First Reply Black Lotus

[Sawa Ike]

The sounds of K2 moving were the first thing that came... the second was the sound of a repeating cannon that he was holding up. The Onna were around and the energy vampire grinned widely. Her fangs snapping into place. SOmeone had tried to attack Pandamonia a sanctuary for some on the world and they had killed a few of her workers... authorities arriving in time to at least chase them off but they were marked and would be hunted... That was why they had come here. She had after all kept her promise to rip the one hutts chest open. Remaining there while she looked at the slug moving around on the floor. His guards dealing with the droid as a crash could be heard from outside. Her soldiers from the Xianghua Initiative were moving forward... there was aonly a small squad of them but their black hair and eyes showed the powert they had been given.

Then it was over as she was sitting in the covered center of Ashthorne. The sitting children there as she ran a finger over Sarayashiki and looked at them. Her breathing clear and silvery eyes watching all of them. "Hear you now the sad lament Of Unaga the Star of the Morning. Whose parents died of sickness, When she was not but ten. Eldest of the three Ladies of Bei Xi, So off Young Unaga went to live with her wicked uncle who one night stole her honor." She allowed the force to roam around... darkside tendrils searching... seeking. The children of the town served her as she ruled over them from the Fortress of the Dawn and observed. "So into the night she fled. Oh Unaga you'll never escape, The Fate the Gods of Atrisia have written And life must seem the cruelest jest Oh Star of the Morning."

Her tendrils searched and sought... weaving where the sounds could be heard around the town. The people were there and some had a fear n their eyes and presence. They knew what it meant when she came there but they also knew they prospered and were given protection. "To the yovshin she fled to take the oath and leave her troubled past. She cut her hair and changed her name To Vatsyayana. At the Imperial City Unaga took the vows. To protect the emperor and all he upheld." She could see others in the gathering... hear voices when the tendrils latched onto some of the children softly to test and see. Rava and Akano Namimi there near the buildings as they watched checking who was able to maintain their attention while being sapped of strength.

"Thought a boy by all and she hoped to live as anew in the royal guard. Oh Unaga you'll never escape The Fate the Gods of Atrisia have written and life must seem the cruelest jest Oh poor Star of the Morning." THey indicated they had found two... and sent messages to K2 to mark them as the droid went around. The sleek black casing hiding its array of weapons. "Now Unaga was so careful to keep from watchful eyes but one night as she bathed her brothers beheld a sight." She flicked her eyes over to look at the ones that she could see the tags on. From the scents in the air they were sisters which was oh so precious when her words came out adjusting the magic of the spell. To retract. "Her body bare... they were quick to break their vows as they threw her to the ground. While Unaga made not a sound. Her life bleeding out."

She allowed the force to hum from herself as she listened to herself. "Oh Unaga there's no escape The Fate the Gods of Atrisia have written and life does seem the cruelest jest Oh poor star of the morning. Cursed to walk the palaces shadowy halls A pale form singing sorrowfully The loneliest, saddest song." The ending came, the force returning to her and the children looked sad from the song. their parents coming to get them as Rava motioned with her fingers where to go and Sawa walked over. "Hello, little ones." Her eyes flicked between them and their mother was there in the corner looking fearful as she had K2 come over. "I have been wanting to meet the pair of you all day." The smile remained as they seemed happy now and when she busted out flavored ice treats for them.. well she was their best friend.

"My little droid here, could use a tour... why don't you show him around the village and I shall talk with your mother." She got nods as they were leading the droid around and Rava went with them. Sawa turning to go with the woman over to the one who look in a panic. "Such wonderful children my dear and twins at that. I will have to make sure you all receive extra this holiday season." She said it and holding her hand out was given a bag of gemstones. "They shall be taken care of my sweet." THe woman was looking at it and the others knew what happened.. they had seen the results of it and the fighters created were engines of destruction meant to be sent against enemies. "Please, you took my sister when we were little... not them." Oh.... dear. Her eyes opened and closed for a moment with a long blink.

