The Huntress, The Beast

[Paa'lee]

​

Shili
Pumori Province
Meskwaki Camp


Sigh,

The older Togrutan male stood, his knees buckled just as he collapsed into his seat behind him. Rubbing his forehead he failed to make eye contact.

"The hunting party...destroyed?" His words were of defeat, a leader with no solution. A low growl sounded in his throat just before he took a deep breath and slowly shifted his body to look upon the one before him.

She was his blood, a daughter of his, one of his most prized possessions. Happy to see her alive, yet appalled at the fact that he would risk her life. This young woman, exotic like the rest. She remained a few feet away from him, kneeling on one knee. Suddenly her head rose, and her precious amber eyes became the center of attention as the dimly lit tent made them stand out.

"Srane Sempul..." She agreed with him as her lips parted to release a few exotic words in her native tongue. "This beast...the most erratic of them all. I was lucky enough to make it back..." she spoke these words before rising to her feet. "These predators have never acted as such...we did all we could father." she said bowing her head.

"Worried about the camp I am...these predators come to close to home, and have bested some of our best warriors. They must be hunted...for now 'ite rest. For you are too precious...kä" and he motioned with his head for her to leave.

She obeyed her father, her chief. She turned to leave, exiting the sturdy tent before being hit by a cool breeze generated by the plains that surrounded them. The night sky, complimented her pigmentation just as the light did. Looking upon the sky, she wondered what devastation would come next...something had these beast acting beyond their control.

[member="Ignus"]

 

[Kamon's OOC]

A single ship flew across that night sky. It slipped through the atmosphere with brief orange bravado and then descended rapidly towards the planet. It's cargo was people, in this case Mirialans. One specific member of those aboard was Leos Palle, a Sith known for several things, including his love of creatures. The ones on Shili had drawn his attention now, and so he arrived with little fanfare to the home of the exotic Togruta species. He'd met a few of them before. Strangely gregarious. It was almost kind of comforting, even when they were odd types.

The ship landed not far from Meskwaki Camp, completely oblivious to its plight. Their arrival was entirely by accident and not with serious intent. In fact, had he known what he was getting himself into by coming there, he might have changed his mind entirely. But alas, Leos was not a Seer. What little he saw of the future was always tied closely to the immediate, and never more than a few seconds out. It was an entirely draining and useless practice that he had given up some time ago.

With its landing, several armed soldiers clad in Crimson armor left the craft to secure the immediate surroundings, specifically in the grassy plain that could be hiding any number of dangers. Their advanced helmet technology allowed them to communicate quietly as they surveyed their surroundings before one of them turned back into the ship and activated audible communications with someone inside.

"It's clear, sir. There is a Togruta encampment a short distance away."

"Unintended but perhaps beneficial," Leos said as he descended the ramp. "They may be able to tell us where to find what we are looking for. Shall we pay them a visit?"

"Yes, sir."

Though the command had been in the form of a question, Captain Tarz had understood it. He'd been working with Leos for some time, and despite one recent slip up his record and performance was impeccable. With their directive set, the column of about twenty people began to make its way through the tall grass toward the encampment. He knew little of their lifestyle upon the world aside from their inherent gregarious nature. Hopefully they wouldn't be hostile to outsiders.

"For the sake of safety, Captain, set your weapons to stun. I don't think they'll attack us, but better to be prepared."

Hopefully they wouldn't need to use them.

| [member="Paa'lee"] |​

 

[Paa'lee]

All Togruta had a sphere sense of perception, and when one knew, they all would eventually find out. It just so happened that there was a vigil for the lost hunters, majority of them were outside.

"kìyevame" were the words to come from their chieftan' mouth, words for the dead. He stood amongst the bonfire, his kin surrounding him; they all moved as one. His words were repeated by the rest, men and women, all celebrating the lives of their kin who fought for them.

"kìyevame" was repeated, in mass.

Paa'lee stood next to her father, the daughter he claimed was as gentle as she was fierce, perhaps even more so as she never had the look of a warrior. She was the only one with amber eyes, the fire amplified their shade to the point where they were noticeable from afar; it had a sparkle in it. Suddenly, her head turned just after her fathers...

"Olo'eyktan!" A hunter on watch, came with word. Though they all knew, or at least began to figure out, since they had gathered in one area general area.

