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Post by Saoirse Beirne on Jul 3, 2023 6:19:52 GMT -8
Switching from hurtling fireballs wildly around the main entrance hall to telekinetically casting couches, tables and chairs from the areas set aside for group study when the sprinklers come online and pour down, Dragnea cackles in delight when Franz is at last revealed by his inane prattling as much as anything else. "There you are!" Dragnea greets Franz with malevolent glee, lifting the Zabrak's arms overhead as (s)he telekinetically lifts the torso of one of the fallen training droids and then lowers the Zabrak's arms and sweeps them to a side as (s)he sends the debris rocketing for Franz's head. Droplets of water spraying from the Zabrak's clothes as its arms lift and swing rapidly, Dragnea follows the training droid's torso with a storm of security cameras torn from walls, droid limbs and whatever else (s)he can lift or tear free from walls to send streaking out at Franz.
When Dragnea sees the cleverly crafted images of Mace and Atlantis moving to attack the Zabrak from both sides, (s)he is so fooled by the illusion that (s)he at last accepts that there will be no last minute victory for the Mecrosa this day. Telekinetically sending a large tree trunk on a path for the faux Mace as (s)he begins backing towards the dining hall Vasilisa had been sealed in, Dragnea hurls a table at the faux Atlantis and then a mostly intact training droid at Franz to occupy the Jedi (s)he believes are rallying. Turning to the blast doors Vasilisa had been trapped behind, Dragnea lifts the Zabrak's arms and mimes forcing the doors open as (s)he telekinetically wrenches them open enough to create a gap between them, and once that has been achieved, bolts swiftly into the dining hall . . .
Ayla and the Room at the End of the Tunnel
III.
Confrontation
When Lyov rips the web from
the statue in the center
of the room, the young Saoirse
talking with Atlantis says in
a frightened voice,
"Uh oh, he'll be coming
now, so I better go and hide,
Hey lady, may the Force be with you!"
With a wave to Ayla and
her friends, the young Saoirse
runs off to hide
The eyes on the statue of
Saoirse open and seem to
focus on Lyov
as the spider drops from
the web and begins
descending down towards
the Epicanthix, but the statue's
mouth remains closed as she
tells Lyov in his mind,
I can't beat him,
not alone
The massive spider, mandibles
clicking as they open and close,
venom dripping from them and
steaming as it hits the web strewn
floor,
lashes out
lightning fast with two of it's
front legs to pin Lyov
to the floor,
it's hind legs clinking
as it moves its stinger tipped
abdomen to face
Ayla and then
lashes the envenomed stinger
down to pierce her
heart
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Mace Jhiera Vos
The Mist Order
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Post by Mace Jhiera Vos on Jul 3, 2023 8:35:36 GMT -8
“Uh . . . What’s happening to her?” Asked Forcias as he pointed at Ayla whose body seemed to have been invisibly hit by something or someone from the movement her upper body had jerked back. Having received the alert sent previously, Forcias had rushed in the direction of the Academy with Horsea in tow on his speederbike, it seemed like the place seemed to be polluted by a malevolent being. “Finally, you show up.”“Enough, Honoros, we do not have time for that.” Mace gave him a side glance as she was crouched in front of her cousin before noticing that Horsea had shaken her head. “It seems like Ayla has been in her mind for too long that she is starting to believe that it’s real . . .” That would explain the involuntary jerk that probably was real to Ayla, and even perhaps for both of the men she was with. “Do not let them go.” Said Mace as she was taking her cousin’s hands in hers. “Go.” Her voice was low, and also probably commanding but she addressed the Kiffars that were here. Ayla . . . It’s not real. The impact on the stinger on her heart
made Ayla recoil and
for a moment she thought that
she would be pulled into the shadows,
but she felt her hand being squeezed.
Opening her eyes once again and side stepping as if the stinger just slid off of her.
She had been in here
for a while now
that she remembered
that none of this was real,
at least not to her.
She was only a witness
of what was going on
in Saoirse’s mind,
and her being possessed.
“Saoirse, please listen to me
or more people will get hurt . . .
Outside.” Ayla began to say, “We are only here because you allow for us to be here.
You need to fight back,
and see the good in things,
know that you are surrounded
by people that love you,
and care about you.
Feel the presence of
the light side of the Force
around you and connect to it,
to your master,
to the friends you have made
at the Academy, and purge
the darkness within you with a wall of light.”
It was how often Ayla did it,
she had the help of others,
mainly the Kiffar Guardians
she was often with when a
situation was delicate and dire.
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Franz Delgrave
The Mist Order
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Post by Franz Delgrave on Jul 3, 2023 9:56:15 GMT -8
Entrance Hall
Completely drenched from the sprinklers that flooded the entire hall, Franz just waved his hand as if greeting the possessed Saoirse, although it did not mean that he stopped paying attention as he was still ready, and prepared.
Narrowing his eyes, and quickly looking down, Franz used the water that flooded the entrance hall and lifting it to first create a wall, but then ran towards the entrance the Academy to open the door, jumping back and out, Franz redirected those towards the ground before groaning as he had been injured by one of those metallic component on his arm.
Groaning and taking a deep breath, Franz noticed three of the Kiffars speeding away in the direction of the darksiders.
Grabbing a bacta patch from his utility belt, Franz applied that on that injury of his. He should probably follow the Kiffars right now, but all of the ones attuned to the Force, only Ayla's signature showed, and perhaps the three of them would surprise Vulptex mask and Feline one. He had to admit though this was all turning out to be ridiculous.
Looking around and noticing that there was a Krayt Dragon, Franz smirked briefly and shook his head, no doubt that was indeed his padawan...
"That's the best one out of all you have shapeshifted into." He told Aidan with a smirk before sighing and focusing on the sounds around, perhaps he should head to the gardens...
