Private Shadows of the Vanguard

[Lorn Reingard]

Tags: Aiden Porte

​

The air at Shiraya's Rest was thick with anticipation, the quiet hum of energy barely masking the tension that vibrated through the training pit. Lorn adjusted his grip on his lightsaber hilt, the cool metal a familiar comfort against his palm. Around him, members of the Vanguard moved with a practiced efficiency, checking their gear, their movements fluid and silent as shadows. They were the spearhead of Naboo's defense, an elite force of Jedi warriors, and tonight, they were poised to strike.

Commander Lyra, her dark eyes sharp and focused, stood before the assembled Vanguard. Her voice was calm, yet carried the weight of authority. "The intel is solid. This 'New Way' cell is operating from a warehouse in the lower districts of Theed. They are planning something, something big, and we will not let them succeed." She gestured toward a group of heavily armored figures, the Elite Royal Crusaders, their polished breastplates gleaming under the dim lights of the courtyard. "The Crusaders will provide the muscle, we will provide the finesse. This is a joint operation, and success depends on our unity."

Lorn nodded, his gaze sweeping over his fellow Vanguard members. He felt a sense of duty, a responsibility to protect the peace of Naboo, but he also carried a different weight. He had invited Aiden, a young initiate within the Vanguard, to join them tonight. Aiden, with his complicated history that intertwined with the very group they were targeting that night. He had waited for him in the training pit, his brow furrowed as he ran a hand through his brown hair. He glanced at his chrono, and there was still no sign of him. He couldn't waste any more time.

He was snapped out of his thoughts by the sound of footsteps approaching. He was at the back of the pack, so he couldn't see who yet but he could feel a familiar presence getting closer. He glanced to his right and to his left, seeing the Vanguard members getting prepared and the Elite Crusaders moving to the exit.

"Let's move out." Lyra exclaimed, turning away from the group and starting to walk to the exit. As he walked, he felt the familiar rush of anticipation, the calm determination that settled over him when the time came to act.

 

[Aiden Porte]

The New Way....

Religious fanatics, they have ruined the lives of so many people. Family, friends and countless more were reeling from their acts. Aiden hadn't seen anything like this before. The Sith were one thing, but this was something else entirely. Aiden had a personal stake in this, he had lost someone close to him due to the New Way. He was broken essentially for all sorts of reasons. He tried for as long as he could to push through and rely on his own personal hope to get him through.

With everything, Esme, Sion, and the dark exchange it finally became to much for him and he broke on the Life Day celebration in the mountains. It was the long trudging through the mountains and the snow that he realized that he wasn't alone. He had those that he could count on, and he could rely on when things were tough for him.

Friends and family.

Kalantha, Dreidi, Brandyn, Briana, Blaire, and Jun.

Most recently her also had another friend that was becoming a strong patriot to him and confidant. And that was Lorn Reingard

His personal stake in this, he knew he couldn't be blinded by his own grief. He had finally made a promise to let it go, and to move forward. His only purpose now was to make sure the New Way didn't drag down anyone else. He would fight for as long as he could to make sure they were finally defeated.

Aiden looked over to Lorn and gave him a small nod as he watched the Commander Lyra speak. Aiden looked aside to the rest of the vanguard members. Those who were becoming brothers to him. Forged in the fires of purpose and strive for eliminating the darkness that was out to engulf Naboo.

Aiden walked in stride with Lorn.

"I'm with you brother."

 

[Lorn Reingard]

Tags: Aiden Porte

​

As Lorn spotted Aiden, relief surged through him. With a quick stride, he closed the distance between them, wrapping his arm around Aiden's neck in a friendly greeting. "It's good to see you, brother." Lorn said, a genuine smile breaking across his face amidst the tension of the night.

They began their descent down the mountain, the chill of the evening air swirling around them. Lorn could sense Aiden's turmoil beneath the surface, the young Jedi grappling with his personal demons, and Lorn felt a deep sense of camaraderie and responsibility towards him. "I know this might be personal for you," Lorn said, his voice lowering to a hushed tone, "but if we all keep our cool and listen to the Commander, we come home safe and Theed is safe." He punctuated his words with an affectionate slap on Aiden's chest, a gesture meant to instill confidence and remind him that they were in this together.

