The fear, the anger, and the uncetainty of where she was struck Crystaall at her core as she struggled, looking about to see multiple doctors. There was an increasing amount of pain that had placed itself in the back of her head and as quick as she could feel it, the pain slowly dissipated and she could no longer tell if it was truly there. But she couldn't care any less, and she began to struggle more, this time with her anger rising. These men had done something to her. They may have been nice enough to give her new arms, but she would not stand for experiments that could put her life in jeopardy. Not when she had a death of a friend to avenge. The claps began to lossen, and then they broke in two. The doctors backed up to the far wall as Crystaall broke the claps under her right arm with pure strength, soon after doing the same with her left arm. She smiled at the strength of these mechanical beasts. They were stronger and more durable to the flesh that she could never truly perfect herself with. These arms of metal would prove to be something she would never be able to live without, and she knew they would themselves useful. But as soon as she broke free, a black cloud entered her vision, forcing her to fall into a deep sleep with a small cackle that she heard within her head.
"Sir, she has woken up. What should we do?"
Silence, that is all that echoed in the small room along with the small vibration of his voice that bounced back into his face.
"Sir?"
And finally he turned to his side to see the door blockaded with many objects and his commander no longer standing beside him.
"Sithspit."
A few seconds afterwards, the man could hear the sound of a shuttle flying overhead of the station and the loud engine bursting into the sky, leaving the man and his fellow associates to the doom he expected to take his life. He slowly turned back to look through the oneway window to see the fightening face he could only see once. The girl was standing there with a full grin and peering eyes, completely focused on him. He tried to see out of the corner of his eye what had become of his companions, to only see a pile of bodies. And he shuddered at the sight and backed up into one of the several consoles along the wall. The opposite room's light soon flickered off and on. She was no longer there. Not a moment later his room's light shut off abruptly. It turned back on and as he opened his eyes, he could no longer see the burning eyes of a determined girl, but the black hole of death he would soon embrace as he welt a cold knife held against his neck.
"Only one shall tell the tale, but unfortunately..... he left."
The grin became wider as the man saw the massive whole within the window he previously stared through. When did it break?
1/17/14
Chapter 4: Artificial Intelligence Pt 2
He began to stare at the window once more, but this time he seemed more focused on everything but the girl, He calmly raised his hand in a fist and knocked on the window once he approved of all the tools the doctors had received.
"You may begin the second operation."
It didn't take long for them to get into place and begin working. Al they had to do was open up the skin that covered her skull and place the AI inside. Not a difficult feat, but it was reasuring for the doctors that the girl was clamped in, with no room to escape.
It was different this time. The dream was different. Was it different? She couldn't tell. Crystaall knew she had to keep moving toward the light. The dark shadow was chasing her. This shadow was a figure she could easily recognize, for it was her own. She was cloaked in black cloth and the only thing she could see when she looked back, was the red eyes that shone through the darkness. She kept running to the light, but she couldn't reach it. Everytime she got close, it moved farther away. It was almost like a ball of light that was trying to guide her, but she couldn't believe that. Then came the pain. The pain that made her collapse to her knees. The brutal pain that made her grasp her head and attempt to pull her hair out. She tried to scream but her mouth would not move and she could only curse herself in her head as she tried to stand and failed. This pain was new, and the shadow figure of herself began to loom over her like the evils that corrupt her galaxy, her universe. It soon knelt down and stared into her own feiry eyes and it smiled a big red grin.
"Don't worry about the pain, little Crystaall. You will learn to accept me as nothing but your purest form of wrath."
Crystaall tried to speak, but when she opened her mouth, the shadow turned to dust and flew inside. The ball of light got closer and closer with every second, until she was blinded by the orb. The pain stopped, but the light remained. She then began to feel the cold metal over her arms and her ankles. But something was wrong, Her arms didn't feel like her arms, instead... they felt like a machine.
"You may begin the second operation."
It didn't take long for them to get into place and begin working. Al they had to do was open up the skin that covered her skull and place the AI inside. Not a difficult feat, but it was reasuring for the doctors that the girl was clamped in, with no room to escape.
It was different this time. The dream was different. Was it different? She couldn't tell. Crystaall knew she had to keep moving toward the light. The dark shadow was chasing her. This shadow was a figure she could easily recognize, for it was her own. She was cloaked in black cloth and the only thing she could see when she looked back, was the red eyes that shone through the darkness. She kept running to the light, but she couldn't reach it. Everytime she got close, it moved farther away. It was almost like a ball of light that was trying to guide her, but she couldn't believe that. Then came the pain. The pain that made her collapse to her knees. The brutal pain that made her grasp her head and attempt to pull her hair out. She tried to scream but her mouth would not move and she could only curse herself in her head as she tried to stand and failed. This pain was new, and the shadow figure of herself began to loom over her like the evils that corrupt her galaxy, her universe. It soon knelt down and stared into her own feiry eyes and it smiled a big red grin.
"Don't worry about the pain, little Crystaall. You will learn to accept me as nothing but your purest form of wrath."
Crystaall tried to speak, but when she opened her mouth, the shadow turned to dust and flew inside. The ball of light got closer and closer with every second, until she was blinded by the orb. The pain stopped, but the light remained. She then began to feel the cold metal over her arms and her ankles. But something was wrong, Her arms didn't feel like her arms, instead... they felt like a machine.
1/15/14
Chapter 4: Artificial Intelligence
Crystaall lay on an operation table, unconscious as several doctors hovered over her, looking at the 15 year old girl who now wore a medical gown to cover her bare skin. It was almost pale under the bright lights. There were very few pieces of equipment the doctors had in their possession though. All one could see was a scalpal and a small clear box that held a small mirco chip inside. However, on the opposite side of the bright room, stood the cloaked man and another doctor by his side. They stared through the one way mirror, and it was pretty obvious that half of the operation had already been conducted. The new robotic arms were already in place, with each nerve linked up. The man's hands were clapsed behind his back as continued to stare through the window with silence. The doctor stared, equally, between the girl and his superior until he could no longer stand the question.
"Sir?"
"What is bothering you?"
"I was wondering if you two are-"
"Yes."
"How do you know?"
"It is a family secret my good doctor."
The doctor chuckled and soon spoke under his breath.
"Some family."
The man soon grabbed the docotr by the throat and lift him by his neck, keeping him suspended in air with all his strength.
"You ever mock my family, escpecially her.... you will be breathing through tubes."
He dropped the doctor who collapsed to his feet, struggling to stand, even with the small drop.
"Yes sir."
"Sir?"
"What is bothering you?"
"I was wondering if you two are-"
"Yes."
"How do you know?"
"It is a family secret my good doctor."
The doctor chuckled and soon spoke under his breath.
"Some family."
The man soon grabbed the docotr by the throat and lift him by his neck, keeping him suspended in air with all his strength.
"You ever mock my family, escpecially her.... you will be breathing through tubes."
He dropped the doctor who collapsed to his feet, struggling to stand, even with the small drop.
"Yes sir."
1/13/14
Chapter 3: Royal Protection Pt 9
He struck quickly and without warning. One moment he was 5 feet away from her, and then he was behind her. She turned and was about to throw one of her knives at him, but something was missing. the blade was cleanly cut in half. She stared at it for a few moments and then threw it to the ground and immidiately threw the other knife at him. He cut that one in half as well and Crystaall stared as the two halves dropped to the ground.
"Now now, we can have anyone hurting that badly can we?"
"Don't tempt me you evil demon."
"Demon? No. Evil? Yes. Come test your mettle, kiddo."
"I am not your child."
He was tempting her. He was taunting her. And, unfortunately, it was working. She knew to stand back and fight, but her heart said 'strike, and never let up.' She knew her pistols would not work so she decided to run at the man. He deactivated his blade as he saw the girl heading straight for him. He side-stepped as she went for a shoulder charge at him. Crystaall failed quickly, falling into a roll and rising back to her feet, picking up small grains of sand and dust. She looked at the man and raised her right arm. She taunted him with two of her fingers moving back and forth. The man shrugged and charged the small girl and he was successful. She dodged, but she never anticipated the pain. Crystaall had side-stepped in the same motion just like the man, but instead, she had her arms raised up so she could throw the man into the ground. It was simplistic and wise, but with his weaponry, he easily countered. He had ignited his blade and it cut straight through her arms. He was right beneath her when Crystaall began to fall and managed to get out from underneath the falling girl with a second to spare as she hit the ground. The pain was excruciating. At least it was in her own mind. She couldn't even think over the large screams she produced. The pain was unexpected and she couldn't quit screaming, but then she could see a black circle, she tried to blink it away, but after doing so it engulfed her vision, blinding her and silencing her loud mouth. The man stood there at the three pieces. With one piece breathing. The other two were her complete arms, and the girl only had her shoulders left. The robed man sighed as he walked over to her, deactivating the crimson blade and picking her up.
