Ask Fanged Rebellion

[Sol Kenuk]

Uvena Prime. It was a world shrouded in ancient forests and gothic architecture. It's people were monstrous, all fangs and claws and thick muscle, lupine in appearance and far less friendly than most. The Kel'dor supposed that it was inevitable that the mostly isolationist Shistavanen population would feel unrest under the control of the Empire. Now, rumors of rebellion rose upon the wind, and naturally, the Empire was not so fond of it.

Sol had never been to the warm planet before, but knew well enough of it's existence. Uvena had a reputation, after all. The Shistavanen were a deadly species, and their world was just as dangerous as it's people.

Perhaps luckily for Sol Kenuk, he would not be alone on this mission. It seemed simple enough, locate the citizens causing the unrest, and make an example of them before a fully fledged rebellion could take root. The Empire was not particularly heavy handed of Uvena Prime or it's population, but allowing a resistance to stir unchecked within Imperial space? That was simply not an option.

Their shuttle breached the atmosphere without much issue, and the Kel'dor peers at the planet with a thoughtful expression. Vast oceans, twisting forests, and deep cave systems dotted the world, but at least they had a general idea of where to begin their search. Imperial agents stationed on the planet had been more than accommodating.

Sol turns his head, peers at his companion curiously. This was the first time they had worked together, and in fact, the first time either had met the other. Naturally, Sol is inquisitive, and he speaks with a polite drawl as the vessel descends, "Do you have experience with Uvena Prime?" Sol inquires simply. He did not, beyond what he had read. Now was a good opportunity to learn a bit more about the other Champion, regardless.

@lizziie

 

[Anzijj]

"No," came her single word answer. The Dathomirian woman was seated further into the interior of the ship, seemingly uninterested in the breathtaking blue seas and verdant forests from behind a viewport. She did, at least, look up when Sol spoke to her, meeting his goggled gaze with her red-tinged yellow irises. "I don't know why the Empire bothers with this place. Doesn't seem like they offer us enough for the shit we'll have to deal with."

What did they expect when they conquered such a staunchly isolationist species? She'd done her research. They'd colonized every surrounding planet in their system as to prevent even having to come face-to-face with another species. But, since they were already here to squash a rebellion, squash a rebellion she would.

Anzijj danced her fingers across the hilt of the lightsaber blade at her side, then turned her cheek to Sol and finally glanced out the viewport. They were approaching the ground now, and the light of day dampened to twilight as the thick canopy of the Uvenian forests towered over them. There was so much forest. Thick, plentiful, life-giving forests.

There was no sparkle in her eye as the idea planted its seed, but she would put that thought away to collect later.

"What do we know about the rebellions?"

tag: @Nevermourn

 

[Sol Kenuk]

"Resources." Sol answers simply. Much of Uvena Prime was untapped, wild forests and ancient seas. From crops, to meat, to herbs, and even rare minerals, the planet had it all. The locals were not too happy about the presence of the Empire in that regard, of course, but they should consider themselves lucky that the Sith were not more heavy-handed. For the most part, the lupines went about their daily lives as if nothing had changed, at least until the rebels started stirring up the masses.

"We know that it will spread like wildfire if it's not dealt with fast enough." He comments dryly in reply. "Rebellions left unchecked within Imperial Space will likely only inspire other worlds to follow." And, well, they couldn't have that, could they? "From what I've been told, agents began noticing flyers and painted vandalism on the walls across the city, none of which were very friendly toward the Empire. A few protests have sparked, but none have been violent yet."

"There have also been reports of a few suspiciously clad Shistavanen prowling the streets at night, knocking on doors and spreading what is believed to be anti-Imperial propaganda. It seems that they're still in the first stages of gathering supporters for their cause." Which was a good thing, potentially. It meant that the rebellion was still in it's earliest stages. With any luck, the two Sith wouldn't have to worry about being mobbed. "It's not just this settlement either, I should note. Similar things have been reported in other towns and villages, meaning that the budding rebellion is undoubtedly coordinated, and spreading." That was a little bit more worrying, to be sure, but still something that the Sith could deal with.

