Bringers of the Night

[Kathry Van Alasdaire]

A long time ago, in a Galaxy far, far away...

The First Sith


BRINGERS OF THE NIGHT​

Since the hours of her awakening, LADY KATHREVERIS has learned little of the known Galaxy. Though she has seen fit to join the illustrious SITH EMPIRE, it seemed many within it's ranks found the deepest pleasure in betrayals. As such, she has deemed it necessary to seek out allies of equal mind. One such potential ally so happened to be ZAZAI TA'RESH, a SITH WARRIOR, and one of the few Purebloods worthy of his title. Having heard of the vicious conflicts over ISOTOPE-5 in a neighboring system, KATHRY has invited her fellow warrior to join in the bloodletting...

@Raydo

 

[Kathry Van Alasdaire]

Kathry was not one for niceties, though she'd be known for subtlety from time to time. It was an entirely different Galaxy, the one she had awoken to find outside the slumber of her crypt. From the first moments opening her eyes, the only thing she could remember was battle - two mysterious warriors clashing about her tomb. One turned out to be her father, the traitor who had turned his back on all she loved... and the other? A Sith Master. Not that she had heard of the organization beforehand, but the ferocity in which the woman fought reminded her of her own people. As such, she had sought to join the Empire. Her first skirmish alongside the Sith, however, had gone awry and devolved into a hasty retreat. It was then she met the first of Sith leadership, and if he was any indication the Empire suffered from intense infighting. Though she had believed aiding those alongside her would further her goals, she has miscalculated the man's response to her offers of aide. Such hostility was not unusual to her, but it did bridge a warning in her mind; here, only your will mattered.

I require allies, beyond the Embers and their goals. Callix is a fool, he will lead them to their destruction, and in my current state I have no claim to overthrow him. Or the one who so brashly assaulted his own men above Ilum...

She still served her mother above all else, but had come to realize that Andraste was the closest living thing to the Goddess. And though her bloodline was shrouded in mystery and her parentage unknown save for a trusted few, it was known that she was Vahla. Once a simple Chosen, the death of her Master Alekto at a Jedi's hand had marked her ascension to the rank of High Priestess. And soon, she would do as she had in the past and rebuild her reputation and respect from the grave - literally. The Sith did not know who she was, not truly, though they would soon learn of her truths. She had made a potentially powerful enemy in exchange for meager yet loyal allies, a most illogical trade. To that end, she had discovered of the Makeb bounties and the vicious conflict that ravaged over the substance Isotope-5. Seizing such a substance would make her and the ally she summoned an intriguing target, allowing her to garner the mindset of this pureblood. They had yet to meet or be acquainted, but she knew as all Vahla did that combat revealed more of a person than conversation of machination ever could. As her vocal cords and body had most recently been healed - by a Jedi, deceived into believing her an innocent of the Order - she could now communicate clearly and fight without abandon. Her shortsword resting at her side, dark plate armor clasping her body and wicked Halberd at the ready, she calmly approached the plains were they were set to meet and prepare for the hunt.

It is best I do not appear prepared to strike. Even as prospective allies, one must be cautious.

 

[Thrash]

The young Jedi Emissary had largely kept to her politics and diplomacy for many years, though she retained her martial skills and force abilities; preferring to keen them in during gaps of her education so that when conflict arose, she would be able to handle any crisis. There had been numerous attempts on Makeb as word got around that several Isotope-5 shipments were being raided and their shipping companies attacked blatantly for the valuable resource. The Jedi Order had been largely unaware of these happenings until a strategic blunder on Ilum caught their notice and brought greater attention to this occurrence. And it would have it that the young knight was pulled from what had originally planned to be a diplomatic mission to Coruscant and instead replaced with investigation on the origin planet of Makeb.

They had arrived in Talaos city the evening prior, a splicing team deciphering a transmission signal and coordinates clearly on the outskirts guarded by a lair of mesas. Delicate hands wrapped around the handles of the speeder bike as she prepared for the journey ahead, a differing route unbeknownst to her in contrast with the Sith Knight that had arrived only minutes prior. As the speeder pulled into a ravine and exited through the lip of the canyon, she slowly tilted it around into a complete stop. The grounds before her were studded with minerals native to the realm along with rows of natural pillars that seemingly reached the skies. Gravitational and electromagnetic waves differed drastically compared to anywhere else in the galaxy, making it initially difficult to utilize their same tracking technology.

