If There Be Thorns

[Anastasia Rade]

Concord Dawn

She had yet to take her Padawan out of the Temple and into the real galaxy. Sure she had taken him to temples on different planets but she still felt she was sheltering him. Ana never would do that to the little Mando she would work with. She was beginning to believe that her relationship with Fletcher shouldn't be any different. War was brewing and she needed to prepare him incase he got in the middle of it.

The outskirts of Mandalorian territory was the perfect place to take him to explore. It was a safe place to introduce him to her culture and some of her Vode. The galaxy was full of different types of people and the Mandalorians were some of the roughest types. She had faith that this time he could handle it unlike at the party. He had grown a lot since that time.

"When we get in the city, I want to introduce you to some of my family." Instead of taking him to city straight away Ana wanted to do some exploring of the jungle to prep him a bit plus she had never been out here herself. Forests and jungles alike were some of her favorite places as she found them calming.

Out here amongst the trees there wasn't people as much as different types of creatures to interact with. It was a better test than him getting in a bar fight. That would be the last thing she needed.

Normally he saw her in her Jedi robes but today she was decked out in her armor which she always felt more comfortable in than anything else. Ana wanted to be prepared for anything that could happen. Her helmet she kept in her hand for now so she looked less threatening.

"You doing ok," she smiled at him as the tromped forward through the greenery.

[member="Sage Bane"] [member="Darth Ferus"] [member="Fletcher Lorcan"]

 

[PadawnPrawn]

He walked besides her, wearing standard brown Jedi robes. He smiled up at her. "That sounds nice." he said, genuinely happy about the chance to meet her family. His master was like the only family he had and any family of hers would soon become his.
He loved going on to places in general with Ana, partly because he was so passionate about becoming a Jedi that he wanted to succeed and become a night but mostly because he admired her so much and enjoyed spending time and working with her, and although he was exploring unfamiliar territory, he didn't feel the slightest bit worried with Ana.

"Yeah. It's just so... green." he said light heartedly as he smiled at her once again. He followed in her steps, looking around curiously every now and then.

[member="Anastasia Rade"] [member="Darth Ferus"] [member="Sage Bane"]

 

[Darth Ferus]

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"Yes, very green." A rather light hearted voice sounded off from the trees around [member="Fletcher Lorcan"] and [member="Anastasia Rade"] . The voice would be unfamiliar, but if either of them were to try to locate the source, they would find nothing. Even as the red man dressed in his odd leather garb stepped out, they would find themselves unable to sense his presence. Was he force dead? Or was it something else? It was indeed something else, something known as Art Of The Small, an ability for a user to shrink there presence in the force to an atomic level.

"Though, I'm sure that will change shortly. I've been looking for you Anastasia. Well, not just me of course, but I'm the one here right now." A grin one would give to a familiar person formed upon his own face. Yet it was very clear that neither of them knew one another. Darth Ferus had come here with a single goal. End the life of the Mandalorian Jedi. But of course, not everything went to plan. This time the Sith Lord was not alone, and the apprentice of someone rather close to himself was brought along as part of a test. [member="Sage Bane"] was another potential recruit for the Sith Assassins, and as the assassins go, he needed to see how well he functioned. For now, the Lord was a distraction to give the boy a chance for a surprise attack.

Here's hoping he would do it.

Continuing his little speech, the Zarbak would do what he could to keep the pairs attention upon himself, holding both of his arms up and to the side like a 'T'. "You see, Rally Master, we know of you. And because of this, we have to kill you. So, will you surrender and make this easy for all of us?" The grin grew wider on the mans face as he spoke. In reality, he hated smiling. But the grins often put unease into his opponents, and it was something he couldn't help but exploit. Suddenly his presence would snap back to it's fullest, and his choking aura of darkness would blanket the area like a thick blanket. "I do hope you say no though. I'm itching for some fun."

 

[PadawnPrawn]

Taken back by the sudden appearance and threats of someone who he hadn't recognised. "Of course the answer is going to be no, who in the right mind would give themselves up to be killed?" he asked sarcastically as he moved in front of Ana to shield her. He looked at the man for a moment before taking the lightsaber from his belt and igniting it, holding it pointed down, though not moving from where he stood.

