Taking Wing (Ali, Closed)

[Professor Mors]

Sa'ato offered Aliclair a rare, wry smile as he nodded in agreement of her proposal. Graciously accepting the royal bundle given to him, the Neti ducked behind the nearest rack of armaments, and began the transformation process as soon as he'd swapped garments. Normally, the act of altering his appearance to such a degree could take well up to an hour depending on complexity. Thankfully, the professor's recent studies into The Force had provided enough insight to expedite things significantly. Thus, when he stepped back into the true Felidae's sight, she was in for quite the surprise indeed.

Height, weight, and general shape had been rapidly and precisely altered. At a distance of fifteen or so feet, one would have some difficulty differentiating between the Felicatan monarch and his visiting, unbeknownst double. Apart from the addition of a proper nose, cheek structure, and pleats to mimic hairstyle, the academic had even gone as far to produce a vast network of thin plant fibers meant to mimic the species natural fur coat. Rather than request a review on his handiwork, lest he break his cover, Sa'ato raised a quizzical eye as his companion offered a martial lesson in real time, before simply nodding his assent.

The incognito Neti accepted the weapon carefully, but did not spend too much time studying its exterior, for fear of appearing unnatural. Instead, he slowly nocked an arrow and began to pull back on the string. The academic held the ready posture for a time, appreciating the tension with his thoughts and narrowing his gaze at the target in the distance. In his service to the Dark Lords he had seen some action with energy rifles, and was reasonably confident with his melee capabilities. That said, archery was an alien concept to the Neti– to any Neti Sa'ato wagered. Lacking any need to hunt, and well-versed in camouflage, it was not something his kind had ever required.

Exhaling, in his own way, the retired teacher resigned himself, and let his disguised limbs move on instinct. With a sharp twang, the arrow loosed and sailed fiercely toward the ringed target. Where it struck would be a matter for the cosmos to decide, and for the local princess to judge accordingly…

[Aliclair Austjor]

Aliclair crossed her arms as she took a step back, watching the Professor try a sport he probably never set foot in. She was impressed he could fire the bow without too much an issue. However, the arrow didn't hit bullseye, but 3/4ths from it. Not too bad from someone who had't fired an arrow before. The hybrid took an arrow in hand, docking it on his bow then directed his limbs to show how to line up the shot with his eyes. Placing a hand on his lower abdomen and forming his fingers to barely hold the bowstring. "You did well, but I know you can do better. Hold your breath for better accuracy and don't hold the string too much. Use the dock and the top of the arrow as a sort of scope." she instructed, moving the hand from his abdomen to the hand holding the handle of the bow so it was more straight. "Thats a better stance."

Her ear swiveled slightly, hearing familiar mechanical cocks and click. "So, we lift, aim and-" she said while getting an arrow ready in her own bow but swiftly turned to release the projectile into the chest of a distant assassin. They fell for their trap. In one swift motion, the hand holding the string grasped air then yanked on it to bring the attacker down from their perch. "Shoot." the feminine rumbled while approaching the bleeding assailant. Sniffing the air slightly, Aliclair used her only hand to use Telekinesis to bring the weapon in hand, examining it before a scowl scrunched her features. "This isn't the same weapon." she snarled, looking down at the helpless attacker on the ground. "But you know of who did, and whats going on. What to do with you..." she rumbled again, taking another arrow in hand and quickly drawing it back, the arrowhead aimed completely at the forehead of the poor sniveling soul at her feet.

[Professor Mors]

Sa'ato nodded and did his best to follow his companion's renewed instruction. He was, admittedly, surprised by the physical adjustments to his person Aliclair had made, and the way The Force had contoured and swept about the two of them, as if guided by her careful intention. It was because his thoughts were engaged in this manner that the Neti had even the slightest inkling of the swift and lethal attempt on his life. And, once again, the Felidae's sense and instincts had far eclipsed the arboreal retiree. In an instant, it was over, and the academic's young accomplice was now perched to eradicate this newest threat to her dynasty.

At last, the professor had something to offer the situation, holding up a hand to prevent, or at least stall Aliclair's drive for vengeance. "I know your desire for their destruction is great", the Neti telepathically addressed his companion, "But if you kill them before we have our answers I cannot guarantee a successful extraction with the aid of sorcery– ply them with the possibility of clemency and prison, then cast judgement…". Whilst these calm but severe thoughts travelled between their minds, Sa'ato likewise extended his thumb, middle, and little finger toward the wounded assailant's face.

