Private The Forgotten Becomes the Hunted

[Luna Vakaen]

Location: New Cov
Objective: Survive
Tags: Valery Noble

This Jungle was far more dangerous than any she had ever been in before. Her instincts were normally enough to let her feel like she was the strongest hunter whenever she headed out into the Galaxy's jungles but now it felt like she was the one being hunted upon. Even as she worked on cleaning her blade of the blood from the creature she had just slain, wiping her cloth along the edge gently as Luna closed her eyes.

"I thank the life of this forest for granting me this meal that shall keep me fulfilled."

A small prayer. Luna wasn't sure if she had been religious before she lost her memories but it felt right in this moment. It gave her something to believe in when without it she'd be even more terrified. That terror was something she kept hidden below her surface however as she placed her sword against a tree before taking out a knife to start preparing the animal for cooking later. It was just something that came naturally to her. Cooking that was, not hunting. Well, hunting also came naturally to her. She sighed to herself, running her bloodied hand down her face.

Suddenly all the nerves in her body were set aflame in warning as Luna's hand went straight to her side for her sword only to realise it was still placed against the tree. Before she could move for the sword, Luna felt a sharp and burning pain in her side as a large furry creature came slashing past her. Her hand went to her side as Luna could feel the wound, the warmth of her own blood. Perhaps this was some kind of karmic justice for hunting in the Jungle. For thinking that she had been at the top of the Food Chain. Thinking she was the ultimate hunter and stronger than the beast staring down at her...

But she was.

Luna could feel the anger bubbling up inside of her. An anger and rage that felt familiar as she lifted her spare hand up towards the predator who would find itself helplessly being lifted up into the air. Growling and clawing in the air as the Sephi stared it with a cold unforgiving gaze before clenching her fist. With a sudden influx of Force, the predator was crushed in front of Luna as she released her grip on the creature. It was strange. As much as she had been angry, as much as she had wanted to kill the creature, this still felt wrong to her. There was a strange sickness in the pit of her stomach as she kept her hand pressed up against her side. She should get herself treated. Get these wounds dealt with...but first things first. Luna made her way to the crushed predator and closed her eyes.

"Forest, forgive me for this offense and waste of life. I only hope that this creature's meat may nourish those less fortunate."

With the prayer completed, Luna collected her sword and what meat she had managed to prepare before making her way through the Forest. She had to be careful of the flora and fauna here as she climbed and clambered, keeping her hand pressed up against her side. The Sephi could feel the life oozing out of her and there was a part of her that felt like she might not make it to civilisation. She just...needed a minute to catch her breath as she leaned up against one of the trees, doing her hardest to stay standing even as her vision started to swim and spin around her.​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

The jungle was alive. Not just with the hum of insects or the distant calls of unseen predators, but with something deeper — something woven into the very pulse of the world. Valery could feel it in the tangled canopy above, in the damp, earthen scent of the undergrowth, in the way each step she took had to be deliberate. Even here, amidst the towering trees and ever-present dangers, the Force flowed strong.

That was why she came here.

Jungles like this had a way of stripping everything down to its core. They demanded focus. Strength. Instinct. Whenever she needed to sharpen herself, to push past the comforts of civilization, she found herself drawn to places like this. Alone, with only the Force to guide her.

But now…

Something shifted.

A flicker at the edge of her senses. Pain. The Force stirred around it, whispering of injury, of exhaustion, of a presence barely holding on. Valery stilled, her fiery gaze narrowing as she adjusted her course. She moved without hesitation, her pace quickening, weaving through the thick jungle foliage with practiced ease.

Then, she saw her.

Leaning against a tree, one hand clutching her side, blood staining the fabric of her clothes. She was trying to stay upright, but Valery could tell — she was fading fast. She approached carefully, her steps steady, her presence deliberately calm. No sudden movements. Whoever this woman was, she carried herself like someone used to fighting —l ike someone expecting to fight. That kind of tension, mixed with injury, could make even the most well-meaning approach dangerous.

Still, Valery's voice was firm when she finally spoke.

"You're losing too much blood."

She stopped a few feet away, her fiery gaze assessing but not unkind. "I can help you, if you let me."

