Eisa didn't know, and the Darkness had left an indelible mark in her now.

"The Dark Side...so cold..."

@Plebometer

 

[Eisa Swan]

Stopping dead in her tracks, the Fiery haired Knight turned to face her Padawan, seemingly rooted to the spot, her flesh almost white as her hair and gibbering like a senseless wreck. The young Knights features darkening as she regarded her padawan, she knew all to well what Terria had touched upon whilst reaching out with the Force. Without hesitation the younger Jedi channeled the Force through her, opening her mind into the warmth of the Force in its natural state. Closing the distance between them with a few swift steps, Eisa placed a firm hand upon her padawans shoulder and channeled the Force through her and into the padawan. As if an ethereal hand of light had plunged into the darkest depths of waters, grabbing onto Terria and pulling her back to the surface. The darkened look on her features softened as Terria commented on the coldness of the Darkside, a sympathetic look showing on her concerned expression. "First time eh?" Eisa inquired calmly, as she gave her padawans shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

"It's never a pleasant experience" the Fiery haired Knight resumed as she flashed her emerald hued gaze over her student. "Some of the other Jedi would say it should be forbidden to even touch upon the Darkside.... But I feel its necessary..." Eisa continued before starting to lead her student back towards the temple. "cos how else are you gonna know what it you you have to guard yourself against?" she continued as she rolled her head to the side to look at Terria, an inquisitive look over her features as she guaged her students reactions to the offered rhetoric. "same goes for emotions, if you guard yourself from them all your life, then how the kriff are you gonna know the impact it has on you?"

As the two passed by a group of damaged pews and toppled statues, the Jedi Knight paused for a moment, her mind reaching out to the Force and searching for her surroundings." you know... The first time I felt the dark side, it was when I was stationed on Hoth, the then Old Empire had publicly broadcasted my dad and the crew's... My family's execution all over the holonet...." Eisa spoke out after a moments silence, once she had searched her surroundings, lying through the doors to the antichamber was a terrible darkness. But for now she wasn't going to reveal that, hoping that her Padawan would be able to recognise it now for herself. "As you can imagine as a sixteen year old I was suffering a whole slew of emotions, grief, rage anger dispair, you name it I was feeling... And within the torrent of emotions I heard it whisper out to me, calling upon me to give in, to lash out, make everyone else know how I was feeling make them suffer as I did then" The Fiery haired Knight continued in her revelation as she lead her student closer to the abyss concealed behind the doors, not before pausing in her step and turning to face Terria. "some will tell you that a measure of a Jedis strength is their ability to control and discipline their emotions and resist them, forever being blind to the Darkside" Eisa spoke out as she placed a comforting yet firm hand on her students shoulder, perhaps a bemusing sight given that she was the shorter of the pair. "But I am telling you that, your true strength comes from knowing what affect the darkside and your emotions can have on you. That way you understand what you are facing, you know the signs so you can better prepare yourself" she continued, whilst looking desdset into her students eyes. Before a light grin crossed her features. "almost as if you have food burning in an oven, you ain't gonna get much out of it if you know you're gonna get burned by picking it up, so to protect yourself you just leave it. You know its gonna get hot as soon as you reach in so just grab some mits and protect yourself" sheadded with a light chuckle, more so at herself over how daft her analogy sounded as it passed her lips. It definitely sounded better in her head.

Flashing a light smile to Terria, the Fiery haired Knight directed her attention towards the doors that would take them into the antichamber and the waiting Darkness beyond the walls. Her emerald hued gaze lingering for a moment before her hands moved to retrieve her weapons, as soon as her skin made contact with the metal hilts of her lightsabers, Eisa started to actively channel the Force through her. Before returning her attention over to her padawan, looking to see if she was ready to face the corrupting influence of the Darkside Head on.

 

[Tycho Draykon]

Tycho had heard that Eisa was leading some sort of operation on Batuu. Why? Something about a haunted jedi temple. Now he doesn't exactly believe in ghosts. Perhaps locals are mistaking feeling the force that flows through the temple as the place being haunted. Well whatever the reason the man can admit that the place did feel off, almost dark when he first arrived.

