#i took a quick break from comms just to doodle this

[basketobread]

How does Lunara feel about... Lolth

not good lol

[a-drop-of-nightshade]

It took Phoenix a hot minute to get his RIG to respond, but when he did he started a scan of his own, lacing his boots he watched the list start to compile. 6 fractured ribs, a complete break in his lower leg, a fractured jaw, he had a cracked skull, his RIG had been dislodged a bit from his spine which explained the back ache and popping, his core was low on energy which was making the fire inside him flare up, his core temp was too high and it was making his RIG malfunction as some of the circuits had fried, thankfully his chip that let him speak was still in tact but his temp regulator was busted, again. His structure was bent in some places and apparently he had a few loose screws rattling around, which was obviously fantastic. Not to mention something was poking his lung and apparently one extra rib had completely snapped and was actually poking into his lung now, so that was the cherry on top.

He snorted lightly, “Well what a way to go, death by fucking a beauty like you.” He teased with a wink, or well, a deliberate blink, he did only have one eye after all. His fingers absently traced a bite on his neck as he tried to get his tech to actually cooperate with him, but then he remembered the drugs she’d found and he pulled them out, he squinted before seeing a scribble of writing, “morning after cure” it said with a little doodle of a bird, apparently Fox had been all too aware. He shook his head and ripped the pack open with his teeth, he poured the blue icy looking crystals into his mouth and swallowed. There was a slight hiss and as he exhaled steam rose from his mouth, his temperature plummeted down to a more human level before slowly starting to rise, at least he wouldn’t combust on the way anymore.

The man smirked down at her, “Oh absolutely, but I don’t remember you ever complaining about it all night~” he teased back, his brow shot up as she grabbed the band of his pants and pulled him, “Well that would be a delightful breakfast.” He retorted without missing a beat, “So careful or I might just make you use it.” Hearing her cal out he glanced around and then found the keycard in the bathroom, he slipped it into his pocket, “Got it.” She would hear through the channel before he walked out after her, following her down he ignored the stabbing pain that made his leg tremble as he walked, but he sure as hell wasn’t about to limp.

The walk wasn’t too bad, but his temperature was riding too quick again, he needed his coolant system back on line asap. He did grab the back of her top to stop her walking into a sign at one point, “Steady on Luv.” He pinged her before heading inside, by the time he was in his RIG had gone red again, his navigation went on the fritz and he just gave up trying to faff with it. He looked over at her as he raised a brow, “Fair enough.” He replied before his display popped up and started running again, when she called him Red his face flushed some and he rubbed the back of his neck to try and hide the glow, “Well have fun Blue.” He retired before cutting the channel.

He watched her leave before he turned to the person who was trying to talk to him, he raised a brow before pinging her RIG so he could talk. He checked in then pulled out a black card and leaned against the side, “The lass is with me, I’ll be paying for both.” He had seen the look on the staff’s faces and he tapped the card on the side as he sent her an ID that would make anyone think twice about back talking, “I’ll pay triple what you are going to charge her to ensure she gets proper treatment, as well as my own.” He spoke through the comms, watching her face react to the sight of an absolute EarthGov authorisation and not of a low rank either.

Project Knight still haunted his dreams, his body ached with all the scars and the training had pushed him to his limits, he tried not to think of how he was the only remaining survivor. As he paid and then got lead in immediately, he began to think about how each subject had a designation based upon a mythological creature. It had been a secret project the EarthGov had ran under the books, the dregs of the Sovereign Colonies wanting to prevent a repeat of Scenario Five had decided to make a classified operations unit through human experimentation and enhancement to create a counter measure to stop the events of Scenario Five ever repeating.

During the Unitology uprising the lab had been caught under fire, the project was still incomplete and as the lap got hit most the others died after being deployed to fight. He remembered vividly as Dragon, Gryphon, Unicorn, Oni, Angel and many others fought, some were killed and some even died by their own experimental tech. As he changed and got himself onto the table he saw the looks of horror on the technicians faces, his body was atrocious and not just form his current state. The flesh of his torso was twisted and covered in the most horrendous burns, the and as his arms and legs once the bandages were removed, he just lay there without reacting as they put him to sleep and he sank into memories he wished he could forget.

@a-drop-of-nightshade

Izzy woke up with a groan. Her head was pounding and her eyes blurry. She remembered getting drug to a party and seeing a bunch of her alters there. She'd gotten into a massive brawl and come out in the top five fighters. She still had bruises and gashes all over her body from that. Tasting blood on her tongue she froze. That was definitely not hers. Did she bite someone while she'd been high on adrenaline and drunk?

Moving to get up she froze as there were a set of arms wrapped around her legs. Flipping the covers off she saw some stranger holding onto her legs and looking just as beat up as she was. Where the hell had he come from? Swallowing hard she tried to carefully untangle herself from his arms so she could sneak away before he woke up.

[overcaffeinated-creative]

Lumi x Fenn for the ask meme, please? ^^

OTP Question Meme

This got pretty long so it’s going under a cut. :D

1. Who is the most affectionate?

Starting out it’s Fenn but once Lumi’s fully comfortable it’s her. Imagine her like a cat in that regard. Once she’s decided someone is hers then they’re hers and she had no issues laying across them or touching or anything.

2. Big spoon/Little spoon?

Fenn’s Big Spoon and Lumi’s Little Spoon. It’s easy to keep her lekku from getting squished when she’s in front of him. Plus, Lumi enjoys being held a lot and human’s are warm in a comfortable kind of way. She’s also fond on laying on his chest so her lekku can fan out.

