Private Signal in the Dark

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

The distress signal was weak but insistent, a crackling plea for help that cut through the quiet hum of Valery's X-wing cockpit. The coordinates came through with a static-laden repetition: a derelict ship floating in the void, its name, Drift, barely audible beneath the interference.

"Distress signal received," Valery murmured, her amber eyes narrowing as she adjusted her course. The Force was a faint whisper at the edge of her awareness, its unease settling over her like a heavy shroud. Whatever had happened aboard the ship wasn't natural.

As her X-wing dropped out of hyperspace, the Drift loomed into view — a massive vessel, its hull pockmarked and scorched. Its once-bright running lights were now dim, flickering faintly like dying embers. The docking bay door was partially ajar, inviting yet ominous. Her sensors confirmed her suspicions: no life signs aboard. Only a faint power signature and the looping signal.

"This is Valery Noble," she called through the comms, though she didn't expect an answer. "Respond if you can hear me."

Silence.

Guiding her X-wing into the hangar, she set it down gently amidst the debris of abandoned cargo crates and twisted machinery. The docking bay was eerily quiet, save for the faint hiss of atmosphere leaking through damaged vents. "Creepy," Valery muttered, unclipping her lightsaber as she descended from the cockpit. Her boots echoed sharply against the durasteel floor, the sound swallowed quickly by the oppressive stillness. The air was thinner but breathable, so she saw no need for a rebreather.

The distress signal's source was close. She moved deeper into the hangar, her hand resting lightly on her saber hilt. A dark smear led from a shattered console to a side corridor, its jagged edges suggesting both desperation and violence. The Force twisted sharply, like a blade drawn against her senses.

"Alright," she whispered, her voice steady but low. "Let's see what you're hiding."

Ilfrit ​

 

[Ilfrit]

A weak distress signal caught his attention a few hours ago, he managed to land the small, rusty little ship in which he travels, alone, inside the Drift, a bigger ship who is floating in the space.

This is not his first solo outing but this time, Ilfrit can sense something, a strange feeling, as if something inevitable was going to happen.

Before landing, he tried to reach the ship's comms. "If anyone is still out there, my name is Ilfrit and I'm coming to help you, do you copy ?"

But no one respond. He tried a second time before realizing something on the dashboard : his communication devices are broken due to a lack of maintenance.

"Ah, damnit, this may be our last ride together, old friend" He whispers before landing his ship with difficulty and getting out, in an isolate part of the Drift.
He took his two lighstabers with him, they seems old too but in a better shape than his spaceship and an old jedi robe adjusted to his size.

"Well... let's take a look, shall we ?" He said out loud as he starts walking towards the cockpit of the Drift, hoping to see something with the cameras. as he walks, his fur starts getting darker and darker until it's completely black, scanning his surroundings with the Force as he moves forwards into the guts of the Drift.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery paused mid-step, her sharp senses picking up on a faint ripple in the Force. It wasn't the oppressive unease radiating from the Drift itself — this was different, a living presence, faint but distinct. She tilted her head, her hand tightening briefly around the hilt of her saber before she relaxed her grip. Whoever it was, they weren't hiding their presence in the Force, and there was no immediate hostility in their energy.

Reaching for her commlink, she adjusted the frequency to an open channel, her voice calm but firm as she broadcast a message.

"This is Valery Noble," she began, her tone carrying an edge of authority. "I've detected another arrival on the Drift. If you're here to investigate the distress signal, respond. We should coordinate efforts — whatever's happening here, it's not safe to go alone."

She clipped the commlink back to her belt and waited for a response, her senses still reaching out to track the movement of the unfamiliar presence. The ship's ominous silence pressed heavily around her, broken only by the faint hum of the emergency lights flickering along the corridor walls.

"Let's hope you're friendly," Valery muttered under her breath as she took a slow step forward, her gaze scanning the darkened corridor ahead.

Ilfrit ​

 

[Ilfrit]

As he walks down a hallway, he feels something, a presence with an almost familiar touch but don't heard the message because of his broken comms.

"Master ?" He ask out loud with hope as he starts having a flashback of his old friend.