The shuttle passes over the ocean-side city that they'd be landing at. It's architecture was gothic and old, not the cleanly shaped skyscrapers that many might be used to. The oceans were dotted with fishing vessels, and winding forests wrapped the town on every other edge. In the distance, rolling hills and steep cliffs poked out from the thick mist, undoubtedly full of twisting caves, where more Shistavanen likely called home. Sol saw a bit of a charm in the world. It was primitive and beautiful, if only it's people were a bit more accommodating.

Through the rolling fog, the shuttle finally reaches the city's landing pads. Despite the gothic architecture, there were modern appliances dotting the land, including electricity. The engines of the vessel hiss into silence as the two Sith finally touch down. The Kel'dor rises from his seat, gazing out the viewport and into the misty city beyond. He can already tell that their arrival has caused a stir. The atmosphere is tense with unrest.

"There are agents in the city. If they discover anything important, we'll be contacted." Sol assures as he drapes the dark hood of his black robes over his head. The spiked lightsaber hilt nestled against his hip is hidden beneath the fabric, but nonetheless present. "For now, let's have a look around and see what we can find. Eyes and ears open." The Kel'dor's certain that he didn't need to tell his fellow Champion that, but the words slip past his mask regardless as the ramp slides into the mist, and the exit hisses as it opens.

What an adventure this would be.

@lizziie

 

[Anzijj]

So it was a budding rebellion, and they were here to nip it in the bud. Midnight solicitors, petty protests, and teenagers vandalizing anti-Imperial messages. But what Sol said made sense to her. Anzijj couldn't be bothered to care about a backwater planet like this if she were in charge, but there were more important planets that might see and take opportunity of such apathy. Likewise, if they could put this weed out by the roots and lay them plain out for everyone to see, it would have the same effect.

As the shuttle landed, Anzijj pulled the dark fabric of her own hooded robes over her head and let the front seams fall vertically into place over her chest. Her arms stayed quiet at her side, and her nails continued to absent-mindedly dance over the metal hilt of her saber.

When they descended the shuttle's ramp, Anzijj was almost an entire foot shorter than the lanky Kel'dor. She wouldn't be overlooked next to him by the Shistavanen natives though. Their eyes and ears quickly found and focused in on the two strangers, equal parts wary and curious. No one would approach them with pitchforks, but no one would come to welcome them either. When she glanced from person to person, not one would keep her gaze more than the moment it took to recognize eye contact.

"It seems they keep the graffiti away from the spaceports," Anzijj noted as she searched blank wall and blank wall. "They're trying to keep things away from too many Imperial eyes." It would make the most sense that they would hold their efforts on getting the few Imperialist Shistavanen's on their sides. After all, those who did support the Empire's presence here were most likely the ones profiting the most off of it.

"We'll have the best luck away from the wealthier parts of town," she decided after they'd fully left the spaceport grounds. She led the way, maneuvering through the early-morning market crowds that seemed more than happy to give the two foreigners their space.

tag: @Nevermourn

 

[Sol Kenuk]

Off of the ramp and into the mist. Sol's boots are quiet as he moves from the landing pad, and toward the fog covered town that hummed with life. The locals were far from welcoming. None approached to greet the two Sith, nor did any show signs of hospitality. Their gazes were intense, curious and wary, and the visions of the canines were quick to flitter away the moment that the Kel'dor dared to stare back.

The Shistavanen were certainly imposing, large and covered in thick fur and tall ears, with fangs and nails well beyond the length of most other races. Sol wasn't the type to be so easily intimidated though, so his stride is as confident as ever, making similar observations as those of his companion.

"Wouldn't want to make it too easy for us." The Kel'dor remarked with dry amusement. But Anzijj seemed to have the right idea. The more impoverished areas of the city were much more likely to harbor unrest towards the empire. Sol moves behind her, a shadowy wraith gliding through the streets. Market stalls lined the path, and yet the chatter of the citizens was quickly hushed as the Sith passed quietly by.