He would travel to the edge of the camp with the other lesser chieftans, he thought perhaps it was more Akul...but

The other would gather around, standing in silence while those of more status stood a few feet away in the front. Paa'lee would be there with her father.

[member="Ignus"]

 

[Kamon's OOC]

The contingent approached the Togruta that had come out to form in front of them. If he had to guess, it was perhaps the whole of the community? Though they appeared to be in a state of mourning, or had been recently. It was hard to say for certain. What he could say was that he was unsure of the cause of it. That being the case, he wouldn't offer condolences. An insincere offering would do nothing but cause increased tension between their two parties. Leos stepped to the forefront, despite the protests of his own people, speaking in the Mirialan tongue to them as they insisted he stay behind them, as they couldn't protect him if he stood before them.

"Fina izan dut. Zure zeregina ardatz."

The soldiers in crimson were clearly not happy about this, but not a one of them spoke back to him. They were well trained, and they respected his authority, especially since he really didn't need them. The two Maalraas that were tracking the group through the grass, using their active capability to hide from sight, would have been sufficient protection in this particular case, but Arus and Milan couldn't tell the soldiers that. Only he could, and he wouldn't insult them.

"Greetings," he said as he offered a slight bow. "One of you is the chieftain of this village, yes?"

Having no idea which one it was made it a little hard to decipher. His educated guess was the one in the center at the front, with the beautiful purple-skinned one standing next to him, but it was only a guess and it would be rude to imply if it were not the case.

"I mean you no ill will. I've come in search of a creature I believe you call an Akul. I was wondering if one of you could tell me more about them and the best place to find one?"

| [member="Paa'lee"] |​

 

[Paa'lee]

(Skipping from one place to the next here)

The elder, he was confused. The Akul were a predator that no one would likely seek...and this outsider? What exactly did he know of Akul...

"You seek the Akul?" He asked rhetorically, his head jolted from side to side as he looked upon the men in their bulk. They had weapons, similar to some he'd seen in his day, but none used around here. Just who were these men...His obsidian gaze fell upon the one with the emerald skin; he seemed to be the leader.

He nodded, they were accustomed to outsiders but none like this. Paa'lee' gaze fell directly on the one who would address them, when he would look her way she refused for their eyes to meet. Instead she looked to her father, who seemed to be considering allowing them in. He had always stated 'Nothing happened by coincidence' and she was learning.

"Za'u....come" he motioned for the men to follow them, but only the green one would be allowed in his tent as they discussed these matters.

-------------------

Inside, he stood in the center, with a fire going just a few feet away. It was a comfortable warmth. Paa'lee stood with them, off to the side watching as they would begin discussion.

"You come seeking the Akul...why?" The elder would speak just before gripping his chin, and caressing the ridges formed by the wrinkles in his skin. He examined the man as much as he could, his gaze fell on his person and not so much his face as he spoke.

"Predators...on these plains." he stated, "Fierce, and uncontrollable...deadly." his voice trailed off into a low hum.

Her gaze shifted from her father, and unto the stranger before her.
[member="Ignus"]

 

[Kamon's OOC]

"I do, yes."

He noted the girl's attempts to not look him in the eyes. Though he'd picked her out because of good reason, she sought to hide from it. That meant she knew, but she didn't want him to know. Curious.

After a moment, he was bidden to follow them. Rather than having the Vermilion Guard follow him into their home, he bade them stay outside, much to the chagrin of Captain Tarz and his men. Not a one of them was happy about being left outside. It was to be expected. Regardless, they could be the first line of defense if the village should come under attack. And Arus and Milan were slinking through the shadows, out of sight of the Togruta that milled about. They were skilled hunters and he helped them to maintain their capabilities. He wouldn't allow them to slack or he'd stick them in a pin with the Hssiss again. They hadn't liked that much.

Into the tent he went, the two Maalraas slinking in along with but remaining in the shadows, using their ability in the Force to remain unseen. He asked again and wanted to know why he would seek something as deadly as such a creature. He snapped his fingers, and the two Maalraas slunk into the light to sit beside him. Each one of the felines watched the Togruta, but didn't move towards them.

