The Hunted become The Hunters

[Bruce Guleya]

Ellora, Unknown Area
Unknown Time
Theme

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The Escape pod streaked through the sky with the rain pelting on the hull. There was nothing left to do but to hope that the Force had good plans for the Jedis contained within.

The pod quickly descended, tearing through the storm with no resistance it flew past the vast oceans below and quickly closed in on solid ground, the Force had a good plan - a plan that meant the Jedis could live to see their mission through, or at least to start the mission they had sent out to do. As the ground below rushed to meet the escape pod a loud bang ripped through the horizon as the pod collided into the grassy fields below causing a large crater to form on impact and tear a pathway through as the pod skidded along the grasslands, the interior of the pod shook violently as the pod found it's final resting place; and as soon as it begun, it had ended. Peace was restored.

Jedi Master Bruce Guleya had prepped himself before the landing, he had wrapped the Force around him in a last ditch effort to shield him of the damage he could not naturally shake off, at the same time he tried his best to reach an inner peace and relax his body the best he could - the Force was mighty, but it couldn't work without the help of it's user. The world went dark, but for only a moment as the impact shook his head from side to side, but once the pod had stopped moving he return to the world, a slight patch of blood on the back of his head- he must have knocked his head, fortunately it wasn't a mass of blood but instead just a smear. A slight laceration.

Bruce looked around the pod, so far he could see that his partner was safe as well. He hadn't met this young girl until today, but he had known the name. Imani Sage. He couldn't quite make out her own situation if she was okay or not, Bruce's was feeling a bit claustrophobic being in a shuttle crash so he quickly unlatched himself and opened the hatch to scramble out, he wanted to see where they were - if they were alone or not. As he poked his head out of the hatch he looked to the sky and saw a streak of white light heading in the direction of what appeared to be a forest, he had seen a larger light heading in the opposite direction but it wasn't hard to tell they'd regained control and that large burst was that of the shuttle he had just been on.

The rain pelted down relentlessly. The thunder roared through the distance and the lighting matched it perfectly. The others were going to be safe, and that was important. He returned his attention to his companion, "Ms. Sage? Are you alright?"

He pulled free his comm and made an effort to try and get a message out to the others, but unfortunately there was no response. Bruce had to assume that the storm raging would be causing communications to be difficult. Survival mode, they needed shelter from the rain - this planet was still heavily unknown and there was no telling what might be lurking in the shadows, they needed to be free of the grassy plains because out here - they were the most visible thing going and with that crash, there was no way that any locals - be them sentient or not hadn't taken note.

"Ms. Sage, we appear to be in a grassy plain - I could see the others landing in the distance, I think its best we try and find them or at the very least get some shelter. But were out in the open, we are sitting ducks."

@Deviant

 

[Imani Sage]

Like a blue milk run, Fennex had said. Keeping it simple. What a load of shit. Of course, the moment after he said it atop his little box, a streak of lightning shattered into the ship and sent it barreling into the planet surface. Fortunately, Imani Sage knew better than to think this mission would go without a hitch. Even before the furry Jedi began speaking, she had positioned herself close to one of the escape pods. And by the time the others were scrambling in the ship cabin, she was already tight and secure in her personal pod. Until it wasn’t so personal. Another Jedi, alien, had also slipped inside and strapped into a seat— Bruce Guleya.

She heard of the Jedi Master before. Always mediating or wandering the halls of Ossus and Jedha or consulting with other Knights. While the two never really spoke in person, Imani was quick to judge. He was a virtual opposite of the young woman. Where she was impulsive and quick to action, he was controlled and wise. Where she relished in conflict, he relished in knowledge and meditation. At least, from what she heard. Still, that didn’t mean the two couldn’t be friends. Even Wyck, who also embodied Imani’s opposites, had been a long friend of hers, given he had also trained her. But there was something endearing about it.

Master Guleya, with his wisdom of course, came well manners. Which Imani was also quick to appreciate. Rubbing her head, likely just a mild concussion, she unstrapped herself and stretched in the confines of the escape pod. “I’m still in one piece, if that’s what you meant.” She cracked her neck. “But thanks for asking.” As she watched Bruce scramble out from the shuttle and into the rain, Imani dusted offer her shoulders and followed suit. Once outside, she was immediately met with the torrent of rain and wind. “Oh, this is great. Our shuttle crashed, we’re stuck in the middle of nowhere and in the middle of a raging storm. What’s next? Am I going to be struck by lightning?”

A bolt of lightning shot down, just a dozen meters out from her. A charred patch of grass was left in its wake. Imani, needless to say, was bewildered. “You have got to be kidding me.” Now already drenched, the Jedi Master just nudged her head over to a distant forest. A canopy from which to take shelter under, she hoped. “Then let’s not sit around like ducks and get moving. The others can’t be too far.” She clasped her hands together and drudged along. “Forward then, I guess.” Unbeknownst to her, however, something else lurked ahead. It was only a matter of time before it made itself known.

@Zigara

 

[Bruce Guleya]

Bruce was relieved to hear all was well, he expected nothing less of his companion. She was a mighty warrior, a perfect complement to his own abilities; because he was not afraid to admit his combat skills were not as impressive as the other factions of the Order.

Looking over his shoulder he had seen Imari had joined him outside the pod, after she made her comment and the bolt of lighting struck nearby Bruce smiled and chuckled under his breath. The Force was by far a very odd thing and he certainly doubted that it had anything to do with the bolt striking but the Jedi Master knew that there was a chance he was wrong. He took a nod, "Yes. We better get moving and moving quickly. These rains will not let up at anytime... my issue, I don't know where we're suppose to go. We just need to get shelter before we can plan..."