Sol's eyes make a note of nearly everything that they can, but asides from the coldness of the locals, he had yet to notice anything particularly out of place. Still, the Kel'dor can't help but feel the sensation that he is being watched, and not just by the civilians lining the streets.

His eyes flicker upward, and he spots one of the lupines on a rooftop, peering down at them with wintry eyes that glowed against the mist. Sol's vision is hidden behind his goggles, and his expression betrays nothing as he observes the wolf with a growing suspicion. It doesn't take long before the Shistavanen ducks out of view, and disappears from the rooftop.

"We are being observed." Sol speaks quietly toward his companion. If that was one of the rebels, then it wouldn't take long for the rest of the resistance to realize that the Sith were here.

@lizziie

 

[Anzijj]

"Did you see which way it went?" Anzijj asked as soon as Sol revealed the tidbit of information. Her own eyes snapped to wherever the Kel'dor happened to be looking off toward, but she would find no observer looking back. If someone had watched them long enough to be labeled an observer, their curiosity and intentions trumped any wariness they had for outsiders, especially outsider Sith. Assuming Sol told her, she would immediately turn off and head in that direction.

After she reached the threshold of the alleyway and was fully inside, chartreuse smoky ichor would emerge from her plans as she untucked her hands from under the dark cloak. A moment later and after a wash of the green passed over her, the Dathomirian would disappear from sight. If Sol was nearby, he would be able to sense the subtle use of the Force as she disappeared from the space she was previously in.

Anzijj used the shadow magicks not only to turn herself invisible but to levitate herself up onto the roof of the gothic-style roof. She lowered herself silently onto the worn roof tiles, and immediately scanned for the observer Sol had mentioned before. It wouldn't be long before her golden gaze zeroed in on a young adult Shistavanen hopping rooves not too far away, and she would immediately pursue.

tag: @Nevermourn

 

[Sol Kenuk]

He's not entirely sure where the Shistavanen had gone, but he knows it was likely in the opposite direction, so that's where he points. After all, if the wolf had left the roof on the same side as the Kel'dor, it would have been obvious. Now, it seemed the Sith were on the tail of whoever it was, fully intending to track them through damp alleys and shadowed streets. Whether or not they would find the lupine was another question entirely.

Into the gaping maw of a dark alleyway, Sol and his companion would slip. His cold eyes immediately dart to the smoky ichor that had materialized within the Dathomirian's hands. Then it seemed, in an instant, she was gone. In the force, her presence still lingered, but physically, the woman was invisible. Regardless, that left the Kel'dor to himself in the alley. He slips through the two buildings and into the next street, his own gaze scanning the roof-tops, though he finds nothing in the misty, still air.

Upon swift feet, Sol carries on, across the narrow street and through the next alley. A part of him hopes that the observer would return, now that it outwardly appeared that the Sith were separated. The Shistavanen wouldn't be able to see the woman tracking him, after all. But rather than an ambush, the force ripples in a different way. Sol's eyes dart up, and now, once again, he can see the canine, leaping across rooftops with uncanny agility.

Sol isn't entirely keen on playing chase with a dog, but luckily, none of the buildings were overly high. In other words, Sol was able to jump. With the force enhancing his leap, he finds himself clinging to the windowsill of the second story shop, before propelling himself onto the rooftop from there. It was quite easier to track the Shistavanen from above, and so it seemed both Sith were now in pursuit of the lupine, with one major difference. Sol wasn't invisible.

The wolf spots him, curls his lip with a snarl before flinging himself away, dashing across the rooftops with even greater speed than before. Then, he throws himself into the air, and down into the crowded streets below. The Kel'dor loses sight of him, and wolf knew this city far better than the Sith did. Annoyance pricks at his mind as Sol peers down into the crowd. It was almost as if the citizens had folded around the fleeing wolf. They were trying to shield his location. Perhaps Anzijj was having better luck.