"Some call me a collector. I call myself a preservationist. I like creatures and enjoy their company. Some of those like myself-" As he spoke a second voice drifted to the mind of [member="Paa'lee"]: Why does one as strong as you hide here, hide from me? Do you fear me? "-have the ability to touch the minds of creatures, to learn to speak to them, to learn to control them. I've come to capture one of these creatures through this ability, to take it away with me to a place it can live without being a danger to you, or being hunted by you."

 

[Paa'lee]

He was unlike any of the other outsiders that she had encountered before, but she wasn't sure what it was about him. There was a pull...something beyond her and all she understood. She watched over him as he spoke with her father, his mouth moved but at some point his lips stopped but his voice continued on. He addressed her but...she shifted in her stance as she looked directly at him, confused....

But how?

She didn't fear him, but what did he mean exactly by her being strong?

Then her attention was averted when her father began to speak, though this time he had her attention so just as she stood silent she would look upon the Mirialan.

"Hmmm..." low raspy murmurs can be heard from the Elders voice, "A collector? Hmm..." he began to pace

"They hunt us, just as we hunt them...that is our way, that is natures way. This does us no favors.." his voice trailed off as if he were to say something else, but then his gaze fell upon his daughter.

"We are few in hunters...the beast have been acting unusual. And I don't want to risk the safety of our home and my people...so" he turned to face this man, "Perhaps you are doing us a favor without even trying...there are no coincidences. Do what you will outsider, I will have one of my hunters escort you to help track the bea.."

His words were cut off from a more softer voice from those that spoke, "I'll go!" Paa'lee would chime in.

"Wha...? Kehe'ite!" He stepped towards her, "I will not risk you..."

"I am the last of the hunting party, sempul ruxte. Let me help the outsider...clear my conscience."

He gripped her arms, ran his hands down them until he released her of his grip. He looked down before he stepped away. "My daughter will accompany you...she'll help you track your beast. But your warriors must stay, as I must ensure the safe return of my blood. We open our home to you outsider, you may find shelter among us. Kä..." and he waved them off as he struggled internally with the decision he made before turning to look into the fire.

She nodded, and looked among the outsider as she strode past him. She exited the tent not too long after...

[member="Ignus"]

 

[Kamon's OOC]

"Wasn't meant to be a favor to you, simply a task I aim to finish."

Though he was certain that ultimately the outcome would turn out favorable for the Togruta. Ungrateful sort. Though he supposed this thought of his was because of dislike of an outsider doing what they did as a group. It was like interfering in someone else's battle. Even though it would turn the tide in their favor, they would ultimately despise you for the help. They wanted the satisfaction of doing it for themselves. He could respect that. Truthfully he preferred to do things without interference as well, so he completely understood where they were coming from. It just wasn't going to be that way, regardless of whether they wanted it to be.

When the female spoke up, he was somewhat surprised. Perhaps she wasn't scared of him after all. Was it possible that she simply didn't understand the depths of her capabilities? Perhaps so. If that was the case, then her speaking up would give him the chance to enlighten her. That was never a bad thing.

"Very well. They won't like it, though. Expect them to be quite grumpy."

When they were dismissed, he followed after the girl, his Maalraas loping along beside him. They went out to where his guardsmen were and he went to speak with them for a short minute.

"I'm going to be going with the girl, alone."

"But, sir! These things are huge! What if they get the jump on you?"

Leos held up his hand to stop the Captain from continuing.

"They won't, I assure you. Regardless of their capabilities I am prepared for this hunt. Keep this place safe in the meantime. They've lost most of their hunters recently."

"Yes, sir," the captain said, a note of defeat in his voice.

Leos turned back to [member="Paa'lee"] and motioned for her to lead them. He'd say nothing further until they were out of earshot of the village, as he didn't want others eavesdropping on them. Though, for all he knew, the old man was listening to them as well. Technology was a fickle thing. The Force was even stranger. Her strength likely didn't come from nowhere. It could have been passed to her from the old mans gene's. But still, out of earshot was enough. When he was satisfied of such, he sent the Maalraas into the grass to blend in and disappear while he focused on the purple-skinned Togruta that was now his companion on his hunt.

"What's your name?"

 

[Paa'lee]

On the way out, she grabbed her spear, bow, and pouch which she tied to her waist. The spears were primitive like, but collapsable. She led the outsider, a few feet in front of him and not turning back. When he asked her name, she turned to look at him and then turned back as she cut through the edge of the camp and into the open scrublands.

