Open Playing With Lightning

[Bel]

After being forced to kneel before the Dark Lord of the Sith, worry began to settle in the Nightbrother's mind. Bel wasn't sure why he was so worried for Caelian- he'd barely met the guy, and yet they had been through some tough shit together. Maybe it was because Bel saw Caelian as the brother he never had. Maybe he simply didn't want him to go out like this. Bel always knew the Empire had a strict code...but was this Empire he had been fighting for? Was he supposed to be cutthroat enough to stab his own friends in the back purely because they failed someone's expectations?

"C'mon, Cae..." Bel muttered, watching the fight with as much anticipation as the Dark Lord. Did the Agent dare interfere with Darth Raze looming close by? Wasn't that what the Dark Lord had wanted from the others? To take action, right? Bel found his gaze lower to the blaster pistol at his side, and with a shaking hand, he slowly reached for it without breaking eye contact. While Vahliri was busy with Caelian, he'd have a clean shot to neutralize her- whether it be with lethal rounds or a stun bolt, Bel didn't care.

Can I do this?...Yes...Should I do this?... Bel didn't know.

But, for now...his hand would continue to...inch closer...and closer...to the grip...of his gun...

@Altaris @Sreeya @Xorism @Scoobert @Nevermourn @BruhIdon'tevenknowanymore

 

[Varyn Atrix]

Varyn had picked his path, it seemed and with that came an understanding that his knowledge of the Dark Side needed to deepen. He had begun to touch it, and had cast lightning for the first time in the heat of the moment, but that was a far cry from what was going to be taught today.

Varyn was running late arriving in his IAC armor with his two sabers on his belt just after @Kanaloa Tau who he recognized and started to greet only to see that things had already deteriorated into something very different. He stiffened first when he saw Raze and then when he saw Vahliri lining up to fight... someone else.

His eyes took in everything, mind running at a billion lightyears an hour. He may have started truly down the path of the Sith, but Raze wasn't someone he wanted to practice his mental barriers against. Even after nearly three years undercover, he didn't like those odds.

But his fear for himself almost immediately evaporated to concern for Vahliri. He didn't know why she was going to execute him but he got the gist of what was going on very quickly. His fear, though, was mixed with... something else. That predatory look in Vahliri's eyes, the way she moved, the utter determination she had... he was captivated watching her for a long moment that had nothing to do with fear or concern.

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

When Caerllion had heard about the Force lightning class, he had planned to participate. While Korriban magick had become the ability that he most used, the Annfyn could still learn more things. After all, having more tricks at his disposal was always welcome.

Unfortunately, he ended up missing the beginning of the class. The Acolyte had found some interesting holobooks regarding alchemical experiments with animals, with some of these being about mind control. Caerllion didn’t leave the library until he finished the entire three volumes and would still return to read the fourth.

Due to that, the Annfyn arrived late. The scene in front of him wasn’t something that he had expected when he signed up for the class. Vahliri was going to execute Caelian in the presence of Darth Raze himself. There were some other Sith around the place, but they aren’t important if compared to the Lord Sith.

Oh, and Draugr is there too. Caerllion thought when he noticed the Zabrak, which presence was eclipsed by the Darkness coming from the Lord Sith.

Then he was hit by a terrible smell and turned to look at a guy. His foul smell reminded the Acolyte of a carcass. He wondered if the man had been killed early and was being animated by some type of sorcery. Perhaps Draugr had a pet zombie, since necromancy was a Dathomirian speciality.

While he had no idea why the execution was going to happen, the Acolyte decided to stay and watch. A part of him hoped that Vahliri could also die there. At this point he was starting to wonder why he hated her so much. It was going beyond the common prejudice of his species, because he had met some other half-Annfyns and never felt this murderous desires. Had he invented the Vahliriphobia? Or was he still salt with her stealing Asher from him during the ball in New Alderaan? It probably was both.

Maybe was because he had secret feelings for her, but she never paid much atention to him. This option made him want to laugh. He would have done that if Raze wasn’t here. Any fun that he found in this thought died in his presence.

The Sith present here probably had their reasons to want Caelian dead, but Caerllion couldn't stop thinking that Echani could still have some utility. He could be a perfect guinea pig for his future experiments. The Annfyn could see how a Force sensitive could resist the rituals of mind control. Alas, he wasn’t going to say it to Raze. Now he would be only a spectator of this show.

 

[Caelian]

Force lightning was a truly powerful entity, primordial in nature, and harnessed the very worst of the dark side in its twisted, formidable decree. Few things could compare to its unbridled energy, as it arced violently between Caelian's fingers and outward toward its intended target. A lightsaber was, unfortunately, one object
that could tame such a monster, the hateful maleficent designs wrapping themselves around the plasma during the short duration that they were called into being.