@lizziie

 

[Anzijj]

Anzijj was displeased when the Shistavanen was scared off of the rooves and back into the crowded streets. She was forced to quickly change her path from the rooftop to the street, and with that came a slew of disadvantages she'd been avoiding beforehand. Too many people meant there were plenty of objects she could run into, and with them all being Shistavanens, they might be able to smell her.

But, still, down to the streets she went. Her cloak was brought in tightly around her as she wove her fingers into the fabric and pulled it tight to her chest. This kept her small as she dashed about the crowd, dodging the wolfmen as she did her best to keep up with the fleeing observer. Unfortunately, he was much quicker than she was, and Anzijj lost him within the minute. She wasn't happy about it, but she'd at least gotten close enough at one point to spot a distinctive symbol on a necklace he'd been wearing.

Anzijj slowed to a stop and waited by the edge of some building while she waited for Sol to find her. She was getting glances now and then from the locals, but she was still invisible. It was likely that they could smell her, but among all the other smells on the market, perhaps a lingering humanoid one wasn't so important.

She was looking to see if she could spot anything else like the symbol she'd seen. Something circular, marked by a four-pointed star of some sort, and casting in gold metal. It could be another necklace, a cuff, or a charm on a bracelet. If she could find someone else with the symbol, then maybe it meant something.

tag: @Nevermourn

 

[Sol Kenuk]

The Kel'dor makes his way back down into the street, weaving through the crowd with cold eyes sweeping for any evidence of their observer. There was none, though. He had made a quick getaway. Sol can't help but feel rather bitter about it. If Anzijj had bothered to communicate with the Kel'dor, perhaps it could have been prevented. As it was, Sol had no idea what the woman's plan had been, or what it was now. He can't even spot her amidst the crowd.

So, he coils the dark side around his figure, before sending it slithering through the streets like a probing snake. Eventually, Sol's able to locate his fellow Sith, still hidden. Of course, unless she chose to communicate with the other Champion this time, he wouldn't have the slightest idea of what she had seen, or what she was looking for. Sol approaches the edge of what appeared to be a cantina, finally reaching the Dathomirian's position among the crowd. He doesn't say anything to her, as it appeared that she was still trying to hide herself. It's an annoyance, but Sol isn't about to throw a tantrum over it. If she knew what she was doing, then so be it.

@lizziie

 

[Anzijj]

"It was wearing a necklace," Anzijj would state suddenly as she dropped the magick cloak and appeared in the space Sol was able to sense her in. "There was a symbol on it that looked like this." Using the Nightsister magicks once again, Anzijj conjured up a replica of the same symbol and formed the smoky, green object pinched between her fingers so that Sol could internalize its appearance. When she dropped her hand down by her side, the image faded away when the magicks disappeared.

"There are two others here wearing that same symbol. That one has a charm on its bracelet, and there's one manning the textile booth to our left that has it clipped to its ear."

After pointing the both of them out, Anzijj would finally turn and glance up briefly at the Kel'dor. "We should question them, or at least make our presence known to them. If we can spook them, they might inadvertently lead us right to where we need to be."

If they didn't know anything, then at the very least they would know it was a dead end. Or, perhaps, Sol had other ideas.

tag: @Nevermourn

 

[Sol Kenuk]

And, just like that, he could see her clearly again, speaking to him about a necklace, and the pointed symbol carved upon the pendant. The Kel'dor hums in contemplation. Annoyed as he may be with the lack of communications, he couldn't really deny that the magick of his fellow Sith was efficient. Sol didn't know Nightsister sorcery, but after this chaos with Anzijj, he certainly felt rather jealous of it. He couldn't disappear and levitate, that was for sure. At least not yet.

Ah, but there was no sense in such distractions now, particularly in the midst of a city full of lurking hostiles. His focus returns to his fellow Sith, and the two Shistavanen that she pointed out. They shared the symbol of the wolf that the pair had been chasing. Was it something religious? Or a symbol of resistance? He and Anzijj seemed to share the same idea. There was only one real way to find out.

