She Sees Red

[Levi Solus]

Jedha, 1210 local time​

Jedha again, but Levi didn't mind. It was his favorite planet, truth be told. He'd been on many worlds and seen many landscapes, but there was truly nothing like Jedha's marketplaces and its ragged skyline. As ragtag as it was, it reminded him of the resistance.

He was within the Jedi temple, if you could call it that. The building had become a sort of base of operations for the rebels in the recent months, with the Sith attack on Hoth taking yet another valuable location—or so he was told. A few months ago, he'd have blown the whistle the moment he saw a blue lightsaber on Jedha. A few months ago, he'd have gladly set the building on fire and dismantled it brick by brick until there was nothing left.

Now, he wanted to see it safe. He wanted to see all of Jedha's residents—every citizen of the Galaxy, really—safe and happy. Levi knew it was unrealistic, but it was just a dream that hurt no one. He was happy to do anything to further his progress toward a perfect Galaxy, realistic or not.

Today, he'd be training. Jedi trained a lot from the looks of it, much more than Sith did. Within the Empire, you would just be given the basics and then thrown into the field to learn. If you died, you died.

Clearing his mind, he stepped into the simple sparring chamber, lightsaber hilt in hand. He wore no armor and had no other weapons—no need when they would be sparring with the stun setting on. He was looking forward to learning more about Rohana—a rather passionate Jedi who seemed to harbor a strong dislike for Levi.

It would be an interesting day.

@Pam0wl

 

[Rohana Feyre]

Loathsome creature. Slash. Unwelcome wretch. Parry. His very presence sullies the Jedi's good name. Slash, thrust again.

He doesn't belong here. Of that, Rohana was certain; what was Arda thinking, allowing a Sith (of all beasts) to set foot on these hallowed grounds? Such a mockery could not be tolerated. There would be words, oh yes, Rohana would most assuredly make her displeasure known. But for now, she trained and she would keep training till her movements were that of perfection. The lady devoted herself to developing her prowess in combat; much like her meditative sessions, these rigorous regimes could last for hours. And more often than more, they were a solitary affair.

Despite only knowing a few Jedi, Rohana couldn't tolerate any of them. None of them were akin to her beliefs, none shared that steadfast demeanour she so rightfully prided. So, like many other things, she spurned them; isolation was good, it allowed thoughtful reflection. Why taint yourself with others' company when you could simply look within?

Rohana was purposefully ignoring Levi; she didn't even want to look at him. That would mean acknowledging the dark sider and that was something she simply couldn't do. He might have fooled others around him but Rohana knew the truth. Darkness can never fade, not after having claimed you for its own. The fallen did not deserve redemption. They deserved justice. Swift, righteous justice.

Deactivating her saber, Rohana steadied her breaths. She needed a moment to collect herself, to calm her torrent of distaste. "You aren't welcome here," icy blue eyes never drifted anywhere near Levi's direction. Instead, Rohana seemed more invested in the absent space before her - it was where she directed the rest of her indifferent words. "You definitely don't belong here either."

With that, she left the centre of the training ground and instead wander over to quench her budding her. Jedha was unforgivably hot. Still, it did little to melt Rohana's frosty disposition.

"Let me make one thing clear, Sith. When, and I do mean when, you fail at this little game - be assured, I will strike you down without mercy. Do we understand eachother?"

​

 

[Levi Solus]

Though he had approached the meeting with an open-mindedness and a desire to get to know another rebel better, Levi apparently had opened a can of worms of epic proportions. He felt a chill in the room despite Jedha's temperature, his smile slowly fading to an expression of worry at the woman's mental stability. Already, she had said some very un-Jedi-like things, so dark that he was surprised her presence remained untainted. Stepping into the room and closing the door, he was quiet, his eyes set on her as she spoke to the space in front of her.

But he would not let it get to him. It felt personal, and he knew it was personal in a way, but Levi was already met with too much negativity regarding his past to want to sit here and argue with her. "None of us belong anywhere," he replied, an offhand statement that technically wasn't wrong. "We all go where the Force takes us."

