Seeking Guidance

[Kyo'kou]

Coruscant : Mid-Level

This had to be the worst idea she ever had.

Kyo'kou curled her fingers around the chilly durasteel railing of the overlook, their knuckles whitening as her grasp tightened in response to her building stress. Though the sun had started to set long ago, bringing with it a soothing and cool atmosphere, sweat dotted her exposed brow. She gazed across the ever-busy city that was Coruscant, her eyes darting to a fro in a failing attempt to track every moving speeder, each individual crossing he sky walks, every droid that patrolled the air.

Before departing her ship back at the dock, she had surrounded herself within a shield composed purely of the Force, securing her nature from being sensed while also blinding her from being forewarned of any danger. Needless to say, she was feeling quite exposed and vulnerable. Kyo'kou desperately wanted to set herself free, to once again be aware of the intentions of others, especially those closest to her observation deck. The structure itself wasn't very populated save for a small family entertaining their children here and there, or the more common couple seeking a romantic spot to nauseate everyone else with their public displays of affection. But to do so could alert anyone sensitive to the Force that she was versed in the Dark side- something highly frowned upon within the Republic. Even more so its capital. Jedi frequented here.

But that was the point. She wanted to meet one face-to-face. It was stupid, really. Why should she think they would give a Sith the chance to explain herself when they could just as easily lop off her head. Or try to. She wasn't exactly defenseless (despite some rumors that circulated about her). Kyo'kou wasn't like the others of her order, though. Perhaps the Jedi could sense that? ..When she decided to be bold enough to lower her safety egg that is. Right now, the woman was more than happy using her time to contain a panic attack that threatened to rip her apart, and try not to look like someone who was either high on spice or about to throw themselves over the railing.

I'm going to get myself killed, aren't I? She asked herself, and not for the first time either. Kyo'kou groaned as she leaned back to stretch out her apprehension, then straightened and smoothed out her fitted white-leather sleeveless top and matching long-skirt. White. Hah. The Sith shook her head in disbelief. Well, so far so good. No one has raised a blaster to me yet. Her brown eyes scanned the thinning crowd. Night would be soon upon the world and with it the less welcomed riff raff would scurry out from their holes to start 'work.' As a sudden thought crossed her mind, she nearly burst out laughing. Imagine if she actually got mugged all because she wanted to hide from the 'good guys.' Ah well. Better start moving towards the Senate District.

Kyo'kou started to do just that, maintaining a slow and steady space, all while trying to keep her head held high and posture straight as not to attract unwanted attention. She had purposely landed several miles from her desired destination to give herself some leeway with her experiment- namely that she, a Sith, could blend in with the general public. While she appeared nonchalant, the woman was truly terrified to the core. She had no idea what to expect, nor what to do when her goal of actually encountering a Jedi was met. However, she was quite determined to finish her quest for knowledge. So much so, that she dressed as a commoner on a planet that was forbidden to her kind and without the protection of her Nexu pet. All she bore was a pair of lightsabers concealed beneath her flowing skirt- and even they weren't easy to access (she truly didn't want them to be seen).

As the Sith walked, her steps actually became more confident. Kyo'kou found herself becoming easily distracted by the many lights that lined each horizon, their colors a beautiful display, though arrangement chaotic. Every now and then she would catch the scent of freshly cooking food- most citizens would be settling in for their evening meals around now. Some actually made her stomach rumble. Before too long she found herself smiling. Maybe this won't be so bad after all..

 

[Kyo'kou]

Kyo'kou subconsciously picked up the pace as she neared a growing crowd of civilians, all of whom were dressed in rather..revealing garments. They were doing their best to form a solitary line before the opening to an establishment from which a mesmerizing dance of colors poured out and eardrum rupturing music blasted each time the door opened. Much to her dismay, she was forced to slow down as more and more young adults congregated, each new one more desperate than the last to get so much as a glimpse inside. While her own curiosity spiked alongside her wish to lower her personal shield, the Sith thought better of it. It wasn't worth risking her identity just to satisfy her desire.

Still...

She found herself stopped at the back of the group staring over as many heads as she could at the entrance. This place is too popular for its own good. In silence she mused. It would be so much easier to figure out why if I just.. The temptation was starting to become unbearable. It wasn't often that the woman was forced to conceal herself and to shut her senses from the world around her, but when she did, it always made her skin crawl and an unbearable itch infest her mind. Focus... You're not here to... to do whatever they're doing inside.. It had just occurred to her that she never actually went inside such an establishment before. Heard of them, sure, but not once had she ever gone 'clubbing' as the civilians called it. Just move along. Even as she followed her own advice and started off again, she couldn't help but feel as though the Force wanted her to go.

Night completely blanketed Coruscant by the time Kyo'kou arrived at the Senate District. Here, there were far fewer travelers, all of whom wore clothing made from the richest of fabrics and dyed the most eye-catching of hues. They presented themselves with stiff spines and raised noses, all alluding to their status in society. She winced at their sideways glares at her direction, flinched at the whispered insults that were purposely loud enough for her to hear. To them, the woman was nothing more than commoner trash- at least based on her appearance alone.

Their reactions were bold enough to actually stop the Sith dead in her tracts as she entered a bewildered state. It wasn't due to her having not encountered such high-and-mighty personalities before; most of the Imperials held themselves in high regards (her family included). No..what deeply bothered her was what she found herself doing. Without prompting, Kyo'kou had placed her hands in a grasping position at both her sides- as though to arm herself with her lightsabers. Her gut burned with the desire to show the elitists just whom they mocked..to make them pay for their arrogance. And once the seed of disgust planted its roots into her, they dug in deep and began to bloom the need to act. The need to lash out and strike everyone down mercilessly.