3. Most common argument?

Lumi’s lack of manners a few hours after waking up and how it scares the others…a lot. Also, the fact she’s prone to wiggling into his arms to take his datapad, caf, and even food sometimes. Lumi looks criminally adorable doing it but that was his biscuit and he would like to finish it himself.

4. Favorite non-sexual activity?

Flying or anything to do with starfighters really. Lumi feels the most free in Space and it’s where she best connects to the Force. Getting to share something so special to her with someone she loves with her whole heart is amazing. They also make a fantastic team working on any and everything together. It’s quality bonding to get their hands dirty and try to make something run better. Watching or playing boloball comes up. Lumi took to the sport like a duck to water. 

5. Who is most likely to carry the other?

Lumi. She’s incredibly strong and not at all shy about demonstrating it. During the Clone Wars she was basically bench pressing one of her Troopers just to prove a point to Mace during an argument. She’ll hoist Fenn up, heavy protector armor and all, if there’s a point to be made. 

6. What is their favorite feature of their partner’s?

Lumi loves how Fenn feels in the Force. Almost everything she feels is muted because it’s how she keeps Shatterpoints from overwhelming her. But, even with everything hazy and suppressed the first time she met Fenn was kind of world shaking. He glowed in the Force. He was like a storm meeting a rainbow, what flying on her own felt like for the first time, or even that freedom of breaking atmo. It was at once overwhelming and one of the most welcoming feelings ever. She’s also a fan of his fancy hair.

Fenn loves Lumi’s bravery. He doesn’t have the Force but he’s seen how it overwhelms her at times. The withdrawn nature, sunken eyes, and how utterly flat she seems. Blocking out everyone, and everything, could make her life so much easier to live. Yet, she continuously opens herself up to him or Hera or others knowing it could hurt her. Dropping her guard to let people in, especially after what’s happened to her, takes something few people possess. But, she does it time and again to help others. He’s also a fan of how utterly celestial her markings are over her lekku and body. There’s nebula that wish they could shine even a fraction of the way she does.

7. What’s the first thing that changes when they realize they have feelings for the other?

Honestly, not a lot. They develop feelings for each other long before they act on them. Fenn continues to support Lumi as a friend above all else and waits until she’s ready for them to move to the next stage. That being said, Lumi does start letting him see more of her though. He gets to see her with ears (elfin like a typical AMAB Twi'lek’s) instead of keeping them hidden or she’ll talk to him without her eyebrows painted on. He lets his guard lower around her even more. He doesn’t have to be the Leader of the Journeyman Protector’s to her. He can just be Fenn complete with his flaws and insecurities and doubts.  

8. Nicknames? & if so, how did they originate?

Lumi’s called Fenn a variety of things but tends to favor saying “Fenn” like a Ryl name. It’s been a quirk since she first met him. She’s called him “Eswok” (Ryl for Heart) a few times as well. Variations of Uj'ayl also get applied to him because, “You’re red and sticky like Uj'ayl.” Sometimes a typical “Red” in varing languages slips out.

Fenn calls her Lu'ika a lot or Umi. Cyare (Mando'a for Beloved, Loved) creeps in sometimes but not super often. Kando gets tossed around more. It’s Mando'a for “Importance, Weight” but also serves as the root word for Kandosii meaning “Indomitable, Ruthless” or Kandosii'la meaning “Stunning, Amazing.” All words the correctly apply to Lumi.

9. Who worries the most?

Hands down it’s Fenn. He knows what the Force is and tries to understand a lot of it. But, that doesn’t change how much he worries over what it seems to demand of Lumi. What kind of semi-sentient power or deity or whatever it is makes the demands of children that it makes? He’s watched Shatterpoints overwhelm Lumi to the point she’s been nearly catatonic with wide eyes seeing and following and feeling millions of paths. To hear her say, “It was worse when I was a child” concerns him. He also knows that by virtue of her possessing she will expected to walk paths he can’t follow her down.

10. Who remembers what the other one always orders at a restaurant?

Lumi because Fenn tends to favor some things over others. Plus, he has a “Standard” for food as he calls it. Meanwhile, she’s okay with eating whatever she catches, with or without cooking it.

11. Who tops?

In terms of physically on top it’s Lumi more often than not. Fenn’s typically more dominate in personality though and in control.

12. Who initiates kisses?

Both of them. They spent a long time not-together but wanting to be to not make up for lost time. Lumi kisses the corner of his mouth sometimes or gives a quick peck on the lips. Fenn aims more for forehead or top of the head kisses. They’re also both very good at upside kisses because one is behind the other and leaning over.

13. Who reaches for the other’s hand first?

Lumi. She loves the reassurance that he’s there.

14. Who kisses the hardest?

Hands down it’s Lumi. She’s got no qualms about turning a kiss into a war and happily claiming everything. Kissing her is just as likely to end with her partner backed into a wall or shoved down (or off in a few cases) furniture as it is to be tender.

15. Who wakes up first?

Fenn because he’s usually got something involve the Protector’s to do. Lumi’s job is less of a set schedule. 

16. Who wants to stay in bed just a little longer?

Lumi. She’s not a fan of this waking up or moving thing. Why would she be when she can linger a little longer and cuddle Fenn?

17. Who says I love you first?

They basically say it at the same time the first time. It happens when the Empire gets booted from Mandalore (about 13 BBY in my canon) and they just kind of collide during the post-Victory high.

18. Who leaves little notes in the other’s one lunch? (Bonus: what does it usually say?)

Fenn so he can make sure she’s eating Real Food. They’re usually little encouraging things or sometimes reminders. A few times just quick doodles to make her laugh.

