Ask Coruscant Easy Isn't Always Simple

[Severus Creed]

What a boring patrol.

Nonetheless, Severus was very excited to spend some time on Coruscant and relished at the opportunity given to them by an older Jedi Knight who wanted to run a simple patrol through the streets. With the tensions in the Senate around Force users and the sacking of the Jedi Order from the Senate, Severus thought it would have been a good idea to show that they were still willing to protect the good people of the galaxy by patrolling the planet that had offered the idea of kicking out the Jedi from the Senate.

Even if it was just a political ploy, it was still an opportunity for Severus to explore the other worlds without having to sneak off to do so. There had been several times where Severus had snuck away from Yavin IV to visit other planets to collect plants for his greenery or to learn more about different animals and creatures as well. Severus knew how much trouble he'd get into for something so petty, so he had slowly began to stop the habit, but now it was perfectly okay for him to be elsewhere other than the Jedi Temples on Yavin IV.

As he walked back to the shuttle on a less busy landing platform, a large crowd had passed by and Severus had to fight his way through- he felt something missing. Someone touched something...Where's my lightsaber?! Severus panicked as he felt for his once present crossgaurd lightsaber. He looked back at the crowd searching and scanning for his beloved companion and spotted an Ugnaught holding his silver durasteel hilt with dark brown Mudhorn hide wrapping around the handle. It smiled deviously as it examined the weapon before scurrying off.

"Hey!" Severus called at the small alien, who jumped and hurried his pace down a less busy alleyway. He raced past a few other returning Padawans, fighting the crowd again, until he ran into- "...Clove?" He muttered to himself as he rubbed his now aching nose, which had barreled into the other Padawan's forehead. "Gah...Uh, sorry- Tell the Master I'll be running late. A pig snatched my saber..." He said quickly before dashing off into the alleyway after the Ugnaught.

@LilyNion

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

---

Coruscant. A planet Clove did not like.

Coruscant didn't have anything wrong with it, but it embodied a sense of... uncomfiness. Buildings, factories, plumes of smoke and air speeders could be seen everywhere she looked. And that's not even getting into the lower streets of Coruscant, which radiated misery. It must have been one of her least favorite planets.

And yet she was there, joining the patrols. Clove disliked Coruscant, but she disliked the galaxy's view of the Jedi even more. So when the opportunity to give back to the galaxy arose, she jumped at it and accepted the offer right away. She joined the group of medics and healers and set out to go to the slums and less fortunate areas to provide first aid.

Her first run went as well as expected; the civilians' conditions were harrowing, and there were many who needed help; some needed as little as a blanket or a clean bottle of water, while others required immediate medical attention. And by the time they finished their first run, her mind was raw and exhausted.

So she eagerly followed her group to the landing platform, past one of the prettier alleyways, where they'd take a heavenly sounding break and eat some lunch before continuing on to the second round.

The crowd became restless before the half-Sephi made it to the table, with several civilians and Jedi stepping to the left and right as if avoiding something. An Ughnaught dashed past her, looking panicked and leaving her bewildered. He dashed away as if he had left his oven on. That'd be a terrible thing to happen, especially in Coruscant, where house fires were no laughing matter. That's when a tall figure rushed up to the short Jedi and collided with her. Her head hit the man's upper chest and lower throat, sending her backward in a stumble. Clove's large brown eyes widened as she looked up at the figure, only to realize it was Severus.

Sugar.

Out of everyone, it was the one Jedi who managed to awaken her fears without even trying. She had begun to avoid him on the temple grounds solely for that reason. It wasn't out of malice; the boy couldn't help it. She just simply wasn't ready to face him after the beach party. And now he stood right in front of him, her face imprinted on his chest.

And, of course, the first thing he said made her chew on the inside of her cheek. She didn't like thieves, and she didn't like it when people called others a pig. Most people start stealing because they need money, not because they enjoy it. To make matters worse, it didn't take a genius to figure out he was chasing the Ughnaught, a species known to be called pigs because of their snouts and tusks.

Severus had already bolted before Clove could respond. She stared at his back, conflicted; on the one hand, she wasn't exactly jumping at the idea of helping the Jedi who creeped her out and openly called a porcine species a pig. But, on the other hand, she couldn't just abandon him. The right thing to do would have been to help him.

She sighed and returned her gaze to the group of Jedi who were waiting for her. "Tell the Jedi that Severus and I will be back in a moment. In case something goes wrong, I have my comlink with me! We're not going very far, and if we do, I'll let you know!" She told them before chasing the running Jedi. "Severus! Wait, I'll help!"

---

Tag @Charles ​

 

[Severus Creed]

Severus continued his pursuit towards the runt who continued to scurry away towards the other end of the alleyway that exited to a bustling city street that the Ugnaught could easily hide away in. Severus wouldn't allow that to happen. "STOP! Do you know who you're messing with? I am a Jedi! If you return my ligthsaber, I might consider refraining from giving you to the authorities." It was a lie, of course. Severus had no intention of letting the miscreant get away with such a petty crime.

The Ugnaught only sneered and continued running away- The audacity this pig had to steal the lightsaber to a Jedi and continue to ran away, regardless of the fact that Severus was almost upon him. But, something strange swirled around the Ugnaught, like the Force was warning him. Why would Severus give up the chase? There was no need to stop, so he didn't and reached out with the Force, pulling the Ugnaught towards him.

The Ugnaught was sprawled on the ground, knocked out of breath and confused. Severus stepped on his small forearm that was holding his saber- but when he stooped down to take his companion back into his hands, the Ugnaught slipped something into his other hand and the Dark Side plagued Severus like a stroke.

"Careful with that," Taunted the alien. "It's been through hell- you would know, wouldn't you, Snivelus?"

