Lost Kitten

[Kitty]

Naboo one of the most beautiful planets Kitty had ever seen. She made it her home that her lifeless lifestyle might be brightened by it. The bustling patter of feet made by the countless people with places to go and lives to live were the only noise that mattered to Kitty's ears. In a way it was hypnotic acting as a white noise as the young Felecation wondered aimlessly through what would be considered the citys back alleys. She had no real destination and the only reason she took this path was because the main walkways were too much of a sensory overload. She felt she needed to stretch her legs so there she was stretching them out. Her trance was interrupted as some kid chased a cat towards her trying to hit it with a stick he was carrying. She made no effort to interrupt as they passed by. Rather she became fixated by a memory it brought up, the memory of Orphen attacking her with deadly force after she revealed herself a sith. The pain of his betrayal still burning within her heart and mind. He proved the jedi were so anti dark side that he was willing to kill one he loved after learning they were a dark force user. The training she received as a result of being the apprentice to the leader of the sith assassins helped her escape the jedi temple. Orphen was the world to her and now she had nothing. His betrayal destabilized her more and she feared returning to her home planet that she might lose control and kill many of her people or worse her own parents.

The sound of people moving about on the buildings that rose above her and the presence of the dark side pulled Kitty from her flash back. She kept on moving forward acting normal as if she didn't notice. Four of them jumped down above her head waiting to ignite their lightsabers till they nearly landed on top of her. Instead though they fell upon a round force barrier around Kitty and she forced pushed them away primarily in two directions down the narrow single lane alleyway in front and behind her 2 of them working to recover on each side. Grabing and igniting the two red lightsabers from her hips Kitty took her favored Shien stance. "I think your masters are trying to dispose of you peeps. You all are far too under trained to assassinate me." Kitty let loose her perpetual use of Art Of The Small and let her immense dark side presence loose. "But I get it. You peeps don't have any choice at this point."

[member="Ryn'Dhal"]

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

Naboo....

A quiet world. One in which recovery could be done in relative peace. The masked-knight wore a slightly different attire than the norm. Simple, earth-toned robed, and the face-plate of his helmet bore the universal symbol of a Healer. The quarterstaff he bore made a soft *tink* on the ground, each time it touched the ground, helping the somewhat weakened man bear his weight. A pair of children bolted out of an alley way, giggling among themselves. The sight brought a genuine smile to the weary travelers face.

But, then he felt it.

Darkness permeated the air, funneling out of that alleyway. He made his way towards the source, sensing the varying strengths of the auras. He was certain that, at the very least, his facilities were in such an order that he could at least route, if not outright destroy, those villainous ones, should words not dissuade them.

But he couldn't have been prepared mentally for the scene he came across.

A face from his past, stood waylaid by a quartet of would-be assassins, all with sabers ignited. Poor, poor [member=Kitty], he wondered if she'd even recognize him, with the years that'd passed between them. He would hopefully soon find out.

Hunched over, in his physically weakened state, made mobility a little less strenuous upon his body, and made the powerful being look significantly less intimidating, as he cleared his throat. He could tell at a glance, that physically, he dwarfed all the others within the alley, assassins and (hopefully) friend alike. His Force presence seeped out of his being, clashing gently against the roiling mass of Dark-Side energy from the five before him. While his aura was definitely not Dark like theirs, it was not what one would expect of a paragon of Light. Angling that faceplate, he spoke in a cheerful voice.

"Now now, four on one? That does not seem to be favorable odds." His soothing, rich, tones filled the air, causing the two assassins nearest him to swivel their heads to stare at the speaker. "And to make matters worse, I should think I'd like to impede on my dear Kitty's fun and pries two of you away for my own enjoyment."

His tone took a less cheerful tone, as he arched his back, a series of pops being heard even at that distance. Standing to his full height, nearly a solid foot taller than Kitty, the old man twirled that quarterstaff with practiced ease, taking on a rather unique version of the Soresu form with it. His calm, almost deadly cool voice carried the distance. "So, friends, whatever it is you wish to say to her.... why not come say to me first....."

A soft scoff, as a Pulse was emitted from his person, causing light debris, and even the loose pieces clothing of all within the alley, to dance away from the source. A hand extended, palm out, before rotating, curling, to rest palm up. Fingers on that gloved hand curled and uncurled a trio of times, beckoning his challenged foes forth. "Advance towards me, brethren...."