As he approached the center of the room—and she departed it in search of something to drink—he turned his body toward her, the hilt of his lightsaber still in his hand but unignited. If she was already berating him for just being there, he didn't even want to see what her reaction to his crimson blade would be. His body remained pointed toward her, his right foot in front and his left foot just ever so slightly behind. He knew she might strike at any moment, so Levi remained on edge until she would finally attack.

"Strike me down? I thought we were supposed to spar with the 'stun' setting on!" he replied, contrastingly nonchalant compared to her.

@Pam0wl

 

[Rohana Feyre]

How vexing. Rohana expected a spiteful retort, a slither of Sith arrogance, perhaps with a pinch malice. But there was none. This was...unexpected. Still, it changed nothing. Sith were known for their deceitful ways; she would not be so easily mislead. Let Levi play the innocent fool. Sooner or later, the act would lapse, and the Sith's true nature would surface.

Still, he seemed committed to his role, even sounding near reasonable in his words. Course, Rohana scoffed at them, determined to dismiss the attempts at wisdom. "Spare me your preaching, I've heard them before."

The Jedi and their power over word was admirable, but right now, in the middle of a war, such things were impractical. Now was not the time for talk, now was the time for righteous action. The Jedi needed to strike, they needed to make a decisive blow. Yet here on Jedha, some languished and lounged. There was no call to arms, not yet at least.

So, Rohana was forced to wait. However, if this continued for much longer, she might very well take make into her own hands. Starting with this mongrel of a Sith. Against her better judgement, Rohana finally looked upon the source of her frustration. And for a moment, she simply studied her adversary. Truthfully, he wasn't exactly what came to mind when thinking of Sith; usually they're juggernauts, caked in cruel armour. They're assailed with sickness, eyes themselves corroded into acidic amber pools. But Levi's eyes were...blue. How peculiar. Trick of the light, perhaps, or maybe a clever illusion.

No matter. She'd soon stoke that villainous nature. Any beast could be baited, so long as it had the right motivation.

"Don't play coy with me; hiding behind humour doesn't make you any less suspicious."

​

 

[Levi Solus]

He felt a pang of amusement rise up as Rohana remained skeptical against all reason, a sly smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. Levi stepped forward once toward her, the hilt of his lightsaber in his right hand. It was set to stun but not ignited, the cool metal feeling familiar in his hand as always.

"I'm not hiding," he replied, seriously for the first time. "I'm not sure what else you want me to do to prove myself, but I'm willing to do it." That generally tended to shut most critics up. When they realized he truly was redeemed—or at least seeking redemption—they ran out of ammunition, and their skepticism became unfounded. Rohana did not seem so easily swayed, but maybe it would give him some leverage and seem somewhat likable to the woman.

Levi surprised himself—he actually cared what others thought of him, even if just a bit.

@Pam0wl

 

[Rohana Feyre]

She didn't know what irked her more; Levi's enigmatic words or his contradictory little smile. Had he been a length or two closer, Rohana would have issued a well resounding slap across the face. Instead, she opted to scoff at him, easily dismissing what little conversation was left to be had.

Yet despite her blatant rejection, a suddenly notion struck. Perhaps some good could come about this unfortunate situation. "So, you want to prove yourself? Fine." She'd capitalise on his conviction and use it to her advantage. "Time for some recreational therapy."

With that, Rohana marched to the sparring ring once more; her steps almost eager in stride. Let this Sith defector play his little game; in return, she'd orchestrate one of her creation. Undaunted by possible consequences, she issued her challenge - all whilst staring Levi down. "Every blow equates to a piece of information. What I mean is for every strike I land, you will answer a question."

Inwardly, she tittered at the prospect; not only could she pump this dark sider for information, she could also issue physical chastisement as well. Each stab, thrust and slash could act as a painful -yet necessary- lesson...providing Levi accepted. No doubt anticipating his misplaced desire for fairness, Rohana made an additional concession. "It can be vice versa, if you wish. You land a hit-" She chortle at the thought "- Then you get to ask a question...After all, I have no secrets I want to hide."

The challenging could go one or two ways; either Levi would accept and they'd proceed ahead, or he's refuse, and be forever marked with suspicion. It was time to see which way this Sith wanted to lean.

