Private Neither Here Nor There

[Alina Tremiru]

A much more amused expression took over as Amani scrambled over. Charged forward towards the lightsaber wielding foe where the Force was simply gone. Was the Mirialan stupid? Reckless? Hiding something? The thought there was some hidden trick had Alina opt for the defense. Let her saber fall back to it's sheath, extinguished. Then the fist connected. She blinked as a fist hit her chest. She didn't move. The second hit her jaw.

Again, she didn't move.

To the average human, Alina was a monster through and through. It was like punching a wall. The Sith raised a brow, staring down at the Mirialan before reaching up to take her wrist. Her hand was ice cold, much like the rest of her skin. She'd go so far as to lift Amani into the air. "The fangs aren't for show. I'm not human, little mouse." She cocked her head to the side, flashing her fangs in another grin. "Did you want to get close and grab the artifact perhaps?"

Amani Serys

 

[Amani Serys]

It was as if Alina absorbed the hits entirely. The impact, and subsequent total loss of momentum shook the bones in Amani’s arms. Even more unpleasant, given that the injuries from Tython still ached under pressure. “You’re no fun.” She grimaced as the sith continued to display her superior physical prowess. A disadvantage was expected, but not to this extent.

"Did you want to get close and grab the artifact perhaps?"

Whether out of some last ditch effort, or sheer spite, Amani took her up on just that offer, “Okay.” She daringly lunged forward and attempted to grab the artifact, then hurl it far away from Alina’s person. In the same movement, she swung like a gymnast, trying to use the Sangnir’s weight against her, in hopes that the opportunity to throw herself from Alina’s grasp would open up in the process.

Alina Tremiru​

 

[Alina Tremiru]

In the same moment Amani touched the object, the Force suddenly returned. Alina let the aura drop, instead reaching her hand down as the Jedi did to catch her hand. Force her to keep hold of the object. Why was suddenly obvious. Darkness. Overwhelming corruption. Cold and violent, trying to reach deep into Amani's very being. Alina tightened her grip. Or would have, if a blaster bolt didn't slam into her shoulder. Jostled forward she hissed in annoyance and could only watch as Amani broke free and threw the artifact away.

Pain rushed through her mind as she shot a glare towards her assailant. In a blur of movement she came upon him, rending his head from his shoulders with her hands.

Then blinked. Oh, right. The artifact. She sighed as she flicked on her saber, knocking back another blaster shot. She was messing around too much with the mouse. Her gaze shifted, looking for the thought dowser.

That was the only reason she was here. Best not to loose it.

Amani Serys

 

[Amani Serys]

The surge of darkness nearly incapacitated Amani. She had felt it once, too, but it was a long forgotten sensation which she had no desire to feel again. The absence of the Force was an impediment, but it was not nearly so malevolent. It was thanks to luck that a distraction gave her the chance to break free, albeit at the cost of another’s life.

There was little time to waste. Amani shook off her fears and shut her eyes, reaching out for her saber to return to her. In short order, the hilt found its way back, and the blue beam of light marked her presence once more. She then leapt down to where the thought dowser had settled, and simply waited.

Alina Tremiru​

 

[Alina Tremiru]

"Bold to wait for me." Once Alina caught sight of it, well. She caught sight of the Jedi first. Off to the side, away from the hunters. Convenient, for the moment. Her saber snapped into life as she hopped down. Lifted her weapon to point at Amani.

"You going to stay in my way, then?"

Amani Serys

 

[Amani Serys]

"Well, you'd probably outrun me anyway," Amani shrugged, "Seems I don't have a lot of other options. The object belongs with someone less… bloodthirsty."

She took a deep breath, and a defensive stance. The clamoring of criminals on the hunt still filled the air, but for now they were alone. At this point, Amani was hoping they'd find them. At least the unpredictability would force them both to split their attention. "Don't suppose it's too late for you to, uh, renounce your ways and join the light?" She stifled a laugh. That pretty much never worked, even if the offer was genuine, "There's other ways to help you out of this."

Alina Tremiru​

 

[Alina Tremiru]

"Tried that. Got put in jail for just existing and hunted by your fellows for the same." Then she was in front of Amani. The cat was done toying with the mouse it seemed as she closed the distance. Brought her saber around in a quick, powerful strike for the woman's midsection.

All her weight behind the strike no less. She wasn't even aiming to strike the Jedi herself, just batter her away with sheer strength.

