Enter Mikael Vizsla!
The Great Hunt?
Mandalore, a planet located in the Outer Rim Territories. It is the homeworld of the Mandalorians, a fearsome and warmongering people who fought the Jedi and raided their temple during the fall of the Old Republic. Wearing distinctive armor, they were feared throughout the galaxy, and had political influence over two thousand other star systems. However, their warring ways lead to the decay of their own planet.
Years of war left the planet inhospitable, forcing the Mandalorians to live within domed cities. A pacifist regime came to power at the end of these wars, led by Duchess Satine Kryze, while those who refused to give up their warrior ways were exiled to the moon Concordia. The Governor of Concordia is one of the few left who refused to give up their heritage. His name is Pre Vizsla. Pre Vizsla is the leader of the Mandalorian Death Watch faction who seeks to overthrow the Duchess Satine and her pacifist regime.
Pre Vizsla was not a bad man however. He simply wished to uphold Mandalorian tradition and heritage that shaped Mandalore and its people to who they are. By giving them up, he believes they are no longer Mandalorians. In a way, he's right but can Mandalore go back it its warrior ways without repercussions? Now, even he thinks about such a thing. The reason for his thoughts lie in front of him. A beautiful woman with long wavy black hair, fair skin and brown orbs, looks to him.
Cordelia is a woman who had traveled to Mandalore in her youth. She was then forced to leave after her father left for Coruscant, seeking wealth and influence. Years later, Cordelia would return to the planet she had grown fond of. It was then that she would meet Governor Vizsla who was immediately struck with awe at her beauty. The two were often seen together, walking, talking, joking and singing. Cordelia is the reason Pre's thoughts are occupied.
Before their marriage, Pre came forward and told her of his plans and ways. Cordelia would surprise Pre in her acceptance of his plans but would tell him she could not help. Pre accepted this and swore to keep her out of it. Since then, Cordelia wanted to know why Pre wanted to bring back their warrior ways. Her questions caused a great deal of confusion with Pre. She had told him that he sounded more like a warmonger than anything. Instead she asked what was so wrong with having peace but being prepared for war.
"Pre?" Calls Cordelia, making Pre snap out of his thoughts while a bundle occupies his arms. His eyes are red from tears rolling down his face. Cordelia lies in bed with the sheets stained red with blood. Her eyes are glazed and her voice is weak.
"Yes, my love?" Answers Pre as he holds her hand. He knows she will not make it. She has lost too much blood to be saved. The medical droids have done all they can to ease her passing. Pre is thankful that at least his child has survived the ordeal but his heart breaks for his wife.
"I-I've thought up a name." States Cordelia weakly, making Pre smile and wipe his tears away. Standing beside him is Bo-Katan Kryze, the personal guard of Cordelia. Bo-Katan is the sister of Satine who also did not believe in her regime and joined Death Watch. Bo-Katan looks on sadly at the woman she had come to befriend.
"M-Mikael…" States Cordelia with a smile as she looks at her child. Pre brings the baby closer to his mother and looks on sadly, "I-Is that a good name?"
"It's wonderful, my love." Assures Pre before Cordelia laughs softly and caresses his face.
"T-Take care of him…" States Cordelia with a smile, making Pre nod his head, "And… let him choose his own path."
"I-I will." Sobs Pre before Cordelia laughs softly before she inhales her final breath and dies with a soft smile on her lips. Bo-Katan puts her head down in sadness as the infant Mikael's cries echo through the room.
Years later, Pre would keep his promise and protect his son Mikael. At age 5, Pre began Mikael's training with the help of Bo-Katan. The two would teach Mikael about weapons, medicine, survival, combat, and strategy. Pre could not be happier as Mikael took to his lessons like a bird takes to flight. Bo-Katan become more of a sister or aunt to Mikael while teaching him sharpshooting.
Mikael was born with his mother's black hair and fair skin but has his father's blue eyes. At age 10, Mikael had proven he was adept enough to pilot numerous crafts and ships. He also had a way with hacking. As he grew, Pre's pride soured but he knew what he had to do. As to keep his promise to allow Mikael to choose his own path, Pre would have to send his son away to protect him from his father's decisions.
