Soku Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 160
Affiliation: The Knights of Ren
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Post by Soku Ren on Nov 19, 2020 11:59:03 GMT -8
*Weak as he may have felt, Soku still had enough strength to smile at the presence of his brother.* "I swore an oath," *he replied, coughing again and looking up at the ceiling.* "But I am shackled. Temporarily." *He looked back at Harnan.* "Tell me everything... and expedite my rehabilitation."
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Harnan Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 601
Affiliation: Knights of Ren
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Post by Harnan Ren on Nov 29, 2020 2:20:12 GMT -8
Harnan secured the door before popping the seal on his helmet and setting it down upon a small table in the room. He pulled the one seat in the room over and sat down next to Soku's bed. A rare smile upon his face. Soku might now look a lot thinner, but little else had changed about his brother's features or personality. Harnan, on the other hand, looked a lot more salt and peppered
It seems not even death will be able to stop you from upholding your Oath, huh? As for what has happened? Hmm... With you out of action, I took the mantle of Master of our Order. Our numbers have flagged, with barely a handful of us remaining. The Ren have officially integrated into the First Order, and shortly... I will leave for Coruscant to collect Fiora and begin her training, despite the protestations of the new Empress and the Emperor's half-brother...
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Soku Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 160
Affiliation: The Knights of Ren
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Post by Soku Ren on Dec 1, 2020 0:33:07 GMT -8
*Soku observed Harnan's unmasked appearance briefly, the subtle changes telling much of a story on their own. He listened to the information given, seeming approving of the integration with the First Order, but at the same time disappointed at the news of the falling numbers. His strongest reaction, however, was to scowl at the last bit of information.* "Of course..." *He coughed a little, leaving the insult directed towards the Imperial Knights unspoken.* "They have no rights to decide Lady Fiora's rightful place... They would spit on Illaria's name, given the chance..."
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Harnan Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 601
Affiliation: Knights of Ren
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Post by Harnan Ren on Dec 31, 2020 8:05:35 GMT -8
Harnan leaned over and grabbed the glass of water and handed it Soku, as his brother coughed a little. No doubt still parched from his rather long nap. even in his current state, Soku was still eager and rearing for a fight. That much, at least, had not changed
I do not doubt they do so behind closed doors... The way they cheered when Nicademus announced Faina as his new Empress... Our popularity with the Imperials is one of infamy... I'm surprised your Emperor has still held true to his word when he could so easily break his promise and be viewed in higher regard by the rest...
Harnan sighed as he leaned forward in his seat. He might have been the Master of the Ren now and the one that agreed to the integration of the Ren into the First Order, but his old grudges had not just disappeared overnight. But despite it all, the fact Nicademus was still willing to make good on Illaria's wishes for Fiora to join the Ren meant that Harnan had to admit that perhaps Nicademus had indeed loved Illaria once
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Soku Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 160
Affiliation: The Knights of Ren
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Soku Ren on Jan 31, 2021 0:38:35 GMT -8
*Soku graciously accepted the water, though he struggled a bit to keep a grip. Still, he was able to hydrate, relying a bit on the Force to stabilize himself—though it only did so much. He set the glass down, almost too hard without really meaning to, and let his thoughts dwell on that day. He had been present for Faina's coronation... he himself had been none too pleased, but...*
"I accept that the Emperor made a new Empress for some sort of political play... but I do not believe his love for Illaria was illegitimate. I do not think he would so easily cast us aside." *He allowed himself a small smirk as he reminisced, staring at nothing in particular.* "After all, we were the ones who handed him Muunilinst." *He sighed from the reverie, hearkening back to the first days of a new order.*
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Harnan Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 601
Affiliation: Knights of Ren
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Post by Harnan Ren on Feb 1, 2021 17:27:13 GMT -8
He watched as Soku accepted and the struggled with the water, but let his brother be. Instead he focused on Soku's statements, his gaze seemingly to look off toward the wall that Soku was directing his gaze toward. His own memories of Muunilinst came flashing back for a moment, before Harnan settled his gaze upon Soku once more
Muunilinst was a long time ago Brother... As for his love of Illaria... She was good at that...
He felt lost in thought for a moment, before fighting them back and returning his attention to the present
All that aside, I believe that brings you up to speed on what you have missed. I suppose you'll want to return to action as soon as you are physically able?
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Soku Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 160
Affiliation: The Knights of Ren
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Soku Ren on Feb 23, 2021 22:15:40 GMT -8
*Seemed Soku was not the only one prone to reminisce in this moment. He allowed it, not having much strength to do much else... and reverie was sometimes relieving.
