Taking Wing (Ali, Closed)

[Professor Mors]

As Aliclair lamented the how and why of her uncle's treason, lines of concern creased across the Neti's features. Traces of the Felidae's pain and anguish cut across the professor's mind. Rather than attempt to console her, the academic sought to confront these feelings and anxieties. "Do not apologize", the Neti half-suggested, half-commanded, "It will take time to unlearn the Jedi's dogma and reforge your relationship with the Force. For what it's worth, remember that it has guided you here, and that is hardly a coincidence". For the briefest moment, sorrow rippled over the retired teacher's face, until it hardened into something else, something more bitter.

"In my experience, humanoids do not require much deliberation to betray or deceive their fellows", the Neti almost whispered, looking past his companion, out the window, and through many cycles lost to time. "The Dark Side does not discriminate against those it communes with", the professor continued, leaning back in his seat, and returning to the present, "Whether a being has the strength of will to properly use it is of little concern– its temptations and promises remain the same". Sa'ato glanced at his Feline pupil in a moment of meditation, and concluded, "It seems your dynasty has a unique relationship with the powers that be– but clearly, not all members share your gifts…"

***

Upon reaching their destination, Sa'ato was both surprised and intrigued as Aliclair took a protective stance against the aged automatons. He did not have much time to dwell on this simple but meaningful act, however, as the duke in question finally appeared. Of course, the fledgling industrial wasteland should have inspired scorn in the Neti; had he reached out with his thoughts, he would have surely sensed the immeasurable agony and phantasmal torment of the devastated landscape. Nonetheless, that the area had been so transformed, and in such a deliberate way, the professor instead produced a vibrant, malicious grin.

"Most excellent", Sa'ato murmured just loud enough for Aliclair and her uncle to notice, "A marvel even". Despite the female Felidae clear disgust and trepidation, the Neti graciously inclined his head at the mention of dinner, and moved to follow after their bespectacled host. For a moment, the professor considered communicating his intention directly to Aliclair's mind, but, ever so wary that the duke might possess a sliver of her talent, he decided to bide his time. In any case, the academic was now completely confident in his ability to distract or delay the ambitious suzerain. The duke's motivations had been rendered partially transparent thanks to their surroundings.

With any luck, they would reveal even more detail over the course of the meal, and provide Sa'ato with an opportunity to extract further information. And, once he was ready, the academic was sure he could make the devious despot a compelling offer– one that they simply could not refuse…

[Aliclair Austjor]

Ali's tail bristled with anger with Sa'ato seeming to agree, the opportunity he placed down was too good to pass up. Despite her sour face, she followed behind. "Come now, Ali Cat, you have to simply relax; the Nation was in need of a massive overhaul. I have to create the perfect Kingdom for Amida for when I inevitably pass away. This was the only way. Of course, an Heiress who hasn't stepped paw in her Kingdom for 15 years wouldn't know that. The Duke shot bitterly while glancing back as they walked, riling the targeted feminine. "I must see it for myself. Excuse me." Aliclair growled back, quickly turning to scout out the Kingdom with ears pinned against her skull. The amount of negativity boiling within was intoxicating, tasteless.

"Do what you must, Ali Cat." He quipped before casting his choco-browns at the Neti Professor. "Forgive me, it seemed she always had a tendency to butt heads with me. Nonetheless, I treat her as my own. He stated while continuing to lead him more and more away from the Monorail. Away from Aliclair.