"I told you it would be difficult, Crys."
"Now now, we can have anyone hurting that badly can we?"
"Don't tempt me you evil demon."
"Demon? No. Evil? Yes. Come test your mettle, kiddo."
"I am not your child."
He was tempting her. He was taunting her. And, unfortunately, it was working. She knew to stand back and fight, but her heart said 'strike, and never let up.' She knew her pistols would not work so she decided to run at the man. He deactivated his blade as he saw the girl heading straight for him. He side-stepped as she went for a shoulder charge at him. Crystaall failed quickly, falling into a roll and rising back to her feet, picking up small grains of sand and dust. She looked at the man and raised her right arm. She taunted him with two of her fingers moving back and forth. The man shrugged and charged the small girl and he was successful. She dodged, but she never anticipated the pain. Crystaall had side-stepped in the same motion just like the man, but instead, she had her arms raised up so she could throw the man into the ground. It was simplistic and wise, but with his weaponry, he easily countered. He had ignited his blade and it cut straight through her arms. He was right beneath her when Crystaall began to fall and managed to get out from underneath the falling girl with a second to spare as she hit the ground. The pain was excruciating. At least it was in her own mind. She couldn't even think over the large screams she produced. The pain was unexpected and she couldn't quit screaming, but then she could see a black circle, she tried to blink it away, but after doing so it engulfed her vision, blinding her and silencing her loud mouth. The man stood there at the three pieces. With one piece breathing. The other two were her complete arms, and the girl only had her shoulders left. The robed man sighed as he walked over to her, deactivating the crimson blade and picking her up.
"I told you it would be difficult, Crys."
1/10/14
Unfortunate Mistake
I want to let everyone know there will not be a part today. This is because I rushed out the last part and never looked it over. I feel as if I just threw it out at you guys with no care. There will be some minor changes, or major. We shall see, but please bear with me if I make a mistake like this again. It will be fixed if I feel it has to be.
1/9/14
Chapter 3: Royal Protection Pt 8
Her anger had taken control, and she was running on everything but fumes as she left the cantina with heavy steps, a representation of those oblivious that she meant business as she threw the door off the wall with her hand. Before the rodian could grab her arm to stop her, she rushed off with his left arm hanging in the air.
"Crystaall! Damn it!"
He pushed himself up and checked for his pistol as he quickly made his way through the cantina and out the open door. He knew he should have been more forward. But nothing could change her mind now. He began to exit the cantina, but he soon noticed that she was way farther than he expected. He started to head toward the spaceport with a small jog, but it soon turned into a full sprint as he noticed the destruction of small stores that were possibly not even in her way.
She was pissed. Why did he do that? Why would he not tell her a thing!? No hints, no messages, and not even a secret will for his death. Her anger began to deplete as she began to notice the sadness of her situation. She wished he was here, to comfort her, to tell her himself the whys and the whats. But he was gone.... taken from her by a man who hunted royalty. She made her way into the hangar she landed in and looked at the ship. The Dragon Hawke. Vex's prized vessel, and now it was hers. He would never had minded, and if she ever decided to work with him, he would have let her. She never did, when they separated, they separated for a long time, she did her own thing and he did his. But it was clear that he never left. He was always there.
"And why wouldn't he be? It was his honor to protect you. That is the least respect you should give him."
That voice. Once again that voice had taken her mind and sent her words that no one spoke. Why? Why did this voice torture her? Or was it trying to help? It was possible its mission is to guide her, almost like Vex would do, just like anyone she knew would do for her.
"Crystaall!!!"
"I see you're not alone."
Two people, but that second voice was different. It sounded harsh and full of violence, as if it was tortured and accepts its pain. She turned to the rodian and then turned to face the other voice. It was the black stormtrooper, but he had no helmet. Instead he wore a dark violet robe with weird symbols upon it. And he held something in his hand. Crystaall sighed as she hoped that the rodian wouldn't get himself involved.
"Rodian, leave here!"
"Its Grey-Kast!"
"Grey-Kast, leave now!"
It was very sudden. She wanted him to close the door, but he never did. It shut right as she felt the urge to do it for him. And the door shut in front of the rodian with no warning as Crystaall turned her attention back to the man in robed armor.
"I see you can use the Force again."
"I could never use the Force, you mistake me for another armored girl."
"I could never mistake someone like you."
The man took a few steps forward, and Crystaall could see the smirk on his face. He pressed a button on the small object and the blade shot out like a burst of flames, revealing the crimson blade of light, its red color shining through his robes and reflecting off his armor. She had only heard stories of these weapons, and she was almost reluctant to fight him. But Crystaall assumed she would have no other choice.
"We can do this easily or extremely difficult. That is your decision to make."
"I don't know you, nor do I care, but I always prefer a challenge."
With quick speed on her mind, Crystaall whiped out two hidden knives from one of her small utility pouches. She twirled them in her metal fingers as she placed one in each hand and stared at the man through her metal helmet. She could feel the dark pain this man had suffered, but she could also feel his pride and his greed. She could tell this was what drived him. She didn't know how she knew this, but she understood that everything would be told in its time. She focused on the man infront of her and sighed, twirling the knives once more.
"Well... I presume you know how to fight with that blade."
"Crystaall! Damn it!"
He pushed himself up and checked for his pistol as he quickly made his way through the cantina and out the open door. He knew he should have been more forward. But nothing could change her mind now. He began to exit the cantina, but he soon noticed that she was way farther than he expected. He started to head toward the spaceport with a small jog, but it soon turned into a full sprint as he noticed the destruction of small stores that were possibly not even in her way.
She was pissed. Why did he do that? Why would he not tell her a thing!? No hints, no messages, and not even a secret will for his death. Her anger began to deplete as she began to notice the sadness of her situation. She wished he was here, to comfort her, to tell her himself the whys and the whats. But he was gone.... taken from her by a man who hunted royalty. She made her way into the hangar she landed in and looked at the ship. The Dragon Hawke. Vex's prized vessel, and now it was hers. He would never had minded, and if she ever decided to work with him, he would have let her. She never did, when they separated, they separated for a long time, she did her own thing and he did his. But it was clear that he never left. He was always there.
"And why wouldn't he be? It was his honor to protect you. That is the least respect you should give him."
That voice. Once again that voice had taken her mind and sent her words that no one spoke. Why? Why did this voice torture her? Or was it trying to help? It was possible its mission is to guide her, almost like Vex would do, just like anyone she knew would do for her.
"Crystaall!!!"
"I see you're not alone."
Two people, but that second voice was different. It sounded harsh and full of violence, as if it was tortured and accepts its pain. She turned to the rodian and then turned to face the other voice. It was the black stormtrooper, but he had no helmet. Instead he wore a dark violet robe with weird symbols upon it. And he held something in his hand. Crystaall sighed as she hoped that the rodian wouldn't get himself involved.
"Rodian, leave here!"
"Its Grey-Kast!"
"Grey-Kast, leave now!"
It was very sudden. She wanted him to close the door, but he never did. It shut right as she felt the urge to do it for him. And the door shut in front of the rodian with no warning as Crystaall turned her attention back to the man in robed armor.
"I see you can use the Force again."
"I could never use the Force, you mistake me for another armored girl."
"I could never mistake someone like you."
The man took a few steps forward, and Crystaall could see the smirk on his face. He pressed a button on the small object and the blade shot out like a burst of flames, revealing the crimson blade of light, its red color shining through his robes and reflecting off his armor. She had only heard stories of these weapons, and she was almost reluctant to fight him. But Crystaall assumed she would have no other choice.
"We can do this easily or extremely difficult. That is your decision to make."
"I don't know you, nor do I care, but I always prefer a challenge."
With quick speed on her mind, Crystaall whiped out two hidden knives from one of her small utility pouches. She twirled them in her metal fingers as she placed one in each hand and stared at the man through her metal helmet. She could feel the dark pain this man had suffered, but she could also feel his pride and his greed. She could tell this was what drived him. She didn't know how she knew this, but she understood that everything would be told in its time. She focused on the man infront of her and sighed, twirling the knives once more.
"Well... I presume you know how to fight with that blade."
1/8/14
Chapter 3:Royal Protection Pt 7
Crystaall took a quick look behind her to see if someone was behind them or standing by her side, but there was no one. She slowly turned her attention back to the rodian and laid her arms upon the booth table.
"What the hell did you just call me?"
"M'lady. Its meant for use when addressing female royalty."
"I'm not royalty."
"Which do you think is the truth? The fact that Jigual felt he needed to eliminate you and Vex for the sole purpose of doing so, with the help of the Empire? Or the fact that Vex never told you of your true past? That he knew Jigual would hunt for you once your mother won the right to be called Queen?"
