Ask [Excarga] Electric Dance

[Casany Praxor]

Music IC

Spoiler

Excarga. One more backwater planet in the Outer Rim that was home to a caliber of colorful characters, from the miners toiling the world to those making a profit around them. One of their establishments was typical enough with one of those fancy rules: “You do not talk about fight club.”

Well, the truth was that somebody always talked. “Oh no, oh no, oh please don’t, Madam Mandalorian! I need my fingers for pazaak!” The gambler had pleaded within the Winged Pike. “But you don’t need your toes, right?” In the end, the gambler had lost only information.

One sad story later and here Cas was, looking up at the night sky of Excarga with a golden hue bathing the atmosphere and clouding the stars. Then she saw the painting of a cloud fading on a sign that read “Blarb’s Bar” on a wayward street of a forgotten town.

After entering the cantina, it was a free shot downstairs into the gambling establishment, though eyes were all over the Mandalorian’s armor the entire way. An audience was going wild as two Shistavanen fought each other in a caged ring. Each time their hits connected with each other there was a spark of electricity from their gloves and boots and it was clear as to why. One guy took a hard kick to a chest piece that did not keep him from feeling it as he grunted and clutched his ribs. Shock-strikes. Brutal...

There were also guards aplenty, none of them terribly interested in anyone who was not breaking the rules, and Cas had no mind to as she approached a clerk—a female Zabrak standing behind bars.

“I’m looking for Tresk Nall,” Cas declared. “I think he’s the Quarren who runs this pit?”

“Yeah?” The Zabrak snorted. “What, you after an appointment? Only way you’re gonna meet with Tresk is by winning a cage match, Mando.” She nodded toward the two Shistavanen who continued to pummel each other. “Or did you miss the board outside that says the winner gets an audience with the owner?”

Cas had indeed. “That so?” With that, she headed into the ring just as one of the fighters emerged victorious and both departed.

“Hey, buckethead!” The Zabrak called out behind her. “I don’t think you can wear that armor in there!”

But she had to. Cas was only Anvil when her armor was worn and she could not afford to have her cover blown as she searched for her bounty. Tresk would lead her to that bounty: a Zeltron woman who had stolen a lot of credit from a Corellian casino and was on the run somewhere on Excarga.

By the time Anvil entered the ring, standing head to toe in her red-gold beskar, she looked around at the crowd and blurted out.

“What? No one out there willing to face me?”



@Scoobert

 

[Laren Vano]

Although in a full set of his Mandalorian armor he was able to stay hidden in the dark booth in the back corner, thanks to his black and purple. He came mainly to see if anyone worth fighting would show up. Laren had been watching for what felt like hours before looking over to hear the Zabrak woman he passed on his way in raising her voice. Who was she yelling at?

Laren stood up from his seat to go check out what was going on, and then he saw her. He saw Cas, well anvil currently. She didn’t like blowing cover so if she was gonna wear her gear into the cage then only someone with the same gear should fight her. Then of course she challenged the whole room. There were a lot who would fight her so Laren had to be quick.

One man a human, stood and started to walk her way but Laren shot his cable whip around the man and pulled back. Once the man was flung towards Laren the Mandos leg swung up and connected on the mans jaw. Knocked him out instantly. The cable retracted as Laren walked to and into the cage.

“Now why are you out here picking fights. Must be something good this time.” Laren smiling under his helmet, “Oh, and that challenge. I’ll accept. It’s the only time you’ll get a real man to fight.” Laren set aside his belt. Blaster with it. Now it was a clean fight. And Laren was ready to see what the girls got.

@Die Shize

 

[Casany Praxor]

Spoiler: Music OOC

Cas blinked at the Human that had come her way only to be whipped backward and taken out of commission. Of course, of course... Could it be anyone else? These two Mandos sure had a habit of bumping into each other between every planet and moon, star and sun, and here they were on Excarga to shake hands once again. And swing them, it seems.

“Somebody’s gotta show the galaxy how us bucketheads get shit done.” She gave a shrug as Laren Vano approached the ring. “...Even if that means showing one of our own…”

What else could she say? This chance encounter was positively delightful. Red-Gold and Purple-Black had fought alongside one another. Now it was time they fought one another. Cas did not know Laren’s motives but she did not need to know. Whether he had come for the same bounty or was just bored, he would have plenty of time to rest by the time she was done with him.