"I thought you came here looking for Akul...not my name." She toyed around, being difficult on purpose. She stopped, and looked upon him again, "My name is Paa'lee" she said softly, with an exotic accent but not as thick as some of the others.

She continued to walk through the shrubs, her feet crushing the brush into the ground, cackling cutting through the silence the plain had to offer. She still keep her foot lead, but she was really curious...she wanted to know. Stopping,

"What was that...earlier?" She had a curious expression on her face as she moved in closer to speak, "It was like...you were in my head?"

She found him extremely intriguing, but she wouldn't dare admit that, and that wasn't the reason for volunteering for this mission.

[member="Ignus"]

 

[Kamon's OOC]

He shrugged his shoulders.

"I come for one thing, but find plenty more questions to be asked. It's usually how it happens."

They slogged through the tall grasses, and he couldn't help but notice his eyes drifting over her. She was exotic by any standard. It was worse that she was incredibly attractive. Of course he found that most Togruta were. It was a strangely inherent trait of their species. Whereas his own had their ups and downs of attractiveness, hers always seemed to be on the upper end. It was true, though. It always seemed that when he went somewhere with a specific goal in mind, he came away with more questions than he did answers. It was hard to say why that was, but he attributed it to an overly inquisitive mind.

"Paa'lee. I like that."

He didn't say why he liked it, just that he liked it. Then, she asked about earlier and he smiled a little. She didn't know.

"I used the Force to convey my thoughts to you. The Force in me conveyed my thoughts to the Force in you. You have a substantial connection to the Force but it seems you were unaware of that fact. That makes me curious."

They continued to walk and he kept his hands out in the open where she need not worry about what his intentions were. He had no ill ones towards her, but how was she to know that without the connection that he had? Of course she didn't know that he was a Sith. If she knew that, she might be extremely wary of him. Unnecessarily, but it was true nonetheless. He didn't treat people the way that most Sith did. He was unique.

"My name is Leos, by the way."

| [member="Paa'lee"] |​

 

[Paa'lee]

She rolled her eyes at the thought of him liking her name, she wouldn't understand why.

Hmmph... and she looked away only for him to capture her gaze again.

"The Force..." She said repeating him, "You are Jedi then? I've heard stories..." she wondered, her mother had always told stories and most of them knew that only a Jedi could command such. Perhaps her mother kept the Jedi' counter part out of the stories for a reason...she knew nothing of the Sith. "You claim this Force is within me as it is in you? Does that make me Jedi?"

She was sure he would answer her questions, "It would seem we are both curious about one another..." she said turning away and proceeding forward. He spoke his name, she had not asked for it, her response...

"Come outsider...we'll find your beast."

For her, there was more at stake. She despised the fact that she was fairly attractive, she thought it made her appear soft. Her entire life, she was never taken serious because of her looks. Her father would rather marry her off than see her get dirty...even though all Togruta went through the rites of passage, she wanted to be a hunter to be one with nature always...

[member="Ignus"]

 

[Kamon's OOC]

He laughed.

"I'm no Jedi. Quite the opposite, in fact."

So she'd been told about the Jedi, at least. Perhaps she'd been sheltered by someone? But why? What purpose would there be in hiding what she was from her, let alone the rest of the galaxy? It could only serve to strengthen her, not hurt her. Well, he supposed that wasn't exactly true. The Force could be quite detrimental to ones life depending on how one treated it. If she used it too much for personal gain it could lead to her destruction. That was often the case with most Force users, whether Sith or Jedi. They tended to push too far until they either cracked or did something that brought others down upon them.

She demonstrated a lack of knowledge of the Force in her questions, but he expected as much now. Perhaps he could teach her a little about herself, and that might free her mind to be something more than what it was. Or, she might end up remaining as nothing, trapped on her homeworld for all eternity. That was entirely in her hands.

"To be Jedi or Sith is to adhere to a certain ideal. The Force does not make one a Jedi, the adherence to their ideals does. Same with the Sith. The Force belongs to neither, it is within all living things, but certain people have a strong connection to the Force. They're the ones who become Jedi, Sith, or others."