Crystaall's anger soon rose. She trusted that man with her life. He protected her every time they stood side-by-side and she did the same. She poured her emotions into that man while he sat back and listened like a father. Yet he told her nothing of her mother, her parents, or anything of her past life. There was no explanation for her gift of combat, for why she aged so slowly. Nothing.
"He told me everything! Why would he keep such a trivial secret from me? Could he not trust me with the truth? Pieces of truth I should have known about since he found me? There is no explanation he could make, nor you could make for why he did this! I won't forget this, but-"
"Perhaps it was a form of protection."
"Protection from what? A better life? Something that I could actually love?!"
"Keep your voice down, if the Emp-"
"Screw you! If he saw that keeping me from my family would protect me, then he probably has records of my family pleading for me to be returned.. And you can stay out of way, you alien!"
Crystaall grabbed her helmet, placing it back on her head to hide her flushing red cheeks and the pink spot on her forehead, resulting from her immense anger. She had left so much trust in that man, and he had given nothing back to her. Her heart was broken.
He stood there in the shadows, staring at the small freighter in front of him. His black hair and mask of fur covered around his lips and across his cheeks sat there, having taken a year to grow.The black YT-1300 was a beauty in in pristine condition, but its owner did not share the same fate. He closed his eyes and began to focus on the force, just like he had been taught. He could sense the rise of anger and frustration almost instantly, and it was heading this way. He smiled as he unclipped his lightsaber from his belt and raised his hood over his head, concealing his identity with the mask of shadow. The dark violet robe had black inscriptions upon it of a code most would not understand, especially this 'girl' He wore it over his black strong armor, having gotten rid of the helmet earlier. He would sit there in the shadow s'till she came. And she was getting closer with every second.
"Perfect. The future will soon change, And I will be its guide."
1/7/14
Chapter 3: Royal Protection Pt 6
"Unfortunately, he never spoke of me. Vex is my best friend. And you're his 'prodigal child'"
"I am no ones child then my dead parents."
"So he never told you? That's not a surprise. Where is he anyway?"
"Never told me what?"
"If he never told you, I won't tell you. But I could persuade him if he'll be coming to visit."
"He won't be coming at all."
"What did he do? Ditch you on the side of the road? Throw you to the curb? Break your heart?"
"No... He's...."
"What is it? Where is my friend kid?"
"He died."
The rodian leaned in with mild frustration on his face, with his hands slamming against the table. She could tell he wanted to know why without him having to ask. There was no backing out of this one.
"He died by the hands of a man named Jigual."
And then he relaxed, he sat back into the booth, clasping his hands together as he looked her dead in the face. This rodian had gone from bursting mad, to calm and centered. He had to know why, but it wasn't likely he would give her all the details. So she raised an eyebrow at him and it took the man a few moments to realize she was interested in his thoughts.
"That's not likely, but I did warn him about Jigual. Being a watchdog has its consequences."
"Watchdog? What the hell was he protecting that would force a Black Sun officer to shoot him dead in the face?"
"Protecting royalty, betraying the Black Sun and other things."
"Protecting royalty? He never said anything about that."
"You really want to know the truth? Are you so naive that you are willing to risk your very soul for the truth of something that can change you forever?"
"Yes, but I'm not naive, I'm just reckless."
The rodian chuckled at this and unclasped his hands, and then crossed his arms atop the long table.
"That sounds just like Vex, m'lady."
"I am no ones child then my dead parents."
"So he never told you? That's not a surprise. Where is he anyway?"
"Never told me what?"
"If he never told you, I won't tell you. But I could persuade him if he'll be coming to visit."
"He won't be coming at all."
"What did he do? Ditch you on the side of the road? Throw you to the curb? Break your heart?"
"No... He's...."
"What is it? Where is my friend kid?"
"He died."
The rodian leaned in with mild frustration on his face, with his hands slamming against the table. She could tell he wanted to know why without him having to ask. There was no backing out of this one.
"He died by the hands of a man named Jigual."
And then he relaxed, he sat back into the booth, clasping his hands together as he looked her dead in the face. This rodian had gone from bursting mad, to calm and centered. He had to know why, but it wasn't likely he would give her all the details. So she raised an eyebrow at him and it took the man a few moments to realize she was interested in his thoughts.
"That's not likely, but I did warn him about Jigual. Being a watchdog has its consequences."
"Watchdog? What the hell was he protecting that would force a Black Sun officer to shoot him dead in the face?"
"Protecting royalty, betraying the Black Sun and other things."
"Protecting royalty? He never said anything about that."
"You really want to know the truth? Are you so naive that you are willing to risk your very soul for the truth of something that can change you forever?"
"Yes, but I'm not naive, I'm just reckless."
The rodian chuckled at this and unclasped his hands, and then crossed his arms atop the long table.
"That sounds just like Vex, m'lady."
1/6/14
Chapter 3: Royal Protection Pt 5
"I'll pay for it when I buy my drink."
Crystaall flipped off the bartender and looked around the cantina. It had a few Imperials sitting in the far back, gossiping while troopers cleaned up a mess, looked to be a rodian smuggler. She sighed and noticed that the band continued their little song over and over, not that it wasn't bad. Everywhere else had most of the tables filled with species she didn't even reckognize, except for another rodian that sat in a booth on his own. His orange puffy vest was noticeable, even with his dark green skin. She began to walk in, stomping down the steps and making herself be heard. She walked over to the rodian and stared at him as he took a sip from the mug he was given.
"This seat taken?"
"Of all the empty seats, you chose to sit with me?"
"Figured I should pay my respects to the dead one by hanging around his brethren."
"Sit."
Crystaall eased herself into the booth seat opposite of him and proceeded to take off her helmet, until the rodian's voice began to run again. He was a bit more forward then even herself. She smiled under her helmet at this as he pointed with his left hand at her armor.
"Not many hunters where beskar that's been broken down to sheet metal and still proves a challenge against a blaster bolt."
"Not many hunters know who to talk to for these peices of armor."
"You mean, piece. That necklace is a damn miracle young girl, and the fact that an exile gave it to you is even more miraculous. Many get killed by exiles."
"Perhaps I am a miracle."
"Perhaps your so naive that you believe the galaxy owes you a favor, or just maybe you are its savior."
Crystaall sighed as she took off her helmet and finally breathed fresh air, even with its scent of booze, placing the helmet to her left. She brushed her hair back and stared back at the rodian as he took another sip from his mug.
"And who says you know my fate?"
"I don't. But I know you, kid. The heroic hunter of the Underworld. Crystaall."
"Do I know you?"
Crystaall flipped off the bartender and looked around the cantina. It had a few Imperials sitting in the far back, gossiping while troopers cleaned up a mess, looked to be a rodian smuggler. She sighed and noticed that the band continued their little song over and over, not that it wasn't bad. Everywhere else had most of the tables filled with species she didn't even reckognize, except for another rodian that sat in a booth on his own. His orange puffy vest was noticeable, even with his dark green skin. She began to walk in, stomping down the steps and making herself be heard. She walked over to the rodian and stared at him as he took a sip from the mug he was given.
"This seat taken?"
"Of all the empty seats, you chose to sit with me?"
"Figured I should pay my respects to the dead one by hanging around his brethren."
"Sit."
Crystaall eased herself into the booth seat opposite of him and proceeded to take off her helmet, until the rodian's voice began to run again. He was a bit more forward then even herself. She smiled under her helmet at this as he pointed with his left hand at her armor.
"Not many hunters where beskar that's been broken down to sheet metal and still proves a challenge against a blaster bolt."
"Not many hunters know who to talk to for these peices of armor."
"You mean, piece. That necklace is a damn miracle young girl, and the fact that an exile gave it to you is even more miraculous. Many get killed by exiles."
"Perhaps I am a miracle."
"Perhaps your so naive that you believe the galaxy owes you a favor, or just maybe you are its savior."
Crystaall sighed as she took off her helmet and finally breathed fresh air, even with its scent of booze, placing the helmet to her left. She brushed her hair back and stared back at the rodian as he took another sip from his mug.
"And who says you know my fate?"
"I don't. But I know you, kid. The heroic hunter of the Underworld. Crystaall."
"Do I know you?"
1/3/14
New Year, New Plan
I want to tell everyone that Happy New Years, and that there will be more writing popping up than just the casual pace I have been going at. I will be doing my best to refrain from video games and continue writing the first book, and if I'm lucky I'll have it finished in March and probab;ly the whole thing will be up on this site mid-May or early-June. Wish me luck in this. I also will be doing my best to get a small time job while I'm still in school. Hope I can get one. Thank you all who've watched this story prpogress, and more is definitely on its way. Have a good one and may the Force be with you.