Their transport arrived shortly thereafter, cutting through the darkness as they sped toward Theed. The hour-long journey felt interminable, filled with an electric anticipation and a gnawing apprehension that accompanied every mission. As they approached the lower district, the night cloaked the city in a thick blanket of silence, only the occasional flicker of torchlight breaking the darkness.

Once they disembarked, the sight of the warehouse loomed before them like a sentinel, ominous and foreboding. The Elite Royal Crusaders moved swiftly to set up a perimeter, their movements precise and calculated. Commander Lyra's sharp voice cut through the air, and Lorn felt the familiar rush of adrenaline coursing through him. "Stick with me, Aiden." he whispered, his tone serious as they began to scale the warehouse using their Ascension guns.

They reached the rooftop with practiced ease, the cool night air rushing around them as they crouched low, surveying the scene below. Lorn's eyes narrowed as he spotted the gathering of New Way terrorists around a table marked with a map of Theed's market district. He glanced at Aiden, searching for a sign that his friend had noticed the same details, their intended target.

The atmosphere shifted as Commander Lyra and a select group of Vanguard members slipped down to ground level, intent on gathering intelligence. Lorn felt the weight of responsibility settle heavily on his shoulders. They were the front line, the guardians of peace, and every decision made tonight could tip the scales in their favor, or lead to disaster.

Lorn remained vigilant, scanning the surroundings as he and Aiden kept lookout. But something didn't feel right. A chill danced up his spine as he sensed movement beyond the Crusaders, shadows shifting in the darkness. "It's a trap," Lorn gasped, his heart racing. The realization hit him like a punch to the gut as he watched Lyra approach the table, completely unaware of the impending danger.

Through the comms, he felt a surge of urgency. [[Commander, get out of there!]] Lorn called out, desperation lacing his voice. But as Lyra reached the table, the scene took a horrifying turn. The figures around the table were bound and gagged, the trap laid out before them with cruel precision.

And then it happened—an explosion rocked the warehouse, sending a shockwave that tore through the air and flung Lorn and Aiden from their perch. The world spun around him as he tumbled through the air, his instincts kicking in as he fought to regain control. The ground rushed up to meet him, and with a painful thud, he hit the ground, the breath knocked from his lungs.

Chaos ensued, the Crusaders were regrouping, turning to face the incoming assault as fires blazed behind them, illuminating the silhouettes of the New Way insurgents emerging from the shadows.

 

[Aiden Porte]

"It's good to see you, brother."

"I know this might be personal for you,"

"but if we all keep our cool and listen to the Commander, we come home safe and Theed is safe."

"You as well my friend." Aiden said with a big smile at the sight of Lorn Reingard

Aiden gave a small nod and he then spoke to dissuade any of his companions concerns. "Of course my friend. I promise my heart is not shadowed by revenge and despair as it was a month ago. I wish to simply wish to ensure this fanatic group never harms anyone else again." Aiden had been through much in the last several months, but the trainings and the everything else that has followed has forged him into a better man than he was those months ago. Still much to work on, but his way forward was clear. His conscious was clear, and he was ready more than ever to join the fight.

With a strong heart, back with a strong motivation for peace and security for Naboo and her people.

"Stick with me, Aiden."

Aiden followed Lorn's lead, as he would, his friend had proven to be a constant companion and brother in the short time that they had known each other. They utilized their ascension guns to reach the rooftops, everyone was settling into position. Aiden nodded to Lorn as he too saw the New Way personnel around the table.

And then almost in unison, Aiden felt the tremor through the force.

"It's a trap,"

"I sense it too...." Aiden said and he was then cut off as the explosion rocked the area, the Jedi padawan tumbling down. It was good that his training with the Vanguard had commenced, otherwise this fall would've led to more harm than usual. Aiden was able to land on his feet but still stumbled backwards as debris fell around him. The Padawan coughed lightly, the the smoke and debris dust filling the area. Then the new way personnel that appeared from the darkness had charged in.

Aiden had been thrown a good way from Lorn as he regained himself and he could look from afar as they began to surround Lorn.

