Private Trouble in the Canals

[Leliana]

There were times where Leliana wondered if the Overseers had sense. Oh sure, she'd give them credit in some areas. Years back they had quickly sussed out that a group had been forming in the wake of Quinn Varanin 's arrival. At first, they tried to stifle it from becoming a thing but upon learning Quinn's parentage, they were summarily cowed. Thus the small collection of Apprentices formed around the Eshan Princess, consisting of Leliana, Natima Vando , Marcis Sorr and Sylvia Virtos , who had been a later addition. A fine balance had to be maintained within the Academy, in order to ensure one specific group didn't just sweep across the other students.

Competition was healthy and encouraged, but it would've been a null point if the graduating numbers were low.

Thus, the Overseers often paired the group up for field trips and training missions. Which was why Leliana was currently across the galaxy from Bastion. She had been paired up with Natima, the duo sent on a 'Practice Mission' to track down and survey a minor target. The assassin's lack of faith in their sense was due to that very fact. Sending out an already trained assassin, who already had experience with solo and duo missions. Plus a Shi'ido, whom Leliana was certain had a few lifetimes of experience.

It meant this mission was going to be a dreadful bore, but there was at least some highlights.

"The view is gorgeous at least." Leliana was enamoured with the sight around them. The sun was out, a pleasant heat filling the air as the festivities filled the streets below. Even though they weren't on the planet, it reminded the assassin of Naboo, but with a lot more canals threading through the city like a maze. Presently, Leliana and Natima were seated atop a balcony, outside of a cozy little cafe that overlooked one of the main streets.

Leliana was dressed a lot more casually, with a light shawl covering her head, concealing her dark locks that had been loosened from their usual bun. If you didn't know her, you'd never guess she was a quiet and cold assassin. Quite the accomplishment for just a simple change of clothing, and a small change in hair style.

"Wouldn't you agree?" She posed the question to her current partner in crime, turning to look at her.

Natima Vando​

 

[Natima Vando]

She would have been insulted if not for the fact it was required to pass her apprentice exam. But here she was, doing a job she has done dozens of times before. One the bright side, her partner was rather cute, though she kept those thoughts to herself. She had altered some of her features, a change of hair, eye color, and facial structure. It was a simple change, but one that most people wouldn't notice. Unfortunately, she suspected her companion was aware of her nature, which didn't assist her mood. Still, she had found herself in a 'click' of several other apprentices, and it would do well to befriend those within her circle. After all, she could be in this lifestyle for a bit.

Hearing the remark made, and was curious enough to view the sight. Looking to the sight below, Natima gave a small smile, finding it a tad amusing that the scene enraptured the woman so. But she was young, human. She hadn't seen enough to see something beautiful. It was a pleasant sight, certainly. They reflection of the sun, the vibrant colors and lively crowd? Yes, it was adequate in the mind of the Shi'ido, but she had seen better, it reminded her of Ithor personally. Looking to Leliana, Natima's lips curled into a smile. "That's not the only thing that's gorgeous." She chuckled, before composing herself. "But yes, it's nice here. I'd agree." Stroking her chin with her digits, she observed how her companion had utilized her disguise techniques. While obviously not as elaborate as Natima's, it was certainly effective. Her free hand traced over the dagger she had embedded into her side, ensuring that she was still prepared if the need to strike arose. Perhaps it was just habit, but she always got nervous before these sorts of things. She hide it well of course, but her mind always got jogging in situations like this. "You don't seem to be new to this field of work. I assume you have previous job experience?" She inquired, leaning forward a tad towards her partner. Shi'ido were curious creatures after all, and Natima didn't often encounter those who had worked in the same field as her. She couldn't help herself at times.


Leliana

 

[Leliana]

Something had caught Leliana's attention at the last moment, her attention shifting back over the balcony. But the initial words from Natima caught her attention. She looked back and realized her partner was looking right at her. Leliana feigned not realizing what she had said, although the Assassin was glad she had let her hair down, and picked out a shrawl.

Both were helping to conceal the slight blush spreading across her cheeks. Gorgeous? Surely not, and yet she noticed Natima was staring at her. Obviously taking in the changes she had done for her disguise, and yet Leliana's mind did wander. She returned the look, taking note of the changes she had adopted. Darker hair, the slightest change in her facial structure and those captivating amethyst eyes...

Stop it Leliana. What would Quinn think?

Leliana averted her gaze, instead opting to gaze out at the rooftops they could look across from their position. Even when she was away, the Echani was on her mind. She looked back when Natima asked her question, and Leliana couldn't help but chuckle.