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Atlantis Vyridian
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Post by Atlantis Vyridian on Jul 3, 2023 13:09:11 GMT -8
Atlantis' eyes popped wide open
when he noticed the spider pinning
Lyov down before aiming the stinger
towards Ayla, picking up the dolls
and aiming those towards
the said stinger to block it,
Atlantis jumped at the thorax
of the spider and started
stomping on it with the real belief
that his friends were in danger.
Proceeding to stab the eyes
of the spider with his bare fingers,
Atlantis heard Ayla's voice again
which made him stop stabbing and also
made him look at the Kiffar.
What... Snapping out of it,
it seemed like Atlantis slowly
went through the said spider
as he realized that Ayla
was unharmed, and that
they were just visitors here.
There was probably that fact
where his default mode was
to protect that made him believe
that this was all true, the spider,
and the webs, Atlantis shook his head
and walked towards the Saoirse statue.
He saw her eyes open,
and just looked
at her with determination.
"I'm with you, I'll always be
with you, no matter what..."
He told her, hoping that
she did know that,
and hoping also that
she would heed
Ayla's instructions.
It all made sense
to him currently,
they had slipped
through her mind easily
at first, probably because
Dragnea had been busy,
but they were still in
Saoirse's mind and what
Ayla said to bring the
battle here, it probably did
not mean a physical one,
but a mental one.
"You can do it,
I know you can.
Just believe that you
also can." He told her
with that same determined
expression. "Use us as a conduit too." |
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Elikapeka Hekekia
Mist Government
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Post by Elikapeka Hekekia on Jul 3, 2023 20:58:51 GMT -8
Grounds - South of Academy
Bria and Veda, standing guard over Mace, Ayla, Lyov and Atlantis as they watch Aidan-as-a-Krayt-Dragon finish off the last of the reanimated dead that had been summoned to attack the academy, keep their positions when, after Forcias and Horsea arrive, they head off with Honoros towards the gardens.
"Where are they going? Bria asks Mace, her brow furrowed in concern, Should we go and help them? I think Aidan has things on the grounds well in hand."
"Is she going to be okay? Veda asks Mace, squatting down beside Ayla, Is there any way I can help her?"
Grounds - Near Front Entrance
Aidan-as-a-Krayt-Dragon, claws, jaws and tail spattered with putrid, decayed gore from his battle with the undead, rumbles a gravelly laugh when Franz appears from inside the academy, nodding his massive head as he agrees with his Master's assertion that shape-shifting into a Krayt Dragon has got to be the best transformation he has performed to date, "Yes, it is quite amazing isn't it? I almost don't want to change back! The ground quaking beneath his feet as he moves around to the eastern side of the academy where he had seen Forcias and the Aestra siblings running, Aidan-as-a-Krayt-Dragon asks Franz, Should I go and see if they need a hand against our dastardly foes, or, he rumbles a laugh, should I say a claw, Master?" In Saoirse's Mindscape You are not alone, Lyov emphatically assures Saoirse telepathically as he nimbly dodges the gargantuan arachnid's attempt to
pin him down with one of its eight legs, adding, We will all be right here with you until the end
Leaping backwards to avoid the spider's mandibles as they quest for him, Lyov hears Ayla and Atlantis as they
tell Saoirse to use them as conduits for a Wall of Light to dispel the Mecrosa Spirit that has possessed her and
lays his hands on the shoulders of the statue in the center of the room as he tells Saoirse
I will be a conduit too
though he has only heard of the ability Ayla has tasked Saoirse with, Lyov closes
his eyes and invites Ashla in so that She can guide him in aiding Saoirse however
he can . . .
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Mace Jhiera Vos
The Mist Order
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Post by Mace Jhiera Vos on Jul 4, 2023 2:36:11 GMT -8
Grounds - South of Academy
Still holding onto her cousin’s hand, Mace telekinetically unclipped her lightsaber from her belt and placed it besides Atlantis’ before looking at the two Padawans with a knowing smile. By that time her signature was showing as no longer shielded by the lightsaber crystal in her hilt.
“I have sent them to stop Saoirse, who has been possessed by the Spirit of the Fox mask that Aidan had you investigate with him, and the other Dark sider that is with her.” Mace explained thoughtfully as perhaps they might not have been aware of the whole thing, but she guessed that she or Atlantis would have to fill them in later with more details. “No, you need to stay here and help Saoirse out.”
Nodding towards Ayla but also Atlantis, and Lyov who were sitting next to one another, she blinked knowingly. “They are currently in Saoirse’s mind and helping her to regain control of her body from the evil spirit, and she will need your help.”
There certainly was a way for Veda to help but also Bria, “Both of you place your hands on Ayla’s shoulders and let yourself be guided to the current they share with Saoirse, if I am right, Ayla will be guiding Saoirse to perform a Wall of Light, and she will need several of us here . . .”
Watching both of the Padawans doing as they are told, Mace took a deep breath and closed her eyes again while still holding onto Ayla’s hands to keep her tethered to the real world . . .
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Post by Saoirse Beirne on Jul 4, 2023 3:38:22 GMT -8
Ayla and the Room at the End of the Tunnel
IV.
Conclusion
The statue of Saoirse slowly turns its head towards Ayla
when the Kiffar speaks, telling Saoirse that
others will be hurt if she does not fight back
and then telling her about using the connections
between her, the Light Side of the Force,
her Master and her friends at the academy
to create a Wall of Light that will
dispel Dragnea's spirit and free her
from his possession
The statue's head turns towards Atlantis
when he speaks next, telling her tha
t he is and always will be with her,
that he believes in her and that
he will be a conduit of the Light
for her to forge
the Wall of Light
The hands on the statue of Dragnea,
pressed against the side
of the statue of Saoirse's head
with his fingers sunk into her skull
begin to crumble as
Lyov rests his hands
on the statue of
Saoirse's shoulders and
tells her that he will be a
conduit of the Light
like Atlantis and Ayla
It is not the statue that answers
Ayla and the others, but the Saoirse
in the water filled box that says,
"I will need you to help me
do this," the box seeming
to shrink as, taking all that has
been said to heart and being
strengthened by it, she swims
up for the surface and then,
the box so small now
that she can sit up in it
with the water level still lowering,
brushes her wet hair out
of her eyes and sees
the spider has shrunk
now to a tiny little thing
skittering around the statue
in the center of the room
as it starts to crumble into dust
Leaping from the box,
empty now,
Saoirse walks over to Atlantis
and says, "Let's finish this,
looking from Atlantis
to Ayla and then Lyov
as she finishes, together."