Pressing each pointed digit to their temples and the center of the forehead, the Neti looked back at Aliclair and nodded once more, this time speaking aloud, "Ask your questions– I will know whether they attempt to peddle falsehood". Even if the writhing wretch did not believe the Neti, he wagered they weren't about to test the duo…

[Aliclair Austjor]

"Wait, you're not-"

[/b]"No, he isn't. And this is extremely sloppy. Whoever has you on this mission has a tight agenda..."[/b] Aliclair rumbled as the sniveling assailant spoke. Slowly, the feminine released the tension the bowstring built up and sheathed the arrow back into its sheath on her lower back. As much as she wanted to, his demise wouldn't assist them in their investigation. Slicking her ears back, there were an abundance of questions she wishes to ask but those wouldn't suffice. Only one, perhaps two would.

"Who sent you on this suicide mission?"

The silence that followed was suffocating to Ali. The assailant just sat there, refusing to give information as if their life wasn't on the line. Or perhaps the consequences would be more severe if they were to say who was the head honcho. However, impatience began to settle into the feminine and she wanted answers. Now. "Do you know what we do to people who threaten the throne? Especially the current heir, who has worked tirelessly to right his predecessors' wrong doings? There is no mercy. There is no trial. The jurisdiction is currently picking out a certain death for you. Death by hanging. Death by blood drain. My personal favorite is getting ripped apart by rabid massiffs. So! Die with dignity." she suggested with a slightly quirked brow. Color flushed from the assassin's face as his face twisted with contemplation on who's wrath was worse to face.

"Duke Hazith..."

Truth pulsed through the air, and it suddenly gotten heavy as it was revealed. Her own... Great uncle. "... This just got more complicated." Aliclair growled through pinned ears. Flipping a small ornament from her wrist to reveal a small enchanted button, she pressed it and no later than a few seconds, guards arrived to scoop up the ex-assassin. Ali paced the garden, a claw between her fangs as she thought of the next step after telling her parents what she unfolded. "I have a few ideas on how we can do this.. but I think the strongest one will be to just to sneak into his quarters or office to see if there's traces of this attempt documented anywhere. To accuse a royal, especially of a smaller kingdom. It will take direct proof." She explained, shutting her eyes with her palm covering them, thumb and middle finger on her temples. "He wasn't the best but I always thought it was due to age, stress. I can't imagine wanting to slay your own nephew for a throne.. She sighed shakily, swallowing roughly.

[Professor Mors]

Sa'ato remained silent and waited for his feline companion to process this new information. When she had finished, and noticing her physical and emotional unease, the Neti placed a hand gently on Aliclair's shoulder, and sought to bolster their spirits. "Take it from me", the professor began softly, "In four centuries of existence, I can say with confidence that people are the most unpredictable element in the galaxy". The academic removed his hand and straightened up some, slowly working to revert his transformation now that their trap had been sprung, adding, "Mercifully, it should not be hard for you to find blueprints of palace grounds– and their quarters in addition-".

Sa'ato paused and wrapped a sinuous digit over his chin in turn, "I don't know if I could successfully slip through a door jamb or panes of a window, but between the two of us I'm confident we can find a way inside that isn't too invasive". The professor paused again, then shot the Felidae a serious expression. He spoke again, this time delivering his thoughts directly to Aliclair's mind, "I say this as well, if it wasn't already under consideration. If appropriate proof cannot be located, I have zero reservation about assassinating your rogue kinfolk if it means maintaining your destiny. There are many faces I might wear to do the deed, and no one would be the wiser…".

[Aliclair Austjor]

Ali slightly flinched at Sa'ato's touch but immediately relaxed when she realized it was him and not either parent. Her judgement clouded; she just couldn't believe blood would hurt blood for something as silly as the throne but she had to remember the amount of valuable resources her planet had. Only the Gods Auschia prayed to knew what he wanted to do with the entire planet at his mercy. "Let's inform my parents. she stated.