That day came when Mikael reached the age of 13. Being trained by his father and Bo-Katan, Mikael was the most deadliest 13 year old on the moon. Mikael stands in front of his father, Bo-Katan and the members of Death Watch. He wears Mandalorian Armor with a jetpack on his back. As a backup, he also has rocket boots in case he loses his jetpack. He holds his helmet in his arms as he looks to his father. Mikael's left arm is missing after a rather nasty run in with a Narglatches. While he killed them, he lost an arm in the process. Replacing his arm is a prosthetic limb made out of Beskar and Durasteel.
Mikael's eyes are sharp like those of a wolf's and he has wavy, black hair, which ends at the base of his neck, is unkempt, and is parted down the middle. He is 5'6, making him tall for his age and has an athletic build from his training.
"The time has come, Mikael." States Pre, making Mikael tilt his head in confusion. He was suddenly called and here he stands with all his possessions, "It is time for you to… leave."
"What?!" Exclaims Mikael in shock at the statement, "Why?!" Pre gets on his knees and looks at his son. He holds his head and hugs him tightly, making Mikael return the hug.
"There are things that I will do that will make me a target." Reveals Pre, making Mikael look to him, "But they are my choices and only I will take responsibility for them."
"D-Dad, I don't understand." States Mikael with confusion, making Pre smile.
"I know." States Pre before standing up and looking to his son, "I promised your mother that I would protect you and allow you to live your life."
"I have protected you by teaching you how to protect yourself." States Pre as Mikael looks to Bo-Katan who smiles sadly, "In order to allow you to live your life… I must forfeit my life with you."
"D-Dad." Says Mikael as he cries, making Pre look down to him and hold his shoulders.
"Don't cry." Whispers Pre as tears fall from his eyes, "Remember, that you are a Mandalorian."
"Yes, dad." Sniffs Mikael before Bo-Katan steps forward. She hugs her "little brother" before looking to him.
"I got you something to help you on your travels." Reveals Bo-Katan before she nods to several members of Death Watch who reveal a ship, "I saw you looking at it when we were on Coruscant."
The ship is revealed to be a heavily modified XS Stock Light Freighter. The ship has been upgraded by members of Death Watch, Bo-Katan and Pre Vizsla as a gift to Mikael. The ship features a heavily armored body made to bulldoze through laser fire and cold deep space. It is shielded by state-of-the-art armor plating and its bridge has forward armor plating, and is equipped with advanced, precision flight instruments. It also has a shield generator and is also fitted with stealth plating, making it difficult to track and unseen on radar. Its size contradicts its nimble and swift movements and speed.
Pre has also extended its armament to allow Mikael greater protection against some of the more unsavory beings in the galaxy. He has kept the laser cannons where they are but has changed them to rotary laser cannons for more fire power. He has also added two more missile batteries located beneath the ship's belly. Two more additional rotary laser cannons have been added to the starboard side of the ship, allowing for more combat versatility.
"It's yours." States Pre, making Mikael gape at the ship, "It will serve you well." Mikael steps up to the ship before he turns back to Pre. Mikael dashes to him and hugs him tight, making Pre return the hug.
"I'll miss you." Mutters Pre, making Mikael look to him.
"I'll miss you, dad." States Mikael before Pre ushers him away. Mikael gets on his ship and forces himself not to look back, less he refuse to leave. As he enters the cockpit, he spots a parchment of paper. He reads the paper and smiles before sitting down and preparing to take off. The parchment reads; Junkrat. A name given by Mikael after first spotting the ship. The Junkrat rises and hovers as Mikael looks at the people he calls family for the finale time. Seconds later, the Junkrat, exits the hanger and high-speeds before shooting from the moon.
Mikael traveled to many planets and began to make a name for himself as a bounty hunter. He has taken many jobs but has kept a low profile, not usually one for attention. In fact, he is only after credits not recognition. But as time went on, Mikael began to like the bounty hunter lifestyle and was forced to stake his claim on certain bounties. These claims usually ended with weapons being drawn but only Mikael walked away. One such encounter, Mikael heard about a tournament on Nal Hutta and heard a lot of credits are involved. Curious, Mikael joined up.