"Lorn!" Aiden shouted, worry for his friend setting in as he charged forward. The Jedi Padawan leaped forward, tackling three of them to the ground by way of momentum and a small force push. The attack would give Lorn enough time to engage where necessary.

 

[Lorn Reingard]

Tags: Aiden Porte

​

Lorn coughed, the taste of dust and smoke thick in his mouth. He spat, the grit coating his tongue. His head swam, the world a blurry mess of fire and chaos. His brothers and sisters in the Vanguard… the explosion… were they even alive? The thought was a cold fist squeezing his heart. Then, a voice, strained and worried, cut through the din. "Lorn!" Aiden's call was a lifeline, pulling him from the edge of panic.

He frantically scanned the scene, his eyes searching for the Padawan. Aiden. He was his responsibility. If anything happened to the young man… Lorn's fists clenched. He spotted him, thankfully unharmed. Relief washed over Lorn, quickly replaced by a surge of adrenaline as he realized he was now the center of attention. A ring of New Way terrorists surrounded him, their blasters leveled, the metallic glint of their weapons catching the firelight. He reached for his lightsaber, the familiar weight grounding him, his fingers wrapping around the hilt. Just as they were about to open fire, Aiden's tackle provided the precious seconds he needed. He ignited the yellow blade with a snap-hiss, the bright gold reflecting in the fear-filled eyes of the terrorists. He parried several blasts, the energy bolts exploding harmlessly against his lightsaber, buying precious time.

The Vanguard and Crusaders, though outmatched, fought with a raw, desperate ferocity, moving like a well-oiled machine despite the absolute chaos. But it was no use, they were being overwhelmed, pushed further from the smoldering warehouse and towards the enemy. A surge of protectiveness flooded Lorn as he felt Aiden move closer to him, his back to the Padawan's. "Aiden!" he shouted, his voice raw, "We have to get everyone out of here!" He knew in his gut that this was a deliberate trap, a calculated maneuver by the New Way to lure them in. They had fallen for it, hook, line, and sinker.

"Fall back!" he bellowed, his voice cutting through the cacophony. "To the waterways!" He pointed towards the back of the warehouse, towards the canal system that ran through Theed. It was their only chance. The water and sewer systems were a maze, difficult to navigate for any that didn't know the way, and that included the New Way personnel.

He turned to Aiden, his gaze firm and unwavering. "Aiden, get everyone out of here." He needed his friend to move the troops, to get them to safety. Without hesitation, he started to deflect more blasts, moving towards his friends as he was the target. They needed to escape and he would buy them the time they needed. He knew that the odds were against them here, but he would be damned if he let any more of his comrades fall tonight.

 

[Aiden Porte]

It was just the perfect, well maybe not exactly perfect maneuver that was needed to give Lorn enough time to act. And he did so with perfect timing, Aiden dispatched those around him, his blade coming to life with a familiar snap-hiss. Aiden was determined to take out as many of these New Way personnel as possible, until he heard Lorn's voice direct him.

"Aiden!"

"We have to get everyone out of here!"

"Understood...." Aiden said as he glanced around for a brief moment and began to do as he was instructed. There was the smallest of glimpses that he wanted to stay and fight, yet he knew better. The bigger picture was present, and he couldn't jeopardize that. Lorn Reingard declared the retreat as he then began to cover there retreat.

"Let's go, now!" Aiden announced to those that were still trying to stand and fight. "Do as he says, now! Fall back to the waterways!"

"Lorn! Come on!" Aiden said, he wasn't going to leave him behind. Aiden turned back to those that were falling back. "Go! I don't care what you smell!" The Jedi Padawan's blade twirling around deflecting what blaster fire he could, as his hand shot forward sending a force push to more that were advancing.

 

[Lorn Reingard]

Tags: Aiden Porte

​

Lorn stood firm, a golden whirlwind of controlled aggression. His lightsaber danced, deflecting a relentless barrage of crimson bolts. The New Way terrorists, their faces contorted in a mix of hatred and fear, pressed forward, but Lorn was an immovable object, a golden barrier between them and the retreating Vanguard. Each parry was precise, each movement fluid, honed by years of training. He was a bulwark against the chaos, buying his comrades precious seconds. He moved with an almost inhuman speed, each movement calculated, deflecting bolts back towards those that had fired them. He was a force of nature, a golden wall of energy, pushing them further away from his friends, giving them the time they needed to escape this deathtrap.