"Let's see what the merchant has for sale." Sol utters quietly before adding, "If you'd like to speak to the one with the bracelet, by all means." Perhaps if they engaged both Shistavanen, they would learn more.

Regardless of what the Nightsister chose, Sol would make his way up to the textile booth, his eyes roaming across the assorted fabrics before falling across the brown furred merchant. He spots the jeweled ear easily enough, and he can see the hostility of the other within his glowing green eyes. Whether or not that was because Sol was an Imperial, or because he was simply not Shistavanen, was yet to be known.

Sol probes at the wolf with the force, finds that the other was not force sensitive. It was something beneficial to note. With a wave of his clawed hand, the Kel'dor speaks, "You will tell me about the symbol in your ear." Softly spoken words, but easy enough for the wolf to pick up on. His eyes glow with confusion for a moment, and then it was gone.

"Yes, I will... tell you. It symbolizes freedom, and the will to resist those who are oppressive. You cannot oppress a star, no matter how hard you try." The lupine's vocals were a rumbling growl, not so unusual for his kind. The answer given seems clear enough. The symbol was one of rebellion. It was likely how the resistance identified their supporters. Sol's dark side talons are still firmly hooked within the Shistavanen's mind, as the Kel'dor peers coldly upon the wolf-like sentient.

@lizziie

 

[Anzijj]

Sol went off to talk to the Shistavanen at the textile booth, and Anzijj promptly turned to interrogate the one with the bracelet. The Nightsister glided over to the jewelry stand where she stood and immediately began to feign false interest in the bits and bobbles the woman had laid out before her.

"Ooo did you make this yourself?" Her voice was lilted and curious like an enchanted child, and her slender fingers descended upon a golden ring on the table. "It's absolutely gorgeous! How much do you want for it?"

The Shistavanen woman behind the counter looked momentarily taken aback, perhaps not expecting such a reaction out of the foreigner. Soon after, her eyes narrowed with suspicion at the foreigner, but Anzijj interrupted just as she was about to respond.

"Oh! Nevermind! How much is this one?" Fleur went to pick up a necklace with the same symbol as she'd seen on the Shistavanen woman's bracelet, but the woman's hand snatched it from her before she could pluck it from the table.

"That is not for you, peregrino," she nearly growled through her teeth. Anzijj feigned a look of offense, and indignantly asked, "Well why not?"

"Because you aren't deserving to wear that symbol. You stand for everything that symbol stands against."

"Is that so?" Anzijj's voice lost its melodic overtone in an instant and her raised eyebrows and interesting look relaxed back to their apathetic look. "Tell me more. What do I stand for that you stand against? Tell me..." She waved her fingers in the air in front of her, using the persuasive power of the Force to edge the creature closer. She'd already gotten her emotions up. The Force was just the last straw. The Shistavanen would spill.

And spill she did. With venom in her voice, she explained clearly and precisely to Azijj what that symbol meant to her. And Anzijj listened to all of it, grinning madly behind her relaxed lips.

tag: @Nevermourn

 

[Sol Kenuk]

As the Kel'dor peers with eyes of wintry fire upon the lupine merchant, he soon becomes acutely aware of that sensation of being watched once again. This time, however, there's a bit more to it, a tickle upon the back of his neck, a whisper within the force that warned him of danger. The eyes upon him were not merely intending to observe, and as Anzijj interrogated the other suspected rebel, Sol is left alone and separated, the prime target for a makeshift assassin.

Unfortunately, the Shistavanen, quick and strong as they were, vastly underestimated the equal might of the Sith. Sol can feel the rush of his enemy as claws arch for his back. The Kel'dor leaps to the side, just in time. A blur of silver fur flashes past him, slams into the merchant's stand as talons rip through assorted fabric. The merchant himself merely steps back, watching with a curled lip and bared fangs, as other Shistavanen stop to observe with equally hostile expressions. Still, nobody else seems to make a move toward the Kel'dor, just the silver furred male with two ripped ears and eyes like rubies.

