Ask The Art of Bloody Knuckles

Kadriye Yalaz

Character
Independent
Rank
Citizen

Character Profile
Link
OOC
lizziie
Joined
Sep 11, 2022
Messages
16
Reaction score
2

97fb85e9932a35fe3edc29c8ff979f3f89e838c0r1-1200-678v2_hq.jpg

“Ladies and gentlemen! Boys and girls! Our next contestants are stepping into the ring!”

A cry rose up from the crowd as men and women, humans and aliens alike stood up from their seats and threw both their fists and voices into the air. The excitement and anticipation in the air were almost as thick as the sound of their shouts; it was electric and buzzed throughout the arena stadium.

“Coming all the way from Sriluur, where he fought his way out of slavery into the fighting rings of the galaxy, I present to you: Bracke Moka!”

The crowd’s shouts only grew louder as an absolutely ripped Weequay stepped out into the ring. He raised his fists into the air, one holding a thick board, and let a roar rip from his throat which spurred on and encouraged the crowd surrounding him. The man was unarmed, unarmored, stood about six foot four, and probably weighed quite a bit. He was the epitome of what the crowds wanted in a fighter, and when he brought that board down onto his knee and tore it apart, the crowd went even crazier.

“Opposing Moka is none other than the Orcolan herself, all the way from Orsimer Prime!” The noise had dipped, but upon the beginning of the second announcement, it rose back quickly. It would immediately become obvious where the home fans were sitting, because though they’d shouted for Moka, they shouted even louder for the silhouetted figure standing behind the rising Southern gate.

“Kadriye Yalaz!”
—​
A few minutes before the announcer would shout out her name to the crowds, “the Orcolan herself” was seated in a small, empty dressing room, quietly wrapping her fists with bandages. Instrumental music played over a cheap speaker in the corner of the room - some kind of classical piece she didn’t know or care about the name of. Even behind closed doors and a closed gate, she could hear the excited roar of the crowd outside. Soon she would stand out in front of them, bathe in the sun, and give them the fight they so viciously craved.

Knock knock. “Yalaz?”

A Cathar man no taller than five foot eight entered the room shortly after. She lifted her eyes to greet her boss, giving him a silent nod when their gazes met.

“I got an offer,” he began slowly while he adjusted the cuffs on his tailored suit. Kadriye scoffed and began wrapping her bandages tighter, flexing her hand over and over to stretch and test the fabric. “A quarter million creds if you take a fall,” he continued in an increasingly business-like tone. He stopped in front of her and gestured for her to look at him with his index finger. Kadriye barely had to lift her head to look at him, and she was clearly displeased with what she knew his next words would be. “Take the fall.”

Why?” Kadriye immediately stood, towering a foot above the adult man in front of her as she glared down at him. “Whoever he is, I can beat him. Why do I have to take the fall so you can—”

“Enough!” His voice raised, and Kadriye bit her tongue. “You’re just a fighter, Yalaz. You don’t know what it takes to run a business like this. Money trumps your ego, kid.”

Whatever.” It felt like she was taking more and more falls for this guy. “What happened to me being his ‘undefeated champion’?” It enraged her knowing that if he hadn’t started accepting bribes from her opponents she would be undefeated thus far. It could drive a girl mad. She didn't even get a cut of the deal. Not really, anyway.
—​
Kadriye stood tall, shoulders back, and chest puffed out as the gate rose. Sunlight poured over her feet, then her knees, her abs, and finally over her furrowed brows. As soon as the gate clicked into place above her, the Orcolan girl advanced out into the hot, dusty arena toward her waiting opponent. She had six inches on the guy, but she was built nothing like him. Whereas his muscles were so prominent his veins were bulging under his dehydrated skin, Kadriye was thin and toned. She certainly didn’t look like a threat to anyone who didn’t know her, and the Weequay visibly relaxed.

“Ha ha ha!” His laugh bellowed out from his stomach, and Kadriye couldn’t tell it if was an act for the crowd or if he really felt so underwhelmed he couldn’t help himself. She crossed her arms and waited for him to finish, nostrils flaring. If there weren’t ten other things on her mind at that moment - including how the blistering heat of the sun felt on her exposed skin - she might have been provoked.

“Let’s rumble, little girl,” he grinned as he chucked the broken board pieces to the side and assumed a wide stance.

tag: @Altaris
 
Last edited:

Darth Tempest

Faction Leader
Sith Order
Rank
Dark Lord of The Sith

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Altaris
Joined
Jan 4, 2022
Messages
927
Reaction score
569
In truth, it wasn’t often that Vahliri found herself operating within Hutt Space. While the Empire and the Syndicates had maintained relatively decent relations, the half-Annfyn had little connection tothe criminal underworld - and her own distaste for slavery resulted in her largely avoiding its multitude of planets. Not to mention, her last trip to Nar Shaddaa, only a few weeks prior with Altair and Sol, had been nothing short of a disaster at parts - even if it had ultimately bore fruit by the very end. Understandably, it wasn’t pleasure that brought Vahliri to Hutt space - but rather the promise of knowledge.

She had been hunting this particular piece of literature - a tome written by the late Naga Shadow - for months, and the search had led her to a contact operating out of the gladiatorial arena on the planet. It was hardly the ideal venue, but the half-Annfyn was committed - and thus didn’t raise too much of an argument when agreeing to rendezvous after the fights. In the meantime, Vahliri had only to wait close by.

Entering the colosseum stands, Vahliri immediately began to cut her way down through the roaring crowds - pushing her way to the front to get a better look at all the commotion. The half-Annfyn was dressed elegantly - donning a stripped, black dress with a belt that cinched the waist. Her black hair was loosely styled to cascade down to the middle of her back, while her saber was neatly tucked into the bag she carried. The woman stood out like a sore thumb amongst the crowds that filled the arena, and it didn’t bother her in the slightest.