Closing her eyes
and feeling the Light Side
of the Force around her and
within her and within Ayla,
Atlantis and Lyov,
knowing because Ayla
knows it what she needs to do to,
Saoirse lifts her hand
to forge a cage of blue light
around the spider that changes
then from a spider to Dragnea,
howling in rage
and trying to break
free from the cage
of light
Saoirse lets her awareness
of the Lightside of the Force
expand out further,
feeling Bria, Veda and Aidan
join in the effort to
dispel Dragnea's spirit
Dragnea's howls of rage
become wails of agony
but still he fights on
and so Saoirse expands
her awareness of the Light Side
of the Force out further still,
feeling Franz, Cih, Tach, Gida,
Nadira and others joining
in the fight against Dragnea's spirit,
and then closes her hands into fists
as she gathers all of their combined
strength and collective Light Side
energy into a massive pulse wave
that washes over Dragnea
in the cage and dispels his spirit
at last
As the light begins to fade
Saoirse falls onto her side,
exhausted and drained
by the effort to create
the Wall of Light . . . |
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Mace Jhiera Vos
The Mist Order
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Post by Mace Jhiera Vos on Jul 4, 2023 8:58:01 GMT -8
Looking over the one
in the water filled box,
Ayla nodded reassuringly
before telling her.
“Of course, my knowledge
is yours for as long as
I am here with you . . .”
Meaning the link they shared right now,
Saoirse would easily access
what she needed in order to
dispel the dark presence here.
Ayla easily shared her knowledge
and as her presence into
Saoirse’s mind, it would facilitate
the whole ordeal. From garnering
enough energy, but also potentially
seek the people the Zabrak
shared a bond with, Ayla even
went as far as giving her the knowledge
to mind meddle with everyone at the
Academy to create an even stronger
Wall of Light.
Keeping her focus and awareness,
she had felt that her hands were
still being held before feeling her
shoulders being touched.
The Light side of the Force
was just overflowing in the Academy
and it seemed like Dragnea
was gradually losing his hold
on Saoirse.
Finally, that blinding light occurred,
Ayla smiled as finally that dark presence
had disappeared but she also had been
thrown out of Saoirse’s mind the
moment that she had fainted from the
exhaustion. . . Opening her eyes slowly and breathing softly, Ayla found herself staring into her cousin’s eyes before smiling faintly and rubbing her temple for that exertion. “I won’t be doing that again, at least not any time soon. . .” Glancing at her side where Atlantis and Lyov were seated, she smiled at both of the men and inclined her head in their direction as a thanks for being there with her. “Rest, the three of you, I’ll go see the others.”Ayla had placed both of her hands that were on her shoulders and gave Bria and Veda a grateful squeeze before looking at Mace, who was picking up her lightsaber, with a faint smile. “Of course. . .” And there was that momentary silence between them, often times Ayla knew that the Initiates and Padawans had realized that she and Mace probably conversed silently, she was certain that most if not all had assumed they conversed privately via the Force, but actually that wasn’t the case at all. Standing up to her full height, Mace took a deep breath and walked towards the Academy to see the whole outcome, though she was pretty sure that the droids had started some clean up and probably picked up the injured or fainted students to bring them to the med bay of the Academy. . . |
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Franz Delgrave
The Mist Order
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Post by Franz Delgrave on Jul 4, 2023 9:45:46 GMT -8
Near front entrance
Franz was not surprised at all that Aidan potentially didn't want to change back, a Krayt Dragon, how much cooler that could get? Feeling the shake under his feet as Aidan moved, Franz considered a moment, he did have in mind to go after the Kiffars, but at the same time, he felt that there was a certain shift in the currents of the Force.
"I know you want to flex a little bit more, but I believe that it'll be over soon." Franz knew in a sense how the Kiffars operated, and just letting them do their thing was best also, if they wanted and needed to prevent people from escaping, it would be them. Plus the Deputy Director of Intelligence, or known by everyone here as Horsea, had the gift of foresight.
Feeling the Force being pulled out of him, and also feeling that presence of Saoirse who seemed to be requesting for his assistance too. Franz expanded his awareness in the Force to let her take whatever she needed from him. He didn't even need to think twice, he knew that it was for a reason. A reason that probably was first orchestrated by Ayla over there.
It didn't seem to take long, and just when it stopped, it seemed like the dark presences had both disappeared at the same time. Smiling and looking at Aidan, he let his Padawan know. "It's over, and if I were you, I'd just walk around for a bit before changing back, and don't worry." Franz pointed at his gray matter. "I'll keep it in mind, and perhaps even your friends will. This might not be the last time you shapeshift into a Krayt Dragon."
"Hey Mace." Inclining his head before turning to head on back to the Academy, he knew he had a lot to explain, between the broken stairways to the burnt plantation. Franz scratched the back of his head and shuddered when he finally saw the result of it all. "I think renovation is in order..." Remembering where he had left Nadira, Franz went into one of the janitor closet and picked her up from there to carry her in his arms before scanning the are to see where Gida was, noticing that one of the med droids was handling here. Not really looking forward to all the clean up, he blew some air in front of him. "This calls for some treats..."