"You're not going to kill her because you have to get through me first." he said calmly, remaining composed as he had been taught. He had no idea why Ana would be an assassination target but he figured this wasn't a time to ask questions. Quick to jump to action, he wasn't going to let this person kill his master. Glaring at [member="Darth Ferus"] after he grinned at them, it was clear who he was and who his allies were.

"Tough luck." he scoffed, standing with his feet planted firmly in front of his master, though he knew well enough she could just as easily defend herself. He wasn't going to stand and watch while someone attempted to assassinate her.

[member="Anastasia Rade"] [member="Sage Bane"]

 

[Sage Bane]

Hello innocence...

Hiding in the underbrush like a serpent coiled around an apple, was Sith Acolyte, Sage Bane. Bane was under the instruction of Sith Master Darth Ferus to perform a test of sorts. The One Sith had their eye on Sage for his initiation into an elite group of assassins hand-plucked from their ranks. The target for his hit was an interesting one, and the young Acolyte wasn't sure if the selection was intentional or a fluke. He was ordered to kill Anastasia Rade, Mandalorian Rally Master and ex-girlfriend of his brother Cryax.

The first trap had been set by Darth Ferus. All Sage had to do was ambush the blonde Jedi Knight while Darth Ferus kept her busy with his trickery. It was clear from their voices, however, that Rade was not alone. Over the foliage, Sage spotted a tuft of angelic blonde hair next to the Mandalorian woman. It seemed that she had a boy with her, most likely a Padawan. The two of them made such a cherubic pair. Blonde-hair, wind chafed Jedi peacekeepers, going on a nature hike together. Sage could almost vomit.

It was adorable how the brave, little Jedi Knight wanted to protect his Master. So full of bravado and pluck. The boy sounded deliciously naive, too. Wrenching the light from him would certainly be fun. Perhaps there would be time for that, once he disposed of Anastasia. Sage waited with his saber hilt in his hands, his thumb gently caressing the activation switch. He wouldn't ignite it just yet. For now, he would send out a few Force tendrils into the boy's mind. The young often possessed malleable grey matter that was easy to violate. If Sage were successful the boy would hear whispers in the wind.

Your Mistress is in grave danger. She is no match for Darth Ferus. I will help you both, but you need to come to me first. And bring her to me.

From his demeanor, Sage gathered that the boy was a trusting sort. The second trap had now been sent.

[member="Fletcher Lorcan"] [member="Darth Ferus"][member="Anastasia Rade"]

 

[PadawnPrawn]

He stared coolly at [member="Darth Ferus"] for a moment before hearing a voice quietly in his mind. At first, he wanted to do all he could to get help and protect his master but at the last words, requesting that he had to bring Ana to the person, he began to feel suspicious. Were these people working together or did someone genuinely want to help? He knew his only choice was to investigate.

He gave his master a knowing look before whispering. "I'll be back." knowing that she could easily take care of herself, he walked further into the greenery, searching for the owner of the voice. If he was going to accept help from a stranger, he had learnt not to be so reckless about it. He kept his lightsaber pointed down, a mistake if he were going to be attacked. Though he doubted he was. His curiosity had failed him, leading him closer to the person and further away from Ana.

His eyes scanned the trees and bushes for any evidence of a person, though not being able to find anything. He walked along to no sound but the quiet humming of the lightsaber. He knew Ana would be fine fending for herself and didn't doubt himself either. Though of course it depended on who would be hiding in the greenery, if there was anyone there at all. Walking further and further away from his master, he was out of hearing range and so couldn't hear the pair talk any more. He grew more nervous, feeling the presence of someone else but still feeling alone...

[member="Sage Bane"]

 

[Anastasia Rade]

All Ana had truly hoped for was a nice little adventure with her Padawan. She had always felt that Mandalorian territory was safe from predators but now it seemed even home was no longer safe. It saddened the Rally Master quite a bit to see that this was all of their new reality. Sleeping with one eye open.

Before the owner of said voice stepped out of the forest and into view Ana placed the pink helmet on her. She immediately stepped in front of her Padawan whom had stepped in front of her. Ana admired his bravery but it was her job to take care of him.

"Looking for little me? I didn't know I was that special. I should feel honored." She smiled through the helmet. Ana could almost laugh as he stated she ought to just give up and that he was going to kill her. Did they not know who she was? "I would like to see you try," the Rally Master stated crossing her arms against her chest. It didn't surprise her much that people were after her. The Mandalorian Jedi had been training hard on both fronts. It was nice to see her work was not going unnoticed.