Upon reaching the edge of the gallery, Vahliri placed both hands onto the rail and leaned forward a bit - amber eyes flicking across the two contestants. Naturally, she couldn’t help the way her gaze lingered on Kadriye a bit longer than her opponent. While the Orcolan was taller than her opponent - and would’ve towered over Vahliri up close, the half-Annfyn didn’t miss the fact that the woman didn’t look even a fraction as strong. Upon first glance, it was clear who the underdog here was. Crossing her arms over her chest, Vahliri decided to watch the fights for a few minutes - even if the sport was never quite to her tastes. Her amber eyes bore down on the arena floor - observing everything that occurred before her contact finally decided to show his face.

Down in the arena, Moka didn’t remain patient for long. With the sound of the crowds chanting his name and the adrenaline pumping through his veins, the Weequay pushed off his back foot and charged forward - moving shockingly fast for someone of his large size. The moment he reached Kadriye, the gladiator whirled his massive left fist toward - attempting to strike her square in the jaw and end the fight in the blink of an eye.


@lizziie
 

Kadriye Yalaz

Character
Independent
Rank
Citizen

Character Profile
Link
OOC
lizziie
Joined
Sep 11, 2022
Messages
16
Reaction score
2
Time seemed to slow down as the Weequay charged toward her. She watched as his feet propelled him forward, his shoulder reared back, and his hand balled up into a fist right for slugging. She watched as he grew closer and closer with a stupid grin on his wrinkly maw. He was going right for a knockout, or what she needed to take as a knockout if she wanted to do as her boss wanted. "Take the fall."

"Fuck." Kadriye wanted to break that knowing look right in half, along with whatever teeth he still had left in his mouth. She didn't want to take the damn fall. He was going to punch her, and she was going to have to pretend like it—

WHAM.

Moka's fist collided with the underside of her jaw, sending her chin upward along with it. Immediately, she had a decision to make. Did she fall and fake a knockout like Horo wanted, or did she put her ego first?

Her decision was made when she turned her eyes down and saw the expectant look on Woka's face. It infuriated her. No way was she letting this little overgrown Weequay kick her ass for a million credits she would never even see.

Her jaw hurt like hell, but she was far from knocked out. "You'll have to do better than that." Kadriye turned her cheek and spat blood onto the ground, then brought her own fists up. She was barely audible as the crowd went crazy, but as far as she cared, he could read her lips. "Tell your boss—" The Orcolan girl struck out with her left fist, going for a solid hit right in the middle of the man's face. Whether it hit his nose or his blocking forearm, it would hit a hell of a lot harder than the Weequay would expect. "I don't take falls."

It would soon become quite a bit more obviously who was actually the underdog in the fight.

tag: @Altaris
 

Darth Tempest

Faction Leader
Sith Order
Rank
Dark Lord of The Sith

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Altaris
Joined
Jan 4, 2022
Messages
927
Reaction score
569
With arms crossed over her chest, Vahliri watched the arena match - amber eyes meticulously studying each of the fighters and the way they moved. Even for a woman who had seen combat on a multitude of occasions, the half-Annfyn couldn’t help but wince ever-so-slightly when Kadriye took the punch from Moka - knowing full-well what a blow from such a muscular and large opponent was capable of.

Without a second thought, Vahliri was prepared to call the fight on her own mind. She figured another blow from Moka would be the end of the Orcolan’s stint in the ring, and that was that.

Before the half-Annfyn could turn away, however, she watched as Kadriye straightened up a bit - her posture recovering and fists rising in defense. There was a renewed grace and finesse to the way she moved, as if another creature entirely. It was hard to determine if the woman had merely sound her second wind, or if there was some underlying purpose to her earlier flounders - but Vahliri’s attention was once more fixed onto Kadriye with mounting interest. There was something about the woman that drew her attention, and it was difficult to quite determine why that was.

For the moment, though, Vahliri didn’t question it.

Meanwhile, Moka was caught completely off-guard by Kadriye’s renewed vigor - going wide-eyed as the punch whirled in from the left. It was clear that the Weequay had been tipped off about the Orcolan throwing the fight, as he utterly failed to elicit a defense - allowing Kadriye’s fist to collide harshly with the middle of his face. There was a sickening crunch as his nose shattered - blood pouring down his face and across his lips. Tears welled in the man’s eyes as he staggered backwards. “Fucking bitch..” He growled, fists balling in response. He was clearly dazed, and it gave the Orcolan the opportunity to come in with another strike if she was quick enough.

Elsewhere in the arena, Horo was about two steps from shitting himself in utter disbelief. The Cathar went wide eyed the moment Kadriye’s fist collided with Moka’s face - managing to spill his own colorful beverage on his silk suit. The Cathar scrambled from his seat, leaning into the arena while his fingers curled around the railing. “What the fuck is she doing?!” He cried to himself, watching the fight. This wasn’t supposed to be happening. She was supposed to be down already - out with the first punch from the Weequay. The Cathar had staked hundreds of thousands of credits on this fight - confident that the Orcolan would take the fall. It was exactly what he needed to line his own pockets, and to keep some particularly unsavory debt collectors off his tail.

Anger roiled within the Cathar, his fingers twitching towards the neuronic whip on his belt. By the Gods, if Kadriye didn’t throw the fight, he was going to make her suffer for it.
 

Kadriye Yalaz

Character
Independent
Rank
Citizen

Character Profile
Link
OOC
lizziie
Joined
Sep 11, 2022
Messages
16
Reaction score
2
CRACK.