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Atlantis Vyridian
The Mist Order
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Post by Atlantis Vyridian on Jul 4, 2023 14:23:17 GMT -8
The End of the Tunnel — Conclusion
Seeing the statue moving gave him
that indication that Saoirse
was indeed heeding all of their
words here in her mind, Atlantis
knew that this would work.
He had been placidly
staring at the statue, and
didn't even care any more
for that spider which seemed
to keep wanting to harm them.
He just stayed motionless
and then his head turned
with his body when the one Ayla
had been focused on from the start...
He wasn't surprised.
However Atlantis did smile and
incline his head when Saoirse
requested their help.
It was why they were here for,
and also probably why it was
Ayla and not Mace currently present.
He had always been in awe
at how the Kiffars worked,
especially the Vos cousins,
it was as if they knew,
then again it had been a while
since he stopped questioning that.
In the end, it just worked one way or the other.
"We are with you..." He reiterated,
though he was pretty sure
that he didn't need to say that,
but when she came to stand
next to him, Atlantis did place
a hand on her shoulder and
gave it a squeeze to let her know
that she had his unconditional support,
always and no matter what.
Focusing on the task at hand,
with Ayla's guidance for Saoirse,
Atlantis could just feel how seemingly
and easily she was gathering the
strength she needed, he might have
been outside of the Academy,
but still with him in her mind,
he let her take on every bit of his
strength to dispel Dragnea from her mind.
Sensing that everyone,
who were aware of Saoirse's struggles,
were reaching out to the Force and
giving in their help, Atlantis could
only look at the spider who turned
into Vladislay Dragnea be trapped
in that Wall of Light, and
then it was over...
Blinded by the light, Atlantis
closed his eyes briefly
and felt that Saoirse was slipping,
before he could catch her...
Atlantis had been thrown out of her mind, due to her exhaustion from the Wall of Light that Ayla guided her to perform. Opening his eyes and blinking a few times they had finally done it, she had done it. And that actually made him smile, a smile that he gave Lyov before nodding in appreciation for the assistance. "Thank you." Atlantis said, and perhaps the Epicanthix might have felt that he had done nothing, but for Atlantis, he had done plenty, and that was just perfectly fine with him. He knew that Lyov was willing to redeem himself, and today further proved that, and for that, Lyov would eternally have Atlantis' respect.
Glancing over the Kiffar cousins with an amused grin, "Gotta admit that was one bumpy ride to begin with, but thank you for guiding her in doing all of that." Taking both of his lightsabers that were sitting before him, Atlantis placed those back to his forearms before standing up even if he was told to rest. "Later. I need to check up on her." Atlantis made sure that he was just fine right now, he could still walk, but then he rushed towards the Academy's interior, actually not caring for the damages that had occurred, he just wanted to see that everyone was alright, but mostly his thoughts were turned towards Saoirse... |
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Elikapeka Hekekia
Mist Government
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Post by Elikapeka Hekekia on Jul 6, 2023 7:59:02 GMT -8
Grounds - South of Academy
Bria and Veda, having done as Mace instructed them to do after she had informed them of what had happened and was happening currently with Saoirse, move to Ayla and place their hands on her shoulders just as Saoirse reaches out in the Force to the residents of the academy to connect with them and gather their combined Light Side energy in preparation to use a Wall of Light to dispel the spirit of the fox mask that had possessed her. Opening themselves to the Force and to Saoirse to join in the combined effort of all of the academy residents to help their friend, Bria and Veda concentrate on lending as much Light Side energy as they can to their friend.
After the Wall of Light has successfully dispelled Dragnea's spirit, which they feel as they were joined with Saoirse and all of the academy's residents during their friend's successful release of the collective Light Side energy, Veda and Bria return the squeezes Ayla gives their hands and then both sit down to recover from the intense effort as Mace heads off to check on the others in the academy.
Lyov, giving Atlantis a wave of his hand to indicate that there is no need to thank him when the Grandmaster does so, continues to sit along with Ayla, Bria and Veda to regain his strength as well; a small smile rising on his face as what they have achieved sinks in, as well as what it means to him personally that he was a part of it; while he may not have contributed as much Light Side energy to the Wall of Light as others more strongly connected to the Light had, Lyov had felt Ashla's presence more strongly than he ever had when he called on Her to aid him in helping Saoirse, making the victory they have achieved all the sweeter for him.
Grounds - Near Front Entrance
Aidan-as-a-Krayt-Dragon, laying down on his stomach after lending all of the Light Side energy he could to Saoirse when she had reached out to gather it to her, gives Franz a massive clawed thumbs up when his Master suggests he takes a few moments to walk around and enjoy being a Krayt before changing back, but as he starts to rise up and do so, the Gupin sees three of the academy's DUM-series pit droids - programmed to perform everything from groundskeeping to housekeeping duties - one standing with a rake, another with a shovel, and the third with a tamper looking at him almost accusingly as they get ready to start repairing the damage he had done to the academy grounds while battling the undead.
As ANDR-05, the DUM with the shovel, shakes its head, Aidan-as-a-Krayt-Dragon shifts back to his normal form, wings fluttering to keep him aloft, and says, "Sorry about the mess," then flaps his wings to zip away to follow his Master.
As he reaches Franz, who is talking to Mace, Aidan sees another trio of DUM droids the academy's AI - 53RR-1N - has dispatched to start dealing with the damage inside the academy, seeming to glare at Franz as - carrying axes, saws and other tools to deal with the forest in the stairwell - they march along to the stairs, the leader of the trio, A+LAN+-15 even shaking a metallic fist at Franz as it beeps and boops what can only be a few curses in Binary.
Other DUMs dispatched by 53RR-1N clank about elsewhere in the academy - some with mops beginning to deal with Franz's fire sprinkler assisted water damage, others gathering up broken furniture, and others replacing broken holo-projectors and security cameras - while a pair of 2-1B series medical droids are sent to check on Gida and Nadira.