The pair had barely known each other, apart from the brief mission on Onderon where neither had seen the other fight. The second meeting was the adventure formerly known as just one night of fun, where a boat load of Sith became privy to Vahlri's particular set of skills. While he didn't know much beyond what he had witnessed, perhaps at the right time there would be a chance to use this information, and perhaps some good old fashion slander, against her.

The torrent of cackling lightning ceased almost as quickly as it had appeared, its purpose was served and the fight of his life had begun. Caelian felt the ominous dark tendrils of the force move across his body in an attempt to seize him, its tight grip squeezed with an ever-increasing force, he could feel the energy pulling his body forward too. The Echani's body tensed under the immense strain as he collected his own energy to push back and break free of yet another prison that he was subject to this day, aiming to break the force grip free from his person entirely, both the crush and pull.

Without skipping a beat, Caelian marched forward, intent on closing the distance between the pair. There was no use attempting to attack her with lightning again as she was quite capable it seemed of deflecting it, doing so would only be a detriment. He quickly switched the blade into the other hand and advanced. Watching her every move, focused with razor intent for any further force tricks up her sleeve and coiling his own force energy in preparation, their sabers would soon otherwise meet their melee.

Assuming this was the case and the Echani met her face to face, his body slightly angled toward her and right foot forward to steady his posture, the crimson blade before him held vertically to guard against any sudden attack. His own would come before hers with any luck, a determined but calculated lunge forward with the blade designed to pierce her own guard and force a defensive reaction. Its edge would scorch her chest if she failed to block it in time, but the measured attack would allow for Caelian to pull the blade back defensively if and when she counter-attacked.

Dripping with malicious intent, he attempted to goad her into attacking him, perhaps recklessly, "I don't know what he sees in you, half-breed." To who he was referring was left up to the listeners themselves, not that it mattered.

His left hand held back just below chest height and ready to seize any opportunity that presented itself. He continued to focus on the fight at hand and how he might survive the coming onslaught, but Vahliri's reputation as an excellent duellist spoke for itself. To have any chance of winning, he would need to be cunning, to try and surprise his opponent and play dirty. If Caelian were to be a Sith, he would have to embrace, not run from it.

@Altaris @Sreeya @restofyoupervs

 

[Darth Draugr]

Standing by, Draugr watched on. Next to the chilling coldness of Darth Raze. Unsettling chills giving Draugr slight goosebumps from it, but he knew he was welcome at the side of the Dark Lord of the Sith. He had given so much to this Empire and would continue to do so happily. So long as he lives. Looking at the ones kneeling, as they watched the battle commencing, he took noticed of two individuals. Bel, and John.

Bel had a concerned look about him, and his hand had been slowly moving closer to his blaster.. Draugr wouldn't stop him from his attempts, but he would gladly dish out the punishment to the treason he may commit. Nothing was sure, so he had kept hi cool, but he would grab the hilt of his lightsaber behind his back attached to his belt. Should this turn ugly, he would take out the very Sith who look to make a name of themselves at his expense.

The other Sith was John, and he kept his eye on John for a multitude of reasons. The Acolyte admitted to wanting to kill him. Who knows if he was still going to attempt to do so here and now? Plus, he had been looking around not at the people but their midsections. The only things there were blasters and lightsabers. Unless he was just perving very obviously. Then he had even less manners than the Sith Master had thought. He would be watched on from the back of the group. Enjoying the duel, as well as keeping a close eye on both potential traitors to the Empire. Or just a traitor to himself.

@ally'allmofos

 

[Darth Raze]

The Dark Lord watched in silence, still as a statue with his arms folded over his chest. He sensed Draugr coming to stand next to him and did not react outwardly to it. The visor remained fixed on the combatants, though he was well aware of everything else around him. He sensed the distress in the Zabrak (@Charles ) watching the activities and could guess at his intentions. Even then, the Dark Lord made no move. He could begin to sense hints of treachery in the acolyte (@Taygood), and still the Dark Lord did nothing. Sith were survival of the fittest. If any Sith considered themselves invincible, they deserved to be stabbed in the back. Raze wouldn’t help them.

He did, however, hear the Champion (@Xorism) that addressed him as he fought. The Dark Lord found this amusing, though at first he said nothing, letting the fight play out, “Are you?” He asked coolly, “If you are this half breed’s comrade in battle and your enemy is that particular Jedi, would you be able to strike down the Jedi or allow the half breed to do so to complete your mission?” Sith did not have to be buddies with those they went into battle with, but they did need to prioritize defending together over letting the enemy win.