This was going to be fun.

 

[Kitty]

4 welps with a lightsaber was still 4 diffrent directions she would have to defend against. It was fortunate her particular lightsaber training was geared towards fighting such a unfavorable disadvantage. Kitty would have no problem dealing with it and she was excited to have something intresting in her day. What she was not excited to see or rather feel, was the presence of a strong lightside user. His presence disturbed her more than just in the immediate moment. Her discovery meant she would have to find somewhere else to wonder around and she preferred wondering aimlessly in the beautiful surroundings of Naboo.

The two closest to the interrupter turned their attention to him. Meanwhile the other two used the distraction to charge at Kitty. Her head was turned away distracted but still acutely aware of her surroundings. The two charging at her thought they had the jump on the sith and weren't prepared for her to leap over them spinning horizontaly and bringing a saber blade right through one of their skulls. The one left retained his head and was unfazed at his partner's swift demise. He launched a counter attack as soon as the feline landed on her feet. (naturaly) Kitty caught his blade between her two blades before directing his blade away with one of hers and using the other to slice his torso in half.

All that was left now was the light side user assuming he had dealt with the two attacking him. Somthing about his scent was familiar though at the moment she couldn't figure out what. Returing to her stance she would ask him "Who are you and what do you want. I'm trying to be alone here."
[member="Ryn'Dhal"]

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

The first one charged, the second right behind. The masked Knight rotated to meet the first, swinging that quarterstaff about with his spin, before making contact solidly beneath the Sith's guard. With a boost of telekinesis, the first assassin was sent rocketing bodily into the air.

The second faltered, startled by the suddenly leveled playing field. Beneath the mask, the Knight grinned, before tossing the staff towards the assassin. Manipulating through the Force, the assassin found himself fighting a wielderless weapon. Blocking blow after blow, the assassin would be suddenly disarmed by powerful gloved hands gripping his wrists in a bone-shattering grip.

The assassin was thrown bodily into a wall, where he collapsed unconscious and broken to the floor. The masked Knight turned to face Kitty, giving a bow as she addressed him. "If alone is what you truly wish to be, my dear friend, then far be it for me to impose...."

As he turned, he extended a hand towards the wall on the opposite side of the alley from the crumpled Sith assassin. A surge of energy welled up within him, channeling down the length of his arm. From above the screaming of the other assassin was heard, hurtling towards the ground. Before he would have made it, he was intercepted by a veritable wall of Force, which carried him into the physical wall of the alley, his body stopping with a sickening crunch.

The Knight, satisfied that Kitty was no longer threatened, willed his quarterstaff to his hand, and began moving towards the end of the alley. Before reaching the end, he looked back, a smile still evident in the soothing tones of his voice. "It brings me joy, to see you are well Kitty. Be safe."

With that, he continued on, seeking refuge in a quiet, out of the way cafe down the street. It was quiet, minimal customers, and the masked Knight took his customary seat alone on a balcony overlooking a waterway. It was here he could be found, a tray of tasty snacks, and some tea... with subtle hints of a particular herb... and plenty of time to relax, and heal.

[member="Kitty"]​

 

[Kitty]

Kitty was puzzled by the masked mans bow and general disinterest and politeness towards her. What confused her even further was that he knew her name and in a familiar manner. Worry of discovery by this man was tossed away and instead replaced with overwhelming curiosity on who he was. He smelled familiar and she never forgot a scent, though perhaps that was hindered by her current mental condition. His mask also seemed familiar to her. Combined with the fact that he knew her Kitty just had to find out who he was. There were a few questions she had. First how did he know who she was? And second he seemed to be a jedi so why the disregard of the very clear evidence she was a decently powerful sith?

First however she would have to take care of the two assassins he showed mercy too. Kitty was not against mercy, however they would report her location and be killed for their failure. It was better that she ended them now and her location remain unknown with any luck. Walking to each she would decapitate them. Normally she would dispose of their bodies but that would take too long. She had a mystery to solve. Using her very familiar Art Of The Small technique she would completely disappear as a force entity. Her training as an assassin and natural talents allowed her to move quickly and without a sound. She caught up and stalked her mystery target until he came to a stop not far off at a relatively low traffic cafe. She hid upon a nearby roof examining him for a few moments before finally realizing who he was. She couldn't believe she forgot his more familiar than most scent. He was Ryn and he was the same species as here as well as had the same extremely rare genetic mutation. Only now did she realized the pointlessness of her sneaking around. He could probably smell her proximity. Unfortunately scent was not so easy to disguise at will no matter what training you receive.