"I warn you. I won't tolerate lying..."

​

 

[Levi Solus]

"Mmm, a game?" he asked as she stated the conditions, stepping back to give her space in the ring, his lightsaber at the ready. "Sounds good to me. Like I said—" he ignited his lightsaber, the beam bathing both of them in crimson. Levi cringed a bit inwardly—he still felt bad when he saw it. "—I have nothing to hide."

With that, he stomped his right foot forward and slashed his lightsaber from her upper left shoulder to her lower left hip, aiming to cross the distance and numb her entire upper body from the start. Both lightsabers were in light stun mode, so she would not be numb for long—just enough for her to feel the hit and know she would have to answer a question.

...Assuming his attack landed.

@Pam0wl

 

[Rohana Feyre]

Much to Rohana's disbelief, she found herself struck. Tell-tale pain erupted in her shoulder; within seconds, numbness ensued. First she hissed and recoiled back, then she cursed verbally (in the most unlady like fashion). Pale features twisted and pinched, forming a rather unpleasant scowl. Icy eyes flared once more, intent more than doubled as Rohana focused once more on Levi, "Lucky shot..."

She never was graceful in defeat, nor was she ever humbled by it. If anything, it only spurred her resolve further;

Flexing her shoulder, Rohana sought to banish the numbness as quick as possible.
Indignation burned across her cheeks; she'd pay him back for that hit. She'd return it tenfold and even the score. Still, she tried to comprehend what exactly had just happened. Evidently, she had underestimated the Sith. As much has she hated to admit it, he seemed to possess some combative prowess. ​

This sat poorly with Rohana, who sought desperately to rationalise her own shortcoming. ​

It was that red saber; she had seized at the sight of it. It was a hateful colour, ugly and cruel. It represented everything wrong in the galaxy, everything she hoped to vanquish.

To be struck by it, even merely stunned, was enough to incense her. A thunderous storm threatened to form; warning clouds began to cloud her gaze.

Somehow, she retain some situational awareness. Levi had landed the first hit - therefore, he could ask the first question. "Get on with it"

The sooner she answered him, the sooner she launch her counter assault.

 

[Levi Solus]

His lightsaber struck without resistance, and it looked like he'd taken her by surprise. Levi cracked a smile as he watched her cheeks turn red—was she blushing?

"Sure..." he replied, that same grin plastered on his face. He was not arrogant and he wasn't cocky, but seeing her get slashed the moment combat started—despite all of the insults she'd hurled before—was too ironic for Levi to remain stoic.

The Jedi hopeful stepped back, lightsaber at his right side and ready to block her future attack. "Why are you so angry all the time?" he asked, and knew he was in for a storm the moment the words were out of his mouth. Still, Levi was genuinely curious—why was she always so angry? Was it personal? Was she like that with everyone else? What caused it?

Perhaps she would go on to tell him her entire life story. Perhaps she would shoot back with a snarky retort and slash her lightsaber at him. Levi watched curiously nevertheless.

@Pam0wl

 

[Rohana Feyre]

How she quickly came to hate that grin. If anything, it riled her more. She'd see to it that expression was utterly banished from sight. But first, she balked and pondered on Levi's question.

Her answer was surprisingly defensive, if not partially rehearsed, "I'm never angry; Jedi are above such things."

How many times had to told herself the very same lie? It didn't make it true however. Misery loves company and with anger, grief often followed; Rohana had lost so much. And with each absence, she grew a little more bitter. Was it really that noticeable?

Finally, she spoke, needing to take a moment to think her answer aloud, "I am...frustrated. No one sees the things the way I do; no one shares my clarity." Many thought her to be heartless and cold, yet all she ever seeks practicality. "Yes, I speak the harsh truths and am willing to make sacrifices others do not agree with. But no one understands I do this for the greater good."
Rohana was not an idle Padawan, nor did she ever claim to be. Many would disagree with her methods and beliefs, especially as she sought to further her rank and influence.

Let them cower; she alone would prevail.