The Dark Lord was aware of others joining the gathering, but he didn’t care enough to acknowledge them. He finally addressed Draugr (@Scoobert ), speaking with him quietly, “Have you considered taking anyone from this batch on as an apprentice?” It was no secret that the Zabrak had a horrendous track record when it came to apprentices. He would have to be extremely selective to avoid another mishap, the next one likely resulting in far more serious repercussions.

 

[Sol Kenuk]

The battle seemed to rage on. A bolt of electricity illuminates the arena, hisses with fury as it clashes against the half-Annfyn's crimson blade, and all the while, more spectators gathered, drawn to the spectacle of what was far from a swift execution. He wonders, as his glowing eyes flicker from the duel and back up to the wintry figure of Darth Raze, if the intent bestowed upon young Caelian was indeed some form of redemption, or if the Dark Lord simply enjoyed the dramatics of one final battle. In truth, the Kel'dor wouldn't blame him for it.

As the pair raged on, their movements were enthralling, their warfare like a dance of grace and beauty, two figures shaped by battle, now reaching their crescendo in a fateful duel to the death.

Disgraced as Caelian might be, a part of Sol hopes to watch Vahliri fall. The Champion's venomous words toward the woman ring within the Kel'dor's ears, and he can't help but find a bit of comradery with it. Not only did Caelian refuse to go quietly into that good night, but he did so with a spiteful determination that one could almost feel inspired by. It helped, of course, that Sol shared a rather negative opinion of young Vahliri, too.

Ultimately, though, Sol wasn't about to make his enjoyment of the battle vocally known. They could probably feel the thrill that buzzed within his head without him speaking a single word. The stakes were high, and it seemed both combatants would be unwilling to back down. Either Caelian would die at the hands of the admittedly deadly woman, Vahliri, or he would prove his prowess with a mighty stance of his own, and perhaps even earn a second place among the Sith. Regardless, whoever won the duel would have proven themselves the stronger opponent, and in that regard, even if it was Vahliri, Sol would be content to offer them his respect.

The banter between the Dark Lord, Master Draugr, and young Caelian, is a delight all on it's own.

Sol remains where he is, his focus on the duel as he knelt within hot sands. He isn't paying attention to the Acolyte, John, or to the other red Zabrak, Bel. But, should either decide to interrupt the duel, the Kel'dor would be delighted to drop them back onto their knees. He had, after all, been itching for a chance to electrocute someone. Darth Raze might have denied his attacks on Caelian, but anyone within point-blank range of the kneeling group was undoubtedly in the dander zone, should any decide on treasonous plots that would earn Sol's brutal focus.

For now, though, his gaze remains on the duel. A delight to witness, regardless of the outcome.

 

[Luwalhati]

Pushed away, and forced to kneel. Any other person would have expressed indignance at the treatment, or harbored a resentment towards oneself for not having the– what did their old Master call it again? Ah, right– balls to act on their suggestions.

Lu didn't quite understand the analogy between an object and initiative (courage, will, et cetera).

Pushed away, and forced to kneel. Lu was used to these kinds of treatment. Their old Master used to tell them thay their background as a slave was irrelevant now that they were a Sith, but it was still ingrained firmly not only in the Acolyte's mind but also their body. They did not resist the push, nor did they resist the force that brought them to their knees. Instead their gaze immediately flicked over to the two combatants, lightning and ignited blades reflected in their glasses and amber eyes.

Hands clasped on front of them, fingers drumming on the back of one hand in time with Caelian's steps as he crossed the distance between him and Vahliri. Forefinger slid against smooth skin as the Echani's blade sought the half-Annfyn's. Though the Acolyte looked forward to learning Force Lightning, the death match between the two Champions was still a study guide of sorts. Lu knew that their own bladework still needed refining, but as much as they liked to learn how to engage in a ruthless but efficient melee their inclinations were more on the mental and mystical applications of the Force. Manipulation, Korriban and Nightsister magicks–

Losing life or limb in lightsaber duel seemed dull in comparison. Not that Lu would be stupid enough to die by an ally or an enemy's blade.

The Acolyte glanced at the others who were forced to kneel, their attention mostly piqued by a Zabrak agent and John Q. Lu would not assume what their current intentions were, and if either of the two decided to do anything foolhardly the pink-haired, spectacled Acolyte would simply let events unfold. For now Lu remained passive, content to kneel where they were on the hot sand. But they would snarl, teeth bared, if anyone tried to remove them from the premises and away from the fight between two Champions.

They were studying, and anyone who interrupted them would probably earn a withering glare.