Thunder reverberated around them. The rain proving the Jedi Master right by seeming to increase in volume, the unknown nature of this planet and the storm made it increasingly difficult to feel with the Force. Bruce gathered the remaining bits of equipment in the escape pod needed to survive a short while, he flipped a switch in the escape pod that would send off a repeating signal on Jedi channels, should comms be restored they would know where the pod was and could retrieve it at a later date. Although this was a bit of a welcoming relief for the saurian like species that was the Bardottan, it was still too wet for him but he'd rather wet then dry like all the deserts he'd been on. Although he could use the Force to keep him draw, there would be no benefit to splitting his focus and attention.

"We've got no specific distance here... I suggest we head in the direction of the shuttle, it was heading down in that direction. I think that would be the better option instead of heading into the forest. In my experience, the forest often hides many hidden secrets and many ambush potentials, I'm not willing to take that risk. As long as we move in the plains, we can see all around us. Do you agree?"

He was actually interested in her opinion. They had very little knowledge of what to expect on this planet, and while they had a plan, without a detailed map they couldn't even for a moment know where they were and what's around them. Heading to the shuttle meant they could have access to a ship, which meant they'd have a means to leave the planet and not be stranded permanently. It also meant they'd have access to all of the equipment they had brought for the expedition.

 

[Imani Sage]

The sky was furious. Dark clouds covered every inch, and the only streaks of light that seeped through were the streaks of lightning that came every few seconds. The storm was furious, and easily among the worst Imani ever witnessed. And she had visited many worlds, seen many things, but this? This was new to her. This whole world, Ellora, was new to her. She was told this was once a home for the Jedi Order, and if they could have once remained here, what could have possibly happened to send the planet into shit? A long-lost Exile attack, a treasonous Jedi, a ritual gone wrong, or worse: an lingering abomination? There were many questions, but too little answers. Still, Imani was resolved to find out.

She advanced farther through the plains, attempting to make her way to the forest canopy. But Master Guleya’s suggestion caught her mid-step, and she stopped to turn and face him. Of course, she didn’t have to listen to him. She didn’t have to accept his advice. In fact, she didn’t have to accompany him at all. Imani was confident she could handle herself, and vice versa for the Jedi Master. She just believed the forest was the better path. “The direction of the shuttle? That’s too risky. If anything, moving through the plains would be worse. Not because we’re exposed to the storm above. But if we can see all around, then all around can see us. If that makes sense.” She answered, knowing full well that they staying in the open had its dangers.

But why argue with him? Despite her desire to flee to the shelter of the forest, maybe he was right. Or maybe not. Either way, she couldn’t separate with the other Jedi, even if she believed they could do well on their own and perhaps cover more ground. It was best to stick together. At least, that was what Master Wyck would say. So, given another moment of thought, Imani finally gave in. Which was rare, since she almost never did. She was always too impulsive, personal and rebellious. Maybe she would give Bruce a chance. And if he was wrong? Well, shit. “Alright, fine.” She answered as thunder cracked once more. “Let’s just get going. I’m tired and impatient and already want to go back home.” With a sigh, Imani drudged to where Master Guleya pointed out.

Of course, they would not venture to the crashed shuttle unnoticed. Their journey would not leave them unscathed or unharmed. The wild bursts lurking around laid hidden in the tall grass, or in the thick foliage of the treeline. Soon, they would pounce.

@Zigara

 

[Jinlo Halan]

With a loud crack reminiscent of thunder a small cylindrical object appeared into view from overhead, a burst of fire projecting from the base as the retro thrusters sparked into life, reducing the velocity of the small object before it connected with the ground. The resulting impact throwing up a cloud of dust and smoke as the metal cylinder groaned and clanked as the metal shell contracted as it cooled down from its rapid descent to the planet's surface.

Slowly the occupant of the opened her eyes and relaxed her grip on the padding of the seat she fastened to, the whites of her knuckles starting to fade into the natural hue of the woman's alabaster skin. A long winded sigh of relief escaped the woman's lips, as the only sound she could now hear was the dull creak of the escape pod as it started to settle on the charred ground that it had landed upon. Her gaze scanning over the interior of the escape pod, trying to determine how she would be able to get out of the escape pod and get her feet onto solid ground. The sooner the better.

An air of panic rippled from within the escape pod that could be felt through the Force, as the solitary occupant, struggled to find her way out of the metal shell that had encased her. The air of momentary panic subsided as the ripples in the force settled, before a sudden burst of Force tore through from within, sending the access door scattering across the ground as pressurised gas streamed from within. Mere seconds passed as the occupant sprung into view, lurching violently forward audiably gasping for fresh air.

Slowly the rest of raven haired figure gingerly emerged from the escape pod, her hand tightly clasping onto the twisted remains of the door framed as with a shaken movement she got to her feet and steadied herself against the hull of the escape pod. As much as she enjoyed the sensations and sights of being up among the stars, at times she really could come to hate Space travel! Whether is was just a run of ill luck, or if she was a proverbial albatross when it came to interstellar flight, the frequency in which she was involved in a crashing ship was starting to raise some questions within her.

Reaching into the escape pod, the young woman withdrew her belt and saber staff, quickly fastening the belt around her waist and harnessing her saberstaff in pace. Once her effects were secured in place, the young Jedi took in her grassy surroundings, looking out for any familiar sights or any of the other Jedi, finding that her visual scan of the area yielded little results she closed her eyes and reached out through the Force, she could sense two familiar presences near by, uncertain as to who precisely they were. But decided to make her way and head towards the approaching life forces.

 

[Bruce Guleya]

Bruce monitored his companion and saw her desire for the forest, the desire for the shelter of the rain within the canopy, he would have appreciated it as well but it wouldn't be long before all would change. The rain would soon relent, but the downpour wouldn't stop completely, instead what was once torrential was now a steady rain, still enough to make their lives difficult but fortunately they wouldn't be drowning out here.