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Mace Jhiera Vos
The Mist Order
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Post by Mace Jhiera Vos on Jul 7, 2023 6:51:58 GMT -8
“Franz,” Smiling and inclining her head as a greeting, she could not help but to be amused at the state of the hall way, but also the stairwell over there. “I think that you have definitely broke the record of the most damages here . . .” Although she knew that it wasn’t just him, she also knew that it could not be helped at all considering that the primary goal was to the protect the students at the Academy.
Noticing that Aidan had joined them, Mace looked at the Gupin with a knowing smile, inclining her head to let him know that he did good, great even. “You can consider that mask situation dealt with, Aidan, unfortunately though, Lavigne escaped when Atlantis, Lyov and myself were busy with foes of our own at the villa.” She informed him thoughtfully, not that they might be crossing the Er’kit’s path any time soon, but it was just to let him know in case.
Noticing that her cousin had finally stood up and was in the company of Bria, Veda, but also Lyov, she smiled slightly at the Padawans but also Lyov, whom she was sure was still reeling from what he had gone through, just like the rest, but probably he also felt guilty. “Atlantis went to get Saoirse from Forcias, I believe the Grandmaster will make sure that she doesn’t have any serious physical injuries, and you might find him at the students’ quarters.” She informed them knowing that they were worried about the Zabrak, and probably also Lyov was feeling guilty, “She’ll be fine with you there.”
Just when the Padawans took their leave with Lyov, Mace focused her attention on the three Guardians, well one of them was a former Guardian, but that did not stop her from still considering Forcias as such. “Thank you.” Said Mace to all of them, and knowing exactly what happened when they faced Saoirse who was still possessed previously, and that Mecrosa member, Vasilisa Sobol. “I see.” Said Mace when she had her gaze focused on Horsea who just blew some air and shook her head.
“She shouldn’t have screamed honestly, perhaps I should have put some dampening cuffs on her, but . . .”
“You did what you had to do, Horsea. Besides, judging from what I have seen.” Began to say Ayla as she looked at her cousin with an amused grin. “She won’t be missed.” Looking at the General for a brief moment, she was going to address Honoros, but sighed faintly. “In any case, Horsea, you and Forcias should go, I believe that the Vice Governor asked something of you about a potential breach?”
Nodding knowingly but also thankful that Ayla was kind enough to dismiss she and Forcias, Horsea and Forcias inclined their heads to the cousins and even to Franz before leaving the Academy.
“He has made his choice, Honoros. Whether you like it or not, she is an integral part of his life . . .” Barely whispered Mace in a low tone before looking at the one she considered like an uncle. “You can either accept that, or keep pretending it doesn’t affect you, but he is also family, and your family in particular . . .”
Grunting and making his way out of the Academy, not needing to say anything on where he was going, or what he was going to do for in any case, Mace just Ayla would already know, Honoros just took his leave after nodding slightly to Franz.
“Treats, probably Franz, or just let them all rest, they need it, though I am very sure that we’ll figure it out and go from there. . .”
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Franz Delgrave
The Mist Order
Posts: 279
Affiliation: The Mist Order
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Post by Franz Delgrave on Jul 7, 2023 8:45:49 GMT -8
"It's not like I had any other choice." Franz replied before adding with a shrug. "Okay, the plants there and vines, that was totally my fault, I own it, but the scorched marks, which activate the fire suppressant and sprinklers, that was totally a countermeasure." Although he did scratch the bag of his head and all things considering, he had to admit, at least it was over...
Though his gaze turned towards the DUM droid, and Franz looked at him with narrowed eyes and replied in kind with a few boops and beeps mostly saying that was not entirely his fault. Though okay the tree over there was, and he still said sorry for the extra work but at least everyone was safe, and the droid should be happy about that. "Ugh, why is it that I am always the one getting in those predicaments with the droids, but when you fry the training droids, they don't even say a word." Franz muttered under his breath as he rubbed his forehead and just listened to what Mace was telling his Padawan. He had figured that it was his assignment to Aidan that led to this, especially when he saw Saoirse with the Vulptex mask, and the one with the Feline mask, well, that was just all surreal.
Franz guessed that this was all for a reason, and thankfully no one had been harmed physically. Now about Saoirse, hopefully indeed she would just be fine, he wasn't worried, she was well surrounded, and Mace did send them along on where to find the Zabrak, but also Atlantis. Looking at the Kiffars, he always knew called them the cavalry in a way, when they were needed, he always knew that they would turn up. Franz inclined his head to them as a thanks, and looked at Ayla dubiously about what she mentioned, a breach she said, one that Andros had asked the Director of Intelligence to investigate?
Well that did not sound too good, but at the same time from their expression, Franz couldn't see anything that would cause them any worries, at least not the Academy, and that was government related, completely out of their jurisdiction. Smiling slightly and then glancing at Mace, he guessed that she was right, most of the students here had to just rest, and they would just go from there. "I don't suppose you sai cha'd that said foe of yours, huh?" He asked dubiously, most of them, and perhaps it was even that said rumor also in the Academy that Mace often decapitated her enemies when she had no choice at all.
"What happened to the cat mask woman, by the way?" From what Horsea said, a Force scream might have been in the mix, and maybe Horsea just shut her up, he supposed that she did considering the moment that Saoirse had dispelled that dark presence, the other dark sider seemed to have met her demise too around the same time.
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Atlantis Vyridian
The Mist Order
Posts: 702
Affiliation: The Mist Order
Traffic Light: Orange
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Post by Atlantis Vyridian on Jul 7, 2023 10:21:51 GMT -8
Atlantis had walked down towards the entrance hall of the Academy, and he even had seen Mahela as he was making his way towards his cousin and the Vos cousins. He had nodded to the Togruta to let her know indeed she was up there in her room, but he said nothing more, he figured that Saoirse and everyone in the room would fill her in on what happened.