“Morutar, vod.” [“Welcome, brother.”] Cas spread her arms as Laren entered the ring, both opponents standing unarmed if armored. Her arms were seized just then. Another Zabrak secured a device over either hand; a metal ribbon like a bridle which covered the knuckles and wrapped around the forearm. The same treatment was given to her boots. While the two fighters were being fitted by arena assistants, a Duros entered the ring to stand between both, trailing fingers across the brim of a black trilby.

“In all my years I’ve never seen anything like this…” The audience called and whistled as the referee trailed off. “...Two Mandalorians in the ring, standing head to toe in their beskar iron… Let’s hope the iron walls on all four sides are enough to contain them!”

Cas flexed her fingers, getting a feel for the glove-like devices that cradled them as she listened to the cheering crowd and the ref.

“In the red corner…”

“Anvil.”

“...Anvil, ready to pound the hammer to it… In the blue corner…”

Laren introduced himself.

“...Fighters, Mandalorians, the rules are simple:

One) This is a clean fight. You might be armored but those devices on your punishing peripheries will send shock signals right to the bone. Expect to be knocked out at worst.​

Two) You win by KO, forfeit or highest score after time’s up. Three-minute rounds for five rounds total.​

Three) You only leave this ring if you win or lose.​

Four) Try to kriff the rules and you’ll never leave this establishment. Follow ‘em, prove yourself a winner, and you’ll be sharing drinks with the owner and eating out of the reward money.”​

Cas nodded at everything that was relayed, especially that last part. Winning was her only option.

“All right, bucketheads…” The referee looked between the two contestants. “...Give us a show we won’t soon forget! FIGHT!”

With that, the only two individuals left in the ring were two Mandalorians at opposite corners.

“Well...” Cas craned her neck side to side. “Let’s dance.” She moved forward, fists up, ready to swing or block. Maybe both.




@Scoobert

 

[Laren Vano]

The Duros had entered the cage. And began his entertaining intro for the Mandos. Once the he had finished with his hype up, he went to introduce the two competitors. Of course Cas would use her cover name. So Laren thought he’d do the same but slightly making light of the situation.

“Mureyca be kyr'am” (Kiss of Death)

Laren loved speaking his native tongue especially when there’s people who understand him. And he knew she’d understand exactly what he named himself.

The rules were set in place. Laren wasn’t much for rules but he figured he’d follow just this once. As he listened to the Duros’ final statement. And he would soon rebuttal. “Oh trust me, no one will forget this one.”

Cas was ready for an attack and so was Laren. He slowly circled around her and studied her build. She was smaller so speed would be her ally in this fight. Laren was fast of course but if caught off guard it could be a weakness. He wants to be in close where power moves could be set in motion.

“Dance huh? Gar Kelir cuyir lucky at ba'slanar Oyabaar.” (You’ll be lucky to leave awake) Laren loved to play the kind games and if he taunted enough it could favor him by having her lash out in anger.

Laren tossed a couple slower, less powerful hits to make her focus on defense. With every tossed attack he was making his way closer into the some he wanted. This is where the fun begins.

@Die Shize

 

[Casany Praxor]

Spoiler: Music OOC

Kiss of Death. Cas humored herself as she approached. It would be the only kiss Laren could hope to get from her. The circling began, like two dancers finding their footing before joining hands, and obligatory discord came with it. “You’ll be lucky to leave at all.” She replied in Basic. Mando’a was meaningful but she wanted her audience to hear that one. She was, after all, here to give a show as much as finish it.

A couple of punches came her way. Cas could have dodged them, knew her opponent knew, but decided to test the power of her own ‘punishing peripheries’. So she blocked Laren's. A fist connected with her palm, offering a zap that was dismissed. The other punch caught her forearm, sending a shock right to the bone. She winced behind her helmet but it was a little more than a jolt. A stronger hit to her head, torso—she could see why their armor would only help so much.

Lesson learned. As the two circled closer toward one another, Cas found her moment and sprung forth. With her arms positioned in a conventional guard, her left leading fist jabbed high toward her opponent’s face. She followed up immediately with a lower right cross to his stomach; the first attack, quicker, merely cueing a more powerful punch.