With some caution Kitty approached Ryn and sat upon the seat opposite of him. For a few moments she looked down pondering what to say before coming to the realization she didn't know exactly what she wanted to say. She looked up to him and what eventually came out was a timorous "Why?"

[member="Ryn'Dhal"]

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

When she finally lifted her eyes, she would find a glass of the tea being placed before her, next to a plate delicately shaved meats, rolled fit display and ease of consumption. As she spoke her 'Why?', Ryn'Dhal reached up to unclasp his helmet, removing it to reveal his face. Here acquired a few more scars since there last meeting, though the aid of the fur did help minimize the appearances of them slightly.

Those warm, molten pools of gold he had for eyes shimmered almost like liquid, as a gentle smile graced his face. "Why not?" He asked rhetorically. His voice was deeper, smoother, but still gentle and soothing as their first meeting, even without any Force enhancement. "I felt a murderous intent, and found a friend, whom was unjustly misunderstood and turned against by another, beset upon by multiple foes. How could I not offer any aid?"

He took a draw from the herbal blend, the faint hint of the 'nip would cause a near instant minor touch of relaxation. Just what was needed after an exertion, especially in his condition. "And, though I know you didn't need my help... I felt it would be the best way to...." he would lightly wave a hand, as if seeking the right word to say, "to show that I wished to be your ally, if not you're friend. Actions often do speak louder than words."

Taking a piece of meat from his own dish, he took a bite, savoring the almost sweet flavor of the flesh. They were slightly seared, very rare, and very delicate cuts. Little explosions of flavor, each one. After a small so of his tea, the flavors complimenting, he'd offer another warm smile. "It does my heart well to see you again my friend."

[member="Kitty"]​

 

[Kitty]

Kitty payed little attention to the undeniably enticing treats. She was for more concerned with his answer. After he removed his mask she also wondered why he still wore one. Perhaps to hide scars however recalling their last meeting she considered that only a minor influence. It probably still had something to do with hiding his heritage. As for his answer she found it less than satisfying. In fact it was a little irritating. She would wait for him to finish though before she spoke her mind. As soon as he did though she lost it a little. Standing up abruptly she would swat the tea off into the waterway annoyed by its distraction and effects. "Why not? Why not!? You were there the day Orphen turned against me. You were there the day you and your cult following proved to me you didn't care about anyone but yourselves. I was more than a friend to him and he turned against me all because I was trained under the sith. All the time spent together all the feelings we shared ripped apart by one simple title. How dare you call me a friend. Don't give me that Bantha dung. You're just going to turn in my location to your fellow cultists and have them kill me or or something. I ought to kill you now."

[member="Ryn'Dhal"]

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

His smile faltered, dropping into a frown. "You also forget.... I stepped into harm's way, not for just Orphen's sake, but also for yours...." his ears dropped as he spoke, genuinely painted at her harsh words.

Sighing softly, he shook his head. "I know not what I could do it say to undo the damage others have done to you...." he'd start, eyes downcast. "If you genuinely wish to slay me, I'm afraid I would be hard pressed to stop you...." he admitted lamely. "I cannot tell you what to do, but I can ask a small concession from you, to give at your own discretion...."

His hands presented to his side's slightly as he leaned back, a pained expression his face. "All I can ask, is judge me for me, for my words and my actions, as I've always done for you...." he only met her the one time, and her actions never gave him reason to paint her as a 'monster' as other Jedi may have been inclined to do.

Would she strike him down, proving right those she fled from? Or would she validate his views, that she wasn't a monster.

[member="Kitty"]​

 

[Kitty]

Kitty cared little for the fellow Felecatian's pained expression however she did consider his words. After a pause of silence she would sit back down her body still rigid and casting a glare that could almost kill to all those around her. Though the location was scarcely populated those around certainly took notice to Kitty's outburst. People take special notice when the word sith gets tossed around.

