Hunt for Power

[Radiwalker]

What better way to teach someone an ability then to show the ability used by wild beasts. That was precisely Vindict's plan in furthering his teachings of Force Bellow and Fear. Although there was no creature that he could think of that could use Force Fear, there were quite a few fearsome beasts that used Force Bellow, or rather a fearsome shriek of their own on the very surface of Korriban. Of course, the sith had not warned the students exactly what beasts they'd be hunting. He wanted it to be a surprise.

The gladiator was awaiting the acolytes in front of the sith temple, sitting on the stairs playing around with his lightsaber by twirling it about and passing it from one hand to another, then using the Force to to spin it in mid air and repeating the sequence. He was actually rather excited about this sort of mission, or exercise, because he hadn't been hunting much and this provided a perfect opportunity. After all he was an assassin and assassins enjoyed killing in whatever form it may come.

 

[Omnis]

Nox approached Vindict in front of the temple, striding silently and stoically as usual. However, this time, as he neared, a twist of humor hit him whimsically. Observing Vindict passing his lightsaber through the air from hand to hand, Nox pulled out his own. He began to mirror the Crusader's display, showing his own progress in control. He had been practicing since the session in which Vindict had passed on knowledge of Telekinesis to him. When he reached Vindict, Nox stowed his lightsaber and bowed.

"It is well to see you, Crusader Vindict. It is my pleasure to accompany you on another mission."

 

[Darth Tak]

Tak walked up on Vindict for the second time around, on the same things he learnt last time. This time seemed to be improving the skills learnt yesterweek (I'm guessing it would have been a week). He walked up to the temple that he had walked the steps of many times before, observing the people around and in it before finally seeing Vindict and observing what he was doing. "Hello, Crusader Vindict. I heard we where hunting today?"

((I don't believe I accepted doing this but I am sure as hell I won't not do this.))

 

[Pureblood-Sin]

The chance to experience the native wildlife of Korriban was what drove Sin'ryk to this mission. What fascinated him further was that the creatures had a connection to the Force, allowing them to unleash the power of Force bellow. Given that Korriban is a nexus of Dark Side energies, as it shows in all of her children, it did not Surprise the Pureblood whatsoever. Then, Sin'ryk found the the three people he was looking for and gave them a warrior's salute.

"Well met Crusader I eagerly anticipate the venture into the wildest parts of Korriban."

 

[Radiwalker]

Vindict stood up and inclined his head at the sight of the three acolytes. "Well then, lets go hunting." he smirked, then turned around and led the way down the stairs. He would not say where he was leading them, or what exactly they were hunting, but he did mention one thing. "Not only your hunting, but also your combat and mental abilities will be tested today." a short warning that was only a hint at what was to come.

They traveled through the desert surface for what seemed like hours, the landscape didn't change much, there was not immediate threat and just when one would begin doubting that any beasts would be encountered, a mountain was outlined in the distance. The crusader kept walking towards the mountain that was growing larger and larger as they approached it. Finally they stopped before what seemed to be one of the highest mountains on the planet, or at least in relative proximity to the temple.

Someway up there seemed to be an opening and Vindict led the groups straight towards it, stopping just at the entrance of what seemed to be a cave. A cold chill was blowing from the cave and dark energies could easily be sensed inside. It was a place of power, but what resided within was still a mystery. "I suggest you prepare your weapons." the crusader said nothing more as he ventured inside. Thick darkness soon engulfed them and no more than five minutes had passed, when they heard a shriek, then another, and another, and several more, each closer than the previous, finally a shyrack emerged before them, followed by three others. They all began screaming, sending powerful sound waves towards the four sith, displaying just how powerful a Force Bellow could be. The sound was deafening and the beasts used it as cover to draw closer to their pray, but Vindict was prepared and the moment the shyrack that had targeted him came to close, he impaled it. He had managed to resist the screams through his strong will, the long years he had suffered and decayed as an imprisoned slave had their perks.

 

[Omnis]

The trek across the desert had not bothered the Noghri Acolyte. Many years of service in war had taught him how to march with discipline and control, all but eradicating fatigue and wasting none of his valuable energy. As the mountain climbed higher and higher in front of him he kept his mind focused on patience, not wanting to get anxious and waste his energy moving faster as he closed on his destination. The cave that the Crusader sought was high above. The climb was not difficult for Nox.