 

[Amani Serys]

Amani was simply outclassed, physically. Matters of skill didn't even belong in the equation; Even if she did have that advantage, it wasn't enough to counter the Sangnir's speed and strength. Her saber turned just in time to block the hit, which still moved her along the ground from simple impact. The grip on her saber, similarly compromised.

But still Amani bounced back, taking her own swing at the woman. A diagonal cut, fast and efficient, leaving minimal time to telegraph the strike. This fight was more about luck, now. And an uneven playing field.

"Hey! I found 'em! Over here!" One of the criminals skidded into view, calling for the rest to join.

Alina Tremiru​

 

[Alina Tremiru]

More heartbeats. Honestly, it was getting deafening at this point. More were coming. Alina's gaze shifted to the alley as another skidded into view. And the saber burned past her chest. She hissed in annoyance as a line of burned robe clung to her skin below. Similarly charred.

Burns were the worst for a Sangnir.

Blasterfire erupted again, but this time Alina didn't turn to stop it. She ran, rushing for the discarded artifact, putting Amani between her and their assailants in the process to try and force the Jedi's attention.

"You're being a pest. Though that is what mice are."

 

[Amani Serys]

“Ouch. I thought we were getting along just fine.” A little too long worry about repartee cost Amani a blaster bolt to the shoulder. The blast caused her to stumble, but she chose to roll with the impact, hitting the deck as more indiscriminate blaster fire filled the alley

Alina was well and done with the game by now. She made a move for the artifact, but Amani was not so keen on her escape. Finally she pulled out her own pistol, unloading it at the Sangnir with a fan of the trigger. Most of the shots were intended to strike the body, or the legs. Slowing her down would certainly make things easier.

Alina Tremiru​

 

[Alina Tremiru]

"Oh." No sooner did Alina set her hand on the artifact than she heard a blaster be drawn. Close by. A Jedi with a blaster? No, she shouldn't be surprised. Amani didn't seem the traditional Jedi type. Her golden eyes narrowed as she dove away, leaving behind the artifact as she used her speed to get away from the blaster bolts threatening to hit her. Worse, more of the hunters came in. They seemed to rise from the roofs around, opening fire down on the two.

Yeah, no more games.

Alina's fingers dug into the hard ground as she took off, sprinting between the blaster fire as her blade ripped around. She couldn't feel the danger in the Force as others could. The only thing she had was her inhuman reflexes. Hearing. Sight. Had she stayed human, she'd never survive something like this. Now? She looked the part of a monster. Went on the offensive, leaping over to the roofs to cleave through those in her path. It was a monstrous display.

But it only got worse as another figure joined in. A flash of steel, and another pale figure arrived. Stood beside Alina.

"Mistress."

"I know. Got a little.. Sidetracked." Her gaze turned to the Jedi, a frown settling on her lips. Thugs and Jedi were one thing. It wasn't going to stay just thugs, not with how many had been killed.

"The ship is ready. Should I fetch the others?"

"No. Keep them busy. I'll deal with the Jedi."

Her guard simply bowed his head before he similarly took off as she had. Pushing back against the coming hunters as Alina hopped back down, staring at Amani.

"Alright. Now we should be uninterrupted."

Amani Serys

 

[Amani Serys]

Surprisingly, a handgun had proven one of the most valuable acquisitions Amani had made in recent years. Nobody expects the Jedi with a handgun. But Alina moved faster than expectation. Meanwhile the prone strategy would only preserve Amani for so long, before somebody got the bright idea to, y'know, aim down.

She rolled onto her feet and took cover behind the nearest wall. It didn't prove necessary for long, as a new challenger split the attention of whatever thugs remained.

This was getting out of hand. "Now there's two of you?" Her saber reignited once more. But instead of looking towards Alina, Amani's gaze fell to the artifact. She grew a knowing smirk, then moved to cleave into it with the beam of her saber. Would it even work? Only one way to find out.

Alina Tremiru​

 

[Alina Tremiru]

"He's just overprotective. Don't worry, he's not jealous." Alina flashed a coy grin, trying to play up her confidence. In truth, she wanted to keep Amani's attention on her. Why? Her eyes narrowed as she watched the thought move across the Jedi's face. The smirk. At once she took off, ripping across the ground like a bullet to try and stop her.

"Don't-!"

Too late. For all the artifacts power, it wasn't lightsaber proof. What came next had Alina flying back. An eruption of the Dark Side, akin to the death of a Sith Lord. An explosion of energy, violent and untamed. Alina barely had the time to cover her face as her body was scorched from the sudden rush of energy. Burns marred her pale skin. Burns that, unlike the cuts, weren't healing.