"Something like that, yeah. Tracking and surveying a target was our bread and butter. Part of it anyway, the boring part that is." Leliana laughed quietly, fully turning her attention back to Natima. "What about you? You keep checking for that dagger of yours, as if it's suddenly going to have disappeared." She smirked slightly, giving the Shi'ido a knowing look. Although Leliana knew the actual reason, she was tense, nervous about the situation. Which made the Assassin that more curious. Why would one be nervous during a simple operation like this?

Natima Vando​

 

[Natima Vando]

Natima found her partner was doing the same as she was, studying the other, though her eyes faltered, retreating from the stare down they had engaged in. Strange, but perhaps she knew it was impolite to stare.

Either that, or her words had struck their mark; it was a win either way she looked at it.

Feeling a bit satisfied with herself, Natima perked up, straightening herself back up in her chair and pulling back from Leliana. It didn't surprise her that the woman was used to this line of work, she imagined many within the Sith had done something questionable one time or another in their lives. 'The Boring Part', that answer prompted another question in the mind of the Shi'ido. Did this girl enjoy killing? Perhaps it was a game to her still. She was rather young in Human years after all, so it only made sense. Her laugh though, it was infectious, prompting a smile to stretch across Natima's face, before she realized what she was doing.

No more distractions. Focus on the mission, flirt later. She lectured herself, realizing she was falling back into her old habits. It always got her in trouble. She wasn't exactly prepared for the questions to be directed back at her, as Leliana directed her gaze onto her now. She was onto her, wasn't she? Pretty and smart. I might be in trouble. She mused, pushing back a lock of red hair, letting her lavender eyes shine just a tad more brightly now. "Oh, just an old habit. Had a bad run in on Nal Hutta years ago, after that, I learned to check myself every time." That was....partly true, though that wasn't why she kept that dagger so close at hand. Her lips tensed ever so tightly, perhaps betraying the altered truth she was presenting, though what was she supposed to say? 'Oh, yea this was the same dagger I killed my husband with. It reminds me of him at times.' Yea, that sounded perfectly logically. Not. "Don't worry, I'm not green. I grew up on the streets, ran with a gang on Denon. I can do alot more than bat my eyes and look good in red." Well, again that wasn't a complete lie. She chuckled, toying with a lock of her hair in the process, playing for the 'I'm sorta quirky and cute' card. It worked before, maybe it would work again.

Leliana

 

[Leliana]

"Oh, now that sounds like a story to tell." She spoke somewhat candidly, but there was clear interest in Leliana's tone. Although part of it was to catch whatever expression might cross the redhead's face, if any. "But a sound reason all the same, reminds me of a time I forgot to grab one of my blades before leaving for the day. Almost cost me another scar." An innocent enough statement, omitting the particular detail of being six years old at the time.

From the corner of her vision, Leliana caught the slight tensing of her partner's lips. But she was making a point to not stare at them, instead keeping her attention on her eyes.

Force damn it, why am I getting so easily distracted today?

She had opened her mouth to speak, but the comment about 'look good in red' quickly saw it snapped shut. Leliana looked at Natima, gaze trailing slightly, then looked away, seemingly lost in thought. Although it was swiftly interrupted when the street below suddenly bursted into activity and cheering. Leliana swivelled to look behind her, seeing the parade was making its way to their location finally.

"Show time." And a perfect excuse for Leliana to not get further distracted, now solely focused on their mission.

The parade was making its gradual way to them, and their supposed target was meant to be one of the main floats. Male, 30s, blond hair and standing roughly at 5'10" dressed in a light costume, nothing too obscuring. Leliana watched like a hawk, keeping an eye out for that exact description. She would've used one of her birds, but in this location they very much stuck out like a sore thumb. But at least she had another keen set of eyes in the form of her partner.

After a few more minutes the floats began passing by them below, one, two, three, then finally the fourth became the center of attention. "I think we've got our target in sights, can you confirm Nat?" Leliana had intended on using her full name, but the shortened version slipped out instead. Unfazed or unfocused however, she pulled out a small holodevice and prepared to snap a picture upon her partner's confirmation.

Natima Vando​

 

[Natima Vando]

It seemed her feint had worked, and Leliana was distracted, speaking about herself and not looking to prod into the life of the Shi'ido. A small bit of relief came over Natima, hoping she could go a bit longer before having to explain herself again. It seemed they had something in common about misplacing their weapons, something she could understand; heaven knows she was terrible at killing when she first started off. If nothing else, it was relatable, which for someone of her kind, that was rare to come by.