Of course, the royal duo didn't take it well. Nathzec had to take a seat in his throne, copying a similar hand-covering-eyes posture Aliclair had earlier. Clemi stayed standing, but her usual non-emotion face twisted with slight anger and betrayal. "Do what you must. No matter the cost." she growled, staring straight into Ali's soul, Force. Swallowing roughly, nervousness enveloped the feline. Never had she felt her mother with this amount of negativity; it was intoxicating... "Yes mother. No matter the cost." she repeated in a tender tone. "I also need to speak to you when you return. So, don't get hurt and... be safe. The Queen added, adding a nod of affirmation toward the Neti before going to her distraught husband. Stepping a few times backwards then turning toward Sa'ato, almost bumping into him but halting mere centimeters. "I haven't felt fear like this since Tormentous kidnapped me... she wants me to kill him, I-I don't know if I can despite what I said o-or done." she rambled, her breathing shaky between words and the hackles of her tail slightly spiked.

[Professor Mors]

Sa'ato could feel the conflict welling inside the Felidae as she spoke. For both their sakes, he had to make sure she kept those nervous thoughts in check. Leading them out of the throne room, the Neti waited until he was certain the two were out of earshot, and gently wrapped a hand over Aliclair's forearm. "You are a hunter– it is your prey that should fear and doubt", the professor whispered softly, working to quell his companion's turmoil, "Be it this duke or the lord of torment himself, I of all people should know that crossing you is rare encounter to walk away from". The academic paused and offered the feline a rare, sympathetic smile.

"And as I already said", he went on, "I have no moral quandary with slaying your enemies, no matter how they're related. Even if I am caught in the act I remain fairly confident in my ability to escape". The Neti nodded emphatically, then narrowed his eyes with renewed focus, "For now though, let us make our way– discreetly". From there, the professor let Aliclair take the lead, though he was hardly idle as they traveled from corridor to corridor. Reaching out with his mind, Sa'ato labored to extinguish various lamp posts with the Force, or else dimming the senses of any random passerby less they take note of the advancing duo.

For those on guard duty whose loyalty might be in question, a small psionic affliction, usually in the form of an upset stomach, handily performed on several occasions. There would be no one to impede the agents of the Dark Side– not while the professor was on the job…

[Aliclair Austjor]

As Aliclair listened to the older Professor, she began to wonder back to when they first met. Within the Sith catacombs, where she confided in him about some dumb fear she concorded due to his teachings. Rather harshly, but it got the message across and now her fear of abandonment was no more. Was this the same Professor that trapped her on a planet? Swiveling her ears slightly, her slightly raised hands to hold herself slowly lowered; he was right. Whether her nerves were shot or not, she has a mission to not only protect the throne, but her father. Her mother, her kingdom and upmost... herself. Nodding slightly, she put on a brave face with little to no wrinkles of distress as she took lead to the smaller kingdom that her Uncle ran. The feminine found the entire ordeal outlandish; he had his piece of territory, piece of the planet to rule. Why go for the head of the dragon? Exhaling, she led Sa'ato to an highly technologically advanced monorail that connected the kingdoms. The ride would be a decently long one, but still taking under a day; 1.5 hours at most. But nonetheless, the monorail was constructed on a much larger scale to house necessities and pleasantries; aircraft chairs partnered with windows to sightsee the sceneries, two separate rooms for resting, a small area of holobooks kept up to date with all sorts of news or documentaries. and of course, services for food drink. A service droid sat within its own area awaiting orders. The feminine led the two to the seating area of the monorail but he was more than welcome to explore the vessel however he wished.

Aliclair sat within one of the chairs with her legs crossed and a cup of brewed next to her. "These are mainly used to gather the Sister Kingdoms into the Main one. In the past, my ancestors did use it to ensure the livelihood of the other kingdoms. The Sister Kingdoms were established due to the population growing in Lelitune and the surrounding area; The Austjors really cared for their subjects, but there are parts of the planet uncharted. I always wandered why." she rambled as the vast ocean glistened with the setting sun and luminescent reflective moons. But of all the beautiful sceneries couldn't douse the pressure the feminine was feeling; she had to find a way to expose her family for trying to draw family blood just for a chair. She had her lightstaff equipped on her lower back for any fight that could spur out. Her opalescents trailed to the steaming tea, exhaling before picking it up to take a sip.

[Professor Mors]

"Ah, a series of dynastic, personal unions with smaller client states, that makes sense", the Neti remarked, smiling slightly as his pupil was provided him with an impromptu history lesson, "Given the multiethnic nature of your world, I can see how that would aid in administration". The Neti's grin faded as the tension gripping Aliclair permeated the edge of his mind. He closed his eyes, and meditated for a moment while sampling the warm brew set before him. "I can feel the fear festering in you Young One", the professor commented quietly, "You have done well to combat it before– but you must claim mastery over it to truly progress in your training–".