Before Ana could pull him back Fletcher had left her side and gone into the woods. She wanted to believe that he could take care of himself but at the same time she was worried about him. Ana doubted that that this Sith was alone but right now she had to worry about the Sith in front of her.

"Looks like it's just you and me." She smirked calling her silver bladed Lightsaber to her hand.

[member="Darth Ferus"]

 

[Sage Bane]

The boy fell perfectly into his trap. He had injected just enough suspicion into his whisper to make the boy doubt his intentions and do something stupid, like come alone. Now Rade and her padawan were separated, which would allow Sage to...Well, he would think about that later, lest the young Force sensitive pick up on those malicious thoughts.

The boy's face brimmed with curiosity, but there was a wariness in his eyes that told Sage that the padawan wasn't a complete dunderhead. Sensing that it was the right time, Sage stepped out of the underbrush, and right in the boy's path. The Sith Acolyte was disguised in the brown robes of the Jedi, and a lightsaber dangled at his hip. He regarded the young man with a charismatic smile and kindness in his eyes, and then explained himself to the anxious-looking padawan.

"I come from a Jedi enclave down the way." Sage turned and pointed in a vague direction. "I sensed in the Force that you and your Mistress were in trouble, and I ran as fast as I could. I wanted to show you the way to the enclave where you and she would be safe. Then I would fight Darth Ferus myself. I am familiar with this Sith and he is light years above your Mistress in skill."

Then, Sage regarded the boy with a disappointed frown, and a slight condescension in his tone. "But I notice you came alone. What were you thinking putting your Mistress in danger like that?"

[member="Fletcher Lorcan"]

 

[PadawnPrawn]

He sighed in relief and looked at Sage, putting his trust in the young man as he appeared to be a Jedi, a foolish mistake to make. Deactivating his own lightsaber, he walked towards Sage, his eyes wide with worry. Even though he trusted Ana to look after herself, he still worried for her. He had been warned about being too trusting many times, but he'd never had a chance to learn his lesson. It was a rather eerie setting amongst the greenery of an area he wasn't too familiar with.

"Anastasia is an amazing Jedi, I trust her with my life." he said determinedly. "She can beat any Sith any day." he said, a calm look on his face. His master had taught him not to panic as it would cloud judgement, though his judgement was often clouded nonetheless, he had still learnt. Once he was close enough to the young man, he looked him up and down curiously.

"Well, I came for help but-" he said, not knowing how to finish his sentence. He had no excuse for leaving her now that he thought about it. Sure, his intentions were good but the logic wasn't as great. He moved his eyes from Sage, feeling rather ashamed of himself. This was the first time he'd managed to explore these territories with his master and so far it wasn't going so well.

[member="Sage Bane"] [member="Darth Ferus"] [member="Anastasia Rade"]

 

[Darth Ferus]

Calling forth his own saber in response to [member="Anastasia Rade"] the Red Assassin would let his grin fade, and his arms fall. This wasn't a mission of torture, but testing. The still deactivated blade rested in the Lords hand for just a moment as he processed the situation. [member="Sage Bane"] had brought away [member="Fletcher Lorcan"] , a cleaver tactic he would have to congratulate the boy on later, leaving him with the mark. Well, sort of mark. He was here to test Sage, not kill really anyone. Ferus honestly did not expect anyone to die this day.

But it didn't change his want to.. Rectify that dark and depressing thought. He couldn't let such a beautiful day go to waste without at least one dead body. So, instead of speaking, he would offer one more silent smile. Death comes. Bursting forward without warning the Sith would bring up his saber hilt, and a snap hiss would cut through the silence itself as his golden blade came to life. Practically gliding across the distance between the pair he would bring the saber across right for her helm, knowing full well that Beskar would simply shrug it off.

It was the after effect he was aiming for. With the Force channeled into his blade he would unleash a force push upon getting close to her form, aiming to blast her away. The Zabrak was going to need blunt trauma to beat one wearing so much armor after all. The blast itself would be concentrated for a small part of her body (the head) with a lethal intent. Now close however, she could probably see his now golden eyes. They weren't filled with just anger, but joy.

He did live for this after all.

 

[Sage Bane]

One of the best ways to insinuate the dark side in someone was to cast doubt within them. To take that shame that lingered within the soul, and pick at it like a nagging scab. Perhaps innocence would be lost today after all.