Dominik Sanmarco, AKA Superman
Dominik Sanmarco, AKA Superman
1/2/14
Chapter 3: Royal Protection Pt 4
"I don't care for your foolish rules, but do no think for a second that I will be intimidated by either of you. You can run surveillance on my every move on the city streets, but if I go in a business or somebody's home, I better not see a single Imperial, or I'll make sure my next bounty is collecting both of your heads."
Walking forward with heavy steps, Crystaall pushed aside the troopers and made her way to the exit with anger in her core. She didn't care for the Imps, but if they knew what happened back in Coruscant, she wouldn't have been able to land. She was grateful for that at least. The stormtrooper scoffed as he was pushed aside, along with his more heavy partner and watched the young girl leave, with her swaying hips almost hypnotizing the man. He looked at his partner who stared at the sky, with only one of the suns being visible and sighed.
"Sir, she may be more of a problem than you anticipated."
"I care not how large of a problem she will become, I care if we can put her under my control. And soon."
"Good luck with..... thaaat."
He tried to shout but he grasped his throat as he felt a hand clapsed around it. But his heavy friend stood there in complete silence, staring at him. The tropper fell to his knees, still trying to hold his lungs as if it would help him survive this sudden punishment. The anger of his friend rose as he felt his larynx crumbling under the pressure. He tried to exhale once more as he no longer could hold his eyes open, falling to his side, his hands still grasping his neck.
"Your opinion was not needed Sergeant."
She wandered around for several hours, observing every single landmark she could find. With the wide streets and the small alleys, Crystaall knew escape from anyone in this city could be either heaven or a complete nightmare. She knew she didn't have to escape anyone at the moment, but she wanted to plan ahead. The Empire had struck without warning back on Coruscant, and they brought an invasion force just for one dead man. The big city confused her with its buildings having similar taste, yet they each had their own purpose. She could tell the buildings scattered on the walls of Mos Eisley were just homes. Anyone that was rich would have a good home off in the plain countryside of sand and duststorms. This crime lit city had many hunters, a lot of them were different species, most of them having helmets, but she could tell that a majorit of them were not human. Through her long time of searching, she could not find a single place to stay, and she began to think that she'd have to go to Anchorage to find a decent apartment. It soon became pitch black as the dead night rose with the two suns dissapearing behind the black curtain. She soon found a place she could rest, at least for a few moments. The Mos Eisley cantina. She burst open the door, stumbling a little, too much pressure having been applied to the door as she quickly placed it against the door.
"I hope you plan on paying for that durasteel door."
Walking forward with heavy steps, Crystaall pushed aside the troopers and made her way to the exit with anger in her core. She didn't care for the Imps, but if they knew what happened back in Coruscant, she wouldn't have been able to land. She was grateful for that at least. The stormtrooper scoffed as he was pushed aside, along with his more heavy partner and watched the young girl leave, with her swaying hips almost hypnotizing the man. He looked at his partner who stared at the sky, with only one of the suns being visible and sighed.
"Sir, she may be more of a problem than you anticipated."
"I care not how large of a problem she will become, I care if we can put her under my control. And soon."
"Good luck with..... thaaat."
He tried to shout but he grasped his throat as he felt a hand clapsed around it. But his heavy friend stood there in complete silence, staring at him. The tropper fell to his knees, still trying to hold his lungs as if it would help him survive this sudden punishment. The anger of his friend rose as he felt his larynx crumbling under the pressure. He tried to exhale once more as he no longer could hold his eyes open, falling to his side, his hands still grasping his neck.
"Your opinion was not needed Sergeant."
She wandered around for several hours, observing every single landmark she could find. With the wide streets and the small alleys, Crystaall knew escape from anyone in this city could be either heaven or a complete nightmare. She knew she didn't have to escape anyone at the moment, but she wanted to plan ahead. The Empire had struck without warning back on Coruscant, and they brought an invasion force just for one dead man. The big city confused her with its buildings having similar taste, yet they each had their own purpose. She could tell the buildings scattered on the walls of Mos Eisley were just homes. Anyone that was rich would have a good home off in the plain countryside of sand and duststorms. This crime lit city had many hunters, a lot of them were different species, most of them having helmets, but she could tell that a majorit of them were not human. Through her long time of searching, she could not find a single place to stay, and she began to think that she'd have to go to Anchorage to find a decent apartment. It soon became pitch black as the dead night rose with the two suns dissapearing behind the black curtain. She soon found a place she could rest, at least for a few moments. The Mos Eisley cantina. She burst open the door, stumbling a little, too much pressure having been applied to the door as she quickly placed it against the door.
"I hope you plan on paying for that durasteel door."
12/23/13
(: !Christmas Special! :)
I want to let everyone to know there will be a small delay for posts this week because of Christmas and small writers block for the revision of Chapter 3 Royal Protection. But to ease some of the impatience you might have, below is a log of Crystaall's memory of Chapters 1 & 2 years after the first book, with some minor hints :D Hope you enjoy! And Merry Christmas, and Happy Something to anything else you celebrate this holiday season!
"Are you recording R4? Ok good, I want this to look back at, make sure my future self can fix anything I got wrong. This is Crystaall Sekera Sehefadu, former bounty hunter and currently a fighter for galactic freedom. How I got here in the beginning was just me going through the motions. Sure I was angry, but I just followed the voice that spoke to me. I still don't know what truly guides me, but I know that not everything will go my way. My arms are a reminder of this. When I first was thrown onto this path, I was just doing my first solo bounty. Someone had changed my target, and I took the wrong hit. I was chased to the Outer Rim until I had R4 here make a quick maneuver, having us shoot toward the core world of Coruscant. Now I had rented out an apartment, but I told my employer to meet me on neutral ground. Heh, it was just my subtle way of telling him, we'll be in the open on my home ground. So I set up the exchange at my favorite bar, run by my favorite bartender. He was kicking it hard even back then, and I made the transaction of confirmation to credits with a quick swing and maybe a nice threat. Everything went to hell after that. I began to hear the voice that guides me even now. It spoke to me, and I thought it was just a fool speaking his mind, but no one was there and I soon left for home. That night, I had the first dream of my past. She called it a past premonition. Its Jedi speak for a dream of what has happened or what will happen. I was struck hard with many blows after I woke that morning, everything was silent, until Vex burst in my room. We left and he showed me the diner. It was burning and I could barely see the severed head of my hit still sitting on the table. I lost control over my emotions, and Vex had to drag me to safety as Stormtroopers ambushed us. We ran to the private hangars, going through alleys to lose the stubborn soldiers. We got to Vex's ship, but we were intercepted by Jigual,an Imperial lackey, hidden within the Black Sun as a reckless villain who could manipulate almost anyone. He shot and killed Vex, and I avenged him later on, but I escaped in his YT-1300 freighter nicknamed the Dragon Hawke. The squad uses it most of the time though. I barely escaped with R4 piloting the ship and as far as I knew at that moment, my life was forever changed, and fate would run its course. Is that good R4? Alright, hey end this log and see if one of the guys can get me a bottle of Corellian ale, I may be young but I prefer having a good drink before doing a recon mission.
'End Log'
"Are you recording R4? Ok good, I want this to look back at, make sure my future self can fix anything I got wrong. This is Crystaall Sekera Sehefadu, former bounty hunter and currently a fighter for galactic freedom. How I got here in the beginning was just me going through the motions. Sure I was angry, but I just followed the voice that spoke to me. I still don't know what truly guides me, but I know that not everything will go my way. My arms are a reminder of this. When I first was thrown onto this path, I was just doing my first solo bounty. Someone had changed my target, and I took the wrong hit. I was chased to the Outer Rim until I had R4 here make a quick maneuver, having us shoot toward the core world of Coruscant. Now I had rented out an apartment, but I told my employer to meet me on neutral ground. Heh, it was just my subtle way of telling him, we'll be in the open on my home ground. So I set up the exchange at my favorite bar, run by my favorite bartender. He was kicking it hard even back then, and I made the transaction of confirmation to credits with a quick swing and maybe a nice threat. Everything went to hell after that. I began to hear the voice that guides me even now. It spoke to me, and I thought it was just a fool speaking his mind, but no one was there and I soon left for home. That night, I had the first dream of my past. She called it a past premonition. Its Jedi speak for a dream of what has happened or what will happen. I was struck hard with many blows after I woke that morning, everything was silent, until Vex burst in my room. We left and he showed me the diner. It was burning and I could barely see the severed head of my hit still sitting on the table. I lost control over my emotions, and Vex had to drag me to safety as Stormtroopers ambushed us. We ran to the private hangars, going through alleys to lose the stubborn soldiers. We got to Vex's ship, but we were intercepted by Jigual,an Imperial lackey, hidden within the Black Sun as a reckless villain who could manipulate almost anyone. He shot and killed Vex, and I avenged him later on, but I escaped in his YT-1300 freighter nicknamed the Dragon Hawke. The squad uses it most of the time though. I barely escaped with R4 piloting the ship and as far as I knew at that moment, my life was forever changed, and fate would run its course. Is that good R4? Alright, hey end this log and see if one of the guys can get me a bottle of Corellian ale, I may be young but I prefer having a good drink before doing a recon mission.