19. Who tells their family/friends about their relationship first?

It was kind of a nice public announcement. Lumi gets her fighter back on the ground, is out of the cockpit having just ran a trench run on an older class of Star Destroyer being used by Saxon, and took it out. Soon as her boots are on the ground, she’s scanning the crowd for Fenn, who only recently landed himself, then bolting toward him while getting her helmet off. Then it’s both of them passionately kissing in the middle of everything. She’s basically clinging in his arms with her legs legs around his waist.

20. What do their family/friends think of their relationship?

Hera, with the grace of a 16 year old, believes it was finally freaking time it happened and says just that. Bly and Aayla second this opinion. Solus is super, super happy. Fenn’s family and friends are pretty happy too. They’re a good match and they deserve their happiness.

21. Who is more likely to start dancing with the other?

Fenn because it makes Lumi giggle and smile. She’s a surprising graceful dancer and enjoys being lifted or twirled around. 

22. Who cooks more/who is better at cooking?

They split cooking pretty evenly but overall Fenn’s the better cook. Most of what Lumi knows is Survival Cooking such as making mushrooms appealing to eat for the sixth meal in a row or how to make Mynock edible by carbon based life forms. Fenn appreciates her efforts though and assure her she makes the best rycrit stew he’s ever had, including Mal'aa’s. Watching her lose to Harshuun Bread is also adorable (not that he would ever say it) because she’s got flour everywhere and is commenting things like, “Humans just need to evolve to eat raw foods like the rest of us instead of being so squishy.”

23. Who comes up with cheesy pick up lines?

Fenn but that’s only because he’s actually capable of pick up lines. Lumi basically blanks out and has no idea how to actually flirt with another living being. She’s said better lines to her starfighter than to someone she’s dating or wanting to date.

24. Who whispers inappropriate things in the other’s ear during inappropriate times?

Totally Lumi. You know that nice home stretch of Hyperspace between you and home?. Where it’s safe and your mind wonders? Yeah, she knows that place and she’s straight up turns into into Dirty Talk Power Hour whenevery there’s a chance. Doesn’t matter if she’s the one flying it or the one waiting for the flier to get back. If there’s a chance she’s on the comm and getting Fenn primed for landing.

Fenn tries to pay her back a few times but it mostly just ends with him getting drug into a closet/empty hangar/behind this pile of crates. Because, hey, she’s a hair trigger and always wins Tooka and Mouse.

25. Who needs more assurance?

Lumi. As confident and bold as she appears Lumi’s insecure over somethings. She’s so, so worried that she’s not the leader people make her out to be or that she continuously makes the wrong choices. There’s also a lot of Survivor’s Guilt after Order 66. Sometimes, she just needs someone to hold her and let her take the burden of everything off her shoulders. Or, for them to remind her that she’s truly capable of everything she does.

26. What would be their theme song?

All of Me by John Legend

27. Who would sing to their child back to sleep?

Fenn. I imagine he’s got a soothing voice when he sings. Lumi wants to try but she’s a little self conscious about singing for other’s to hear for the first ever.

28. What do they do when they’re away from each other?

They keep each other in their thoughts. Both of them are more than capable of working apart from each other without worries. But, they do miss each other. Lumi tends to pick up little things to bring back to Fenn because she’s out of system more. They also try to send a message or two to one another just to touch base.

29. One headcanon about this OTP that breaks your heart

Fenn dies before Lumi by a couple of centuries at least. He’s human with a human lifespan that all of the advances in the world can’t overcome. Lumi mourns him for a long, long time. It was like losing her lekku or half her heart. They were a team and now she has to make those decades of joy last for centuries until they get to meet again.

30. One headcanon about this OTP that mends it

When Lumi tells Fenn she’s pregnant with Kotan he starts crying. It was one thing to talk about having children one day but it was another to have this complete surprise happen. Before it had always been “After the War” with it nagging at the back of their minds that there might not be an After the War for them. Pilots live dangerous lives that tend to end short. But, something seemingly against all odds, happened and here they are having a child. It’s exactly the perfect time but there’s not perfect time to have a child. So, they’ll make this work because nothing can stop them when they work together.

[eienias20]

Blue’s Shadow

An archived RP performed by myself as Jaynix and @heroicmeep as Meep. This is the first meeting and mission that inspired the doodle Meep’s Shadow.

Blue’s Shadow

Eienias || Jaynix

The East Gate of New Los Angeles, one of the two main entrances to the human city. Jaynix was more than familiar with the area as most days started with her loading up on tasks at Mission Control, hopping into her rover and shooting out into Primordia. Even when she wasn't attending to missions, Jaynix was around looking to see if anyone needed an extra member, all that is to say, she frequented this area quite a lot.

Arms crossed, she leaned against a wall, pulling out her Comm Device and looking over the information on her current mission. It seemed simple enough, there was a probe out in Primordia that wasn't operating entirely correctly, as such it needed to be given the standard inspection.

Jaynix was to act as an escort for a Pathfinder named Meep, whoever this Meep was, that is who she was waiting for.

"Meep...hm...not familiar with the name, I wonder what kind of person this is..."

 Snazz || Meep

Probes. Probes probes probes probes PROBES!

Meep was entirely certain she would never stop fixing the damn things as long as she lived. They were always breaking, malfunctioning, getting sat on or bitten or shat on or Mira knows what else by indigens, and even once or twice being sabotaged. On one occasion, by another pathfinder. Certainly, her primary job was scouting—but this was supplemented by probe upkeep, so Command could keep an eye on her and any other scouting pathfinders as they wandered Mira.

Sure, they brought in money and miranium, but having a large network was as much a curse as it was a blessing, because they never. stopped. breaking.

This probe wasn't even hers. And to make matters worse, she had been assigned an interceptor escort—which meant this would involve a fight, because some grex pack or lepyx or mira knew what else had probably made the thing part of its territory.