It would take a really long time to explain everything to her, so she was probably right that it was best if they focus on their hunt. After all, Akul were dangerous no? He sniffed and reached out with the Force, feeling around their immediate vicinity, though they were alone save for the two Maalraas that were loping around through the grass not far away from them. They would come and go, maneuvering this way and that, but always disappearing before she would spot them. They were hunters too, incredibly gifted in such. If one of what they searched for grew near, they would be first to notice.

"How often do you hunt them? You walk with confidence yet you've recently lost many hunters, no?"

| [member="Paa'lee"] |​

 

[Paa'lee]

He was no Jedi? Well then what was he...she hadn't known there to be another type. Such a mysterious male...

She had always had a sixth sense, had always been perceptive. She figured she was just quicker on her feet, a gift from nature that meant she was destined for the hunt. While there always seemed to be some sort of circumstance blocking her from that, she craved that life as it brought a freedom that intrigued her beyond anything else.

"Ahhh, so your saying I can become either of those...?" She began to giggle to herself, the thought of her being such was just beyond her. The Jedi seemed, stiff and emotionless. That wasn't interesting in the least, she craved the thrill...the Sith she hadn't known but perhaps through this outsider she would learn more about them.

"Hmm...Interesting outsider." She looked away,

His words would see her face drop, a reminder that she survived and the others did. Not one of her fondest memories...stopping, she looked over at him and said nothing, almost trying to register whether he had really brought it up or not.

"Yes...uhm, the Akul are extremely dangerous, and they can't be allowed to thrive so we hunt regularly especially during this season." She locked eyes with him, "We have...sadly. but I must walk confidently as there's much on the line and a lot for me to prove."

She sounded defeated saying that, turning her body to walk a few more steps before the mountain ranges came into view. "Lack of hunters...means no protection for my people, which means they face danger every minute we delay. One beast, the most erratic of them all has been roaming these parts...we'll have to go into the mountains where they hunt often."

[member="Ignus"]

 

[Kamon's OOC]

"One can be whatever one wants to be. I choose to be Sith because I crave power in the form of knowledge. Some choose to be Sith because they crave the power to slaughter people. Some choose to be Jedi because they think that forcing their ideals of peace and happiness upon people will make trials and tribulations just disappear on the wind. Ultimately, we choose to become what we wish."

She stopped and he did as well, turning his orange eyes upon her. Curious, this one was. In some respects she was very much the girl, giggling at things and the like. In other respects she carried herself like a warrior. No, a huntress. There was a difference. The huntress stalked prey and then struck when least expected. The warrior sought a foe, and did combat with them. The difference was slightly but it was significant. Clearly she relied on her enhanced prowess towards reality when dealing with the world around her, but she didn't fully understand what she could become. Only now were her eyes being opened to it. Though she giggled, it was because her mind had yet to fully process it all.

Her mood changed, and their eyes locked. She was sad at the loss of the others. It was understandable, even commendable. All life served a purpose, but theirs had been to die and hers had been to live. He tried to look apologetic, as he did feel sorry for her loss, but it was always difficult to look such. Still, he did his best, and turned to walk with her again when she continued. She mentioned the mountains and they soon came into view.

"If we go into the lair of the beast it is best to do so without being known."

Reaching into the Force, he wrapped it around them, hiding them from view and scent. His hands rested at his stomach in a small triangle as he continued onward. He needed it to help him focus as he moved. Normally things like this were not done while needing to maintain perceptions of surroundings in such a manner, plus he was hiding another within and the two were moving. Standing still was much easier. For now, this would do. If it grew to be too much he would draw on the power of the crystals within his lightsaber to sustain him. He didn't think it would come to that, but at least they wouldn't be attacked.

"We walk in the folds of the Force now. They won't even know we are here. I can only maintain this until we confront the Akul, and then my attentions will have to be elsewhere, but I trust you can handle yourself since you've faced them and lived."

| [member="Paa'lee"] |​

 

[Paa'lee]

She was taught Jedi were a source of good in the galaxy, if he was the opposite then that would make him evil? When she looked at him, she saw nothing of the sort but she didn't quite know him so what did she know? As she observed him a smirk formed across her lips...he spoke as if he knew exactly what he was talking about; that was a good thing in her eyes, she learned to admire such traits as they were of her father.

