Pride's Fall

[Austin Wolfe]

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A flock of birds squawked and flapped boisterously as they were startled from their roosts in nearby trees. Austin looked around, surprised that he had caused them to react by a misstep into a puddle that had gathered in the cracks of a well-traveled path. "I am no experienced tracker. I feel Master Torsin's expertise could have been useful for this assignment," Austin commented, waving away a couple flies from his face. "I presumed it would be as simple as finding large tracks in the mud. Do you see anything over there, Galahad?" he called out to his companion, bending down and lifting some leaves as he searched.

The locals hadn't really been much help either. Upon the Jedi's arrival, they were overjoyed but had little knowledge to the pride of Nexu's whereabouts, other than pointing in the general direction of the jungle. A path twisted its way through the trees — one which the two had been following up until now. There had been no evidence of the wild beasts at all, at least not yet. The reports they heard from the villagers varied, but the Nexu at the head of the pride seemed unrealistically large.

"Perhaps we should be searching for a trail of bodies or remains instead. If I am correct, they primarily prey on the weak Uxibeasts that fall behind in their herds." Austin stood back up to his full height, peering at the rays of the hot sun filtering through the leaves of the trees. "At least, when they aren't feasting on the locals' cattle."

@Shalken​

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[Galahad Vult]

Galahad could not help but agree with his companion as he forcibly pulled his staff free from vines that entangled it for the third time. "I do not," he called back. One would think that a massive Nexu would be easier to track, but so far their quarry had left no sign of its presence anywhere. However, Austin was likely correct; they were probably not looking in the right place...or for the right tracks.

Making his way next to the Doctor's side, Galahad also looking up into the sun's rays that shone through the cracks in the green canopy. "Perhaps they would leave behind a trail of remains, but the best we could hope to find would be smears of blood." Taking a deep breath, the former Guard was just about to set out once more when a strange pattern on one of the tree trunks caught his eye. Shielding his eyes from the sunlight, he squinted to get a better look. "Those marks, on that tree...what are those?" Striding through the foliage to get a closer look, Galahad saw that the marks were in fact three distinct gashes in the bark made by large, razor-sharp claws. His gaze now directed to the ground nearby to find more tracks, Vult was unable to spot any more in the immediate vicinity. * "Well, it appears we are heading in the right direction, at least," Vult commented, his tone both optimistic and wary.

Continuing down the muddy path through the dense forest, Galahad's brow furrowed in thought as he voiced his concerns. "While I have known of the existence of Nexu for a long time, I always thought they were native to either deserts or grassy plains. You seem to know a great deal more about this species than I do; where do Nexu make their home? Do they live in treetops, or perhaps they prefer caves?" Austin's insight into the situation would better prepare them for the dangerous fight that was sure to come.

@Vosrik​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

The doctor's companion made a good point in that the Nexu would likely leave little behind once consuming their prey. However, Galahad still managed to find something nearby that at least confirmed the existence of the pride. Striding over to his fellow Master's location, Austin took a closer look at the trunk of the tree. Simply observing their findings in silence, he also perceived that there was little else in the area that hinted at the Nexu's direction. "Indeed, this is better than nothing. We should spread out from here and see if we can find something else — there must be more tracks nearby."

At once, Austin followed his own advice and struck out in a straight line away from the claw marks, taking note of the foliage and estimating where a group of Nexu would most travel in relation to the marks. Pushing past a thick bush, the doctor's efforts were immediately rewarded.* "Ah, Galahad! I have found the rest of their tracks. They are heading northwest," he called out, looking at the numerous footprints from the predators' claws. The ground, being soft and muddy, was likely the only thing that saved the Jedi from searching high and low for hours on end. As Master Vult would catch up, the duo continued onward through the forest.

As his companion had asked a question before Austin found the trail, he took the time to answer it while they followed in the literal footsteps of their quarry. "I did some preliminary research on the creatures before the assignment. They are predators of the highest class — four eyes capable of seeing in the infra-red spectrum, rows of razor sharp teeth, and powerful claws as we have already seen." The doctor grimaced as he stepped into a particularly nasty spot of mud, the wet dirt squelching under his boot. That would need to be cleaned off later for sure. "I am unsure of where they generally make their home, only that they prefer the cover of forests for hunting."