It was true that Kitty hadn't observed Ryn really wronging her in any way though the coincidence of their meeting did seem suspicious. Though if he did harbor any ill intent had she been in his shoes regardless if her target was considered too powerful for herself along at the sight of 4 other force users attacking her target she would leap at the opportunity. Instead he helps her out and offers kind gestures. She may be paranoid but she had a decent head on her shoulders and under her assumptions things certainly didn't quite add up.

Kitty returned her undivided attention to Ryn a glare still emitting from her eyes as she helped herself to some of the meat. Again there was a pause as the situation began to grow awkward and the young sith wasn't sure what to do. Finally she would ask "So how come you still hide behind a mask and.........when did you get so tall?" She only recently noticed that he was now much taller than her then when last they met. He was also clearly a lot stronger. Few years ago she could have killed him with her hands tied behind her back and blind folded. These days she estimated it would actually take quite a bit of effort. Probably her own fault for not really doing anything for the last few years. Although she was getting increasingly familiar with why her master enjoyed the art of the small technique and its utility usages. Only just recently had she been able to replicate Ferus's ability to alter things at a molecular level. She hadn't really done anything with it yet but it remained fascinating.

[member="Ryn'Dhal"]

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

As she seemed to have settled down, at least a little, a soft smile worked itself back onto his face. "The mask makes initial introductions a bit easier. I've learned many aren't intimidated by my natural appearance, but more intrigued than anything... the mask creates a bit of a neutral ground when meeting other near-humans."

He would then chuckle before moving onto her second question. "Puberty decided to delay it's final visit. That, coupled with three months of survival on Umbara alone, kind of had a dramatic impact on my physical development."

In sheer physical might and capabilities, in their humanoid forms, the larger male had the smaller female outstripped in all areas. The Force leveled that playing field. He replaced slightly, leaning forward to take his tea again. "I hope you may find it within yourself to believe me, at least a little bit, when I promise you that I mean you no harm. It is by chance alone that I managed to be coming along when I was."

Gesturing towards the slightly Lightsaber resistant quarterstaff leaning against the wall, he chuckled, with a wince. "I came to Naboo with the intent of rest and recovery. My wounds still need more time, to finish healing."

Attention turning back to the female, ears cocked slightly suffering angles as he gave a sheepish grin. "Also, feels I may have somewhat split a suture..."

[member="Kitty"]​

 

[Kitty]

"Curious, I always found most to be quiet terrified on first impression. Though I suppose I always was accompanied by a red blade." Kitty would say before letting Ryn continue. When he let out he was recovering and may have accidentally opened a wound Kitty's expression softened immediately and began to show a hint of concern. She wanted to help him out feeling partial responsible for giving him such a hard time and this turned out to be the perfect opportunity to attempt a couple of tests, one for herself and one for him. Clicking a button on one of her lightsabers one that was far away from the ignition button she would have to wait for a bit for her ship to arrive. She hid it in a secret and very secure location for her time of 'recovery' on Naboo. "I'll help you get fixed up after I finish off the last of this meat." Kitty said genuinely enjoying the meat despite its cooked condition.

Near the moment she finished off the last of the well enjoyed meat her ship a Phasma-class Infiltrator arrived its bottom ramp lowered and hovering near their balcony. Those around fled or glared as it was probably a violation of many laws not that Kitty ever cared. "Come on I'll get you fixed up." Kitty beckoned. Assuming Ryn followed in the ship would take off and Kitty would lead him to her bedroom. She'd instruct her droid pilot to change the sheets of her bed to accommodate blood and to bring her a data pad with molecular health information and Felecatian health information loaded up and ready. After which she'd have Ryn lay down upon her bed. Her personal quarters were decorated in the theme of the royal palace back home in colors of deep blue and purple.

Assuming Ryn would allow her she would begin the process of simultaneously reading up on her data pad and repairing Ryn's tissue at a molecular level with Art Of The Small. It would take a very long time far long than a stitching hospital visit would take. In fact it took all day but hopefully the results were worth it because at the end of the day that area would be completely healed the tissue there actually being a little more healthy then those surrounding. After that she would work on any other damage across his body (including the scars on his face if you're up for it.) After finally finishing Kitty was completely exhausted and after having the bedding changed again would collapse on the bed near Ryn.

[member="Ryn'Dhal"]

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

He acquiesced to her request, following compliantly. He was more than moderately amazed her usage of The Art of the Small in tending to his wounds. He was well versed in standard Healing, but the versatility of the power she used was staggering.