"Your magic is not welcome here, Joore! I saw what you did." The wolf accused as he finally untangles himself from the stall to stare the Champion down with a burning gaze. "Sith trickery!"

Sol can see the reflection of a golden piercing above the canine's eye, can tell that it is carved with the same symbol that the two Sith had been investigating. It seemed that both had well and truly found a lead. Whatever Azijj had learned from the other Shistavanen would likely just confirm it. The symbol marked supporters of the resistance, or resistance members themselves. Regardless, it was now akin to a dark road lit by lanterns in which both Champions could follow.

For now, though, there was the slight problem of the very angry wolf that seemed more than willing to square up with the Kel'dor. Unfortunate, but not so much for Sol. Electricity crackles through the air as Sol's claws ignite with bolts of hateful lightning, the horrible energy ripping through the atmosphere to crash into the Shistavanen without mercy. He howls, snaps his teeth and thrashes his claws, but his struggles did nothing but quicken his exhaustion, until the lupine was left kneeling on the ground with singed fur and burns that arched across smoking flesh like the scars of a jellyfish sting.

Still, the Shistavanen was alive, for now. Sol approaches with an icy gaze. He still had a few questions to ask.

@lizziie

 

[Anzijj]

"You foreigners—the Sith—come and take our planet, forcing us under their name without a care for whether or not we ever wanted that. They are like mold. Poisonous, unwanted, and needing to be cut out." Her claws tightened around the necklace in the paw of her hand, and her lips curled back to reveal pink and black gums. "Sooner or later, we will cut them out. Then they, and you, peregrino, will no longer be welcome here."

"So I can't buy the neck-"

"No." The woman crossed her arms and glared down at Anzijj; a clear indication that the conversation was over and she wouldn't be selling anything to the Dathomirian. This sparked a bit of irritation in Anzijj, but before she could make any sort of retaliation, a sudden bout of commotion took her attention elsewhere.

In a wash of green magick, Anzijj disappeared from the Shistavanen's view. She reappeared moments later behind the would-be assassin, grabbed his arms, and forcbility handcuffed them together behind his back with sickly green cuffs.

"Attacking members of the Sith," she began in monotone in the dog's ear. "Is an offense punishable by death." Of course, she had no intention of killing him yet, but it would be good for him to know what he had to lose.

tag: @Nevermourn

 

[Sol Kenuk]

Green ichor splashes into view, and his companion materializes from emerald smog like a Dathomirian spirit reaching for some unfortunate soul. The Shistavanen was bound and wounded, forced to his knees and bitterly subdued. Despite it all, he stared upon the Kel'dor with such hateful eyes, with talons that itched to tear through flesh and teeth that were bared in all of their stained glory. Sol's vision is icy, a frigid contrast to the fiery rubies of the wolf's raging eyes.

As Anzijj speaks into the canine's ear, Sol merely inclines his head with agreement. He felt no pity for the man, no remorse for what would undoubtedly come next. But the crowd was growing, and hostilities buzzed through the air. Sol could practically feel the tension, even without the aid of the force. It was a thick fog hanging in the air, a weight upon his shoulders. Some that surrounded the Sith looked ready to snap. A precarious situation, to be sure.

"Are you part of the rebels?" The Kel'dor finally speaks, his vocals icy as he stares unblinking upon their captured canine. A few steps closer, and Sol can tell that the wolf would not speak willingly. A single talon raises through the misty air, and Sol points it at the beast, coils the dark side around his figure like a snake. It slinks forth to inject it's venom, to sink it's ruthless fangs into the mind of the wolf that did all that it could to struggle. Efforts in vain, wasted energy. Sol would take what he wanted.

"You will tell me what I want to know." Sol speaks the command, hooks the claws of his power into the spirit of the other man without an ounce of guilt. "You will tell me about the rebels, and you will tell me who leads them." Perhaps it wasn't the best idea to do this front of an angry crowd, but nonetheless, the publicity of it sent a clear message. Who else would dare oppose the Sith so boldly? They would die for it.