Why me? They know I'm no good in combat...

She sighed heavily, plodding through the East Gate. A shock of red hair stood out against the gray walls. Was that...? She approached.

"Hey, uh, are you Jaynix?"

 Eienias || Jaynix

Eyes finding the source of the question, Jaynix smiled.

"That would be me. Which means you must be Meep. It's good to meet you."

Jaynix held her hand out for a shake, observing the woman before her closely. Noting the simple tank top, one arm was bare while the other was armored up. Meep's hair was a messy but adorable blue contrasting Jaynix's deep red and...

"Oooh, I love your glasses. All around you're quite the looker."

With that, Jaynix winked at her new companion.

 Snazz || Meep

Meep shook Jaynix's hand, smiling—and then blushed.

"Uh—Um, thank... you? I, uh... you, are nice looking too!"

Her eyes slid over the soft hair and well-toned body of her soon-to-be companion. Her armor was tight-fitting, emphasizing each muscle and curv—WOW WHAT AN INTERESTING WALL. LOOK AT THAT WALL. FASCINATING.

"Er, it's uh, nice to meep—I mean, meet you! I mean, I am Meep. That's me. Yep. I'm a pathfinder. You knew that. Um, the mission. It's out there. Somewhere."

Nervously, she pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose.

 Eienias || Jaynix

Jaynix watched Meep's eyes, her smile shifting into a smirk as the other woman looked her over.

"Hey. Stare all you want. The last thing I am is offended."

Jaynix had half a mind to flex, but decided based on Meep's following stutters that she might be pushing it just a little bit. More time for that after the mission is complete...or during. During sounds good...but she really wanted to say something now, the stuttering was too adorable. LATER! Later. Focus on the mission, now.

"You're cute."

Okay, maybe a little now.

"Our objective is indeed out there. According to the mission details the FN Site is a bit of a trip into Primordia but with my rover we can get there in no time. Seeing as you're team leader, you wanna take the wheel or?"

 Snazz || Meep

"T-team leader! M-me? Uh, sure, I know the way, I can. Drive us. Just gotta avoid the one Blatta nest. And—"

She closed her eyes, tracing the path in her head.

That way—no, rovers can't climb cliffs. The evellos there aren't aggressive... past the pond, then—

"Yeah, uh, let's get going. Hopefully whatever's out there bugging the probe won't be too big of a deal... Um, you should keep an eye out while I'm driving. In case we get chased. Sometimes it happens. "

I... cute? TEAM LEADER?! This is a terrible idea, I'm no good at the whole 'team' thing.

The wind whipped through her hair as they drove, the landscape sliding by calmly.

"And then it exploded! So that's how I got out of that suid nest. I had no idea they liked kiran catnip too... well, back then, at least. It was before I learned—uh, it was before. It was a long time ago. I hadn't even finished weapon training all the way. "

She stopped awkwardly, turning the wheel to get around a particularly large rock. Jaynix kept smiling at her whenever she glanced over to look.

Cute...

 Eienias || Jaynix

Meep seemed to be a bit scatterbrained...though Jaynix was of the belief that it was simply cause she flirted a little too hard, too fast. She couldn't help it. Meep was a looker. Listening to Meep's story, Jaynix kept a smile on her face, chuckling every so often.

“I'd ask how one finds a way into so many suid nests in such a short amount of time...but you did just tell me. That's a rousing tale if I ever heard one."

Misadventures were some of Jaynix's favorite things to listen to. Epic quests and triumphs were incredible of course, but things that happen through such...random happenstance and coincidence...it's an art form. Taking one last look around, she noted that no Indigens were in pursuit of the rover. Good.

"I remember when I was a recruit. Thinking about all the things I've done back then is just...wow. I'm far beyond what I was then but it is enjoyable to look back on it. I imagine you are the same now eh? Far better with your gear?"

 Snazz || Meep

"Uh!"

Meep paused for several seconds—the wind blew through the silence.

Far better with my gear...

"Y-yeah, I guess I am. I'm... to be honest, I'm really not where I should be, but I've learned a lot since then. A lot of what I know is stuff about Mira, you know, like how to get around and find things and avoid stuff like suid nests. The best time of day to travel places, the hunting grounds of different predators, how to convince them not to bother you. And I can handle aggressive indigens better now—"

Her mouth felt dry.

"Tyrants, though... they're still troublesome. I know where they are. I know how to avoid them. That's about the best I can do."

Her hands tightened minutely on the wheel.

"T-to be honest, I don't know why they gave me this mission. There are more combat-ready Pathfinders that could handle it. I-I mean not discounting your skills, or anything, but I won't be the greatest partner. I'm sorry."

Better to be honest about it than to get into a combat situation with unrealistic expectations.

 Eienias || Jaynix

Jaynix watched Meep as she spoke, she didn't expect such a seemingly small question to bring out so much. Regardless, she took in every word in silence, keeping her eyes on Meep as the landscapes of Primordia zoomed by.

"You're very honest. I appreciate that. I respect that. Not everyone is strong in the sense that they wield fire. I'm the way I am through years and years of training, routines and countless life or death situations. What I learned was the fastest and most efficient ways of killing someone and the best ways to move and behave to make the most out of your energy in order to kill more people...all those years have made me what I am. A killer."

Jaynix waited a few moments, staring at Primordia before looking back at Meep.

"You on the other hand, found the best ways to survive. You adapted to Mira. You don't fancy yourself some incredible warrior and that's fine...knowing that, you've devised ways to move around this hostile planet as safely and efficiently as possible. There's a lot to be said for the more...knowledgeable route. It's not something I think I can do...but I honestly respect that in those who can."