Severus opened his eyes right back in his old home under the beautiful city streets of Coruscant and it's revolting Underworld. Flashes, like a fever dream, of his past raced before him- Sev let go of what was in his hand and let it clang to the floor. A ring...No...his ring. The Crimson Dawn crest plastered across the bronzium ring made Severus want to puke. However, he held his stomach as he realized the true gravity of the situation.

What ruined his thought process were the pleas coming from Clove, the girl that had indirectly gotten him thrown into a lake. He appreciated her apology greatly, but never got the chance to express it- it seemed she wanted nothing to do with him after the incident. Severus only felt guilt when he thought, looked at, or heard her voice or name. He had no hard feelings towards the girl and only continued to...admire? Maybe that was a better word for the time being.

Severus stood up but didn't face the half-Sephi. "I...I don't need your assistance. I need to do this by myself. Uh...This was my home before Yavin. I know it like the back of my hand. I'll be alright." When he did finally turn to face her, his scarred face only reflected confusion and worry. Not his normal ambitious and cold glare. The last thing Severus wanted was for pure and innocent Clove Vanhoop to get meddled into his past- let alone face his literal breathing demons of his past. She didn't need to get involved- Crimson Dawn wanted Severus Curss back, not Severus Creed and friends.

@LilyNion

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

---

When Clove arrived at Severus's side, he was sitting on the ground, his hand curled around his belly. He looked as if he was about to vomit his breakfast and then collapse onto the ground while screaming bloody murder, if she had to be honest. Thankfully, he didn't, and instead rose to his feet with his back turned to her.

When he finally turned around to face her, he told her some of the biggest baloney she'd ever heard. Some heroic story about being fine on his own and not needing any assistance, all while looking confused and very concerned. She was certain that if she let him go alone, he'd end up dead or perhaps even worse.

And even after everything that had happened, she couldn't let him go through that. Not alone.

"Well. I don't agree. I don't mean to offend you, but you look as if you've just seen a Sith spawn from the chaos realm. I'm not going to let you go alone." Her eyes and the tone of her high-pitched voice both indicated that she would not take no for an answer. Before Severus could respond, she grabbed his wrist and began to run in the direction of the crowd yelling something about 'be careful!' and 'watch your steps.'

It was a dead giveaway that someone was fleeing. And that can only be the Ugnaught.

"Come on, he's going north! Lead the way, you know Coruscant, right?!" She told him this while running as fast as she could through the crowd.

---

Tag @Charles ​

 

[Severus Creed]

Severus was quite taken aback by Clove's eagerness to help- wasn't she afraid of him? Didn't she try to avoid him because he was Severus Creep? He wouldn't have been surprised if the half-Sephi's boy-toy started that terribly unoriginal insult. He shook himself back to focusing on the present as Clove suddenly grabbed him by the wrist and pushed him in front of her to lead the way.

"Uh..yes I do. I just...just told you that- He's heading for...Clove- Stop!" He ripped his arm free from her grip and stopped. He knew where the Ugnaught was going and he wouldn't take her there. He wouldn't take anyone there. He was fast enough that he could catch up the Ugnaught and catch him before he made his way into the underbelly of Coruscant. "You...at least deserve to know who stole my saber." He placed the cursed ring in her hands and hoped she didn't dare use psychometry on it. He flipped it upright so it flaunted the glistening crest of Crimson Dawn, his eyes studying her with a curious look before he left after the thief.

Sev then continued his pursuit, the Ugnaught was heading for the elevator shafts that led to the lower levels of the city planet. Severus was faster and probably, hopefully, more physically capable than the Ugnaught- which proved to be more and more correct as Severus was gaining on the pig yet again! This time he wasn't going to be complacent. This time-

Severus lurched to the side as a stack of crates nearly crushed him and almost fell off the walkway and down into the seemingly endless caverns that acted as streets for airspeeders and hoverbikes. He regained his balance and continued forward- that was one sly trick the pig had come up with, but it would be the last! Hopefully! Severus really wanted this to be the last!

The Ugnaught was approaching an empty elevator, Severus right on his tail- this would be close. Severus had to dive forward, attempting to tackle the Ugnaught as they both entered the elevator.

Severus picked up his lightsaber and ignited it, keeping the edge of his crossgaurd blade level with the alien's throat in case he tried anything stupid. That included closing the elevator, which was still open and awaiting someone to press a button- which wouldn't be happening under the Padawan's watch. All he had to do was wait for the authorities and he could finally go home.

"See? Caught you all by my lonesome." He said to himself as if Clove were there. He was right! Sev didn't need her. She didn't need him. Severus's face saddened a bit at that thought. He had wanted to find a way to admire her more openly, but this was not the scenario they were to bond over.

@LilyNion

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

---

Clove had a sheepish expression on her face as she stared at the ring. She had no knowledge of Coruscant or any of its symbols. Or, for that matter, any organization symbol. But Sev was dead serious about it, so she assumed it meant something bad. "Well. Thank you for showing me, Severus." She said it with sincerity in her voice. Because, while the half-Sephi had no idea what it meant, he was being open and honest about it. And that meant a great deal to her.

Sev turned around and began chasing the Ugnaught without saying anything else. Clove quickly corrected her leather bag around her shoulder and set chase after the two of them. Unfortunately, despite her natural agility and lightness on her feet, she didn't know Coruscant well enough to maneuver around as effectively as the other two, and she started to fall behind. Nonetheless, she never lost sight of Sev's back.

Clove arrived a few seconds after Sev had tackled the Ugnaught and retrieved his lightsaber, all within the elevator. She came to a halt behind the Padawan, panting slightly, and just barely heard him say something about being able to do it on his own. "Way to go, Sev." She said with a faint smile while leaning forward and resting her hand on her thighs. "Gee, you two ran a lot."