Laren’s response would depend on his own positioning. If he had his fists in a conventional guard then his first response would likely be maneuvering an arm or both to defend his face; he would need some tight coordination to move either arm up and down to concurrently block both blows. A high guard meant he would need little movement to evade the jab but would already have his stomach entirely exposed.



@Scoobert

 

[Laren Vano]

Every attack Laren sent out sending shocks into Cas left and right, and she was letting it happen. Of course Laren knew she was smart enough to expect what he would plan to do. So he let her think she was going to have a solid plan.

Laren saw her arm coming to hit his face, so he would let it connect with his helm, a powerful shock hit Laren. It was manageable though. And when he looked down a hand was coming straight for the stomach. The large Mando can take a shock to the body but this was a heavier strike. So Laren reached out and caught the other Mandos arm. It was only inches from Laren’s stomach.

“Aw that’s cute.” Laren said as swept his right leg around to trip his opponent. If was strong enough she could shift the weight on top of Laren to make him eat his words and send him backwards, but if she hesitated his leg would connect with hers, and she’d end up on the ground. Laren is the stronger competitor so if he ends up on the ground, it would be only a matter of time before Laren’s power takes control.

@Die Shize

 

[Casany Praxor]

Spoiler: Music OOC [Recurring]

Well, that had not been expected. Instead of blocking the punch, Laren had taken it to his ‘face’. Granted, ‘face’ meant ‘helm’ but she had already proven to herself that the brilliant devices that were on their hands packed enough of a ‘punch’ to bypass the armor. So, the shock that her opponent had just received? It would have felt like a punch to his actual face (flesh and bone included) instead of just his helm.

Now, fighters like these two could take a punch, but it would still be a valuable moment of distraction for Cas to capitalize on. As her right arm found Laren’s grip, halting the punch to his stomach, she was still better off than he was in that moment. It was enough to see his leg coming and react accordingly.

Her own right leg swung over his, the two missing each other, before retracting to the floor. Grounding herself, Cas used the maneuver to remind herself of the device that she also wore on her feet. Thus, as Laren would spend that instant still recovering from the shock-punch to his head and his own failed attack, Cas jerked her left leg into action.

An explosive kick would be delivered to Laren’s solar plexus. If it landed then it would do a few things: hurt the man with some electric vibes, break his grip on Cas’ arm, and clear some distance between both combatants. If successful, Cas would allow her opponent to regain his footing before dancing her fingers toward herself in an invitation for him to return the favor—if he dared to try.


@Scoobert

 

[Laren Vano]

Laren’s grip was broken as he fell back at the same time as Cas. She was quicker to get up. Laren stood up as he shook off the shock to his dome. It was powerful with added effects and that was helping Cas.

Laren was curious why this fight meant so much to her. “Why does this match matter? Is there something I don’t know?” The Mando looked at her and then decided to send another attack while she answers.

Once Laren had a distraction up to attack he walked forward and began to send softer hits until he could get close again, then he changed it up by grabbing her head and sending a knee up towards her gut. If successful he’ll surely knock the wind out of her for enough time land a powerful fist to the back of her head.

@Die Shize

 

[Casany Praxor]

Spoiler: Music OOC [Recurring]

Cas was not planning on being caught off guard anytime soon. But then her idiot compadre had to pose a question that had somehow caught her off guard. Why does this match matter? Well...because the bounty matters, you mor— Her thoughts, all the while conjoined with her blocks to her opponent’s pathetic attacks, had just been interrupted by the knee to her gut.

Laren’s mistake was grabbing Cas’ head to perform the maneuver. That had basically bent her vision to his coming attack, giving her time to place her palms in between the knee and her stomach. Instead of electricity coursing through her gut, then, she got a knee and her own hands jolting her backward by the force of the hit.

However, that allowed her to clear some space between Laren’s advance, so that as he swung for the back of her head she crossed an arm and blocked the strike with her forearm crossing over Laren’s. She used the opportunity to take another step backward and tilt her head at her rival.