As she leaped off the bike, her delicate frame knelt besides some flora and used the brushes as natural camouflage. Binoculars in hand, she observed what appeared to be a woman humanoid approaching from the opposite side of the bank and dressed in heavy plated armor. "Interesting..." She muttered underneath her breath. The Jedi knight was grabbed in her medium coverage duelist armor as well as dual purple light sabers on her waist along with her H-1274 Blaster Revolver on right thigh. One smoke grenade was also hidden at the bottom of her breast plate, shrouded over in powder blue cloaks, a signature for the Pantoran Jedi.

The distance between her and Kathry was significant, almost close to 100 meters, and she was confident the Sith likely could not see her hidden behind forest cover. For now she waited for her fellow Jedi to arrive.

@Aurius Pheonix

 

[Arhena Espaa]

So, this was the place he'd make his first appearance. Destiny's child, a name meant to catcall and jeer had only driven him further towards his goals. This was his first opportunity to do something beyond sitting behind a desk, reading dusty tomes and delving into boring holocrons. There was another Jedi with him, a blue Jedi no less. Although they hadn't known each other for very long, it was pretty clear that she knew what she was doing, and he was still relatively new at the whole fighting schtick. Isotope-5 was a rare and precious commodity, something he had read up on during his time in the Jedi Libraries, something he knew shouldn't fall into the wrong hands. Makeb had been all but destroyed by warfare, it was an almost drab and dreary feeling that emanated from every location on the planet, no matter where he walked, there was another pang of deafening anger. It was as if the planet itself was under attack, and it was trying to push it's invaders off by force.

His speeder flew right alongside the tacitrun valleys of Talaos City, although Arhena found it easier to navigate while he was flying at the fastest speeds the machine could muster. Screeching ahead towards his newfound fellow Knight, who had pulled her speeder to a halt, he quickly realized she was trying to avoid being seen, and spun his speeder sideways. Driving it to a dead halt, he almost tumbled off the thing and was sent rolling, only to put his hand behind his head and grin sarcastically.

Oh yea. Total save, smooth moves. I've so got this.

Taking up a perched position beside Thrash, he peaked over through the bushes and spied a woman in dark armor approaching them on foot. That was curious, she looked really out of place - and era? Even her weapons seemed to be ancient, but it was pretty obvious she was looking for something. Was this a Sith? The enemy he had heard and studied so much about? If so, this was to be his first chance to actually test his lightsaber skills as well, though he was much more versed in the Force. Truthfully, he didn't like the idea of having to hurt this woman over a mineral, but from what he'd read the Sith don't exactly leave prisoners. And the one approaching the two Jedi looked mean indeed, everything about her appearance was meant to intimidate. He watched cautiously as his ally began to armor up fully, preparing for battle, and raised an eyebrow towards her gently. This was an awesome chance to prove themselves and save people - but they had to be careful. Where there was one, a few more were bound to follow. He wasn't just going to waltz into what is most likely a giant trap. After all, what Sith would be stupid enough to come alone in that getup?

"Let's wait and see what happens. She might not be here to hurt anyone, and we can't just go around attacking people... yet. Not yet."

Not until you give me a reason, Sithspawn. Then we'll see how good you look running away.

@Faded Truth @TheMorrigan @Raydo

 

[Zazai Ta'Resh]

Normally Zazai cared nothing for credits, but the money earned today would ensure his small band of soldiers had the best gear. His ship was nearby, He would call it in once they secured the shipment.

He moved across the open field towards their meeting spot. The sunlight gleamed off the metal his armor, the wind playing with the cloak behind him. He moved quickly deliberately, wanting to spend his time elsewhere.

Zazai spotted the woman who had requested his presence and given him the offer. He nodded his head slightly in greeting "Hello." he said simply "The landing pad for the shipment is just over this hill. It is supposed to be barely guarded. We should be able to walk in and grab the shipment ourselves." he said as he turned to make his way there.

They walked away from the ravine and towards their target. It was possible they would run into some light resistance, but Zazai didn't expect much. They should just be able to strong-arm their prey into turning over the cargo to them.

They topped the hill, the landing pad with their ship was just a small distance away. The workers moved quickly with their cargo, but they were already too late.