And so, with her agreement, they began to wander in the direction of the shuttle as suggested. It truly didn't matter the exact direction for there was no side closer, it almost felt like they were in the middle of the fields but they'd close the distance to the shuttle's crash site. A crack of thunder rumbled in the distance, enough to mask the sounds of a pod erupting in the distance. Had the Jedis not been fully trained in the Force, this ripple would have gone unnoticed but the moment the new girl began to scan with the Force - the Jedi Masters felt the immediate ping of someone searching out; well at least Bruce could. It was like a heat beat to him, a soft beat from the Jedi Knight, while he didn't know exactly who it was but he could certainly feel the familiarity of the Knight from the shuttle above. Bruce made no mention of the familiar presence to Imani, it wasn't required - what was required was the focus ahead, however Bruce made sure to push out with his connections to the Force to reach Jinlo to give her a much more appropriate direction for her to follow as they proceeded forward.

It was now that Bruce's senses began to tingle, and not in the ways he had expected. The whispers echoed in the back of his mind, the cries of a cautionary nature. Bruce froze but for only for a moment, his hand hovered over his belt just over his lightsaber hilt, he began to look around where they were standing. "Something or somethings are coming..."

@Deviant @Plebometer

 

[Imani Sage]

The rain at least was petering out, but it was still an absolute pain in her ass. Why she agreed to grovel through the middle of the open plains, she had no idea anymore. But the two Jedi had to get somewhere, and the downed shuttle was likely their best chance. Still, her attention shifted from the storm above and the smoke ahead, this time feeling a new presence surfacing in the Force. Another beacon of light in the darkness of the storm. Perhaps another crashed escape pod and lost Jedi? It had to be. And given the similar change in focus with Master Guleya, she figured he felt it too. As he reached out to the presence, so did she, beckoning the supposed Jedi to follow and find them. No man, or woman, left behind, after all.

However, another presence made itself known. Like a chill up her spine, a whisper behind her ear, a cold breath on her neck. She heard the crunch of grass behind her, and in an instant, she turned around to face the coming threat: but nothing was there. Above, thunder roared again. Perhaps she was being paranoid, maybe it was just the storm. Still, her caution could not so easily melt away. Something was indeed approaching, and it was not friendly. And the moment Bruce froze into place, Imani’s fears were immediately confirmed. Her fingers hovered close over the hilt of her lightsaber, ready to ignite it in the blink of an eye. But would it be fast enough? Imani glanced around her. “Whatever it is, let them come. I swear I’ll—“

The Jedi Master was instantly cut off as a massive reptilian beast attacked. It did not come simply out from the tall grass surrounding them, or from the deep underground, or even from the neighboring forest. Instead, it came from the sky. Camouflaged with the dark and swirling clouds, and having hidden itself in its nearby nests when the Jedi first landed, it was no wonder Imani was caught off guard by the winged beast. Already, she was pinned to the ground by its clawed feet, and the saurian flier snapped its razor teeth down at her. Of course, the Jedi Master made every attempt to avoid it, dodging when she could, given her lightsaber was dropped into the muck. But when she saw the glint of the hilt, Imani quickly called it to her with the Force.

A moment later, the blade was in her hand, and now active, cleaved the saurian predator clean through its neck. Its head fell into the mud right after, leaving a stunned and bewildered Imani in the wake of its attack. But that was not over yet. With her eyes now directed to the sky, lightning flashed across it once more. As it did, it gave light to other suspended silhouettes. Many, many more. A swarm of winged shadows as it emerged from their nests checkered across the plains and forests. And not long after, the swarm would descend upon them.

@Plebometer @Zigara

 

[Jinlo Halan]

Feeling the projected connection from one of the Jedi Masters reach out to her, granting her sense of direction like a beacon hidden away in the distant darkness. Jinlo closed her eyes and took a long deep breath, focusing the Force through her body, allowing it imbue with her body and senses, the young Jedi broke out at a swift walk headed towards the distant shadowy treeline on her horizon where she could feel the two Jedi masters.

The brisk walking pace building up to a sprint as the Force lended her body the strength and fortitude to build up speed and close the distance. With increased agility and grace, the young raven haired Jedi easily traversed the unknown terrain beneath her feet, obscured by the tall grass. Her connection to the Force allowing her to feel and sense her surroundings, the various crevices, contours and pot holes in the damp earth below.

As the young Jedi rapidly drew close towards the two Jedi Masters, she could feel more life forces emerge into outer reaches of her awareness through the Force, she could not determine what species they were, her abilities were lacking in experience to pin point yet alone identify. The only thing that she could determine through her empathetic traits was that the new life signs were predatory in nature and closing towards the Jedi in front of her.

As the lighting continued to flash across the overcast skies, illuminating the dark leathery hides of the flying beasts as they swarmed together in a large circling motion in the skies above the edge of the forest and the two Jedi standing near the forest entrance, the following rumble of thunder momentarily drowning out the audible chittering of the beasts as they communicated among each other that prey was close by. The noise intensifying as the encircling beasts closed in the the perimeter. Some making lunging dives towards the two Jedi masters, gnarled fangs snapping down at the prey below in the attempt to snag an early bite.