'End Log'
Chapter 3: Royal Protection Pt 3
Within a few moments, R4 had managed to get the ship hovering over a clean landing spot within the spaceport. The droid steadily lowered the ship's landing gear as the Dragon Hawke began its descent onto solid ground. While the ship made its descent, Crystaall watched all the people that walked the bare streets disappear behind a solid wall that was just as common as the sand that covered the surface of this planet. The Hawke made its landing cleanly as it bounced lightly off its gear, the suspension leveling the ship out as it came to a halt. The droid shut down the ship's engines and made a few beeps as Crystaall knelt down and patted its domed head.
"R4, I can't have you come with me. With all of my data and that special encryption all stored in your little head, I can't risk someone taking you or those pieces of data, away from me. You're a part of me, and I would be hurt by your loss. Plus I can't learn how to fly a freighter by myself."
She returned to her feet and casually made her way to the ramp as she hit the trigger, allowing it to lower as she gave R4 a two-finger salute as she walked down the ramp. The two suns nearly blinded her eyes, even with her helmet's darkened visor. She lifted her left arm above her head as she began to walk forward, barely seeing the two figures clad in white Imperial Stormtrooper armor. At least one of them was in white armor, the other was in black, but his armor was more bulky than any other trooper she's seen. It wasn't pilot armor, but it certainly wasn't standard issue. Crystaall licked her dry lips as she lowered her armor and stopped at the edge of the ramp. She crossed her arms and raised one side of her hips with a slightly cocked head. She assumed this was about her sudden leave from Coruscant and tha they were going to take her in. The man in white stepped forward with his E-11 in strong grip with both of his hands.
"Sir, I'm going to need-"
"On what planet would I be considered a male, trooper?"
"I'm sorry Ma'am. I'm used to apprhending-"
"Males and not women? You're a very lucky man that I happen to be your first. There are much worse. Now what the hell do you want?"
"Ma'am, I am ordered to inform you that you are now under Imperial observation, due to your young age and the fact that this ship is not registered under your name."
The soldier paused as he tried to work the courage to speak until his heavy, black-armored buddy stepped up for him. He was very threatening even with his casual stance. Crystaall could tell he would be useful to anyone on the front lines but he did not carry a weapon with him. What was his deal?
"Ma'am you are to watched and followed throughout your time here in Mos Eisley and any time you wish to leave must be allowed by myself or the commanding officer of the Imperial battalion that is stationed here."
This frustrated Crystaall, as she put her hands on her hips and pulled out both of her pistols. She did no raise them, knowing that she could easily tempt the heavy soldier to show her his power. Instead, she stood there with both pistols pointing at the ground and her voice completely serious.
"R4, I can't have you come with me. With all of my data and that special encryption all stored in your little head, I can't risk someone taking you or those pieces of data, away from me. You're a part of me, and I would be hurt by your loss. Plus I can't learn how to fly a freighter by myself."
She returned to her feet and casually made her way to the ramp as she hit the trigger, allowing it to lower as she gave R4 a two-finger salute as she walked down the ramp. The two suns nearly blinded her eyes, even with her helmet's darkened visor. She lifted her left arm above her head as she began to walk forward, barely seeing the two figures clad in white Imperial Stormtrooper armor. At least one of them was in white armor, the other was in black, but his armor was more bulky than any other trooper she's seen. It wasn't pilot armor, but it certainly wasn't standard issue. Crystaall licked her dry lips as she lowered her armor and stopped at the edge of the ramp. She crossed her arms and raised one side of her hips with a slightly cocked head. She assumed this was about her sudden leave from Coruscant and tha they were going to take her in. The man in white stepped forward with his E-11 in strong grip with both of his hands.
"Sir, I'm going to need-"
"On what planet would I be considered a male, trooper?"
"I'm sorry Ma'am. I'm used to apprhending-"
"Males and not women? You're a very lucky man that I happen to be your first. There are much worse. Now what the hell do you want?"
"Ma'am, I am ordered to inform you that you are now under Imperial observation, due to your young age and the fact that this ship is not registered under your name."
The soldier paused as he tried to work the courage to speak until his heavy, black-armored buddy stepped up for him. He was very threatening even with his casual stance. Crystaall could tell he would be useful to anyone on the front lines but he did not carry a weapon with him. What was his deal?
"Ma'am you are to watched and followed throughout your time here in Mos Eisley and any time you wish to leave must be allowed by myself or the commanding officer of the Imperial battalion that is stationed here."
This frustrated Crystaall, as she put her hands on her hips and pulled out both of her pistols. She did no raise them, knowing that she could easily tempt the heavy soldier to show her his power. Instead, she stood there with both pistols pointing at the ground and her voice completely serious.
12/20/13
Chapter 3: Royal Protection Pt 2
Crystaall sighed as she put her hands on her hips, taking a final walk around the circular ship. Not a single weapon was on this ship, except for her own. Nothing. No rifles, no pistols, not even a decent thermal detonator. This ship was made for basic needs and nothing else. Vex never left his ship without a weapon, so why did he have a ship with no weapons in it, except for the ones he carried on his waist on had installed on this ship? She couldn't fathom what he had done with the massive supply of weapons she knew he had. She shook the thought from her mind a she walked back to the cockpit and looked around the small area. The buttons and switches all around the compact space, but one thing was different. Normally the standard YT-1300 had four seats in the pilot area. This one had three, and a fridge. A fridge. She couldn't believe Vex put a fridge in the most inconvenient area possible. It sat right behind the pilot's chair. Before she could investigate any further, R4 began to whimper without a sign of stopping, until Crystaall looked out the window.
"What is it.... R4.....?"
Looking out the small viewport, she saw the massive ship. It was another Star Destroyer firing upon a different YT-1300, that obviously had no decent skill of evading such a big ship. She watched in silence as the Imperial ship continued to fire upon the YT-1300 until it shot into hyperspace. Crystaall patted her droid on the head and began to speak quietly.
"Take us in slow and steady buddy. Let us hope their friends haven't reported us yet."
Crystaall took her helmet off the dashboard, and placed it back on her head as it clicked in place with the necklace-armor's frame. She decided to sit back in the pilot chair as she settled herself in, watching the ship enter Tatooine's atmosphere. There wasn't much to look at but sand, cities and more sand. But Crystaall adored this planet. If anyone needed a place to go to if they were in trouble with the Empire or bounty hunters, they could come here. Of course, it'd cost many credits to even get here with no questions asked, but even here was a place of crime, bounty and murder. And the place she planned to visit was known for its crime and villainy. Mos Eisley .
"What is it.... R4.....?"
Looking out the small viewport, she saw the massive ship. It was another Star Destroyer firing upon a different YT-1300, that obviously had no decent skill of evading such a big ship. She watched in silence as the Imperial ship continued to fire upon the YT-1300 until it shot into hyperspace. Crystaall patted her droid on the head and began to speak quietly.
"Take us in slow and steady buddy. Let us hope their friends haven't reported us yet."
Crystaall took her helmet off the dashboard, and placed it back on her head as it clicked in place with the necklace-armor's frame. She decided to sit back in the pilot chair as she settled herself in, watching the ship enter Tatooine's atmosphere. There wasn't much to look at but sand, cities and more sand. But Crystaall adored this planet. If anyone needed a place to go to if they were in trouble with the Empire or bounty hunters, they could come here. Of course, it'd cost many credits to even get here with no questions asked, but even here was a place of crime, bounty and murder. And the place she planned to visit was known for its crime and villainy. Mos Eisley .
12/18/13
Chapter 3: Royal Protection Pt 1
A loud thunk echoed through the bridge. He was furious. They were so close and yet that ship escaped their grasp quicker than anticipated. The anger across his face, flushed his cheeks red as he raised his left hand to brush back his short black hair. He straightened himself out and turned to face his lieutenant. The man in uniform was scared of what his commander would do to him. He wasn't as strong as Darth Vader, but he trained with the Imperial guard half of his life. This made him just as dangerous. The man backhanded his lieutenant with a quick slap that sounded as if a hand print was being thrown into a concrete wall. The many people who worked for the commander never stopped working, they did their job and never paid heed to the action that happened above them. The man who was their commander was young, probably in his early twenties, possibly younger, but he was as tall as everyone else and had earned his right to command the fools beneath him. He always wore a black cloak over his uniform and even participated in his own troops conquering of cities when need be. He raised his hand again and yelled at the top of his voice.