"She did." Replying to Franz's question about Nerses' demise against Mace back at the villa outside of the city. Although that was a story for another time he supposed, one that he would be happy to fill in Franz later on, after all when it came to update one another, they always did one way or the other, it was less complicated when it came to the Kiffar cousins in essence due to their innate ability to read people's mind when able. Even so that was not a known fact to the students at all.
"Anyways, I wanted to tell you all something." Now that his mind was probably more at ease and just he could just reorder his thoughts the best ways he could, not that Mace or Ayla would even be reading his mind in this instance as truthfully they often did not unless they were given a sign, and thus, he'd fill them in all. "I don't suppose any of you have any dealings with Hapes in the past, right?" Atlantis asked dubiously, maybe they did, maybe they did not, it was worth a shot in asking, but fact remained last night, there had been a situation that involved Delaana Wan, Crystal's PA who was not just Hapan, and was actually more than that.
"I may head out to Hapes with them. As it turned out that Lana is actually a Chume something... Chume'doro. And apparently she had been recalled by the Queen Mother of the Hapes Consortium." He explained thoughtfully, no doubt that he didn't need to spell it out further, at least he didn't think he needed to. Lana was with Elika, and considering that Crystal and Lily were close friends to the Architect and they always supported one another, that was a given on why they would go. "So I need to know if the three of you would be okay in just helming the Academy for a bit?" At the same time though, he knew that he needed to be there for Saoirse, but at the same time, he wanted to be there for Elika, maybe he could take Saoirse with him? At least that would be a welcoming change after everything she went through...
He supposed he would have to see, though for now he knew he had to think about a few things as he clearly did not want to just leave without warning the Councilors here, his trusted friends, the one he called family too...
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Elikapeka Hekekia
Mist Government
Posts: 184
Affiliation: Mist Government
Traffic Light: Orange
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Post by Elikapeka Hekekia on Jul 7, 2023 21:34:33 GMT -8
Front Entrance Hall
After exiting their airspeeder and exchanging a look with Nazani after they get a look at the repairs taking place on the academy grounds, UPD Detective Cleite Kallas reminds her partner, "I'll do the talking," not trusting the Lorrdian to keep her prejudice out of her tone when they speak with Delgrave, who, while he may not know about Ibori's ancestry, would probably not appreciate hearing any hint of bias or prejudicial views from the detectives investigating Ibori's death.
UPD Detective Nazani Pakchoian, a short, curvy, olive complected Lorridan with an unruly mop of dark brown wavy hair, nods as she puts her hands into the side pockets of her olive colored trench coat, "Already said that, partner, then reminds the a pale skinned red head with large blue eyes, You know I've worked with some of the Mist Order's Jedi before, right? I'll handle any questions they might have while you talk with Delgrave."
Shrugging, Cleite says, "Alright, then steps inside the academy where a few of the Jedi are speaking together. As Nazani gives Atlantis and Mace, who she worked with during both the investigation into and eventual arrest of Lyov Entin, Cleite takes her badge from her suit coat pocket and introduces herself in a calm, even tone that, like her placid expression and any attempts that might be made to read her mind, reveals no hint of the reason she and her partner are here, I'm Detective Kallas with the UPD. I'd like to speak with Master Delgrave, she nods towards Franz, recognizing him from the holo-vid of the interview taken when he reported Ibori's disappearance, asking him, Is there someplace we could speak privately, Master Delgrave?"
Nazani, knowing Atlantis and Mace might have questions, crosses her arms over her chest and subtly lifts a finger to silently request they wait a moment for her partner and Delgrave to go elsewhere before asking them.
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Mace Jhiera Vos
The Mist Order
Posts: 256
Affiliation: The Mist Order
Traffic Light: Orange
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Post by Mace Jhiera Vos on Jul 8, 2023 0:15:21 GMT -8
Lifting her hand to let Franz know that she was not at all bothered by what happened at the entrance hall over all and the stairwell. Like he had said, he hadn't been given much of a choice. Chuckling and looking at him after his exchange with the DUM droid, Mace just shrugged one of her shoulders and just let him know. "Well therein lies the difference, my dear friend. Training droids does not involve trees sprouting from under the academy floor, and I leave less of a mess for them to clean up I suppose." Hearing Ayla chuckle by her side, Mace looked at her cousin with a grin as both of them knew exactly when they had fried some of those said droids . . .
It had been a several days ago, when Ayla demonstrated the mind melding to some of the students with some of the other Kiffars' assistance. "Yes, not much of complaints there, and besides, obviously this is a completely different scenario." One that she needn't to explain further. Though in the end, it was all good, the other students had not been harmed, and none of them, saved for the droids it seemed, would bat an eyelash to the damage this battle caused.
Just smiling at the question asked by Franz, Mace just shrugged once more, and did not need to reply since Atlantis did give the reply himself, though about the other Mecrosa Order, since only some of the Kiffars had been there at the dining hall, Mace just told him. "Lightsaber through the back of her head . . ." She supposed he would get the picture from there and the following, plus it would explain Horsea's previous statement. All in the past now, and they had dealt with those masks altogether, here at the Academy, and the two others at the villa they were previously.
Arching her eyebrow when Atlantis asked if any of them had any dealings with Hapes in the past, Mace did not at all and as far as she was concerned she also wasn't aware of any of the Guardians venturing to the Consortium, as she did know that they had no reasons to go there, plus apparently getting there could get tricky if the pilot was not experienced. Other than that Mace just shook her head to his first assumption, about Delaana though, that she was not aware either but it seemed that one of them were . . .
"Hapes is . . . well let's just say that going there and being a male would not much be in your favor." Said Ayla knowingly from the stories she knew, or even heard about, not that she ever ventured to Hapes. There was back then some anti-Jedi sentiment from the stories she knew, and perhaps they also knew, but Hapes was also isolated so to speak, ergo why despite Kiffu being on the same Rim of the galaxy it was just far apart that she never had any reasons to go there. "But, for your question about remaining here and helming the Academy, of course, Atlantis." Ayla told him sincerely, pretty sure also that Mace did not mind either honestly.