Jaynix put a hand on Meep's shoulder.

"BLADE HQ needed a Pathfinder, you're that Pathfinder. Whatever the reason may be. I may have spent all my time on Earth amongst elite warriors...other killers who were my family, but I know that not everyone on Mira is like that, so don't worry about it. Should a come down to a fight, you do what you can...and I'll do what I can..."

Jaynix took her hand from Meep's shoulder, giving her a wink.

"After all, we're a team right?"

 Snazz || Meep

Meep felt frozen at the wheel in surprise.

"I guess... we are a team, aren't we. That's the whole point."

A smile came to her lips, before fading slowly.

A Killer...

It was a more solemn view than she had seen out of many BLADEs. Many were prideful, eager to boast about their battle skills, about how many indigens they had killed, about the hit they'd managed to score on the Endbringer...

Jaynix was a veteran. That much was clear. The trainers back in NLA all were. They treated their skills and weapons with respect, and often more than a little reverence.

I honestly respect that...

"I... thank you. It means a lot to hear you say that. The... respect thing."

After hearing the voices of a hundred strong warriors tell her she was weak... it was nice to hear one that supported her.

"I always... run away, though. And a lot of people. A lot of other BLADEs. Don't approve of that. It doesn't always feel good having to hang back when everyone is fighting. You can protect people with your skills. I respect that a lot."

She took a quick glance at their surroundings, then pulled the rover over next to an outcropping of rock.

"We're about 2 kilometers from the probe. It's probably best to walk the rest of the way. Um, so we can see what's around here."

 Eienias || Jaynix

"I have to apologize...I don't know where all of that came from. We just met and...I don't know but I'm glad you didn't find my soliloquy...odd."

Jaynix shook her head, it was still so odd that she blabbed all that out so easily. Branding herself a killer once again…but it was the truth.

“We all have our limits, Meep. Sometimes we just have to run or do something others may consider cowardly…but if after all of it you’re still standing and breathing…it’s a victory in its own way. And remember, I’m here. I can’t expect you to trust in my skills since you haven’t seen me fight…but I’ll do what I can to keep us both safe and get us both back to NLA. Alive.”

Exiting the rover, Jaynix stood and began stretching. Grabbing her weapons, she nodded to herself before looking over to Meep.

“Gonna walk it eh? Alright then. Let’s get a move on, and when we’re done maybe we can spend some more time together back in NLA. Just the two of us.”

 Snazz || Meep

"You don't have to say sorry. It's okay to talk about stuff. I mean... what's wrong with that?"

As Meep hopped out of the rover and strapped on her raygun, she found herself smiling. Jaynix was nice. It was nice to be around someone that was just... ok with how she worked.

I mean... Es and Llyud and Mina are all OK with me, but... someone like Jaynix. It's different somehow.

Her throat clenched at the thought of Llyud, but she took a deep breath and faced her companion.

"There's an outcropping we can look over the area from. Can you climb? It's not hard."

 Eienias || Jaynix

"Talking about stuff...yeah...you're right, there is nothing wrong with that at all!"

"Except for all the things you refuse to talk about."

Shaking her head she hoped what she said didn't sound sarcastic. She really meant it. Talking was helpful. Looking over to Meep she wondered something else, was asking her what she did...was that too soon? Yeah, it might've been too soon.

Pushing those thoughts out of her head she followed Meep's gesture to a nearby outcropping.

"Can I climb? Hell yeah! I've totally got this. Lead the way and remember, I'm right behind you. I'm your shadow."

 Snazz || Meep

Jaynix's voice was carefree, but her eyes were uneasy. Meep frowned, but turned and began to walk.

"Here we go, then... shadow."

She turned her head to give Jaynix a little smile. -- The walk was uneventful. ...A bit too uneventful. There were fewer indigens in this area than she remembered, and those that were were more skittish, more fearful. As soon as they sighted the two, they bolted. An uneasy feeling persisted over the area, growing stronger as the two walked.

"...do you hear that?"

 Eienias || Jaynix

Jaynix was never one to get bored. Based off the way she acted and her desire to complete every mission under the sun, there is no time for getting bored. Quiet moments, still moments where nothing happened...were worrisome above all. Something she's learned from many raids back on Earth. Silence out in combat zones was often anything but peaceful.

Jaynix looked over to Meep, unease growing. She wasn't sure in what form it'd manifest but as with many 'easy missions' before it, something was always bound to happen. She wanted to ask Meep if she was alright when the other woman asked about...something.

"If there was a sound...I missed it."

Falling silent, Jaynix focused, staying calm as she listened for whatever it is that Meep heard.

 Snazz || Meep

"That's it…”

Meep said quietly.

"Exactly. It's almost totally silent."

They were just approaching the cliff—boulders were piled up, creating a makeshift path to the top. Meep deftly pulled herself atop the first— HONK slightly distant—the sound of a grumpy saltat.

 Eienias || Jaynix

Jaynix nodded. Silence. Of course. It's never usually this quiet around Primordia. She stood back watching Meep pull herself up, giving their surroundings another look to make sure she didn't miss anything else. Then she heard the honk and looked up.

"...a saltat?"

She almost let out a sigh of relief, she honestly expected worse.

"Hey Meep, do you see our new 'friend' up there?"

 Snazz || Meep

Meep peered upward—the head of a saltat poked from over the top of the cliff— radiating, searing-hot Will, like the heat of the sun on her back.

The saltat disappeared as soon as she spotted it, and the feeling faded. She hesitated on the rocks, unsure if climbing was a wise option.

Shit, that's...

"Jaynix. It's a Tyrant."