"I see you have no answer for me, young Padawan." said Sage disdainfully. "Are you sure you're even cut out to be a Jedi?" The Sith Acolyte's gaze was dark and accusing, meant to make the boy wither.

"Perhaps the dark side lingers in you," he said. "The foolish are especially susceptible to it. Does your Master know about these dark sided tendencies of yours?"

Twisting in the knife felt so good.

[member="Fletcher Lorcan"]

 

[PadawnPrawn]

Fletcher thought about Sage's words for a moment. Was he cut out to be a Jedi? He knew he wanted to be but that didn't make him right for the part. He began questioning himself, thinking about how he was the only one in his family to take the path of the light side of the force. His force skills were average of that of a Padawan, he always thought it would just be so easy to join his family in the dark side.

He moved away from the young man, pre-cautiously. "I don't know what you're talking about." he said plainly as he rested his gaze on the Acolyte. He felt like running back to his master, they didn't need to accept help, but he felt strangely drawn to this man.

[member="Sage Bane"] [member="Anastasia Rade"] [member="Darth Ferus"]

 

[Sage Bane]

The Padawan's doubt was now palatable, and his fear was exquisite. Sage fed on it, letting the boy's welling anxiety pour into him and mingle with the dark sided Force energy that he began calling into his body. If the boy were astute, he might notice a slight billowing of Sage's robe. Time to give the knife another twist. Sage folded his hands behind his back and paced slowly in front of the boy, like a temple lecturer.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about, you foolish creature." Sage said. "I can sense a very strong dark-sided presence in you. The question is, how have you been hiding this power from your Master all this time? It's quite impressive." Sage whirled around suddenly, his eyes blazing with anger.

"You are no Jedi! An imposter stands before me. How long have you been planning to turn on the woman?"

If he could get the boy angry or frightened enough, then perhaps the young cub would begin to feel an echo of that sinuous dark sided power that was so seductive to an unsuspecting mind. The seed that Sage would plant would haunt the boy for a lifetime.

[member="Fletcher Lorcan"]

 

[PadawnPrawn]

His eyes followed the Acolyte slowly, taking in everything he said. He shook his head. "You're wrong. I'm not hiding anything from anyone" he said, trying to convince both himself and Sage. His fear had started to grow into anger and he was on the edge of reactivating his lightsaber.

"I haven't been planning anything! She's my master, I owe her everything." he said, clearly angry by now. His look had turned into a cold hard stare, this man wasn't all he had appeared to be at first. As much as he wanted to leave, he felt trapped. As the young man went on, Fletcher quickly activated his lightsaber, keeping his eyes trained on the man, fuelled with anger.

He attempted to mask his anger and keep a calm face but it was too apparent by now.


[member="Sage Bane"] [member="Anastasia Rade"] [member="Darth Ferus"]

 

[Sage Bane]

"You're a liar," growled Sage. "And not even a good one at that." He felt a freighter load of anger coming from the Padawan now. The boy was practically trembling with it. Sage could see the boy's fingers twitching over his lightsaber switch. The time for mind games was soon coming to an end.

As the Padawan activated his lightsaber, Sage flicked the switch on his own saber, and in tandem, the red plasma blade hummed to life in contrast the Jedi's blue one. Red. Like the tide of hatred that flowed through Sage's veins. Red like Sith.

His mouth cracking into a devious smile, Sage chuckled. His legs spread into a lunge, elbows bent and saber held at a defensive angle. The boy might recognize the position as being indicative of the Ataru form.

"Go ahead and attack me, boy. I dare you."

Sage was going to eat him alive.

[member="Fletcher Lorcan"]

 

[Anastasia Rade]

What she was sure [member="Darth Ferus"] didn't understand fully was that Ana was not like other Jedi. She also lived for the fight as was taught to her by her brother. It was the way of her people to be ready for a fight no matter what and never to back down from one. This she needed to make quick as she had a feeling her Padawan that Ana considered to be a son. If something happened to him Ana wouldn't forgive herself. She had after all promised to take care of him.

The Rally Master wasn't much a talker herself so she was glad that this Sith really had nothing to say to her as Ana really had nothing to say to him. The Sith were vile creatures from her experience as a slave not to mention they had killed countless vode. He had picked the wrong Mando to tangle with. Ana may be wearing pink armor but she certainly knew how to fight.