The Shistavanen's growling begins to fade, as the dark force commands submission.

"I am among the rebels." The wolf finally speaks, "Aranas... and Khar. They started it. They're the ones that-" A sudden rush of fur cuts the captured Shistavanen off, as the textile merchant throws himself over his stand, and lunges at Anzijj. At the same time, the jewelry merchant she had initially been speaking to had made her way over, and was now slamming into the back of the Kel'dor.

He had been focused on bending the mind of their prisoner, and now he could feel the prick of claws reaching into the flesh of his back. The two other rebels weren't just going to sit by and watch the interrogation, it seemed. They were trying to free their friend.

@lizziie

 

[Anzijj]

Anzijj was only standing behind the apprehended creature, eyes burning into the back of his skull, but not completely unaware of her surroundings. After all, they were standing in what had essentially become enemy territory with a member of their rebel at her feet. So when the textile merchant became a flash of fur and came tearing over toward her, she had just enough time to react.

Green ichor began pouring from her palms into a ball of energy, and just as the Shistavanen might've hit her, she released it right in his direction. He had no time to react, so the ball of concussive energy hit him square in the chest and sent him flying back where he'd lunged from. Anzijj removed the golden lightsaber hilt from under her robes and quickly advanced toward the creature while green ichor began manifesting in and around the weapon. By the time she reached him, a mace-like weapon had formed from it.

He lunged at her again, but this time she swung the weapon toward his head. The timing was a bit off (the damn Shistavanen was quick) but it still made contact with the outside of his shoulder. There was the sound of cracking underneath the sound of the impact, and he was sent tumbling off in the direction of her swing.

tag: @Nevermourn

 

[Sol Kenuk]

He feels like he's being crushed, like claws are tearing through his robes to lance across his back. He's only barely able to roll upon hitting the ground, still pressed beneath the Shistavanen that had thrown herself on top of him. Now he can face her though, and the Kel'dor does exactly that. Her eyes reflect the wintry chill of his own as a concussive force of wicked energy rips from the palm of his hand to crash into her chest at point-blank force. The wolf's breath is crushed from her lungs, expelled abruptly as a yelp shatters the air and she's sent flying off of the Sith. The Shistavanen slams into the nearby wall of a shop, and seems to struggle to find her feet again.

At the same time, Sol can see that Anzijj had fended off her own opponent, the clash of her weapon against the lupine's shoulder causing bone to crack and crumple with an assortment of ghastly sounds. In the midst of it all, the first rebel that had initially attacked Sol had now returned to his feet, and was trying to bolt away from the battle as if seizing the newfound opportunity. The Kel'dor says nothing, merely reacts with a cruel twist of his palm, wrapping the force around the throat of the Shistavanen and yanking him back to the fray. With a snap of his wrist, the sound of the crushed vertebrae within the wolf's neck was resounding enough to prompt several onlookers to recoil with horror and shock.

The body drops limp to the dusty, cobbled ground, leaving the two merchants. The one that Sol had sent flying had stumbled to her feet in a daze, rivulets of warm blood oozing down the side of her skull to drip from an elongated chin. Well, Sol thinks, they had the name of the rebel leaders, and they knew how to spot supporters and members in the crowds. They didn't have much else, though. No base of operations, if there even was one, not even the location of the so called resistance leaders themselves. It meant that for now, the woman was spared Sol's immediate fury. That was of course, provided she could stay conscious long enough.

The wolf that Anzijj had hit had also rolled to his feet, but the Kel'dor's not looking at him.

@lizziie

 

[Anzijj]

The Shistavanen rolled back to his feet, and Anzijj readied herself for him to attack again. Her right hand crackled with electricity, and a burst of sickly green lightning struck out at the textile merchant and forced him back to his knees. She maintained it as long as she approached him, taking slow, deliberate steps until she stood an arm's length away. The crackle disappeared from the air, and she swung with her left arm, bludgeoning the magically-spiked mace into the side of his skull.