There was an awkward moment afterwards, where it seemed that Leliana wanted to speak, but said nothing, and Natima wanted to say something but was concerned of interrupting Leliana. In the end, it didn't matter, their targets had seemed to present themselves, and the topic was quickly dropped. They were professionals after all, or at least Natima was; she wasn't entirely sure that Leliana had the full package training.

She initially moved to act as Leliana gave the question, then a realization struck her. 'Nat? Already starting with the nicknames?' The faintest sign of color came to Natima's face, not suspecting something so impromptu, but it was nice. For her, it was the sign that others were accepting her new identity; but a small part of her wondered how long it would be before she had to abandon it. Being asked to confirm their target, Natima put her hand over her eyes, as if to block out the sun as she looked to the floats on display.

In reality, she was warping her right eye, concealing it behind her thumb, as she altered the components in her eye to improve the clarity of her vision. It wasn't a pretty act, but least Leliana and others would be spared the horrors of it, but the work was worth the result. She fixate on the man, slightly above average in high, fancy attire, and...there it was, a large gaudy noble ring he was sporting on the left hand. It was a match. Readjusting her eye back to normal, Natima shrugged the effort off, looking to the beautiful killer across from her. "Oh, that's our man all right Lil. I can spot nice jewelry a parsec away." Revenge was served with a smirk of satisfaction, she had been given the name of 'Nat', and so 'Lil' would the name which Leliana would bear. Their assignment was practically half done now, and it wouldn't be much longer til it was all wrapped up.

It was a bit of a waste, sending two experienced women out on a mundane assignment like this? Then again, what else could she expect from the Sith?

Leliana

 

[Leliana]

The sudden nickname caught Leliana by surprise, keeping her focus on the camera but glancing with one eye towards Natima. It was only then that the Assassin realized she had called the redhead but a shortened name just prior. A blush began to form, and Leliana was tempted to touch her cheeks to check if they were burning hot.

Lil.

Why did she like the sound of that so much?

Leliana internally shook the thought aside, focusing on taking photos of their target. Taking some from incremental angles as the float moved beyond their view. With a sigh, one more of disappointment of anything else, she slipped the holo device back into her pocket.

"I guess all that's left is getting back to the hotel room, and reporting in." She looked back at Natima and seemed hesitant, debating over something in her head. The day was still relatively young, and the latest they were expecting to report in was later that night. Perfect excuse to spend more time with the redhead, try and see if she could start unravelling the mystery she was trying to keep under wraps.

She liked a good mystery.

"Hey, what do you think abo-" Leliana's initial sentence was cut off as she averted her gaze, feeling a blush creeping to the surface again but found herself distracted by something else entirely. "Check it out, at our one o'clock."

Down below the crowd was slowly starting to thin out, the bulk of it having followed along with the parade. But a stray figure lingered a lot more slower, until it slinked away from everyone else and entered the alleyway. Leliana could just make out their back, as they stopped partially through, seemingly conversing with someone unseen. Nearly a minute later, something was exchanged and the hooded individual stepped back out into the light, looked around a little before moving through the crowd again.

Speaking of mysteries...

"You thinking what I'm thinking?" She looked at Natima, a small grin on her face. Today might just end up beign a bit less boring.

Natima Vando​

 

[Natima Vando]

Maybe it was just her, but she could have sworn she saw a touch of red on Leliana's face. It had to be her. She sat back, watching the woman at work, though there was little to study. There was only so many ways one could use a holocam after all. As Leliana finished, Natima gave a wicked grin. "Well, the business is out of the way. Now on to pleasure." The hard part was out of the way, now was time to have fun.

This mission didn't suit them at all, seeing as how Leliana herself seemed rather disgruntled about this whole operation. Though this was the reality of being low on the totem pole. You didn't get to decide what missions you got. Still, they had time to partake in the festivities of the planet. They had time before they needed to give a report. Which meant there was plenty of opportunity to chat up the lovely lady and see what she was all about.

Natima tilted her head as the woman spoke, curious as to what she might ask, but it seemed something had caught Lil's gaze. At the prompting of the woman, Natima found what had caught the young assassin's attention. Something was afoot, and now she had two things getting her mind going. What exactly had they spotted? Illegal drug trade? Some sort of terrorist plot in the works? Whoever they were, they clearly were bad at being subtle. Whatever it was, she simply had to find out, and given the expression that Lil was wearing, it seemed they were of the same mind. Finally, some real action. "Oh, I'd be having a crisis of self if I wasn't. Let's check it out." Rising from the chair, the Sith would start the path towards the shifty figures down below.