The chittering sound seemed to dominate the audible senses, masking the sounds of dampened feet splashing down on the water logged undergrowth brought about from rushed advance of the Jedi Knight. The shadowy cloud suddenly erupting into a bright ice blue glow as a blinding streak of two columns of intense light spiraled rapidly up towards the the swarming beasts, the rapidly oscillating hum that followed in its wake identifying the source to be that of a lightsaber. More precisely a saber staff, that had been ignited and launched into the air by its wielder. The young raven haired Jedi had closed the gap down to the distance of tens of feet, her usual ice blue hued eyes now glowing an intense vibrant white light as she stood with a focused look of concentration on her wind and rain swept features, channeling the Force through her outstretched hand, using the invisible tendrils of her will to guide and direct her projected weapon's airborne path through the encircling swarm.

 

[Bruce Guleya]

Bruce was spared by the first strike of the fliers as they went for Imani; instead the sudden impact caused Bruce to be tossed back away from Imani, however this allowed Bruce the opportunity to detach his saber and ignite the his golden blade, it wouldn't take long before he was also a target a beast swooped down to snap at Bruce, the bardottan Jedi quickly allowed a large blast of kinetic energy erupt from his hand blowing the flier back. The flier reared it's head as the blast flooded it's senses and the shock-wave assaulted the creature's ear drums. It quickly returned to the pack above, it was obvious that they needed to strike in concert as this would be no easy meal today.

With Imani free from her attacker, Bruce shifted his position so he was closer to his companion, the two would fight better as one instead of two separate entities, if the creatures wanted them they'd have to be clever and be able to attack from multiple directions and that was what Bruce was counting on. As he made his way to the other Jedi Master one decided to go in to snap up the creature went for the dive, Bruce now fully aware of the danger had no issues feeling the approach as he ducked and dove away sending his saber up in a wide arch which clipped the wing of his attacker the flier hit the ground with a thud and rolled away as it attempted to take to the skies.

His attention was now solely on the impending threat above, he had lost track of Jinlo's signature through the Force. Two attempted to test the Masters' defensive lines and Bruce quickly jumped free using the Force to enhance his speed he also gripped the beast for a moment but to guide it straight to the ground, he didn't control the beast - he just ensured the pressure was on to allow them to collide with the ground. Using the Force once again he quickly jumped back over the creature he tossed his saber straight down piercing the spine of the target. He landed on the ground catching his saber, Bruce was now crouched down with his saber to the side. His eyes found their way back to the sky at the horde, as his eyes returned to the sky he saw a saberstaff cutting through the fliers, he couldn't tell if the staff found a target or not, but one thing was for sure - the fliers were scared and attempted to avoid the blades.

This gave Bruce time, he stood putting his hand outward wrapping an invisible wall around his position. Imani could take advantage of this protective shield if she just got a bit closer to Bruce - same applied to Jinlo if she closed the distance between them. He had no idea where the back up was, but he knew she was near because of that staff.
The wall however was not something that would merely cause the beasts to collide like a literal wall, but instead it would just offer a protective shield for a couple of dives but he wouldn't be able to hold it forever. He just needed to hold it together enough to allow them to regroup and quickly formulate an attack plan.

@Plebometer @Deviant

 

[Imani Sage]

Imani was pissed. She didn’t think the situation could not have gotten any worse, but it had. Not only was there a lashing storm and a terrible downpour, but now there was a horde of flying lizards and her robes were covered in muck. The Jedi Master came to Ellora in search of more meaning, to find her new purpose after finding her family months prior, to help the Jedi Order. Instead, she had willingly dived headfirst into this hellish world. Their transport crashed, their escape pod left them in the middle of nowhere, and they were surrounded by wild beasts. The next time she ever came on an operation like this, she would be the one to plan it. Bloody Fennex.

At least there wasn’t just her and Master Guleya, however. Another Jedi had jumped into the fray, throwing their double-edged lightsaber straight into the swarm. A brilliant move, one that sent many of the fliers scattering. But at the same time, not so brilliant. While the attack certainly brought a few down, the swarm soon turned their attention to the source. In a matter of seconds, a chunk of the horde would descend onto the unknown Jedi. More than even Imani thought she could handle. Still, the Jedi believed the other could persevere. Because despite the circumstances and terrible odds they might faced on a near daily basis, they always seemed to escape it someway, somehow. Perhaps now would be no different for any of them.

Hopeful, Imani twirled her active lightsaber through the air. Fingers tight around the hilt, she waited for the brutes to come to her. And like throwing watermelon to a sword, the Jedi Master moved effortlessly to shred whichever flier chose to attack her. Fortunately, with the help of Bruce, several of the beasts were quickly deterred by the invisible barrier set between them. That would give her enough time to explain the best course of action: to run. “We need to make for the forest! We need to make our way to something other than here, by the Force.” She bellowed over the saurian screams and the roar of thunder. “Let’s go!”

The Jedi Master quickly made a break for it in virtually any direction. To the shuttle, to the forest, she had no idea. Somewhere other than where they were at was all she needed. Meanwhile, she deactivated her saber, knowing well it would act as a beacon for the swarm to follow. The Jedi were not sent to Ellora, after all, to massacre the native wildlife. They were there to find the temple. And even though these saurian fliers were out to get them, Imani thought it better to just evade them altogether. Needless to say, as she ran ahead, she soon caught the silhouette of the other Jedi. A young woman. While she didn’t know her name, she did know one thing: they had to find cover fast.

@Plebometer

 

[Jinlo Halan]

Slowly she narrowed her eyes, the watched her gambit develop, the spiraling motion of her airborne saber staff cleared a path through the swarming winged reptiles, scattering them from their concentrated attack on the two Jedi masters, drawing some of the predatory beasts attention away towards her. Slowly she clasped her outstretched hand into a light fist, before gesutirng her arm to the side, drawing the saberstaff back against the currents of the Force that carried it towards the advancing swarm headed for her.