Kadriye's other fist connected with the underside of Moka's jaw just as the string of curses left his mouth. The Weeway's chin was forced upward upon impact, and he was forced to stumble back while grasping with one hand for invisible handles in the air around him. The other one went instinctively to grab his throbbing face.

If he was dazed before, he was certainly out of it now. To his credit, he was still standing, but Kadriye had no doubt in her mind that there fight was all but won. One more hit -- nay, a poke -- would topple the man over onto the hot, dusty arena floor.

"WHAM! Yalaz took that blow like it was nothing! And ouch! I wouldn't wanna take those punches!" The crowd roared with excitement as they watched Moka wobble backward, and the announcer did nothing but spur them on. "Our Orc gal is hittin' hard today! Moka's gonna need a new nose after this!"
-​
"NO!" Horo was practically growling with animalistic rage as he flared his nostrils and dug his claws dug deeper into the railing. This wasn't a show. She wasn't getting a punch in for good measure. She was disregarding everything he'd ever given her for her damn ego.

"Kren, when this fight is over, please escort Yalaz to my office." Horo spoke teresely into the comlink, barely able to contain the volume of his voice. He released the button on the device, curled his fingers tightly around the neuronic whip at his side, and stormed off to wait. He gave her freedom. He gave her purpose. The least she could do was show him some damn gratitude.
-​
"Damn, you'd think Horo would be a bit less upset about his Orc girl taking the fight in less than thirty seconds." Nearby to Vahliri, two spectators began to discuss Horo's tantrum they'd witnessed from across the arena.

"Ya know, Yalaz's win-loss ratio is pretty bad, but I overheard from one of the fighters that she's only ever lost to some Trandoshan in the sparring pits," the other one commented with a nod.

"Are you sayin' she's been takin' falls for Horo?"

"That's kinda what it seems like. Poor thing prolly got fed up with losin' and busted out the big guns. I would too, if I were her. Although with Horo's reaction, she might be regrettin' that sooner or later."
-​
Back in the arena, Kadriye couldn't help but bask in the glory of the shouts and roars from the crowd. It electrified her to the bone. "One more hit!" they shouted. "One more punch!"

Kadriye strode forward, fist balled up, and struck out at the Weequay one more time. If it connected, there was no way Moka would still be standing afterward.

tag: @Altaris
 

Darth Tempest

Faction Leader
Sith Order
Rank
Dark Lord of The Sith

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Altaris
Joined
Jan 4, 2022
Messages
927
Reaction score
569
It didn't take more than that final punch to end the fight. With a vicious crunch, the Weequay's jaw moved out of place and was followed with a spurt of blood. The gladiator toppled backwards unconcious, and the thud of his body against the dirt was followed by the carcophanous roar of the crowds in response. Almost immediately after the fight ended, however, Kadriye was approached by men outside the ring - ushered off the arena floor and towards Horo's office.

To say that Vahliri was impressed with Kadriye was quite the understatement. While the half-Annfyn wasn’t really a fan of the brutal and bloody sport, even she had to admit - watching that smug, overconfident Weequay getting knocked on his ass was immensely satisfying. Her curiosity with the Orcolan hadn’t diminished in the slightest, even as her attention was drawn to the reactions of the men and women screaming all around her. With her sensitive hearing, Vahliri was able to pick up on the conversations happening around her - and focus particularly on a few select individuals.

Amber eyes flicked over towards the VIP booth just off to her left - watching as a Cathar man gripped the rail. Even from her distance, she could see the way his claws dig viciously into the stone - and overheard ever bit of his little tantrum that was thrown. Fluted ears twitched ever-so-slightly, and the half-Annfyn’s attention shifted to the conversation being held with the two spectators much closer. For one reason or another, Vahliri found herself a bit more invested than perhaps she ought to be.

A few moments passed, and Vahliri mulled over the options in her mind. Wordlessly, the half-Annfyn turned on a heel - climbing higher within the stands and towards one of the exits that went deeper into the complex. Her contact hadn’t shown yet, and the half-Annfyn figured she had a few moments to burn.

As she passed through the doors, Vahliri’s attention fixed onto one of the Feeorin bouncers that stood nearby - clearly one employed by the arena and there to keep things under control. Without another thought, Vahliri allowed the Force to flow from her fingertips that just barely twitched - slamming into the man’s mind all at once with its overwhelming influence.

“Guide me to Horo’s office.” The half-Annfyn commanded, her voice barely above a whisper that would resound through the man’s mind - as real as if the desire had been his own. Assuming the mind trick worked, Vahliri proceeded to make her way towards Horo’s office - casual and slow steps that took her towards where Kadriye and the Cathar were likely still waiting.
 

Kadriye Yalaz

Character
Independent
Rank
Citizen

Character Profile
Link
OOC
lizziie
Joined
Sep 11, 2022
Messages
16
Reaction score
2
Kadriye stood and relished in the adoration of the crowd for just a moment. She was basking in it - much like a cat basked in the sun - and absorbing all the praise and ego of victory she'd been denied for so long. Unfortunately, she didn't have that feeling for long.

When Kadriye spun around to face the crowd at her back, her crimson eyes fell down to spot the three guards who'd appeared at the gate she'd entered. They had an entirely neutral look on their face that immediately caused a weight to form on her chest. Sigh. She'd made her bed, now she would go sleep in it.

To counteract any subtle changes in demeanor, Kadriye artificially straightened her shoulders, set her chin up high, and marched right in alongside the guards. Seeing that she would come along, they relented to simply escort her in close rank.
-​
"Are you FUCKING SERIOUS, YALAZ?"

Even being a foot taller than her boss, Kadriye couldn't help but wince when the man threw his hands up in the air.

"Do you have any idea how many credits I had staked on that Weequay? Did you not hear me when I told you that your DAMN EGO ISN'T RUNNING THIS BUSINESS?"