Even though the armor would easily shrug off his saber blow she moved her silver blade to meet his pushing it away from her not only with her own strength but the Force as well. His push did however catch her off guard and she could feel her head pull back a bit so she stepped back as well as to not get whiplash.

Running back at him with full speed Ana brought up the saber and slashed down in a rightward angle in hopes of getting at the very least his shoulder. Had the young woman any inkling that she would be fighting Ana would have brought her flame thrower with her. Her she would need to rely on her combat skills plus the Force.

 

[PadawnPrawn]

Fletcher took the dare. He recognised the form of combat and chose his moves coherently. Without hesitating, he attacked with a quick yet powerful swing, meeting the opponent's blade with his own. Anger flashed in his eyes as he tried to over power the Acolyte. He brought his lightsaber down quickly, in a diagonal motion, aiming for the opponent's legs while however leaving him open to a defensive attack.

Being too cocky about his skills often left him reckless and open to attacking shots, which luckily he almost always managed to defend. But you could tell there was a hint of arrogance there.

He felt frustrated and annoyed that someone who he had just met was questioning his morals and beliefs, and calling him a liar. While he didn't want to admit the young man had been right in some portions of what he had said, Fletcher pretended as though it wasn't true.

"You're going to regret that."

[member="Sage Bane"]

 

[Sage Bane]

A look of admiration crossed Sage’s face as he brought his saber down to meet the boy’s attack. He was impressed with the strength, speed, and confidence of his attacker. The young man was no shrinking violet when it came to battle. The Padawan’s attack was fast and ferocious, but Sage was expecting it, and he was able to swing his lightsaber down, protecting his lower body with a defensive parry. Their plasma blades sparked like fireworks, sizzling as they made impact. Sage let the sabers clash for a moment, looking the boy squarely in the eye, and taunted the Padawan.

“You’re about as Jedi as a Shadevale in the swamp.” the Sith scoffed through gritted teeth. “You’re too angry to be a Jedi. Your Master Anatasia is going to be so disappointed in you.”

This was the first time Sage had revealed that he knew the name of the Jedi Knight who fought Darth Ferus only a few paces away. It spoke volumes about his intentions.

Once the attack was parried, Sage instantly spun in a half circle, his body like a blur, and lunged forward, his saber arcing towards the boys open midsection. If the boy were not quick enough, he would be savagely slashed in the stomach.

[member="Fletcher Lorcan"]

 

[PadawnPrawn]

Fletcher had realised by now what the Acolyte was attempting to do. He tried to regain his composure to show the man that he wasn't who he thought he was. Even though by now, he knew, it wouldn't stop the temptations. Many times before he had resisted temptations to join the dark side, and there were so many reasons he could join, but each time he refused, staying true to the Jedi as he had promised.

"Yes, she would be disappointed." he said calmly, slowly lowering his lightsaber and becoming dangerously lost in thoughts for a moment. He saw the flash of the blade coming towards him and lifted his own blade to defend himself from getting severed in half, narrowly escaping a mortal wound by what seemed like a nanometre.

He suddenly became more fearful but kept his voice calm, turning the tables on his opponent. "Why do you do this? Don't give in to the dark side, only the weak don't resist. The Jedi can teach you the right ways." he hesitated before continuing. "We can help you." he said in attempt to counteract what the young man had said and reach out to him. It was also somewhat mocking, as he spoke with arrogance in his voice, a trait of profound Jedi.

[member="Sage Bane"]

 

[Darth Ferus]

Mandalorian, Jedi, Sith, Echani, even a dog. They all had one thing in common. They could be killed. Whats more, they could be pushed into a corner if they kept under pressure. And Ferus wasn't about to pass that up. As her head snapped back and she stepped with it, he would continue forward. With his blade still at the side, his metallic hand would instead come forward, aiming to punch across [member="Anastasia Rade"] her helm.

Once more the force would erupt outwards, his goal to either tear the helm off, or her head with it. And he would be sure to not give her any breathing room. His blade would shift to hold hers at bay while his fist was launched, and a large grin would form on his face. He could feel [member="Fletcher Lorcan"] and [member="Sage Bane"] going at it. Or just giving words, but the darkness in Fletcher was flickering just enough for him to notice. Sage was doing well.