His red lightsaber igniting as Vindict said the words, Nox began running straight towards their four matching threats. It might have seemed foolish or suicidal to rush the four shyracks as they winged with terrible purpose towards them, but Nox had a plan as always. The shyrack which had clearly locked onto him swept closer and closer, its chest expanding greatly as it built the forces necessary to unleash a great Bellow. Nox dashed forward faster than ever, determined to give the shyrack as little control to maneuver as possible. If they were both rushing each other, the shyrack would either whip by him and have to turn around or it would be forced to slow its forward descent in order to aim more precisely at him. The shyrack chose the latter option, beating its wings vertically and slowing harshly. The ugly creature's mouth opened to let forth a powerful assault of sound waves. Nox slid against the dirt and rock, the friction scratching the air.

Sending his lightsaber straight up, the crimson weapon impaled the avian monstrosity and continued up, darting through it. Nox ended his slide by leaning forward and letting the momentum carry him back up to his feet. His outstretched hand found the returning hilt of his lightsaber as the shyrack collapsed in a cloud of dust behind him. An orange hole still glowed on its back where the lightsaber had exited. A few death throes granted it a few heaves, but it promptly went to meet the Death that Nox had sent it to. Turning about, Nox surveyed the battlefield quickly before exploding into motion again. It would not due to be still.

 

[Pureblood-Sin]

Growing up in the hit deserts of Yinchorr, the walk through Korriban's proved no trouble for Sin'ryk. If anything the deserts of Korriban were colder, not that it bothered the Pureblood in any way. When the hunting part came to a mountain, it further reminded him of home; having claws like his made the climb a little easier since they could embed themselves in its red rock. It didn't surprise him they were here, after all shyracks prefer safe places from where they could launch their hunts. When they reached the top, Vindict spoke a warning to the Acolytes; telling them to ready their weapons.

As if on cue, several shrieks echoed from within the creatures' den. After that, several of the repulsive avian creatures poured out from the darkness. One of them came for the Pureblood, who barely avoided the thing's deadly shriek. With primal rage, the shyrack swooped, only to be caught by Sin'ryk's lightsaber which severed a wing. As it collapsed to the dusty ground, the Acolyte noticed that it was close to the edge of a cliff. He breathed deep and used the Force to create a powerful bellow that sent the shyrack plummeting to oblivion. The dust proved irritating for his lungs.

 

[Radiwalker]

The last shyrack was hit by a strong lightning emitted from the crusader's hands. It hit the ground hard and moved no longer. Without a word Vndict proceeded further into the cave, leading his companions, not knowing what they might encounter deeper inside, but being excited about it, for it was a new challenge that was as ancient as the temple. He had not fought such beasts before, yet he had read about them many times and now it was time for him and his companions to meet the ancient beasts that have inhibited Koribban for as long as anyone can remember. What could wait further inside? A question that would soon be answered.

As the team proceeded into the darkness, they would soon find themselves engulfed by a strange sensation, as if something was near, as if something was watching them and waiting for the precise moment to pounce. And as it would happen, that sensation was not far from the truth. In a matter of moments they would find themselves surrounded by six hssiss beasts, who were widely feared by force-sensitives for a single bite from such a beast could release a deadly poison for anyone connected to the Force.

Despite being surrounded by beasts that only a moment ago had been invisible and are known as one of the deadliest beasts, Vindict felt no fear, only excitement, which grew with every moment he spent inside the cave.

 

[Omnis]

Nox's shoulders rolled up as he prepared to fight the six Hssiss reptiles. Little did he know, some day he would face them again. Some day soon. A quick analysis of their movements, behavior, and the focusing of their eyes told him that they were clever hunters, ruthless, and extremely hostile. Aggravating them would be easy. Judging by the front and top of their skulls, the beasts did not have the largest brains. Considering they were non-sentient reptiles, it was likely that most of their brain mass was dedicated to the areas regulating aggression, survival and hunting instincts.

Vindict's elation was palpable, bolstering the Noghri assassin's morale. If Vindict wished this fight to be glorious, it would be. The Crusader had a demonstrable knack for adventure, thrills, and excitement. There was never a dull moment around him, which was why Nox favored him as an instructor.

Formulating a plan quickly, Nox teased one of the Hssiss with his glowing blade. The creature and one of its nearby partners gave a formal retaliation, little more than a swipe of their claws. At the precise moment that the large reptiles displaced their weight onto the singular front claw, their other forward arm occupied with slashing through the air, the Noghri leaned forward heavily and unleashed a powerful high pitched scream. The Force enabled scream was enough to throw both Hssiss to the cave floor, their chins smacking hard against the rock. It gave Nox enough time to strike at one of the hunters, scarring it badly on the face with his lightsaber. Both screamed in frustration, one in agony. The marred Hssiss had lost an eye.

A hiss scratched the air of the cave, coming from Nox. He was both happy and taunting the Hssiss.