His hand tightened around the handle of the neuronic whip at his side.
-​
"I need to guide you to Horo's office," the guard murmured back, holding a hand up to his forehead as he did. He shook his head, then gestured for Vahliri to follow him. When they arrived, there were two additional guards waiting outside the room.

"Horo isn't taking visitors right now," he stated tersely. The faint sound of an electric whip crack couldn't be heard by normal ears, but Vahliri would doubtlessly pick up on it with her sensitive hearing.

tag: @Altaris
 
Last edited:

Darth Tempest

Faction Leader
Sith Order
Rank
Dark Lord of The Sith

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Altaris
Joined
Jan 4, 2022
Messages
927
Reaction score
569
Without another word, Vahliri folded her hands against the small of her back - closely following behind the muscular Feeorin as they approached Horo’s office. Amber eyes remained icily fixed on the path they traveled - barely deviating to acknowledge those around her. The half-Annfyn had only a singular destination in mind, and wasn’t keen on allowing anyone to get in her way.

It didn’t take long to reach the perimeter of the office - doors sealed and guarded by two equally-imposing bouncers. Her gaze flicked upwards when the one furthest to the left - an Orcolan almost twice her height - spoke up. Before she even responded, Vahliri waved a hand back at the man who has escorted her. “You can go,” Without another word, the Feeorin turned on a heel and began to make for the exit - ignoring any follow-up questions or demands from the other bouncers.

With only the three of them left, Vahliri turned her attention back to the office door. Her fluted ears swiveled ever-so-slightly - picking up on the faint crack of the painful, tortuous whip that the Cathar wielded. Though she said nothing, the half-Annfyn’s fluted ears flattened completely against the sides of her skull - that clear, non-verbal reaction alluding to her irritation. Exhaling through her nostrils, Vahliri took a single step towards the door.

The Orcolan scowled. “I said Horo isn’t—“

“Move.” Before the Orcolan could finish his sentence, the Force coiled aggressively around his torso. With a tear of her left arm, Vahliri sent the brute hurtling against the side wall - his face crashing with enough force to crack one of the tusk that protruded from his mouth. The second bouncer blinked, eyes wide in response. Before he could fully draw the pistol from his hip, however, Vahliri had already turned her attention to him.

The Force billowed forth from her fingertips - unleashing a powerful, concussive blast of energy through the bouncer and into the door behind him. The man was sent flying backwards, the back of his head slamming against the metallic surface with a painful thud. Muscular or not, the blow was enough to knock him momentarily unconscious, slumping against the base of the door.

Vahliri didn’t even bother to move him. The half-Annfyn stepped right over the top of the downed bouncer - tapping the button on the side of the door to open it. She strolled right inside, walking into whatever was happening within the office.
 

Kadriye Yalaz

Character
Independent
Rank
Citizen

Character Profile
Link
OOC
lizziie
Joined
Sep 11, 2022
Messages
16
Reaction score
2
The door to Horo's office opened with a quiet hiss, and Vahliri strolled right in as the sharp crack-snacp of an neuronic whip whistled through the air and down across Kadriye's blooded back. Whereas the Orcolan teenager had stood proud and tall with her palms to the sun only moments ago, she was now forced down on one knee before the irate Cathar man, gritting her teeth and digging her fingernails into her own skin as she endured whip after whip.

She wasn't a slave by Horo's own words, but here she was, receiving the punishment of one by the same man who'd bought her freedom so many years ago.

As soon as he noticed Vahliri, Horo relaxed the arm holding the weapon and narrowed his eyes at the short half-Anfynn who'd intruded upon his office without warning. "You need to leave," he said sternly. "These matters do not concern you."

tag: @Altaris
 

Darth Tempest

Faction Leader
Sith Order
Rank
Dark Lord of The Sith

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Altaris
Joined
Jan 4, 2022
Messages
927
Reaction score
569
As the door hissed open, Vahliri casually stepped over the body of the bouncer and entered Horo’s office. Her hands remained tucked against the small of her back, expression passive and deadpan as she observed the exchange between Kadriye and the Cathar. Her amber eyes took in every little detail - every lash across the Orcolan’s back and every trickle of blood that marked her body. The way her teeth ground together and the way her fingernails dug into her own skin. Vahliri drank in every ounce of it - and could feel the intense emotions that radiated off the Orcolan.

Moments passed, and Vahliri’s gaze didn’t break from Kadriye - hardly even acknowledging the presence of Horo at all. Allowing time for the Orcolan to glance up and clearly see the diminutive, well-dressed woman gazing down at her.

Only then did Vahliri flick her gaze upwards - passive disinterest brushing her features as she gaze back at the Cathar. She didn’t miss the way he held the whip nor the stern tone of his voice - and it all brushed past the half-Annfyn like rain off a wing. “Do I?” She asked, her head tilting ever-so-slightly. Horo would be able to see his own men scattered in the hallway behind her, the strongest of his bouncers incapaciated while Vahliri seemingly hadn’t broken a sweat. Without another word, the half-Annfyn began to take slow steps towards the Cathar - casually closing the distance between them until she was right in his face.

He would see the completely deadpan expression and lack of concern that graced her features - in stark contrast to the way that Kadriye kneeled and cowered to his voice and strikes. Every step forward was a challenge. And attempt to provoke him into action or to call his bluff. For Vahliri, it didn’t matter which.


@lizziie
 

Kadriye Yalaz

Character
Independent
Rank
Citizen

Character Profile
Link
OOC
lizziie
Joined
Sep 11, 2022
Messages
16
Reaction score
2
"Do you? Ma'am, you cannot just barge in here and—" His eyes drifted past the door to where the two guards were both knocked out cold. They stayed there for several seconds, pupils just slightly contracting and eyes widening, then traveled back up to meet Vahlirir's. His hand gripped tighter on the neuronic whip instinctively, and the irritation instantly disappeared from his voice after a short clearing of his throat. "If- if you're here for the money, I will have it so—"

Wham!