He nodded in response to the question, attempting to sit up but barely managing to do so. He groaned, replying,* "Absolutely. I am far from finished. We, are far from finished." *With another groan, he lowered himself back down on the bed.* "I want my rehabilitation to start immediately. And I would prefer if you would let me inform Emperor Delvardus myself of my recuperation... when it is complete."
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Harnan Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 601
Affiliation: Knights of Ren
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Post by Harnan Ren on Mar 1, 2021 1:04:46 GMT -8
Harnan grabbed one of the cups and poured himself some water as Soku repositioned himself on the bed. In that moment he would have much preferred a nice Whyren's Reserve. But the one bottle he had managed to acquire he was keeping for a special occasion. So he would settle for the water as he set the jug back down, all the while listening to Soku. He took a quick swig of water before responding
Until you're properly recuperated, I see no reason to prematurely inform him... Besides, I am sure he'd much appreciate a more familiar and amenable face once the time comes. So don't rush yourself too much...
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Harnan Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 601
Affiliation: Knights of Ren
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Post by Harnan Ren on Apr 16, 2021 17:56:24 GMT -8
A Couple Weeks After Soku Awoke From His Coma: return of the wolf and cub
Prak was barely beginning to peek over the edge of the horizon as Harnan stood waiting in the chamber beneath the Citadel of the Ren. A couple days had passed since he had met with Nicademus and taken Fiora as his ward. In the ensuing days, the Princesses instructors had been transported from Coruscant and granted lodgings in Prak City, while Harnan had seen to the transportation of Fiora and Jin personally. The pair of girls had been given chambers within the Citadel itself next to one another. A move which had been both practical and tactical, considering the bond that had begun to form between the two.
Harnan pushed such thoughts from his mind for the moment, however, as he waited for Fiora to arrive. He had provided her with a small holo device which contained a map of the Citadel but which could only be activated by her through the Force. It was a simple test which Harnan expected her not to take too long in completing. Especially considering that her prize for completing this task would be her induction into the Ren so that she could begin her training
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Fiora Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 351
Affiliation: The First Order - The Knights of Ren
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Post by Fiora Ren on Apr 22, 2021 22:48:38 GMT -8
The last few days had been a whirlwind of activity and emotions. Only a few days ago she had been going about her life on Coruscant like normal when her Father had summoned her to his study. There, she had finally met Harnan Ren in person. Yes, she had spied him across the room at various public events, but there he finally was without anyone else. Well, that hadn't been entirely true, her Father had been there and so she'd had to still act at least partly properly. While she had known he would eventually arrive to collect her, she could not deny she had been glad he arrived when he had.
She had to admit though, that the last couple days had not exactly been what she had been expecting. Harnan had seemed somewhat distant on the trip from Coruscant to Prakith, and currently she was wandering the Citadel of the Ren with nothing but a map. Not really the family reunion she had hyped herself up for. But Harnan was the only link she had left to her Mother. It was true that her Mother and Father had been together and married for a number of years. But it was known by a few sources that Harnan and her Mother had shared a bond. Fiora, even as untrained as she was, could see it in the Force. Her dreams had even shown her glimpses of the past. And the closer she had been to Harnan, the stronger and more clearer those visions had been.
It was this link, that was the reason why Fiora did not intend to fail in this task she had been set. One room in the Citadel was highlighted, all she had to do was get to it. She didn't really know what was awaiting her, but she knew Harnan would be there. She set off along corridors and through various different rooms, looking for the way that led to her destination.
To add complexity to the search, the map did not show her current location and she had to use the Force to active the map and study it. It was rather mean of him to make her do things this way, even if she guessed he had his reasoning. She would be sure to ask Harnan why, once she finally found him.
A couple hours passed by before she finally found herself descending a series of staircases from one of the upper floors. She'd checked room after room on the lower floors, before realizing one of the corridors on an upper level seemed to stop at a wall with no window. A few such places existed within the Citadel, but this dead end had been located on the map close to the space which she identified as containing the current set of stairs she was descending. She was grateful when the passage had opened when she arrived at it.
It took only a few minutes more after that for her to arrive to the basement, where she was greeted by the sight of Harnan standing in his full armour before a giant durasteel door. At least, she assumed it was a door, given the walls and roof down here were clad with stone. She took a moment to gather her breath as she examined the door, which had no exterior locking mechanisms. Most likely something that was controlled via the Force then. She just hoped Harnan did not expect her to be able to move it.
She strode a few steps forward and came to a stop just in front of the Master of the Ren, a man whom she had so many questions about and for
Master...