He is a bit late but as he neared what he hoped is the position of the young jedi the man was able to hear some talking between two people. Well with how dead silence the place is it is easy to guess who it is that he is hearing.

Gripping his Westar Carbine steadily in his hands the man pressed forward. Swallowing down the anxiety as he felt the place become darker and colder. He didn't need to be force sensitive to get a bit of a bad feeling of the place. But then he has been in worst positions than this. One of them that often causes him to wake up in a cold sweat at night.

When he finally approached the two jedi he was naturally careful with how he approached them, "Eisa. I figured you could use some assistance." He will say as he approached. Of course he is ready to jump straight into action. The man has plenty of other weapons he can use or hand out to the two jedi if they needed them at all.

@Plebometer

 

[Eisa Swan]

Just as she was about to take the initial steps back into the corrupted temple, the Fiery haired Knight stopped in her tracks, as a swiftly closing closed in on where she and her padawan were standing, before proceeding to call out to her by name. Pursing her lips in thought as she turned to face the new arrival. Her eyebrow curling into an inquisitive arch as her emerald gaze fell upon one of the Rebellion's generals, Tycho. "General Tycho. You're not checking up on me are you?" Eisa enquired with a playful grin.

By no means was she ungrateful for the assistance, but she couldn't help but be curious as to why the General had shown up out of the blue. Still it was perhaps a good thing to have an extra set of eyes on this venture, her Padawan Terria didn't seem to be reacting well to the darkness that engulfed the temple. Perhaps it was too early in the padawans training to have her exposed in such a way, what may had worked for Eisa under master Reachs tutor ledge wasn't the defining template for how every jedi should be trained. If Terria felt that she was not ready, then Eisa would not pressure her padawan into the situation.

Taking a deep breath, Eisa turned her attention away from her padawan and focused back on Tycho "Though your assistance is very welcome" the Fiery haired Knight spoke out, before directing her attention back to her ward. "Terria, if you feel that you are not ready, then you can return to the ship" Eisa spoke as she placed a reassuring hand on her padawans shoulder. "I will not force you to enter the Temple with me, I will be lying if I said that what lies beyond those doors won't test us" she continued, her gaze moving over towards the newly arrived male rebel, addressing both of them and cautioning them of what would lay ahead. "The rumours spoke of dark twisted creatures that resided within, I suspect that they are abominations. Ferocious beasts that are driven by the darkside and unrelenting in their primal desires" the Knight explained before taking a step back from her padawan, not before giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze.

"There is no shame in admitting your own limitations Padawan, it only helps you realise where you can better yourself" Eisa offered with a warm smile, before closing her eyes and taking a deep breath to re center herself. Deep down she knew that she herself was apprehensive about dealing with the abominations, it seemed almost an hypocrisy of sorts, on one hand she was telling her padawan that there was nothing to be ashamed of in admitting that she was not ready, whilst in the other here was the Jedi Knight about to throw herself into dark depths of the temple. The only thing that blurred the lines, was the conviction that it was Eisas duty to ensure the protection of not only those that were around her, but for the peoples of Batuu.

With a final breath Eisa opened her eyes, directing her gaze at first to her padawan, and then to Tycho. "when you are ready" the Knight spoke, before adjusting her grip on her lightsabers and stepping through the threshold of the temple. It seemed that no sooner had the Fiery haired Jedi Knight stepped no more than ten meters into the halls of the temple, the enshadowed twisted spawn of the dark side emerged. The abominations were nothing more than mindless mutant like creatures, twisted forms that became so corrupted through the dark ruinous powers that their physical forms belied any discerning way of identifying them.

The gutteral cry of the abominations thundered through the cavernous chamber of the corrupted temple, summoning more of the twisted creatures in through the opposing end of the hall, before rushing over themselves towards the Rebels position. No sooner had they started to emerge, Eisa's emerald hued gaze fell upon one of the abominations lurching out from the side passage, its gnarled talon like hand slashing away at everything in its path as it rushed the Jedi's side, its attack being cut short by a loud deafening crash as the young female knight clenched her fist and shattered the load baring lintel that sat over the door frame, crushing the twisted beast beneath the weight of the rubble. And blocking off the threat of being flanked by the foul beasts.