 

[Darth Tempest]

Vahliri kept her saber in front of her body - positioned to absorb the last vestiges of Lightning that Caelian unleashed against her. All the while, the half-Annfyn’s molten gaze never broke from the man - boring through his skull. She couldn’t help the way that her thoughts were immediately pulled back to Onderon - and the way that the Sith were forced into retreat. The thought that Caelian had thrown the fight intentionally, or held back in any way, for the sake of some Jedi - truthful or not - caused her blood to boil.

Almost as soon as the half-Annfyn gripped Caelian, she felt the fellow Champion struggle against her vice - channeling the Force into himself to pry her talons away. Rather than battle against him, Vahliri almost instantaneously relinquished her hold - the Force dissipating from her fingertips. She had no desire to deplete her own energy prematurely - and her intention had only been to close the distance between them. Much to her pleasure, the fellow Champion seemed all-too-capable of doing that himself.

Vahliri barely moved a muscle as Caelian marched towards her - expression hardened and fixed into place. Instead, her saber merely adjusted to address the incoming combatant - tilting vertical at a forty-five-degree angle in front of her body. Just as Caelian went in with the thrust, Vahliri flicked her saber in a simple clockwise rotation - catching against the opposing blade of crimson and proceeding to push it to Cael’s left to cross his body. The lower two-thirds of her saber pressed down against upper portion of Cael’s own - capitalizing on the superior leverage and making it far more difficult to disengage without leaving himself open to her blade.

She heard the words that flowed from Caelian’s lips - the familiar derogatory ‘half-breed’ immediately catching her attention. At once, the half-Annfyn’s fluted ears flicked and flattened against the sides of her skull - clear signs of irritation that lanced across her expression. They were words that Vahliri had heard from others all her life - and she wouldn’t tolerate them from Caelian. If he believed she was going to misstep because of them, however, the Champion was bound to be sorely mistaken.

“Far more than you will ever be, traitor.” Her words dripped with venom, gaze never breaking away from his own.

At the same time, Vahliri’s left hand extended outward from her side - allowing the Force to ripple forth with malicious intent. Within a split moment, streaks of electricity gathered between her fingertips and lurched forward - manifesting as a consecrated bolt of violet lightning. She attempted to send the Lightning right into Caelian’s exposed abdomen - banking that he wouldn’t have a way to effectively defend himself without attempting to disengaging and drastically move his saber. He had attempted to strike her with Lightning before - and Vahliri intended to demonstrate just how devastating it could be.

"You'll understand that before I go to take that Jedi's head,"

@Xorism @Sreeya @Scoobert @Mr. Teatime @Charles @Taygood @Nevermourn @Phoenix @LouJoVi @EveryoneElseIProbablyForgot

 

[Darth Draugr]

Draugr had been scanning everyone's movements, his hand still resting with the hilt of his saber on the palm ready to react if things popped off. Then when he returned to the fight. He smirked it was going to be an interesting duel. The Sith Master then heard then chilling velvet voice of Raze speak in his direction. That smirk had faded away. The man was menacing, and being in casual conversation had been nerve racking still. Though Draugr knew better than to make him wait for answer, so he would speak with a calmness to his voice.

"Well of course, my Lord. I just want to choose the right one. The last two had been failures.. I can't afford another." It was true, nothing Raze wouldn't have known already. The Zabrak was sure he would teach again one day, but he didn't need a soft child, or a crazed gargantuan. He needed precision, someone that would not be afraid to be a Sith.. a true Sith. Senin was not close to ever being a true Sith. And as for Jade.. well.. she was a bit explosive? Yea that's a somewhat accurate description. Certain that this was Raze telling him he could teach again, he knew it also was a bit of a 'don't fuck up again' type of deal. The Sith Master had then flickered his gaze around the Acolytes present whilst thinking of the ones not present. Who would he choose?

"Shall I take another, I will be sure not to fail the Empire once again.." He knew if he did, it would be his turn being beheaded. He couldn't allow it to happen. He could let himself become a mockery by being the master of three failures. With what he had said, he was sure Raze would be watching over him carefully, which was a scary thought, but it was fair in practice.

Then his focus was back to the class, the two fighting, and the ones kneeling. Whilst his mind wondered of who to take up next he kept the plain expression and watched on.

@Sreeya @allyouothergoobers

 

[Bel]

As Bel reached for his blaster, he caught Draugr observing the others that kneeled before the fight. The Nightbrother flinched and pulled his hand away, clenching his fist. The fight was rough and cruel- not the typically graceful saber fights they show on the holo movies. Both of these two wanted to murder each other and only one of them would be left standing. It better be Caelian...

The ISB Agent could end it with a simple quickdraw, but now Bel realized that Darth Raze would most likely kill him for interfering. Damn this! Bel swore under his breath- if only he had done something before Vahliri spoke up. This lesson would never leave the Agent's mind. From now on, Bel wouldn't hesitate to take action- but there was still that conflicting feeling in his gut that told him to shoot the 'half-breed' in the back of her fucking head.