While walking with a pace, Ali's nose caught the scent of her Uncle down a corridor. Knitting her brows, she glanced around before following the scent trail. It led into an office of sorts and the past memories flooded her head as she noticed this to be her Uncle's study. The scent seemed fresh; he must've just left the office minutes to meet the teacher-student duo once he saw the Monorail travel. Scanning the room, the feminine made her way to the desk to shuffle through paperwork, holo-pads, anything to incriminate him. Sitting in his seat, she felt around his desk, dressers with tender fingers. Her ears pricked realizing the false bottom in one of them. But before she could investigate further, the large wooden door separating her from the room to the outside slammed shut with a clawed hand being the culprit. Ali quickly stood, to only be met face to face with - Hazith?! Sniffing the air, the sudden realization of a trap tarnished all fueling negatives with fearful ones. If he was here with her, who was with The Professor?! "Nice trick, right? You know what never ceases to amaze me? Your stupidity. Even at a young age, you had a knack of sticking your nose in business that had no concern to you. ALWAYS!! Well, now, I can kill two birds with one stone. Or, should I say, a cat and a tree. Poor guy, it's a shame to have to kill him; a promising Neti that could've lived for so long but you decided to drag him into this mess. And NOW! You will pay the consequences! IN BLOOD!" as he monologed, the two were already exchanging blades. However, Hazith had a certain weapon that the hybrid couldn't get her eyes off of; she had seen it. Finally realizing what it was is when he caught a nice and swift punch to her cheek, disorienting her, followed by another to throw her to the ground, the male Felacatian using the sheath of the sword he had to stab her down into the ground. The entire weapon was in the style of a staff with two protruding horn-like edges, and now Aliclair's neck was caught in the middle.

As time passed, it'd be around this time Sa'ato felt a sudden shift within the Force. And thus, the impersonator gave a small smirk of its own while quickly turning around with a customized blaster in its hand. "Predictable, the lot of ya. You could've stayed out of it. Well; now you can die with your little Princess."

She wrangled and hissed trying to get this staff end from her neck. Hazith kicked the Heirloom Sword Ali had equipped away from her, panting and even taking a few seconds to clean his brows and forehead from sweat. "Well now, for one with Jedi training, you surely lost. You seem distracted; well, why wouldn't you be? I'm using an ancient weapon thought to be lost in time. Scepter of Ragnos... Beautiful, ain't it? Another soul for it to collect. The Soul of a Lost Princess. Hm." he spoke, fixing the blade part of the scepter then driving it straight into Ali's chest but strategically place to not pierce major arteries and her heart. Yowling with pure pain, Ali tried using Telekinesis to throw something, anything at her assailant but a swift kick to her temple stunted her quickly, rendering her motionless for a second before her gaze met his. "Well now, while you bleed out, your father's assassin should be finishing the job. And then that leaves me to take the throne. Any last words, Princess?"

"I-I will see you in Hell. A-and your Soul will be under my t-torment." Aliclair snarled through wheezing teeth, blood trickling from the side of her lip.

[Professor Mors]

“Why wait when you may have their soul in this moment?”, a low voice questioned from behind Aliclair and her treacherous kin. Hazith would have only a moment to clock the Neti in the doorway, before he lifted a finger and telekinetically sent the duke’s overly-large desk chair smashing into their torso. The impact sent the older Felicatan flying, and Sa’ato would have defenestrated him completely had the windows not been shut. The usurper at least received a healthy dose of bruises and glass splinters for his trouble. While Hazith was reasonably dazed, the professor stepped over the threshold, and plucked the bident that loomed over Aliclair as if he were pulling a weed.

Academic that he was, Sa’ato gave it a thoughtful once-over. He was not overly convinced it was the original artifact, though he reckoned it might still prove a potent copycat. Nonetheless, his immediate interest subsiding, the retired teacher discarded the weapon almost as quickly as he had picked it up, and instead moved to help Aliclair to her feet. “Apologies, I was delayed”, he commented softly. At close proximity, the feline Darksider would likely notice the rippling, almost quiver-like twitch playing across the Neti exposed flesh— an obvious marker that he had exerted himself to the point of visible fatigue.

In truth, a few minutes later and Sa’ato might well have been too late. The false Hazith, for his blustering, had not been all talk. Only by virtue of his command of the Force had the Neti managed to absorb the first, and second shot from his would-be assassin. Even still, the supercharged— and incredibly illegal configuration of the Not-Hazith’s blaster had given the professor a nasty set of burns on his palm. It was not a trick he was eager to use thrice. And besides, the assassin, not about to hedge their bet on one tool, quickly drew a hidden vibroblade and surged forward.