"Someone tell me where she is, or I swear this man will not see daylight ever again! That means right now you imbeciles!"
One of the men on the bottom of the bridge stood up, with a three finger salute on his left hand above his eyebrow. He was shaking nervously and his voice was worse.
"She jumped into the Outer Rim sir! Somewhere near Tatooine space!."
The commander turned his hand into a fist, pulled his arm back and struck the lieutenant in front of him with a punch to his right jaw. The man fell, completely shocked by the force used against him. He hit the ground, bouncing off the steel floor and moaning in pain.
"Get us into Outer Rim territories, I want to see if she lands on Tatooine or not. And can someone get this disgraceful peice of a man off my bridge floor. He's ruining my peace and quiet with his groaning and mumbling."
How she woke up was not the most pleseant way to get up, but it seemed like R4's best idea. The droid was screaming as if a fuse had blown, and from what Crystaall could make out, he was just concerned if she hit her head too hard.
"R4 I'm perfectly fine, back off and check ship's systems. We need to know what we have."
She said this in a sleepily tone as she did her best to sit up in the big chair. She slowly took off her helmet, placing it on the dashboard as she then placed her hands on her forehead. Nothing could convince her this was a dream. She lifted herself up from the chair as she struggled to get to her feet, but kept her balance. She stretched her arms and began to walk out of the cockpit with its many switches and buttons she barely knew about. She opened her eyes wide open and blinked as she looked around the small, yet homey area Vex had made his ship.The ship's walls were covered in sprays of crimson pain. Crystaall almost thought it looked like blood, but it had too much of a glossy color to portray as blood. There were several places that had small ledges Vex had installed with nothing on them except for a deck of Pazaak cards on the one to her right. To her right was where most of the engine works and other wires and pipes were placed There was just a small bad placed on the far wall, and in front of it stood a small bar with many different bottles of wine and booze. She smirked and chuckled to herself as she noticed that most of them came from Corellia. The bar wasn't dusty, which meant Vex either cleaned it constantly or was drunk most of the time. The main resting area had a training mat in white and black colors and another bed. most likely for a guest. Both of the beds were nice and clean, and pillows were distributed evenly. Now the training mat was not like Vex's style, because he has hated the empire ever since she met him. But the mat had the Imperial Insignia, but it looked as if it was an older version of their symbol. It was possibly before she was born. There was even a holoprojector, she guessed this is what he had used to talk to her when she tried connecting with him over the HoloNet on her small system. The one she left back at her apartment. It was most likely fitted with training programs, so she decided to look at those later as she walked back to the bar. She had a surprised look on her face as she stopped midstep, placing her foot back in its place as she stared at the Mustafarian lava lamp that was secured onto the counter.
"That slick Mandolorian."
"Someone tell me where she is, or I swear this man will not see daylight ever again! That means right now you imbeciles!"
One of the men on the bottom of the bridge stood up, with a three finger salute on his left hand above his eyebrow. He was shaking nervously and his voice was worse.
"She jumped into the Outer Rim sir! Somewhere near Tatooine space!."
The commander turned his hand into a fist, pulled his arm back and struck the lieutenant in front of him with a punch to his right jaw. The man fell, completely shocked by the force used against him. He hit the ground, bouncing off the steel floor and moaning in pain.
"Get us into Outer Rim territories, I want to see if she lands on Tatooine or not. And can someone get this disgraceful peice of a man off my bridge floor. He's ruining my peace and quiet with his groaning and mumbling."
How she woke up was not the most pleseant way to get up, but it seemed like R4's best idea. The droid was screaming as if a fuse had blown, and from what Crystaall could make out, he was just concerned if she hit her head too hard.
"R4 I'm perfectly fine, back off and check ship's systems. We need to know what we have."
She said this in a sleepily tone as she did her best to sit up in the big chair. She slowly took off her helmet, placing it on the dashboard as she then placed her hands on her forehead. Nothing could convince her this was a dream. She lifted herself up from the chair as she struggled to get to her feet, but kept her balance. She stretched her arms and began to walk out of the cockpit with its many switches and buttons she barely knew about. She opened her eyes wide open and blinked as she looked around the small, yet homey area Vex had made his ship.The ship's walls were covered in sprays of crimson pain. Crystaall almost thought it looked like blood, but it had too much of a glossy color to portray as blood. There were several places that had small ledges Vex had installed with nothing on them except for a deck of Pazaak cards on the one to her right. To her right was where most of the engine works and other wires and pipes were placed There was just a small bad placed on the far wall, and in front of it stood a small bar with many different bottles of wine and booze. She smirked and chuckled to herself as she noticed that most of them came from Corellia. The bar wasn't dusty, which meant Vex either cleaned it constantly or was drunk most of the time. The main resting area had a training mat in white and black colors and another bed. most likely for a guest. Both of the beds were nice and clean, and pillows were distributed evenly. Now the training mat was not like Vex's style, because he has hated the empire ever since she met him. But the mat had the Imperial Insignia, but it looked as if it was an older version of their symbol. It was possibly before she was born. There was even a holoprojector, she guessed this is what he had used to talk to her when she tried connecting with him over the HoloNet on her small system. The one she left back at her apartment. It was most likely fitted with training programs, so she decided to look at those later as she walked back to the bar. She had a surprised look on her face as she stopped midstep, placing her foot back in its place as she stared at the Mustafarian lava lamp that was secured onto the counter.
"That slick Mandolorian."
12/17/13
For anyone that has been following the past weeks
I want to let you all know that I will be starting Chapter 3 today, which is named Royal Protection. The last 2 chapters are finally off my back. :D For anyone that wants to know how far I've already written I am writing Chapter five, with some minor procrastination and thoughts colliding on how to keep things going with an abrupt stop in the story. So far things have gone along fine, and what you are reading now are revisions of the chapters I wrote two months back. These chapters are about 5- 6 pages long on lined paper and have been created possibly longer than that due to my revisions. There are lots of parts I have written that aren't in full description that need it or have parts that either don't make sense and may confuse the reader or is just complete bullshit. So there's that. For anyone wishing to comment or talk to me, I am unavailable to even see comments during my school hours, so when I am able to comment or respond most of the time is around 3:30-10:30 pm Eastern time. I just thought I should let everyone know this now so we all understand when I can talk. For anyone interested in what is coming up next, its all in due time. All I can really say is things will slowly reach a strong momentum. For starters, I'll be introducing the main antagonist throughout the series. I will also be introducing a dark ally to the series, or a curse if you want to call it that, and maybe a few other characters that are important to Crystaall and her journey. May the Force be with you-Dominik Sanmarco
Chapter 2: No Requiem Pt 6
It only took a few more minutes to finish off the TIE fighters. But when everything went silent within the blackness of space as they hovered above Coruscant, she could finally see why there were so man of them. An Imperial Star Destroyer was coming up fast behind them and R4 began to screech wildly as Crystaall dropped out of the top turret and made her way to the cockpit where the little astromech had plugged himself in, controling the ship.
"R4 we need to get out of here, we can't take any fire from that Destroyer for too long."
And just as she spoke the ship shook from the mighty blow that hit the back of the Hawke. Crystaall nearly fell from the shot, she had not ever been inside a ship this big before, having used a stolen Jedi starfighter to get from place to place. She forced herself into the pilot's seat and leaned forward, grabbing the lever for hyperdrive.
"R4, find a planet that they won't attack us at. And do it fast!"
The droid beeped furiously and the ship shook again, this time the starboard being hit and Crystaall was thrown back into the chair, accidentally pulling the lever and watched in horror as the hyperdrive activated and sent them farther in the black of space. The hit had knocked her unconscious and R4 was thrown out of his socket, hitting the back wall of the cockpit and squealing in pain of the sudden attack. Crystaall quickly fell into a deep sleep from the hit, and she could only imagine what it could have been.
Death Watch. They were one of the most recognized elite force of Mandolore. Heroes and protectors of the planet, and feared warriors. Some were exiled for the disrespect of their leaders, their government, and those who betrayed Mandalore, were executed or worse. This is what she knew. This was all the captain told her as he trained her. But this was before they trained her. So she sat there on the floor on the corner of a block of homes unknown to her as she watched people walk by. She would hold her hand out for change and very few would even consider handing her anything. Other children laughed at her demise, but her pain would hurt them more than her as they ran away crying and screaming as she took money off the boy she just knocked out. What she did with that money was store it in a small black bag. She carried it with her constantly, even when she scavenged for supplies in trash heaps and dumpsters behind small businesses she never cared for. This day would be no different as she soon fell back from her post and began to lightly seach the trash that was piled in the alley.