Fortunately, the Sith recognized her own ill-desires and restrained herself. Barely. But little did she know that her breaths started to be heaved while her fingers twitched and eyes began to glow an unholy yellow..

 

[Kyo'kou]

They're all staring at me..

The immediate environment appeared to darken then retract inward as though being sucked into an invisible hole. It all blackened soon after. When her vision returned, it didn't contain the Senate District. Nay, Coruscant itself was gone. Instead, the woman found herself in a room alone, the walls all around her a cold black stone polished to the point of providing a reflection. She found herself staring into her doppelganger..into frightening golden eyes. The mimic smirked at her. "Set me free.. I promise you won't regret it. In fact, I believe you'll find it oh so..satisfying.." It mockingly chuckled. Kyo'kou furiously shook her head. No! I am not going to be like them. I'll never be like them! At the outburst, her duplicate simply folded her arms and sighed. "It's in your blood. You can't escape who you are. I will catch up to you.." The image reached out from the stone and pressed a chilled index finger smack into the middle of the Sith's forehead.

Kyo'kou gasped as the true world returned around her in a blinding flash. Her footing unsteady, the woman wobbled backwards a few paces before finding purchase and recovering. For a moment she stared at her feet, dumbfounded. When she straightened, she found a few civilians had stopped their strolls to stare at her. Those glares made the darkness within churn and claw at her belly. It would be so easy to give in, to let it take over and ravage the mindless noble drones. She could already taste their blood on her lips, feel the stickiness run down her bare flesh into puddles at her boots. The Sith pictured their lifeless eyes boring into her own, embedded with the last traces of fear and pain they would ever feel. The more she imagined the decimated corpses littering the platform, the more the darkness grabbed hold, purring in anticipation. Her eyes brightened to red.

No. It would be too easy.

A sharp pain pierced her mind. It was so sudden that she faltered back again, clutching her head in both hands. She was gripped with fear as an unfamiliar warmth rushed over her, covering her body without actual visible form. Immediately she recognized what was going on.

Kyo'kou strengthened her Force barrier just in time to be suddenly thrown back by an unseen force. It was powerful enough to send her soaring clear from her feet to, then over, the platform's edge. As her body became weightless and at the mercy of Coruscant's gravity, the Sith twisted her body around until she fell head-first towards oncoming traffic. The sense-nullifying egg cracked open then shattered all together, allowing the Force to flow through her freely. With all her senses sharpened, the night brightened into day, the muffled sounds of the speeding aerial vehicles became as sharp and clear as ever. The Sith grunted as she launched multiple short but firm bursts of the Force this way and that, manipulating her entire body to the right and left, avoiding an untimely and deadly collision with the masses. Her eyes darted frantically about. Eventually, she noticed a sky bridge racing up to meet her.

That'll do.

Reaching beneath the waistband of her skirt, Kyo'kou grasped and withdrew her duo lightsabers. Their blades ignited twin beams of furious red, whose normal humming were drowned by the wind rushing past her head. Throwing out her arms to both sides, she angled her body upright, then lashed forward as hard as she could. The lightsabers's blades bit into the roof of the bridge, easily cutting through the durasteel and concrete upon meeting it. But as they descended into thicker proportions, the friction started to slow her descent, though soon the structure's bottom was met and passed through. Luckily, the Sith slowed enough that when she surprisingly landed on a cargo transporter's topside, upon which she immediately performed a somersault to reduce the impact's burden, her unplanned skydiving adventure came to an end. Slowly, she straightened into a stand, her breaths hard and heavy from the adrenaline coursing through her veins.

"That wasn't too bad.." The woman mocked.

At more to her leisure, the Sith waited until the transport neared a sky-walk before effortlessly bounding off and landing on more stable ground. Only then did she deactivate her blades and sheath them back into their hidden slots. Looking around, then straight up, her hopes sank as deep as the level she wound up on. The Lower Levels... Great...

 

[Drav]

Turning the corner Drav was presented by a dark alleyway, only feint lights were entering from behind him. It was not very hard on the lower levels to find dark places. He was unsure if Hooger would show up or not. He began walking to the middle of the ally. In front of him the path opened to a sky-walk, which saw little traffic most of the time. A perfect place to set up a meeting.

Drav rested his right hand on his sidearm, stopped at the middle of the alley, and waited. Hooger was the one who sent him the contract to escort a freighter full of tibanna gas. This escort mission turned out to be a trap, and cost Drav the life of his partners and his flawless track record. He was determined to find the person responsible, and make him pay. Preferably with their own life. He had no better lead to go on than Hooger himself.

Just as Drav was about to check his chrono on his commlink, he suddenly heard footsteps on his right, from the direction of the sky-walk. When he turned his head, he noted that it was indeed Hooger. The Zabrak tried the hide his features with a dark brown cloak, but his hunched back gave him away to anybody who knew him. He stopped at the entrance, probably waiting for his eyesight to get used to the dark and see if the Duros was alone or not. Apparently he did not think it was a trap, as he began closing the distance. They were soon standing about ten feet apart.

“You know I don’t have any jobs for you.” He was nervous, unsure what to expect. They only met so far to talk about already accepted jobs, or handle the payments after successful ones. Drav thought that Hooger accepted to meet him anyway, because otherwise it would draw suspicion to himself.