Instead, Bel tried observing the others around him, and found that John had been staring at everyone's midsection. He gave a nod to a newcomer as if they had been planning something- was this another rouse John was creating on the spot, or what was his true intentions? Then, Bel mentally facepalmed, He wants Draugr's head on a spike...which means...he's not comparing sizes...he's looking for a weapon. Now, Suspicion settled across the Nightbrother's facial expression. Now, his hand was on the grip of his blaster, but it wasn't to interfere with the fight, but to keep a close eye on another potential traitor- If that's what Caelian really is.

@Notgonnabotherlol

 

[Caelian]

Fortune for Caelian as the iron grasp around his body withered away as its source receded, Vahliri choosing not to hinder his path forward as the pair joined at last into a melee. The Echani earned his wish as he was able to both close the distance and begin his lunging attack, the deadly crimson blades catching each other in a fiery display of might which saved, for now, her precious skin from ruin.

The half-annfyn's blade angled clockwise to snag his own blade and press it towards his left, anchoring it for the moment. The small twist she made drove Caelian's blade toward his left as he measured his own assault, there was no real forward momentum to counter her own push forward. This played into his engineered trap perfectly, as he watched her wind up intently.

Caelian's left foot, shifted right behind him, allowing his body to rotate and move away from Vahliri while still maintaining contact with her blade. The crackling fountain of lightning burst from her fingertips through where he stood but a moment ago, missing its intended target and dissipating into the naturally harsh environment around them.

His own wielding wrist would slightly twist left under the left, downward pressure from her attack to ensure that he would maintain control and keep her blade from swinging back towards him. This would also allow him to quickly defend himself if she attempted any sort of trickery.

Timed just after his step back and her own lightning attack missing, Caelian would take advantage of the fact that Vahliri had placed her lightsaber in a most disadvantageous position to block what would come next. From his new position, his left hand at chest height was perfectly placed to eject a torrent of force lightning at practically point-blank range toward her head that would send its harsh volts of torment through her pretty face and skull, quite possibly knocking her out cold, going to plan.

If she moved her blade back to defend against his next lightning attack, she would find his blade swinging back with hers, but stepping forward while aiming to take both legs, right to left.

It was a risky play that could also backfire on him, but Caelian was against both the clock and fighting for his very survival. Timidity wouldn't win this fight, he had to take every chance that presented itself.

If there was a brief lull in fighting, but still maintaining concentration on the fight, he would answer the Dark Lord's question with strained grit in his voice. "The mission comes before I." Caelian had sworn an oath when he took up the imperial colours, one that he had always strived to honour, despite the accusations. For as long as the Empire retained his loyalty, he would bleed for it.

@Altaris @Sreeya @Scoobert @Mr. Teatime @Charles @Taygood @Nevermourn @Phoenix @LouJoVi

 

[Kanaloa Tau]

Amber-gold eyes watched the fight carefully, finding their rapid-fire back and forth fascinating. He wasn't used to swords or sabers so much and felt this was a good opportunity for learning something new. Still, he wasn't blind to the amount of tension in the circle of spectators- and he wasn't talking about the Kel'dor's pants, here. Or the fact that Raze was around, that was a given.

Kane wasn't exactly shy but the rotten-smelling one with the crushed hand was looking around at about everyone's crotch level and even gave the Wrean a nod mid-hiccup. It earned John a flat look of bemusement considering the Wrean didn't have any clue who this person steadily bleeding out into the sand was. He should probably do something about that.

Not that Kane was terribly concerned. Didn't know him, didn't really care, and more practically didn't have his medkit on him. Only two people here he'd met in any proper way were Varyn and Vahliri. Speaking of, he gave Varyn a greeting nod when he arrived and went back to watching the fight.

The Wrean acolyte was mostly getting a lesson in close-range lightning so far, but he paid special attention their footwork. Practically speaking, the ideal way to learn how to handle saber-wielders with his spear was to know how using one worked. Besides, who knew when he'd have to fight one of these two for one reason or another? If anything, Sith philosophy was one of competition.

@Taygood @Phoenix

 

[Darth Tempest]

Just as quickly as it sprang from her fingertips, Vahliri extinguished the stream of Lightning - allowing the concentrated bolt of electricity to move past Caelian as a result of his shift in posture, terminating into the Korribani sand that was promptly fused into glass. All the while, Vahliri’s expression remained frigid and unforgiving - eyes narrowed into sharpened points that never broke from the fellow Champion. The signs of strain - the clenching of her jaw and the beginnings of sweat on her brow - were clear enough for her opponent to see, but had yet to manifest in her efficient and practiced movements.