That's when they attacked. Without warning they stood on both sides of her as she looked at them in fright. They all wore grey armor as the ten year old girl stared at them. She did what she always did. Observe and watch with her mind, and strategize her options with her eyes. She never knew why she could do this, but it helped her when people tried to hurt her, just like they tried to do it now. They were after her credits and she could feel it from the ominous presence that filled the air. Then they attacked. Two attacked her, running with full speed as she began to run towards the wall with them following her. Se jumped and jumped once more off the wall, flipping in the air and striking out with both of her tiny feet, knocking the grey armored soldiers down on their backs, groaning in disgust of how easily they were fooled. The last armored man never moved. He stood there and watched as the small child landed on her hands, rolling to her feet and raising her fists. And in all the commotion, she never focused long enough as a hand wrapped around her throat, pulling her up, high off the ground and bringing her face to face with a battle-hardened face with no hair but his long grey beard and many scars across his face.
"You are skilled, but you will be nothing in the long run. I will spare your life, if you will join me, and train with me. I will provide almost everything you need, including a personally crafted armor set of your choosing. But you will never defy me. Do you understand little girl?"
"I understand. I understand that I will kill you when I become the strongest person you ever trained and I will become a legend and a hero."
"Good luck kid, you have a few years before you are even half my skill. And anyone trained under me, will never be a hero, only a hunter and a demon. A demon determined to kill."
"R4 we need to get out of here, we can't take any fire from that Destroyer for too long."
And just as she spoke the ship shook from the mighty blow that hit the back of the Hawke. Crystaall nearly fell from the shot, she had not ever been inside a ship this big before, having used a stolen Jedi starfighter to get from place to place. She forced herself into the pilot's seat and leaned forward, grabbing the lever for hyperdrive.
"R4, find a planet that they won't attack us at. And do it fast!"
The droid beeped furiously and the ship shook again, this time the starboard being hit and Crystaall was thrown back into the chair, accidentally pulling the lever and watched in horror as the hyperdrive activated and sent them farther in the black of space. The hit had knocked her unconscious and R4 was thrown out of his socket, hitting the back wall of the cockpit and squealing in pain of the sudden attack. Crystaall quickly fell into a deep sleep from the hit, and she could only imagine what it could have been.
Death Watch. They were one of the most recognized elite force of Mandolore. Heroes and protectors of the planet, and feared warriors. Some were exiled for the disrespect of their leaders, their government, and those who betrayed Mandalore, were executed or worse. This is what she knew. This was all the captain told her as he trained her. But this was before they trained her. So she sat there on the floor on the corner of a block of homes unknown to her as she watched people walk by. She would hold her hand out for change and very few would even consider handing her anything. Other children laughed at her demise, but her pain would hurt them more than her as they ran away crying and screaming as she took money off the boy she just knocked out. What she did with that money was store it in a small black bag. She carried it with her constantly, even when she scavenged for supplies in trash heaps and dumpsters behind small businesses she never cared for. This day would be no different as she soon fell back from her post and began to lightly seach the trash that was piled in the alley.
That's when they attacked. Without warning they stood on both sides of her as she looked at them in fright. They all wore grey armor as the ten year old girl stared at them. She did what she always did. Observe and watch with her mind, and strategize her options with her eyes. She never knew why she could do this, but it helped her when people tried to hurt her, just like they tried to do it now. They were after her credits and she could feel it from the ominous presence that filled the air. Then they attacked. Two attacked her, running with full speed as she began to run towards the wall with them following her. Se jumped and jumped once more off the wall, flipping in the air and striking out with both of her tiny feet, knocking the grey armored soldiers down on their backs, groaning in disgust of how easily they were fooled. The last armored man never moved. He stood there and watched as the small child landed on her hands, rolling to her feet and raising her fists. And in all the commotion, she never focused long enough as a hand wrapped around her throat, pulling her up, high off the ground and bringing her face to face with a battle-hardened face with no hair but his long grey beard and many scars across his face.
"You are skilled, but you will be nothing in the long run. I will spare your life, if you will join me, and train with me. I will provide almost everything you need, including a personally crafted armor set of your choosing. But you will never defy me. Do you understand little girl?"
"I understand. I understand that I will kill you when I become the strongest person you ever trained and I will become a legend and a hero."
"Good luck kid, you have a few years before you are even half my skill. And anyone trained under me, will never be a hero, only a hunter and a demon. A demon determined to kill."
12/16/13
Chapter 2: No Requiem Pt 5
All she could do was watch as his body hit the floor. Her hand reached out as if she tried to grab the air in front of her. As if she could grab him from that far away and hold him close to her face. But as she pulled back her hand, the body shifted and Jigual looked directly at her. She couldn't hesitate, not now. She rushed to her feet, pushing herself up and slamming down the trigger for the Dragon Hawke's ramp. All she could hope was that Jigual would not be able to get her and that Vex was not dead. But hope was just an emotion, an empty glass waiting to be destroyed.
"R4 get this ship started right now! We need to leave!"
The droid beeped several times as it started up the ship and the engines of the Hawke roared. The black YT-1300 lifted off its platform and turned in a 180 degree and shot out of the hangar with speed. Jigual and his goons began to open fire, with shots flying past but barely hitting the ship's hull. Crystaall couldn't move as she sat down in the pilots chair and tried to get back up. She couldn't do it. She kept telling herself this was another bad dream. She had a dream within a dream and that she would wake once more in her room and actually see daylight pierce her blinds on the only window she had. But this wasn't a dream. For this was anything but a dream, a nightmare at best, but even a nightmare wouldn't give you the rush of adrenaline, the loss of emotion. It took away your emotion so you could feel it when you exited your own mind. The pain in her heart struck out, breaking her mind's paralysis, having her realize that this could not be a dream or a nightmare. That she was being chased, not by Jigual, but by Imperial TIE Fighters. Her anger rose for Jigual, hoping he was in one of those fighters, but she knew he was too much of a coward to bargain with the Empire. Her droid beeped furiously as Crystaall woke from her stance and rushed into the turrets.
"So much for a subtle escape."
She started up the turrets and began to unload a massive burst of laser fire at the TIE Fighters, with them retaliating in full as she dropped in and out of each turret, firing in short bursts and taking them out one by one. The explosions weren't pretty but she felt satisfied, unleashing her anger upon fools who would chase her down. They would feel her untamed wrath.
"R4 get this ship started right now! We need to leave!"
The droid beeped several times as it started up the ship and the engines of the Hawke roared. The black YT-1300 lifted off its platform and turned in a 180 degree and shot out of the hangar with speed. Jigual and his goons began to open fire, with shots flying past but barely hitting the ship's hull. Crystaall couldn't move as she sat down in the pilots chair and tried to get back up. She couldn't do it. She kept telling herself this was another bad dream. She had a dream within a dream and that she would wake once more in her room and actually see daylight pierce her blinds on the only window she had. But this wasn't a dream. For this was anything but a dream, a nightmare at best, but even a nightmare wouldn't give you the rush of adrenaline, the loss of emotion. It took away your emotion so you could feel it when you exited your own mind. The pain in her heart struck out, breaking her mind's paralysis, having her realize that this could not be a dream or a nightmare. That she was being chased, not by Jigual, but by Imperial TIE Fighters. Her anger rose for Jigual, hoping he was in one of those fighters, but she knew he was too much of a coward to bargain with the Empire. Her droid beeped furiously as Crystaall woke from her stance and rushed into the turrets.
"So much for a subtle escape."
She started up the turrets and began to unload a massive burst of laser fire at the TIE Fighters, with them retaliating in full as she dropped in and out of each turret, firing in short bursts and taking them out one by one. The explosions weren't pretty but she felt satisfied, unleashing her anger upon fools who would chase her down. They would feel her untamed wrath.
12/13/13
Chapter 2: No Requiem Pt 4
His armor was grey, like Vex's, but his head was covered by his helmet and she never even seen him without it. She knew Vex was an ally to the Black Sun, but why where they here? And why now... why in the middle of an Imperial invasion would Jigual need their attention? His counterparts wore pure black armor, and all of their helmets were equipped with black tinted visors, making it impossible to see their faces. Jigual stepped forward and nodded to Vex and proceeded to look at Crystaall, with Vex moving in front of her, blocking the man's view.
"Get in the Hawke."
"But I-"
"Crystaall Sekera, get in that ship right now!"
Vex rarely used her middle name, and he only ever did when he was completely serious. Crystaall guessed that this was one of those times. She silently walked toward the ship's ramp, with R4 following silently, except for his many gears. The moment they got inside, Crystaall laid down on the top of the ramp and looked at R4.
"Hey, get the ship started. We need to be ready for a quick escape.
Vex stood there with his hands on his hips as he saw one of the soldiers fix his hand, still holding onto his rifle. This was a classic stand-down that Vex and Jigual had regularly. They each had different views on hunting people, on doing a job worth money and respect and on personality in general. They purely hated each other. Vex always doing the right thing, making sure his team got out alive, allowing mistakes here and there as long as the mission was not in jeopardy and always prayed for his target before he took the shot. He wasn't religious, but he preferred to give his contracts the respect they deserved, evil or good.