They were, just far too slowly.

She pried herself from the rubble of the wall she'd impacted, groaning. Ah, Darth Strosius was going to be disappointed in her. And even after he told her not to let it's power go to her head.

"Damnit.." She wasn't even paying attention to the Jedi at this point. Not even looking for her, just looking for whatever might remain of the artifact.

Amani Serys

 

[Amani Serys]

Given how little Amani knew about the device, it was certainly daring to go for the attempt to destroy it. But it at least meant that Alina may not get her chance to use it either. The accompanying blast was more than the mirialan had expected, launching her up and away from the zone of impact.

She hit the ground with a roll, eventually slumping face first into the sand as wisps of smoke danced off her back. After a few seconds, the sound of metal thunked into the ground right beside her: a piece of the artifact.

"Well, I guess patience does pay off," A voice spoke from behind one of the buildings. A final hunter revealed himself, seemingly independent from the larger group of them being tended to. He knelt down and grabbed the Jedi's hair, lifting up her face to confirm the target. He then looked to the artifact and smiled. "Two for the price of one." At last his eyes settled on Alina, his tone filled with unearned confidence, "Tell you what, why don't you run along now? I'm feelin' generous tonight."

Maybe he hadn't gotten the memo?

Alina Tremiru​

 

[Alina Tremiru]

Ah, there was the artifact. Alina tensed herself, ready to leap up towards the roof and reclaim it. Leave the Jedi behind for the jackals nipping at their heels. Well, until one got in her way. She froze, staring at the man for a moment. Smart, laying in weight. Did he realize the two weren't allies and were fighting? It's what she would've done, hiding in the shadows while she waited for her targets to deal with each other.

"Oh thank you."

Midsentence she moved. Behind him. Her grip on his wrist was like steel, cracking bone with ease. Forcing him to drop the Jedi's hair. Was it foolish? Perhaps. She could've just claimed the artifact and left Amani to whatever fate. But she was feeling generous. Possessive?

No, no. Nothing like that. The man tried to scream in pain, but she'd already taken his throat with her other hand and snapped his neck. Dropped him off the ledge. Behind her, the Sangnir guard from before leapt down. Brandishing his blade.

"Shall I end her?"

"No, no. Heal her enough so she can escape."

He just stared. Alina rolled her eyes.

"A Sith is nothing without a challenge to rise against. She's fun, and I'm curious where she'll go." She stood, snatching up what remained of the artifact and tucked it away on her hip. Perhaps Alisteri could replicate something with it? If not, at least she now had proof of concept. There were artifacts that could let her use the Force. A temporary fix for her current predicament. Without question the Guard set about tending to Amani's wounds.

It was painful, but effective. Rapid healing. A gift of the Sangnir.

Artifact in hand she looked one last time to the healing Jedi, smiling with her fangs on full display. "Don't die, little mouse. I like our games." Then ran.

 

[Amani Serys]

Amani was in a stupor for the entire exchange, unable to parse any of what was being said or done beyond the most surface-level registry of her senses.

Then, she was thrown back into full cognizance a white-hot surge of pain. Every nerve ignited as her body reconstructed itself with unnatural speed. It was unlike any kind of healing Amani had experienced before. Not soothing, like the Force. She could only yell out in shock before the burning ceased almost as abruptly as it came. Intense, but short-lived.

"Y… You…" Still laid in place, her eyes tracked up towards the two Sangnir stood over her. Only after Alina's parting words did Amani force herself up. Spared, and even healed by the Sith. Arguably a bigger insult than killing her outright. In the end, she was a game for Alina. A game which the latter had beaten.

There was little time to dwell on the matter, as the disgruntled thugs were still on the hunt, and with the Siths' distraction gone, Amani was the only one around to find. Death, or enslavement. Neither were really of interest to her. And so she stood up, and made a run for her escape.

The work never ends.

Alina Tremiru​

 

[Alina Tremiru]

"Is it truly okay to let her go?"

"You're still on that? It'll be fine." Alina chuckled from the comfort of her ship. Watching from above as Amani ran from the thugs. Secretly helping, here and there. She could afford to. The vehicle was cloaked, after all. And she at least wanted Amani to escape. Death, or worse enslavement, wasn't a fitting end to the Jedi. The Sith's smile faded once it looked like Amani was in the clear, and finally her ship would leave Tatooine.

"If she ends up stopping me, then I wasn't strong enough to overcome the Force. At least this way I can manipulate who I'll have to deal with, even slightly."

Amani Serys