Spoiler: Gear

*Red Lightsaber with Black Hilt
*Exile Inquisition Armor
*SP-20 Blaster Pistol - Two Power Packs
*Six Ball Bearings

 

[Kathry Van Alasdaire]

-Tangled Earth-​

The young Vahla turned on her heels to see another approaching in armor of a similar fashion to her own, albeit upgraded for the modernity of the era. She was still not wholly convinced that the armor the Sith sported was superior to her own handcrafted variant, though she had decided to discern the truth for herself. This was also the first time she saw a Sith Pureblood in person, and they were intimidating indeed. To say that she was intimidated by his presence would be incorrect, but by most being's standards the Sith appeared to be quite... robust. Though it was evidenced by his to-be-done attitude that he was more comfortable letting actions speak louder than words. Good, she had grown tired of listening to the pointless drabble of vile plans that her peers spewed about the halls, as though expecting others to care. She was a woman of no words for quite some time, but now that her vocal cords were operational, she could actually reply to the Warrior. Remaining overlong was obviously not his intention, an understandable conclusion, one she found most logical.

"Very well. We should move quickly, I have the strangest feeling about this..."

As though... I'm being watched...

She couldn't overtly tell where either of the Jedi nearby were, nor could she sense them with her own meager connection to the Darkness, but all sentient beings possessed the ability to know when someone is staring at them. Because a being's eyes are wired for gaze perception, it was almost as though she could feel a being staring at her directly behind her back. Of course, there was nobody there, but she nonetheless turned to check, tightening her grip on her halberd. Her crimson eyes became slits as she started walking up the hill alongside her fellow Sith, her voice becoming darker and lower than before. She could clearly see the shipment location, there wasn't any immediate guardsmen to protect it, and any foolish enough to join in would most likely perish by her hand. Though she was not cruel, she did not take kindly to those who interfered in her plans, or those who believed themselves capable of foiling them. She'd spent her entire life up to this point searching for a greater purpose, a place in the Galaxy to make her own. The unspoken truth of the matter was that she, like all her kin before her, was nothing more than a soldier following orders. Everything she did was to further the will of another, not her own, though she believed that to be the only path forward. And as a soldier, she had an objective, and nothing in the Galaxy short of death would prevent her from achieving it.

"Unguarded and rife for the taking. I expected more than this meager to nonexistent defense."

I still do. I do not know where you are, but rest assured, assassin. I will find you, wherever you are, and I will destroy you if you attempt to get in my way.

 

[Zazai Ta'Resh]

He had been told the shipment would not be well guarded, but he expected some resistance. It made him uneasy, nothing was this easy.

"As do I" the Sith responded to the woman. "Something doesn't feel quite right here." he said as he continued walking. Sometimes the best course of action was to spring the trip when you knew something was coming.

The workers who were frantically loading the shipment spotted them as they approached. The woman's face paled when she saw the pair, freezing in fear. The only logical explanation for the this was so under guarded was that these were pirates who already stolen the shipment from someone else.

"Go get your Captain." he spoke to the woman. She stood, still frozen. "Now!" he said, voice rumbling. She jumped to it and ran for who he hoped would be in charge. These were cowards in search of quick credits, they would abandon the mission if pressured, not willing to risk their lives, or they would risk it and the two Sith would tear them apart. It was up to them.

 

[Thrash]

__

The pantoran jedi looked upon her young partner as he arrived to the scenery. She was a bit annoyed with his theatrical entrance especially considering if he had accidentally driven that speeder off into the embankment, their targets would have been notified of their presence. She had attempted to keep her force signatures hidden as well as she could but as she could feel their vile darkness seeping through the tendrils of the force, she was sure that they too could sense her lurking nearby.

Manipulating the zoom on her binoculars, she continued to observe the two sith advanced towards what seemed as a weakly guarded shipment. She knew that Jedi were hunted in these regions and any affairs which would place them in cross-fire or have two potential enemies firing would not have a pleasing ending. "Must be why they have arrived. Do not make any hasty movements as of yet, we do not know if these others would be friend or foe.." She stated to Arhena, whispering softly as they nestled behind brushes and trees of cover. For now, she continued to watch.

@Aurius Pheonix

 

[Arhena Espaa]

Well, it seems he'd hit a soft spot. The Pantoran probably didn't realize he noticed the annoyed look that little scene garnered. Was it true that it had been reckless? Of course, however he didn't give away their position. An honest accident that the young Jedi did not intend to repeat, though he might despite himself. This wasn't the time for theatrics, a second Sith had joined the first. This one was much larger, and seemingly more comfortable dealing with whatever cargo they were here to pick up. That was about as much as he had been able to deduce from how they walked to landing pad were a shipment of gosh knows what was being loaded. Of course, the instant the two Sith became visible on the scene everyone in the immediate area seemed to freeze up. Even the beings loading the shipment seemed to visibly pale. Not good.