The half-Sephi took in a deep breath to collect herself. "All right, I'm going to call in the law enforcers, okay?"

---

Tag @Charles ​

 

[Severus Creed]

Severus deactivated his saber after Clove arrived. He nodded his head and smiled slightly, "Good. Now this thief won't be stealing anything any longer." He turned to face the creature that attempted something so petty. Now they were probably going to get a lecture from the Jedi Knight about 'Lightsabers are your Life' and all that jazz. However, the Ugnaught still smiled and chuckled to himself like a devious little devil.

"What's so funny? You looking forward to life behind bars? I bet the inmates will love pork chop." Severus glared at the Ugnaught who only continued to laugh, only slightly harder this time. Then, like a wave of rushing water blowing past Sev's face, he felt the Dark Side- not murderous intent, but of torture and anguish. It wasn't the Ugnaught however, but something beneath them- it was far but Severus could sense it searching for the black-clad Padawan...and it felt...familiar.

In a flash of movement, Severus reactivated his lightsaber as the Ugnaught drew a blaster, cutting the blaster in half as it fired and then he swung down on top of the Ugnaught's shoulder, severing the pig's arm. Severus turned his attention to Clove who he thought was the original target. "Are you okay??" He asked worriedly, checking to see if she was injured. Then, to Sev's surprise, the elevator doors slammed shut and he felt the gears activated, pulling the elevator down into the depths of Coruscant.

Severus reeled on the screaming pig, holding his orange saber at the Ugnaught's throat. "What are you planning? Why do your people want me? I'm a Jedi now! I don't want any part of Crimson Dawn!" But the pig's screams turned into maddened laughter. "Oh, Snivelus...Heheheh...You just did me wonders for my promotion! You brought a friend along with you and now he will have two Force sensitives to brain wash!! What fun!!! HAAAAHahaahahahaha..." Severus grabbed the Ugnaught by his collar and slammed his back into the wall of the descending elevator.

"You will not touch her." He spat. Severus looked back at Clove with an expression mixed with worry, confusion, and sorrow.

"I'm so...sorry."

@LilyNion

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

---

A lot happened in a flash; before she could exit the elevator to call for help, the thief began to giggle in a disturbing manner. Severus responded with yet another extremely questionable remark, and silence fell for a second. Or, well, it was difficult to call it silence, given the Ugnaught's laughter. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, a sensation she'd only felt once before brushed past her body. It was bone-chillingly cold, but not in the way that makes you want to curl up with a warm blanket and a cup of hot chocolate. No. It was in a way that made you want to flee for your life or freeze and cower in a corner, ready to give up.

It was the Dark side.

And it wasn't aimed for her.

The situation worsened when the Ughnaught suddenly drew his blaster and tried to fire at them. Severus acted quickly, slicing through the blaster. But even though the Jedi was quick, a bolt swirled to Clove. While the half-Sephi wasn't expecting an attack, the feeling of the Dark side circling them made her more nervous than a Porg facing a hungry Rancor. Her jump was triggered by the tiniest movement, and the blaster shot was just that. As a result, she nimbly danced to the right, the bolt missing her arm by a fraction of an inch. Then, with a downward swoop, Severus severed the Ugnaught's arm. She hesitated to respond for a moment, taking in the sight of the severed arm and the terrifying Darkside that never left them. "... Oh, yes. I'm fine."

Before she could decide whether Severus was more aggressive than Thelian, the elevator behind her slammed shut, causing Clove to yelp in surprise. The gears squealed to life, and she was struck by the slightly unsettling sensation of her stomach dropping due to the change in elevation of the elevator. They were descending into the lower levels of Coruscant.

Wait. Brainwash?

Where the sugar did Severus come from? Because the Ugnaught clearly knew him, and Severus himself was less than subtle.

Severus met the half-stressed Sephi's brown eyes just as he began to apologize for dragging them into this mess. As frustrated as she was at him and his behavior, it wasn't his fault, and it wouldn't have been fair to stay mad at him. So she sighed, nervously biting the inside of her cheek. "It's okay. Let's just try to stay calm and... erhm... find our way out once the elevator door opens. If no one is waiting for us, that is."

Clove closed her eyes as she leaned against one of the walls. She needed to mentally prepare herself if she was going to get through this without having another breakdown, one that she felt gnawing on the side of her mind. While the dark side wasn't as intimidating or choking as Raze's, it was enough to remind her of that day, and that was exactly what she needed to avoid. Clove's master, Crix, had taught her a few tricks for staying calm in such high-pressure situations, such as meditation, and that's exactly what she was going to do.

Her heartbeat began to slow as she concentrated solely on her breathing and the sound of the door. She trusted Severus enough to protect her from the Ugnaught, and he was on the verge of killing the thief anyway, so she was content to block the two of them out of her mind for the time being. She inhaled deeply through her nose, imagining a wave of blossom petals entering her mind and bringing her light. And exhaled deeply through her mouth, imagining black smoke filled with fear, frustration, and sadness leaving her body.

It wouldn't be as good as a meditation on Yavin IV, soaked in the Lightside, and she didn't have the time for a long and deep meditation, but she felt somewhat prepared when the sound of the door opening alerted her to open her eyes.

---

Tag @Charles ​

 

[Severus Creed]

Severus let go of the Ugnaught who stopped chuckling but continued to smile maliciously, as if he was tempting Sev to cut his other arm off. Clove had taken a seat, Severus sensed the Force flowing a little wildly around her at first, but as she took time to breath, her sensed her stress die down a bit. A pang of guilt shot through the boy- he hadn't wanted any of this to happen. He thought he had won the day after he grabbed his lightsaber back, but then everything literally went downwards from there.