Leliana

 

[Leliana]

Leliana grinned at Natima's agreement, and didn't waste time in rising from her own seat and following behind the redhead. She made sure her shawl was securely around her head and shoulders as they made their way to the streets. They went into the cafe itself, using the stairs within to reach the ground floor, then quickly slipped out the front entrance and into the crowds outside.

"He walked right from here," Leliana looked around to get her bearings now being on street level as opposed to a higher advantage. She took the lead as they began to thread through the crowds, the Assassin's eyes snapping back and forth between every civilian that was ahead of them.

The guy wasn't in a hurry so he couldn't have gotten too far. Was wearing a hooded jacket from the looks of things, something a bit out of the ordinary for such warm weather.

As a particular large individual passed by across the street, she finally caught sight of their target. "To our ten o'clock." The Assassin didn't directly look at the person, instead keeping them in her peripheral vision.

They continued for a bit longer until their target suddenly bumped into someone, then diverted and crossed the street towards them. Leliana focus split but didn't give herself away as their target suddenly passed by them. The Assassin immediately noted the guy's shoulders weren't as tense as they had been moments ago.

"Nat, did you get a better look at the person he bumped into? I think they just passed whatever the package is." That was even if it was an actual package, the item itself was still a mystery.

Natima Vando​

 

[Natima Vando]

It had been a while since she worked a crowd. There was a different vibe one took, a different way to trave a target, but there were still tricks she had just from experience. Letting Lil take the lead, Natima would be her trusty look out. As the woman began to line up where she had seen the strange man, Natima focused in finding the hoodie clad man running amok in the audience. Lil called him out once more, and Natima was on the stranger.

The Shi'ido caught a glimpse of what she suspected was a trade off, though as the hoodie clad figure disappeared, she got a good look at the recipient of the package. It was a Zabrak, rough looking, nice scar cut across his eye, though he wore robes as if he was some sorts religious nutcase. He quickly vanished into the audience, his hand slipping the package into his robe. Lil asked if she caught the man, and indeed she did. "Zabrak, looks like a monk. Scar on the left brow, looked pretty mean for a holy man though." They had walked into something, what that thing was she wasn't certain, but a sinking feeling was starting to grow within her gut.

Then she caught something, a blur of movement from her four o'clock, and felt her hair stand up on end. Something was kicking off. She spotted a man to her two o'clock reaching to grab something "Lil get dow-"

The holy man from before turned out to not be a holy man at all. He had pushed his way to the front of the crowd, and threw his package towards the floats. A large fireball erupted from the unknown package, though Natima couldn't see where it was aimed for, the intent was rather obvious; this was a terrorist attack.

Her words to the Sith were cut off, as the sound of the explosion interrupted her words, the chorus of screams roared up, as several blaster shots began to ring out in the once peaceful plaza. Natima had been knocked to the ground, a thin line of blood gushed from her brow, flowing across her cheek before she forced it to close. Panicked crowds rushed about, as a scene she was all to familiar with played out before her eyes. She ignored the fear, the shock, and used it instead to focus. Her first objective was to find Lil, and get the hell away from here. Several bystanders were already fleeing, knocking into each other as random blaster shots began to be fired down towards the scattering masses. Concern for herself was ignored, as she needed to find her fellow Sith first. "Lil!"

Leliana

 

[Leliana]

The assassin's eyes were scanning the people before her as Natima caught sight of their new target, describing him. It took a quick look around before she had the robed Zabrak. She shifted a bit quicker, getting enough of a quick look as the man looked around, revealing his scarred eyebrow. A seemingly ordinary hooded man, now a Zabrak monk? What a strange mix-

At Natima's warning, Leliana quickly looked back towards her. She just barely caught sight of another individual, his body language suggesting he was reaching into his coat for something. But a second later her Force Senses flared, forcing her to look ahead again.

Just in time as the robed Zabrak to throw his bomb at the parade floats.

Chit.

The resulting explosion sent Leliana flying back. Before she could hit the wall though, she saw two civilians heading her way, or accurately thrown her way. They sent her off course and slammed into a nearby wall, and while Leliana braced herself, the moment her head struck everything went dark.

Leliana didn't know if it was seconds or minutes when she stirred again, but when she did everything was muffled. Couldn't even hear herself gasping out as she regained consciousness. She felt something heavy atop her, and cursed hoping it wasn't rubble. Reaching forwards she felt her fingers press against material and flesh. Okay, good. She wasn't buried under a building.

Using the Force, Leliana pushed the body off her, not even knowing if the person was even alive still. She winced, shutting her eyes as the sudden light blinded her. Bit by bit her hearing began to return, screams and...blaster fire?