The moment Caelian drew his left foot backwards and turned side face, Vahliri adjusted accordingly. Without warning, the half-Annfyn quickly stepped northwest - moving forward and onto Caelian’s exposed left side.Her lightsaber - still positioned on top of the upper two thirds of Cael’s own - merely lifted from the prolonged bladelock, instinctively moving into a vertical guard on her right side, in the event the Champion attempted to follow through with a sweep at her legs or any other bladed assault.

As a result, the sudden burst of Lightning - just as her own - sailed right past where the half-Annfyn’s face has just been - crackling through the air and proceeding to strike against the walls of the arena.

Just as the half-Annfyn stepped onto Cael’s left, her body turned to face her opponent once more - left foot slightly forward. While her lightsaber linger on the right side of her body, Vahliri instead allowed the Force to flow into her left hand - imbuing into her bones and enhancing the strength behind it, as her fingers curled into a fist. Drawing upon the multiple lessons she had received from Altair, the half-Annfyn abruptly whirled her left fist forward to close the small distance between them - attempting to strike the fellow Champion just below the ribs on the right side of his body. The liver-shot would’ve been exceptionally painful and debilitating under even normal circumstances, and carried the potential to do additional internal damage with the Force behind it.

Regardless of accuracy, the half-Annfyn’s left fist snapped forward and returned with lightning speed - attempting to avoid any grabs or grapples from the fellow Champion. “Your actions after Onderon speak otherwise.”

@Xorism @Charles @Taygood @Sreeya @Phoenix @GABA @LouJoVi @Nevermourn @Scoobert

 

[Caelian]

Combat was like the most addictive spice variant you had ever tried, the burst of adrenaline that surged through the veins, each sight sound and emotion more intense and visceral than under normal circumstances as your body struggles to process each event before the next arrives. One misstep or swing of the blade in the wrong way, could have dire consequences and turn even the most deadly into the fully dead.

The second lightning attack fared little better than the first, unless you counted the numerous dead grains of sand that became immortalised by the struggle, turned into molten glass by the errant attack.

The violence of Vahliri's movement caught the Echani by surprise somewhat, as she quickly moved from his right to face him again. Their blades arced in defiance as she moved, holding them in place to avoid the savage cruelty that surely would have found its mark otherwise, before finally being ripped apart as the half-annfyn reset their stances. Caelian's blade returned to his right side as he tried to correct his footwork to meet her new position, chaotically opening a window of opportunity to be punished, which Vahliri immediately moved in to do.

He watched in slow motion as she moved with lightning speed and drew a mighty swing into his exposed right flank, the force of impact enhanced by the force delivered a devastating assault against his body, any higher, and he would likely have suffered cracked ribs and fallen on the spot. The kinetic strike rippled electrically across his entire diaphragm, the intense pain causing an involuntary muscular response away from his attacker.

Fortune favoured Vahliri this time, for the positioning of his hand would mean that the superheated blade might only graze her, depending on how she reacted as to where it hit, as he flailed backwards. Had she attacked a second sooner or later, its edge might have passed through her on his way back from her attack.

Caelian's body stumbled backwards several feet before he caught himself once more, almost leaning over in tremendous pain and clutching his right side with his free left hand momentarily before it cautiously outstretched to defend himself, his blade also in front somewhat defensively. The Echani's face was pain incarnate, sweat beads formed across his brow as he winced and struggled to catch his breath in the aftermath of the brutal attack. He needed to buy time for himself to ensure that he could stay in the fight.

He watched and waited slightly crouched over waiting to spring his next trap that would hopefully buy the time he needed. His real vulnerability was enticing, and he hoped to draw her into attacking him once more. Their short distance would ensure that there was again little time for her to react and its volume should, he hoped, induce the effect that he desired.

When he felt the time was right, the Echani would violently swing his lightsaber across the sand in front of him, its superheated plasma fusing the grains of sand into tiny molten glass particles. His left hand outstretched would summon the force and push grains of sand mixed with tiny molten glass shards towards her in an instant, a dirty but possibly effective move that would prove quite painful as the burning glass would find itself burning and cutting any exposed flesh should she walk into it, let alone irritate should any reach sensitive areas such as her face.

Caelian stood painfully, breathing heavily while spitting venomously, "Then let my actions here, right now, speak for me. Let it be known that I defy you, Champion Vahliri Kahtal, and your justice."