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Harnan Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 601
Affiliation: Knights of Ren
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Post by Harnan Ren on Apr 23, 2021 5:43:13 GMT -8
Harnan's attention had turned toward the staircase as he heard her footsteps echoing off the stone. The timer running in the top right of his HUD stopped, noting the time it had taken from the initial sensor which had tripped it. Two and a half hours. Not bad for someone who had only been given a map of the Citadel that morning. She still looked relatively strong and alert, despite the drain the crystal was meant to have. He was impressed.
Not that it was something she would be able to visually see, given his helmet concealed his face as he stood there. It wasn't until she finally came to a stop and addressed him that he showed any signs of movement, his head angling down toward her face. She was young and inexperienced, but she had a lot of potential. He just hoped he would be able to do her justice. He might have been the Master of the Ren, but Harnan was far from an expert when it came to the arcane arts of the Force. In that regard, he would be relying upon Neith to help Fiora advance and come to grips with such powers
Fiora... It has been a long time, but we're finally here now... This moment is going to determine what happens next... You can choose to either continue being a kid and become some bored little Princess, or...
Harnan turned around, reaching out with the first to activate the locks, causing the massive door to shift its weight up towards the roof, revealing the darkened chamber and Obsidian Monolith that rested in the center of the room
You can embrace your birthright and become the Ren that you are meant to be... A true Ren, by birth...
He stepped forward then, leading the way into the chamber and motioned toward the Obsidian Monolith for Fiora to examine it and read the names of all those inscribed upon it. There were far more names with two strikes through their names than with a single slash
Unlike the rest of us, that cast aside our former selves and adopted this mantle, you were born as a Ren... You will not inscribe your former name here as the rest of us have... No, you will write your true name here... Should you choose to. I may be the Master of the Ren, and your Mother may have wished for you to train with the Ren, to become who you truly are... But I cannot force you. I will guide you, train you. But you must want this. Do you understand?
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Fiora Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 351
Affiliation: The First Order - The Knights of Ren
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Post by Fiora Ren on Jun 3, 2021 16:51:29 GMT -8
She stared up at him, ready to start questioning him as he looked down at her. His helmet provided nothing but a blank slate for her to stare at. She couldn't see his expression, or even tell if he was looking at her directly. Though a lingering feeling in the Force gave her the sense that he was staring down at her. When he finally broke the silence a few moments later, any intention she'd had of questioning him was cut off. She listened intently as he spoke. She definitely agreed this had been a long time coming, but she was glad they were indeed finally here. Not that she really knew where here was.
But it took only a moment later, before Harnan activated some mechanism which caused a wall... no, a door to start opening. She set her attention upon the darkened room beyond with a very low red lighting providing any visibility. It took her eyes a moment to adjust and make out the Monolith sitting in the center of the space. Even as she examined the room from afar, she was still listening as Harnan spoke. When motioned to do so, she followed him into the space and walked up to the Monolith. Her vision took a few moments more before she could make out the names inscribed within the obsidian. Some with a single strike through them, others with two.
There were so many names, all of them the true identities of the Ren before they became who they were today. Thus it made it hard for her to recognize most of them. However, it didn't take long for her to locate Harnan's name, having learned of it a couple years back. From there, she found a name with two strikes through it which was her Mother's name before she had become Illaria Ren. She pressed her hand against the cold stone surface as she continued to listen to Harnan speak.
She stood in silence for a few moments, processing everything he had just said. Her mother had died several years ago now, and she thought she had dealt with the pain it had caused her then. But standing here and seeing the crossed out name had brought everything back to the forefront for a moment. Her head hung forward as she fought back the tears, but lost as several of them ran down her face.
She had lost her mother, and that hurt a lot. But even though one parent had gone, she still had her father. It was this thought that she drew strength from in that moment. She had come all this way, because the Imperial Knights saw the Force as just another tool or weapon in their arsenal. The Force was connected to her in ways only the Ren would understand.
She let her hand drop from the surface of the Monolith, before she turned toward Harnan. Using the sleeve of her left arm to wipe away the streaks that still marred her face. She defiantly stared up at him
My Brother may have forsaken the Ren and become an Imperial Knight, but I will not... I will not accept the life of a simple Princess... I'd rather be who I am truly meant to be, than to live a lie... I want to become... Fiora Ren...