"May the Force be with us" The Fiery haired Jedi muttered, as the sudden snap hiss crackled out as the blades of her two lightsabers sprang into life, the Force was radiating strongly from the Fiery haired Jedis body. Taking one last deep breath as she adjusted her grasp of her fingers wrapped around the hilt of her weapons, Eisa opened her mind into the Force, trusting and allowing it to guide her to her fullest potential. Before anyone could react or say otherwise, a faint dust cloud kicked up from where the Knight was standing. Eisa sped forwards moving towards nearest foul creature that had emerged from across the hall the left of her two blades swinging out at the twisted abomination before suddenly jolting back as the Jedi changed her approach at the last moment, using the built up speed to strafe to the creatures left, bringing about her right blade down towards and cleaving through the beasts chest

A blood curdling roar could be heard emanating from the creature as it attempted to thrash about in the wake of the attack. But with a quick and sudden twirl of her blades the pained howl was cut short asthe abominations taint was severed from the Force. For now, Eisa was going to play to her strengths and leave Tycho to play his. With another sudden burst of movement the young Jedi knight sprang from the side of slain beast, and moving deeper into the depths of the abyss before her. Looking the exploit the fluid and grace of her movements to out maneuver the lumbering creatures.

 

[Tycho Draykon]

The General chuckled as Eisa questioned him. The man offered her a shrug, "Maybe I am checking up on you Eisa and figured that you need some assistance." He replied before the knight turned her attention to the Padawan next to her. He can see that the young one was not taking all this very well. Tycho would not be if he hadn't faced what he has to this date, if he hadn't the criminal may be the same way that the Padawan is. But being a soldier all these years has taught the man to face the things that frighten him head-on. Though that almost got him killed while he was trying to get a prison riot to start at an Imperial prison, that was probably the most frightening thing he had faced besides the Nightsister he helped to take down on Jedha.

As the knight addressed the youngster with them, everyone around him now are youngsters in his eyes, the man took that time to make sure his rifles are ready for use. Besides his Westar Carbine the man also checked his other weapons to make sure that they are ready to go as well as the scope currently mounted on his Westar. Everything is in working order as far as his weapons go, same with his armor that he had been steadily adjusting to his personal needs. When Eisa asked him of he is ready the General nodded, "I am ready when you are." He will reply as the man set his rifle to the lethal rounds as the knight prepared herself for what they will be facing as soon as they step into the threshold of the corrupted temple. When the man and the other two stepped through the blood curdling cries of the abominations can be heard loud and clear as the cries bounced off the temple walls in eerie echoes. The General gripped his rifle tightly as he cautiously ran down the hallway after Eisa, knowing that if there is one that another one will be nearby waiting to strike. He watched the knight easily end the first beast that they encountered. good one less that they will have to deal with.

When he reached the slain beast the General was on high alert as he looked around to make sure that they will not be ambushed right here as they started moving away from the slain one. The General sprinted after the knight, naturally unable to fully keep up do to him not being able to use the force to give his sprint a little bit of a boost. But either way he will be able to keep Eisa in his line of sight. As he followed the jedi the man spotted an abomination that started charging at the young woman. Tycho quickly raised his rifle and fired five bolts straight into the abomination's skull. The beast will not even get a chance to release a cry as it slumped to the ground. That was another beast taken out but the cries that echoed through the temple told him that there are a lot more that the team will have to deal with before they can call the mission a success. The man will remain on high alert as he continued to follow the knight through the corrupted temple.

@Plebometer

 

[Eisa Swan]

Bringing her saber blades down on a sweeping upwards strike she cut through the snaking tendrils of the abominations flail like appendages as it reared itself to attack from Eisa's flank, having emerged through a hole in the floor where a tomb once lay; before the beast could react to the first blade cutting through it's arm, its crimson eyes widened revealing a stunned expression over the dark spawn's face, as the second blade followed in the wake of the first blade, gouging a large vertical cut from the abominations groinal area right up its torso before leaving it's body to the side of it's shoulder. With a final sweeping horizontal arch the Jedi spun the hilt of her primary blade within her hand, and plunged it backwards, through the black hided creature's head, finishing it off once and for all.