Her voice was hushed.

 Eienias || Jaynix

"Tyrants, though... they're still troublesome. I know where they are. I know how to avoid them. That's about the best I can do."

Jaynix narrowed her eyes, watching Meep who was still in the midst of climbing, but unmoving.

"A Tyrant...shit. Meep if it makes you feel better or more comfortable you can come back down here and we can decide what to do."

Jaynix waited a few moments, thinking this over.

"I'm guessing this guy might be responsible for the probe acting up cause I'm pretty sure I haven't seen or heard of him around here..."

She tapped her chin as she continued mulling over the situation they were in. Normally she'd draw her blade and charge into battle, but Meep was team leader. This was her call.

 Snazz || Meep

"Um..."

Meep thought for a moment. Her natural reaction was to leave the area, try to observe the tyrant, determine if it was aggressive or not, determine if it was the cause of the probe problem (likely)... And come up with a catchy name, of course.

"If it's the problem, we'll have to either kill it or call for backup."

She heard an awkward flapping noise, and another distant honk. It sounded further away, and slightly below them.

So it went down?

"I'm going to keep climbing."

She pulled herself up to the top—it was saltat-free, but she knew that before even reaching there. No feeling of Will... She peeked over the edge; there was the probe, all right. Its access port stuck up from the ground, the antenna on the top jutting up two feet from there.

Honk And there was the Tyrant... dancing around the probe? It was tracing a large circle around the device, honk always facing directly toward it. honk In a flash, it dove forward, battering the port with its wings, and stamping its feet before drawing back and circling honk again.

"Oh my Mira. That's an aggression display. Jaynix, it's trying to drive off the probe."

Meep tried to stay solemn. Tried, so hard. And failed, dragging her hand down her face.

"That's got to be the dumbest saltat I've ever seen."

 Eienias || Jaynix

"I'm all for killing the damn thing."

Seeing Meep continue to climb, Jaynix nodded to herself and climbed up after her, reaching the top she joined Meep in observing the Saltat dancing around the probe. Jaynix found herself unsure of what to do. Laugh at the absurdity? Facepalm at the ridiculous display? Or just charge it now and try to kill it?

Hearing Meep's voice, she looked to her companion as she explained what the Saltat was doing.

"Great. A stupid saltat Tyrant has decided our valuable data probe is its eternal rival or some shit. Wonderful."

Jaynix shook her head before gesturing at the Tyrant.

"Doesn't look like it has any plans on leaving. I'm all for slitting its throat but...well, what should we do, Blue?"

 Snazz || Meep

"I don't think we have another option, really. Hee he—Ahem."

She honk tried to stand up straight, as befitting a team leader—and then honk doubled over in chuckles again.

"I'm sorry, it—it's just—oh my god, it's so—the—"

She sniffled, honk wiping her eyes.

"If you can take it, I'll back you up best I can. Hee hee hoo... It uh, doesn't feel especially strong for a Tyrant. But it's still a Tyrant. You have an um, battle plan?"

She tore her eyes honk away from the indigen to look at Jaynix.

"...Shadow?"

She smiled.

 Eienias || Jaynix

Jaynix stood up alongside Meep, watching the woman try to hold herself together before breaking out into chuckles in light of the rather ridiculous saltat tyrant they faced. Jaynix found herself smiling.

"Blue. You are really really adorable."

Hearing the call for a battle plan, Jaynix looked over to the Tyrant, then looked around the surrounding area all while muttering to herself.

"It doesn't...feel strong? Hm..."

Shaking her head, she brought her eyes over to Meep.

"I am your shadow. I act with your blessing and from what I can see, this looks to be a straight up slugfest. I can open by disorienting the Tyrant with a missile barrage, after that it’s a matter of weakening and breaking the appendages, key among them..."

HONK

"...that damned trumpet"

Jaynix pulled out her Gatling Gun, looking to Meep, waiting to hear her thoughts.

 Snazz || Meep

"Oh, um... the feeling... it's complicated. I'll explain later if you want but it might take a while."

She shifted uncomfortably. Jaynix had drawn her HONK weapon, and was looking at Meep expectantly. Pre-battle jitters were already starting to take over her limbs.

"G-go for it! I c-can—back you up! H-have to stay back, but I can weak—weaken it some."

She reached back and released the magnetic catch on the raygun, swinging it around to her front.

Both of us have big guns. Nice.

She thought half-deliriously.

 Eienias || Jaynix

"Blue. Take a deep breath. We'll be fine. You're not alone. Do what you can..."

Jaynix glanced over at the Saltat, her Gatling Gun's cylinder beginning to rotate as her eyes began to light up, the red and yellow glowing as she spoke.

"...and I'll do the same."

Running forward, Jaynix let loose a barrage of bullets, the countless rounds striking against the back of the Tyrant. Spinning around the beast honked at her before lunging in her direction. With immense force Jaynix pushed herself off the ground and out of range of the Saltat.

Landing, she skidded across the ground and turned, clicking was heard from her weapon as it changed ammo, missiles popping out of the sides. A wide smile on her face, eyes burning she let loose a missile barrage causing explosions to erupt all around the Tyrant.

Waves of ether emerged from the dust cloud that her attack caused. Jaynix clenched her teeth as the waves struck her, digging her feet into the ground. Resolute, she shook herself off and fired another volley of missiles at the Tyrant.

 Snazz || Meep

Meep watched as Jaynix leapt off the overlook, landing deftly and beginning her assault. The Tyrant engaged immediately, not hesitating to lunge at her.

Meep felt her mind spring to gather automatically—no, dammit, this is a Tyrant—but her head cleared slightly with the sensation, and she found herself leaping down and landing heavily, rising quickly to stance and taking aim at the center of the rapidly dissipating dust cloud.