A stray bolt clipped his shoulder, a searing pain that blossomed into a hot, angry ache. He grunted, the impact momentarily disrupting his rhythm, but he recovered instantly, adjusting his stance, his focus unwavering. The smell of burnt flesh filled his senses, but he couldn't afford to dwell on the injury. He had to keep them at bay, had to ensure they got out alive. He could feel the energy, the surge of adrenaline that was coursing through his very veins, he was unstoppable.

Lost in the chaotic dance of fire and steel, Lorn almost forgot about his own escape. It wasn't until he heard Aiden's voice, strained and echoing, that he remembered he also needed to get out of here. "Lorn! Come on!"

He took a step back, the gold of his blade glowing brightly in the darkness. With a final, explosive flourish, he disengaged, sending a wave of energy that toppled several of the terrorists back. He sprinted backward, towards the canal, jumping into the cold, murky water. The frigid water shocked his system, but he pushed forward, his feet finding purchase on the slick, algae-covered stones beneath. He burst out of the water, his boots finding the edge of the sewer entrance. The sound of blaster fire echoed off the tunnel walls as more shots ricocheted off the concrete around him.

He moved swiftly, the rhythmic sound of dripping water filling the air. Reaching the rendezvous point in the darkness, he saw his brothers and sisters scattered, their faces grimed with dirt and soot, but alive. He met Aiden's eyes, a silent message of relief passing between them. The sounds of pursuit grew louder behind them.

"Split up?" He spoke, his voice strained but firm, the words cutting through the damp air. "No choice. Find a way back to Shiraya's Rest." He commanded, his gaze sweeping over the group. "Aiden, you're with me." he said, grabbing the Padawan's arm and pulled him towards the rightmost tunnel, the golden glow of his lightsaber acting as a beacon in the gloom. "Watch your step, Dianoga live down here" He warned, his voice low, the threat of the sewer creatures a new worry added to their already dire circumstances.

 

[Aiden Porte]

"Aiden, you're with me."

"Yes sir, be careful my friends." The Padawan said to those splitting up as he gestured a sign of goodwill to them all. His right hand moving over his heart and he gave a small bow of his head.

"Watch your step, Dianoga live down here"

"Great." Aiden said with a small smirk, glancing to Lorn and ahead, the light from his saber blade showing a path ahead.

"A part of me wants to say we were set up." Aiden said with a small scowl before speaking again. "The fact is the New Way are far more organized than I originally thought."

"We must take great care my friend." Aiden wasn't just speaking about their situation right now, but overall, the entirety of the Vanguard as well as Naboo. "Has there been any word from the commander?

Lorn Reingard

 

[Lorn Reingard]

Tags: Aiden Porte

​

Lorn nodded grimly, his gaze fixed on the slick, dark tunnel floor as they moved. The idea that they were set up had been nagging at him since the ambush. The New Way's coordinated attack, their relentless barrage of fire, it spoke of a level of planning and organization he hadn't expected. "Agreed," he replied, his voice low, echoing slightly in the damp tunnel. "They weren't just a ragtag group of extremists. This… this was calculated, systematic."

He held his golden lightsaber down, its radiant glow illuminating the uneven path, the murky puddles that had collected in the hollows of the concrete, and the algae-slicked stones underfoot. "As for the commander…" Lorn paused, his jaw tightening with the weight of a terrible realization that had been growing since the explosion. "I don't think she made it, Aiden. The blast... it was right under that table, where she was. I don't sense her presence in the Force anymore, it's... like a void." A hard, cold stone seemed to settle in Lorn's stomach, the thought of losing another friend, another ally, weighing down on him.

The echoing sound of approaching footsteps jolted Lorn from his thoughts, a reminder of the very real danger they were in. They came to another junction in the sewer system, the blackness yawning before them. "Hold," Lorn whispered, his hand instinctively reaching out to halt Aiden. "We'll let them pass, then ambush. Maybe we can get some information on how they found us." Lorn pressed his back against the cold, damp wall, his golden lightsaber deactivated, plunging him into near-complete darkness. Together, they melted into the shadows of the tunnel, the silence only broken by the gentle drip of water.