The sun's rays streamed through the canopy intermittently, providing ample light for the Jedi but also casting many shadows as they trudged onward. "Also armed with quills along their back, Nexu are highly aggressive but have some prevailing weaknesses. Although agile, they have weak frames and can easily be injured by physical blows. This also forces them to utilize short hit-and-run attack patterns, as they tire quickly." Austin lowered his voice as his eyes scanned the foliage before them. "We must be watchful. They are excellent ambushers — if we are not vigilant, we may be caught unawares."

@Shalken​

 

[Galahad Vult]

Master Vult's eyes widened as Austin described the physical prowess of the beasts they were hunting. "Predators of the highest class indeed," he murmured, moving closer to the doctor as they followed the new set of tracks through the mud. The Jedi would do well not to underestimate their quarry. The duo having fallen silent, the forest seemed to become more eerie. The shadows cast by the sun seemed to grow larger and longer. The air itself grew thick. The silence was so tense that one could have cut through it with a knife.

The silence.

Not five minutes before, exotic birds screeched incessantly and small herbivorous animals could be heard grunting as they rustled through the low-lying bushes for ripe fruits and tasty leaves. But now, everything had ceased. Even the bugs seemed to have fled. The telltale feeling of imminent danger blared in Galahad's mind suddenly, and he instinctively ducked.

A large striped shadow sailed overhead, the fanged mouth of a Nexu snapping shut right where his head was half a second before. Though narrowly escaping an instant death, the ex-guard felt a spike of pain as a rear claw drew a red line along his left shoulder.* Grunting in pain, Galahad rose to his feet once more, commanding his lightsaber into his open palm and igniting its golden yellow blade. "Austin, to me! Take a defensive stance!" Pushing his back towards his friend, the Jedi Master stood ready for the next assault. Another beast attacked, launching itself from the shadows — but this time Galahad was prepared. Summoning a Force Barrier in its path, the Nexu collided with the wall and fell to the ground. Lashing out with his saber, Galahad nicked the beast's side as it scrambled back to its feet. The Nexu yelped loudly before running back into cover. "There are more than one,"* he observed, roughly able to make out several shapes skulking behind the trees. They could now hear the low, vicious growling rumbling in the predators' throats. "You said they tire easily. If we maintain our defenses and counter-strike opportunistically, we shall overcome them."

@Vosrik​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

"Their predatory nature has made them famous for pit fights and arena executions. I have heard the cost for acquiring them is..." Austin trailed off, continuing to eye the path in front of them. "...quite large. Only the most skilled hunters return from such expeditions." It struck the Jedi Master that here they were, basically doing the same thing for nothing but the goodwill of the people. However, that was their duty as Jedi and keepers of the peace. Surely such a task would not be so difficult for two Jedi Masters.

It was then Austin also noticed the silence that had fallen over the forest, and his growing sense of danger along with it. A sudden snap was heard, and Austin whirled around to see Galahad's shoulder being dug into by the claw of a Nexu. They had been ambushed. Running to his companion's side, Austin ignited his blade with a flick of his wrist that brought the lightsaber to his hand. "Perhaps all this time you and I were the ones being hunted," he commented, eyeing the shapes that prowled in the bushes and flora. Back to back, the two Jedi would not be jumped by the predators from behind anymore.

A snarl echoed out, and the doctor was faced with the vicious red eyes and razor-sharp fangs of one of the ravenous Nexu. Instantly reacting, Austin caught the beast in stasis mid-jump. Swinging downward with his azure blade, he cleaved its head in two and the beast fell dead to the ground — released from the Jedi's grip.* More growls were heard from the bushes, indicating the Nexu had watched the encounter and might be more careful than the first one. A scraping noise was heard, and Austin looked overhead to see quite clearly one of the Nexu climbing a tree.http://www.thestarwarsrp.com/forum/...halken’s-dice-table.82330/page-3#post-1458075 It crawled out along a branch over top the Jedi, but fell as it snapped under the feline's weight. It snarled and twisted in the air, stretching out its claws and landing heavily on the ground.* It yelped upon the impact as several cracks were heard, likely having broken several of its weak bones in the process.

Wishing to put it out of its misery, as it would likely die otherwise due to starvation or being eaten by other creatures, Austin stepped forward quickly and pierced it between the eyes with his lightsaber. It collapsed with one final huff and was silent.