Click, click, click—charge, fire, and a screaming purple beam HONK struck dead center. Panic and fear swirled through her mind, and she felt her self-control beginning to slip.

 Eienias || Jaynix

Jaynix watched as Meep's opening attack struck the Tyrant, pushing it back. A singular powerful blow, Jaynix gave a thumbs up to the other woman but noted that she looked- Her train of thought was interrupted by the Tyrant standing and lunging at her, striking her full force and throwing her across the ground, rolling to her feet Jaynix began laughing.

"So that's how you wanna play it..."

Dropping her Gatling Gun she drew her blade and charged the Tyrant which began to erratically hop back and forth, its wings shooting out to strike at her. Dodging the attacks, Jaynix felt one brush past her, barely scratching her. With a yell she swung her blade, slicing through one of the Saltat's wings.

Honking it swung around, its other wing striking her back and pushing her away. Turning to face the Tyrant Jaynix brought her blade up and caught the beast as it lunged at her, putting all her strength into her blade, she held it back as it honked at her again. Ether bubbles emerging from the Saltat and making contact with her.

 Snazz || Meep

A thumbs up—thank you... and Jaynix was suddenly smacked down by the Saltat. Meep faltered.

Was that... was that my fault?

Her heart caught in her throat. Jaynix faced the assault head-on, dodging its attacks and locking her blade with its wings. But she was still getting battered heavily...

I have to... something?

Meep released a hand from her raygun, letting the end drop to the ground, and drew her knife.

Panic. Fear. Worry. ...Determination.

She took a deep breath, and pointed the blade at Jaynix. A barrier flashed around her, shimmering the air.

"Y-you got this! Go for it, Shadow!"

She attempted to shout encouragement, stuffing the knife back in its sheath and steadying the raygun once more. Immediately, panic swam back up to cloud her thoughts, and she swallowed. Click-click-click.

 Eienias || Jaynix

Jaynix felt the surge of energy as it formed up around her. Eyes shifting from the Saltat she found Meep looking down at her, pointing her knife in her direction. Jaynix smiled and winked at her.

"Thank you Blue."

Glaring at the Saltat, she pushed her blade forward.

"And as for you...do you think I'm worried?"

HONK

"I don't know what that means...don't care."

Clenching her teeth and yelling, Jaynix broke the lock and pushed the Saltat back, spinning her blade she continued yelling and leapt at the Tyrant, slashing it across the chest several times before kicking off it, landing farther away.

Spinning around the Saltat unleashed more ether attacks, all headed right for Jaynix. Smirking the Interceptor swung her blade, the weapon catching fire which soon spread to cover her entire body. With a mighty swing, a cyclone of flames formed, burning through the ether.

The Saltat jumped back, prepared to strike again when Jaynix shot through the flames, her burning blade striking out with immense power, slashing off the horn on top of the Saltat's head. Skidding to a halt she turned around to face the Tyrant as its appendage fell to the ground. Looking back up at Meep, Jaynix smiled and nodded to her before staring down the Tyrant again.

 Snazz || Meep

The saltat had honked its last honk—Jaynix cleaved the horn from its head. It staggered backward, obviously in pain, a pathetic screech eeking from its beak. Jaynix smiled and nodded to her—Meep gasped a deep breath, the air clearing her head slightly—and fired.

A massive beam lanced out of the raygun, slamming into the saltat with meteoric force. Another ugly screech, louder this time, rent the air. The Tyrant staggered again—deep, ugly burns coated its body, the hideous smell of roasting flesh reaching Meep's nose. Most of its feathers were gone. Pathetically, it screeched again, and stumbled forward. Its Will was burning brightly. The last vestiges of strength before death...

 Eienias || Jaynix

Jaynix stared at Tyrant, Meep's attack causing immense and very visible damage all over its body. Much like with many of Mira's creatures the Saltat was enraged, the last thing it wanted to do was go down...too bad for it. Jaynix gripped her blade with both hands, relaxing her muscles she let out a long, calm breath as the Tyrant charged her position with all the strength it could muster.

As soon as it was in front of her, Jaynix could see one of its injured wings heading right for her, evading the strike, she tightened her grip on her blade. With a mighty roar, Jaynix struck the Tyrant at least a dozen times, her blade flashing and carving through the beast with immense force.

All the energy the Saltat had left was drained with each successive strike right up until it fell to the ground in a heap. Jaynix held her blade out in its final position, letting out another calm breath as the flaming aura that encompassed her body faded away. Standing up straight, she nodded before looking over towards Meep and smiling.

"Looks like we did it, Blue.”

 Snazz || Meep

The radiating energy flickered, and vanished. The Tyrant lay on the ground, unmoving. Deep cuts ran through its burned body—a rather grisly sight. Meep took a deep breath, knees shaking, and steadied herself. She nodded to Jaynix and attempted a smile.

"Y-yeah! We did it."

She turned to the body, and pointed.

"How about... Honky, the Stupid?"

 Eienias || Jaynix

Jaynix walked over to Meep, letting out one more relieved sigh as she sheathed her blade when she heard Meep's proposed name for the now dead Tyrant. Jaynix followed her finger back to the corpse and stared at it for a few moments before looking back at Meep.

Cracking a smile, she began to chuckle...which was soon followed by loud, lighthearted laughter. She tried to will herself to stop, but she couldn't, for whatever reason this small moment was just too hilarious for her. Wiping her eyes she let a few more giggles escape before speaking.

"Blue. You are just too precious...as for the name? Sure. It's perfect."