Slashing and blasting in close-quarters, Sa’ato narrowly avoided death less on the merits of skill and more on the basis of his uncommon flexibility and danger sense. The pair danced this dance for some time, both steadily growing weary from the repeated bursts of strength necessary for each lunge and near-parry. It was then that the Neti began to realize something. He had found the assassin disguise flawless in every aspect— the spitting image of the various holovids Sa’ato had studied during their monorail ride. The mask— the features of the ‘Felicatan’ were slipping, melting even.

There were many shapeshifting species across the galaxy— but only one was known to struggle with complex anatomy. Or, at least, had difficulty adjusting their natural size. “Clawdite”, Sa’ato hissed with malevolent intent, before calling on the Living Force to guide his movements. Springing up into the air, the Neti moved on pure instinct, catching and coiling elastic limbs round the cunning assailant. Breathing deeply, the professor channelled pyrokinesis throughout his entire body. The sensation was unpleasant, a searing, rising pain that threatened to engulf the arboreal academic if he lost control.

Still, he persisted, and became a surprisingly lethal heated blanket. The reptilian shapeshifter, being cold-blooded, immediately began struggling to regulate their delicate internal temperature. They didn’t know how Sa’ato was wreaking havoc on their homeostasis, but they knew he had to go— and now. Thus the changeling shifted, squeezed and writhed between different forms, desperately attempting to wriggle free or buck the Neti off their person. Sa'ato clung for dear life, until finally, the protean provocateur steadily grew limp in his oaken grasp, and shrunk down to their original, lizard-like shape.

From there, the Neti used what strength he had left to beeline to the duke’s private quarters, calling on the Force to aid his steps when they threatened to falter. Mercifully, he was able to call upon his thoughts rather than limbs to catch the real Hazith off-guard. Such was the tale of the Neti’s return. Now, he cast his unsympathetic gaze on the arch-conspirator, before turning to Aliclair, waiting to see what justice she would exact on the foe…

[Aliclair Austjor]

Before Aliclair could remanence on what-ifs and regrets, the Professor's voice cut into her fading thoughts. She let out a small whimper of his name while the older Duke grunted and slammed down in pain, knocked out for the most part. The pain and anger she felt could be used for fuel and thus, she used Feed on the Darkside to put up her meter then telekinesis to dislodge the thin blade that stowed dangerously closed to her heart then held her chest, pushing out more energy to focus on Repair. She used the cycle of pain and Feed on the Darkside to keep herself mended and conscious. "Better late than never, my mother always said." she lightly rasped, trying not to work her lung too hard before turning her gaze toward the Uncle who threatened the lives of the entire Austjor bloodline. Swiveling her ears back, with her hand grasping Sa'ato's should as leverage. "As much as I'd love to rip his throat out here, I have to think of the people. They must know of the man he is and to be executed for his crimes of treason. He has a sucessor thankfully, so I-"

"You don't have to Ali..." a new voice broke her declaration and Aliclair's opalescents landed on the Duchess, Hazith's only successor, Piameli. "Pia.." Ali gently whimpered, limping toward the Felacatian cousin of hers with outstretched hands in which Pia returned. Through all the troubles and issues their parents might've had, the kinship these two shared were unbreakable; Aliclair often snuck out to meet Piameli halfway within the Auschian wilds to play with Brutchus as a bodyguard and playmate. Piameli was 100% on the more feline aspects and a lighter beige/gray compared to her father but had dark gray/black gradient on her face and ends of her limbs and fluffy tail, her eye color a dark orchid purple with touches of yellow-hazel to complement the dark. The dark-faced feline stared up at her taller cousin with such remorse, sympathy. "Do what you must. My father died long ago. I will run this Kingdom as it was meant to be; you have my word. I already sent work to your Royal General and he is flying here as we speak. For now," Pia turned her orchids toward Sa'ato with half pleading eyes. "Ensure the wellbeing of my cousin. What she did to herself to seal that wound look like it hurts; take her to the infirmary where they can ensure her, and you, are patched up before departure. I wish you could stay, dearest cousin, but I know the duties you carry even when you are off planet. I will stay here with this husk while you two seek medical attention." she declared with the upmost sincerity lacing her honey soft and silk voice. Moving to relinquish Ali back into Sa'ato's arms, Piameli strolled to stand over her father's body as his back moved at a steady pace. Still out cold; the desk did a number on him.