The approaching footsteps grew louder, closer until they neared their position. Lorn tensed, waiting for the opportune moment to strike. That's when it happened, a sudden thrashing and a muffled cry of alarm. One of the Vanguard members, huddled against the opposite wall, was being dragged into the black water. A thick, tentacled arm, slick and black, had wrapped around the Vanguard member's leg.

"Dianoga," Lorn hissed, his eyes going wide. The Vanguard member was panicking, his struggle getting more frantic as he made an effort to prise away the tentacle. "Quiet!" Lorn urged against his teeth, his voice barely a whisper, but edged with the urgency, and a mixture of warning and anger. Lorn feared the Vanguard member's cries would spoil their ambush on the New Way who were moments from their position.

The chaotic situation was quickly spiraling out of control.

 

[Aiden Porte]

"I don't think she made it, Aiden. The blast... it was right under that table, where she was. I don't sense her presence in the Force anymore, it's... like a void."

Aiden didn't say much, his silence could be heard from miles away. Was the loss of life required for every act to rid the world from Tyranny.....

It was more a rhetorical question in his mind than anything, as he knew the answer to that. He knew that lives were going to be lost. He hated the fact that they were. Why, why did they have too? There was never going to be a definitive answer to that.

It was....just life.

"We'll let them pass, then ambush. Maybe we can get some information on how they found us."

"There are many questions we need answered." The Jedi Padawan said, and then a fellow Vanguard member was being pulled by the creature in the depths of this place. Other's were scrambling to help, but it was for naught.

Lorn's words, the vanguard member being dragged and the rest of them. They were found....


Not today, it wouldn't happen today.

Aiden turned to Lorn. "They need you Lorn, lead them out. I will buy you time. Go now." Aiden said as he turned down the hallway, his blade coming to life, his stance switching from defense to attack. The Jedi was about to put his training and preparation with the Vanguard to the test, in this narrow path the numbers wouldn't matter.

The force was with him.

Lorn Reingard

 

[Lorn Reingard]

Tags: Aiden Porte

​

Lorn watched, a knot of dread tightening in his chest, as Aiden turned and vanished into the darkness of the sewer passage. He reached out, his fingers brushing against the air where the younger Jedi had been just a moment before, but it was too late. "No..." he groaned, the word barely a whisper against the echoing drips of water. He shouldn't have let him go. Aiden was still young, still learning, and now he was facing the full force of these terrorists alone. It was Lorn's responsibility to protect him, his fault Aiden was even in this mess in the first place.

Lorn's jaw clenched. He couldn't abandon Aiden. Not now. He ignited his golden lightsaber, the blade humming to life, illuminating the frantic struggle of the Vanguard member still ensnared by the dianoga. Without hesitation, Lorn sliced through the creature's thick, black tentacle, the severed limb falling to the ground with a wet thud. "Go!" he barked, his voice tight with urgency, to the remaining Vanguards. "Find the others and get back to the Rest!" They didn't need further encouragement, scrambling over the slippery ground towards the exit. Lorn didn't wait any longer, not with Aiden's life on the line. He turned and raced down the sewer passage, his lightsaber held ready.

He found Aiden just as the first of the New Way terrorists rounded the corner. The Padawan stood firm, his own blade a beacon in the gloom, deflecting bolts of crimson energy back toward their source. Lorn placed a hand firmly on Aiden's shoulder, a silent message of support and strength. He was here, and he wouldn't let Aiden face this alone. A grim look settled on Lorn's face as the footsteps grew louder, closer. The New Way were here, and they were ready to fight. He could feel a familiar surge of anger at the thought of his lost comrades. It would be a controlled chaos. Aiden deserved the chance to be the hero, to stand strong, but Lorn would make sure he lived through it.