He's back with him, in a strange spaceship, Hayden explains the rules for surviving :
"First you need to be always aware of your surroundings, second, your weapons need to be ready to use. An unprepared Jedi is a dead Jedi. Third, trust your instinct, if he told you to run, you run, if you sense something off, you slow down and be ready." Hayden said with a smile in his voice before drawing his lighstaber.
A red light suddenly appears in front of them, a Sith.

Ilfrit shakes his head, back to the present with a sudden fatigue overcoming him.
"Master... I miss you so much... This place looks the same as the one were I lost you..." He's breathing loudly, deeply. "Alright Ilfrit, get yourself together... The cameras... you need to look at the footage first. First rule : be aware of your surroundings"

He resumes his route towards the control room, his aura difusing a wave of melancholy and loneliness around him. His fur stays black but his eyes turns grey.

Tag : Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's senses sharpened as she pressed forward, the Force guiding her steps through the dimly lit corridor. The faint pulse of a living presence was growing stronger, though its energy carried a weight she couldn't ignore. Melancholy and loneliness rippled from it like faint echoes, threading through the eerie silence of the Drift. Whoever it was, they weren't a threat — at least, not yet.

Her commlink had yielded no response, which only deepened her resolve to find the source. Adjusting her grip on her lightsaber, she kept it unlit but ready, her other hand brushing lightly against the cool, scarred walls of the ship. Every flickering light and groaning pipe seemed to amplify the ship's eerie atmosphere.

After a series of turns, the Force tugged her down another hallway, urging her closer. Her footsteps slowed as she felt the presence nearby, its aura unmistakable now. Rounding the corner, she stopped at the entrance of a dimly lit hallway.

Ahead of her, at the other end, stood a figure. His silhouette was illuminated by the flickering light of a control room just beyond him, his posture radiating weariness and grief. His fur and striking eyes made him immediately stand out against the cold backdrop of the ship.

Valery's amber gaze locked onto him, her expression calm but guarded. Her voice, when she spoke, carried an air of quiet authority.

"You're not alone here," she said, her tone steady as it echoed softly down the corridor. "I'm Valery. Who are you?"

Ilfrit ​

 

[Ilfrit]

"Finally, I found you." He says in front of the control room, looking at it. He completely forgot the presence of Valery due to his flashbacks who broke his focus. He's still tired and a bit in his own world, half lost in memories.

He make one step to the room before hearing a voice behind him. He couldn't help but jump and drawing his two lightsabers but he don't turn them on.
He look at Valery Noble with terror for a second but he quickly calm down as he understand she's not a threat to him.

"Am... Am I dreaming again ? You... You seem... familliar in a way but..."

The little Kushiban drops his arms and lowers his ears, his eyes turns blue and his fur, white. His Jedi Robe is very old, same as his lighstabers.
"My... my name is Ilfrit... I'm sorry, usually It's not easy to caught me off guard like this but..." He look at the walls, the ceilling. "I... This place is..."

He heard the voice of Hayden in his head, a long lost memory.
"Be careful, Ilfrit, you trust people too easly, remember, first rule : always analyze your opponent"

He snort a bit, a little laugh. "All your rules are number 1 rules Hayden..." He said out loud, staring into the void before reporting his attention to Valery.
"Sorry, let me try this again. I am Ilfrit... er... nice to meet you ?" He stare at Valery with a bit of curiosity and fear.

Tag : Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery remained calm as the Kushiban startled and drew his lightsabers, her hands staying relaxed at her sides. The flicker of terror in his eyes quickly faded, replaced by something softer — curiosity, confusion, perhaps even a lingering sadness. She could feel the threads of the Force around him, the unmistakable presence of a Jedi, though his aura carried the weight of time and loss.

Her expression softened slightly as he introduced himself, his hesitation and fragmented words painting a clear picture of his scattered thoughts. She gave him a moment to collect himself before speaking again, her voice steady and kind.