Severus took a seat in front of her, "I'm sorry for freaking out. I...I know you don't like me all that much, so I appreciate you deciding to help me. I still...probably...should've told you stay out of it, however. Then you wouldn't be in this mess." Severus said solemnly. He rubbed the back of his black hair a bit as he wasn't sure if talking to her would upset her at all.
"Is it my clothes?"That thought hadn't come to him before, and he actually found it a bit amusing, a slight smile spreading across his face.

"Black suits me, I think...Others think it's weird, but nothing else seems to go very well with my hair." He explained, but his smile died as the elevator stopped moving and the despicable Ugnaught began laughing again.

The doors slowly creaked open, but stopped half way with a few sparks spazzing out every now and then. That Ugnaught hit the control panel pretty good. Speaking of the Ugnaught- he was gone. Then when Severus stood up, he realized his lightsaber was gone as well! He wanted to say all of the swear words, but he remembered he was with Clove and didn't want to upset her anymore than she already was.

However, the Dark Side emanated again, stopping Severus before he could run outside the elevator.

Severus could see the Ugnaught scurry down the ominously empty street to a figure garbed in black wearing the same red and whit skull-mask Severus saw on Taris. This was the same Sith he had bested during the Battle of Taris...and he didn't die as Severus had though he had. He was standing in front of a ledge that led off into the busy streets of Coruscant.

"Rha'go! Rha'go! I brought the kid!! And his saber!!" The Ugnaught exclaimed as he handed the Sith Sev's crossgaurd hilt.
"It seems you brought a friend along with him..." The Sith spoke coldly, his words laced with venom.
"Yes, sir! Now I can get double payment- starting we my arm! The lousy kid cut it off."
"You fool!" The Sith ignited Severus's lightsaber as he choked the Ugnaught with the Force, raising him off the ground.
"We only needed the boy...and now we have another witness. As for your arm, I think the boy missed his original target."
The Sith hissed before bringing in the Ugnaught closer with the Force, decapitating the thief with one stroke of the orange bladed lightsaber.

Severus felt a mixture between confusion, anger, fear, and guilt as he watched everything unfold. Then, the Sith's cold glare- rivaling Sev's -slowly shifted to the boy who stood alone at the entrance of the elevator. "Hello again Severus Creed- or was it Curss? I can't seem to remember." The voice cooed, followed by a vile chuckle. Severus clenched his fists, slowly taking a few steps outside, "It's Creed now. That life is behind me- you're behind me." Sev stared down the opposing Force wielder.

"Hm...I believe I'm in front of you now, aren't I?" The Sith chuckled again. "What do you want? I beat you on Taris, and I'll beat you again." Severus shot back, only to receive more laughter from the Dark Side user, who whipped out another hilt similar to that of a Katana, then ignited a long and thin broadsword saber that perfectly went with the hilt.

"I have no intention of killing you, Severus. You see...When you defeated me, my own lightsaber that you kept- the Force knows what you've been doing with it now -now longer answers to me. You have become it's new master- which intrigued me after my fatal fall into the lower levels of that damnable city. You, a Jedi, got a kyber crystal that has been violently bled, to answer to you." Rha'go Dominus explained. Guilt overcame the boy as he closed his eyes to silence the caged monster inside him- there was a method...a dark secret Severus kept as to how he truly bested the Sith. He tapped into the Dark Side, only for a few seconds, but he still used his anger and passion to give him more power in his duel. More power than the Sith Champion had thought the Padawan would've ever had. Then, as the Sith continued to underestimate the Padawan, Severus used that pride and turned it in on itself, resulting in Severus's victory.

"Then it occurred to me that you weren't as much a Jedi as everyone- including yourself -seems to think you are. You fight it, but I sense the monster only getting angrier and angrier. Let it out, you blathering fool. Fight me with your passion and anger- your fear that you won't make it out alive. Every sane man fears death, Severus." Then Rha'go threw the orange bladed back to Severus, who caught it and stared at it's sunset colored blade. He couldn't believe what was happening. Rha'go was supposed to be dead. Severus wasn't sure what to do- then he remembered Cloves communicator device. He turned to tell her to call the authorities again but- "No one will hear your screams for help. Your only choice is to face me or die."

Severus froze, paralyzed by the overwhelming sense of doom that sent shivers down his spine. Then, one of the hinges to the cage popped off, but Severus remained calm and stared back at the Sith, deactivating his lightsaber. Severus sensed a mad obsession about the Sith- he couldn't kill the black-haired Padawan. He wouldn't allow Severus to die.

"No." Severus said defiantly. Then, the Sith's calm demeanor emanated rage so deep that it literally began to darken their surroundings on the street. "No?" Rha'go hissed back. "Then I'll take the girl instead."

Two Magna Guards dropped from the building to Sev's right, and fell behind the boy. Before Severus could react, one of them activated a electrostaff and jabbed Severus in the back. Cold searing pain convulsed his muscles as he yelled in pain. The droids began attacking relentlessly on the boy who turned to face them, but couldn't press them forward. Eventually they were able to corner the boy against a wall, allowing Rha'go a straight shot for the elevator.

"NO!" Severus cried out as he watched Rha'go approach the elevator, red blade ignited at his side ready for slaughter and slaughter alone.

He blocked a swing from one of the droids, but quickly block another. The speed these droids had made it almost impossible for Severus to counter attack- he needed to be faster, but he wasn't sure if he could match both of the droids at once- there had to be a way for him to single one of the twins out so he could face one of the droids alone. That was the only way he would be able to fell them fast enough for him to get rid of Rha'go as well.

"I don't think we've had the pleasure of meeting, little lady. I am Rha'go Dominus- your executioner." Rha'go cooed coldly as he continued to approach the elevator, stopping a few feet from the entrance, crimson blade at the ready.