A volley of blaster fire erupted, the red bolts searing through the darkness. Lorn moved with practiced ease, his golden lightsaber a blur, deflecting the energy back towards the advancing terrorists. The ricocheting bolts sent them scattering for cover momentarily, but they were undeterred, their hatred clear in their snarled faces. Lorn felt a surge of fury, the memory of the fallen Vanguards fueling his movements. With a guttural yell, he surged forward, his golden blade leading the charge. The first terrorist barely had time to react before Lorn's lightsaber sliced through his blaster rifle, sending metal fragments flying. He followed up with a swift kick to his chest, sending the man sprawling against the sewer wall. Another terrorist tried to ambush Lorn from his left; he side-stepped the attack with ease, spinning low and driving his lightsaber into their leg. The terrorist screamed in pain and dropped to the floor. Lorn spun back into the fray, deflecting another volley of laser fire with ease. He moved with a savage grace, his attacks precise and deadly, each movement fueled by the burning desire to avenge his fallen comrades and protect Aiden.

 

[Aiden Porte]

The Jedi Padawan moved with a quick precision worth to be called a member of the Vanguard. His training with them had shown, and it was then when he felt a hand on his shoulder and his friend...

His brother stood beside him...

Lorn Reingard movement was precise, quick.....it was indeed amazing to witness.

They seemed to be on the defense now. However there were a few that were charging forward still, the Padawan took them out as quickly and precise as possible. While, part of him wanted them to die, but he knew better than that. They would have to capture those that they could, interrogate them. Find out what they could, and Aiden really wanted to be a part of that.

This was bigger than him, a chance to avenge those that were lost. The give some solace to the lives lost because of the New Way.

Perhaps he could finally put this thoughts of Esme to rest....

Finally...

Did he still feel guilty?

O course he did, but his anger and need for revenge was overshadowing his guilt. He was glad that Lorn and the Vanguard were helping him with that. He couldn't do it alone, he at least admitted that much.

They lessened, one by one they looked to be retreating, yet there were some still wanting to fight. They would fight, and they would lose. The combination of Lorn and Aiden's teamwork and fluidity in combat was near perfect.

 

[Lorn Reingard]

Tags: Aiden Porte

​

Lorn moved like a predator, a whirlwind of controlled fury. Each strike of his gold lightsaber was precise, a calculated dance of offense and defense against the ragged ranks of the New Way. He moved with a speed, each parry, each thrust, a testament to years spent honing his skills in war. He felt the familiar burn of anger, a cold fire fueled by the faces of his fallen comrades. He pushed it down, focusing on the present, on survival. The New Way soldiers were desperate, their attacks clumsy, yet their sheer number was a threat in itself.

He saw one of them, a hulking brute with a vibro-axe, charging towards Aiden, and Lorn intercepted him with a snarl of rage. His lightsaber blurred, deflecting the axe, followed by a swift kick, sending the man sprawling into the muck. Lorn felt a surge of satisfaction, a grim pleasure in the face of so much loss. He glanced towards Aiden, his young friend a flurry of motion as well, a stark reminder of the people he had vowed to protect. Lorn would not lose him too, not if he had anything to say about it.

The tide was turning, the New Way's initial aggression was faltering. Many started to turn tail, running as fast as they could from the duo. But a few fanatics, their eyes burning with zealous hatred, refused to yield. Lorn met their advance head on. He didn't give them a single moment to breach his defenses, his movements swift, ruthless even. He could see the barely restrained rage simmering within Aiden, his desire to see every last one of these fanatics dead. Lorn, despite the fire in his own heart, knew they needed someone to interrogate. He could almost see a glimmer of recognition in Aiden's eyes, a silent agreement.

The last of the New Way aggressors retreated, all except one, a gaunt man in tattered armor. Lorn deactivated his lightsaber with a hiss, the silence amplifying the urgency in the air. He moved with a surprising agility, dodging a clumsy swipe by the man, before delivering a swift series of blows, rendering him immobile. Grabbing the man's wrists, Lorn pulled him upright with a grunt, the man's breath ragged and shallow. "How about we bring this one back?" he asked Aiden, his voice rough, straining to hold the man up.