"I'm Jedi Master Valery Noble," she said, inclining her head slightly. "It's nice to meet you, Ilfrit." Her amber gaze swept over him briefly, noting his worn robes and the aged lightsabers in his grip. They spoke of a long and storied journey, one she could sense had not been an easy path.

Her attention shifted to the corridor around them, the oppressive atmosphere of the Drift pressing in once more. "I take it you're here because of the distress signal as well?" she asked, her tone calm but inquisitive. "If that's the case, we should stick together. Whatever's happening here..." She gestured faintly to the eerie surroundings. "It's not the kind of place anyone should face alone."

She paused, her gaze locking onto his with a gentle but firm resolve. "If you're willing, we can investigate this together. I'll take point — you keep an eye on our flank. Deal?"

Ilfrit ​

 

[Ilfrit]

Signal in the Dark

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Equipment : Datapad | Two old lighstabers | Old Jedi robe


Tag : | Valery Noble


Location : The Drift


His ears prick up at the sound of "Jedi Master" and his breathing quickens slightly. He remains silent, listening to what Valery is telling him attentively.

"Yes, I picked up a distress signal... just before my own communications died." He says with a little sadness in his voice as he thinks about his old ship.

He takes a deep breath in concentration, his fur turning gray to blend in with the surroundings, only his blue eyes stand out now. He nods at Valery.

"I keep the flanks, received." For a second his eyes turned gold before returning to their usual blue.

"A Jedi Master, I can't believe it... Hayden... if only you were here to see her...
Focus Ilfrit ! You need to get out of there, this is not the time to be distracted, you have to show her that you are competent." He thinks.

"Yes, yes, focus, rule number one of the Sentinel, focus on the objective... I know." He said out loud once again before staring at Valery Noble with a sad gaze. "Er... sorry... I... er... talk to myself sometimes... often... too often, I'm not used to work with... er... someone else..."

He seems troubled a bit, he gives a tight smile, his tail whipping the air behind him, showing his stress. He straps his sabers to his belt, ready to be drawn. He shakes his head and start refocusing.

"So, it was you that I sensed earlier... I wanted to confirm by looking at the cameras... If they're still functionnal... Or maybe we can collect the blackbox to understand what happened ?"

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery offered Ilfrit a gentle smile, her amber eyes softening at the sight of his nervous movements and the way he seemed to wrestle with his own thoughts. The sadness in his gaze, the way his tail flicked in agitation — it all told her more than his words ever could. This wasn't just a mission for him; there was something deeper at play, a weight he carried that ran parallel to the eerie atmosphere of the Drift.

"It's alright, Ilfrit," she said, her tone calm and understanding. "We all have our ways of staying focused. Talking to yourself is fine — whatever helps you stay grounded in the moment. You're not alone anymore, and I'll make sure we get through this together."

Her gaze shifted toward the flickering light of the corridor ahead, the oppressive silence pressing against her senses. She nodded at his suggestion, a hint of approval flickering in her expression. "The black box is a good idea. If we can find it, it should give us some answers about what happened here and why the distress signal was sent. The cameras might help too, if they're still functional. Either way, it's worth investigating."

They would have to head to the bridge.

Valery turned back to him, her stance steady and reassuring. "Let's head for the bridge first. If the cameras are operational, we can use them to locate the black box and get a better understanding of the layout. If not, we'll follow the Force and make our way through carefully."

She began to move, her steps slow and deliberate, the Force flowing through her as she remained acutely aware of their surroundings. With a subtle gesture, she motioned for him to follow, leading the way deeper into the eerie heart of the Drift.

Ilfrit ​

 

[Ilfrit]

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Datapad | Two old lighstabers |


Tag : | Valery Noble


Location : The Drift


He nods his head and follows Valery to the bridge in silence, trying to focus on the Force and his surroundings. His ears move in all directions, searching for the slightest sound, the slightest anomaly, he is suddenly very focused.

"Ilfrit is usually easily distracted, I know that." The voice of his ancien master echoes in his head, far away. "But when he takes a situation seriously, he's very different." He remembers Hayden saying this to a friend who was criticizing Ilfrit for having his head in the clouds too much.
He shakes his head once again, those memories are assaulting him and he's having a hard time focusing.