@LilyNion

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

---

Clove couldn't meditate for long before the voice of Severus speaking directly to her interrupted her, despite her best efforts to ignore the world around her. The half-Sephi allowed herself to open her eyes and look at Severus, who was no longer holding the thief, while focusing most of her attention on her breathing. "Severus, I... I don't dislike you. Don't get me wrong: I think you're crude," And boy was he bad at socializing, "But you don't have bad intentions. That is why I decided to help you."

She then began to giggle for a brief moment as she gazed at his black robes. "It complements your dark hair. However, a stunning dark blue jacket would look fantastic on you. But, uh, uhm. How to say this..." Clove averted her gaze for a moment, clearly thinking. She despised saying any of this aloud, mostly because she was still struggling to accept the scars that would never heal. But, if they were going to face hell itself, they might as well be honest with each other. Plus, she didn't like the fact that he blamed himself for the majority of her problems. Sure, his demeanor didn't help, but he couldn't be blamed for his appearance. "While the black robes on your pale skin and dark hair are a stunning look, they remind me a lot of the Sith I encountered on Dantooine. It's not your fault, obviously. You are just trying to be fashionable, in which you succeed. But you are a visible reminder of my mistakes that day. And that's something I'm still working on."

The elevator came to a halt with a creaking protest before she could say anything else, and the hissing of the doors reached her twitching ears not long after. Sparks flew around the cramped room and the elevator doors refused to fully open. The Ugnaught then escaped.

She remained silent and began scanning the elevator with her eyes. The usual escape hatch was at the top of the elevator, but she had no idea how tightly it was secured in place. Still, it meant a way out if the worst happened.

Severus had risen to his feet, and as he approached the half-open doors, the sound of the Ughnaught and a strange man talking piqued her interest enough for her to lean closer to the exit and peek past one of the two doors. She couldn't see much, just the back of the Ughnaught and a distant figure she assumed to be a Sith, thanks to the bone-chilling Darkside that had only grown stronger. That assumption was confirmed when the Ugnaught's head rolled off his frame and landed with a loud and somewhat fleshy thud on the ground.

Clove leaned back against the wall, her arms trembling, and covered her mouth with both hands. It was all she could do to avoid screaming. Sugar. Sugar sugar, babbling baboons on a bicycle.

Clove overheard the conversation between Severus and the man while hiding and fighting back a panicked scream. Something about a Sith lightsaber, a kyber crystal, succumbing to fear and anger, and a monster that only grew angry? It was a lot, and now wasn't the time to question it. She needed to come up with a strategy. The elevator shaft was an excellent idea, but it would only work if Severus could join her. The underground city was difficult to navigate but also easy to hide in, so perhaps running past the Sith and fleeing was a reasonable solution. Clove's eyes lowered to the commlink on her wrist, allowing her trembling fingers to dance over the monitor. But before she could send the message to the Jedi she was in contact with, Severus' sudden scream caught her off guard and brought her back to her feet.

She came out of hiding and into the elevator entrance, where she saw Severus cornered and surrounded by two figures clad in armor and some fantastic capes. The man who had decapitated the Ughnaught now wielded the infamous red blade and had begun to approach her, eventually obscuring any other view and demanding focus. She couldn't look anywhere but at him. While fear coursed through her body, the brief meditation and conversation with Severus had calmed her down enough for her to stand her ground and observe the man closely without wanting to puke in a corner. Well, she still wanted to puke in a corner, but at the very least she was able to control herself.

The man was tall and stocky, like a typical fighter. That meant she couldn't win a strength-based battle. But it also meant there was a good chance she was faster and nimbler on her feet than him. Plus, she was incredibly short next to him, she could easily dance around him, especially now that she knew what she was doing thanks to dance lessons Crix got her to take. So, while she wouldn't beat him in strength, she could outmaneuver him.

The half-large Sephi's and innocent brown eyes gaze up at the Sith as she takes a deep breath to calm her nerves. "Hello Rha'go Dominus, my name is Clove." There's no need to tell a man like that her family name. "My executioner? Does that mean I'm going to die?" Her already large eyes grew even larger, her brows furrowed in a sad expression. Sure, it was a little over the top and somewhat dishonest, but she needed every advantage she could get if she was going to make it out of here alive. And thickening the image of her as an innocent 12-year-old would only help her. "But ... I don't want to die..." She responded in a higher-pitched tone. Her shivering hand, which was no act, snatched her training lightsaber from her belt and activated it next to her waist.

She avoided the fact that she had tried her hardest to use her lightsaber as little as possible since Dantooine, because she had no choice but to wield it now. Luckily, this meant that the training lightsaber was still set to the highest volt, not enough to sever any flesh but enough to leave a proper impact.

Now came the scariest part. Working based on assumptions.

See, the majority of the fighters were right-handed and they would frequently slash somewhat horizontally from left to right or right to left in combat. If they used Makashi, they'd jab forward or follow the same left-to-right pattern. That meant his lightsaber was unlikely to reach for his right leg. With that assumption in mind, she began to prepare for his inevitable attack. When it arrived, she waited until the last moment to lower her body as quickly as she could to the ground and used her crouch to slide towards his right leg and right underneath the lightsaber. She'd hopefully avoid any blades during the slide which brought her to his ankle and, as a result, his achilles tendon.

The half-Sephi finally came to a halt when she found herself awkwardly lying next to his feet, but that was fine. All she had to do was slash the man's achilles tendon with her training lightsaber before he could react. If she moved quickly enough, the training blade would make contact with his achilles tendon, sending a shock through it and causing a numb and stinging sensation to spread up his entire leg. While it wouldn't be as effective as completely severing the tendon, it would be enough to make walking more difficult for him.