Her lips parted, "if only that were true..." she said erasing her smirk and taking a deep breath.

What of those who come from a walk of life where others make decisions for you...All Togruta had the choice to pursue a role, but she was born of a chieftain...not just a chieftain but the chief of chieftains. From birth her life had been slightly marked for her, even worse so that she was not male. Her father intended to marry her off to forge stronger ties with other clans, but she wanted otherwise and so she was given her chance to prove her worth, but it just had never been enough.

Her head tilted, a look of confusion swept across her face. She saw nothing happen, but he claimed they were under the shroud of the Force. She imagined it would be this big display of energy but perhaps her dreams got the best of her. She would not contest it, she came to the conclusion that there was much to explain and not enough time for her to learn. She'd leave all of that to him.

Hmmph...

That was her response.

(Skipping a little here)

The trek they made through the scrublands had brought them into the Qilian Mountains, the terrain had become more forested than anything. It had moved its way into dawn, patches of gray light broke through the canopies above. Ascending upward, they would consistently go from flat land to rocky surfaces.

"They often frequent these places...mostly feed here."

She surveyed the area...slowly looking from left to right as her body panned from one end to the next. When she did find something, she bounded off the balls of her feet and gracefully strode over to an area of matted down grass. Kneeling down she ran her hands across it and then rubbed her fingers together...

"Moist...he's been here recently..."

She looked over at the outsider, noting the symbol he made with his hands. "What does that symbol mean?"

[member="Ignus"]

 

[Kamon's OOC]

He smiled to himself. The girl was being manipulated by her world. She wanted more, that was plain to see. He admired that quality in her. There was a certain fire in her eyes that he found attractive, but it had been decidedly dulled when they'd been back in the village. Leos was perceptive. He'd noticed this easy enough. The Chieftain had designs for her and she didn't want to be part of them, but she hadn't yet worked up the gumption to make a stand for herself. Sometimes, one just needed a little push in the right direction from an outside force to get going. But that could wait for a moment or two, as they had other matters to attend to first.

They ascended the mountains and he made sure each step was sure footed so as not to lose his concentration. She moved like a cat herself, and he admired her figure with each graceful step. A huntress indeed. He could use someone like her around, but then he'd be just like the people holding her back now, and how would that be fair to her? She'd just resent him for it. Needless measures were needless. Better she be left to her own devices.

"Resting, no doubt," he said when she said he'd been there recently.

And then she noticed his hands, in the shape of a triangle. He glanced down at it briefly and then turned back to look at her.

"Little. I just find it helps me to focus. I should really find another means for this, something that doesn't tie up my hands, but I've yet to figure that out. It's helping me to keep us wrapped in illusion such that the beast won't know we are there until we want it to."

He felt outwards with the Force, and noted the Maalraas attention was focused just a ways up the face of the mountain.

"He is very close. The Maalraas have detected him. He will notice them, but not us. Don't worry about them, though. They'll not be caught. And remember, I don't want to kill it, but it needs to say busy while I enter its mind."

| [member="Paa'lee"] |​

 

[Paa'lee]

So would he be the outside force to come in and throw things off their course? A question that was probably beyond everyone at this moment, but...nothing happened by coincidence, and there was a reason they crossed paths.

She went to speak, but he beat her to it. Well it didn't take rocket science but she didn't assume he knew either; He did mention he was collector of beast right? Either way he beat her to the punch, "Yes.." she said, because it definitely was a sign of a beast place of rest. Often times they did that around areas they hunted in.

A smirk, and then a roll of her eyes. Well he knew that, but he didn't know everything.

Hmmph.

She looked upon him as he explained, slowly she stood up and slowly approached him. She looked over his tattoos, before she could say anything or get closer her head shifted to the right as she got a feeling too, she didn't know what it was. He mentioned that the beast was close...she had that feeling as well.

With that she nodded, and strode off in that direction. Her steps became light as her body became lose. She turned to the outsider, and motioned with her head for him to come.

[member="Ignus"]

 

[Kamon's OOC]

She came closer to him, and he maintained his calm, allowing him to keep the illusion in place as she studied his facial tattoos. He had many of them. Each one told a different story, whether she understood that or not. Time might allow him to teach her about them, but for the time being they would have to operate on what little she might guess. There were bigger things afoot, and she soon felt as much, too. He could tell in the way her demeanor changed as she turned and moved off. She was back to being the huntress again, not the curious one. Probably a good thing under the circumstances.