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Harnan Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 601
Affiliation: Knights of Ren
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Post by Harnan Ren on Jul 12, 2021 17:39:17 GMT -8
Harnan studied Fiora as she walked up to the Obsidian Monolith and inspected it for a moment. Even with her best efforts, he could still sense the sadness that came over her. Something he could easily figure out was due to seeing her Mother's name. He did not blame her, nor think any less of her for her reaction. Better that she feel and deal with her emotions, than to bottle them up and let them destroy her from the inside.
He smiled behind his mask as she stared up at him and declared her intention to become Fiora Ren and claim her destiny. A small part of him had hoped she would disavow the Ren name. There would be pain and suffering yet to come because of it. It was his desire to protect her that had hoped she would say no. But it came as no surprise when she claimed her true name. He would do his best to provide her with all the training she would need so she could protect herself and rise up to what she was meant to become
As you wish, Fiora Ren... Mark your name upon this stone and we shall begin your training as a Knight of Ren...
The hammer and chisel flew through the air, called to Harnan by the Force. He then offered the tools forward for Fiora to take
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Fiora Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 351
Affiliation: The First Order - The Knights of Ren
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Post by Fiora Ren on Jul 28, 2021 3:36:21 GMT -8
She didn't hesitate for a moment as she took the tools from Harnan and turned back towards the Monolith. She found a space near her mother's and Harnan's names, and chiselled into the Obsidian. It was an odd feeling, carving the name FIORA REN into the monolith. But at the same time, there was a calming effect about assuming her true name. The name her Mother intended for her to have.
When she was at last done, she discarded the tools and took a couple steps back to admire her work. It wasn't the finest craftsmanship, but it wasn't meant to be. It was her name, written by her hands into a stone. She now just had to prove herself worthy of the name through training and hard work. And she was confident that Harnan would make sure she put in the effort. Whatever relation he might have to her, what ever he might feel for her, she knew he would not let get in the way.
She turned toward Harnan then, looking up at him
I am ready... Master...
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Fiora Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 351
Affiliation: The First Order - The Knights of Ren
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Post by Fiora Ren on Nov 3, 2021 0:24:25 GMT -8
A couple months after the Imperial Celebration on Bastion...
She stood in front of the floor-to-roof mirror in her chambers, examining her reflection. It was almost four years since she'd arrived on Prakith to begin her training. Even in that relatively short span of time, she'd grown up a lot and changed. Her powers had once felt meagre and beyond her control. But things were much more different now. Neith's training had helped her develop control of the Force, while Harnan's training had taught her how better to handle a blade and react in combat. Daily training had built up muscles and drilled her to react almost without thinking.
She'd be lying if she said she didn't feel any insecurities about how she looked. There was always something small or constant that she wished she could change. Things which, after today, only she would see.
She turned toward the large black wardrobe like box that had been deposited in her chambers earlier. Her training had culminated at last in a promotion of sorts from an initiate to an apprentice. What this meant on a more practical level, was that she could now have her own outfit to wear as a Ren. An outfit that was currently contained within the box before her.
Her right hand reached out tentatively then, brushing against a sensor which caused the front panel to let out a puff of steam as it extended out a couple inches and then split in two. The panels slid off to each side and tilted around the corners of the box, presenting an unobstructed view of the armour suit within. She was almost instantly captivated by the incredible craftsmanship that had been put into it.
She stood frozen for a moment before stepping forward and running her hand across the chilled surface of the alloy plates, catching glimpses of her reflection in the metal. She pulled her hand away, clenching it as she felt the briefest moment of doubt. Part of her wondered if this was just a cruel trick, or some kind of test. Another part wondered if she was even worthy of this gift. She had trained hard and gotten better than when she had started, but she was still a long way off completing her training. Was progress, in itself, worthy of reward?
Given she had been bestowed this armour, she would just have the settle that, yes it was worthy of a reward.
After a few moments of examining how it all went together, Fiora started by unpacking and slipping into the black body glove. It fitted her perfectly, providing a airtight seal and insulative properties in a seemingly skin tight suit. Over the top of that, she slid on the boots and armour plates for her legs and thighs. She then slipped the graves and bicep plates on before attaching the two halves of the chest piece. What had initially seemed like it would be a tight fit, turned out to be breathable and comfortable. The next pieces to attach on were the pair of shoulder plates with a quick detachable cloak.
She lifted the Helmet off of its hoot then and turned around to face the mirror. Admiring herself now fully dressed within her new armour. A sly smile forming at how perfectly it fit and how good she looked wearing it. She took a moment to tuck her hair up, and finally slid the helmet on. A holographic HUD almost instantly booting up and coming online as the seal on her suit completed.