The corridors, the mission, everything reminds him of that day. It's no coincidence. Everything is too similar.
His breathing quickens and his ears start to get hot (as a Kushiban, he can't sweat). Even with the reassuring presence of Valery, he's getting anxious.

"Not again" He whispers. "I won't allow it."
He looks everywere, all his senses on high alert. Looking for the smallest sensory anomaly. Moving slowly and with fluidity, in a second, his behaviour changes. He look like a predator now, ready to jump. his thoughts crystallize, the stress and his emotions vanishes, only the present moment remains.

It's been a while since he had to focus like that but that's how he is : when his stress gets too high, everything falls away at once, leaving him hyperfocused.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery noticed the shift in Ilfrit's demeanor, his predator-like focus taking over as his anxiety crystallized into hyperawareness. She paused mid-step, turning to face him, her amber eyes calm but firm.

"Ilfrit," she said softly, her voice steady, "You're not alone in this."

Stepping closer, she met his gaze, her presence in the Force grounding. "Whatever happened before, it's not happening again. Not with me here. We'll face this together, and we'll get through it."

She extended a reassuring hand, not to pull him forward but as a steadying gesture. "Focus on what's in front of us. The mission, the lives we're here to protect. One step at a time. I've got your back, and we're going to handle this together." Her tone left no room for doubt as she turned and moved forward, her senses sharp, the Force between them a quiet promise of unity and strength.

Ilfrit​

 

[Ilfrit]

​

Equipment : Datapad | Two old lighstabers | Old Jedi Robe

Tag : | Valery Noble

Location : The Drift

He nods at Valery when she says that he's not alone, his eyes speaks for him : I have your back.
He follows the Master in silence, analyzing every sound, focused on his ears. He's ready to react.

His aura turns into a promise: "we are together, I'll not let you down".
His eyes slowly changes, the blue turns to gold as hope takes hold of him. This time, this time, things will be different. He don't really know Valery but something tells him he can trust her.

"I'm with you and focused, don't worry, if anyone is still alive in this ship, we will get to them and save them." He said with a tone betraying duty, it's clearly not just a contract for him, it's his goal in life to save people.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery nodded at Ilfrit's words, her amber eyes reflecting his determination. His shift in demeanor was palpable, and she could feel the promise he carried through the Force. A faint smile touched her lips before she turned back toward the dark corridor ahead.

"Good," she said softly. "Let's move."

The ship groaned around them, the flickering emergency lights casting eerie shadows on the walls. The chill in the air deepened as they ventured further, carrying with it the faint echoes of despair. Valery paused, her senses reaching out like ripples in a pond. A faint glimmer of life brushed against her awareness — fragile but there.

"There are survivors," she murmured, glancing at Ilfrit. "Deeper in the ship, but they're not alone. Something else is here."

The sound of heavy footsteps reached her ears, deliberate and close. Valery's hand tightened on her saber hilt as she turned to Ilfrit, her voice a steady whisper. "We're walking into danger. Stay sharp, and no matter what, we stick together."

She stepped forward, the faint presence of life guiding her, the looming sense of threat keeping her senses razor-sharp. There was no room for hesitation now.

Ilfrit​

 

[Ilfrit]

​

Equipment : Datapad | Two old lighstabers | Old Jedi Robe


Tag : | Valery Noble


Location : The Drift


He nods at Valery. "Together" he whispers before drawing his two sabers, ready to pounce.

He quickly looks at the walls, analyzing his possibilities of movement before taking his two sabers in reverse grip, not yet lit. He stores Force around him, ready to shift into Celerity at the first sign of danger, thin threads of blue neon swirling around his fur, barely perceptible at the moment.


"Do you know who's coming ?" He whispers at valery while looking in the direction of the footsteps.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's eyes narrowed, her senses stretching out to grasp the full weight of the presence that approached. The heavy footsteps reverberated through the ship like a drumbeat of impending confrontation. The cold, oppressive aura of the dark side pressed against her senses, but there was no immediate recognition. Whoever it was, they were skilled at masking their identity within the Force.