That put the assassin on alert and she struggled to get herself up on her feet.

"Lil?!"

Leliana began to hear Natima calling out for her. "I'm over here, Nat!" Yelling the best as she could. The assassin slowly began to stand up, pressing her back to the wall in order to keep her balance. Eventually she was able to stand fully, but on slightly shaky legs. Leliana looked around at the carnage, the explosion had obliterated the float it had been closest too, the buildings on either side were also caught in it. Debris was everywhere, people screaming as they tried to flee. Dust in the air, and streaks of plasma cutting through it.

She almost jumped when Natima finally found her. "Alleyway, go through one, should be cover by the canals..." Leliana let Natima pretty much guide her as they moved again. Feeling something wet on the back of her head, the assassin reached back and brushed a couple fingers against it. Blood. How lovely. "Well, that's going to sting later." Right now adrenaline was pumping through her veins, keeping her distracted from the pain.

Natima Vando​

 

[Natima Vando]

It was pure havoc unfolding, there seemed to be no method to the madness of the terrorists, as they fired into small blocks of people without distinction. Natima didn't care for that however, shifting the dagger in her side into her hand, keeping herself prepared for if she needed to strike; but first she needed to find Lil. She called out again, then stopped as she caught sight of a man being gunned down up aways from her. This situation was escalating quickly.

It didn't take long, thankfully, after stepping over a few bodies, she heard woman's voice, and found her shortly after that. A bit of relief came to the red heads face, though a thin line of blood was dripping off her chin at current. "Are you okay?" She asked, gripping her dagger a bit tighter into her palm, as she could feel another wave of death pulsating throughout the plaza. They needed to get out of here. She took hold of Leliana, gently pulling the woman back to her feet and offering her a shoulder to lean of if she needed it. It didn't take long to notice her companion was bleeding, which gave the pair another reason to get out of there. Lil suggested the alley ways, so that's were they would go. "I got you, don't worry." She affirmed, memories form a past life flickered at the back of her mind, providing a dull pain the the Shi'ido as she pressed on.

'It won't be like last time. The Hutts aren't looking for you this time.'

They were quiet lies she told herself, it kept her sane when the past tried to drown her, and most the time it worked. Unfortunately, it didn't stop the present from trying to kill her. The pair were halfway to the alley when a blaster shot was fired their way. A group of robed men had targeted them, and proceeded to fire at the two Sith, shouting in a language that Natima couldn't understand. Clearly, whatever they were saying wasn't good. "This day just gets better and better." Natima muttered, knocking one of the blasts aside as they would take cover in the alleyway. The assasian prepared to jump whatever poor bastard tried to follow, but it wasn't a long term plan for certain. They needed an escape route and quick. "Lil, do you know where this route goes?" She asked, readying the weapon, but looking to the woman for guidance on what to do next. Lil seemed to have a better idea on the layout here, probably more so than Natima. She really didn't like the idea of playing knife tag with terrorists in the canals, but it also favored the two assasins in a strange way.


Leliana

 

[Leliana]

Leliana felt like her head was on a loose swivel, a lightheaded sensation hitting her as Natima turned around to reflect a blast back. The Assassin mumbled something, before finally speaking audibly.

"Wall. Get close to the wall."

The moment they were pressed against it, Leliana whispered something and the shadows around them suddenly deepened. Wrapping around both as they were concealed within darkness. She could hear their attackers yelling something, at them, at each other? Leliana wasn't sure, but one of their numbers was sent forwards into the alleyway. Eyes squinting trying to peer through the unnatural shade.

She didn't need to say anything as he got within arm's reach of her Shi'ido partner. But there was still the rest of the group, ones Leliana suspected weren't going to leave them alone. She began to chant again, a portion of the shadows manifesting at their feet. Something formed in that spot, a faint red eye just barely piercing through the darkness. If Natima had the means to see through the dark, she'd see a gaunt looking hound right at their feet, made of the same wispy shadows that were hiding them.

"When I say go, we head towards the canals..." Leliana whispered, commanding her creation to start moving, stalking towards the way they had come. "Go!" A second later the shadow hound lunged from the shadows and started attacking their attackers. Leliana led the charge as they ran the other way, deeper into the alleyway, turning a corner, then another, then a straight shot until they finally could breath in fresh air.

Leliana almost stumbled as she slammed into the railing, catching herself. She breathed in deeply, trying to calm her heartbeat. The canals were the complete opposite to the hell they just escaped from. A stark calmness from the chaos before, looking practically untouched just like the calm waters flowing below them. In either direction was a long stretch of pathway that followed along the canal. The right path led to a wider open body of water, whereas the left went deeper into the city, and eventually reached a stairway going up to a bridge.