“I’m not on the market at the moment. I just want to ask some question.” With some exaggerated movement he lifted up his hand from his blaster. “I’m sure you know what I mean.”

“You brought me here to chat? I have much more important matters to attend to.” He failed to hide the nervousness from his voice. “Whatever it is, I’m sure we can talk about it over the comms.” Hooger started to turn around, seemingly ready to already cut the conversation short. However, Drav was not nearly finished.

He quickly close the gap between them, put his hand over the throat of the Zabrak, and pushed him against the wall. “You are not getting away this easy!” It was tempting for him to hit Hooger, but the Zabrak was a coward, and Drav wanted him to feel that if he cooperated, he could get away unharmed.

“Who put up the contract for the tibanna gas? I want a name Hoog! And I want it before I lose my patience.” Instead of applying any physical harm, his unsheathed his CMBP and pushed it against the other’s abdomen. Hooger instinctively put his hands up in front of his face.

“Please don’t hurt me! I don’t know anything!”
“I want a name! Who was you contact? Where did the contract come from?” He applied some pressure on the gun. It was most likely hurting a weak being, such as Hooger.

“I only know the name Mynock. The person who sent me the offer called himself Mynock. He specifically had you in mind for the job.” His voice was stuttering, and Drav began to find him despicable. “I swear this is all I know!”

“Did you meet him in person?”
“Of course not, it was sent to me by a message.” Hooger’s eyes opened, as if he was just saved from certain death. “The message! It came from Lothal! I had my informants check on it!” He looked overly joyful with the fact that he could provide useful information.

It took Drav a few moments to process all this. Mynock. Lothal. It did not make any sense. He had no connection with any of them. Why would anybody want him dead this badly?
Finally he looked back at the Zabrak.

“Thank you for your help! It was most helpful.” He did not decide if he would let Hooger walk away. He might as well be lying to his teeth, and he could have had something to do with the whole thing. People like him were known to do unexpected things, when somebody was causing them trouble. Drav contemplated a lot previously on the matter.

The Zabrak has probably noticed the uncertainty of his fate, because he decided to make a run for it. The sudden attack took Drav by surprise, and Hooger managed to land a powerful head-butt to the side of the Duros’s head. He stumbled back to the opposite wall of the alley, as the Zabrak began to make a run for it, towards to sky-walk. It seems he choose his own fate, Drav thought. Taking a few moments to regain his footing, Drav lifted up his CMBP and aimed at the running Hooger. The first shot missed him by a few inches. The Duros focused for a beat, taking a short breath, and squeezed the trigger once again. It hit right in the back, just as Hooger was about to turn the corner. The momentum took him further, and the body slid across the walkway, stopping inches away from the chasm beneath.

Taking a few more moments to clear his thoughts, Drav stood up straight and started walking towards the body. He might as well see what he had on him, there might be something useful. As he exited, he looked around. On the right there was nobody, just as expected. But on the left…

A female human was standing there, her hair messy, like it was exposed to a strong wind for a couple of minutes. Drav, blaster hid behind his back, turned the corner, at began walking towards her. He half expected her to run away with fear.

“It is very late for a walk, this deep into the city, sweetheart.” He was slowly moving closer. He was unsure how concealed his sidearm was, or how bright the human was to notice it. He did not know what to do. It might be best to just shoot her, and throw her over the railing. He is going to do that with Hooger anyway. It would be an interesting sight for anyone finding them later.

“Are you lost?” He extended an arm towards the woman, unsure what he is actually trying to achieve. He was winging it as he went along. Drav was readying himself to shoot, in case she would try running away.

@Kyo'kou

 

[Kyo'kou]

Something was wrong..she could sense it.

The Lower Levels of Coruscant were notorious for many things. Crime, illegal dealings, slave trade..you name it, you could find it among the maze of countless buildings, alleys and tunnels. The sector was so far down and so congested that it barely saw any sunlight, providing crooks and criminals with the perfect environment to make their credits even when the sun was set at its highest point. While the daytime hours were bad enough, only the bravest, or those with good connections, ever dared set foot at night. Coming here was definitely far from her intentions.

Kyo'kou started to pat herself down and run a hand through her tangled and tossed hair while observing her surroundings, ever-alert for anything odd. The lights everywhere were on full-bore yet quite dim in comparison to normal standards, their owners either too poor or careless to pay their electric bills or too lazy to dust the advertisements off. Perhaps even both. She was just translating a flashing add for some strange alcoholic drink when it happened. A chill ran through her, head snapped to the side just in time to see a body slide into position not far from her. Upon quick inspection she noted a smoldering hole in the corpse's back. Any sane soul would have taken off at that point. The Sith, however, stood her ground and awaited the assailant- surely even the most amateur of murderer knew better than to leave their kill out in the open to be found.

Sure enough, she heard calm, rhythmic footsteps. Judging by their sound alone she could tell the killer was confident. What she felt, however, told her so much more. Rage. Hatred. Aggravation. Such primitive emotions. So deadly when focused into a purpose.

“It is very late for a walk, this deep into the city, sweetheart.”

Her red eyes locked onto the humanoid and steadied themselves, brow furrowed with annoyance. It wasn't how he addressed her that sat wrong with the Sith, but the fact that he had just slaughtered a civilian and bore no remorse.

“Are you lost?”

"No, I just made a little detour." She practically growled, her knuckles cracking and whitening as they balled into tight fists. For a moment she considered attending to the body- perhaps there was a bit of life left in him to salvage. Clearly, however, this Duros wasn't going to allow for it. "I'd reconsider using that blaster on me. It won't get you far." Kyo'kou's gaze never left his bulbous eyes. A hand gestured to the body. "Mind telling me what that was about?" With all her agitation still building from her encounter up top, it was bound to boil over soon. And she knew that even her will power would not be strong enough to reign in her darker nature, which begged to gut the alien like a fish.