The Fiery haired Jedi's attention was pulled back to the hardened rebel, as a barrage of blaster fire streaked past her. All of the shots hitting their target it an unnatural accuracy, rendering the abomination a headless corpse that buckled under its own weight, twitching on the floor. Though whilst these creatures were many, and springing out from all corners within the temples antichamber they were somewhat easier to slay than expected. Still there was little time to dwell on it, after all there were more abominations coming, the pair of rebels would have to take each step at a time as they pressed onwards. First things first though, they had to secure the anti chamber. And by her count there were four more abominations remaining, bounding off of the stone wall, the Fiery haired Knight propelled herself towards the two closest abominations to her right, whilst leaving Tycho to deal with the remaking two on their left.

Swiftly she ducked down towards her right as a large thick appendage came swinging diagonally down towards her before slamming into the stone wall, the arm was like a large scaled gnarled mass of over hardend bone, swinging down with the Force of a sledgehammer, the impact sending shards of stone work and plaster in all directions, her cyan bladed lightsaber had become a blur of motion as she angled the hilt rapidly with her hand, using the blade to deflect and vaporize the incoming debris. Despite her efforts she couldn't stop it all, overwhelmed somewhat and having to step back onto her right foot back to keep her ground as she was pelted by the shredding debris of metal and stone which left in several fine cuts across her face and exposed upper arms, as well as piercing though parts of her robes.

Narrowing her eyes she watched as the beast reared back its arm, coiling it back to lay down another devastating blow, her narrowed eyes studying the movement, looking for the opportune moment to strike, and processing how to take the advantage. With a loud guttural growl the abomination swung its hammer like arm down for another strike sweeping in from the side aiming to take away the young knights footing. A light crack could be heard as Eisa lept over the head of the abomination so they were now standing back to back, without any hesitation the hilt of the cyan blade spun backwards in her hand before plunging the weapon's arc of light into the unsuspecting abomination with a quick graceful spin on her feet as if she were performing a pirouette, the embedded arc of energy tore through the left side of the beasts chest, a deafening wail of pain escaping its twisted maw suddenly intensifying as the peridot hued blade of her hybrid saber slashed in from the right as her movement went full circle.

Without affording the beast any time to conclude its death thralls, the Jedi sprung back over the creature, kicking off against the side wall to grant her additional height to close the space between her and the second of the pair of abominations. Her eyes narrowing as she watched the beast react to her sudden change in trajectory and height. But the time it would have to react further would be cut short as Eisa cast her cyan hued blade towards the abomination, using the Force to guide the now spinning arc of light towards the creature, telekineticaly manipulating the blade so it would encircle the abomination, bisecting it from several angles before the hilt snapped back into the Jedis hand; moments before her feet touched upon the cold stone floor.

 

[Tycho Draykon]

Tycho watched the headless corpse collapse to the ground in a disgusting way. The body twitching a bit before going still. The man in a ways wishing he had never watched the thing's body give out, but as he was already looking in the direction it is something that cannot exactly be avoided.

He will not have much time to ready his rifle with a fresh pack however as two more of the abominations came at him. One of them swiping at him with it's massive paw like hands. The General quickly raised his rifle to defend himself from the oncoming blow. But that will not be enough to stop the strength of the creature from knocking the criminal into the nearby wall. The man grunted as he hit the wall. The second abomination will also join in on the attack with the first one, but this one is quicker than the other one and more lizard like if that made any sense. He will have to think of another way to face these things. Quickly.

Dodging out of the way of the second abomination, the creature screeched in pain and frustration after it slammed into the wall as a consequence of Tycho getting out of the way. But as he got out of the way of the second one, the first swung at the man. Tycho decided that using his close combat skills will be his best bet at facing these two things. So the General quickly unsheathed his Echani Blade, swiping at the first abomination's clawed hand, slicing the fingers of the beast right off. The monster roared with agony that made the rebel officer cringe. The man then noticed that he is right in between the two monsters he is currently facing, that gave him an idea. The rebel swung his blade at the larger of the two monsters, angering the abomination enough that it tried to swing at him with the clawed paw that it still had. However it will not succeed in hitting Tycho as he quickly moved out of the way. Instead it knocked into the lizard like abomination, killing it instantly.