Jigual was another story. He was violent reckless and would kill you in a heartbeat if you jeopardized anything in the mission. He was a loaded cannon fixated on perfection. He never gave any respect, even to the other leaders of the Black Sun and always blew up the targets with explosions after the mission was complete. There was no remorse from this man. And remorse would never be received lightly either.
"Why haven't you left?"
"I had to get her."
"So you have told her why I am after her."
"I will never let you lay a single hand on her, you or your cronies. And if I die for her, she will become stronger than you ever hope to be."
"You speak of her as if she is a legend. Hell, you speak of her like she's a legendary Jedi! A hero of war!"
Jigual chuckled to himself and quickly un holstered his pistol, placing it against Vex's visor.
"But she never will be a hero. She will only be a naive child, and a hunter of pure luck."
Jigual pulled the trigger and the body fell flat on the concrete floor of the hangar. Vex fell almost in slow motion as he took a final look at his ship, seeing Crystaall's fear rise slowly through her face. He mouthed his mouth, but spoke no words and he could finally feel himself slip from this beautiful universe.
"Go..."
"Get in the Hawke."
"But I-"
"Crystaall Sekera, get in that ship right now!"
Vex rarely used her middle name, and he only ever did when he was completely serious. Crystaall guessed that this was one of those times. She silently walked toward the ship's ramp, with R4 following silently, except for his many gears. The moment they got inside, Crystaall laid down on the top of the ramp and looked at R4.
"Hey, get the ship started. We need to be ready for a quick escape.
Vex stood there with his hands on his hips as he saw one of the soldiers fix his hand, still holding onto his rifle. This was a classic stand-down that Vex and Jigual had regularly. They each had different views on hunting people, on doing a job worth money and respect and on personality in general. They purely hated each other. Vex always doing the right thing, making sure his team got out alive, allowing mistakes here and there as long as the mission was not in jeopardy and always prayed for his target before he took the shot. He wasn't religious, but he preferred to give his contracts the respect they deserved, evil or good.
Jigual was another story. He was violent reckless and would kill you in a heartbeat if you jeopardized anything in the mission. He was a loaded cannon fixated on perfection. He never gave any respect, even to the other leaders of the Black Sun and always blew up the targets with explosions after the mission was complete. There was no remorse from this man. And remorse would never be received lightly either.
"Why haven't you left?"
"I had to get her."
"So you have told her why I am after her."
"I will never let you lay a single hand on her, you or your cronies. And if I die for her, she will become stronger than you ever hope to be."
"You speak of her as if she is a legend. Hell, you speak of her like she's a legendary Jedi! A hero of war!"
Jigual chuckled to himself and quickly un holstered his pistol, placing it against Vex's visor.
"But she never will be a hero. She will only be a naive child, and a hunter of pure luck."
Jigual pulled the trigger and the body fell flat on the concrete floor of the hangar. Vex fell almost in slow motion as he took a final look at his ship, seeing Crystaall's fear rise slowly through her face. He mouthed his mouth, but spoke no words and he could finally feel himself slip from this beautiful universe.
"Go..."
12/11/13
Chapter 2: No Requiem Pt 3
"Tell your droid to meet us at my ship. I'll transmit the coordinates."
Crystaall nodded as she quickly sent her droid the message and meeting location. It wasn't truly important enough for her to speak aloud so she sent it through a relay system on the astromech's personal communicator. She knew he got it once it responded in protest of how close he already was to their location and that the Underworld hangar they used was under Imperial jurisdiction. She shook her head and looked at Vex as the gunfire stopped. They turned to look at the street they came from and saw two troopers walking down, checking the alleyways. One of them of course spotted them and began shouting, and firing from the hip.
"They're over here!"
Blaster fire flew past them both as Crystaall pushed Vex back, and let her armor take most of the hits as she pulled out one of her pistols, shooting with her left hand from mid-chest up with three pulls of the trigger. The soldier fell, but others started backing up the other trooper. They looked at each other as they could here whispers of flanking maneuvers. They nodded at each other, turning around and running down the alleyway they looked down moments before. It was dirty, full of rotten food, junk and paper. It wasn't pretty but it seemed to go a long way. They would either succeed in their attempt of escape or go out with a few hundred dead stormtroopers. They began running, evading obstacles, vaulting over scattered furniture and Crystaall sighed as Vex jumped up onto a ladder and started jumping from roofs, keeping in Crystaall's sight as she occasionally serpentined the compact alley, occasionally jumping onto a wall and running across the surface as blaster fire grazed her armor and hit the walls and structures around her. Vex could no longer take the open sky with less pressure than what Crystaall had been going through as he dropped down and kept in front of her as they cut through many other alleys, light on their feet and quick to burst through an open house, jumping out a window into the street and bursting open the private hangar doors. The numbers began to rise in her head as she counted the numbers of bounty hunters fighting off the Empire's lackeys.two, three, ten, four-teen, twenty-six. They were all fighting for Vex, or fighting for their property.... either way they were buying time as Vex opened up his hangar, revealing a YT-1300, coated in black paint and the words 'Dragon Hawke' written in a blood red. Crystaall only grinned at the ship. Not even a few moments after, R4 shot past them, racing up the ramp with wild squeals. This caused both Vex and Crystaall to pull out their pistols, turning their feet in a 180 degree turn, facing off several stormtroopers that had chased the droid to the hangar.
"I hate your droid."
"You get used to him."
With those words, Crystaall began firing both her DC-17 pistols as Vex fired his personal blaster pistol, the DL-44, in rapid succession. Taking out the troops without much trouble Crystaall relaxed her shoulders as Vex patted her on the back with his left hand.
"Good job kid."
"I try."
The blaster fire was distinct and distant but heavy footsteps were closer then she liked as she saw them. It was the last remnant of the Black Sun pirates that took refuge in the Underworld of Coruscant. They had no leader, but the man they nominated as leader was named Jigaul.
Crystaall nodded as she quickly sent her droid the message and meeting location. It wasn't truly important enough for her to speak aloud so she sent it through a relay system on the astromech's personal communicator. She knew he got it once it responded in protest of how close he already was to their location and that the Underworld hangar they used was under Imperial jurisdiction. She shook her head and looked at Vex as the gunfire stopped. They turned to look at the street they came from and saw two troopers walking down, checking the alleyways. One of them of course spotted them and began shouting, and firing from the hip.
"They're over here!"
Blaster fire flew past them both as Crystaall pushed Vex back, and let her armor take most of the hits as she pulled out one of her pistols, shooting with her left hand from mid-chest up with three pulls of the trigger. The soldier fell, but others started backing up the other trooper. They looked at each other as they could here whispers of flanking maneuvers. They nodded at each other, turning around and running down the alleyway they looked down moments before. It was dirty, full of rotten food, junk and paper. It wasn't pretty but it seemed to go a long way. They would either succeed in their attempt of escape or go out with a few hundred dead stormtroopers. They began running, evading obstacles, vaulting over scattered furniture and Crystaall sighed as Vex jumped up onto a ladder and started jumping from roofs, keeping in Crystaall's sight as she occasionally serpentined the compact alley, occasionally jumping onto a wall and running across the surface as blaster fire grazed her armor and hit the walls and structures around her. Vex could no longer take the open sky with less pressure than what Crystaall had been going through as he dropped down and kept in front of her as they cut through many other alleys, light on their feet and quick to burst through an open house, jumping out a window into the street and bursting open the private hangar doors. The numbers began to rise in her head as she counted the numbers of bounty hunters fighting off the Empire's lackeys.two, three, ten, four-teen, twenty-six. They were all fighting for Vex, or fighting for their property.... either way they were buying time as Vex opened up his hangar, revealing a YT-1300, coated in black paint and the words 'Dragon Hawke' written in a blood red. Crystaall only grinned at the ship. Not even a few moments after, R4 shot past them, racing up the ramp with wild squeals. This caused both Vex and Crystaall to pull out their pistols, turning their feet in a 180 degree turn, facing off several stormtroopers that had chased the droid to the hangar.
"I hate your droid."
"You get used to him."
With those words, Crystaall began firing both her DC-17 pistols as Vex fired his personal blaster pistol, the DL-44, in rapid succession. Taking out the troops without much trouble Crystaall relaxed her shoulders as Vex patted her on the back with his left hand.
"Good job kid."
"I try."
The blaster fire was distinct and distant but heavy footsteps were closer then she liked as she saw them. It was the last remnant of the Black Sun pirates that took refuge in the Underworld of Coruscant. They had no leader, but the man they nominated as leader was named Jigaul.
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