Luna Vakaen ​

 

[Luna Vakaen]

Location: New Cov
Objective: Survive
Tags: Valery Noble

Well. It was clear this pain was dulling her senses. She hadn't even been able to sense the woman approaching her as Luna raised a bloody hand in an awkward greeting. She might have been aggressive if the situation was different but right now, she was fading. She knew she wasn't able to afford being a bit rough or standoffish to someone who was offering some help. Luna was not someone to look a gift tauntaun in the mouth after all.

"If you're willing to lend your aid, then go ahead. I won't stop you...My body might stop you though."

The Sephi gave a pained laugh at that, waving her hand towards her side. Humour was a way of deflection. A way to protect herself from her own fear. Because she was afraid. She didn't want to die. But at the same time she didn't want to show it. Hiding it behind a mask of pained smiles and laugh. Making it seem like she was completely fine even as she could feel her heart racing, causing her to lose more and more blood.

"...Question. Do you have a twin sister? 'Cause I'm seeing two of you."

More attempts at humour. As she raised her finger to point in the direction of Val. At least she meant to be pointing directly at her, but her finger was off to the side ever so slightly whilst a weak smile grew on Luna's face, before her legs crumpled beneath her. Sliding down against the trunk of the tree instead as she held her arm against her side

"Oh. My legs don't want to work anymore. That isn't good."​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery exhaled softly, her lips twitching into something close to a smirk. "No twin sister, sorry," she murmured, crouching down beside Luna as the woman wavered, her balance faltering. Valery could see it — how her body was fighting to stay upright, how her humor was just a mask for the fear she was desperately trying to push down. But fear was natural. Fear meant she was still fighting.

Then, her legs gave out.

"Yeah, that's not good."

Without hesitation, Valery moved, catching Luna before she could slump fully into the mud. Her strength made it easy — one smooth motion, and Luna was in her arms, cradled against her chest.

"Alright, let's get you out of here," Valery said, her voice steady, determined. With the Force strengthening her movements, she rose effortlessly, adjusting her hold to keep Luna secure. The jungle still loomed around them, thick and untamed, but Valery had already mapped out her path. "Try to stay awake, yeah? Keep talking. Keep making jokes if it helps."

Then, without another word, she started moving — swift and sure, carrying Luna toward safety.

Luna Vakaen ​

 

[Luna Vakaen]

Location: New Cov
Objective: Survive
Tags: Valery Noble

A sudden gaps escaped Luna's lips as she was lifted up into Valery's arms. It felt...warm. Secure. Luna didn't know the last time she had something like this. Of course, she didn't know the last time she had a lot of things but this was nice. Some of the fear she had was fading. Of course, she wouldn't admit that. No. It was something serious. Genuine. So instead, the Sephi was going to rely on joking. Her main defense as she gave a small giggle.

"...So all I need to do to get into the arms of someone good looking is get hurt. I should do this more often."
Her mouth twisted into a cheeky grin at that, even as the colour was slowly but surely leaving her face. She was getting tired. She could feel it but she was going to do her hardest to stay awake. She could feel the air rushing through her hair as they moved as the Sephi's eyes took in their surroundings and then took in Valery properly, squinting up at her

"I've had worse than this. I think. Plus you should see the other guy."

Actually, maybe she shouldn't see the other guy. Luna would struggle to explain how she managed to crush an animal without touching it. It had just been instinct. The only reason Luna thought she had experienced worse than this was because of the scars that covered her. People always said that scars carried a story...but Luna didn't know the story of any of her's.​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery chuckled, the sound warm despite the weight of the situation. "You know, there are easier ways to do that," she teased, flashing Luna a quick wink as she carried her effortlessly through the jungle. The terrain was rough, but Valery hardly seemed to notice — her focus was steady, her movements precise.

"And," she added, her tone dipping into something softer, more serious. "I'd rather not see you get hurt, if it's all the same to you." She adjusted her hold slightly, making sure Luna was secure as she pushed forward, her fiery gaze flicking ahead to where the jungle thinned in the distance. Safety wasn't far now, but Luna's color was fading, her energy waning.

"Keep talking," Valery encouraged, her smirk lingering. "Or you'll make me start talking, and I'll warn you — I can be very boring."

Then, after a beat, she blinked, as if realizing something. "I just realized — I have no idea who you are." She glanced down, an amused brow lifting. "I'm Valery. And you?"