Now the man just has the one to take care of.

Which will now prove to be not as difficult now that he is not dealing with two of the monsters. As it swung at him again, Tycho charged at the monster impaling it with his blade through the abdomen. The beast roared and swung at the man, knocking him away. The motion did injure Tycho's hand a bit, a nasty sprain, as the action forced his grip off the handle of his Echani Blade. It ill also send the man down onto the floor. What will it take to take this thing down? The General watched as the abomination approach him. The rebel officer scooched backwards on the floor as he tried to create some more space between him and the monster as he reached for his quickdraw. As soon as he had the pistol in his hand the rebel fired two quick rounds into the monster's skull. Like the other one he shot, it too will crumble to the ground.

Panting the man stood up and walked over to the beast, rolling it onto it's back Tycho reclaimed his Echani Blade. Figuring that he better stick with the blade as his mode of attack and defense if any more of these abominations decides to have a go at him and his partner. With adrenaline now pumping through his veins, his senses are somewhat heightened. Meaning he may be able to pick up on these monsters as they arrive. That is if there are anymore to face.

@Plebometer

 

[Eisa Swan]

Turning around, as the last of the group of abominations fell to the floor, Eisa looked down at the floor infront of the General, taking in the confirmation that he had slain the last of the foul creatures that had broken off towards him. Now the antichamber was clear, all that was left was a set of large mahogany doors, flanked by two large black pillars of obsidian, somewhat in keeping with the dark undertones of the Force worship that took place within this foresaken temple. Closing her eyes and reach out through the Force, Eisa could feel the heart of the corruption within the chamber before them, at its centre was the source twisting the energy around it and corrupting it. Glancing to the man beside her as she motioned to the next room. "I can feel the darkness within there..." He muttered as her eyes narrowed in thought, using the force to try and get a clearer understanding of what lay beyond them, but it was difficult to read what ever was within the chamber as there was too much movement.

"I sure hope you're packing something explosive" Eisa commented as she came out of her trance, and started to channel the Force through her, knowing that she couldn't take any risks of underestimating the darkness that was contained. "Cos we're gonna need it" she added with a slightly nervous chuckle, despite the odds that lay infront of them, the Jedi always tried to keep a cheerful demeanour about her, in part to relieve the tension; but more to mask the fact that internally she was bricking it.

"Lets get this over with" Eisa spoke out, glancing doors to the Rebel general beside her, "Keep your wits about you and try and keep your distance, don't quite know what we're dealing with just yet" Though she didn't say it, the Jedi was internally hoping that Tycho's reputation through the rebellion was although well founded, would give him the steely nerve to deal with the swirling mass of darkness. Facing off against the abominations and dark siders was a daunting enough task for those gifted with the Force, Eisa wouldn't dare try to imagine what it would have been like had she not been a Jedi.

Stepping through the doors, the Jedi lead the pair into the large chamber, her gaze falling to her surroundings, the pair were standing on the upper atria floor that surrounded the room. in front of them was a sweeping staircase that lead down to what looked like a central altar. Among the dimly lit dark mass, she could make out a figure dressed in black robes standing by the altar, surrounded by what must of looked like a sizeable horde of abominations, at a guess she would pin it down to twenty or so of the foul creatures. The figure turned to face the two intruders, revealing his twisted and mottled flesh, dark black orbs staring unblinking at the two rebels. "Intruders... How Dare you step upon my sacred ground..." the priest spoke out as he raised an arm, directing the attention of his twisted followers towards the pair. "Nether the less, I will forgive your transgression, when you become one of my pets" he added as the abominations scrambled over each other as they raced towards the base of the stair case.

"Oh Kriff it!" Eisa cussed, as she ignited both of her lightsabers, flooding the area around the two Rebels with a mixture of blue and green hued light. Whomever had set up shop within the temple had allowed the corrupting influences of the Darkside to take such a hold that it had started to twist the flesh of those that had blindly practised it. Sith were bad enough has they had the strength to bend the darkside to their will, but this cult were nothing more than pawns of the Darkside itself. Taking a deep breath, Eisa concentrated the Force within the tips of her fingers. Her gaze narrowing as the abominations started to scale the stair case leading towards them. "Take cover general" the Jedi called out moments before she thrusted her hand forwards, unleashing a torrent of telekinetic energy down along the path of the stair case, the blast tearing up the flag stone steps in its path and sending them outwards towards the lower chamber, swiftly followed by the abominations that were caught in the blast's wake.