Before she could add anything more, Ayla felt approaching presences, and she looked at the three of them before placing a hand on her cousin's shoulder. "I'll go freshen up, and check on the students in general to see if they need anything." Ayla told them as she walked away to her quarters at least knowing that the Detectives now here might not be here for her in any case, plus the Guardians as a whole did have an understanding with local authorities.
Turning to look at the Detectives who have just arrived, Mace might have been one of the mind readers of the group but she did not in this instance peer into anyone's mind as honestly this wasn't a situation that meant conflict just like previously. She inclined her head respectfully and looked at Franz when Detective Kallas mentioned needing to speak with him. When Franz and Cleite set off to wherever he ended up taking her, Mace looked at Nazani with a faint smile having seen her indication previously, though perhaps the question or statement that was coming might probably not have been what the detective had expected. "It has been a while, Detective Pakchoian, don't worry about the mess, the situation has been contained." So thankfully they did not come here while the Academy was being attacked. As for questions though, she figured she'd let Atlantis handle that, about the whats and whys they were here . . .
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Atlantis Vyridian
The Mist Order
Posts: 702
Affiliation: The Mist Order
Traffic Light: Orange
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Post by Atlantis Vyridian on Jul 8, 2023 2:12:35 GMT -8
Front Entrance Hall
Seeing Mace's answer, or body language from his question about having been to Hapes in the past, Atlantis focused his attention at Ayla who was filling him in about Hapes, so to speak. Well, he definitely needed a course on Hapes 101 then so he would relatively be prepared when he stepped onto the planet. "I see." Was it even a good idea that he and brother were going to head there despite that cultural difference at least. But Andros had spoken last night, and had roped him in, plus with all the details he had gotten from Crystal when they were alone he understood fully why. Delaana Wan had an oath that was bounding her to the Queen Mother, and despite that, it had turned out that Elika had decided to go with her girlfriend, which prompted Lily but also Crystal to go with her.
Plus apparently Lana's brother was affected too, as he also had the same oath as his sister.
Thanking Ayla but also Mace, he was certain too that it wouldn't be a problem for Franz, but before they could even get there, Ayla had taken her leave as Nazani and her newest partner it seemed made their way in the Academy. Placing his hand on his cousin's shoulder, Atlantis nodded towards the Gardens. "Gardens." He said before looking at Detective Kallas with a faint smile. Atlantis knew that a while back his cousin had gone to the authorities to report Ayodele missing since Franz didn't know what had happened, and didn't exactly know much from memories, but all in all, Atlantis figured it would be about that matter. So when Franz led Detective Kallas towards the gardens, he looked at Nazani with a faint smile.
"About my cousin's missing person situation, I am assuming?" He told the Lorrdian woman before closing his eyes briefly. It's not that he did want to know the details, it was just that he actually didn't want to know about it, as at the same time he had a bad feeling about it. He figured in time he would know, for now he wouldn't be pressing for any answers by asking any questions that went in that direction. Instead. "I actually wanted to contact you about that stolen mask from that perp. You won't find that mask anymore." He explained as he gestured to what was being repaired around the Academy. "That caused all of this, unfortunately though, Lavigne escaped again as we were busy" Gesturing to himself and Mace, he did not need to mention Lyov right this instant, and he certainly still kept a cool calm and collected demeanor. "With Darksiders outside of the city in a villa to where the Er'kit led us to. So if you come across a report certain names like Nerses, Vasilisa, and Jirair come up, just put it under Mist Order's jurisdiction, I'll send a detail of all that to UPD." Atlantis didn't know if it was Nazani handling all of those, but Atlantis did know that the MO and UPD had an agreement in sharing information, or details when necessary. Plus it was also the reason why they had access to Lavigne's dealings, or at least Aidan did.
That aside though, Atlantis smiled, and he had actually forgotten his manners. "It's good to see you, and I wished you had come in here under better circumstances too. I know your new partner will fill in Franz, but can we also assist you for anything?"
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Franz Delgrave
The Mist Order
Posts: 279
Affiliation: The Mist Order
Traffic Light: Orange
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Post by Franz Delgrave on Jul 8, 2023 7:57:42 GMT -8
Front Entrance Hall
Smirking knowingly and understanding that definitely his shenanigans right there with the tree and all of that was totally different, Franz wasn't surprised to have found out that the darksider that had been unfortunate to cross blades with Mace ended up headless, although the whole lightsaber at the back of ones head, the demise of Cat lady, he did not know what was worst. "Sheesh, you Kiffars are definitely brutal." Franz jokingly said with a shudder for show at least but then he was surprised to find out that Atlantis was going to Hapes.
As far as he was concerned, Atlantis could go, and it was fine with Franz, he understood the reasoning enough on why the Grandmaster had to go, which was why Franz did not mind also overseeing the Academy while he was gone, plus there were enough of them plus the AI so that would definitely not be a problem which he let his cousin know with a nod.
Before saying anything though, Franz looked in front of him and noticed two women making their way inside of the Academy. The humor on his face disappeared only to be replaced by being expressionless at this moment, and it turned out that Detective Kallas was looking for him... He definitely had a bad feeling about this, but he nodded nonetheless and gestured for the detective to follow him towards the gardens, like Atlantis had mentioned.
Gardens
"We are alone." He told her after he pushed a button to clear the mists in the gardens that was slowly being cleared out to reveal the area for her. He didn't even want to ask the reason why she wanted to talk to him, he already had an idea as a few years ago, he did go to UPD to file a missing person report. One day she was here, and the next, not anymore. "Have you found..." Pausing and closing his eyes momentarily, he finally said instead. "I am listening."