@Altaris @Sreeya @Scoobert @Mr. Teatime @Charles @Taygood @Nevermourn @Phoenix @LouJoVi

 

[Darth Tempest]

Vahliri couldn’t quite help the smirk that worked its way onto her lips - watching with sinister satisfaction as Caelian stumbled backwards. The Force flowed vibrantly through her body and into her fist, and the half-Annfyn knew that her empowered strike had found its mark - manifesting through all the agony and pain that the fellow Champion endured. It was the least he deserved for his actions after Onderon, and it was only a fracture of the justice that awaited him if Vahliri had her way. The half-Annfyn’s fist slammed forth and snapped back with lightning speed - deliberately giving the Champion little opportunity to attempt a grab or attempt to cut through her forearm. As her arm snapped back to her side, Vahliri pulled her left foot - taking a single step backwards and shifting into a side-face stance, her right foot pointed forward in line with her crimson blade. As a result, the half-Annfyn distanced herself from the trajectory of Caelian’s passing lightsaber - sparing herself from any serious injuries or maiming.

All the same, Vahliri wasn’t spared entirely. Molten agony shot through her left bicep as the fellow Champion stumbled - feeling as the tip of his saber found purchase in her upper arm. It was a superficial cut - hardly enough to cripple her left arm, but it was excruciatingly painful nonetheless. Her jaw set into a firm line as she stifled down any agonized cries from the cut - allowing the agony and rage to feed directly into the Force. Tinder to the wildfire that was the Darkness such that it would only make her stronger. Strong enough to put Caelian in his place, and to teach a valuable lesson to the Acolyte’s who had gathered that day.

Her blade moved into its vertical guard - amber eyes flicking downward as the fellow Champion drug his own through the sand. As the Force billowed outward from Caelian, Vahliri immediately pushed off her back foot and moved in response - darting to her own right in an attempt to dodge the incoming flurry of molten glass. Her left arm immediately rose to shield her head as she moved - and while it spared her eyes and face, Vahliri felt the shards of glass find purchase elsewhere all the same. Bits and pieces of molten glass into her exposed neck and hands - embedding themselves into her flesh and eliciting several small trickles of blood. The majority of the glass was spotted by the robes she wore - conveniently covering the majority of her body in armorweave mesh capable of halting the small projectiles.

It was a dirty trick - painful to be sure - and Vahliri had intention of allowing Caelian the luxury of doing it again.

As she darted to her own right, the half-Annfyn strode forward - stepping onto the fellow Champion’s own left flank. Perhaps Caelian had no desire to face her blade-to-blade, but Vahliri wasn’t going to give him the luxury of deciding the terms of their engagement. Turning to face is left side, the half-Annfyn once more whirled forward with a punch with her free left hand - attempting to slam her knuckles into Caelian’s ribcage. The Force flowed vibrantly with her strike, enough to shatter bone and puncture his lungs beneath. Her crimson saber lingered on the right side of her body and just opposite to Cael's own - prepared to move in defense of whatever the Champion did.

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[Caelian]

His lightsaber had left its mark upon the half-annfyn's upper arm as he withered backwards, a small singe was perhaps all he could hope for in this equally chaotic struggle between two equally matched warriors. Caelian watched with delight as his little molten shower rained upon Vahliri, its damage superficial but delaying her nonetheless. He watched with bated breath as she circled around like a predator stalked its prey.

Perhaps it was overconfidence, or maybe it was just no different to Caelian's earlier attempt to replicate his success, as he watched Vahliri side step and rush him once more, lightsaber held defensively in one hand and swinging angrily with closed fist with the other. The attack was somewhat telegraphed, given that she had literally just attempted the same thing, which would aid the Echani in being able to respond in time to counter it.

His own lightsaber was held vertically to guard, like hers was and just like before was out of position to defend himself from the force sped up assault, however this time he was one step ahead of her. Or rather behind, as Caelian used the force to speed his own movement and stepped backwards with his right foot, making his body just out of range for her extended fist and preventing its connection with his body.

Now slightly further back, his crimson blade could meet his own justice upon the half-annfyn. Simultaneously and timed with the full extension of her arm, Caelian's wielding hand would twist to the left, bringing the savagely searing blade crashing down with the intent of removing her left arm just above the elbow.

To ensure that she would not be able to defend her exposed arm with her own blade, Caelian summoned deeply within and cursed as the throbbing pain flowed through his body in an empowering way, drawing upon whatever reserves he could muster for one last strike. A lightning streak erupted from his left hand, streaks of flesh melting torment burst forth towards Vahliri's upper torso and would connect with her lightsaber should she keep it guarding her person, or causing tremendous pain and suffering should she choose to save her hand instead.

This would be Caelian's last will and testament, his magnum opus, should he fall this day. The die of fate had been cast, and now he could only watch and hope that he had done enough to secure her yield, otherwise he feared the mental drain and exhaustion would quickly overwhelm him. His face drew a hateful expression, both towards Vahliri and to his own body, which was beginning to betray him...