Unwilling to reveal anything else, Rohana's intent shifted on a razor's edge. She made an impressive dash, her saber ready to strike. Yet she made no move to slash, not any attempt to thrust. Instead, she sought and succeeded in batting aside Levi's own weapon; with a natural grace, she then pivoted, bring her body close in. The butt of her weapon would make the most satisfying smack, right into the bridge of Levi's nose; admittedly, it wasn't the most effective strike. Hardly conventional. But it was near rapturous for Rohana. She fought not to sneer, feeling the satisfaction to her honour was now somewhat restored.

Let that teach to mind himself.

"My turn. Why did you allow yourself to become a Sith?"

​

 

[Levi Solus]

His smile slowly vanished and his features softened to consideration. "It is scarce that you will find someone that sees eye-to-eye with you," he remarked. "And life will prove to be very lonely without a will to compromise." Whether Rohana wanted to take his advice or not was up to her, but Levi decided to ease up a little on the teasing; she was not angry for the sake of it. Her frustration was genuine and somewhat reasonable, though the way she channeled it could use some work.

And just like that they were back in the swing of things. She batted his saber away as he lifted it to block, surprising him. A sharp pain spiked in the bridge of his nose and he choked on it, stumbling back a step or two away from her without even remarking on their proximity. Blood dripped from the wound, and Levi lifted up his free hand toward it. Broken, he remarked. Fekking lovely. A little irritation set in—this was meant to be a sparring session, but he would need to spend a few days recovering from it.

"They took me in," he replied after a few seconds of silence as he used his sleeve to wipe the blood off his nose. "I was exiled from my clan on Mandalore for being Force sensitive when I was 12. I lived on the streets of Coruscant for a few months, and an Imperial patrol picked me up and shipped me off to the academy. I was alone—I needed to survive somehow." It was a surprisingly sobering moment, much more somber than the atmosphere had been so far. For a moment, the two would be silent.

Then, Levi snapped forward, the irritation at having his nose broken leaking through as he wrapped the Force around Rohana and used it to tug her toward him, at the same time thrusting his lightsaber at her upper right shoulder. He was about to try and impale her sternum, but realized that would be too Sith-like. He'd managed to catch himself just in time and aim for the shoulder instead, which he supposed was better than making a mistake. It was better to correct himself now than fekk up on the battlefield.

Rohana would feel the beam of light impale her upper right shoulder, a chill in the area affected as it was numbed. The moment he withdrew it, the numbness, too, would begin to vanish, and Levi stepped back, much calmer now. It had been an even duel thus far—he was impressed. "Why won't you be more open-minded toward the world around you?" he asked, continuing their discussion. It was, technically, part 2 to his previous question, but that was mostly because Levi wanted to know how Rohana's thought process worked—it intrigued him.

@Pam0wl

 

[Rohana Feyre]

"Comprise-" Gnashing with her teeth "- is for the weak."

The very thought conjured unwelcome memories. Unwilling to even entertain those thoughts, Rohana focused instead on Levi's broken nose. Least, she hoped it was broken, given the sizable force she had used in the attack. Trickling blood soon confirmed her thoughts. Now it was her turn to smirk, "Perhaps I aught handle you more tenderly. Who knew Sith were so quick to break?"

Unfortunately, spitefulness was a prevailing trait, one which Rohana was quick to foster. Secretly, it felt good, taking stabs at others and tearing them low; she couldn't explain why exactly. Perhaps in time she would discover more. But in her mind, some rightfully deserved the distain. Levi included - at least, so she thought. He was a Sith after all, though not born and bred, as she had first expected. ​

It took a moment to process these new facets of information. Honestly, Rohana wanted to take more time with it all, wanted to dissect each snippet and consider all implications; Mandalorian origins? Yet another strike against him. They were a brutish people, as easy to become an enemy as they were to remain an ally. But what had caused the exile at 12 years old? Perhaps this could be the next question.

​

To survive. I suppose I can understand that...

Not that Rohana would openly admit it to him. This wasn't a bonding match. This was a fight, and Levi reminded her of such with his calculated attack. He had used to the force against her, and had then -quite literally- ran her through with his saber. Had it not been set for stub, she would have likely found herself dead. And beneath it all, she had seen this intent, Levi's original manoeuvre; nothing was lost on Rohana.

