Kindle had been slow at moving through the forest of this new battle arena. Heavy foliage wasn’t exactly conducive to fast movement in heavy armor, regardless of how used to wearing it he was. At least he could see in the darkness fairly well, thanks to a mixture of his own biology and his helmet’s viewport.
A new opponent, a different fighting style to learn and adapt to, he was excited for it. Each step of progression up this tournament’s ladder had him feeling both more confident and concerned. Confident in his abilities and proving himself, concerned as each new battle was only going to get harder. He knew to not underestimate his next opponent and be prepared for anything, but at very least, for them to be even more of a challenge than the previous one.
Unfortunately, he was not prepared for outside interference.
It seemed as though the Combat Master was displeased at the lack of the local wildlife’s will to interfere in the previous fight too heavily, animals were often more cautious than people expected. However, this new location’s inhabitants seemed far more willing to throw themselves into the fray.
A multitude of horns sounding out was his only warning before the air suddenly filled with chatter in a language he didn’t know, only that it sounded angry and was quickly approaching. The first attack of this battle didn’t even come from his opponent, a wooden spear slamming into his armor.
In the minutes since, numerous furry creatures had swarmed in his direction. Darting between bushes and trees, stone and wood clanged against him from numerous sides. The frustration was undeniable, the hard swipes of his halberd to knock away what he could of the incoming projectiles took energy he was hoping to save for when his opponent appeared. He could have fought back, fired off what ranged options he had into the foliage, but between being uncertain of their exact locations and also wanting to keep them for his true foe, he was uncertain of how much would be wise.
For now, he kept charging ahead, trying to outrun what he could and avoid those he couldn’t.
As the large Hybrid’s foot swung forward yet another time in his running, an alarm screamed in the back of his mind and he leapt backwards as a large lung swung past him. Cursing the situation and thanking his training in Precognition, he turned to see a dozen visible creatures behind him with disappointed looks upon their faces - he could only imagine the amount hidden from him.
Preparing to finally make a stand, Kindle abruptly found himself surrounded by darkness.
“What the - “
Suddenly a figure dashed from the foliage and into the dark sphere he was within, an outstretched arm aiming to plunge a knife into the Mando’s neck and only with a very quick lift of his halberd’s shaft did he knock the attack off-course.
“Of course you have Darksight too,” muttered the assassin under his breath, taking a few steps back.
“You really wanna do this now? These creatures are going to decide this fight more than us at this rate!” growled the draconic warrior, gripping his halberd tighter and aiming it in the Umbaran’s direction.
“That’s why now was the perfect time - I didn't want to lose on a technicality that I hadn’t laid a single attack on you.”
Kindle swung his blade hard in Vigo’s direction, but the nimble warrior drew his sword and impacted it against the larger fighter’s own just enough to allow him to gracefully dodge the attack.
“If it’s any consolation, I don’t want to kill you, but your Beskar doesn’t leave many places available to strike.”
“The feeling’s mutual, but I’d prefer a fairer fight than letting these things do your dirty work,” the Sith stated flatly, waving his weapon towards the surrounding Ewoks that stared at the dark sphere they were still within, confusion and fear clear on their faces at the unknown.
“Sure, just take off the armor first.”
Singean stared at the man.
“That’s what I thought. Well, have fun,” commented Vigo as he quietly heaved a breath and dropped the Darkness while taking more steps back, clearly preparing to vanish into the foliage again.
Gasps of shock and awe came from the furred annoyances surrounding them, but their attention was quickly diverted as Kindle didn’t waste a second, slamming his halberd’s head to the ground.
“Thank you my friend for your aid from these horrifying creatures! Your protection is greatly appreciated!” Kindle shouted his ‘gratitude’ in Vigo’s direction before bowing deeply before him.
If the creatures didn’t speak his language, they clearly recognized his motions and many turned their attention to the new individual.
“What are you doing?” the Umbaran inquired, his own curiosity taking hold.
“Making sure they think you’re with me,” spoke the Hybrid, keeping his tone of appreciation to support his act even as his words revealed otherwise. “Now they think we’re working together, so it won’t just be me hunting you in this forest.”
“Clever bastard,” Vigo gave the insulting compliment before focusing on his Ghosting and vanishing from the Proconsul’s sight.
Hushed chatter amongst the Ewoks transpired quickly, many looking around in alarm for the invisible intruder to their lands, some even diving back into the foliage to hunt for him, while others kept their focus on the imposing armored giant before them.
Turning his horned helmet to look down at the creatures, Kindle couldn’t help but inwardly sigh. He had leveled the playing field, but the cat and mouse game was still on and these little interlopers were only going to make it more difficult.
A stone clanking against his helmet, followed by a lone cheer, brought him back to the reality of the situation. The Sith heaved a heavy sigh before abruptly turning and dashing into the woods again, battle cries erupting behind him as the Ewoks once again indulged in their hunt and followed him.