The retreating blade, sweeping through the flanks of the winged beasts as the started to dive towards her, the sudden reappearance of her saberstaff was enough to deter them from their attack, scattering them to regroup and re-circle around their newest pray, buying the young Jedi knight additional much needed time to study and the reptilian creatures. As the chittering of the beasts intensified as they circled their flightless prey, the young Jedi started to release the barriers that kept her psychic abilities in control. Allowing two tendrils of psychic energy to reach out to the two Jedi masters //Masters please shield your minds, i'm going to buy us some time// Jinlo's soft voice whispered into the backs of each of the Jedi masters minds as she summoned her saberstaff back into her physical grasp, the blades fading out as their life was extinguished.

Her hand tightenting its hold over the harnessing chamber of her Kyber crystal within the hilt of her weapon, allowing her mind to reach out and draw upon the shared bond she held with the gem, amplifying and clarifying her connection to the Force. Whilst she was standing leaving her self exposed to the predators attack, she had focused her connection with the Force, allowing them to infuse with her natural empathetic abilities as she released the remainder of the mental barriers. Freeing them and allowing the numerous tendrils of Force enhanced psychic links to snake out into the sentient life around them, the soft white glow of her eyes intensifying into a hard light.

With a sweeping motion she swing her unladen arm around her, allowing the Force to convey her will into the winged beasts that surrounded the gathered Jedi, projecting a cascading wave of thoughts into the simple predatory minds of the saurian fliers above them. The resulting neural storm bringing about confusion and disorientation among the winged beasts, forcing them to momentarily break off their attacks as their senses were plunged into chaos.

Knowing that the effects would not last long and no time to hesitate, Jinlo turned her attention towards the edge of the forest, allowing instinct to take over, she ran at full sprint towards the forest line, knowing that the dense growth of the tree canopy and tree lines would at least afford some protection from the winged beasts limiting their abilities to strike from the sky. Hoping that the other Masters would see the direction that she was headed and be able to take cover before the saurian fliers could recover from their disorientation and snapping at each other in their confusion before refocusing their efforts on their Jedi prey.

 

[Bruce Guleya]

With each snap of the jaws and the dive of the creatures, Bruce winced as if he was feeling the attacks himself; if he kept it up for a sustained period it'd surly do true harm to the bardottan. Bruce was no fighter and this was certainly not what he'd expected, he was told about the potential new discoveries and he thought at the time that his knowledge of the Jedi and the Force would serve this group well in unlocking the secrets of a new temple and to establish a new foothold for the Order. He thought if he would have been able to contribute a significant amount he would ask to head the temple up and to build it as a bastion on this long lost world - maybe he still could ask, but he certainly needed to survive this onslaught.

When Imani suggested they run, he breathed a sigh of relief. He wasn't a fighter and to slaughter local wildlife wasn't exactly a good start to a chance of rebirth... even if they were just acting on instinct. He looked over at the Master and nodded, "I agree." he extinguished his lightsaber and rose his hands to give the barrier one last umph, if only for a few more moments. Before they took action, he felt the whispers of Jedi casually enter his head, if he had the time he would have argued against this Jedi's plan, would have even debated it but this was not one of those times. He reluctantly resigned and did as suggested but before they made for the trees as Imani had suggested he braced himself and pushed outward, a large burst of kinetic energy erupted from the barrier as it collapsed - the beasts reared their heads and screeched out due to the sudden push back they had suffered.

Bruce joined up with Imani and began running to the treeline, he wrapped himself in the Force to give him the speed and agility required to bob a weave away from the fliers overhead. They were making excellent progress when Bruce turned to look behind them, looking for the girl with the saberstaff. He figured she would find their location, especially because he could see the woman himself. She was closing the distance and he silently cheered her own, just a little more that's all she needed - just a little more. Part he wanted to ensure she would be safe.

@Deviant

 

[Imani Sage]

As Imani sought out the cover of the forest, she heard another voice in the back of her head. Like a whisper over her shoulder, except that whisper came from more than two dozen meters away, hidden deep in the grassy plains. No doubt it was the separated Jedi during the crash, and by her voice, the Jedi Knight quickly recognized it as Knight Halan. The pair had barely been introduced to the group on their way to Ellora, but given she was virtually the only other woman on the journey, Imani had taken an instinctual liking to her. And now that she was coming to their aid, driving off the fliers with a surprising psychic assault, she couldn’t be any happier that she was here. She whispered back, despite the fact Jinlo might never hear it. “Thank you.”

Soon, Imani found herself surrounded by the comfort of the forest. While dark and looming, she was still glad to be free from the saurian predators above. Even now, she watched the swarm swirl around, bewildered and confused, before slowly regaining their senses. The Jedi Knight was remarkably powerful if she could have been able to deliver such a stunning blow, though Imani feared she might have fallen to one of the fliers as they regrouped. Fortunately, she was pleasantly surprised at the appearance of Knight Halan, who suddenly emerged from the undergrowth beside her. She offered a grateful nod of her head. “That was very smart of you to drive them away. And very selfless.” She coughed. “So, thanks.”

But that was not all Jinlo contributed. Through her psychic attack, she gave Imani an entirely new idea. One that didn’t require the trio to slog through the forest in search of the crashed shuttle. One that didn’t mean they might have to come across and fight another frenzied animal. One that didn’t even demand too much of their focus or attention or stamina. An idea that they might find a little strange and reluctant to accept. Still, it was a risk Imani was willing to take.

While the saurien fliers rallied, several moved around the treeline, still searching for where the Jedi went. It was then that the young woman simply stepped forward without a word to the others. In an instant, one of the predators rushed down from the sky. Jaw unhinged and teeth ablaze, the saurian flier readied to chew the Jedi in half. But at the last second, her hand snapped up and along with it, the Force. Surprisingly, the beast lurched to stop, the end of its beak just an inch from her fingertips. Imani stood unfazed, her breathing slowed and chin high. She whispered, even amid the thunder and lightning which now dimmed with every second. “There, there. It’s alright. We’re friends, you and I.” She gave a reassuring smile, as if the being was sentient.