 

[Tycho Draykon]

Tycho looked from the two beasts he had taken down to the Jedi he had come to aid. Luckily the criminal had indeed remembered to bring explosives with him in the form of grenades, "Yes. I did bring some." He will tell her as the man showed the three frag grenades strapped to his belt. They are in easy reach of the woman whether she used the force or happened to be standing next to him if the need for one arose. Hopefully, it will not come to that. The General could not help a small chuckle, "Well I brought them thinking that someone needed some help to get blown sky-high." He said jokingly. He was more so directing the idea of using the grenades on something that was refusing to be taken out. Perhaps he should think a bit more before trying to say something as a joke.

The General nodded as Eisa gave him some advice. Seeing as she is able to sense whatever these things are it may be best to keep some distance between the two of them just in case something big tried to come at them from whatever direction. So as the two started moving the General made sure to keep some space between the two rebels. The man's nerves remained steeled as he followed Eisa down the passageway. The atmosphere seemed to get darker and.. Harder. As though whatever was in the temple was trying to cause the two of them to become unnerved and panic. Whatever the reason was for the gradual change in the atmosphere, the criminal kept himself together.

Then the pair was greeted by the sight of whatever that thing was that stood before the two of them as it spoke. Just what are these things? When the thing had finished speaking different looking abominations started scurrying towards the man and young woman. In response the General held he scatter blaster in one hand and his Echani blade in the other. Ready to take on the monsters.

However when Eisa told him to take cover. The General was quick to do so. Knowing from the first-hand experience at what can happen when one gets caught in a Jedi.. Or Sith's force abilities. So the man ducked out of the way. Just in time too as Eisa unleashed some sort of blast on the abominations. As the monsters had to have been caught off guard, Tycho could not help taking advantage of the opportunity to take a couple of the monsters out as they were sent hurtling back down the stairway. Done so by firing three bolts at one abomination and two more at a second. Though the General was not able to see if his shots at the two monsters were enough to take them out of the fight.

@Plebometer

 

[Eisa Swan]

Before the dust had a chance to settle, yet alone the abominations to have a chance to recover, the fiery haired Jedi had sprinted forwards, hopping up onto the stone railing of the banister that encompassed the mezzanine floor that surrounded the altar room. Her eyes narrowing on the swirling mass of abominations beneath her, their numbers were too heavy to jump straight down into the throng of movement below. As Eisa encircled her way along the banister, she focused the Force into her formal lightsaber, before swinging the blade out and letting go. Her now open palm manipulating the currents of the Force as she manoeuvred the spinning lightsaber blade down towards the swirling mass of abominations below.

The swirling arc of cyan light cleaving through the abominations that either had the misfortune to be in the blade's path or just not realised in time what was descending down upon them. The Blade indiscriminately cutting down and bisecting the abominations, although made good head ways in reducing the twisted creatures numbers, it had left the fiery haired Jedi open to the corrupted priest who had focused it's attention on the Jedi, holding out its mottled hands and projecting several arcing sparks of Force lightning towards the Jedi, knocking her over the banister and onto the stone slabs of the mezzanine floor.

"Insolent whelps" The priest spat out as the sparks that emanated from his withered flesh dissipated, as the Jedi disappeared into the shadows, the blades of her lightsabers disengaging as she made contact with the floor with a dull and pained groan. "You dare think you can best the will of the Darkside" he continued before unleashing another wave of Force lightning towards where the Jedi's body had fallen, the arcs of crackling electricity dancing along the surface of the stonework, cascading over towards the Jedi's body. "Tycho, Nows as good a time to go sky high" Eisa called out, her voice gritting through the surging pain that was running through her body as her muscles spasmed. Gritting her teeth through the Pain the young Jedi focused the force through her, using the lightsided energies to enshroud her body with the Force to absorb and dampen the protected arcs of lighting.