The Maalraas, well, Milan only, came out of shadow and stalked forward. A low rumble escaped its throat. A threat, if he understood correctly. She was challenging the Akul.

He followed Paa'lee up towards where the creature was. Enshrouded in the Force as they were, it would not know they were there. It might figure out that Milan wasn't alone, but it might not. Arus was still stalking it within the shadows somewhere. The two of them were excellent at working in pairs. Milan was doing a good job of drawing the creature out of where it was, drawing the larger beast into a fight with her. An Akul would no doubt accept the challenge against the smaller creature, even if it was foreign to it. That was the intention, at least. All he needed was for the three of them to keep the beast at bay so that he could do what he intended to do.

"I'm counting on you to keep it busy, Paa'lee. I'm positive you can do so. The maalraas, Arus is the smaller one and Milan the larger, will assist if you need them to."

Just then he caught a glimpse of orange fur and took a breath. The creature was stunning as it stalked down towards Milan, issuing its own threats now.

"Let's begin."

He dropped the illusion, revealing them, and immediately sent his mind out towards the creatures. It was going to be a battle.

| [member="Paa'lee"] |​

 

[Paa'lee]

She nodded, and leaned into her stance as she began to crouch low. She drifted into silence, stopping for a moment as she could tell the beast was up ahead. "He is massive...have your beast surround it. We must confuse the beast...if he sees me first and then you he won't know how to act immediately."

They lacked the exotic pigmentation that was of the Togruta, but they could still use this strategy. "You will only have a moment outsider...Stay behind me." She said softly.

She moved when he said "Lets begin." as if that was the initiation of it all. Swiftly, yet stealthy she crept forward. This beast were large, and had the power and ferocity to pillage villages. In her head she thought back to the incident prior...the situation was set up similarly. Her dropped the illusion and everything grew still which prompted her to stop.

She could hear the beating hearts of all those around her, and then came the movement. This massive creature, in its orange ferocity stood to its feet upon smelling them, for all she knew there was nothing that could surpass the keen sense of such a creature. It began to walk in a circular pattern with a low growl that grew into ear shattering roars.

It was a challenge...

Paa'lee stood up and ran forward sticking out her arms to display her body. The creature reacted to her skin tone, first with aggression but the Togruta refused to back down or even display fear. "Now outsider!"

He would have to have his beast encircle it, and then he would have his opening; It would be a very brief window of opportunity he'd have.

[member="Ignus"]

 

[Kamon's OOC]

He snapped his fingers and twirled them. The first got the Maalraas attention, as they were accustomed to the sound coming from him. Even above other noises their keen ears would pick it out. The twirling motion set them into movement and they surrounded the Beast, forming a triangle around the much larger creature with the help of Paa'lee. It wouldn't confuse it for long, he was certain, and then the three of them would be forced to keeps its attention. He was confident they could do so.

While they distracted it, he reached out to the mundane mind. As per usual, the first thing he felt was resistance, albeit weak. He shattered the creatures feeble defenses in seconds. That was the easy part. As soon as he was in the mind of the beast he was overcome with the desire to kill, to rip, to eat. Carnal desires of the beast were intoxicating and this was the largest creature he'd ever tangled with aside from the worm ages ago. He'd only managed to confuse it before they'd killed it.

He settled down to his knees, his hands held toward the Akul, his eyes closed. Now he was fully trusting her to keep it from eating him. The Maalraas would do their best but they were outside. Only the skill of a huntress such as her could keep him truly safe. She had faced them before. She knew what she was doing. He was relying on her in ways he rarely relied on anyone else.

In his mind he could feel it all, feel the beasts desires. He could feel it's confusion at being surrounded by three creatures when it had only known one was there. It wouldn't last long before the large beast went into attack mode, realizing it's size advantage. Leos immediately moved to counteract this by weakling into the part of the creatures mind that controlled aggression, and beginning to feed it calming sensations. It was only the start but a start was good.

"I need a little longer but it wants to attack!" he intoned. It was working but it was frightened and wanted to fight now. He needed more time. "Keep it at bay and don't let it run!"

| [member="Paa'lee"] |​