“I have to win.” Cas expressed simply. “That’s all you need to know.” Then she stepped forward, returning to a conventional guard, jabbing her left leading fist toward Laren’s helm-face once more. What followed was yet to be revealed.



@Scoobert

 

[Laren Vano]

She countered his attack. Of course she did. Only a Mandalorian can combat as well they are. And he knew that any sort of common attack would be pointless. Perhaps he’s looking at it wrong. Maybe defense was goin to be the better option.

“I have to win” filled his ears. What kind of excuse to fight is that? He let it sit for only a second before he had seen her arm swing with a powerful fist. Laren didn’t feel like letting another shock be sent though his head.

He reached out and grabbed her hand with his palm. “You have to win. That’s cute.” And once he had grip he began squeezing. Then took a couple steps forward and on the second step a knee was sent to the gut of the opposition. Once his attack landed, he let go of her hand swung a fist to her helm.

Perhaps she can counter but Laren was prepared for another counter as that’s what she has done to every attack that he sent her way.

@Die Shize

 

[Casany Praxor]

Spoiler: Music OOC [Recurring]

Cas’ attack had been but a jab; no powerful swing except with the power that resulted from the electric connection if the attack landed. For her opponent to grab the fist, the device on Cas’ own would still connect his hand, creating a minor ‘zap’ but not much to deter him. Squeezing that device, though, was probably a bad idea. Electricity would be coursing through Laren’s grip and sending negative signals between his hand and forearm the longer he held on.

It wasn’t Cas’ fault that her opponent was doing whatever he was doing. Fights like these were filled with hits and misses, successes and failures, and everything in between. Laren’s first punches had been guarded, not dodged, but taking a punch to his head was a different story. Laren had not been paying attention enough to evade that one and had paid for it with no real reason.

Having previously grabbed Cas' head to knee her stomach, giving her ample opportunity to block while still taking the hit, here he was again performing another knee. Cas repeated a prior performance and blocked it with both hands. Even though the knee had missed, Cas was preoccupied with it, leaving her her head exposed. The punch clocked her helm and she felt the force of it just as Laren had moments ago.

Laren was apparently adept at grabbing limbs. He had done that a few times now over and over. After letting go of Cas’ fist, and after she received the knock to the noggin, she instantly responded with a right kick to Laren’s left knee. It was no wide sweeping maneuver but as quick as a jab from the hand.

@Scoobert

 

[Laren Vano]

Of course Laren was causing damage to himself as he fought. He wanted to make this a fair fight. He couldn’t just clobber her and then leave. He liked toying with his prey.

He felt his punch connect. And immediately he felt a strike to his knee. He winced at the shock sent through the leg. And responded with a kick of his own often referred to as a ‘Spartan kick’ straight the opposer.

Laren took a step back to shake out the numbness in his hand from the shocking. And we’ll now the slight numb feeling in his knee. She was smart. Perhaps smarter than Laren. But power does a great job of balancing the brain. It was probably the only way to win. But maybe Laren didn’t want to win. Maybe he’s just giving a show before taking a fall.

Cas apparently needed to win this. So if she needed it so bad maybe she could wait it out for a little. Laren was just starting to have fun. “Alright princess, let’s get started.” He loved to torment his opponents.

He stood firm and prepared. He knew she would want to attack. Now it was his turn to play defense. Perhaps this would be where the damage is truly done.

@Die Shize

 

[Casany Praxor]

Spoiler: Music OOC [Recurring]

Cas’ kick had been a desperate one. She had been contending with the blow to her skull and had reached out on instinct. That her kick had connected was a stellar outcome but she did not have long to dwell on it. Laren followed up with a kick of his own, reminiscent of the one she had delivered to him moments ago, and once again the two Mandalorians found themselves spaced apart. That space allowed time for some more banter, courtesy of Laren Vano.

“Princess?” Cas scoffed. “You did not…”

Laren was right. She needed to win this. She needed to meet with the owner. She needed to find her bounty. Payment was involved. More than that, something else...but Cas would not dwell on that either right now. She had a fight to win. So she closed in and in a heartbeat later she was on the offense.