Nal Hutta
The Junkrat jumps out of hyperspace in front of the swamp planet of Nal Hutta. The engines flare and the ship shoots towards the planet. In no time at all, the ship arrives below the atmosphere and circles a landing zone. The Junkrat slows before setting down, drawing the attention of galactic scum. The doors fall before Mikael walks down the ramp with his helmet on. On his waist appear to be two scoped and highly customized WESTAR-34 blaster pistols. Also on his waist is a utility belt that holds, bombs, explosive knives, flash bangs, and various other gadgets. On his arms are two Mandalorian vambraces. Sticking from over his JT-12 jetpack appears to a modified DS-10 Starforged sniper rifle. The weapon was taken from another bounty hunter who seemed to disagree with Mikael about what bounty was his. Needless to say, he no longer needed the weapon once the "argument" ended.
"Ugh, I'm in the right place if the smell is any indication." States Mikael before he looks around. Mikael spots a hanger and heads into it, ignoring the looks he is given. He stops when two Twi'leks appear in front of him.
"Nice blasters." States the red Twi'lek, making Mikael fold his arms.
"Very nice, how about you hand them over?" States the blue Twi'lek as Mikael sighs, "Your ship too."
"Over my dead body." States Mikael before the brothers' chuckle.
"Have it your way." States Red before their hands go to their weapons. Quick as lightning, both are shot in their arms, making them cry out and look to Mikael who spins his pistol before holstering it.
"Well?" Questions Mikael as the brothers turn tail and run, "Cowards." Mikael continues on his way and enters a room with three people. One is a heavily armored dark skinned man with red eyes and dreadlocks. He carries a heavy repeating cannon. Another is a female Zabrak with silver hair tied into a ponytail and carries a sniper rifle. The last appears to be an older man who is human.
"He's here." States the dark skinned man in a deep voice. The older man turns and looks Mikael over before nodding his head.
"Thanks, Bishop." States the older man, making the dark skinner man nod his head.
"Welcome, my name is Hoss." Greets the older man as he walks up to Mikael who looks him over, "And you're the man we're putting all our hopes on."
"He doesn't look so tough." States the Zabrak, only for a laser to hit mere inches away from her. She turns to Mikael who has already holstered his weapon, "Never mind."
"Best shot I've ever seen and balls of Mandalorian Iron." States Hoss with a smile, making Mikael raise a brow, "He's Great Hunt materiel, Jess."
"Ready to meet the team?" Questions Hoss, making Mikael narrow his eyes. He doesn't get along with others very well and he doesn't trust other bounty hunters.
"Is that who these people are?" Questions Mikael with folded arms. Hoss points to Jess first who looks at Mikael.
"This is Jess, she's or resident sniper, scout, and tech master." States Hoss, making Jess nod her head to Mikael. Mikael looks at her sniper rifle and can tell it's functional but not Great Hunt material. Hoss then goes over the Bishop who stands, "This big guy is Bishop and he's all muscle."
"Heard about you on Nar Shaddaa." States Bishop, making Mikael look to the big man, "Hell of a story."
"It's all true." Warns Mikael, making Bishop smirk and laugh loudly. Mikael joins in while Hoss looks on with surprise at someone getting Bishop to laugh.
"Shall we get down to business?" States Hoss, making Mikael look to him. The group talks over their options of how to get Mikael sponsored in the Great Hunt. They decide to get Gardulla the Hutt to sponsor him.
"Gardulla owns this little town and getting you a meeting is going to be tough." States Hoss as he thinks over his plans, "But… I might have enough pull to get a meeting."
"So what are we waiting for?" Asks Mikael before Hoss looks to Jess.
"Jess, scan the area for every bounty you can find." Orders Hoss as Jess gets up and gets to the computer, "I want the nastiest, most brutal, untouchable scum you can find."
"I'm on it." Replies Jess as she types.
"Why do I need to hunt someone down when I already have my own exploits?" Questions Mikael as he believes that would be a waste of time.
"Jess will plant rumors of your offworld exploits, but you have to take down someone impressive and local to sell that reputation." States Hoss, making Mikael sigh.
"Well, let's get to it." States Mikael, making Hoss laugh.
"Got one." States Jess, making the others look to her, "Bessy: Corellian, champion quick-draw artist, wanted for robbing 15 Republic pay stations."
"She'll do." States Mikael, making Jess nod her head while Mikael begins to exit the room, "I'll be back."
"Good luck." States Hoss, making Mikael scoff.
Mikael travels to Bessy's safe house and kicks in the door. He fires twice, killing to hired outlaws before spinning on his heel and shooting the last one in the head. He hears groaning and ignores it in favor of looking around. He finds no sign of Bessy before he stomps on the chest of the last outlaw living. The outlaw cries out in pain.