They began to maneuver their prisoner towards the exit, when a small click sounded, like the snapping of a twig. Lorn's eyes snapped to the man's hand, spotting a small detonator clutched tightly in his fist. Time seemed to slow as he realized what was about to happen. His mind screamed at him to react, to save himself, to save Aiden. With a roar of pure panic and adrenaline, he lunged forward, channeling the Force that surged within him. He released a powerful Force Push, sending the terrorist flying down the sewer tunnels towards the retreating group, praying it was far enough, hoping it could save them.

He was then flung backwards by the force of the blast, as the sewer floor exploded beneath him, a geyser of fire and debris. Lorn landed hard, the breath knocked from his lungs, the air thick with smoke and the acrid smell of burned chemicals. The sewer began to crumble around him, the explosion a devastating show of the enemy's desperation. He could taste the dust in his mouth, his head hammered with the ringing of the blast. He could only pray they still had time to make it out.

 

[Aiden Porte]

It happened so fast, much more than he realized.

The explosion caught him completely off guard.

In a few moments they were carrying him and then that was it, he felt the shockwave from where the New Way Personnel was tossed. Dust, dirt filled the area suffocating the Jedi Padawan as he coughed heavily as he was thrown to the ground. Debris flew all around, and a chunk of concrete fell to his side. He was in no mind to maneuver out of the way, the clouds of dirt and smog and the pointy end of a piece of rebar stuck him through his side.

He wasn't going to lie, that hurt, badly. He let out a loud groan upon its impact, his hands shaking and he could feel the wetness from the blood seep through. He gasped for air, his survival sensing kicking into overdrive now as his hands rested against the piece of concrete and with all of his might he pushed it off of him. A strong bellow of pain filling the air as the rebar was removed and he was free.

Aiden turned to his side as he spotted Lorn a few feet away.

"L-L-Lorn." The Padawan gasped as he tried to get to his feet. "We need to go..." The Jedi Padawan said faintly as he raised his hand to his mouth, blood dripping from his mouth. He finally got to his feet, his vision seemed to be fading. Aiden reached his brother, holding his arm out to him.

How Aiden was still standing was incredibly curious. His actions in pulling the rebar from him could potentially cost him his life. Yet, if he didn't he would've been crushed and suffocated by the smog and fumes of dust and gas that filled the air. Then the fires from the explosions afterward did not help.

His mind went to Jun Chiyo for a brief moment. Her smile, laugh, the sound of her voice filled his head.

Just then, another voice filled his mind...

You want to be the hero, now you have to pay the price....

Lorn Reingard

 

[Lorn Reingard]

Tags: Aiden Porte

​

Lorn choked, the taste of dust and smoke thick in his throat. He coughed violently, hacking up grime as the world swam back into focus. His head throbbed, a dull, insistent pulse that echoed the ache in his ribs. He suspected a few cracked bones at the very least. He pushed against the weight of the rubble, groaning as his muscles screamed in protest. He needed to move, he needed…

"Aiden!" The name tore from his lips, raw and desperate. He scrambled upward, ignoring the sharp stabs of pain, his eyes scanning the chaos. He saw him then, a wobbly figure rising amidst the debris. Relief flooded through him, quickly followed by sharp concern. Aiden was hurt, he could see it in the way he moved, the way his hand went to his mouth. Lorn's legs felt like lead, but he forced them to work. He struggled towards Aiden, his hand outstretched, ready to steady him.

"Aiden, here," Lorn said, his voice rough but firm. He placed Aiden's arm around his shoulders, taking much of his young friend's weight. Lorn grit his teeth, his body screaming, but he refused to buckle under the weight. "We need to get out of here, come on." With a slow and determined pace, he guided Aiden through the mangled tunnel, the smell of burnt metal and sewage filling his nostrils. Each step was an agony, but they were moving, heading towards the faint light that peeked from the other end of the tunnel.

Finally, they stumbled out into the cool morning air. The sun was just beginning to paint the sky with shades of orange and pink, a stark contrast to the hellish darkness they'd just escaped. Lorn gently lowered Aiden to the ground, propping him up against a wall near the canal. The sounds of sirens and shouts filled the air. Royal Naboo Security forces were already on the scene, their movements swift and efficient, beginning to clear the streets above.