@Shalken​

 

[Galahad Vult]

If Galahad and Austin had just been normal travelers through Ifrane's jungles, they would have easily fallen prey to the Nexu ambush and simply become their next meal. However, for all the animalistic cunning these apex predators possessed, they failed to account for the fact that these humans they hunted were Jedi Masters capable of bending the forces of nature and reality itself to their will. Galahad heard the doctor slay one of the beasts, but his guard never came down even once. Hearing the scraping as well, the Jedi Master looked up to see one of the Nexu attempting to leap at them from an overhanging branch. Seeing the tree could only barely support the animal's weight, the ex-guard reached out with the Force, applying enough pressure for the branch to fully break. The Nexu plummeted to the ground, many of it delicate bones breaking with a meaty crunch as it landed, leaving it writhing in pain before Austin put it out of its misery.

As such, the Nexus' overconfidence was their downfall, two of them now lying dead at the Jedi's feet. The third beast finally realized just how outmatched it was against its prey, it gave a final snarl at the two figures before limping away through the bushes.* The coast now clear, Galahad sheathed his saber and exhaled, the immediate danger having passed. "That pack likely ambushed us for one of two reasons, the first of which is that they were just hungry. The second..." Galahad observed, "...is that their home is nearby, and they were defending their territory." As ominous as it sounded, that was exactly what the Jedi were looking for. "Perhaps if we follow the remaining beast, it will lead us to its home where we can destroy them at the root." While typically Jedi were tasked with the preservation of life, these predators were incredibly dangerous to the people that lived here. By putting down the pack, they would be saving far more lives than if they did nothing.

Keeping a very safe distance as they trailed the wounded Nexu, the Jedi Masters were able to follow it fairly easily due to the unique tracks it left in the mud as it limped back to its den. Galahad noted the landscape beneath them growing slightly more inclined, indicating they were approaching a mountain or large hill. The soft ground quickly became dotted with even more signs of the predators' home, with huge clawed paws going to and fro along with massive gouges in the dirt likely left from corpses being dragged through it. Sure enough, the ground quickly rose up into a large rock face where a dark triangle-shaped slit gaped at them from the cliff. Black and red smears stained the ground, and several gnawed-out bones were scattered before the entrance. Before entering, Galahad commented quietly, "The Nexu will be at a disadvantage, fighting in the cave's enclosed space instead of the freedom of the treetops. However, we must not underestimate them; animals are always more vicious when cornered."

@Vosrik​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

Watching as the final Nexu think better of engaging and wander off into the forest, Austin extinguished his saber and realized that the natural sounds began to return with the absence of the predators. Galahad logically interpreted the actions of the Nexu — which conclusion the doctor agreed with. "Who in their right mind follows these things to their home? This is madness," Austin commented aloud as they continued on. This was for the civilians though — for their families and kids. Think of the children.

As the Nexu made fresh tracks in the damp soil, it was exceptionally easy to follow it as it ran back to its lair. Something nagged at the back of the doctor's mind, mainly that neither Jedi knew how large this pride of Nexu was. The locals that the Masters spoke to didn't seem to have any idea either — only that they were scared for their safety and there was a really big one. Austin placed a hand where his lightsaber was fastened, just for reassurance. A difficult fight lay ahead of them that they would likely not escape from unharmed. The doctor already had one scar on his left shoulder from a blaster shot on Pollilus, and he certainly did not want any more, despite his ability to heal many woulds rather quickly. In fact, that reminded Austin of Galahad's shoulder.

"Come here for a moment, let me see your injury," the doctor asked before the duo entered the lair. Viewing the scrape that had cut clean through his Jedi robes and stained them a dark red. "This is why you should be wearing more armour, my friend," Austin commented as he drew upon the Force and placed a hand near Galahad's shoulder. It began to emanate a blue-yellow glow as the healing energies bathed his wound, closing the torn skin. "As a doctor, I would recommend you stay away from strenuous activities for the next week," Austin commented, exhaling and looking towards the dark cavern. "But I don't think that will be happening anytime soon." Igniting his lightsaber once again, the azure blade bathed the walls with light. The Nexu were able to see into the infrared spectrum, and therefore didn't need light as Austin and Galahad did.

Stepping cautiously deeper into the cave, they heard movement and noises echoing off the walls. Turning a corner, two* Nexu came into view and their eyes reflected the light that the lightsabers gave off. Both attacked at once — one biting at Austin's legs and the other catapulting itself off the cavern walls towards his head. Instinctively, Austin blasted the one aimed at his head with a telekinetic burst, but the teeth of the second one sank into right thigh* and he bashed the hilt of his lightsaber against its head to make it let go. Grimacing in pain and gripping his leg, he backed off to let Galahad fend off the predators.