She reached out and brushed the animal’s armored skin. These were no abominations, nothing corrupt with the Force. Only wildlife turned frenzied by the storm and by their intrusive presence. And as a Jedi Master, Imani knew it wouldn’t be hard to exert a particular Force ability she picked up early on: to tame such an animal. Already, the Force stretched forward to calm the winged animal. Knowing now it was under her control, she looked back to the others and grinned. “Looks like we have ourselves a new friend— and a ride.” The young woman gestured the others to try the same. “Go ahead, I think the swarm is backing down.” Thanks to Jinlo’s psychic upheaval, no doubt, along with Imani’s own gracious move.

Discovering new worlds did not always have to involve killing everything within a ten meter radius, after all. Even if the young Jedi Master was prone to it many times before. Now, however, was certainly a lesson learned.

@Plebometer

 

[Jinlo Halan]

Reducing her pace as she stepped into the clearing at the edge of the forest, the young raven haired Jedi clasped her saberstaff back to her belt, as she regained her breath following the short sprint from the long grass into the cover that now surrounded them. Her ice blue hued irises glowing vibrantly against the dull light of under the forest canopy as she regarded the two Jedi, who she could now identify to be Masters Sage and Guleya, from their brief initial introduction as the Jedi had boarded the shuttle craft to commence their mission.

"Its good to see that you are both unharmed, Masters" Jinlo spoke as she offered a polite bow to the two Jedi standing before her, partly out of uncertainty to where the lines of formality started and ended within the Order, especially during missions. Still she figured best to keep with the formalities until she was told to do otherwise. A light smile crossed her features as Master Sage turned and commented on her actions. "I'm just glad my abilities didn't affect any of you" she responded softly with a relived nod.

The young raven haired Jedi could feel a mixture of relief and contentment wash over her, as the realisation and appreciation of her psychic abilties started to set in. For over four years she had been apprehensive over the use and the potential harm that they might bring, yet in that one moment she had openly called upon her gifts she was able to use them to safely allow the Jedi around her to escape harm, without bringing about the senseless slaughter of the planet's native fauna.

Quietly Jinlo watched as the dark skinned Jedi, seemly inspired by the earlier unexpected approach taken by the young Jedi Knight. Her eyes observing as Imani slowly approached, and through the Force communed with and tamed one of the predatory creatures that not long ago had been chomping at the bit, literally! to sink its teeth into any of the three Jedi who might have been in easy reach of its sharp fang like teeth. A smile crossed the raven haired Jedi's features as she watched and felt through the Force how easily docile the creature had become.

Taking her cue from the Jedi Master's prompt Jinlo slowly and steadily approached one of the other winged creatures that sat towards the side of the one Imani had already tamed. Slowing down her breathing she allowed all lingering emotions to ebb away from her mind, as she calmly approached the creature, being sure to not make any sudden movements whilst she reached out through the Force allowing a solitary tendril of her psychic energy to reach into the mind of the saurian flyer, causing it to rear up on his hind legs in the confusion within its mind "Hush, it's ok" Jinlo softly spoke as she continued to advance "I'm not going to hurt you" she continued in her soft gentle tone, the reptilian beast lowered itself back onto all four of his legs, as it turned its head to face the approaching Jedi through a large yellow eye.

Tentatively Jinlo placed her outstretched open palm against the muzzle of the creature, allowing the Force to flow through her and into the creature, forming a psychic bond between them both. The armored scales of the reptilian creature were cold yet surprisingly dry to the touch, the young Jedi having though that due to the glossy black appearance of the creature it's hide would we relatively wet to the touch. Slowly she ran her hand further up the winged beast's muzzle working her way over the ridges that formed the creature's eyebrow, her fingers instinctively rubbing against its temple, as if in understanding of what it liked. A dull guttural growl could be heard escaping the creatures maw as it expressed its approval in the gesture.

 

[Bruce Guleya]

Bruce offered the young knight a smile and a small bow as customary. He was relieved to see the young Knight safe and sound within the forest with them, he did not know this girl however. He only knew her from the shuttle and they hadn't made much in terms of pleasantries while aboard; which right now struck the Jedi Master as an oddity. They spent the flight together as they traveled through hyperspace, he hadn't quite realized that there was so little conversation, this revelation actually made him sad - he made a mental note that he needed to be more sociable after this.

It was exciting to see the use of psychic abilities - he had heard plenty of them but had never the pleasure of baring witness or exploring such feats, this would be an informative adventure once it was all send and done. He'd have to sit down and talk with the Knight about these gifts she had been bestowed, to him, another opportunity. But he was getting distracted with all of his thoughts, he had to return to the now and had to address the problem they were experiencing with the fliers. The forest canopy would shield them for now but they couldn't terry for too long, there was no knowing exactly what lurked beneath the trees, perhaps another creature needed a meal before the fun had fallen; but it was refreshing - gaining a slight reprieve from clouds above. They would need to devise a plan, he wasn't alone in that thought because before he had a chance to speak - the dark skinned Jedi stepped out into the fray once again, Bruce made to intercept her; but he could see she had an idea. He would let it play out, but be ready should it be necessary.