But much closer on their left was another set of stone stairs, only those went down towards the water.

"We should go down...underground." Leliana paused as she tried regaining her breath. "The canals thread through the city's underground, connecting with...maintenance tunnels, sewers, et cetera..."

Natima Vando​

 

[Natima Vando]

Pressing her back against the wall as the pretty lady had commanded, Natima reached out with her senses, preparing to strike at whoever dared come closer to them. She hadn't even realized what Leliana had done until the area around them began to darken. She looked to her partner, a degree of alarm coming to her face, before relaxing as it was clear that Leliana had some sort of plan in motion. She felt a bit of cold wash over her back, like an ocean breeze on a early morning, but felt no ill effects take effect. Her curiosity was at an all time high, as she looked at the woman with a degree of fascination; if not for the circumstance they were facing, she might have inquired as to what the Sith was doing. Sadly it was going to have to wait. Still, the Shi'ido adjusted her eyes to the darkness, changing them from the pretty pair of amethyst eyes to a gleaming emerald set.

The air was tense, as the two crouched in the shadows, waiting for their attackers to make themselves known, as the Shi'ido could feel the presences grow nearer. To her surprise, it wasn't the attackers that caught her off guard, but rather the strange creature that was birthed at their feet. Her first instinct was the strike it, but she held back, seeing the shadowy theme that seemed to pair with her partners powers. Natima relaxed just a tad, her mind now studying the plan that Leliana was laying out, clearly it was better than the one she had developed. With the suggestion she prepare herself to run, Natima tensed, her muscles, already moving into a running position. Needless to say, when Lil gave the command, she was off. She could hear blaster shots echoing behind her, but paid it no mind. She didn't stop running until they reached the railway, giving the pair a moment to catch their breath.

The adrenaline was starting to fade as the excitement was drawing further, but the fear of attack still lingered at the back of Natima's mind. She could still see the smoke from here, and the sirens of the local security force were now starting to ring out in the once peaceful plaza; all the more reason they needed to leave. Natima's eyes reverted back from emerald to amethyst, as she studied her companions current state. She feared Lil's injury might worsen, and looking at the two escape routes they had open, the sewer escape seemed the least beneficial. "But you're bleeding, if that head wound gets infected...." She started, before realizing how futile the argument it was. Looking to the water, Natima only frowned and shook her head. She didn't like what she was going to have to do here. "I can get us through the canals, just hold onto me and guide me, I'll do the rest." Looking to the water once more, Natima pursed her lips for what she was going to do. She commanded her body to shift, reworking her structure to make her body thin like a Vahla, though the real discomfort came from the bloating sensation she felt as she expanded her lungs. She was already feeling her body begin to revolt against her for all the morphing she had done thus far, and it was starting to take its' toll. "I can keep up afloat, conserve our energy, and we can coast along the canal. Should lose them that way." She would help Lil towards the water if she needed it, trying to keep some level of positivity despite the situation they were facing. "Just whatever you do, don't make me laugh. It screws up the whole buoyancy balance." As she immersed herself in the water, Natima felt her body's buoyancy shift, trying to rebel against the added weight. But she didn't sink like a rock. If nothing else, they could conserve their energy by not swimming through out the whole canal system; not to mention she didn't know where exactly they would be going.

Leliana

 

[Leliana]

Natima had been correct in her earlier assessment, that to Leliana her job was still very much a game to her. The thrill of a hunt, chasing down a target was still something that burned brightly within her. And it was the same right now, although muddled with suspicions that whomever was behind this attack, were using the underground network to get around.

She wanted to investigate those suspicions, chase down whoever was behind this.

But why? This wasn't their mission. It was already over, this was unrelated and just something they had gotten caught in the middle of.

Much like Natima though, the adrenaline that had been coursing through Leliana's body was now diminishing. Her sense of sight and hearing had returned, but she could still feel the throb of pain at the back of her head. "I'm...fine," she said in reaction to Natima's concern. Although the Assassin's words weren't exactly on a strong footing, as Leliana was still heavily clutching the railing as she stood there. The slightest movements sending a rush of lightheadedness.

Hearing Natima's plan, Leliana nodded and began to follow her along the pathway. She thought of her lessons, those of the Sith that used pain to keep focus. The Assassin tried to do just that, using the pain she was feeling, from the back of her head, to the aching throughout her body, ensure she didn't slip unconscious.