Luna Vakaen ​

 

[Luna Vakaen]

Location: New Cov
Objective: Survive
Tags: Valery Noble

A small bit of colour came to Luna's cheeks as she spotted the wink Valery gave her. She hadn't expected a response like that and she couldn't help but giggle.

"Trust me. If I knew there were easier ways, I'd be doing them."

Though then things got serious for a moment, causing Luna to pout. She didn't like things being serious. Though it was clear to her that Valery was making things serious because of the condition Luna was in. She just needed to get back to full strength better...Then she could go to being all joking.

"I'm sure you can't be that boring...You have a nice voice. I could fall asleep to it...or maybe that's because I'm bleeding out...but you also have nice other things like...your eyes. I like your scar."

More chuckling. It was perhaps a waste of energy but it was helping to keep Luna awake and keeping her attention on Valery, though she tilted her head slightly as Valery introduced herself.

"I'm...Luna. Luna Vakaen."

At least that's what she thought. She was going off the diary she had woken up with. That was the name she had been using, so that was the role she had chosen.​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's smirk twitched just slightly, her fiery eyes flicking down at Luna as she rambled — half delirious, half playful. It was clear she was trying to keep herself awake, and Valery didn't mind indulging that. Anything to keep her talking. But when Luna trailed off, her voice light with amusement, Valery arched a brow.

There was a brief beat of silence.

Valery exhaled sharply, something between a chuckle and a sigh, before murmuring dryly, "Right… my eyes." She knew exactly where Luna's gaze had wandered before she corrected herself, but she let it slide. The woman was injured, exhausted, and clearly losing a bit of her usual filter. Valery had dealt with enough half-delirious soldiers in the field to recognize the signs.

Still, the corner of her mouth tugged upward as she carried on through the jungle.

"It's nice to meet you, Luna," she said, her voice warm despite the situation. "And I'm going to get you somewhere safe. The New Cov Temple is closer than the domed cities. Jedi healers there can patch you up faster and better than anything you'll find elsewhere."

Her grip on Luna remained firm, her pace unwavering as she pushed forward through the thick foliage. "Just hold on a little longer. You're not getting rid of me that easily."

Luna Vakaen ​

 

[Luna Vakaen]

Location: New Cov
Objective: Survive
Tags: Valery Noble

Jedi? Why did that word feel familiar to her? Of course, she knew what Jedi were. She had heard about them in her travels yet it always felt more familiar than it should have. At the very least, if they could patch her up fast, she wasn't going to complain about it.

"I'm guessing...you're one of them? A Jedi?"

Maybe that explained the strange aura she could feel around Valery. It wasn't something she noticed in many people. Normally it was a faint glow she'd see around some people, but if Luna focused enough, it was like a bright blue light radiating off the woman. She wasn't exactly in the right headspace to focus on that right now though.

"I don't think I've ever met a Jedi. Heard about them though. They sound pretty tough."

They sounded like people she'd want to fight. Not in an aggressive manner, but to learn. Learn more about herself potentially. She thought she was tough herself, so maybe she was similar to the Jedi in some way...Though as Valery told Luna to hold on for a little longer, the Sephi shifted a little bit, snuggling more into Valery's grip and resting her head against the woman's shoulder.

"Trust me...I don't want to get rid of you any time soon..."
Luna mumbled the words out, as her eyes kept fluttering. She was getting more and more tired. And cold. But the warmth from Valery was enough to keep her awake for now. The Sephi wasn't going to give up and close her eyes anytime soon.​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery chuckled softly, her grip on Luna shifting just slightly as the woman nestled closer against her. Injured, half-delirious, and still flirting — she had to admire the dedication.

"Yeah," she murmured, adjusting her stride to keep her footing steady over the uneven jungle terrain. "I'm a Jedi." Her voice held a quiet certainty, as if the answer should have been obvious. Maybe it was. "And we are tough. But I think you already knew that." Her smirk deepened as she cast a quick glance down at Luna, amusement flickering behind her fiery eyes. "Not every day you get carried through the jungle by one, huh?"

Luna, already settling against her, mumbled something against Valery's shoulder, words soft and half-lost to exhaustion.

"Trust me... I don't want to get rid of you any time soon..."

Oh.

Valery arched a brow, but the amusement in her expression only grew. "Mmm. Is that the blood loss talking, or do I need to start carrying people more often?" The teasing edge in her voice was unmistakable, but there was warmth there too — an anchor against the cold creeping into Luna's limbs.