And then it happened, Imani had began to soothe the fliers with the Force. Of course! He thought to himself, he had done this technique before and did so recently on Dantooine as he helped the young red-headed Jedi learn patience by rounding up the herd of the local beasts. The idea was a fantastic application, one that Bruce felt very comfortable with - the need for a slaughter wasn't real. Next Jinlo stepped up and weaved the energies around her and she to had a new companion, they both seemed to have accomplished the task with ease and then eyes fell to him, it was time for the bardottan to see if he could wrangle one. He took a deep breathe before stepping out and joining the two. The creatures still flying overhead but demonstrating a cautious nature, he didn't have the luxury of being able to just walk up to one - he had one more step. The Jedi Master looked to the sky, he stretched his neck as he monitored a few of the beasts; this would be a delicate task. The Jedi reached out with the Force gently tapping into the minds of the creatures, trying to find one that resonated with him and his ties and when he found one... he locked onto it and pushed his will gently into the mind of one, he let out a whistle and the creature immediately locked with him and dove down before him.

The flier dived down and landed the ground shaking lightly, the two other tamed creatures reared slightly with the sudden shake - but not enough to be frightened or lose their newly forged bonds. The one that Bruce had called to reared it's head and let out a cry to the sky as if to challenge the bardottan, to dare him to approach; Bruce obliged. He spoke no words, he merely held his gaze to his target. Bruce wrapped himself with the Force before wrapping it around his chosen champion, the flier snapped once at him but Bruce didn't flinch. He carried a clear mind, free of hostile intent. He exuded a calming aura around his immediate surroundings, a technique that came with being a healer. He touched the mind of the flier and could feel the conflicting nature, he soothed it over be reaching out and after a moments hesitation the creature allowed for the Jedi's hand to touch as it bowed down. He spoke not a word, instead he shared a private moment with the flier... the Jedi, the flier, they were similar and Bruce knew it as he saw his own saurian like appearance reflect within the eyes of the flier. He patted the flier in comfort, the easy part was done; they had new friends... but to ride them, that'll be the challenge.

Bruce ran his hand along the creature before hauling himself up and over gripping the creature as he mounted it like a tame bantha. "I can't say... this flight to be easy. I can't hardly fly a shuttle." He chuckled. "My friends, may I suggest you follow suit? We shall cover more ground from above. But we must be cautious, just because we have these doesn't mean they'll all approve once we are up."

Bruce nudged his flier, it started to walk forward and around the other two and their own fliers. He needed to this get use to his new method of transportation. With another nudge combined with his Force bound like connection with the creature, he was able to communicate his intentions. The beast took flight a few meters above the ground before landing again, it repeated this getting higher each time but not taking true flight - not yet.

Bruce really wasn't sure how this would go.

@Deviant

 

[Imani Sage]

Her fingers brushed down against the saurian flier’s jaw. Slowly but surely, the Jedi Master moved her hand up to its temple, under its neck. All the while, the Force coursed through, forming a bond between the young woman and the young animal. She didn’t have to touch it, given her knowledge on the ability, but she wanted to. The winged creature didn’t just have to know of her good intentions, but it had to feel it too. And feel it they did. Imani surged with light, a beacon in the darkness that the animal now welcomed and embraced. Eventually, once she reached it’s back, the creature lowered to the ground and offered her to hop on. She smiled. It was just as she was hoping.

“Beautiful.” She whispered, admiring the creature up close. Not even several minutes prior she was wallowing the mud, vowing to cleave off the head from every one of those fliers. But now? Up close, she could see that she was wrong. That in her rage and frustration, failed to see the good in the bad. Either way, with her lesson learned, there was only one thing left to do: return to the shuttle. Find and rendezvous with the others. Escape and purge this wretched storm from the skies. Bring peace back to Ellora as it once was. And with the saurian flier at her feet, she had that opportunity to skip straight to the rendezvous. While she was a pretty terrible pilot, there was something else about riding this animal. Her hands didn’t have to sit on the wheel, but her mind only had to stick with the other.

The Jedi Master settled upon the winged creature, who she had now opted to name “Stinger,” for its sharp beak and razor teeth. With her bond finalized with Stinger, she fueled her own emotions, desires, into her newfound friend. The winged animal snarled, but less with a craving to chew her in half and more like a nod. However, the animal simply remained on the ground, glancing around, waiting for something to happen. And so was Imani. Caressing her hand across its head, she glanced over to Master Guleya. “Not a problem. I think Stinger here is a little hesitant too. He knows what I need him to do, but he just hasn’t—“

Suddenly, out of nowhere, Stinger shot out into the air. Rather than clumsily hop up and down like Bruce’s own, the saurian flier immediately took the skies and sailed on the wind. Almost lurching right off and back into the ground, Imani desperately clung to the animal’s sides. With every blink of her eye, the ground grew more and more distant, and her heart sank further and further into her stomach. She murmured. “Scratch that.” Her gaze wandered away from the plains below her and over to the horizon. The skies still raged with the storm, but now the landscape ahead was more clear than ever. Of course, she had gone too high, no doubt to drop the chance of getting smacked with lightning bolt or getting carried away by the wind. Either way, she saw enough to know where to go.

As she glanced around in search for Jinlo and Bruce, the Jedi hoped they would know where to go too.

@Plebometer @Zigara

 

[Jinlo Halan]

Quietly the raven haired figure stood beside her tamed Saurian Flyer, her hand gently caressing the scaly hide of the winged reptile her fingers attentively massaging at the various points she could sense that the creature reciprocate to her touch, strengthening the bond they shared through the psychic link she had formed with the beast. The various residual webs of resistance that the flyer held against the bond created, slowly fading away as it built it's trust under Jinlo's gentle and soothing touch. A warm smile crossing her features as she slowly raised her second and and proceeded to mirror the actions with her second hand. "There you go boy" the raven haired Jedi softly cooed as the beasts head nuzzled itself against the woman's chest.