While the Cathar was busy confronting Vahliri—or rather, being confronted—Kadriye had inched up from the ground, her calves burning while she slowly got up. Her hand balled into a fist, stretching the bloody skin around her knuckles and tearing open the already-forming scabs as she squeezed it tighter and tighter. Then, just as he was about to defend himself to Vahliri about the money he owed, Kadriye reared back and socked the man right in the side of his jaw.

Anger, humiliation, pain, and years of pent-up emotions were channeled into the strike. She, albeit unintentionally, channeled the Force into her sucker punch, and when she struck the man hard and fast like an agitated cobra, it did more than just send the man stumbling away. First, there was a sickening sound. Not just a crack, not just a crunch, but the sound of a man's entire facial bone structure shattering. Then there was the sound of his body hitting the opposite wall—a solid thump! and then a quieter hiss as his body slumped to the ground. But there were no groans of pain; he was completely silent.

"...oh fuck."

Blood was trickling out of Horo's mouth and nose... or what used to be the man's mouth and nose. The Cathar's face was completely concave on the side she'd sucker punched him, and there was no way that the man was still alive. Kadriye's words did not come from guilt or regret though, just a quiet realization she'd killed the man that was both her boss, the owner of this arena and the source of her entire livelihood.

And, partially, that a tiny woman barely up to her chest had watched her do it.

tag: @Altaris
 

Darth Tempest

Faction Leader
Sith Order
Rank
Dark Lord of The Sith

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Altaris
Joined
Jan 4, 2022
Messages
927
Reaction score
569
Wordlessly, Vahliri continued her slow march into the office - eerily calm in the face of Horo’s whip and the beating that Kadriye had endured. If she had heard any of Horo’s protests or promises to ‘repay his debts’ - which, given her sensitive hearing, was likely - it didn’t manifest on her expression. The poor fool hadn’t the slightest idea who she was, or the fact that the half-Annfyn wasn’t particularly interested in him to begin with. The Cathar was nothing but an obstacle in her way - pseudo-slaver filth that didn’t deserve the energy it took to cut him down. But she would - the moment he took the bait and stepped out of line, Vahliri would strike.

That was, until Kadriye struck first.

Vahliri couldn’t help the way her brows rose - watching as the Orcolan struck. From mere inches away, the half-Annfyn watched as the Cathar’s face concaved and his body sailed to collide with the wall - slumping down in a soft, bloodied heap. There was no question that Horo was dead - that didn’t particularly matter or was it what Vahliri was actually focusing on. Instead, her attention was fixed onto Kadriye.

As a fully trained Champion, Vahliri could vividly feel the Force that surged through the Orcolan. She felt the emotions that roiled within the woman and how if fed into the energies she wielded. It was confirmation of why she had been drawn to Kadriye in the first place. It was the purest manifestation of the Force, raw and untapped potential, and it was beautiful to behold.

Perhaps her journey to the planet hadn’t been for nothing.

Vahliri’s head tilted towards the corpse of Horo, staring down at the Cathar for a long moment or two. She finally shrugged her shoulders ever-so-slightly - not the least bit concerned. “Good riddance.” The Galaxy was full of men like Horo. Too many - and Vahliri wasn’t going to bemoan the loss of this one. After everything Kadriye had been through, Vahliri didn’t need to guess the woman would agree. “I’m glad you did it, otherwise I would have.”

“You alright?”
Turning to face the Orcolan directly, Vahliri lifted a hand - calling upon the Force briefly. With a swipe of her wrist, she closed the door - allowing them a bit of privacy. “You’ll need that looked at,” She jutted her chin to Kadriye’s back, amber eyes lingering on the blood that trickled. A moment passed, and she vaguely looked back in Horo’s direction.

“Do you know what you just did?” She asked, arching a brow. It was clear the Orcolan was untrained, but it was yet unclear if the woman was unaware. There was no anger in Vahliri’s tone at the man’s death - but rather mere interest in the Orcolan herself.
 

Kadriye Yalaz

Character
Independent
Rank
Citizen

Character Profile
Link
OOC
lizziie
Joined
Sep 11, 2022
Messages
16
Reaction score
2
Relief came quick when the tiny woman seemed entirely fine with the little bit of murder that had just occurred in front of her. In fact, she claimed she might've killed Horo herself. Kadriye wasn't sure what beef the woman had with the Cathar, but whatever it was, it surely died with him.

She slowly stood to full height and turned her burgundy eyes down upon Vahliri. "I'm alright," she answered. Despite the warm blood still trickling down her back, the slight sting of her bloody knuckles, and the soreness throughout her body from the shock of the neuronic whippings, she was fine. Pain was something she was all too familiar with, and her Orcolan blood made it that much less of a problem.

So when Vahliri suggested that she would need to have her back looked at, the teen just shrugged. "I mean, it'll close up soon enough." Once she got the chance, she'd take a wet towel and wipe away the blood and dirt. She was much more concerned about getting away with the murder. Kadriye wondered why the tiny woman didn't seem concerned at all. Did she know where she was? If news of this got out...

"I-" Did she mean the murder? Surely not. The Orcolan looked down at the hand that had struck the killing blow and flexed it a couple of times. Or perhaps, she considered, the tiny woman was referring to her affinity for Güç. The Force, as it was known by most of the galaxy. Seeing as that was the most likely answer, Kadriye answered in the affirmative.