Lorn turned his attention to Aiden, his brow furrowed with concern. "Where are you hurt?" he asked, his voice laced with a mixture of dread and urgency. He could see the pale pallor of Aiden's skin, the blood glistening on his lips. "Show me." He moved to examine the Padawan, pulling back Aiden's tunic to examine the damage. He recoiled sharply as he saw the mess of blood matting the young padawan's side. "Stay still," Lorn urged.. He could see a security member begin to approach them. "Over here! We need help!" Lorn bellowed, his eyes never leaving Aiden as he called the security officer over to their spot on the canal. Lorn focused on the young man, his need to protect him, to get him help, overriding the pain and the ringing in his head. Lorn knew he was injured himself, but Aiden needed medical attention now, and nothing else mattered but that.

 

[Aiden Porte]

"Where are you hurt?"

"It feels like....everywhere." The Padawan spoke softly and weakl chuckle as he held on to Lorn Reingard and his friend called out for help. Aiden wasn't to sure what was going on anymore. The pain seemingly passed, for a brief second but then he recoiled heavily as a sharp jolt of pain shot through where he was wounded.

He could feel a ting of cold creep at his body, he closed his eyes for a brief moment. Focusing his energy, focusing on the force. The Padawan could feel the energies of those around him, they were strong.

They were good, and Lorn was one of them.

He was a good person.

He is a good person.

"I....I believe in you Lorn." Aiden said with a small weak smile, just as aid was starting to arrive. "All the pain, sadness, frustration......you must......" The Jedi Padawan said through gritted teeth as he forced the words out through the pain.

"You must let it go...."

 

[Lorn Reingard]

Tags: Aiden Porte

​

Lorn stared at Aiden, a choked, disbelieving laugh bubbling up from his chest. The sound was rough, grating, and each shallow chuckle sent a fresh wave of pain through his bruised ribs, making him wince. "I'll try." he managed, a wry smile twisting his lips. He reached out, his hand rough but gentle as he patted Aiden's cheek, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Don't think you're getting out of training that easily now that you have a few scratches. This might buy you a few days, maybe a week, if you milk it." Lorn's voice, though laced with humour, held a note of genuine concern.

The arrival of the medics was a flurry of activity. They moved with practiced efficiency, their voices calm and reassuring as they began to assess Aiden's condition. One of them reached for Lorn, a hand outstretched to examine his injuries, but he pushed them away with a gruff shake of his head. "Leave me," he insisted, his voice sharper than he intended. "Focus on him. He's the one who needs help." His gaze remained fixed on Aiden, his brow furrowed with worry. Lorn knew they would check him over eventually, but right now, all of his attention was focused on the young Jedi beside him.

He slumped back against the wall, the rough stone a cold comfort against his aching muscles. The medics bustled around, their low voices a murmuring counterpoint to the wail of sirens and the distant shouts of the rescue crews. Lorn's eyes drifted upwards, drawn to the rising sun. The sky was now ablaze with vibrant colours, the orange and pink hues a stark contrast to the grey dust that clung to his skin and the memory of the darkness they had just escaped. He closed his eyes, taking a deep, shuddering breath, feeling the warmth of the sun on his battered face. He forced a sense of calm into his body as a single thought passed through his mind. After today, after everything he had just witnessed and survived, this might just be the only moment of peace he would have for a long, long time.

 

[Aiden Porte]

"Don't think you're getting out of training that easily now that you have a few scratches. This might buy you a few days, maybe a week, if you milk it."

"Are you kidding me...." Aiden spoke weakly with a small smile. "I'm gonna be ready to go tomorrow."

The Jedi Padawan laid back as one of the medic lightly pressed his head back. It didn't take them to long to assess and apply what was needed to get his injuries under control.

He laid and his mind wondered. He recalled a time when there wasn't any of this, pain, fear, anger.

While Aiden was the biggest hypocrite of them all.

Truthfully....

He would speak and tell those to move on, move past the pain. Most would listen, and some wouldn't.

He was one of those that wasn't listening.

The New Way, Dark Exchange.....

He was going string them all up and watch them hang.

No matter the cost to him, even his own life.

There was so much work to be done. He knew he wasn't ready yet, but soon he would be.

Lorn Reingard