With her partner's help to reach the water's edge without just falling down the stairs, Leliana watched as the Shi'ido morphed her body. Seemed like today was a time for both to reveal things they didn't want to reveal about themselves, but needed to in order to survive. She chuckled quietly, cracking a slight smile at Natima's comment about maintaining her focus. "Good to know...I'll try to not make you laugh." Leliana waited until her partner was confident with her bouyancy, before securing a tight hold around her.

"Follow the canal for a good bit, maybe a mile or so...the local authorities will be setting up a perimeter." They were fortunate in the fact the hotel they were staying at was on the other side of the city. But their focus right now was just to get away, hopefully beyond any security checkpoints that were being erected as they spoke.

Natima Vando​

 

[Natima Vando]

Feeling the pair of arms wrap around her midsection filled Natima with a warmth she hadn't felt in a few years. Things like this always ended badly, and here she was, crushing on a Sith girl she had hardly known. Like this was going to go any differently than the last four times? She pushed the thoughts aside, knowing it was her lines of thought were infringing on the mission. She needed to keep her head in the game or she'd get them both killed. Speaking of heads, Leliana was looking a tad out of it, more so than normal. They really needed to get that wound checked out. It probably wasn't the 'Sith' way of thinking, but she had never been good about this type of thing. She was "too emotionally driven" as her parents always lectured her. She'd probably have an easier life if she wasn't like that.

She didn't have to wait long, as the cool water drowned out the sensation, and the sense of an air pocket forming in her chest served as an excellent distraction. Though thoughts of muddling about in damp clothing and dealing with the bloated sensation for the rest of the evening were not the sort of thing she found pleasant.

Setting into the water with the woman holding onto her, Natima began to frog kick with her legs, pushing the pair ahead, as she put her hand to the wall, guiding them along until the stream of the canal could carry them forward. The Shi'ido hoped that they cleaned the waters at least, or her mood would certainly be soured.

Like Leliana, her mind entertained the reason these men had done what they did. A terrorist attack on a populated district? But to what end? There was no oppressive regime that she knew of, nor was their any political tension being built up. And yet they had launched such a brutal offensive. It was something to think about certainly. Staying towards the shadowy side of the canal, Natima drifted along the canal, mind thinking of where they would go next. "As much as I want to know who those guys are, we need to find someone to fix your head wound. You're already sounding out of it." Natima didn't mention it, but her body was feeling achy as well. She wouldn't be able to shift herself into anything complex for a while at the moment. "Also, that shadow thing you did was...pretty cool." She muttered, glad that her face was mostly obscure right now. The sounds of commotion still echoed around the city, but it seemed like a different story here in the canals; unfortunately it wasn't as romantic as Natima would have preferred.

Leliana

 

[Leliana]

Being in the water was oddly calming for Leliana. She didn't know why, but it felt peaceful even if it was something of an awkward situation given she was using Natima as a floating device. Not that she was going to complain about being so close to the attractive redhead, but her current state was in no position to really enjoy much.

Times likes these the Assassin wished she kept an adrenal on her person to provide a little boost.

Something to amend when they weren't caught in the middle of a terrorist attack.

"I'm fi-" Leliana's words drifted off. Even in her current hazy state, the Assassin knew she wasn't quite 'fine'. "Reach hotel...or find hospital." If she had more of a say in it, Leliana would've just opted for the former. Hospitals could be...tricky when you were somewhere undercover. Their covers were airtight, but you never know. Something could go wrong, especially right now with the city being thrown into chaos.

Natima's comment about her shadow abilities brought a smile to her face. It would've panicked her slightly, having revealed such a thing. But right now the Assassin could care less. "Thank you....your morphing is pretty cool too."

They continued for another minute until they finally hit the moving stream. Leliana clutched a bit more tightly as the water began to carry them. Natima kept closer to the wall in case they needed to make a quick stop through the current. "Let the water...take us under the bridges," Leliana paused to think. "Three bridges...should be far enough away then." Even now the Assassin's memory for detail was untouched, even if it seemed a bit odd in the moment.

Natima Vando​

 

[Natima Vando]

Initially, Natima was going to correct the woman when she began to try the 'I'm fine' maneuver, but Leliana gave an alternative answer that the Shi'ido was willing to accept. She knew a bit about medical care, perhaps enough to patch up Lil without having to get to a hospital. They couldn't exactly go to the ER, no one was supposed to even know they were here. "Hotel it is." She agreed, continuing the slow progress down the canal. The comment about her shaping caused a slightly red blush to play across Natima's checks, partly amplified by the anatomy of her Vahla anatomy she had undertaken. "Thanks." Was all she could muster up to say, hopefully the awkwardness that came with her shape-shifting would be avoided in the future.