The impact of the blade had a resounding effect; so long as she remained impaled, not even a finger could lift in revolt. She had been so close as well, so very near. She could have clawed out his eyes if she if able. But no. Only when Levi finally withdrew, did he take his saber with him, allowing Rohana to once more centre her shaky self.

Then he asked that question. That infuriating question. Be Open-minded...

Teeth gritting eve so hard, Rohana rounded, coldness freezing her features within an instant, "Because my fool of a husband spouted that nonsense..." Just thinking about irked her beyond belief, "And it led to the ruin of my family!" ​

Her verbal explosion brought with it a surge in the force, one she couldn't fully control - it crashed forth and tumbled into Levi's path, the impact enough to send him tumbling back (should it catch him off guard).

 

[Levi Solus]

"Careful there," he chided, genuine worry pooling within him. "That's Sith talk. As Jedi, we live to protect the weak and preserve the peace. There is nothing wrong with the weak." Once, he used to think the way she did now. But back then he was a Sith. And that was what worried Levi. This woman was closer to falling than he was.

He pulled away from the thrust once it made contact and watched her response, her face contorting with anger. She was, by far, one of the most hostile people Levi had ever met in his life. The fact that she was a Jedi but he was so heavily scrutinized was peculiar to say the least, but he supposed her time would come too if she did not change her ways. And, truthfully, he wanted her to change her ways. He wanted Rohana to become a more peaceful presence. There was no reason to live with so much pent-up anger.

"How s—" he had just opened his mouth to ask another question—out of turn, sure—when a burst of telekinetic energy slammed into his chest, knocking the breath out of his lungs and sending him stumbling back for a few steps. Levi almost fell on his ass but just barely recovered, lifting his lightsaber up to parry a blow that never came. "So I guess you get to ask a question?" he asked, not sure if this counted as a loss for him. She hadn't hit him with her lightsaber, so one could argue that it was not.

@Pam0wl

 

[Rohana Feyre]

Rohana silently realised her mistake, cursing inaudibly at her blunder; she allowed old emotions to surface, ones she had been trying so hard to trample down. As much as she tried to forget her husband, the memory of him was as troubling as ever. Perhaps more frustrating was the fact she let that piece of information slip; Sith were manipulative creatures and could use anything to undermine their opponent. No doubt, sooner or later, this one would try to attack the chinks in her armours.

He was doing it even now!

"Don't insult me; I won't be lectured by a Sith." Already he was probing at her, trying to spark a response. She dismissed it without a second thought. The Empire had assaulted her home, had attacked her family. She would never fall to the likes of them.

She'd do the opposite. She'd be a champion of the light, a challenger to their evil.

Even now, Rohana felt the righteousness of her actions. She had nearly sent the Sith flying; with more training, she would surely become a force to be reckoned with. But, as much as she disliked it, the Sith had a point. She had used the force, not the saber, to score a hit.

"It wasn't a direct strike..." Considering herself to be a woman of honour, Rohana offered an alternative. "I will ask; you can choose whether or not to answer."

And with a stony expression, she asked with little hesitation, "How many people have you killed, in service to the Empire?"

​

 

[Levi Solus]

"Of course not," he replied. "But I'm not a Sith, sooo..."

As he straightened himself up, Levi stretched his muscles a bit, finding that his nose still hurt. He got back into a loose stance in case Rohana lashed out again, his lightsaber prepared to parry any physical hits while his left hand gathered the Force for an attack—or defense, depending on who shot first. He nodded when she offered an alternative to the Q & A format—one that would be fairer.

The question took him by surprise. It was much more morbid than anything either of them had said so far, and for a moment he wondered why she even cared. To have more ammunition to use against him when she hurled insults? Levi looked down at the ground as he considered and counted, but found he couldn't get a concrete number.

"Too many," he replied at last, voice lined with regret. Whether or not she would respond with an insult or a snarky remark, he didn't care—he had grown to expect it, and his skin was far too thick for her words to affect him too much outside of the occasional critical hit.