There was another crack, and crimson blood splattered out onto the market floor as the Shistavanen male slumped over onto the ground. There would be no more rebellion from this one, Anzijj thought dryly as she turned her attention back to Sol and the jewelry stand dog. Her yellowed gaze traveled slowly across the gathered crowd as she did, quietly daring any of them to intervene as she stepped over a body and joined Sol in front of the female dog's unconscious body.

"The punishment for treason is death," she said aloud—loud enough for anyone in the clearing to hear. "These two were shown mercy. Anyone else who makes the attempt on the life of a Sith or Imperial should hope their family cannot be found." Her, monotone and apathetic, was not spoken of as a threat despite very clearly being one. It was a statement; an ultimatum, even. Anyone who continued to rebel risked not only their own, but the lives of those they loved.

"Let's take it somewhere else," she suggested to Sol, referring to the limp body of the female wolf who was lying not far away.

tag: @Nevermourn

 

[Sol Kenuk]

The she-wolf doesn't even try to take a step towards him, she just stood there with glazed eyes and a bloodied head, until she slumped into unconsciousness. Well, at least she was alive. As for the beast that Anzijj had been fighting, one final blow took care of that problem, and Sol is left standing amid the fallen Shistavanen, gazing out into the riled crowd that snarled and howled their fury. The threat that his companion makes is a ruthless one, and it's one that the Kel'dor could appreciate. He took no delight in the deaths of family, but punishment was necessary when rebels got too bold.

"Know this, the death here was needless. Look upon yourselves now, look for the symbol of the rebellion that some of you hold so dear. When has the Sith ever come to conquer this world? When have we imposed tyrannical rule? We were brought here today due to the violent actions of terrorists. Your way of life is disrupted, not because of us, but because of them." The Kel'dor's vocals are thunderous and cold, but each word dripped with purpose. "We take no pleasure in what must be done. We do not seek needless slaughter. Do you want peace? Do you want safety? Destroy these symbols of resistance. Convince your rebel friends and family to stand down. Do not support those who would risk your lives for their gain." And with that, Sol turns away.

Anzijj had suggested that they take the body of the unconscious she-wolf elsewhere, away from prying eyes and angry teeth. Sol supposes that he can agree. He nods to his partner, and heads toward the slumbering Shistavanen, his talons gripping the air as the force tugs the woman from the dusty earth and into a levitating state. She was heavy, but nonetheless, the Kel'dor was an accomplished sorcerer. Where he faltered with his lightsaber, he could always trust the power of the force. Of course, he wouldn't complain if Anzijj decided to use her nightsister magic to relieve him of the burden.

Either way, Sol would begin making his way into one of the shops with the floating wolf in tow. There weren't many options for privacy in the middle of the city. A local establishment would have to do.

@lizziie

 

[Anzijj]

Anzijj listened quietly while Sol gave his impromptu speech to the agitated crowd around them. She could tell they were angry; it would be hard to miss the sharp teeth under pulled-back lips, the pinned-back ears, or the tense stances surrounding them. But she could also tell that Sol's words clicked with the reason in their brains. Despite their animalistic appearance, they knew the Sith's words were not for show. They knew that in the end, the best decision for them was to quell their rebellion. The "or else" hung heavy in the air.

Once they reached the shop with the unconscious female in tow, Anzijj made direct eye contact with the teenager manning the counter and jerked her head. The kid had absolutely no desire to be involved in the situation whatsoever, so she quickly exited into the back and disappeared from view. Anzijj used the Force to quickly lock both the front door and the one the girl had slipped out of, then pulled up a chair and helped sit the Shistavanen down in it.

"I'm sure between the two of us, we can just rip what we need," she said plainly to Sol. One of them could probably manage it, but who knew how stubborn she would be to protect her fellow rebels, or how much it would drain just one of them to manage it.

"Or, if you think she'll be useful later on, we can try the other way." Convincing her to give it up. Anzijj almost lifted a lip at the idea of having to sit through the interrogation process, but she'd let Sol make that call.

tag: @Nevermourn