 

[Drav]

"I'd reconsider using that blaster on me. It won't get you far."
Drav couldn’t say he was surprised she noticed the CMBP. He was very obvious about it. Without showing any emotion, he lowered the gun to his side.

Drav have met many people since the beginning of his career. In his mind there were to kind of people; ones who got shot, and ones who pulled the trigger. It was usually easy to distinguish them by how they acted when threatened. There was one thing Drav could immediately see; this girl was not one to get shot. It was interesting, he thought, how the girl did not look nervous or scared. Put in her place Drav was sure, he would be itching to pull a gun, and hope to get away safely. She was angry.

"Mind telling me what that was about?" She waved her hand towards Hooger’s dead body. Drav looked back at it instinctively over his shoulder, and then quickly snapped his head back at the woman, cursing himself for the involuntary response. He could feel his body temperature rising, and his heart rate quickening. He could also feel the cold breeze that was present on the sky-walk. He was only dressed in his usual casual attire, with a black and red jacket on top.
“Don’t mind him! He might have caused the death of two great people.” He wondered for a second if people not living as outlaws of the society would think that maybe killing someone is a good reason to shoot another. He was not convinced they would. “He also attacked me first.”

No, this girl was not just any civilian. They would not ask any questions, everyday people usually want to know as little as possible, and maybe their lives will be spared that way. Drav concluded to himself that she might be a grunt, or bodyguard to some low-level crime boss. She would certainly make a nice trophy, something that can be showed off to others. That’s how criminals on Coruscant were usually thinking, anyway.

“Look, I don’t have anything against you, so I wouldn’t shoot you if I don’t have to.” He slightly moved the blaster in front of him, still lowered to the ground, grabbing the grip of his CMBP with his left hand as well.

He looked at the figure of the girl for a moment, contemplating where she could keep her own weapon. There wasn’t much space for it, but the long skirt could conceal a wide number of blasters.
“I’ll tell you what, love! You put your blaster on the ground, and slide it over to me! Then we go on our separate ways, forgetting this little incident of ours!”

He didn’t want to anger anybody by killing her. He also had the advantage, and the girl would not have time to try anything crazy. He could feel his whole body tensing up.

 

[Kyo'kou]

“Don’t mind him! He might have caused the death of two great people.”

"Might have?" Kyo'kou practically snarled. She often forgot how easy it was for others to take a life and act so nonchalant about it. But these days it was a normal occurrence, wasn't it? That still didn't let the fact sit well with her.

“He also attacked me first.”

"So you shot him. In he back." A hand gestured to the cooling corpse. "I may not have been on the front lines of this war, but even I can tell that he was in full retreat." The Force allowed her to penetrate the alley's darkness and see further than most. Due to this, she could see a slight trickle of blood smeared on the concrete behind the dead man. "And fast at that to leave a trail like that behind." Her fingers twitched, the darkness within getting even more anxious and itchy, knowing it would soon get to play.

“Look, I don’t have anything against you, so I wouldn’t shoot you if I don’t have to.”

The woman actually laughed, though not pleasantly. It was more of a guffaw of surprise and 'you're kidding me, right?' ordeal. "Well thank you for that." Kyo'kou's voice cracked; it was becoming harder and harder to subdue the Dark side. The way the Duros composed himself, what he said, that ego around him..He needed to be brought down a few pegs.

“I’ll tell you what, love! You put your blaster on the ground, and slide it over to me! Then we go on our separate ways, forgetting this little incident of ours!”

And there was the last straw. Kyo'kou willingly let the self-control shatter. The Dark side immediately took the opportunity to flow out from its containment within the depths of her soul and infiltrated every cell, stimulating them into overdrive. The infiltration was so sudden that remnants of the essence actually leaked out from her silhouette, casting her in an aura of pure blackness that audibly hissed and whipped through the air. As her muscles tensed and upper body eased forward while her right leg slowly slid back, she bellowed, "Big. Mistake." A split second after opening her hands they could be found grasping twin black cylinders with silver metal highlites. One of them contained a white crystal at its bottom which matched the one worn as a pendant around her neck. They both began to glow.

"I normally don't take lives. If I were you, I'd beg me to reconsider that fact once I'm done with you." Twin beams of red light lanced out from the devices in unison. They hummed a low tune and bathed Kyo'kou in their glow, though when the light touched the aura of darkness around her, it seemed to be devoured by it. "I'll give you a fighting chance, though. Draw. Your. Weapons." Her lips pulled into an utmost sinister smirk as she began to laugh slow, deep, menacing chortles.

 

[Nor'baal]

Crack!

A brilliant lance of energy blasted from the shadows, slicing through Kyo’Kous monologue almost as fast as it would slice through her legs. ”He ain’t the only one who can shoot people in the back Ma’am.’’ came the drawling voice of Ners Ordo. He stepped forwards, his Sunspear Blasters in his hands, one with smoke crawling upward from the barrel. Across his back, twin Vibro-Blades rested, tucked at the back of his belt, two DL-15p Pistols, and a pouch of thermal detonators. He wore Rim-Scout armour, his helmeted head doing nothing to distort his words.