Levi stepped forward and sweeped his lightsaber from his right to his left in an attempt to slash her left wrist—a very small slash, just enough to numb her hand. Jedi were not meant to cut off more than that—if anything—and he was trying to be more conservative with his moves since he could feel himself getting tired, the heavy breaths he needed to take being a dead giveaway.

@Pam0wl

 

[Rohana Feyre]

It would have been his only redeeming chance; a last ditch reprieve from any further assault. But Levi answer was exactly what Rohana expected. What she feared even. This man was a murderer, a war dog for the Empire. It was no surprise as a Sith, he had killed. That's what his kind did, that's where they thought their power came from. Had he been present on the attack of her home world? Was he responsible for the fate that befell her family?

The thought was maddening. That red lightsaber, maddening.

Spurred on, Rohana charged forward, willing taking the blow to her wrist. Her teeth gnashed tight to bear the unpleasantness of the hit. If this were true combat, the loss of a limb would do little to deter her, providing it allowed her to fell her opponent. To Rohana, it seemed like a worthy cost.

In a misleading move, her saber dropped, seemingly fated to fall to the ground. Rohana went with it, as if to double over in pain. Her left hand was now useless, the nerves twitching along side spasming muscles. But it all made her ploy that more convincing. crouching low to the ground, Rohana caught her saber in the opposing hand; with that, she pivoted round, her saber sweeping about in a near circular motion.

The strike would slash across Levi knees, the intent to buckle them. Force willing, it was the perfect opportunity to finish him. Her blade was pointed ready, mere inches from Levi's face; the temptation to belt him would have been as clear on day, especially in her eyes. Those guarded, disapproving eyes.

But only a Sith would strike a disadvantaged opponent. Such dishonourable would not be tolerate by a noble such as herself.

Rohana stepped back, attempting to put some distance between herself and Levi. "No more questions..." Just being around this Sith had riled her; his presence was now just becoming intolerable. "I've heard enough."

 

[Levi Solus]

Levi watched as his attack hit its mark, fully prepared to step back and get to asking her a question. With no warning, Rohana dropped her saber, catching it in the other hand and sweeping around, slashing it across his knees, and Levi—completely unprepared—did nothing to stop her. His legs buckled, his whole body falling down unsupported, where he hit the floor, elbow slamming into the soft material below. It still hurt, but he said nothing.

He was more focused on her reaction. Had he said something wrong? Considering Rohana's general view on the world around her, probably. There truly was no such thing as a "right" answer with her; either you said something completely wrong—in her eyes—which earned harsh disapproval, or you said something that she remotely agreed with, which earned a look as if to say "congratulations, would you like a medal?" She was not hard to please—she was impossible to. Levi wondered how her husband had managed.

"Q&A done?" he asked, pouting, slowly standing back up. "I still had one more question to ask." It was a far stretch, and he doubted she'd agree to it, but the idea seemed good enough.

@Pam0wl

 

[Rohana Feyre]

Truthfully, Rohana wanted nothing more than to leave the whole sparring experience behind her, and if possible, meditate on the turmoil that had begun to surface. The Sith was responsible for this imbalance, somehow he had caused all this, she was almost certain of it. Perhaps it was best to simply put some distance between them; maybe then Rohana could think a little more clearly.

But Levi had a question and had earnt the right to ask it. Honour dictated as much. She had created the rules for this ill-fated game, so it was only fitting she be bound to uphold them as well. Let it never ben said the pale lady wasn't a fair player.

Still, that didn't stop Rohana from sighing. What question could he possibly have to ask? Hadn't he heard learned enough? "If you must, then ask."

She'd answer and leave. And if the force was willing, she'd wouldn't have to look on him any time soon, the eyesore that he was.

 

[Levi Solus]

Levi grinned. He was a bit surprised that Rohana had actually let him ask a question, rather than just storm out like a teenager having a tantrum. He looked himself over first, making sure there weren't any outstanding injuries to deal with. Then, he looked back up and switched off his lightsaber. It seemed their duel was a draw—not that he was about to ask who won. He'd rather not spend another hour arguing with her about points and rules.

If she expected a serious question, she'd be sorely disappointed. "Where's the infirmary?"

@Pam0wl

Fin.​