@Shalken​

 

[Galahad Vult]

So long had Galahad gone relatively uninjured that he had almost completely forgotten that Austin was, in fact, a doctor. "Thank you, Austin," he acknowledged, the pain in his shoulder ebbing significantly. "You are right, I should find myself a suit of armour for our expeditions. A shame I do not have my old Temple Guard plating any more." Galahad realized that their missions had become increasingly more and more violent lately. First they were purging abominations, and now they were hunting a large and very dangerous pack of Nexu.

Igniting his saber as well, Master Vult entered the cave shortly behind Austin. Unfortunately, two of the beasts were waiting for them, and assaulted the doctor almost immediately. Though Master Wolfe managed to fend off one of the Nexu with a well-timed Force push, the wounded creature from earlier took advantage of the distraction and bit the man quite severely. Galahad struck out in retaliation, instantly severing the offending predator's head. Prepared to slay the other Nexu, the former guard was pleased to see that it was already dead — its neck snapped from the force of the doctor's telekinetic burst.* Galahad turned his attention to his wounded friend, grasping his shoulder to support him. "Now it is your turn to need medical aid. My skills at healing are far from adequate, but I do have these." Reaching into his belt, the Master pulled out a bandage and a kolto-based instant clotting agent from his trauma pack. Binding the medicine to Austin's leg, Galahad helped the man to his feet before continuing further into the cave.

Though their senses were not nearly as keen as those of their prey, the Jedi were able to see clearly through the darkness as their lightsabers lit the way. Master Vult grimaced at the smell that wafted from the cave, an alien mixture of wet animal and rotting flesh. Bones littered the cavern's floor, stained with the blood of countless prey dragged within to their demise. The den suddenly opened up into a large circular 'room', with no less than eight Nexu snarling at the intruders, their tails flicking in agitation. In the center of them all crouched the massive form of the alpha Nexu, the king of the pride.* The sound of their snarls was deafening, and it was certain that it was only moments before they unleashed their attack on the intruders. But Galahad had a plan.

Reaching out with the Force, the Jedi Master grasped the roof of the den itself. The stones cracked loudly as he tightened his grip before hurling the massive chunks of stone down onto the group of Nexu, their snarls instantly turning into loud yelps and cries of pain. Four of the beasts were crushed by the collapse, and the rest lay sprawled out among the boulders, many of their light bones broken by the weight of the stone. The alpha male rose from the dust to face the Jedi, its right hind leg bent at an awkward angle, severely reducing its ability to dash about nimbly like before.* "Ha! Now we are evenly matched," Galahad shouted tauntingly, raising his lightsaber in the defensive Soresu stance.

@Vosrik​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

"That is a shame indeed," Austin replied, giving the former Temple Guard a sidelong glance. "Though a simple set of dueling armor would have prevented that scrape." However, they were on the literal doorstep of their quarry. There was no turning back now. Ironically, Austin's words literally bit him back as his own field medic robes offered no protection against the Nexu's attack on his thigh. Galahad's retribution against the predator was swift and effective, and it seemed that the doctor's quick reaction against the one leaping through the air had also caused its death. "Thank you, Galahad," Austin said. "Now we are equally wounded, it seems."

Having been mended adequately enough to carry onward, it was not long before they reached the deepest part of the cavern. Here there were bones scattered everywhere across the rocky floor — Austin dared not guess how many creatures or even innocent locals had been slain by the pride's reign of terror. With the intervention of the Jedi Masters, that would end today. Looking forward, the doctor was not pleased to see the many Nexu that awaited them. Cornered in their lair, they would most certainly be even more ferocious — despite not having the advantage of trees or foliage to assist their attacks. The alpha Nexu was also a sight to behold, truly a massive specimen of the species. Though impressive, this made it even more dangerous than the rest. It was likely far tougher and more resistant to physical strikes than the rest of its pride. But Galahad stuck first, having the genius idea of bringing down the roof of the cave on top of the Nexu, killing several and wounding many more.