Aliclair looked up at the Neti Professor, exhaling shakily, whether from pain or the fatigue of not resting crashing down on her, her steps trembled with each placement to try and steady herself. "T-the infirmary is to the left of here; big sign with a leaf on it." she instructed, not taking a chance to walk on her own for the time being, knowing she's running on pure fumes at this point.

[Professor Mors]

Sa'ato nodded at Aliclair's cousin with intention and sincerity, commenting in turn, "No further harm shall come to her– you have my word". Once the Felidae had given her farewells to their kin, the Neti inclined his head once more, indicating he would follow his companions' lead at whatever pace she could muster. Nonetheless, the duo had barely taken three steps before the professor shook his head and exhaled quietly, "This will not serve– pardon me M'lady–". Without further prompting, the academic turned Ali to one side, hooked an arm over the back of her knees, and gently lifted her up.

Securing his other arm across her shoulders and upper back, Sa'ato securely carried down the adjoining corridors toward the medical facility. It may not have been the most comfortable social arrangement, but the Neti was much too fatigued to concern himself with that now, and figured the wounded Aliclair would hold her complaints for a later time. All the same, the academic found himself wary of a lingering silence, and eventually cleared his throat before addressing his wounded colleague, "You did very well– both in forestalling the foe, and showing restraint when he was at your mercy".

The Neti paused, a rare smile blossoming across his features, "I know I often espouse the merits of emotional impulse and instinct, but even a member of Order must exercise self-control some of the time– your self-discipline has served you well in treating your injury. I am confident your command of a given situation will only continue to grow in tandem with your command of the Force…". Not wishing to be overheard discussing such things in earshot of a med-droid or humanoid caretaker, Sa'ato fell silent as the pair reached the infirmary, and carefully depositing Aliclair into the first treatment bed he could find before idling against the nearest wall.

[Aliclair Austjor]

Aliclair's features twisted in question as Sa'ato referred to her 'M'Lady'- but before she could question him, gravity seemed to defy her. A small squeak escaped her lips, her claws slightly grazing his back. "W-wha-?!" She stammered for a brief second before the pain of upholding Repair shot through her chest, her features twisting once again, shutting her eyes and resting her head on the Neti's chest.

As the hybrid stated, the walk to the infirmary wasn't far and even before they hit the doors, two nurses spotted the duo, making haste to assist Sa'ato in carrying Ali into a bed to check over her wounds. The head Doctor there began to bark orders, intensifying when her concentration broke through the Force and reopened her wound. While a majority of staff worked on the feminine, one nurse hurried toward Sa'ato with thoroughly scanning eyes. She murmured something to herself before gently leading him to the nearest window with the most filling of sunrays; the smog of the Duke's machines had subsided and allowed the natural sunlight to light up the infirmary through its big windows, also leaving a pitcher of fresh filtered water next to him before jogging back to her commanding Doctor as he called her over.

After almost two hours of careful suturing and having to essentially fight Ali due to her lashing out every now and again, The Doctor concluded she would need to rest for at least two days so no heavy duty activities. The staff were finally able to resume their normal duties and return to their own patients. Eventually, the felidae woke up with a small growl rumbling her chest. "I'm pathetic." she rasped bitterly, raising her trembling hands raising to cover her eyes. "I fought monsters, survived the maws of Darkness, the forces of the Jungle and tame the untamable. And I get brought down by a old man hopped on spice."