He gently placed a hand on hers when she moved to tend to his scars. "Those.... I... I wish to keep...." he said, a somber smile on his face. "I... they remind me... of failures... of mistakes... and also of triumphs..." as he continued, he would gently trace different scars.

As she collapsed on the bed after the treatment and the linen change, Ryn continued to watch her, a soft smile ever present on his face. "Perhaps I may return a favor...." he offered. Reaching out, furred fingers gently caressed along her nearest forearm, as gentle, controlled stream of energy passed between the two. A soothing, invigorating warmth began at the initial point of contact, and began radiating across her body from there.

A simple enough action, vigor being restored slightly, alleviating some of the fatigue acquired from treating him. He watched her intently as the simple transfer occurred, only a brief moment passing from contact to completion of the transference.

"How are you feeling?"

[member="Kitty"]​

 

[Kitty]

Kitty herself would be pissed if she got a scar on her face, of course growing up in the sith she could totally understand why some would consider them treasures. She of course would respect his wishes.

After collapsing exhausted on her bed Ryn attempted to return the favor. Once she felt contact though she flinched and pulled her arm away defensively up against herself. He seemed to regret the action and apologized with much sincerity. Regardless of his apologizes she wanted to kick him off her ship right away. However fatigue kept her from doing anything. She was so tired in fact that despite working very hard to work up the energy to kick him out she fell asleep.

Upon waking there was a moment of lag before she realized she had fallen asleep with Ryn around and it felt like it had been awhile too. Immediately she began searching for him and would feel a little silly if he still happened to be in her room.

[member="Ryn'Dhal"]

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

After she'd fallen asleep, having flinched away, it was with a pained expression that he gently lay the bed coverings over the smaller female. Departing from her quarters, Ryn'Dhal sought a suitable area, likely the storage area, if there was no open training room in the vessel.

Inside, he settled in to meditate for the next few hours in silence, regenerating lost stores of energy, while levitating a full foot off of the ground.

Probably within an hour or so of [member=Kitty]'s waking, Ryn'Dhal began walking through some kata his friend Akio had taught him. The quarterstaff rotating about his form, his body arching and contorting in a controlled acrobatic martial dance. No loud yells though, only strong, controlled outbursts of breath, exhaled forcefully through pursed lips.

He would feel even if only faintly due to use of The Art of the Small, the woman approaching. As she entered, he would be wrapping up his kata, a few acrobatic leaps, feigned strikes, parries, and dodges, before ending in a controlled, statuesque pose.

He wore only his trousers, having discarded the rest of his clothing for better range of motion, and ease of breathing. Turning to face Kitty, he'd offer a polite bow.

"I hope you rested well.... and.... I apologize again for overstepping boundaries...." he knew not what she would do now, but hopefully she wouldn't continue hostilities over his attempt at kindness.

Spoiler

example kata [video]https://youtu.be/foaUrqvOTpw[/video]

 

[Kitty]

Finally finding Ryn in the area she normally kept herself caged during hyperspace travel he appeared to either be practicing fighting forms or dancing. She couldn't really tell. But if she had to pick one it would be dancing. She liked it too graceful, fast, and strong. Maybe she'd have to look into it some time. For now though she had a mission. Though she never actually planned on assassinating Ryn the fact that he had become so strong she didn't consider it an easy thing anymore disturbed her. If Ryn had already gotten this strong then there is no telling how strong those previously on her level have now become. It was time she played some catch up. She would ask Ryn where he wanted to be dropped off and do so though if it required hyperspace to get there it could cause some complications.

[member="Ryn'Dhal"]

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

At her query over where to unload him, he gave a resigned sigh. "Any habitable world will do. I can signal my ship and be on my way in short order...."

He gathered his equipment, and staged himself, prepared to depart the vessel. Once planet-side, he would pause at the bottom of the loading ramp, looking back up at [Member=Kitty]. "I am sorry to have been a burden upon you.... I hope our next meeting is a more pleasant one...."

With that, he pulled the cowl of his cloak up, and began walking along, helmet in his satchel, and quarterstaff over his shoulder. A soothing, rich tenor vocal began ringing out, singing a song he'd grown fond of listening to with his brother. A song of love, and a song of loss, but mostly a song of getting back where one belonged....

It did not take long before he would be lost to Kitty, an indistinguishable figure among the crowd.