Cas maintained her traditional style of a conventional guard, once again initiating her leading left fist in a quick jab for her opponent’s face. He might have been expecting it. That would be swell. The attack was a feign. As quickly as she punched, she sent her right rear fist in a cross in the same direction for Laren's helmet. The cross would pack more power as she contorted her torso into the swing. Laren might have moved to block the initial jab but would have to react just as quickly to block the cross.

@Scoobert

 

[Laren Vano]

Laren saw the jab a mile away and knew she wasn’t throwing just a jab. The only safe way to dodge this properly is to dive kick her leg and send her falling to the ground with massive shock damage to her left leg.

She was quick and her reaction time has been great, so he needed to be quick. And there was only one way to get this to go out as planned without her knowing. He decided he would wait until the last second for his attack on the opponent rushing in.

The Mando liked fighting and this fight was fun. She was proving herself to be a worthy fighter, but for the time being Laren would show her who’s truly boss round these parts.

Hopefully the fight between the two only builds friendship rather than cause problems later down the road. He only wanted this to be fun. And the best way is to irritate his opponent. The best and only way how was to use the war of words.

@Die Shize

 

[Casany Praxor]

Spoiler: Music OOC [Recurring]

Laren was just full of surprises. He had dodged the jab to his head, which wasn’t really surprising given Cas’ intention. More than that, the real punch from her right fist had been interrupted when the man suddenly collapsed forward like an anomaly of space and time. He had bulled into her, further dodging the second attack by virtue of dropping into a dive kick out of nowhere.

Before she could comprehend what was going on with a bit of blinking behind her visor, Cas was thrown off her footing. The kick had connected with her left thigh and, while it would not cripple her, the force and shock was felt while falling as both Mandalorians took a tumble; one by choice, the other not by much.

Cas’ leg was throbbing and pulsing as she rolled into a backward flip to orient herself upright. Laren would not have much of a chance to respond given that his ‘dive kick’ would have also planted him on his back and he would need to do just as much rolling to advance; further, at that, given his opponent’s retreat.

Obtaining a defensive stance, it was all Cas could do to shake her head, making sure her left leg was behind her right as she entered a low guard. She gave her right side to her opponent, her right hand by her hip, her left hand by her chin. She could attack first but was in no immediate mood to. It was adrenaline that had bolted her back to her feet. Laren would not get more than that right now.

“That…” Cas winced. “...That was quite a kick, ad'ika…”

@Scoobert

 

[Laren Vano]

Laren’s attack was successful. He was studying the way she fights. She’s one to start with fists. Laren would let her use her fists, as long as that was all. His plan quickly turned into ‘take out the legs and then finish it’ because a warrior without legs isn’t capable of a fist fight.

“Did you like that?” Laren asked as he kicked up onto his feet. He was slowly pacing back and forth looking at Cas as she was doing her best to defend her leg. “Adrenaline can only do so much. You really think this was goin to be easy for you? I don’t go easy on anyone.. not even a power puff like you.”

The Mando began walking towards his prey and prepared to throw a kick to his opponents head but was prepared for her dodge or if she was dumb enough to catch his first leg. So he was in a swooping motion bringing his other leg up for a second kick, twisting in the air. He had himself ready to land properly just in case there was a double miss.

These are the fights he lives for. When his opponent believes that they can manage the damages done. It’s a satisfying feeling to put people in their place. Now surely without these advanced devices on their limbs she would have a better chance especially if you bring in the equipment Mandalorians bring with them at all times. But for now, it was just a fist fight in a cage.

@Die Shize

 

[Casany Praxor]

Spoiler: Music OOC [Recurring]

“...Power puff?”

Cas blinked. “That...some kinda...cereal?”

She had no time to find out before Laren was upon her. Her guard did not cater to any immediate block or grab of Laren's left foot coming her way. That meant she had to assume a different tactic that ultimately became a combination. In unison, Cas brought her right arm up from her hip and swung it upward to her right. The forearm would connect with Laren's left lower leg just above the foot, parrying the kick while not grabbing the leg outright, so not giving him any leverage for his planned roundhouse with his right leg.

Concurrently, she twisted her torso while swinging her left fist from her cheek and into Laren's left knee. Given any armor he had on this section, the impact of her fist would mainly be felt via the electric shock going straight to the bone. More than that, the punch would help push the left leg away and work to imbalance her opponent.