Arhena wrapped the force around himself in a protective bubble as he felt the crimson eyes of the female Sith gentle flit over their position, pausing for a moment as though in thought, and continuing towards her objective. He couldn't lie, that was slightly intimidating, but he knew it was a tactic the Sith used constantly. He wasn't afraid of these two, there was no need to be afraid, not unless they suddenly started killing everything that breathed in the immediate area. Nonetheless, he gently let his hand slip downward to his blaster, placing it on stun and holding it in a central axis relock. The unique way of holding the blaster allowed him more maneuverability, assuming this escalated into a firefight

I've got a bad feeling about this.

In a split second decision, he decided to go prone in a location that was not clearly visible, gently resting his sights on the woman in black armor. He wouldn't fire unless fired upon, on combat started, but he knew all too well that his mercy wouldn't be shown by these enemies. If it came down to a fight, chances were the Jedi would have to use everything in their arsenal, as Sith who were merciful were one in a million, and usually didn't survive very long in the Empire anyways. Everything about their history suggested that the strongest were at the top, and unfortunately it did not matter how they got there. Which meant backstabbing, murdering each other, using deception to have each other killed. It was not his cup of tea, and one among the many reasons he wanted to stop this Empire before it consumed the Galaxy and placed it in a state of perpetual warfare.

"Does it matter? If those two want, they could tear the mercs apart. If they get attacked, we won't be able to get there in time to save them. I'm going to take aim, if anything goes wrong I'll stun thin, dark and spooky. Should be easy enough."

@Faded Truth @TheMorrigan @Raydo

 

[Kathry Van Alasdaire]

-Tangled Earth-​

A mischievous smile played across Kathry's lips as every being on the landing pad began to tremble. She supposed they didn't believe she knew exactly how afraid they were of the pair, but the Vahla was all too aware. The fear emanated from them in tidal waves, the sheer terror of the unknown, the possibility of a slow and painful death. All these things teemed in their minds, and so they were afraid. It would not be difficult to simply take, but perhaps that was not the best course of action. She still had an inkling that she was being watched, if not by more of this Captain's men, then by some unseen foe that had yet to reveal themselves. Either way, it was best to remain ever cautious. The Captain, a red skinned Devaronian devoid of both one of his horns and any semblance in manners approached the two Sith cautiously.

"Do not speak, but rather, listen."

It would be most wise not to interrupt me.

As she thought the words, her eyes began to gentle crackle with a fiery glow as she stared the Devaronian down. A smug grin had begun to play across his face, one she didn't want to see, and it just as quickly disappeared after she spoke in a soft yet cold and dangerous voice. She still did not know whether this one was more than he claimed to be, and this was merely a ploy until more of his mercenaries arrived. Either way, it was best to ensure there was no mistaking the intent of their appearance here. This landing platform held a decent amount of Isotope-5, a sought after mineral, and the pair was here to collect it. That did not require wanton death or unnecessary cruelty, but nor would it mean bending in composure to the likes of this spacer. His appearance alone made the girl wish she were anywhere else but in his proximity, but it did not outwardly show the revulsion. Hopefully not all spacer Captains kept their hygiene to such low standards.

"You are in possession of a rather rare isotope, as you know, one that the Empire requires for the continual success of our Forces. Perhaps we can come to a mutually beneficial arrangement."

I have offered fairly. Do not make this any more difficult than it has to be, Captain...

With that she would flourish her hand towards his freighter, as though to say negotiation would best be done indoors. A twinkle in this being's eye confirmed what both Sith had presumed. Easy credits were their game, and how they came upon them was likely of little concern.

@Faded Truth @Aurius Pheonix

 

[Zazai Ta'Resh]

Zazai watched as the Captain relaxed somewhat, thinking perhaps there was a chance they would get out of this alive, which was the truth. In fact, Zazai had no desire to harm any of them as long as they did their part to support the Empire in this task. They had already done most of the hard work stealing it, after all. Perhaps they would even leave with enough credits to ensure the crew could thoroughly drunk that night, it was all dependant on how they acted in the next few moments.

As they moved towards the ship, he scanned the surrounding areas. There was a good 40-meter clearing in all directions of the landing pad. It would be difficult to sneak up on a sizeable group of pirates that would be able to threaten the two Sith.