 Snazz || Meep

Jaynix was singed, splattered with indigen blood, and grimy—and a large bruise was beginning to form underneath her jaw. ...and she burst into laughter. Meep stood dumbfounded for a moment—before she cracked a smile and joined her, their guffaws escaping into the the air.

It was at least a minute before she was able to collect herself enough to respond.

"I mean... it's not like it really needs one. It's already dead so it won't go in the 'dex or anything. But it makes for a good story."

She shrugged, smiling amiably.

"You uh, looked pretty good out there."

 Eienias || Jaynix

Jaynix wiped her face a few times, her body still burning from the heat of battle. She nodded to Meep's first statement, though she remained curious as to how the rest of BLADE would react if 'Honky, the Stupid' was indeed an entry for the Index

"I always strive to look and perform at my best so I'm really glad that I didn't let you down."

Jaynix took a step closer, placing a hand on Meep's shoulder and smiling.

"You did good as well, Meep. A support role is as crucial a role as any. Thank you."

She then noted Meep's eyes as the woman looked up at her. A vibrant, wondrous green. With another wink, Jaynix stepped away and gestured over to the Data Probe.

"I suppose taking care of that is all that's left."

 Snazz || Meep

"Um, you're. Uh, welcome."

I—I did good? I didn't do all that much...

She stood dumbfounded for a moment, before turning to the probe.

"Er—yes. Hopefully the damage isn't too bad. it just got banged around on top so hopefully it's just the receiver that's broken."

She pulled open her pack and got out the little toolkit, crouching next to the probe. The casing was dented in several places. She grimaced.

This might take a while.

"It might be a bit... maybe find a place to sit down and relax while I figure out what to do about this?”

  Eienias || Jaynix

Jaynix sat aside, having finished cleaning off her armor to the best of her abilities. The Indigen blood was as disgusting as ever but she also had to contend with burns and scorching as a result of jumping through her own flaming tornado. At least it looked cool.

Her eyes moved over to Meep, hard at work on the Probe. It'd been a while, but she knew better than to ask. It'd be done when it's done. Deciding to encourage Meep in her own way, she spoke.

"Good support, deep thinker, gadget tinkerer and very pretty to boot. You've got a good skillset there Blue."

Jaynix smiled before reaching over to her supplies and retrieving a bottle of water. Walking over to Meep she held it out, still smiling.

"Wish I could help with this...but I know you've got it, what I can do is make sure you're at your best."

 Snazz || Meep

"I'm not really... a tinkerer,"

Meep blushed.

"I only really know probes, and it took me a long time to learn. I couldn't fix anything else if you asked me to."

She looked up to see Jaynix holding out a bottle of water. Timidly, she took it from Jaynix's hands and took a drink.

"T-thank you. I think I'm almost done. I don't think this will be a permanent fix, they'll probably have to come in later and replace the parts."

She sighed.

"At least it's better than walking up to it being completely destroyed. That's happened before. There was this vigent that was uprooting probes in Oblivia a while ago... we're still not really sure why. There's so much about indigen behavior we still don't understand."

She set the bottle down and turned back to the panel, starting on soldering the last few connections. Her mind slipped into focus, hands deftly working the tools. The remaining work went quickly. She leaned back after a short time, wiping her forehead. Finished.

 Eienias || Jaynix

As Meep took a few drinks from the water bottle, Jaynix nodded.

"I'm kinda the same with tech. Got a busted weapon? I can fix it or I can design new weapons from schematics. Had to study and maintain mine for so long I picked up quite a few things...but data probes? Nah. This stuff is over my head."

Jaynix has encountered plenty of Indigens across all her time on Mira and many encounters have definitely been odd. Give humanity years and years and years and even then, there are most likely some things they just won't be able to understand about Indigens and about this planet.

It was a pretty heavy topic but seeing Meep return to work, Jaynix decided that it'd be best to stay quiet, sit and wait. Doing so, she examined their surroundings, making sure nothing even dared to pick a fight with either of them.

She wasn't sure how much time had passed but she could tell from the way Meep sat back and relaxed, that she was done.

"Great work, Blue. Looks like you were the right Pathfinder for this job."

 Snazz || Meep

"Ah—well, someone else mighta been able to go faster..."

She trailed off.

"T-thank you. Um, for all your support. It's nice of you... I think you were the, the right interceptor?"

She turned, and smiled.

 Eienias || Jaynix

"Regardless of if someone could get this done faster or not...you, are the one that's here. And you did exactly what you had to. Be proud of that."

Standing, Jaynix began stretching.

"Heh, I'm glad that I could help. It gave me a chance to meet you so all of this was certainly worth it."

 Snazz || Meep

Meep looked at her shoes, and blushed again.

"Uh, I... it was nice to meet you, too..."

She stood, and tried to distract herself by stretching her back.

"S-Shall we get going back, then? Unless you wanted to take your time... there's some neat places around. Uhm, if you wanted to. See them."

 Eienias || Jaynix

Jaynix could only whisper to herself at how cute Meep looked, shying away from Jaynix's gaze. Tapping her chin, she thought about the rest of her day, normally she was loaded up on missions but today she was taking it case by case. A refreshing change of pace.

"Neat places? Hm...I don't see why not. Heck, I prefer spending time in your company than just heading back to NLA. We can get know each other a bit more and all that."

Walking over to Meep, Jaynix smiled and gestured at Primordia around them.

"So Blue, where are we headed?"

 Snazz || Meep

"How about we keep it a surprise? But I'll give you a hint, Shadow—it's something pink..."

She smiled conspiratorially. The two set off over the landscape, chatting amiably.

The wind washed over the grass, sending it into waves, as sound gradually began to return—the sounds of birds and insects played with the breeze.