The final element of Cas' combo would occur while twisting her torso. Though her thigh was still tingling, it was simple enough to swing her left leg into action for a direct kick to Laren's right knee. Again, with any armor he had that meant not having his knee broken but the force of the kick would be even greater than the punch, and the man just might end up falling down.

Since Laren would still have his left leg airborne immediately following his failed kick, he was not in any immediate position to move away. His concentration would likely be split on his left leg even before it was attacked. Furthermore, Cas was targeting her own kick toward a lower section of Laren's body, meaning it would be more difficult to perform one of his famous grabs.

@Scoobert

 

[Laren Vano]

As expected she blocked his initial kick. He was planning to attack again but his wishes were cut short thanks to Cas’ clever mind. She sent a kick to his only planted leg. A shock sent through his leg Plut’s the bruise from the kick left near the right knee of Laren.

“Agh!” He let out.

She was smarter than he anticipated. Although now that he’s on his knees in front of her he had to react quickly.

“That was a weak hit. Who taught you to fight? A gonk droid?” some more taunts from Laren.

He reached out with a swiftness, and grabbed her utility belt. She had never taken it off. A rookie mistake. And as he grabbed on firmly he ignored any attempts to pry his hands as he rammed his helm into her stomach. It may not have caused an electric charge to run through her body but it sure enough would be breath taker.

After he had set his head into her gut he followed by sending a right hand up as an uppercut, since she would most likely react by bending over as most people would to such a hit. His fist moved up swiftly and if successful the hit would mostly likely send her onto her back on the ground. The force of the hit enough to stand her up, and the shock enough to bring her back down. If the attack lands it would be enough to allow him to recover for a few moments.

@Die Shize

 

[Casany Praxor]

Spoiler: Music OOC [Recurring]

Gonk droid..? That toaster oven of a droid? Her opponent had dared to compare her to a GNK!? The taunt was useless, doing nothing to distract Cas, but evidently she was not the only clever fighter in the ring. It was quite an accomplishment for Laren to drop to his knees instead of his entire body but it had worked in his favor. He snatched for his opponent’s utility belt. His hands had found it.

Cas had just regained her own footing after the kick and had not been expecting such a devious maneuver. Tugging on her belt tipped her own balance, curving her torso toward her rival, only for a helmeted head to crash into her stomach. However, Laren may have forgotten that as much as his head was armored so was Cas’ stomach.

While the breath had not been taken from her, then, the simple force of the impact had still curved her torso in the opposite direction now as she bent forward. This was problematic because it resulted in an uppercut to her own helmet. Cas took the hit. There wasn’t much choice. The punch sent her in a backwards flip.

Had she been in full motor control she would have immediately bounced off her hands and came upright. As it stood, there was a ‘shock’ to that punch so it had first floored her and only then did she climb backward in a regained stance. Now it was both Mandos’ turn to recover for a few moments.

“Nice shot,” Cas emoted with a pinch to her chin. “Going for the belt. Kind of a low blow.” She tilted her visor to Laren’s crotch. “I’ll keep it in mind.”



@Scoobert

 

[Laren Vano]

Laren was successful in his attack. Thankfully he was able to get to his feet and have some time to recover. And while he was shaking off the pain in his leg he listened to Cas speak. And saw her helm tilt down. Of course. Laren utilized her belt once and she wants to go after his manhood. So Laren would reply with a quip.

“I knew you wanted to touch me places. This fight is just an excuse for that huh?”

Surely she had her own rebuttals but in fairness everything Laren has done was legal and moral. There’s no helping ya when you leave equipment on for a fight.

“Just know the second you do what you’re planning I will not hold back any longer. Ally or not, it will be your doom. Bic Kelir cuyir ca ca par gar ner burc'ya.”

Laren was prepared for a cheap shot to the genital area, and decided he was going to change his fight style once again. He planted his left leg forward and right back. His body turned almost completely sideways. (Like kenshi from Mk) Laren’s left arm forward with fist to his hip and his right with a fist in front of his chest. He was ready for whatever attack was to come his way.

The battle leaving fatigue on each opponents bodies, Laren knew that he could be closing in. Victory was so close he could taste it. Dare she attack, Laren was ready.

@Die Shize