When they weren't told to stop, the crew began loading the last of the isotope-5 onto the ship. If negotiations went well, maybe they would even get a contract to deliver the shipment, with the supervision of course. If not, they had brought soldiers who were some distance away with the transport ships they had brought who could transfer the cargo if needed. The captain's first mate who they had originally talked to was not quite as settled as the Captain. "Relax." he stated to her as they all began climbing aboard the ship. He didn't much care for her comfort but wound up people in negotiations led to complications.

Still worried about an attack from other pirates he motioned to one of the ship hands. "Take a few of your men and station them around the loading dock. Let us know if anyone approaches," he said in a commanding tone. The man, to his, credit set about to his task without question. Perhaps there was hope yet for these pirates.

 

[Thrash]

.

"Yes, I agree, then I must make haste, stay here and use their lack of knowledge to catch them by surprise.." @Aurius Pheonix She stated simply, her body lightly leaping from the cliff and onto an array of brushes and flora, guided by the force. Her small figure slithered through ample cover before finally coming into the clearing, approximately 30 meters behind the two Sith. Force signature was clearly evident as her senses focused in on her two mortal enemies standing before her. Purple lightsaber ignited into her dominant hand, while force energy gathered into her left.

"SITHSPAWN!" She roared, voice being carried by tendrils of the force. "You bring shame upon an auspicious day". She continued to advance towards them, the goodness of the holy light rippling around her lithe body. "Do not believe a word these two say good sir, they are the vile products of evil itself, slithering from one horrid corner of the galaxy to the other. Allow us to deal with them, and then you shall be in the gratitude of the Jedi Order, able to conduct all and future operations with impunity." She stated boldly towards the pirates in hopes of derailing their thoughts on working with the dark sided scoundrels. She came to a position approximately 20 meters directly across from the pureblood Sith. Force cackled across the palm of her free hand, gathering into a pool of focused righteousness as she sought to pass judgment on these defilers. Shooting the free hand upwards, she released the devastating force blast towards the male (@Raydo). As it was unleashed, delicate feet picked up the pace, as the young knight rushed forwards to close the gap between her foes and herself. She ran towards the left outside direction to the pureblood Sith, placing her considerably far from Kathry's melee range. Force continually gathered with her along with the saber that flickered out in front. Eyes and senses on full alert to rapidly defend or change her positioning against incoming retaliation.

 

[Arhena Espaa]

Arhena tried to call out to Thrash before she began her mad charge to the landing platform towards the two Sith, alone, but he was way too late for that. She'd already asked him to use the element of surprise and blast the Sith Dame away with his pistol. He didn't want her running in alone like that, it was really dangerous facing two enemies alone, no matter how skilled you were. But, he had a job to do, and he'd join her very soon. Taking aim with his CSR, he gently cursed as he realized he was too far away for the range to be effective. Rising from his position, he began to move down the right side of the tree patch, before branching off and close the distance towards the girl (@TheMorrigan )releasing a small volley of three stun blasts at her center mass.

Sithspit! The mercs might just start attacking us now, but if I don't back Thrash up these two are going to tear her apart.

As he began to get closer, the girl's face became more and more visibly distinct. Until it looked like an haunting reflection of his father, one he'd only ever buried just recently. Could this be... the Sith that Marion had spoken to him about? That Aliyah had warned him against seeing, ever? He didn't pause as the thoughts passed through his head, drawing his pistol closer to his chest with his left hand, and spinning his verdant blade into the open with his right. His saber arced forward, ahead of the pistol, and settled into a long guard centered on his chest to defend against returning fire.

Kathreveris. Sister.

He continued to pool the force around himself, making a miniature whirlwind of energy from the build up, keeping it poised and ready for a defensive or offensive maneuver even as he stood his ground, ready to pounce and join his fellow Jedi if she started getting overwhelmed. She probably had the skills to hold her own against these two, but the Pureblood was a mountain of muscle that could tear through them both on his own, without the aide of the Force. And from everything he'd heard, any Vahla were extremely lethal warriors with anything and everything they got their hands on. What's worse, they had potential hostages now, though the Captain seemed to have no idea how bad of a situation he found himself in. Staring his half-sister down hard, he kept the saber up and gritted his teeth, his eyes becoming thinner and veiled. She'd tried to kill Aliyah almost immediately after finding out about her existence, but she still didn't know anything about him. But, if the Order was half correct, he did look like their father. She might put two and two together on her own, if he hadn't begun to yell with his Jedi friend.

"KATHRY! Look, I get you and Venatus had your differences, but you're really going to side with the ones that killed him?! I thought you held yourself to a code of honor, and I can tell you defending our father's killers isn't exactly on the goodie-goodie list.