[Professor Mors]

In truth, Sa'ato had seldom been so grateful to receive a sunny alcove in which to rest his weary bark. Recognizing that Aliclair could take some time to convalesce, the Neti crossed his arms, letting the tendrils of his 'hair' stretch comfortably toward the celestial body in the distance, and leaning snuggly against the window as he shut his eyes. Caught somewhere between rest and meditation, the academic gorged himself on photosynthetic nutrients for the duration of his ward and colleague's treatment. It was only the Felidae's sudden surge in emotion, followed by their sorrowful words, that finally returned the professor to consciousness.

"An old man, yes, but one in possession of an enchanted artifact", Sa'ato countered softly, stepping over to Aliclair's bedside and taking one of her hands in his own, "I don't mean to diminish your feelings, but it bears mentioning that no matter how powerful we may become, there will always be setbacks". The Neti gave the feline's clawed hand a light squeeze, and offered another uncommon smile, "Furthermore, if you really want to get technical, among your many deeds, you easily bested me. And since I was able to lie low that fiend, I would call their momentary success a strange quirk of the Force more than anything else".

The Neti rolled their shoulder some, still sore from the previous, and procured a stool on which to sit next to the recuperating royal, concluding, "But, if this passing weakness concerns you so, perhaps we can research countermeasures for such artifacts later, once you've finished your business here"...

[Aliclair Austjor]

Darkness and despair were the only thing coiling around the feminine, swallowing her deeper and deeper into the void. She hadn't won anything, avenged her father for almost being murdered. Had it not been for Sa'ato, she'd be bleeding out on her uncle's tainted marble flooring. Losing all senses around her, she felt like she'd forever fall into this loss until a rough-skinned hand grasped her from her pit and back into reality. Her other eye still covered, the wounded felidae watched the Neti with such intent. He'd spoken highly of her in recent days; it was hard to ignore such words of encouragement. Her uncovered eye glistened, the half-lid slowly opening up more to watch him. Listen to him. Think about him. How could she listen to his words when he was just there. Her heartbeat slowly rapid, her pupils slightly dilated. "Oh gods, what is happening? Why- I-I can't think straight. H-he's here, lifting me up while I'm down. W-why- why is he doing this? I can't breathe-"

"Ali?" mused a soft voice. It was the Ragdoll-feline cousin of Aliclair's; Pia. Any sort of thought, feeling, snapped away but her grip on the Professor's hand returned to match his strength as if not wanting to let go but her pupils thinned back to normal. "P-Pia, hey." Ali mused while slowly sitting up, grunting softly. "I don't mean to intrude, I just wanted to let you know that Kreina Nalle is about to land in our station." This caused an almost immediate positive reaction. Had it not been for her surgery, Ali would've hopped up and squealed with Pia. "Oh wow, I almost forgot about The Solstice Festival." Ali breathed softly, sliding her palm over her face to brush her hair away. "I'll inform her of everything that transpired. Will you two be staying?" Pia asked, folding her hands and hovering them over her chest in hope. Aliclair paused a moment, figuring they would have no choice between her recent surgery and having ti find the origins of the Scepter. "The Doctor said I have to stay away from duties for two days so yes, we will be here." she stated, which got a small outburst of joy to come from the smaller Ragdoll-feline before taking off to the launch bay.

Aliclair blinked before lying back against the inclined bed, realizing she still hadn't let go of Sa'ato's hand. Her cheeks flushed before releasing her grip but not pulling back or away incase he wished to stay intertwined. "I-I'm sorry- ah I should probably explain the Festival-" she began, making room on her bed for him to sit if he felt the need to do so. She than explains that the Solstice Festival is a celebration that happens every five years. It's a collection of all sorts of figureheads, aristocracy, any important, and the non-important. Everyone was welcome to celebrate as it symbolizes the unity of many kingdoms, alliances and many love stories from the Austjor family line. Auschia was founded on love and unity, and will always be a symbol of love and unity.