Pressing a balled fist up against the stone floor, the fiery haired Jedi rose up to her feet. The peridot hue of her lightsaber igniting once again, as she approached the stone railing, keeping it poised to intercept the next wave of Force lightning that was launched towards her. Keeping a firm hold of her lightsaber with both hands, the Jedi focused the Force around her, building the barrier of Force energy to shield her from the arcs of lightning that cascaded away from the blade of her lightsaber, looking to keep the Priest's attention on her for long enough to allow the Rebel general to throw a few explosives into the mix of things.

 

[Tycho Draykon]

Tycho watched as lightning sailed towards the Jedi. Swallowing down his fear due to seeing such a sight the General thought through his options as to how to attack. He doubted his blaster will be of much use against such a foe. As there is no telling if the bolts will be sent right back or added to the assault on Eisa.

What to do...

His right hand settled on his grenades. That may work actually. If they did not take out the priest they would certainly set up a good enough distraction to take him out. The man looked over to his comrade when he heard her speak up, "I was just thinking the same thing!" He yelled back.

Immediately Tycho grabbed all three of his grenades. As he armed one of the three the General hoped that the priest will not catch onto what the rebel officer is trying to do. Throwing the one grenade he had armed at the priest's upper left torso Tycho then moved to his left, throwing a second grenade aimed for his feet. Followed by the third and final grenade thrown at the priest's feet. One of them just had to work.

Just incase one of the grenades is sent back his way, Tycho ducked down behind a broken wall to provide himself with some cover. It will not fully protect him but it should be enough to keep himself from getting killed.

@Plebometer

 

[Eisa Swan]

The wave of pain surged through her body, as the follow up attack of Force lightning was thrown towards her from the corrupted priest. The Fiery haired Knight gritted her teeth, as whilst the barrier dampened the burning lash of Force lightning, it still stung to high hell and beyond. The seering touch of the projected electricity soon lost its potency, as Tycho called back in response, to Eisa's earlier cry to throw some ordinance into the mix. The Fiery haired Jedis mind focusing on what was about to occur, tempering her thoughts and channeling out the pain that was coarsing through her.

Her gaze soon caught sight of a small metallic object being cast from the generals position, followed by another then a third. Each of the charges following roughly the same trajectory towards the corrupted preacher, something that the night could work with - stretching her free hand out towards the preacher, Eisa summoned the Force in the area around the corrupted darkside follower. Clasping the air around the figure and then suddenly compressing the surrounding area tightly around the preacher, debris, chunks of viscera, the cast grenades all rushing towards the dark sider as if he was at the very epicentre of an implosion.

Holding her lightsaber firm towards the incoming arcs of Force Lightning, the Knight continued to hold the compacting grasp around the preacher, to ensure that the grenades would certainly hit thier mark and not be cast anywhere else. The next few seconds seemed to pass like hours, the strain of the Preacher resisting the Force based attack as well as continuing to throw bouts of lightning towards the Jedi knight, seemed to make time feel like it was constantly dilating.

When the grenades did detonate, Eisa rleased her hold upon the Force - perhaps a little too prematurely as the resulting explosions ripped through the flesh of the preacher, in a rather bloody and visceral fashion, before chunks of sinue, bone and shrapnel was cast outwards towards the surrounding abominations. Some of which were cut down by the debris, whilst the rest collapsed lifelessly onto the floor - without thier prime to control and feed them, their bodies were reduced to withered husks in the absense of the someone to channel the darkside.

A long drawn out, and pained sigh escaped the Knights lips as the blade of her lightsaber was extinguished before she fell down onto her knees, smoke and steam radiating off of her throbbing body. Her emerald gaze blankly looking over her singed robes and burnt flesh momentarily, before the returning of the channeled out pain brought her back into the present.

Taking a few deep controlled breaths, mostly to stem back the urge to just scream out in pain. Eisa Focused the Force back into flowing through her body. Channeling the lightside Energies and thier heeling properties towards the areas that needed it the most. Her attention gradually shifted towards the approaching foot steps of the Rebel general, her drained features looking up towards tycho with a weary smile. "Well guess that's the abominations cleared. Bit if luck the consulars will be able to cleanse this temple of its taint". Eisa spoke out, her words carrying with an air of Exhaustion. "Thank you for deciding to tag along General"