She pushed her body forward into a roll to get away from his side and out of the elevator, regardless of whether her hit had landed or not. She rose to her feet, a little dizzy, and made a beeline as quickly as her agile feet could carry her to the guard closest to her. The half-Sephi nimbly leapt straight up its back while grasping its head with both hands, attempting to jank it backward so Severus could finish one of the two droids.

---

Tag @Charles ​

 

[Severus Creed]

Rha'go wasn't going to make the mistake of underestimating the power these children had. The last time he did that, he had lost his lightsaber and his forearms, which were now cybernetic ones similar to that of the droids fighting Severus off. His wrists could spin his blade in full and complete 360 degree circles which greatly improved his prowess in the form of Juyo.

The Sith Champion started his attack with quick and powerful diagonal swing, but the Padawan was prepared for it! She counter the attack and swung at his ankle, but his quick spinning wrists blocked the attack, but it was all a diversion for her to get enough time to jump on top of a now very confused Magna guard.
"Impressive." He complimented, reaching out for the girl with the Force.

---

Severus hated being on the defensive- especially when he couldn't even slide in a basic parry. All he could do was block attack, after attack, after attack, after attack- then, To Sev's surprise, Clove had jumped onto one of the droid's backs to which it jerked back and tried grabbing the girl off but to no avail. Severus took that moment to slash at the droids hip, which severed it half.

He couldn't stop thinking about what Clove had said to him on the elevator as he fought. He really did look like a Sith, now that he thought about it and his 'crude' manner probably didn't help as well. Maybe he'd take her up on that new outfit. Blue probably would've looked a lot more Jedi-like and would've been dark enough that he'd still be able to operate discreetly. Blue and grey- those would be his new colors if he survived this horrific endeavor with her.

The Dark Side swarmed around Rha'go, and Severus could feel him reach out for Clove. Severus darted after the black cloaked man but the second droid got in his way and began a relentless assault on the Padawan. Now that there was only one droid left he was able to catch the staff and pin it to the ground using the momentum from the droid's attack to keep it on the ground long enough for him to roll across it's back, swing upwards at it's neck in a reversed grip so Severus could hook the droid's head into the attack.

The attack went right through the droid, beheading it as planned, but Severus was too slow.

---

Rha'go grabbed hold of the girl and pulled her violently towards himself. "Your master taught you well. I wonder how he will feel after rolling your head across his doorstep." The Sith cooed. He was no longer going to play it nice with these kids- he was a Sith. He would be wise act like one.

He began his onslaught with diagonal cut coming from the left side up, then came down on her head, prepared to make a flurry of horizontal strokes aiming for her neck, then hip, then neck again with his long crimson broadsword blade. "Killing you will unleash the monster inside your friend- then I will be able to teach him to hone it as he did when he bested me on Taris. I was prideful then, but now I have the key to the cage he keeps himself in- that being yourself. Once you die, I will gain my new apprentice." He said in a hoarse whisper to the girl.

"Thank you for your sacrifice."

@LilyNion

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

---

The half-Sephi had no idea how the Sith's wrist angled to deflect a blade near his heel, but there was no time to question it; her nails dug into the droid with all her might, just long enough to give Severus the chance to turn the fight around. And he did it. For a split second, the droid's waistline smoked before splitting in two with a rain of sparkles.

Clove wanted to jump, but the sickening sensation of the Darkside wrapping around her body and pulling her towards the Sith stopped her. She had just enough time to turn around and notice the attacker's right arm rising into the air.

He was readying himself to slice her down.

Clove felt time slow down as the Force swirled around her body, warning her of the impending strike. She knew she couldn't break free from the Force Pull, which meant she'd have to face the Sith at a close distance. Because his arm was ready, his upper body was mostly unprotected by his weapon. And because of the Force Pull, she was whizzing through the air at an uncomfortably fast speed.

Then the image of Thelian flashed through her mind, and she knew exactly what to do.

Just as she was about to collide with the Sith, the half-Sephi snapped back into the present and swung her own blade into the air. She knew she didn't have the strength to properly parry his blade, but that wasn't why she did it; no, all she needed to do was keep the blade from slicing her head for just a second or two. While her lightsaber swung in the general direction of the Sith's, her left arm drew back for less than a second before releasing a punch straight into the Sith's throat. The pull's momentum gave her punch sickening power, launching her knuckles into whatever stood in its way.

Her entire body collided with the Sith, her knuckles slamming into his throat—much to the frustration of her own knuckles—and her lightsaber blocking most of the downwards strike. She made a point of extending her knee for good measure, hoping to send it somewhere in his guts with the help of the momentum created by the Sith himself.

---

Tag @Charles ​

 

[Severus Creed]

Rha'go swung down hard enough to disarm the young Padawan after her meager defense, but he somehow missed her secondary attack that him square in the throat. It totally took him off guard, grasping at his throat for air. The girl had also tried kneeing him in the gut, which would've been even more effective if he wasn't wearing Durasteel plating around his waist and lower back.

While holding his saber in his right hand and his neck with the other, he extended his own knee upward and then extended his leg into a powerful kick aiming for the girls head. After making contact, it would've confounded the young girl long enough for Rha'go to regain himself, as he was still sputtering and choking on his own air.

---

Severus watched as his companion shoved her fist into the man's throat- managing to throw him off! Severus froze out of astonishment and he smirked a bit while he watched. Then he shook himself off and hurried after the Sith Champion to assist Clove. Before making a move on Rha'go, the droid he decapitated was still swinging it's electrostaff at Severus. But, without it's head, Severus was able to move twice as faster as the droid, cutting in half diagonally from it's left shoulder to the right of it's hip.

Severus dashed ahead, holding his cross-guard with two hands this time. He slashed diagonally aiming for Rha'go's waist, but the Sith's enhanced reflexes were able to deflect the blow and counter attack with a swipe at Severus's leg, which made contact.