"I see." She moved around her and looked at the woman for a moment. Taking the look of it. "I would hate to separate a family... mine has been apart for so long." Silver eyes watched the woman who seemed to be thinking about it. She seemed to think for a moment she was going to get her way as Sawa was behind her and hands grasping her shoulders. The click of fangs came... the gasp was quickly cut off when the jaw went over her neck and she remained there for the moment while the Onna were standing around. THey caught her when she was about to fall and Sawa looked at her. "Well looks like this can go to someone who appreciates when they are given good things." She looked and the few who were watching averted their eyes as she was walking off and the children would serve.

She went to one of the airships and was heading towards the further off Pillow Book in the mountains. A hotsprings and meditation center that was good for relaxing the mind and body but also getting away from all the noise of a fortress.

 

[Maple Harte]

And aboard the airship she arrived in, she would find Darth Strelok aboard, waiting in pitch black biker leathers.

"I finally, finally had some free time, Sawa Ike ..." Strelok nonchalantly announced.

"You would not believe the hassle of booking a trip to Atrisia these days..." Strelok remarked, sipping a milkshake.

"So, dear Sawa, how goes the grind for you? I couldn't resist the opportunity to catch up." Strelok admitted. "And between dealing with House Io and you? I much prefer you."

 

[Sawa Ike]

Maple Harte

She looked at the woman and there was surprise on her face... and amusement and then some minor rage and joy... all in her eyes within a moment. THe grin forming on her face though showed. "It is nice to see you again." Her movements going forward were more slinky and she took a seat. The airships open aired to have a view as going itno the air and through the mountains or over the forests was always a wonderful sight to behold. The beauty of Atrisia something many were able to see as the Commonwealth had been developing a lot more of their improvements... weather control and regulation was only an aspect of what they could do as was the improved air quality and terraforming to maintain the environment at the best conditions for people to thrive. She sat down and brought her hand up to trace a finger along the jawline. "Still so delicious my sweet."

 

[Maple Harte]

"It is good to see you as well, Sawa..." Strelok said to her one remaining friend from the old days, smiling as Sawa Ike traced a finger along her jaw.

"Nice airship..." Strelok observed. "It's been so long since I just stopped and took in the scenery..."

It was telling Strelok was not speaking too much on House Io. Mainly because she had secretly sided with Darth Themis after her last meeting with Sawa inspired her to take matters into her own hands and was helping smuggle people who wanted out of House Io out, under the nose of Percival Io and the like. It wasn't just the Model 1 known as David playing fast and loose now. She was even on the verge of swaying Laertia's first three daughters in private.

Strelok was simply unable to stomach the sheer evil of the Cult, which was now quite happily open. Again and again she questioned herself for staying, for having fallen in so deep with them to begin with. Was it just her schizophrenia affecting her judgement or had she, on some level, wanted, and reveled in The Cult's shameless, cruel, evil for the sake of evil mindset without admitting it even to herself? Had she wanted the chaos and murder Laertia brought?

Even now, as Strelok searched her own addled, damaged mind, she found it terrified her, not knowing the answer. Not knowing was more horrible.

"I'm on break, thought I'd come visit you, remind myself there is someone outside the House who still knows I exist. I missed you. Life has not been...clear, as of late...

She leaned forward.

"I'm plotting against Laertia..."

 

[Sawa Ike]

Maple Harte

She looked at her and she seemed troubled.. her mind always different places and when she leaned closer she breathed in the scent with a smile forming on her face. "Well it is always good to hear you want to come and see me." She said it and moved pulling her a little closer to close the small distance. Her thoughts racing but she kissed and pulled back looking at her with silvery eyes. "My sweet maple.. you only need come to me." She lounged back and offered her arms. "Come, you need my energy... help clear some of that haze from your head and you can relax with me my sweet." The grin remained as she made space for her to be able to curl in and held up a slender hand.