"There's food, and bustling, dancing. And to wrap up the night, a beautiful solar meteor shower while Kreina, or as her stage name, Viviara, preforms. She was originally from here but made a name for herself and now travels from planet to planet. But always makes it a point to come every five years." Ali concluded, half tiredly, while suppressing a yawn. "We don't have to attend, seeing we're injured and we have more pressing matters. But I know everyone would want us to go. O-or more-so me... considering I'm the princess. I... tend to forget I'm blueblood with everything thats happened to me in the past few months. It's ironic." she concluded before laying her opalescents onto the Neti's orange sunsets with a small smile.

[Professor Mors]

Sa'ato raised an eyebrow at Aliclair's apology as she hastily slipped free of his grasp, but merely let his hand hang freely, not wishing to exacerbate her inscrutable embarrassment. That said, after the Felidae's kinfolk had come and gone, the academic nodded and took a seat at the foot of the hospital bed. The retired teacher listened intently as his wounded companion explained her people's cultural event, inclining his head periodically to indicate he was following along. Once the feline heiress had said her peace, the professor paused to consider all matters. It was true that, by now, they might have an assignment waiting for them from HQ, however…

"No, I think we ought to remain here", Sa'ato returned Aliclair's smile with one of his own, "Precisely because we are convalescing. Besides, your people will be bolstered to see you well, having defended the dynasty and laid low an insidious plot–". The edges of the Neti's lips curled slightly, "Besides, I am not uninterested in observing more of your people's history– not to mention the mathematical possibilities of tracking an unfamiliar astral event". The professor, having said as much, rose back to his feet, and gave the Felidae a light, but encouraging squeeze on her shoulder before turning toward the door.

"Rest now while you can, and come find me when the time for festivities begins", he explained, striding toward the threshold, "I will check in with our main… academic office through a secure channel, so that they know we are intact– but may be delayed"...

[Aliclair Austjor]

Aliclair listened. Or, more so, half listened. The other half just watched the professor as he spoke about... wait, what was the subject? Her tattered ear flicked lightly as her mind entered a state of relaxation, her tail swishing lightly off the side of the bed. Once he concluded what he was speaking of, Ali gave a small but understanding nod before he departed. She lifted the hand which his was, staring at it as she laid than gently caressed it with her other hand, placing both over her chest. Her heart, while her gaze just stared at the ceiling. This was going to be a tough pill to swallow.

The heiress slept for roughly two hours, and was only woken by her cousin who was dolled up for the festival. The good news is that within the two hours Ali took to actually rest rather meditate within the force, her traitorous uncle was arrested by The General and taken behind bars to await trial after the festival. Licking her dry lips, the feminine rumbled lightly as her cousin and staff assisted her in awaking fully than dolling her up as well. It has been a long while since she dawned on a gown. Ali examined herself within the tall mirror, the color of teal and gold littering, glittering and decorating the gown, a pure symbol of Auschian royalty. Her ears swiveled back in uncertainty as a maid stepped forward with a medium sized tiara, even flinching slightly away when she raised her arms to place it on her head. The maid's brows furrowed with concerned curiosity but pulled the tiara back. Apologizing softly, she dipped her head downwards to allow the woman to place the tiara delicately ontop her head. The weight of this tiara was heavy... Fixing her tail to act as a feather boa, resting on her arms and across her back, she exited the dressing room with her Duchess cousin at her side.

The festival rolled in smoothly, as it always has, and Aliclair reunited with her parents, which they were thrilled to see. Many hugs and a unfiltered amount of fatherly kisses stormed the feminine's face. She couldn't help but to giggle while trying to fight him off for the first few seconds but ultimately allowed his affection to take over. Her mother settled for a simple forehead touch with her lips while cupping her cheek. When familial manners were settled, it was time for the royal family to put on their public displays. "General Gattgrou, can you walk with me to search for Professor Sa'ato?" Aliclair asked while holding out her hand for him to take. He simply nodded while taking the outstretched hand and the two walked toward the docking bay, seeing that was the first place she thought of.