"Yes, but I cannot control when it happens so I kept it to myself. I-" Kadriye trailed off for a moment, unsure of how to express her feelings on the matter. She knew that her people did not approve of the Guçlu using their blessings offensively, but it was only when her anger and frustration boiled into a rage that she could pull it into her punches. It was only the respect for her parents that had held her back from attempting to hone it into something though, as the Orcolan teen had spent more of her childhood off of her homeworld than on it. And, additionally, she had no idea what Horo might've done if he knew about her sensitivity. She could not say he wouldn't have sold her off to Hutts, or exploited her further.

Her eyes narrowed slightly when she looked down at Vahliri, not entirely sure she could trust the tiny woman. "How do-" When the door to the room was firmly shut with just a wave of Vahliri's hand, there was a sparkle of recognition in the Orcolan's eyes. Jedi? No, no Jedi would stand by and be unbothered by murder, surely. "Are you Sith?"

Notably, there was no bite of accusation in Kadriye's voice, nor any hit of fear. Just a quiet curiosity mixed with a twinge of anticipation.

tag: @Altaris
 

Darth Tempest

Faction Leader
Sith Order
Rank
Dark Lord of The Sith

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Altaris
Joined
Jan 4, 2022
Messages
927
Reaction score
569
For a moment or two longer, Vahliri allowed her amber gaze to linger on Kadriye’s back - taking in the sight of the wounds, both fresh and old, that marked her body. Her initial wave of concern was largely quelled by Kadriye’s own brushing off of the injuries - reciprocated with a simple nod of acknowledgment from the half-Annfyn. The girl was a gladiator, and Vahliri wasn’t about to coddle her being beaten by Horo. The man was dead by the Orcolan’s hands - that should have been comfort enough.

Instead, Vahliri crossed her arms over her chest - arching a brow at Kadriye as she spoke. While not an expert, the half-Annfyn knew some vague bits of Orcolan culture - and knew of their general dislike for using the Force offensively. It was a philosophy that the half-Annfyn would never understand in the slightest. The Force was their greatest gift in this life - and to deprive oneself of using it to their fullest potential - however they saw fit - was a waste.

Her lips tugged up ever-so-slightly when Kadriye revealed she couldn’t control her abilities. “Do you not wish to have control over them?” She asked with a tilt of her head. Though Vahliri hasn’t quite gotten a full understanding of the Orcolan quite yet, she has a feeling of what the answer would be.

“I believe you know the answer to that,” She smiled a bit brighter - a bit of amusement and playfulness dancing in the half-Annfyn’s eyes. Her gaze lingered for a moment before glancing over to Horo, and then back towards the door. “I highly doubt your former colleagues will be happy about their boss kickin’ the bucket.” Her eyes flicked back up to Kadriye. “I don’t feel like bein’ around when they find out.”

With that, Vahliri turned on a heel and began to make for the door. She had every intention of slipping out the back door and leaving before anyone could pin a murder on her or try to seek retribution. She paused only briefly to glance back at Kadriye. “Coming?” It was an open question - one which Kadriye had every right to decline. Vahliri’s course changed little either way
 

Kadriye Yalaz

Character
Independent
Rank
Citizen

Character Profile
Link
OOC
lizziie
Joined
Sep 11, 2022
Messages
16
Reaction score
2
"No I do, I just..." ...was scared. Scared to disappoint parents that weren't around, scared to get taken even more advantage of, and scared to admit she was even scared in the first place. It truthfully pissed her off. If she could punch through all her problems, she would, but Horo...

...was gone. Horo, as the tiny woman had said, had kicked the bucket. And now the tiny woman was leaving the room... shit.

"Yes." Kadriye got out of her head and immediately began after Vahliri, not even giving herself time for second thoughts as she broke the distance between the two in a stride and a half. Her eyes lingered on the groaning and broken bodies of the guards as she passed them. Even knowing Vahliri was a Sith, it was hard for Kadriye to believe such a small woman had done so much damage. Granted, the Orcolan wasn't entirely familiar with the Sith outside of what she saw talked about on the HoloNet and tabloids. If the Sith had made the Anfynn so powerful at that size, what could they do for her? Kadriye found herself entirely enamored by the thought as she continued to follow Vahliri.

"Oh, I didn't catch your name," she spoke up after they'd gotten a bit down the hallway. "I'm Kadriye," she offered, hoping for the tiny woman's in exchange. After all, if she was leaving with the woman, it would probably be a good idea to know who the hell she was.

As they got further down the hall, Kadriye caught sight of a familiar door and stopped. "Oh, um, hold on." The Orcolan teen swiped the fabric divider serving as a door to the side and stepped into the room. If Vahliri followed her in or peered in behind her, she would find a relatively plain room with a bed in one corner, a dresser in the other, and a large rug in the middle. Kadriye opened the dresser drawer, pulled out a few things and shoved them into a bag, then exited.

She was suddenly unsure of how to address Vahliri. Horo and his colleagues were "sir" while her fellow fighters she knew by name or nickname. Clearly, Vahliri wasn't one of her fellow fighters, nor was she Horo, but the Orcolan had no idea what their relationship was now. She had no idea what she was walking into. The only thing she knew for sure is that whatever it is, whatever the Sith would be like, it would be worlds better than this place.

Freedom. Was that what she'd discovered? Or was she walking into something just short of slavery again?

Kadriye remained quiet for the moment.

tag: @Altaris
 
Last edited:

Darth Tempest

Faction Leader
Sith Order
Rank
Dark Lord of The Sith

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Altaris
Joined
Jan 4, 2022
Messages
927
Reaction score
569

Vahliri couldn’t help the faint grin that began to crease at the corners of her lips - amber eyes lingering for only a moment, long enough for Kadriye to give her answer and begin following the half-Annfyn out of the room. The Orcolan had every right to refuse her - to take her own path through the Galaxy, and their paths wouldn’t cross one another again. But she didn’t refuse - and Vahliri was entirely pleased with that decision. Even if they had only just meant, the half-Annfyn could clearly see the scars that marked her body and signs of bondage that lingered. It was clear the girl had lived a life of servitude - forced into submission by men like Horo or worse.