This Duros had already taken his bounty from him today, and Ners just was not in the mood for any prolonged action. ”It’s called bounty hunting Miss, kind of a big profession in these parts.’’ he added, his Sunspears level leaving their aim at the person before him. If she even so much as moved, a hail of blaster bolts would make short work of her - and given that she was facing away from him, by now most likely with a gaping hole in her leg - there appeared to be little she could do.

”You even so much as twitch, and the floor of this great City will be the last thing you see. I can always find a buyer for the corpse of a fool.’’ he added.

 

[Drav]

Moments ago the greatest challenge Drav faced was shooting a hunched Zabrak in the back. He was also running away from him. Now he was staring at two glowing red lightsabers, which were intended to be used against him. His brain could not process all the information as fast as they happened. It needed time to realize that he was facing against a Sith.
The surprises were not over, however. Just as Drav would have even started to think about his next move, a sudden blaster was shot towards the leg of the Sith. Drav watched as the bounty hunter stepped out, and stopped behind her.

As Drav finally regained control over his mind and body, he raised up his CMBP and aimed it at the body of the Sith. It was a bigger target than the head, and Drav was not confident enough to try shooting at such a small target. Tactically they were in a good position. Assuming that the bounty hunter wouldn’t turn on Drav. He might have a bounty put on his own head by the mysterious Mynock. Drav did not know the full extent of a Sith’s capabilities. Any actions might be futile.
Looking at the two in front of him, he realized just how under equipped he was in this confrontation.

“You should listen to the man! Calm down, turn those off and we can all walk away! We don’t want to kill you!” At least Drav didn’t. He was not sure about the other one. While talking he took a few steps to his left, making sure that if they would need to shoot her, he and the bounty hunter would be out of each other’s line of fire.
Drav also took the last lines of the bounty hunter as an advice, and readied himself to shoot the moment the Sith would try to attack either one of them. He just hoped the bounty hunter will really do the same for him, if actual combat took place.

Drav did not want to find out how good Sith were at combat. He believed that the Sith would understand that any action would result in her own death. At least this is what Drav was hoping for.

 

[Kyo'kou]

Kyo'kou's right hand opened to release her blade. It dropped faster than gravity would ordinarily allow, whipped around with its blade still facing skyward to her backside, then performed a sweeping motion just in time to intercept an unseen (but well sensed) blast. The blade crackled and hissed upon impact but the stream of itself remained steady, as though composed of a solid substance rather than energy. The gesture took less than a second. As for the bolt, it harmlessly deflected down into the street, leaving a nice little hole. The lightsaber remained hovering in its rested position behind the Sith awaiting further instructions.

"Coward." Her voice was even, almost light-hearted. Kyo'kou actually giggled. She didn't bother looking over a shoulder to him. Instead, she addressed the Duros- her current target. In the back of her mind she was considering changing that. He hadn't attacked her quite yet, unlike the walking corpse behind her. Decisions..decisions.. Of course, there was always the option of taking them both on. It had been ages since she was forced into combat all together, however, so that might not end well for her. Then again, this should be like riding a speeder- you never forget how. Her eyes narrowed to a furrowing brow.

The Sith's brow raised quizzically. Was the Duros actually planning to shoot her as well? My my, Coruscant sure brings out the courage in fools.

She listened to both men and their proclamations. Things were definitely starting to get interesting. "Looks like karma is turning on you, Duros." Kyo'kou mocked while maintaining her stance. Logically speaking, she was the most likely to walk away unscathed. For one, the Force flowed fluently through her. Secondly, she had never been the intended target. As much as the darkness begged to be utilized, the Sith forcefully retracted it, thus eliminating the aura around herself. Turning to the side so the two would be in her peripheral vision, she calmly stated, "I'll let you two sort this out. I could use some entertainment after everything that happened to be tonight."

Her posture straightened, senses reached out to the two to discover their motives. The Duros had been stricken with fear through the realization of what she was, and now he was cornered by a much less reluctant enemy. As for the bounty hunter.. He was another cold and calculating man out to make some quick credits. "I'm going to step aside now." Kyo'kou announced, just in case one of them had itchy fingers. She waited a second or two before doing as promised, moving out of the direct trail of their blasters' muzzles. As she calmed and her head cleared, the redness to her eyes dulled into yellow. The Sith wasn't quite ready to fully hold the Force back in case she was duped.

As much as she wanted to look up towards the upper levels of the city, she knew better than to lose sight of either man. Still, she allowed her senses to push upward in search of the source of the force that had launched her so effortlessly off the platform far above. Kyo'kou doubted that she wouldn't encounter the individual again. In fact, they were most likely on their way down to ensure the deed had been done..

 

[Nor'baal]

Ners was hardly surprised when the woman deflected his shot, and considered lighting her up with follow ups. He was however given pause, the angle of the deflecting showing her lack of a desire to seek further conflict. He kept his blasters leveled at her as she moved out of the way, quite willing to bring in the pain should she renege on her promise ”What brings you to Coruscant?’’ he enquired, his voice remaining calm - the question directed at both the Duros and the Sith.

”I presume it ain’t the present company. Myself, looking for a Jedi - need the fool alive, perhaps, with your skills madam, we could come to an arrangement?’’ he asked her directly now. Despite the manner of their meeting, Ners wondered if a few credits and a shared commonality in their mission might be just what they needed to cool things off.

To even things out, he levelled one of his pistols at the Duros ”Offers open to you to, if you keep your trigger finger nice and calm ‘till I say otherwise.’’ he added. ’’I’ll split the bounty equal parts between each of us.’’