Come home. You have a family waiting for you, a real family. Don't you want that? Just... once?"

 

[Zazai Ta'Resh]

He turned around as the woman began yelling, saber already in his hand, igniting into a red glow. She had given up any advantage she had by yelling for the whole world to hear from the far edge of the clearing, surely no one was that dumb. Unless she wasn't alone. As she finished her speech, he could already feel and see her gathering energy around her.

Thats, when he saw the second intruder exiting the woods somewhat behind the first attacker, quickly moving, blaster aimed at Kathry. As the Jedi's last word escaped her mouth, Zazai flicked a hand, the Force wrapping around the foolish Jedi's throat in a tight grip and yanking her towards his right as the blaster from the second attacked sounded. (@Faded Truth)

It was a shame she had wasted her precious breath on pointless words and would now find herself with no supply of air. The sudden lack of air, constriction of her neck and painful jerking motion on her neck would break any concentration causing what she had planned to fail or make any attack against him miss. The Pantaren Jedi would find herself in the direct line of fire of the blaster shots and in no position to block the attacks from behind and wide open to attack from his partner.

With his free hand, he gripped the neck of the ship's first mate who was still trembling beside her, placing her between himself and the attackers. "Cooperate and you just may find yourself Captain at the end of this." he whispered as he continued to crush the Jedi's throat.

 

[Kathry Van Alasdaire]

-Tangled Earth-​

Oh, WHAT NOW?!

She wheeled on her feet hard, her eyes crackling with a renewed and melancholy flaming glow. They almost spat out jets of fumes, it was such a sudden onset of the coldest and most infuriating frustration. Jedi. Of all the places they could pick to interfere, they had chosen to come here and attempt to ruin her day. But what the blue skinned Jedi spat out of her mouth almost drove Kathry to full blown maniacal laughter, but she instead tilted her head sideways and grinned wide and menacingly. If they wanted to play at being warriors, they could join their pathetic Jedi "heroes" in the ground, rotting in the darkest depths of the Pit for all eternity. That this weakling felt it was her place to question a Sith's presence anywhere was among the most amusing of superegos she'd encountered thus far. What's better was how serious the woman sounded when she shouted out the command, as though the Captain would just throw up his arms and accept the Jedi's aide with undying gratitude.

Not the most subtle choice, but I cannot argue with the results. I didn't expect this to turn out so swimmingly. A chance for Kathry, Chosen of Vahla, to prove her worth.

Even as Zazai's grip began to coil through the veil of darkness and take shape to his will, Kathry lashed out with a kinetic manipulation of her own in tandem with the attack of her partner, seizing the Jedi's wrist (the one used to reach for her saber) and wrenching it hard, gently moving her hand in a twisting and jerking motion, causing the girl's wrist to follow suit. The result would be a wet and meaty pop and a sudden sensation of incredible pain as the Jedi's wrist shattered, unable to defend against both attacks simultaneously. Only furthering her admiration for the Pureblood, Zazai's ingenuity did not stop there, as an oddly familiar figure darted from the wooded area and charged at them headlong, blaster in hand. The Pantoran Jedi would be moved directly into the path of both incoming projectiles, but Kathry had regardless taken a sidestep to avoid the stun rounds should they pass. It was the sorceress' instinctive nature to avoid incoming attacks, and firing while on the move - no matter your grip - played havoc with hip-firing. Her venomous reply would come mere miliseconds after the Jedi completed her long winded speech.

"That shall be your epitaph, Jedi."

This boy did look eerily familiar to her, as though she knew him from another time. But as he roared her name in full challenge, she understood. She had a brother, one that had been hidden from her, no doubt to keep him safe. And now, the young fool had presented himself to the High Priestess. He was hurting, in pain, and he was afraid. When Arhena mentioned their father's death, however, her heart grew slightly colder. She had intended to try and turn Venatus back to her side, or failing in that she would have killed him herself. It was a family matter, and she grew only further enraged by the audacity of the kill. That had been her blood to take, she would find the ones responsible and deal with them in kind. Drawing her own pistol with practiced efficiency, she leveled it at her brother's head, grabbing the Captain from behind in a headlock. She would use him as a shield, and aim over his shoulder, her slender frame almost fully covered from both potential angles of attack.

"So... the old man is finally dead. You look like him... and sound like him. I have an alternative offer for you, little brother. I know you are Vahla, at least in part, and I know you hear the calling of the darkness, begging for you to surrender to it's power. Why deny what is yours by birthright?! Together, we can take our rightful place as Gods, wielding the powers of the cosmos!!