Perhaps through Vahliri, and through the Sith as a whole, the Orcolan had the potential to be so much more. To be reforged and shaped through the Darkness - so that she might never bow in servitude to anyone again.

The half-Annfyn stepped over the broken bodies of the guards left in her wake - casually moving past them and further down the hall. A simple flick of her wrist was enough to seal the door behind her - perhaps prolonging the discovery of Horor by.. A few moments, at best. She didn’t really need to stall them long - just long enough to reach her ship docked within the spaceport. She glanced back to Kadriye, offering the Orcolan a soft smile when she asked her question, “Nice to meet you, Kadriye.” She tilted her head a bit. “I’m Vahliri.” She had no qualms with divulging her name and being entirely friendly. After all, if things went according to plan.. Vahliri expected they’d get to know one another quite well indeed. She continued to walk along until Kadriye paused, her amber gaze flicking back to follow the Orcolan as she stepped into the room. She peaked inside for just a moment, taking in the modest decorations as Kadriye collected her belongings.

“I doubt we’ll make it back here any time soon,” She said, a final offer for Kadriye to gather whatever belongings she had to her name. Assuming the Orcolan did exactly that - or didn’t have anything at all - Vahliri gave a nod and continued further down the hallway, following it along the twisting turns and dark corridors of the arena’s interior. The half-Annfyn’s sensitive hearing was attuned to her surroundings, careful of anyone who might attempt to cut them off as they walked.

It didn’t matter how careful they were, it seemed, as the first obstacle presented itself.

Their obstacle presented itself in the form of a rather dim-witted Gamorrean posted at a nearby door - axe slung over his shoulder. His eyes flicked lazily around the room, not particularly interested in anything going on around him, but very clearly unwilling to move from his post. While Vahliri could likely get past him just fine, the guard was certain to recognize Kadriye and stop her passing through the exit.

Crossing her arms over her chest, Vahliri glanced back at Kadriye, eyeing her for a moment. “You will be the one to make the guard move.” She said very simply, jutting her chin towards the Gamorrean. “Consider this your first lesson. Your first step towards controlling it.”

She stepped backwards, allowing Kadriye to take front and center stage. “You know exactly what you want him to do. To get out of your way - to clear the path to your freedom after so long. Her words were a mere whisper. “Reach into yourself, just as you did against Horo. All the pain and suffering you felt beneath him. Everything you have endured within this arena - and everything you'll do to leave it forever. Feel the conviction and drive to achieve what you want - and direct it into him. Make the desire to move as real as if it was his own.”


@lizziie
 

Kadriye Yalaz

Character
Independent
Rank
Citizen

Character Profile
Link
OOC
lizziie
Joined
Sep 11, 2022
Messages
16
Reaction score
2
Kadriye continued to follow the tiny woman she now knew as 'Vahliri' with a small bag of the only belongings she cared about gripped tightly in her hand. There was a vibroknife she'd received from her father on her tenth birthday, a pair of shock boxing gloves she used to train, and a couple of spare changes of clothing. She almost didn't take anything at all, hoping to completely cleanse herself of this place, but she didn't. The blade was the last memory Kadriye had of her parents... and she just liked those shock boxing gloves.

Whatever pace Vahliri was taking, it was slow for Kadriye, but it still wasn't long before they reached the Gamorrean guard posted by the exit. Regconition flashed across her face as the two of them slowed to a stop. "Moorp."

It wasn't too unlikely that he'd let her through if she told him that she had permission from Horo to head out. She could make up a reason, a time and an excuse as to why she was bleeding, but she wouldn't. Vahliri spoke of using her pain and suffering to make him move. Moorp was far from the top of her shit list, but past grievances were ablaze today. He, along with two of his buddies, had kicked a much younger Kad around when she'd first arrived here. They called it hazing. She knew they just wanted a bit of fun.

Three strides, a balled up fist, and a loud thud all come in succession as Kadriye's fist puched squarely into the middle of Moorp's chest. Taken by surprise, he couldn't help but drop his axe and pull his hand to his chest, gasping and squeaking for air after the wind was so suddenly knocked out of him. Tiny dark eyes looked up just in time to make contact with Kadriye's angry reds, and then his world become black as her knee sharply struck him chin.

The body slumped over, and Kadriye turned back to look at Vahliri. There was a look about her; the same sort students gave to their teachers when they searched their eyes for approval. Behind her, blood trickled out of the corners of the Gamorrean's nose and mouth, and his leather chestpiece had a Kadriye-sized fist mark pushed into the thick fabric.

Before either could say anything though, the sound of panicked and angry shouting could be heard echoing through the halls. Someone had found the guards, and behind the door, a very dead Horo.

tag: @Altaris
 

Darth Tempest

Faction Leader
Sith Order
Rank
Dark Lord of The Sith

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Altaris
Joined
Jan 4, 2022
Messages
927
Reaction score
569
True to her word, Vahliri made no attempt to intervene with whatever Kadriye chose to do. This was meant to be the Orcolan’s task to complete - a test of whatever potential she possessed - and Vahliri instead opted to watch with arms crossed passively over her chest. Amber eyes followed Kadriye as she stepped out of the darkness - fist whirling back as the Force swelled within her.

With crystal clarity, the half-Annfyn felt the vivid emotions that radiated off the woman - all the anger and hatred that flowed within and was channeled through the Force. It was a step in the right direction - beginning on the path of truly being able to control and harness her own internal strength. The Orcolan had done it involuntarily against Horo, and it was entirely intention as her fist slammed powerfully into Moorp’s chest.