Severus winced and grit his teeth, feeling his emotions rising and becoming harder and harder to suppress. He was truly anger about the entire ordeal- the way Rha'go went after the girl he secretly admired as a way to break him. With all the passion in the worlds, Severus attacked, and attacked, and attacked, making a flurry of orange blows against the Sith using a bit of technique from Rha'go's mastered form of Juyo. He knew it wasn't right, but Severus desperately wanted this fight to be over.

Their blades connected after an intense dual, both swordsman pressing as hard as they could to overpower the other. "That's the fire I wanted! Excellent work, Severus!" Rha'go won, pushing Severus off balance, but the Sith's reaction time was still slowed greatly by Clove's marvelous attack. Their blades collided again.

"But now I see why you're so desperate...The girl- the way you kept throwing yourself towards her..." He chuckled hoarsely from behind his skeletal mask. That comment drove Severus mad- this time the Padawan winning the competition and swung to decapitate the Sith, but those mechanical arms of his proved to be useful as they parried the strike and slashed across Severus's face- right where his old scar had once healed.

Burning pain raced across his flesh, but Severus used it to fuel himself further as he parried another one of the Sith's strikes. Severus swung up as if he were to hit the Sith's chest, and as Rha'go moved his sword to parry the attack, Severus twirled his blade up and around the saber, cutting downwards instead. The fake attack worked as the orange blade severed the arm holding Rha'go's lightsaber and caught the Sith saber with his free hand.

Severus then repaid Rha'go's hits by cutting at the Sith's thighs and then severing the other arm in a quick and rapid set of hits.

Rha'go, stunned by the power Severus and Clove both had, only stared at the Padawan and closed his eyes beneath his mask as Severus swung the dual lightsabers like a pair of terrifying scissors at Rha'go's neck to end the fight once and for all.

Severus didn't let the blade touch, keeping it inches away from the Sith's neck. "You are so close, Severus...finished the job...Do it." The Sith ordered, accepting defeat.

But Severus put the lightsabers away.

"No." Severus stated one last time as he turned his attention to Clove, limping over to the beautiful warrior who had just felled a Sith in one blow.
"Are you okay?" He asked, blood beginning to trickle down his forehead and cheek. Severus placed his hands gently behind her back and head to help her sit up. "That was insane, by the way- remind me not to piss you off, and we need to get me a new outfit. I...don't think I want to look in the mirror and see Mister Dominus every morning." He joked, managing a small and weak smile.

@LilyNion

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

---

At the connection, a tingle of pain shot through her fist. How in the Force's name did Thelian snap a Sith's nose without his hand coming undone? Still. Her plan had been successful; the Sith was sputtering for air while clutching his throat. Her knee, on the other hand, was not so lucky. It collided with durasteel and bounced awkwardly to the right, sending a wave of fire through her joint.

Because of the pain, as well as the fact that she was awkwardly close to the Sith now that her momentum had stopped, she had no way to block the kick. The man's knee landed squarely on her temple, bruising it and sending her flying. And, as usual, she slammed into the floor.

You know, perhaps the floor and she were meant to be together. Perhaps she should give up fighting it and accept that no matter what she does, she will always end up on that damned floor.

The blow to her temple was enough to keep her on the ground and her vision blurry. She squinted a few times, noticing the blotch that looked like Severus slicing through the final droid and heading towards the Sith. It was difficult to understand what had happened, with flashes of light blinding her before sending stabs of pain through her skull.

Yeh, that was a nasty concussion alright.

After some words that resembled tauntings flung in the air, limbs began to fly around, or so she assumed anyway. With all of that came an increase in anger so strong that she could almost taste it, and could only assume came from Severus. The half-Sephi squinted her eyes once more, hoping to get a better view of the scene ahead of her.

Severus was victorious, and he had brought the Sith to his knees. The Padawan then moved both lightsabers in front of the Sith's neck, and the taunting intensified. The image wasn't new; they'd seen it before in all the stories, the iconic dual lightsabers crossing in front of a Sith's neck. They only needed one slash to finish it all. One slash was all it took to succumb to the Darkside and murder an unarmed person.

Thankfully, Severus resisted, signaling that there was still hope for him, despite the fact that he wasn't afraid to use his anger during combat.

That would be something he'd have to sort out. However, not today.

Clove chuckled gently as Severus gently guided her upwards into a sitting position. Even with her blurry vision, she couldn't miss the blood dripping from his brow and cheek. "You did great as well. And, uh, I might know a place where you can find some really cool coats." She gave him a faint smile before slowly rising to her feet, her knee unstable and her legs wobbly as if she'd consumed twenty liters of alcohol. Well, a bit less, twenty liters would've killed her. "I'm afraid I'm a little slow... and I can't see very well. But is there an exit nearby that isn't one of those cursed elevators? Or is there anything else you need to do before we go?"

Every part of her body wanted to get out of here and tell Crix and Thelian about her new adventure, to show them both that she was capable of winning a fight! After all, this was her first-ever victory in a fight. Even her practice matches were always a loss. And now, with Severus' help, they'd defeated the Sith and reclaimed their freedom! But it would be impolite to force her feelings on Severus, so, perhaps, it would have to wait.

"Oh. Before we leave, Severus. It might be best if the Sith's lightsaber is destroyed. And if the crystal is synthetic, we should destroy it as well; otherwise, we can bring the kyber crystal to one of the Jedi Masters." If it hadn't been for the frown, she'd have had a stern expression on her face. "I have no idea what that Sith was talking about, and it's none of my business, but we shouldn't give him any more reasons to come after you."