...And we can both finally have the family we so desperately desire. The Sith are not evil, we are necessary evolution, and those who cling to the old ways shall be swept aside. Look within, you know what I speak is true."

@Faded Truth @Aurius Pheonix

 

[Arhena Espaa]

He supposed if everything was to go to hell immediately, he was pleased he had decided to come.

Thrash, though a brave Shadow, seemed to have placed herself in a situation that could basically be described as death, with some more death on top of that death. However, he was not only present and for the most part ignored, he had been building and coalescing his energies since he had spied the Sith. First, it had been to sheathe himself defensively, second he had begun to draw the power of the Light outwards and solidifying it. And finally, he would strike with the full brunt of the power he had at his command. Kathry (@TheMorrigan), even as she attempted to speak her little piece about her funeral or something, and far before she managed to release those shady lies about the darkness and all that, would feel an impact strike her solar plexus with the force of a speeder at full swing.

He expended all the centered energy then and there, intent on sending his half-sister back and away from the hostages, before she could twist her wrist or grab a shield to hide behind. It would break her concentration, no matter how hard she attempted to prevent it, rendering her grip on Thrash's wrist null. If she did decide to continue and attempt the snap, the impact would break just a few ribs, and if she did nothing at all it might lacerate internal organs as well. The icing on the cake was the simple fact that the Solar Plexus caused any humanoid being to keel over when struck, no matter how little power he wanted to put into it. The involuntary reflex would be enough to shatter her concentration as well, too focused on snuffing out his partner to bother being concerned about him.

Let's see how you like a taste of your own medicine!​

Immediately, he began to move and close the distance between Thrash and himself, keeping his emerald saber guarded and at the ready, and his pistol prepared to fire off rounds at anyone stupid enough to clash blades with him. He didn't come here to kill, but he wouldn't let a friend get hurt, that was out of the question. The Sith had made a glaring error when they wrote off the barrier forming around him as though it had only been for protection. The golden rule when dealing with any Jedi was not to push them into action, and it seemed neither had received the memo. It looked like class was back in session.

Well, come on then. You want a Jedi? Right here. Come and get me.

@Faded Truth

 

[Thrash]

.

Thrash was a young jedi, vigorous and at often times too brash for her own good. Perhaps attempting this charge upon the Sith was ill-conceived or even outright foolish. Regardless, she was zealous with conviction and hatred for those who worshiped evil's might.

She went off on her rant, her force energies focusing into her hand as they had begun to gather soon before she even ventured into the clearing. The purity of her power flowed seamlessly through her but unfortunately her tantalizing dialogue was cut short. She felt the cold, unwelcoming darkness clasp around her throat. Breath muffled as the Sith focused his energy to void her of air. As she felt the tug on her neck, she immediately retaliated with gathered defenses. As she was in range to fall victim to his abilities, he was in hers as well. She tossed up her left arm and hurled the blast of energy to pierce his veil of darkness, smashing a force push aimed to sweep Zazai off his feet and onto the arse that required much needed spanking. (@Raydo ). The timing would be coincidentally in concert with Arhena's telekinetic blast aimed at Kathry, meaning that whatever effects the Sith had planned for her wrist would likely be nullified.

As the force energy was released from her left hand, it went to the blaster revolver at her waist, the distance between them roughly 20-25 meters and within optimal range of the sidearm. Trigger was pulled carefully, aiming to hit him at his lower extremities following the energy blast (@Raydo). Since he was already committed to the force grip on her, he would have difficulty in avoiding both attacks and thus breaking concentration on her throat. This would in fact save her from the stun bolts that were coming, as the disruption of his force hold would occur prior to her being in trajectory of being hit, her body rolling into a crouch as saber came to float horizontal in front of her, preparation for their defense.
@TheMorrigan @Aurius Pheonix

 

[Zazai Ta'Resh]

To her credit, the Jedi mustered the last of her energy in a final defense even as she was hauled from her feet, force clamping down her throat and placing her in the stun bolts path. The three stun bolts slammed into her lower back as she released her last stored energy at the same time her partner attacked the female Sith with his own Force attack.


Her armor would provide some protection but her body would succumb to unconsciousness given the focused area of fire and amount of bolts her friend had fired. Her hand never reaching the blaster as her body convulsed.