Fuck Moorp.

Though she said nothing, Vahliri couldn’t help the smile that began to tug at the corners of her lips when Kadriye glanced back in her direction - approval written all over her nonverbal expression. She knew that look. She knew the sense of satisfaction that the Orcolan would experience and how powerful she might feel in that moment. All of it and more could be Kadriye’s to seize, if only she took those steps.

Before a single word could leave Vahliri’s lips, her fluted ears twitched ever-so-slightly - picking up on the sound of screams further down the hallway. She knew that the guards had likely been discovered, and that Horo’s bashed skull would be next. Naturally, the half-Annfyn had no intention of being around when that happened.

“And thaaattt,” She said, strolling forward and past the body of Moorp - through the door he was guarding. “Would be our que to leave.” Vahliri glanced back at Kadriye before powerwalking right ahead, making a beeline for the spaceport where her own ship was parked. If they could reach the vessels before too much chaos broke out, they might be able to leave without being stopped. If not, they’d be forced to fight their way out.

As they stepped into the spaceport, Kadriye and Vahliri would already be able to see multiple guards stationed around the perimeter - watching the arrivals as they filtered into the area. They would see lavishly-dressed spectators coming to watch the brutal sport, dripping with jewels and expensive ornamentation. In stark contrast, they would see slaves being hauled through the bay and into the arena - towards the very same fate that Kadriye, herself, was fleeing.

Whatever personal grievances Vahliri might’ve had, she made no attempt to intervene with the slavers. They were on a time-crunch, and simply didn’t have time to save anyone else.


@lizziie
 

Kadriye Yalaz

Character
Independent
Rank
Citizen

Character Profile
Link
OOC
lizziie
Joined
Sep 11, 2022
Messages
16
Reaction score
2
Kadriye quickly left the building, leaving behind a trail of dust kicked up by the heels of her boots and an entire third of her life. A flurry of conflicting emotions descended upon her, and her chest was wrecked with confusion, pain, guilt, excitement, anger, joy, and anxiety all at once. Orcolans felt their emotions in full, and at that moment, Kadriye could feel it all. It felt like freedom.

Freedom. It was the choking hazard of emotions storming inside her. It was the dark, triangular ship growing closer and closer. It was the cold, broken body of a man and the chains that had broken with his last breath. It was the way anger, fear, and frustration coarsed through her veins, hardened her muscles, and powered the force of her swing. It was the length of her parting strides. It was the well-dressed, completely out-of-place tiny woman powerwalking ahead of her. It was the burning heat of the sun on her bloodied back.

Freedom. It was everything in that moment, and Kadriye was clawing, reaching, grasping at it. Her boots pushed off of dusty duracrete onto black durasteel, and she felt it washing over her.

Freedom. It was hers.

tag: @Altairs
 

Darth Tempest

Faction Leader
Sith Order
Rank
Dark Lord of The Sith

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Altaris
Joined
Jan 4, 2022
Messages
927
Reaction score
569
Vahliri didn’t spare so much as a glance towards the slavers or the wealthy spectators. As much as it might’ve been distasteful, it simply wasn’t her problem - and the half-Annfyn wasn’t going to risk herself, or Kadriye, for meaningless and altruistic pursuits. She power-walked straight ahead, head tilted up and with purpose behind every long stride. Her amber gaze fixed onto a pair of ships that were docked in the arena hanger - their destination and clear route off the planet.

One of them - the sleek, elegant Starblossom-class, was Vahliri’s own. It was the ship she had claimed for herself on New Alderaan, and had seen the half-Annfyn through every mission and expedition for years at this point. Kadriye would likely recognize the rarity of the model and the fact it wasn’t typically used by anyone but the extremely wealthy or royalty. The other ship was a comparatively basic, AIAT-I gunship. It was a bit older and scuffed, but the vessel was clearly functional and capable of taking its owner wherever in the Galaxy so pleased them to go.

As they approached both vessels, Vahliri caught sight of the owner of the gunship - watching for a moment as the Duro strolled down the ramp of his ship. Without a moment of hesitation, the half-Annfyn made a beeline in his direction - the Force billowing forth from her fingertips and manifesting as tendrils that penetrated deep into his mind. “Leave the hanger.” The words echoed as only a whisper audibly, but roared through the Force with the full strength of an experienced Champion. Without another word or hint of protest, the man did exactly that.

Vahliri finally came to a halt, standing in between each ship. Her hands folded neatly against the small of her back, amber eyes fixating onto Kadriye for a long almost - almost appraisingly. A moment ticked by before her attention flicked to the gunship. “This is the end of the road in this arena, and you have a choice.” She jutted her chin. “You may go, and you will never see me again. You have your freedom, you even have a ship and whatever credits its former owner left inside. Take it wherever you so choose, live the life you’ve always dreamed. You can be perfectly happy and content, and you will lose nothing for it.” The choice was right there for Kadriye to take. She could walk away from Vahliri, Horo, her gladiatorial career and do whatever she wanted.

“Or,” She clipped, taking a single step towards the Starblossom-class. “You may come with me, and you will begin your training as a Sith. It is not a road for you to embark upon lightly. It will take years. It will be more challenging than anything you’ve faced thus far, and it will break you down in ways that no master or arena ever could.” Her words were dangerously serious - not a hint of exaggeration or humor. She tilted her head up ever-so-slightly. “But you will become more than you have ever dreamed. You will be stronger, more powerful, than those around you. You will control your gifts - the Force - to your fullest potential. And never again will you bow your head to men like Horo.”

“The decision is yours to make.”


@lizziie
 
Top