Turning her gaze away from the beast she held against her, her gaze settling on the two Jedi masters who had both tamed their respective flyers, and preparing to mount them for flight. Nodding in understanding she returned her attention back to the flyer, it's amber eye staring back at her own glowing ice blue hued eyes. In a moment of silent understanding the creature nodded before taking a few steps back from Jinlo and lowered it's winged for arms, granting the female Jedi an easy means to mount the creature. A warm smile crossed the Jedi's features as she gently patted the beast on hits head "Thank you" she spoke as she slowly stepped the lowered fliers side, and proceeded to gently straddle its back.

Leaning her body down against its back she wrapped her arms around the creatures neck, once satisfied that his mount was secure the winged creature reared itself upright, spreading out its large leathery wings to their fullest extent, the span of each wing easily dwarfing the young Jedi twice over. With a dull thumping sound the Jedi could feel the displaced air rush through her long raven black locks of hair, the rippling of her hair increasing in intensity as the Saurian increased the rate that it flapped its wings, generating more and more lift within the leathery membrane of its wings. Before she realised it the two were airborne and rising swiftly above the forest canopy.

The beast hovered in the air momentarily as Jinlo looked out for the other two Jedi, before whispering into the mind of her mount //There they are boy, lets follow them//, with a guttural roar the creature acknowledged his rider's request, before swooping downwards towards the tree line, with a quick series of what sounded like dull drum beats the flying reptile soared clear of the treeline, using the dive to build up enough speed to close the gap between the two Jedi who were soaring ahead.

 

[Bruce Guleya]

It seemed like his companions had a better grip on flying their beasts, and Bruce frowned. Perhaps the reason they had such an easy time was because they forged the stronger bound, or perhaps they simply got more agreeable creatures... unlike Bruce, he could feel the tension within the beast, but he thought he had a strong grasp and control; maybe the beast had some form of status within the horde? He certainly could feel the resistance gnawing away at him, he'd just need to be mindful going forward.

Bruce watched the dark skinned Jedi launch fast into the air, climbing higher and higher until they were soon out of sight. He nodded in approval, he ran his hands around the sides of his mount's neck, seemingly indicating that that was his goal. The mount simply shook its head and pattered it's feet from side to side as it looked forward at the other riders and their mounts, and no sooner did that happen did the next flier take off with her raven hair, leaving the bardottan on his own - feeling embarrassed, especially when the flier simply sat down; the Jedi master was somewhat confused considering just moment ago the flier attempted flight. Guess it just wasn't his day. "Alright. Alright." Bruce whispered to his mount.

The Jedi was about to admit defeat, until the beast reared its head roaring across the plains and reaching the furthest reaches it seemed. The remaining fliers high above scattered away from the cry, and Bruce's mounted finally headed the requests of the Jedi by launching itself hard and high into the sky - he barely had a chance to grip the mount and hunker down. The rain pelleted his face, almost stinging it from the impacts of the droplets, he streaked through the sky causing the clouds to part around him, his mount did a loop and then quickly descended back down to the ground but quickly put the breaks on causing a wave of wind pushing ahead, the flier to up position to hover. Bruce let out a long sigh of relief, he understand what the message was: 'I'm in charge, not you, invader.'

As the creature steadily flapped it's wings, Bruce took the moment of reprieve to center himself and get direction. He allowed the Force to wrap around both him and his flier, he gave his new companion a glimpse into his mind. He wasn't sure where to next, but his connection whispered into his ear and into his mind as it pointed him in a single direction - a generalized direction. He knew he needed to head east, but he didn't know how far he was going and what he'd find. Before this mission, he had taken the opportunity to review the information provided to him, an idea of the planet and that there would eventually be a temple... and that's what helped him know to head in a single direction.

Being so close to the other Jedis the standard issue comms could function with a limited range. He clicked it, hoping to reach his companions - but he wasn't sure how well it would work. "I think we're on the right path - I say east. I couldn't see much through the clouds and its hard to pinpoint anything but something tells me east, visually I think I can see something calling to us but I don't know.... or..." He paused a moment to collect his thoughts, "Should we stick with the original plan and make for the shuttle?" The comm clicked, indicating a closed line opening it to replies.

 

[Imani Sage]

The three Jedi were now high above the plains, high over the forest, high over the landscape of Ellora. It would only be a matter of time before they reached the shuttle and found the others. But like Master Guleya, Imani sensed something too. A distant calling, a whisper from behind, beckoning her to take a different route. It was not full of ill intent, but it was the familiar call of the light. The Force wanted her to take a different path from the one she was now taking. And perhaps it was right.

She knew Ellora once housed a Jedi temple, long ago. From what information she gathered by Jon and Fennex in the archives, the Jedi Order and the light side once thrived on this world. Perhaps it still remained even now. Maybe the shuttle was not where the three needed to go. After all, there was no guarantee anyone was left on its smoking heap, given almost every Jedi aboard had exited into the escape pods nearest to them. The supplies they may have brought were also likely a charred mess, and the smoke from the crash site indicated that much. Maybe it was time the Jedi moved on to the real reason why they came: to reestablish contact on Ellora and refashion a temple worthy of the Order.

Given a moment of thought on Bruce’s question, Imani glanced back and forth from her newfound steed. It wasn’t until her fingers brushed along the side of the saurian flier, which suddenly coasted around to the source of the call. She had made her decision. “I agree, Master Guleya. We should follow where the Force takes us. Whether good or bad, I know it will be for the better.” The winged creature cooed as it sailed through the sky and toward east. The Jedi Master on its back wondered, she hoped. Soon, eventually, Ellora would return back to the hands of the Order. A new base of operations from which they could expand and strengthen their hold in spite of the Exiles.

At the same time, a new idea settled in her mind. If Ellora could be retaken, then maybe other lost worlds could. One in particular carved through her thoughts: Tython.

End Thread.​