She felt Lil's arms wrap around just a tad harder, causing a moment of concern for Natima, but realized it was just the woman adjusting to the situation in the water. She mentally berated herself for the distraction, focusing instead of what Leliana had told her. Three bridges, then to the utility line, seemed like a good idea.

For a while, they drifted, Natima occasionally adjusting their course by moving off the wall, kicking once or twice so she didn't drift back into the middle of the canal. Eventually, they passed the third bridge, and the shape-shifter maneuvered the pair towards a small alcove under the third bridge, it seemed to serve as a maintenance entrance for the sewer lines.

A small set of stone stairs lead up the way, the rock had been eroded away by the waters, but it seemed like a serviceable point for the pair to mount their escape from this madness. "Here should do it." Natima spoke, moving to exit the water, helping Lil out as she did so. Two doors laid behind them in the alcove. One lead to a set of stairs to their left continued down into the darkness, the one to their right seemed to exit out into the city given the pinpricks of light that shined from under it. Not wanting to put the strain on her companion, Natima looked to Leliana, then to her wound. "How are you feeling? Streets would be quicker way back to the hotel, but the sewer lines are much safer." Looking to the woman for an answer, Natima would follow as to what Leliana wished to do.

Leliana

 

[Leliana]

Leliana mumbled her thanks as Natima helped her out of the water. The Assassin just laid on the ground as the world around her spun slightly. The moment respite on solid ground was enough to clear her head somewhat. She glanced over at her partner checked their options, two sets of stairs one leading to darkness and the other to light.

Slowly, Leliana stood up with some further help from the redhead. "I'm fine, relatively speaking. Would be out cold if it was worse..." Wobbling on her feet slightly, the Assassin paused to ensure her footing. Any further knocks and she probably would be unconscious. "Not my first time suffering from a concussion." As Natima checked her wound, Leliana reached back and threaded a few things through her hair, now mattered with dust and blood.

"I suspect these 'attackers' are using the canals and underground tunnels to get around the city unseen. That is if there's more than one cell at work. We might wind up running into them." And that was to say they were even that spread out, they might not be everywhere in the city. Plus hopefully the local authorities would have the sense to watch those too. "If we head to the surface we risk catching attention." Neither of them were exactly in inconspicuous right now, dust, blood and wet clothing. "But it might not be the worst attention to get, provided it's not someone insistent on us going to a hospital."

Leliana sighed. "Honestly, I say we go back up to the streets. Force knows I could do with more fresh air."

Natima Vando​

 

[Natima Vando]

She was trying to play tough, typical Sith defensive maneuver. As mighty as the dark side might have made them feel, they bleed and died just like the lowest of commoners. "No offense, but in your condition I'm not sure you could handle a stiff drink on your own." She commented, standing and decreasing the amount of air she had built up in her lungs. The sensation that came with it was very unsettling, akin to someone shoving a vacuum hose down her throat. Feeling a bit more comfortable with the lack of bloating, Natima watched her companion with a hint of growing concern. "Truth be told, I'm concerned the concussion is the least of your problems. That laceration could be pretty bad, you could be suffering from blood loss here in a bit." She crossed her arms, directing her gaze away as she was slipping back into that worrying habit. It was very unsith, she needed to stop it.

Listening to Leliana's thoughts about the situation, the idea of several cells operating in the city hadn't occurred to the Shi'ido until now. It would make more sense for the attackers to do so. "Let's head to topside then. Put that shaw on and I can just talk our way past anyone that tries to stop us." Yea, they looked a tad suspicious, but there was no real reason the authorities could detain them. What were they guilt of? Swimming in the canal? She wasn't sure of the laws of this planet, but she doubted that was one such law. Fresh air isn't the only thing you need sweetie. She thought, offering Lil a hand if she needed it, then moving towards the door leading outside.

Opening the door, the scene was as about as 'normal' as could be given the situation. Civilians stood in horror, looking to the smoke stacks that had arise around the city, and the sounds of sirens littered the air. A pair of sector security officers were trying to keep back a small crowd of people from continuing down a plaza off to the pairs right and a force field seemed to be deployed stopping crossing on the bridge they had traveled under. The entire city seemed to be on lockdown, but the chaos provided a nice cover for the two women. Ideally, they could make it back without much issue. "Alright Lil, let's get a move on. A pretty face like yours can only go undetected for so long." Natima smiled, closing the door behind her and giving aid to her fellow Sith if it was needed. In her mind, this wasn't going to be too difficult. Unfortunately for her, the galaxy loved proving her wrong.


Leliana