"I don't know exactly who," she whispered back to Ilfrit, her voice steady but edged with caution. "But they're strong."

Her hand hovered over her saber hilt, her grip tightening as her amber eyes flicked to Ilfrit, the faint blue glow of his stored energy reflecting in her gaze. "Stay close," she reminded him, her tone low but firm.

The footsteps grew louder, each step resonating with a deliberate rhythm, almost taunting in its slow, methodical pace. Valery motioned for Ilfrit to move into position, her own stance shifting slightly to prepare for what was about to come.

The corridor ahead darkened further, the shadows almost consuming the faint emergency lighting. Then, a figure stepped into view — tall, clad in dark robes, a hood obscuring most of their face save for a cruel smile that glimmered faintly under the dim light. The air around them shimmered with malice, thick with a malevolent intent that made the ship's atmosphere feel even colder.

Ilfrit​

 

[Ilfrit]

​

Equipment : Datapad | Two old lighstabers | Old Jedi Robe


Tag : | Valery Noble


Location : The Drift

His breathing quickens as he struggles to stay calm, shaking slightly. His two sabers in his clenched hands.
He waits to see who will emerge from the darkness with apprehension, his fur turning black with stress, his eyes turning a dull gray.

He drops his robe to the ground to free his movements and goes into guard, sabers still off.
The small neon glows on his fur gain intensity as he gathers more Force around him, he is ready to switch to Celerity at the slightest hostile movement.

A memory whisper in his ear, the voice of Hayden again "Do you know the difference between a simple thug and a real fighter ? The little second they give themselves to analyze the situation and their opponents to make the best decision."

He remains completely still and silent, ready to react. Valery can sense his fear growing quickly inside him even with her reassuring presence.
"Strong means nothing... you can do it Ilfrit... you NEED to do it, you don't have a choice now" he thinks.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's amber eyes flicked to Ilfrit as she felt his fear surge through their shared space, the dark side figure's oppressive presence amplifying the tension. Her expression softened for the briefest moment, a silent acknowledgment of his inner struggle, but her voice remained steady, a pillar of calm amid the storm.

"You're not alone, Ilfrit," she said, her tone firm yet reassuring. "Focus on your training, your instincts. We face this together."

Her hand finally wrapped around the hilt of her lightsaber, the familiar weight grounding her as she ignited the violet blade with a sharp snap-hiss. The corridor was bathed in its glow, illuminating the figure in the shadows ahead. The hooded adversary paused, their cruel smile twisting into something more predatory as they regarded the pair.

"Ah, Valery Noble," the figure purred, their voice low and chilling. "And a stray little shadow following behind. How quaint."

Valery stepped slightly ahead of Ilfrit, her presence radiating both protection and challenge. "You've gone to a lot of trouble to corner us," she said, her voice sharp but unwavering. "But you've made a mistake if you think this will go the way you want."

The figure chuckled darkly, a sound that reverberated through the walls. "Oh, I'm not here for you, Grandmaster," they said, their gaze shifting between the two Jedi, "But killing you both is a welcome surprise."

Valery's eyes narrowed, her stance shifting subtly as she positioned herself defensively. "We'll see about that," she shot back, her blade angling slightly as her senses sharpened, ready for anything.

Without warning, the figure's hand lashed out, sending a wave of dark energy hurtling toward them like a tidal wave. Valery reacted instantly, raising her free hand to project a shimmering barrier of light that caught the brunt of the attack. The corridor shook under the force of the clash, debris scattering as Valery gritted her teeth.

"Ilfrit!" she shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos. "Circle wide and strike when you see an opening! You've got this — trust yourself!"

Ilfrit​

 

[Ilfrit]

​

Equipment : Datapad | Two old lighstabers | Old jedi robe


Tag : | Valery Noble


Location : The Drift


He nods at Valery as she's trying to calm him, when the silhouette appear in the corridor, he jumps slightly.

"Killing us ? If he thinks this will be easy..." Ilfrit thinks as memories starts to fade away, an anger he never knew rises within him. An old rage, created by everything he lost, by the memories, by the loneliness and a new Hope, that this Sith wants to take away from him.