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[Darth Tempest]

As she closed the distance between them, Vahliri’s eyes never broke from Caelian - unyieldingly fixed onto the fellow Champion with vicious, predatory intent. His shards of glass had found their mark along her hands and neck, and the half-Annfyn relished the opportunity to make him suffer for it. While she did attempt to replicate her earlier success, Caelian’s assumption about her overconfidence couldn’t have been further from the truth.

As her fist whirled forward, Vahliri watched as Caelian took a measured step backwards - putting himself just beyond her natural reach. And while her own saber was positioned opposite and unable to block Caelian’s own, the half-Annfyn was far from defenseless. As her arm reached full extension, Vahliri drew her fist back ever-so-slightly - ensuring that Caelian’s saber made contact below the elbow, a mere few inches lower on her forearm. The half-Annfyn wasn’t nearly quick enough to avoid his swing entirely - but neither did she attempt to do so.

Caelian’s blade found its mark on Vahliri’s forearm in a flash - and was just as quickly halted in place. Crimson plasma crackled and hissed against the polished surface of the Crystal Vambrace - not so much as leaving a scratch against the elegant piece of armor. The half-Annfyn had played her cards close to her chest, and only now utilized the artifact after Caelian had overextended himself. Pressing outward with her left arm, Vahliri forced the upper two thirds of her opponents saber to her own left - capitalizing on her own superior leverage to open Caelian’s guard.

At the same time, Vahliri angled her vertical saber ever-so-slightly - propositioned to absorb the torrent of Sith Lightning that was unleashed by Caelian. The Champion had attempted to electrify the half-Annfyn on multiple occasions during this engagement - and she didn’t have to guess that he would likely do it again. Vicious sparks of electricity danced against her blade and strayed off to lick at the sleeve of her robes, and the half-Annfyn pressed against it all the same.

Fighting against the torrent of lightning, Vahliri took a dueling step forward with her right foot - closing the distance between them ever-so-slightly. While keeping Caelian’s blade pinned with her left arm, Vahliri tipped her own saber forward and sliced left to right - attempting to cleanly slice through his own arm at the elbow.

She was prepared to bring their engagement to its finale - and intended to do so by giving Caelian a taste of his own medicine.

 

[Caelian]

With the quick flick of a wrist, the Echani's blade came flying down unhindered, slicing through the arm just above her left elbow without remorse or hesitation. The remains of an armoured arm hit the sand below with a small thump, ending what might have been a critical repeat of her last success. His lightning attack fared well, hitting its intended target and arcing around the plasma blade and holding it in place lest she also be struck by its might.

There was however no time for celebration, shock of success quickly returned to laser focus in trying to force Vahliri to admit defeat. The last strike may slightly increase his odds, but a cornered opponent was still a formidable one, and he would take no chances and would continue to press her.

Starting from its downward forty-five degree position in front of him after the cut, he reversed its position to an upwards forty-five-degree angle, but during the motion adding his other hand to the hilt in an effort to overpower her with a heavy two-handed swing. Stepping forcefully into his next attack, it would be aimed at her left shoulder through to her right hip, bisecting her diagonally, should she refuse to yield or failed to avoid its brutal touch.

If she successfully blocked this, he would press his advantage and attempt to pin her own blade against her person with similar goals.

Spoiler

Timed out, so auto hit rule applied

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[Darth Raze]

The Dark Lord watched the fight play out in silence. In truth, he was mildly impressed by both Champions, the Echani in particular surprising him. The man fought with dedication and focus, something many Sith often lacked. How, then, had he been so foolish? It all came back to women. Even the best were easily manipulated by a pair of tits and a nice ass and the pathetic Echani was no different. Raze knew the Champion would be completely worthless if the Jedi in question was to ever appear across him in battle, but he couldn’t deny the man’s potential elsewhere.

“Enough,” The Dark Lord’s voice rang out the moment Vahliri’s arm detached from her. He had seen enough. The Echani had faced his potential execution head on, and he had come out on top. Raze’s voice projected loud over the combat, signaling for them both to stop at once.

The Dark Lord made some decisions then. His gaze remained on the combatants as he addressed Draugr, “Master Draugr,” He commanded, “Take the accused Champion under your tutelage. Remind him of the Sith Code and teach him strict obedience and loyalty to the Order,” Raze knew that Draugr wouldn’t fail him, the stakes were too high. The Echani already being on thin ice combined with the high stakes ensured a greater chance that the two wouldn’t fail.

“Champion Vahliri,” He called out, “Go to the residence halls within the temple and await further instructions.”

With that, he tilted his head to nod at Draugr before striding away from the area.

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