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Elikapeka Hekekia
Mist Government
Posts: 184
Affiliation: Mist Government
Traffic Light: Orange
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Post by Elikapeka Hekekia on Jul 10, 2023 8:53:30 GMT -8
Front Entrance Hall
As Franz leads Cleite away towards the Gardens, Nazani offers Mace a professional smile since anything else would be out of place given the reason she and her partner have come to the academy, telling her, "It has been a while, yes, arching an eyebrow in concern after Mace says the situation leading to the academy's current state has been dealt with, I hope everyone is alright?"
Before she has the chance to ask for any details, Atlantis greets her by asking if she and her partner are here about the missing persons case Franz had filed, which she answers with a nod before Atlantis explains that the damage to the academy had something to do with the mask recently stolen by Lavigne; which doesn't really tell her much even though she can venture a guess or two based on the fact the Grandmaster adds that three Dark Siders were also involved in some way. As she takes out a datapad and makes a note of the names Atlantis provided along with the fact a villa outside of the city was involved, Nazani says, "I'll let Commissioner Niyol know to forward any reports that come in about the Dark Siders to you, and then pockets the datapad as she nods and agrees with Atlantis, I wish it was under better circumstances too, sighing as she laughs without amusement and asks rhetorically, Last time we saw each other was during the Entin and Orlov arrest, right?" Frowning as she finds herself thinking of how her previous partner had died during Entin's arrest along with several other UPD officers and two Jedi, and of the nightmares she still suffers from after Entin had used some kind of Dark Side ability to instill a paralyzing level of fear in her and others attempting to apprehend him and his apprentice. Shaking off her memories, Nazani purses her lips in thought when Atlantis asks if there is any way he or Mace could assist her and her partner into the investigation of Ibori's death.
Taking her datapad out again, Nazani frowns apologetically as she says, "Maybe you could help us, then sighs and informs them, As you have probably guessed, we've found Ibori's body. It . . . She was buried in the Cetoasa Mountains; hiker found the body when a rockslide uncovered the grave. It was an execution style killing, Nazani says, deciding to be upfront with the Jedi rather than downplay the nature of Ibori's death, Slugthrower shot to the back of the head. Giving that a moment to sink in, Nazani hits them with the next possibly disturbing fact, watching their faces closely to see if they seem surprised or not, Autopsy revealed Ibori was an Anzat, over 900 years old."
Gardens
Following Franz to the gardens, Cleite had been prepared to gently lead into the fact that Ayodele Ibori had been found, but has to adapt her plan based on the fact that the Jedi, unsurprisingly, has already guessed that is why she and her partner are at the academy.
Since it would be cruel to drag things out given that Franz seems to almost know what she is going to tell him, Cleite rests her hand on his forearm consolingly as she says gently, "I am so very sorry to have to inform you that Miss Ibori's body has been found, Master Delgrave, and that she was the victim of foul play. Stepping back and gesturing towards a bench, knowing that suspecting a thing and having it confirmed are two very different things, Cleite asks, Would you like to have a seat? Giving Franz a moment to absorb what she has said and to choose whether to sit or remain standing, Cleiete asks just as gently as before, Are you feeling up to answering a few questions, Master Delgrave? Miss Ibori's killer, or killers, left almost no physical evidence behind for us to use to identify them, but you may have information that could help us bring them to justice. If now is not a good time, we can come back later, or meet you at the precinct if that is more convenient."
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Mace Jhiera Vos
The Mist Order
Posts: 256
Affiliation: The Mist Order
Traffic Light: Orange
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Post by Mace Jhiera Vos on Jul 10, 2023 11:40:56 GMT -8
Front Entrance Hall
Blinking slowly paired with a nod, Mace reassured Nazani, “Physically yes, and with support they will be fine most certainly.” That was all there was, mentally some might be affected but overall, she was very certain that with the support of everyone’s, they would get past it.
Staying her tongue, then and there, as Atlantis did the talking, which she always let him do quite honestly due to him being the Grandmaster of the Mist Order, Mace paid attention to the exchange. Probably a good thing too that Atlantis omitted Lyov, and his involvement. Fact was the Epicanthix did help them today, at the villa, and even here when he agreed to go into Saoirse’s mind. But for Nazani, it might still be a sore memory. Like it had been for several of them here at the Mist Order, but they accepted it, and got past all of them. One way or another . . .
Not one to peer into people’s mind quite honestly, even if she could, but not in these types of instances, Mace had only based her impression right now on the detective’s frown, that indeed it was a good memory that night.
Mace only had that impression from Atlantis and Franz who had met Ayodele a long time ago it seemed, and they had never thought of her to be dangerous to be around and so when not only the words execution style killing came up, which got her to furrow her eyebrows, and was then followed by the revelation that Ayodele was in fact an Anzat, Mace’s jaw clenched briefly, just like her hands behind her back balled up slightly into fists . . .
However.
Relaxing instantly, Mace arched her eyebrow. “She has never harmed Master Delgrave.” Said Mace truthfully, and Ayodele had also been close enough to other people that were strong in the Force, namely Atlantis, and Crystal also back then, and yet she had never heard Franz say anything that she was dangerous or whatever. It was a fact, that Mace despised the Anzati as a whole, due to what one of them had done to her in the past before being saved by her cousin. But even so, she had enough common sense to not put all of the Anzat into the same bag and treat them all as species to kill due to their attraction of the thing they called ‘soup’.
“I’ll probably be the first one to say that I am not fond of that species at all for an encounter I had with one of them in the past a long time ago, but I haven’t heard anyone in the planet be a victim of an Anzat here.” Her disdain went way back but even so, she wasn’t closed minded nor was she prejudiced enough to perhaps not give anyone a chance. But fact remained, a slugthrower, that wasn’t a weapon that any of them carried here nor had that type of weapon at the Academy.
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