The Force blast, while greatly diminished due to her faltering concentration from the electrical shocks was still enough to break his concentration cause hiking to release his choke as it knocked him backward. He rolled with the Force, coming to his feet, lightsaber in a defensive position. The blast had been impressive and spoke to the tenacity of the unconscious Jedi.


With another flick of the wrist, he pulled the limp body away from remaining Jedi toward himself and pulled his blaster, pointing it at the unconscious Jedi. “You have attacked us while unprovoked. Throw down your weapons and surrender and your friend will live to see another day.”

 

[Kathry Van Alasdaire]

-Tangled Earth-​

She released an echoing growl as an impact struck her chest, dampened by a hastily thrown force defense. It nonetheless stunned her for a moment, as the pathetic girl was struck by the blasts. She had attempted to drop and release the grip, but by the time she'd succeeded the rounds had already struck her, having been fired long before she was held aloft. Delicious trickery, that would haunt the young one for some time, may even drive him to the rage she so wanted to see. He had her blood in his veins, she knew he could become a powerful ally. She could not turn her father, but this one was youthful, foolish and inexperienced. The other had conflict in her heart. Together, a fatal combination. Her voice was animalistic, her eyes growing wider and feral as she began to snarl out each syllable through the dulling pain in her chest. The blow wasn't what had angered her, it was the sheer gall of the attack.

"Impudent little whelp!"

Zazai, however, seemed to have a different approach in mind. She longed to teach this boy a lesson in humility, to shatter his hopes until there was nothing left tying him to the pathetic Order he called home... but this seemed not to be the time. While his partner was threatened, the Jedi was vulnerable, which meant she was in a strong position to incite feelings of the deepest hatred and anger. She thought on what she could take, what she could pry away from him that was precious, even to the lifestyle of a Jedi... something that he would most certainly try and retrieve. And then, as a malicious smile crossed her lips, she remembered.

My Sith brethren feel kindred spirits with their weapon, serving as an extension of their will. I have no doubt the Jedi have similar attachments...

This would do so much more than a defeat could ever cause. It would wound his pride, his image in the face of his fellow Jedi, and slowly begin to bend his mind to obey. He would find it simpler if this choice were to repeat itself, normalizing the process was only the beginning. If he tried anything, anything even the slightest out of line, both Jedi would suffer a slow and excruciating torture. She could turn them both with ease, assuming Zazai did not place a bolt in their foreheads. It would be wasteful, but his decisions were his own and he had the right to kill his enemies, regardless of her plans. There was no point for needless division here.

"Otherwise, this will become most unpleasant. The lightsaber. Bring. It. To. Me."

@Faded Truth @Aurius Pheonix

 

[Arhena Espaa]

"Unprovoked? You've killed by the score, Sithspawn-"

Arhena stopped short. This is exactly what they wanted. He was angry, he wanted nothing more than to lash out and take them both on. Even on his own, he had enough skills to survive, maybe even take one of them out with him before he died. But he'd be sacrificing another Jedi and himself for nothing but petty vengeance. That wasn't what he'd been taught. The fight was over, they'd lost this time around. If he put down his weapons, they might both die. But at worst, he had the force, which he began to discreetly wrap around himself defensively again. If he was attacked, he'd have-

What did you just say?!

His eyes snapped towards Kathry, both questioning and wired. She wanted him to do what?! Hand over his lightsaber, personally. He dropped the blaster easily enough, but his saber? He could make another one, that wasn't the point of this and he knew it. Handing her this weapon gave her the satisfaction of knowing she'd beaten him completely, trying to ruin his pride. But little did she realize that his pride was small, smaller than anyone his age, because he was a Jedi through and through. Unlike those inducted, he'd chosen to live the life of somebody who lived without self and sacrificed everything fighting for the will of the Force and the people it helped create. He would not be broken by something as petty as this.

"Here's your prize. Keep it in good condition for me, I might want it back."

He slowly walked up the hill as he spoke, each word cold but calm. He didn't waver, he didn't look afraid, and although he was afraid for his ally he wasn't exactly afraid of death. He had heard enough stories as a kid to know that whatever came after was a lot more pleasant that what he got now. He needed to get Thrash out, that was all, and whatever was required to do that he'd do. He didn't hand the saber to her, however, and instead placed it on the ground a few feet from the unconscious Pantoran. Keeping his hands at his sides, never taking his eyes off his sister but keeping the Pureblood in his peripherals, Arhena waited patiently.

"Well, am I to get her and leave? Or is this your big glorious day to snuff me out?"

@Raydo @TheMorrigan