He stays behind Valery when the dark wave strikes and the second after that, he unleashes everything. A streak of purple neon leaps onto the wall next to Valery, bounces off the wall opposite, and passes with superhuman speed behind the Sith, passing between his legs. Even for a Jedi or a Sith in Celerity, Ilfrit seems faster than the usual speed.

As he appear right in the back of his opponent, he jump and strikes twice, aiming for his neck but, even with that speed, his movment was predictable
and the Sith parries his blows without any difficulty.

As Ilfrit quickly retreat a few steps back, he looks at the Sith.

"I will not loose anything or anyone to a... THING like you, never again, never again...." He says as the tone of his voice becomes deeper. He rises his guard and starts accumulating Force, preparing another assault in Celerity.

His ears are slowly getting hotter, as Kushiban can't sweat, and his fur and eyes fades to a dark grey.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's amber eyes caught the rapid motion of Ilfrit's attack, the streak of his violet blade flashing through the corridor like a comet. His speed was remarkable, but she noted the predictability of his strikes and the way the Sith deflected them with ease. A flicker of concern crossed her face as she felt the dark emotions rising within Ilfrit — anger, pain, and the echoes of loss. His words struck a chord, and she recognized the dangerous edge his emotions could bring. She couldn't let him spiral.

"Ilfrit!" Valery called out, her voice firm but carrying the weight of her authority and care. "Stay grounded! Anger will cloud your judgment and give him the advantage. Draw on the Force, but let it flow through you, not from your rage!"

The Sith chuckled, the sound dripping with malice. "Ah, how touching," they sneered, their weapon held in a loose yet deceptively confident grip. "The Jedi thinks she can temper a storm."

Valery ignored the Sith's taunt and stepped forward, her blade casting long shadows against the trembling walls. She met Ilfrit's gaze for a fleeting moment, her expression both reassuring and commanding. She turned her full attention to the Sith, her blade raised in a defensive position as the figure advanced. Her fiery gaze never wavered. "I'll keep him focused on me. Use the Force and your instincts to find your moment — you can do this."

With that, Valery surged forward, her movements fluid and precise as she engaged the Sith head-on. Her strikes were calculated, probing for weaknesses while forcing the dark figure to split their focus. Every clash of their blades sent sparks flying, the corridor alive with the hum of energy and the crackle of Force power.

This was Ilfrit's chance.

Ilfrit​

 

[Ilfrit]

​

Equipment : Datapad | Two old lighstabers | Old jedi Robe


Tag : | Valery Noble


Location : The Drift


As Ilfrit was retreating a bit, accumulating Force and drawing on his anger, Valery's voice suddenly disturbs him making him stagger and loosing his focus.
The Sith's voice mingles with that of his former master as Ilfrit close his eyes for a second.

A memory ressurfaces.
"You can't temper a storm, Ilfrit, I know you are very sensitive, I saw your meltdowns too" Say Hayden with a friendly voice, a reassuring tone.
Ilfrit was overwhelmed at this moment, completely blinded by the rage after a very complicated mission with his Master, someone was poisoning the waters of a little village, slowly killing everyone, he don't even remember why.
"I... Can't... control it... I... want to..." Said Ilfrit with a hoarse voice.
"You don't need to battle it... Accept your emotions, that's the only way to let them pass through you, not staying inside you."


Ilfrit open his eyes, the voices of Valery and Hayden combines in his head.
"Use the Force and your instincts to find your moment — you can do this."

A wave of raw rage will emanate from Ilfrit and then, the calm after the storm as Ilfrit look at Valery and the Sith.
"I can... I can do it..." he whispers before taking a stance with his two lightsabers and suddenly rushing the Sith with Celerity, letting a blue neon behind him this time as his fur turns white.

After this wave, he seems to be pure neutral, his brain just stopped processing his emotions, at least for a while.

He come this the left flank of the Sith, striking twice before rushing at his right flank and continue striking, he will turn around him like this to exhaust him and create an opening in the same time as Valery.