"Careful, Luna," she added with a smirk. "Keep talking like that, and I might start thinking this was all part of your plan."

Luna Vakaen ​

 

[Luna Vakaen]

Location: New Cov
Objective: Survive
Tags: Valery Noble

"Is it...nice being a Jedi?"

It wasn't necessarily a joke, or even Luna flirting. It was an actual question. Curiosity growing ever so slightly, even as she listened to Valery's words. Tilting her head to the side as she tried to think about the question.

"I don't remember the last time I was carried like this...It's fantastic though."

A little bit more snuggling into Valery, as if she was trying to stay as warm as she could. Listening to Valery's every word and hanging onto the warmth it was giving her. Though she couldn't help but laugh at both of the comments from Valery.

"It might be the blood loss talking...but I wouldn't mind you carrying me around more...Though I wish I had planned for this. That way it'd hurt less."

'Cause even with all of the joking and smiles, it still hurt. Feeling the warmth drain from her was not a fun experience. Though at the same time, if it hadn't been for the injury, she might not have been getting carried like this. So find blessings where you could.

"It's a miracle that the Forest has blessed me...with a guardian angel like you."

Luna held onto the warmth as much as she could. It was a lifeline for her right now. Valery's voice was a lifeline to keep her awake.​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's smirk softened into something more thoughtful at Luna's question. Is it nice being a Jedi? It wasn't something people asked her often, not like that — genuine, curious, untangled from expectation. Her grip on Luna remained firm, keeping her steady as they pushed through the jungle. "It is," she admitted, voice quieter but certain. "It's not easy, but... it's fulfilling. Being able to help people, protect them — it gives everything I do meaning." She glanced down at Luna, her smirk returning as she added, "Even carrying half-delirious women through the jungle."

The woman was still flirting, still playful despite the pain, but there was something honest in it — something that made Valery chuckle softly. "Mm. Might be the blood loss, but you're not bad at this," she teased, tilting her head just slightly. "And you're not too bad yourself."

Then, with a flash of mischief in those fiery eyes, she winked.

Luna was fading, fighting to hold on, and Valery knew that keeping her talking — keeping her grounded — was as much a part of saving her as getting her to the temple in time. But, Force, the woman was relentless with the flirting, and it was almost endearing.

"A guardian angel, huh?" she mused, adjusting her hold slightly to keep Luna comfortable. "I don't know about that... but if it gets me a few more compliments, I won't argue." Up ahead, the New Cov Temple was already appearing through the dense jungle.

They were close.

Luna Vakaen ​

 

[Luna Vakaen]

Location: New Cov
Objective: Survive
Tags: Valery Noble

A small gaze of seriousness grew in Luna's eyes as she listened about the Jedi. Being able to help people...Having a purpose. It did sound like the kind of things she needed right now. Instead of aimlessly travelling from planet to planet, hunting and fighting for a living. But at the same time, would it be a good idea for her? She tried to dismiss those thoughts, letting out a small pained chuckle about it giving Valery meaning.

"Oh yeah? What meaning do you...get from carrying me?"

Though with that question came a sudden flush of warmth through her cheeks. Something about winks just always managed to make her flustered, as the Sephi seemed to get tongue tied for a moment. Stuttering and stumbling over her words, not able to get out an actual sentence. Trying to figure out the right things to say. It was amusing in a way, she could flirt easily in this state, but the moment it was returned, she practically melted down into a puddle.

"I...Well...Yes...A Guardian Angel...The Jungle sent you to me in my time of need...And so you are both a Guardian who has saved me, and an Angel because of your...appearance. The blue glow around you helps..."

Of course, yeah. Angels were always meant to have some kind of bright glow around them. Though the blue glow was more than likely something connected to her being a Jedi. It was still something that Luna needed to learn more about...​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery couldn't help but grin at Luna's sudden flustered mess of words. The way she had been tossing out compliments so easily, only to completely stumble the second one was aimed at her? Oh, that was adorable. She adjusted her grip on the Sephi ever so slightly, her smirk turning just a little smug.

"What meaning I get from carrying you?" she echoed, tilting her head like she was seriously considering it. "Oh, I don't know… maybe the satisfaction of saving a very dramatic damsel?" She shot Luna a teasing glance, her smirk widening. "Or maybe I just enjoy holding you this close."