 

[Drav]

Drav was a honestly surprised that they were still alive. Yet he wouldn’t complain. He was happy not to be lying in pieces on the floor.
”Offers open to you to, if you keep your trigger finger nice and calm ‘till I say otherwise. I’ll split the bounty equal parts between each of us.’’

He didn’t have to tell him twice. Drav had nothing against the bounty hunter; he has just saved his life after all. He slowly held up his left hand, while sheathing the gun with the other.
“Considering my contractor on the planet just passed away,” he took a careful look at the Sith, “I’m up for making some cash.”

He thought about hunting down a Jedi. Alone he would never attempt anything so crazy like that, but if the three of them could truly work together, they might actually have a chance. Most likely the Sith alone could take one down.
“Alright, count me in!” He looked at the Sith, curious if she’d join them. Drav honestly thought the bounty hunter was crazy for proposing such an offer. And yet, his confidence extended to Drav as well, for a second actually believing that the woman will be up for the partnership.

 

[Kyo'kou]

”What brings you to Coruscant?’’

The fact that he hadn't blasted her into tiny fragments (or at least attempted to) came as a nice surprise. Perhaps there truly was honor among bounty hunters after all. She eyed him over, though failed to neglect her Duros 'friend' in the process- the Force was still permeating the air between them to keep her alert to his actions. The man seemed well-geared and armored. Despite the appearance of the equipment she could tell he was a seasoned warrior- not just any warrior, though.. "You're a Mandalorian." A light brush of the Force over his aura was enough to confirm as much, along with a little more about his troubled past. There was pain in there, as well as a deep desire for vengeance. This man had been wronged time and time again. She actually pitied him.

Kyo'kou's muscles relaxed, the lightsaber that had hovered behind her returned to her front and was snatched with her free hand. Together they were deactivated, further showing her lessening desire to fight. For the time being, though, they weren't sheathed.

I presume it ain’t the present company. Myself, looking for a Jedi - need the fool alive, perhaps, with your skills madam, we could come to an arrangement?’

It was very humorous how the Force worked in its intricate ways. "I'm actually doing the same." Except for other less bag-and-drag reasons. While she was more than willing to work with the skilled hunter, she couldn't let any harm come to the Jedi in the end. Not that he needed to know as much. "They are bound to be far and few since the ransacking." And yet clearly one had found her not too long ago. No one else could have caught her off guard so expertly. Even less could have thrown her as far as they had. "Though I do believe one may be on their way down here. There was an..incident up above. While I didn't see the Jedi first-hand, I definitely sensed one." Kyo'kou purposely left out her embarrassing little fall. Her eyes darted too the Duros, daring him to let the detail of her unconventional arrival to the lower level be discussed. When he didn't bring it up, the glare lessened.

"There are many lifeforms scrambling on these lower levels. Most are insignificant vermin- and I don't just mean the hawk-bats hovering above. The sentient species are clustered tightly together- I assume there are many facilities here that offer alcohol as an easy reprieve from their tedious lives." Her senses reached out and pushed into the buildings surrounding them, seeking out perhaps one thread of hope in the muk of a district. But all she could feel were dulled minds, a lot of anger, some sleazy sexuality and depravity. "I'm at a disadvantage here; I'm not familiar with the area." Kyo'kou looked to the Duros. "I assume you're more acquainted?" She wasn't trying to suggest anything bad by her inquiry, though it could be taken as such. Sith weren't known for their filters.

She walked over to the corpse the three of them had started to neglect and knelt down beside it, frowning outwardly. Kyo'kou wished she could provide the stranger with a proper burial but didn't have the means nor time to do so. "And what should we do with him?" The Sith asked, her voice low, mournful.

 

[Nor'baal]

Slowly, Ners lowered his pistols - yet did not holster them just yet. ”This area is known to me Ma’am.” Ners admitted, for he had spent time in the undercity before, and mid-upper levels ”I am well acquainted with the ways of those who might be able to assist us in the hunt, and my methods are known to them in turn.’’ he added - making it clear that it was his wits not just his strength of arms for which he known.

With his pistols now held at his sides, he watched as the force user lowered her blades ”I cannot speak for the Duros, but my guess is he is more useful standing than in the ground.’’ he noted, with a respectful nod to the alien. ”Up to him what he does with his prize.’’ Ners commented, in relation to the deceased lying a short distance away.

He was aware of the rules of the game, the successful Hunter decided what to do with the prey, and there was nout Ners was going to do about having been beaten to the finish line by this Duros - that was not how business was done.

 

[Drav]

Drav let out a sigh of relief as the lightsabers were finally turned off. He was listening to the conversation of the others, until the fate of the Zabrak's body was to be decided. He was not aware of the fact that Hooger had bounty on his head. He couldn't say he was surprised though, he was certainly easy to hate. Drav was originally going to trow him over the railing, in order to have the body disappear as fast as possible.

"I have a proposal of my own, bounty hunter! If you lead me to the man, who put bounty on the head of Hooger, I'll split the rewards with you. Consider it a token of my appreciation!" It was a sincere offer, with which Drav hoped to get on good terms with the bounty hunter. Or at least get even with him. While waiting for an answer Drav walked to the corpse, and knelt down beside the body as well. He was looking over his belongings, hoping to find any information about Mynock. But there was nothing of use on him. It was a shame, Drav thought, now he will have to travel to Lothal one day. If he survives the night.

Drav stood up again and looked at Ners, allowing a little smile show on his face. "Do we need the whole body in order to collect the bounty?"