Austin was worried that more of the roof would fall on top, but looking upward it seemed as though it was holding firm.* Reaching out, the doctor attempted to do the same, but was interrupted by one of the Nexu lunging forward.* Striking out with his lightsaber, he slayed the beast immediately and strode forward to cut down two more of the advancing predators. * One one of the original eight Nexu remaining, it held back close by to the Alpha — hesitant to attack. The Alpha, also wounded by the falling rocks, seemed very wary and pushed back against the wall, snarling savagely at the two Jedi.*

@Shalken​

 

[Galahad Vult]

For a moment Galahad realized the possibility of the cave coming down on top of them. Thankfully the rocks seemed to hold firm, though a few more boulders cracked loose and fell to the ground amongst the other debris and Nexu corpses.* It was a good thing that the ceiling remained intact, as Austin made very short work of the Nexu that lunged at him, and used his momentum to rush forward and slay two more that were too injured to fight back. Though they could be fierce predators in the jungles of Ifrane, they now had nowhere else to run, and their soft hides provided no protection against their attackers' weapons.

Facing off against the two beasts that had pushed themselves up against the wall, Galahad's breathing began get heavier. Bringing the ceiling down had had taken a lot of energy to execute, and the Master realized he should preserve his energy. Unfortunately, the strongest of their opponents, though wounded, still remained a threat. Without the use of the Force, Galahad had few options at his disposal for slaying the apex Nexu. He dared not come within range of its claws, as even his immense strength would be unable to match that of the giant predator. Winding up, Galahad threw his lightsaber at the large Nexu, but the cunning beast deftly knocked the weapon to the side with a foreleg, uninjured.* Seeing the Jedi was now weaponless, it scrambled forward and swiped at him viciously. Jumping back, Galahad narrowly avoided the attack and attempted to summon his blade back into his grasp to strike back. Though his weapon returned to him, the Nexu's large tail whipped around quickly, knocking Master Vult back into a pile of bones on the floor.* Though the beast had managed to fend off his attempts to wound it, the alpha Nexu was now overextended and open to an attack from Master Wolfe. "Strike it, Austin!" Galahad called out, grunting as he scrambled to his feet painfully.

@Vosrik​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

Though there were only two Nexu left of the former strength of the pride, the Alpha proved to be far more cunning than the rest of the Nexu combined. Even one so skilled as Galahad was foiled by its tactics, knowing to keep the Jedi Master away from the use of his lightsaber. Seeing his companion knocked aside, though thankfully unhurt into the rotting pile of remains, the doctor turned his attention to the alpha. Hearing Galahad's call, Austin raised a hand and summoned the powers of electricity to his will. Having no intention of slaying the beast or torturing it, this manifestation was not one of dark intent and therefore not Sith Lightning. The electrokinesis was executed without flaw — arcing out and striking the apex predator in the head, causing it to roar as it stunned the beast.* Striding forward, Austin took advantage of his successful strike and cleaved the Nexu's left foreleg clean off.*

The alpha beast roared viciously in pain and anger, snapping at the Jedi Master but completely losing its balance due to its lost limb. It backed up right against the wall from its attackers — now mortally wounded but not yet dead. The smaller Nexu, hearing its alpha's cry, lunged forward at the doctor — clamping down on his right forearm.* Thankfully, Austin was armed with phrik-coated dueling gloves, which would prevent a strike against a lightsaber, never mind the teeth of a beast. Twisting his wrist, he sliced his azure blade into the body of the Nexu which released him as it died. Hopefully by now Galahad would be able to regain his footing and they could take down the last of the Nexu pride and free the locals from the constant terror of the predators.

@Shalken​

 

[Galahad Vult]

Though Galahad was knocked aside and momentarily unable to fight, Austin took full advantage of the Nexu’s overextension, stunning it with a bolt of electricity before cutting off one of its forelegs. The last normal-sized predator rushed to the aid of its leader and bit down on the doctor’s forearm, but this time his armour protected him from harm as he slew the smaller creature.

Having pulled himself to his feet once more, Galahad cautiously approached the large beast, now brought low by its wounds. Backed against the wall with nowhere to run, its breathing laboured, it snarled in defiance nonetheless. When Vult came within striking distance, it made one last effort to harm the Jedi; however, the loss of both a forearm and back leg imbalanced the Nexu too much, and its attempt to lunge at him merely caused it to flop onto the cave floor awkwardly.* Unable to defend itself, Galahad closed the distance and impaled the beast through the heart. It shuddered violently for but a moment, then lied still. The pride of Nexu was dead.

As much as he wanted to sit down and recover, the cavern was no longer stable. The Jedi made their way out of the den before finally relaxing against the rocky cliff. ”Thank you for watching out for me, Austin,” Galahad breathed. ”That was perhaps our most dangerous adventure as of yet. Perhaps we should stick to less...strenuous missions for a while.” Once they had caught their breath, the two Jedi made their way back to the village, informing them the Nexu would bother them no longer.

Fin​