Then she winked again. Just to watch her fluster all over again. The blue glow. Right. That was the excuse now. Valery chuckled softly, but she decided to let Luna have that one — for now.

"A Guardian and an Angel, huh?" she mused, pretending to think it over. "I suppose I can be both. Though, if I am an Angel, that means I'm meant to watch over you, doesn't it?" Her fiery gaze flickered down toward Luna, playful but edged with something a little more knowing. "Sounds like you're trying to give me a reason to stick around."

Was she teasing the delirious woman? A little, but Valery did get joy out of helping geniunely good people, and Luna sure felt like one.

Luna Vakaen ​

 

[Luna Vakaen]

Location: New Cov
Objective: Survive
Tags: Valery Noble

More flustered sounds came from Luna's mouth as she tried to figure out what to say. It had to be the dramatic damsel part. Yeah. That was it. This was good though. It was helping Luna to forget about the pain, getting a bit more colour and life back into her face, even if she was getting more and more tired.

"I-I mean...You don't have to watch over me. I'd like you to stick around. Or for me to stick around with you."

For more than just flirting. Valery seemed to be a woman who had a strong purpose. A strong guide through life. Luna needed that right now. She was too hesitant with things. Her life was nearly a complete circle. Luna would just do the same thing over and over again, going from planet to planet hunting to see what the best thing she could kill. 'Cause that's what her instincts told her she had been the best at. Killing.

Yet for some reason, she felt like Valery was a way out of that. A way to get out of the circle and finally find a path to focus on. Or maybe that was just the blood loss talking for Luna as she tried to wrap her head around how she felt.

"...I'm getting real sleepy."​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's smirk softened, her teasing giving way to something gentler as she glanced down at Luna. The flustered sounds, the way she tried to piece her words together — it was endearing, but there was something else beneath it. Something more than just playful banter. She heard it in the way Luna said she didn't have to watch over her, but wanted her to stick around anyway. In the way she hesitated, as if she wasn't just talking about the moment, but something bigger. Something she wasn't sure how to say out loud.

Valery tightened her hold just a little, a silent promise before she spoke, "Then stick around." The words came easy, sure, steady. "But first, we need to keep you awake, alright? No sleeping on me yet." She picked up the pace, weaving through the dense jungle canopy of New Cov, their destination finally in sight. Nestled between towering trees and wrapped in nature's quiet embrace, the Jedi Temple stood — hidden, protected, but alive with purpose.

Valery moved swiftly up the stone steps, her boots barely making a sound against the damp moss-laden ground. The medbay doors slid open the second they entered, and within moments, healers were already rushing forward.

"She needs help, quickly," Valery called out, her voice lined with urgency, though she never let go until they were ready to take Luna from her arms. Even then, she hesitated. She met Luna's gaze one last time before the healers moved in. "You're not getting rid of me that easily." A small, warm smirk. "Hang in there, Luna."

Then, she stepped back, letting the healers do their work.

Luna Vakaen ​

 

[Luna Vakaen]

Location: New Cov
Objective: Survive
Tags: Valery Noble

Nearly all the warmth Luna had from being carried by Valery had been sapped away from her as the Sephi was taken into the Med-Bay for recovery and healing. She did need it after all. And so that's where she was kept for a short period of time. By now, Luna had already passed out from exhaustion but the healers had already done enough to keep her alive. There was no risk of her bleeding out in their hands! Even if the Sephi had seemed somewhat restless whilst she was unconscious. Flashes of images and sounds coming to her in this state. Sounds that were familiar that she couldn't recall for some reason...

Though they weren't something she could focused on, as Luna ended up waking up in the medbay. Raising her hand up to her eyes to protect herself from the light as she tried to wrap her head around what had happened. She had been hunting...had gotten attacked by something in the jungle...got saved by Valery? At that, Luna could recall all of the flirting she had done with Valery, causing the woman's face to turn a bright red. At the very least, she had a lot more colour to her face now. She was no longer as white as a bedsheet. There was one thing that stuck out in her mind though as she looked around the medbay, doing her best to push any worries or fears she had below the surface.
​

"Then stick around."​

By now, Luna would have probably thanked the healers for their work and left to go back on her adventures...but the idea of sticking around sounded nice as the woman pushed herself up into a more comfortable position in the bed.

"...So what should I do now?"​