 

[Kyo'kou]

Kyo'kou listened to the two men all while examining the body. A hand firmly placed on the dead Zabrak's back, which was cool to the touch and slightly firm. Rigor mortis was starting to set in. It saddened her to learn that this individual's life was also a cumbersome one- what else could have warranted a bounty? According to the Duros, he very well might have had a hand in the murder of other individuals. So why did she care so much about the loss of one less bastard in the galaxy? If mother and father could see me now.. They would have tortured her. Mentally and otherwise as they had in the past. And yet she was never fully broken- just fractured. I'll have to do some research into him on a later date.

Getting upright as the Duros lowered, the Sith sneered. Such disrespect for the dead. With a simple thought and minor wave of her hand, the corpse lifted from the ground and came to a hover a few feet from it. "I hope it isn't too far. While he's easy enough to carry, such a sight is also a beacon for trouble. I doubt the Imperialists in this sector would give a damn about some low-life Zabrak, especially when a Sith Lord is involved, but there's no telling what friends he had that might." She glanced to the Duros. "Did he have any that might want to cause a scene here?" Then, to the bounty hunter, she asked, "You seem like the type who values information. What more can you tell me about your particular Jedi target?"

As she waited for a response, Kyo'kou continued to scan the alleys, poking her mind into every nook and cranny. There was something nudging her to be cautious- a warning of the Force. No doubt her assailant was on the move and growing ever closer. "I suggest we start moving. We're making ourselves easy targets." She narrowed her gaze as though the act itself would allow her to perceive more than she already could.

 

[Nor'baal]

This one's a rookie, and no mistake, Ners noted to himself as the Duros began to make counter-offers and half-intended placations - clearly pleased he was not now bisected by a blade at the hands of the resident force junky. In all honesty, Ners didn’t mind, in many ways it was nice to have some of the younger and keener blood around, kept the mind fresh. "I have a proposal of my own, bounty hunter! If you lead me to the man, who put bounty on the head of Hooger, I'll split the rewards with you. Consider it a token of my appreciation!" Dravs offer was well intended, and hardly one that the Bounty Hunter was going to turn down.

Offering a nod of agreement and acceptance, Ners’ eyes widened a tad when the mans next question came.

"Do we need the whole body in order to collect the bounty?"

”A genetic sample, that should render proof of his passing.’’ Ners answered the Duros’ enquiry, before moving the conversation on and walking in the direction of their next target. ”Since the Core fell to the Sith, most of the Jedi here fled lower into the City - and it is fair to assume that a person with their gifts has been unable to pass that unnoticed.’’ Ners answered Kyo’kou with boredom lacing his voice.

” "You seem like the type who values information. What more can you tell me about your particular Jedi target?" she added, her need for the local knowledge that Ners and Drav possessed becoming more evident. ”I would recommend we look down at the fighting pits, some local Hutt mobster has been carping on about his new champion - seems like a description to fit the bill.” he added, bringing up an image of the Hutt in question on his holoscreen.

”Goruup Voontana Anjiliac, local lowlife ringleader - holds court in a Cantina in ‘Happy Land’ - an undercity dive with a wildly inappropriate name. Makes his real money through Bounties and Pit Fights, which he runs from the back of the Cantina in some sort of arena - meant to put on quite the show.’’ the Hunter said, bringing the new members of his Party up to speed.

”I suggest we head down there, and see what this Goruup knows. His champion may be the target, or he may know who we seek through other means, either way - the slugs always seem to be able to offer help for the right price.”

 

[Drav]

Drav was not particularly happy with the Sith's decision to carry the body with them. His little vendetta didn't turn out to be subtle so far. The last thing Drav wanted is to draw the attention of more Sith. And yet, he would not have dared to mention this to her 'ally'.
"Did he have any that might want to cause a scene here?" She asked, turning to Drav. "Not that I know of. But if he told anyone where he's going, someone might look for him sooner or later."

The unusual party was soon walking towards their new goal, lead by the bounty hunter. Drav would not acknowledge this to them, but he knew less about the lower levels as they might thought. But even this little knowledge was enough for him to recognize the name 'Happy Land'. He had only one problem the place; Drav hated hutts.

As Ners finished laying down their plan, Drav joined in. "We should probably dump the body somewhere on the way. Unless you plan to walk in there with a floating corpse." He took a long look at Hooger's body, then at the Sith. Fear still filled his mind at the sight of her.
"I would also suggest you to try keeping those lightsabers under the skirt. There will be much worse people than me, where we are headed. And it probably wouldn't end well for us, if you loose it again." said Drav, while he turned to look ahead. "No offense!" he added a few moments later.

He involuntary touched his blaster with the palm of his hand, checking if it was still their on his belt. He was a little exited about the fact they were headed to an even more outlawed territory. Drav was curious to see both his companions fight. And he knew those two would have to carry him through any really dangerous situation that would potentially come their way.

"May I bring forward the motion to share our names with each other? It might make this whole thing easier." If he was not a huge help when real fighting came, the least he could do is to keep all of them occupied. "Alright, I'll start. Name is Drav, nice to meet ya'."

 

[Kyo'kou]

”I would recommend we look down at the fighting pits, some local Hutt mobster has been carping on about his new champion - seems like a description to fit the bill

Kyo'kou examined the hologram with distaste. Hutts. She never did care for their greedy species.What really made her blood boil? The fact that there were active fighting pits. Period. Their existence themselves were despicable- more so because they often utilized helpless beasts, whom were captured and transported well against their wills just to be slaughtered for sport. It made her all the more eager to continue on this farce that developed. Her dark side bathed in the rage that blackened her soul. It's for the best that I let these two go. Not just for my conscience, but to conserve my strength. I'm going not going to hold back this time. Everyone involved will suffer. So immense was her anger that the image actually distorted, flickering in and out of existence momentarily before she took notice and stilled her mind.