---

Tag @Charles ​

 

[Severus Creed]

Severus glanced over his shoulder at the disabled Sith and then back at Clove. "Let him come. He can't beat the two of us. But I'll take you on that offer concerning a new cloak or two." He smiled again and then attempted to lift Clove to her feet, using his arm to support her back. He then looked at the black lightsaber hilt in his hands and shuddered. He couldn't just destroy it...nor the crystal, not when he had a chance at saving them both and using the saber for good. Sev decided to give it to one of the masters to lock away, it was too priceless a trophy to simply destroy.

He glassed out street for anyway out of here. Then the Sith spoke again, something flickering from his smoking wrists, "I told you...there would be no escape!!" The Sith suddenly stood up and electricity jolting towards the two- but Severus instinctively ignited the crimson saber, enfolding the Force around the blade to catch the electricity and then flicked the saber back towards the Sith along with the electrical blast that hit Rha'go square in the chest, sending flying a few feet before collapsing on the floor unconscious.

Severus began breathing a little more heavily as his stamina was now almost completely drained. The black-clad Padawan deactivated the lightsaber and continued to hobble around in search of a working exit. The elevator was completely dysfunctional and Severus managed to smash his comlink to bit during the fight. A sigh of defeat escaped him, and just as he thought about sitting down, a spot light shown brightly on the pair.

Severus looked up, afraid of another enemy they had to battle, but they were instead greeted by flashing blue and red lights along with the added spot light. "Stay where you are- we're getting you out of here." An officer cried out through a speaker. The shuttle landed a few feet in front of them, and officers helped escort the two into the vehicle before other arrived to arrest the Sith and investigate the scene. They were greeted by the Jedi Knight who had brought them to Coruscant in the first place.

Russel Monti embraced the two, "You two have no idea of the paper work this will create." He chuckled as he let the two rest. Severus saw this chance to give the Sith lightsaber to Master Monti, but...was reluctant to do so. That familiar pull to that dark power was hard to shake, especially after using it to defeat the Sith. He instead clipped it behind him where it sat underneath his cross-guard lightsaber he made himself, and made sure to be discreet about it incase the half-Sephi were paying more attention. Clove mentioned she couldn't see very well anyway.

But for now, they were safe. The Sith would be behind bars for interrogation, with Clove and Severus happily getting a ride back to their shuttle. Their performance in defeating the Sith on Coruscant, thanks to some security cameras that caught the whole ordeal, would surely bring good news and help restore the Jedi Order's reputation. "You're going to have to teach me how you made that punch." Severus giggled. "Also, remind me to never get on your bad side."

@LilyNion

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

---

Clove was fortunate that Severus had assisted her in getting to her feet because she wouldn't have been able to do much without his help. She leaned awkwardly against his side, attempting to lessen the strain on her knee. She didn't know how to respond to Severus' remark about 'letting him come,' and by the time she thought of something, a flash of electricity shot towards the two of them. The half-Sephi froze, staring at the bolt as it sparkled towards them, just as she had done on Dantooine.

Severus activated his lightsaber and redirected the lightning back at the Sith, saving both of them. The nauseating scent of burned skin and crisped hair hit her nose, making her want to flee to the farthest reaches of Coruscant and disappear for as long as possible. Her hand reached up, idly, for her scar beneath her top, her thumb tracing the branch-like shapes.

And just like that, she was completely shut down.

Well, it was certainly preferable to her having a nervous breakdown and yelling at people. She was at least aware of where she was, where they were going, and how she couldn't just ignore Severus this time. She needed to say something to him.

"Saved us again huh, thank you." As they hobbled towards the elevator, she forced a gentle smile at Severus. The elevator, however, was beyond repair and could not be used again, as expected. She wasn't even disappointed because that elevator was cursed in the first place.

Thankfully, help arrived before the two Jedi decided to undertake their journey through Coruscant's underworld. A spotlight shone on them, and not long after, the law enforcers and a Jedi arrived. The Jedi hugged the two Jedi, and Clove awkwardly returned the hug, having no idea who the man is. Still, it'd be impolite to deny him. Especially not considering he had just rescued to two of them. "Sorry about all that paperwork."

The half-Sephi wasn't paying attention to Severus or his lightsaber. She figured he'd disagree because he hadn't properly responded to her comment about the lightsaber, but they weren't close enough for her to fight it, and she wasn't in the mood for a fight. The last thing she needed right now was a fight. So, for better or worse, she had no idea that Severus had decided to conceal it behind his cloak, and instead focused on the window of their ride.

As his voice broke the silence, Clove was forced to look away from the window and back at him. Her lips curled into a half-smile. "I'd love to show you how I did it, but I'm not sure how. I simply... punched him." Clove's grin widened even more. How was she going to explain to him that she wasn't angry during the punch? That she relied solely on instincts and training, with no real emotion guiding her? Today just wasn't the right time. So she just said, "Will do," and left it at that.

---

Tag @Charles ​

 

[Severus Creed]

Severus gave Clove a short nod after she promised to show him how to throw a punch. It would've probably been useful if Severus learned how to fight with his fists and feet incase his lightsaber wasn't an option, and though he was confident in his abilities with the Force, there was always room to grow.

As the shuttle continued to make it's way to the Jedi transport, Severus took the time to reflect on the fight.
A lot had been revealed to Clove- but not everything, and Severus thought that if their relationship was to improve at all, he'd have to be honest with her about his past. He wouldn't blatantly blurt out everything that happened to him all at once, but he'd start somewhere when the time was right.

Starting with the brands on his body.

But for right now, he sat tight in his escort and relaxed as a doctor began attending to his wounds.
This was quite the experience for the two Padawans, and they would certainly grow from it one way or another.
Severus reminded himself about the emotions that hung in the air while he fought- the ones that came back to him when he thought about them. He'd need to discuss his growing problem with one of the masters- preferably, Alexandria. The next fight he had with a Sith, he'd battle them on like a true Jedi.

/ExitThread

@LilyNion