A comm link symbol in one corner indicated the presence of a built in device, which could be used to contact the Ren or anyone else. In another corner a datapad like icon allowed her to bring up a couple messages that had been sent to her. The first was from Harnan with a suit schematic. The second was a much more boisterous message from Neith, congratulating her on her promotion and new suit. Causing Fiora to smile and feel a little more comfortable about everything. The rest of her HUD was pretty standard features.
She gave a nod to herself in the mirror and then turned toward the door. With a wave of her hand, she sent a pulse of energy in the force to cause the box to close as she crossed over to the door of her room. Now, she was properly Fiora Ren
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Neith Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 65
Affiliation: Knights of Ren
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Post by Neith Ren on Nov 20, 2021 4:56:29 GMT -8
The training room within the Citadel had been cleared of all obstacles, providing a wide open space for Neith to navigate with ease as she spun and swung her saber about. She was grateful for the unobstructed area as she jumped backwards and the right blade of her saber blocked the incoming attack from another red blade. It was a brief movement, followed by many more back and forth strikes and blocks as they moved around the space. Neith shifted her grip and brought her left blade up blocking an over head struck that was coming down. Her focus shifting upon the helmet over her opponent
You're improving Fiora...
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Fiora Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 351
Affiliation: The First Order - The Knights of Ren
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Post by Fiora Ren on Nov 27, 2021 16:41:28 GMT -8
When she had first donned her armour, Fiora had been afraid that the equipment would end up too restrictive and force a change in her combat style. But such a concern turned out to be needless. The armour plating was segmented and kept as thin as possible to reduce the weight while still remaining protective and providing the flexibility that Fiora needed. Contrary to her concerns, the armour had been designed and tailored specifically to her needs, something Neith and Harnan had likely ensured.
Despite appearances, it gave her even greater freedom than the training uniform she had previously been wearing. She could jump, flip, and perform all manner of aerobatics and strikes which she had spent countless hours practising over the last several years.
But despite all of that, Neith still seemed able to block most of her attacks with ease. Fiora had grown much more confident with spinning and moving the double-bladed saber around. She could keep track of where each deadly blade was without having to watch them constantly. This allowed her to execute much more difficult and varied attacks, even some that Neith had not taught her. But even they were blocked or parried.
Neith was a seasoned Knight of Ren, with years of combat experience. Fiora was unlikely to be able to overcome that experience with the training alone. But one day she would get there when she also finally got some practice and experience
I do have two amazing teachers to thank for that...
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Neith Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 65
Affiliation: Knights of Ren
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Post by Neith Ren on Dec 3, 2021 0:03:09 GMT -8
Flattery will only get you so far, little one...
Neith spun her blade then, pushing Fiora's blades back from the lock they'd been in. She extinguished her blades and quickly called the Force to her aid. It took only a matter of moments for her to focus the flow of energy into the palm of her hand and sent it forth. As much as this was a training session, Neith also had no intention of holding back against the Princess. She'd finally progressed her way out of her initiates robes into her own armour, and Neith was going to keep pushing her just as hard until she was stronger
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Fiora Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 351
Affiliation: The First Order - The Knights of Ren
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Post by Fiora Ren on Dec 3, 2021 23:53:56 GMT -8
She stumbled backwards as Neith's blades spun about, quickly regaining her footing as the next few moments seemed to pass in slow motion. When Neith's blades had retracted back into her hilt, Fiora had seen the opening as a moment to attack. But the shift in stance immediately alerted her to danger, especially as the Force quickly started focusing toward Neith's palm. Knowing what was about to come next, she extinguished her own blades and pushed back and upwards. The force of the energy was mitigated, acting instead as an aid in the previous movement Fiora had initiated. The shock sent her flying backwards through the air, which Fiora managed to tuck and perform a backwards spin in.
She landed on the ground several feet back from her starting point. In a swift movement, she slid the hilt into a catch on her belt before her hand continued forward and unleashed a blast of energy of her own back toward Neith
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Neith Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 65
Affiliation: Knights of Ren
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Post by Neith Ren on Dec 17, 2021 14:46:53 GMT -8
Fiora was definitely improving. It had not been all that long ago that Neith had sent the young girl flying through the air like a rag doll with such an attack. Weeks of training Fiora to sense the flow of the Force and anticipate attacks based on it had paid off. Her backwards somersault was executed perfectly. Neith side stepped the follow up blast of energy, letting it graze harmlessly by her side, her cloak fluttering in the wind as an after effect.
Neith stood side on toward Fiora, narrowing her target profile as several crates rose up into the room. Neith quickly gripped onto one and sent it flying toward Fiora
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