”Goruup Voontana Anjiliac, local lowlife ringleader - holds court in a Cantina in ‘Happy Land’ - an undercity dive with a wildly inappropriate name. Makes his real money through Bounties and Pit Fights, which he runs from the back of the Cantina in some sort of arena - meant to put on quite the show.’’

She took in all the new information without a single gesture or sound. Her mind, meanwhile, was reeling about all the different methods and techniques she could utilize to torture and torment all of the Hutt's guests, then the disgusting slug himself. The darkness purred within, sending a warm, soothing sensation through her chest. The Sith knew that before long that heat would ignite into a blazing inferno, through which strength would be drawn as well as power. May the Force be with whoever was around when that occurred.

”I suggest we head down there, and see what this Goruup knows. His champion may be the target, or he may know who we seek through other means, either way - the slugs always seem to be able to offer help for the right price.”

"And where credits fail, other methods of getting information can be met. I'm not an expert in mind manipulation, but I am a fast learner, though it 'pains' me to admit the learning process may be quite..painful." Kyo'kou smirked. Her face then fell. "Though I doubt that'll be necessary. Credits speak loudly to his kind. The only thing a Hutt cares about more are their own slimy hides."

We should probably dump the body somewhere on the way. Unless you plan to walk in there with a floating corpse."

Glancing to the corpse (which she had actually forgotten about due to the whole Hutt distraction), the woman nearly blushed. Somewhat. It pained her to admit it but the Duros was right- they couldn't be seen walking the streets with a body. Sorry, stranger. I wish I could have done more for you. It was with a heavy heart that she levitated the Zabrak's lifeless form towards the face of a building that was cast in shadows from an emergency fire escape leveled above. Here, with grace and precision he was lowered into a seated posture, upper body soon slumped forward to mimic the restful sleep of a drunkard. Perhaps now you will find peace within the Force..

"I would also suggest you to try keeping those lightsabers under the skirt. There will be much worse people than me, where we are headed. And it probably wouldn't end well for us, if you loose it again."

Kyo'kou reached under her skirt and sheathed her blades as suggested. "If I had 'lost it,' as you suggest.. Well, lets just say it wouldn't just be trash that littered the streets." She knew how close she had grown to being fully devoured by her darker half. It was quite frightening to think about. And yet, that slither of will and conscience had still been able to not only retain its life but to free her from the dark side as well. Perhaps one day she would be able to fully harness the strength of the Dark Side without giving any part of herself to it. "No offense." She added with a little tease.

"May I bring forward the motion to share our names with each other? It might make this whole thing easier." If he was not a huge help when real fighting came, the least he could do is to keep all of them occupied. "Alright, I'll start. Name is Drav, nice to meet ya'."

The Sith arched her eyebrows. It was safer to remain anonymous, but she figured that neither one of them would recognize her name anyways. Among the Sith she was an outcast- respected but unwanted due to her beliefs. It was possible that such a fact made her even more well-known in the Empire. Then there was her work as a xenozoologist, which took her all across the galaxy. Kyo'kou had published countless documentaries about lesser known species in the galaxy whom derived from lesser known worlds. Her research helped many explorers be aware of the dangers that lurked on their adventures. These two didn't seem like the type that would have ever seen her work, though. Suppose it can't hurt.

She nodded at Drav and offered a small, reserved smile. "Kyo'kou Kurakowa." Her eyes moved to the bounty hunter, awaiting his response.

 

[Nor'baal]

As the next round of half hearted insults and peacocking began, Ners briefly considered throwing himself over the side of the balcony. ”Probably be less painful,” he mumbled to himself as he caught the Sith once again seemingly trying to stop another episode of untempered rage. ”I’m pretty sure there’s medicine for that.’’ he remarked sarcastically.

"And where credits fail, other methods of getting information can be met. I'm not an expert in mind manipulation, but I am a fast learner, though it 'pains' me to admit the learning process may be quite..painful." Ners rolled his eyes as Kyo’Kou rattled on about how great she was at hurting people. In Ners’ experience, one's abilities to do the inhumane where best kept to oneself. He ignored what she said next, instead replying ”Being powerful is like being respected, if you have to say you are, you aren’t.”

He turned to face his two associates, his patience running thin ”I would recommend saving your grandstanding until we leave this planet. I would also recommend not hurting or killing this Hutt, as being stuck in the undercity being chased by pretty much every lowlife there is not my idea of fun,’’ he added, gesturing to the Cityscape ”Things work differently down here, you cannot just swan around waving your lightsaber and expect everyone to listen. It doesn’t matter, nobody cares. In this Hutts Cantina, you wave that shiny stick around and the only thing you’ll get is a dagger in the back, and the honor of becoming the subject of the next bar joke.’’

Ners finished, turning away, let out an obvious groan as he heard "If I had 'lost it,' as you suggest.. Well, lets just say it wouldn't just be trash that littered the streets." walking up to a wall, he half heartedly pretended to bash his head against it. He turned back around to the two of them ”Sssh!’’ he said, in an exaggerated way.

”The names Ners Ordo, now, can we manage it down this street without either of you threatening to kill each other, the locals, or anyone else?’’ he sighed, and walked off just a tad faster than before, he spied a nearby bank of speeders, and just shook his head at the perplexed looking Cab Driver stood there smoking.

What a day.