Gilt eyes flashed open and fell onto the Felidae's features, "Not that I wish to sound unsympathetic. Your loyalty to your kin is admirable". Sa'ato tapped a contemplative set of fingers across the coffee table, "Tell me more about the realm your uncle administers. What is the source of its wealth? What sort of people live there? Do they possess their own military, or a militia?". A calm smile returned to the academic's face, "If you do not wish to make me a murderer in the eyes of your history books, there may be other ways to see your uncle is removed from their station".

The professor paused, produced a dataslate, and set it before him, "Regicide alone seldom makes for a successful coup. If your uncle has any tact at all, he surely has had plans in place for some time. Bribing army officers, illegal back dealing with merchants, embezzling government funds or seizing land– if we cannot try him for attempted treason we might yet catch him in one of these other sordid acts". Sa'ato's usual, serious expression returned, "Therefore, if we can infiltrate his offices it is imperative to duplicate or steal as much classified information as we can". The Neti paused once again, and looked out over the landscape.

"If the duke is as much of a parasite on his subjects as I suspect, we may even find allies among the locals", the professor spoke again, floating an eye back towards Aliclair, "And if he were to succeed, imagine how it would affect all of Auschia. Draw strength from the fact that this battle is not only for your kin, but the for very prosperity of your people…"

[Aliclair Austjor]

Aliclair's face twisted slightly with thought as the Professor's question came through. Last she remembered, her Uncle's side of the Kingdom was a lively small village with limited guards. There was a modest castle built, but everything else were made with little effort since the people who moved there enjoyed nature more than the bustling life of the Main Kingdom. However, not many were needed due to the location mainly being full of herbivore fauna, so predators weren't an issue. Her time being away from everything limited her knowledge to none. "Well, from what I remember, it was a nation who loved their nature so their homes and market reflected that, if they even wished to charge currency. Trades prioritized things, especially meat. The lands were rich with fauna so they hunted, some prey harder than others, but never did they overhunt." she explained with her eyes closed, envisioning before opening her eyes to meet Sa'ato's gaze. Then her ears swiveled backwards as her gaze dropped. "It's all too distracting; it's- extremely hard to believe that someone that is blood will spill their own just for a seat. It must stem deeper; it has to." she rumbled, her brows furrowing and the lights flickering within the Monorail as her Dark energy swirled around her for a second before she realized what she was doing and calmed down. "S-sorry, this is such a powerful source for the Force, I'm not used to this much raw-ness.." the feminine mused, placing her hands on her lap. "I know the layout of the castle since I used to play with the servants' children. So if need be, I can sneak off while my uncle is pre-occupied with whatever duties."


[ 30 minutes later ]

The view of the constructed castle that the Duke resided in grew, and eventually docked with speared robotic guards at the ready. Upon stepping out, Ali spotted these new guards and instinctively shot a hand out to both stop and protect the Oaken Professor. For a moment, the automic guards seemed extremely weary until a posh voice cut in; "Well! If it isn't my niece, Ali Cat~ I've heard you've come to vist but I never thought it true. Come! Don't mind these rust buckets; they're due for an upgrade. It has been too many years since your last visit.". Out came a stubby but not short monocle -wielding pureblooded felacatian male. His tail plumb but flat and splotched with rosettes, his pelt on the darker side but his eyes were a piercing icy-green, a cane with a spit horned design as the handle. Aliclair flicked her ear; robotic guards? Not even the Main Kingdom had robotic guards. And her nose picked up factory-work smells and smog. Her eyes turned to the side before her legs moved faster than she could think, to peek outside, seeing the distorted world. It was similar to the slumps of the busiest city on the busiest planet, litter everywhere and dismay at every corner. Her claws slightly scrapped the window; how could her parents not know of this drastic change?! And now he wished for her father's throne to turn this into a wider scale. The anger boiling in her sternum conflicted with the need to stay calm.

"Beautiful, isn't it? rumbled the Duke, causing Aliclair to whip around, pupils thinned. "What happened here?" she shot back. "The future. Now, come, dinner is to be served." he shot back coldly before turning his back, the taps of his cane hitting the floor echoing within the feminine's ears. She then looked at Sa'ato to see what she should do next, because if it were up to her, she would dash right to his office, her hands balled up into trembling fists.