"Where's your boss?" Demands Mikael, making the outlaw spit, "Have it your way." Mikael knocks the man out before looking around. He finds a datapad and hacks into it with ease. He finds out that Bessy is taking a shuttle away from Nal Hutta.
"Great." Mutters Mikael before taking off. Arriving in the locations, Mikael steps forward and spots Bessy's hired thugs. No words are spoke before Mikael draws his pistols and fires rapidly. The others fire back but hit nothing while Mikael hits them all. Firing his pistols and aiming have become second nature to Mikael. He spins around firing rapidly before coming to a stop. The bodies lie smoking on the ground before Mikael holsters his pistols.
"Too easy." States Mikael before searching the area. He finds Bessy preparing to board the shuttle. Bessy is a human woman with red hair and green eyes. She is quite attractive but Mikael was not one to lower his guard.
"Who the hell are you?!" Demands Bessy, making Mikael nearly gag at her accent. It's awful and doesn't go well with her looks, "A lawman?!"
"You think a boy like you can take on the Beauty of Nal Hutta?" Challenges Bessy, making Mikael raise a brow at her title, "I can shoot you before you even blink!"
"Really…?" States Mikael as the two stare off, "Show me." The two stand right in front of each other while ignoring the noise around the area. Bessy moves her hand to her blaster while Mikael positions the left side of his body to her. The stare off continues as Bessy looks right at Mikael.
"Say when." States Mikael with a smirk as Bessy moves her hand to her blaster. In a quick motion, Bessy draws but Mikael has already lined up his shot with his pistol out. He fires rapid shots, hitting Bessy in the head, and chest before quickly holstering his pistol. Bessy falls back with her eyes open. Mikael walks to her before bending down and taking her ID tags as proof and closing her eyes as a mercy.
"You were quick but this isn't some game." States Mikael before standing and walking off.
Mikael arrives back at base to find Hoss dead on the ground with Jess nearby. His danger sense flares before he jumps to cover as Bishop, fires on him. Mikael takes cover before returning fire, making Bishop jumps behind cover. He hears the cocking of Bishop's gun and takes a breath.
"Hey, Bishop, you want to put down the gun and talk?" Asks Mikael, before he ducks as lasers fly by, "I'll take that as a no."
"You killed them!" Growls Bishop, making Mikael gape.
"You idiot, I've been gone the whole time!" Reminds Mikael, before using his jetpack to rush Bishop's position. The move works as Bishop comes from behind his cover only to be tackled by Mikael. The two slide across the floor before Bishop head-butts Mikael, making the Mandalorian land on his back. Even though I did not hurt due to his helmet, the force used sent him back. Mikael looks up and kicks the legs from under Bishop who falls to the ground. Mikael is on him and bends his leg, making Bishop yell out in pain.
"Listen to me!" Shouts Mikael before Bishop grabs him and puts him in a choke hold. Mikael gags before using his jetpack to lift Bishop up and crash him into the ceiling. The two fall to the floor before Mikael quickly fires at Bishop, hitting just by his head. Bishop stops and looks back to Mikael with narrowed eyes, "I didn't kill them!"
"Then who did?" Demands Bishop, making Mikael shrug.
"How the hell am I supposed to know?!" Asks Mikael before pointing to him, "I was attacked before I could find any clues!"
"Now… are we good?" Asks Mikael as Bishop stands from the floor.
"Yeah, sorry about that." Apologizes Bishop before Mikael sighs in relief and looks around. He knows a good base must have surveillance equipment around. Mikael turns to Bishop who looks to him.
"I think we're about to find our man." States Mikael before pressing several buttons on his vambrace. The vambrace produces holographic footage of Jess and Hoss being killed by… another bounty hunter.
"I know him." Growls Bishop with narrowed eyes, "He's Vance Richards or better known as Vance the Butcher."
"Hmm, I've heard of him too." States Mikael, having heard about a slaughter of people in the Outer Rim, "He killed a village when they refused to give up a bounty."
"Yeah, the bastard killed women and children who couldn't even defend themselves." Growls Bishop before Mikael thinks.
"Why kill, Jess and Hoss?" Questions Mikael before Bishop widens his eyes, "He must want to join the Great Hunt and is not looking for competition."
"We need to speak to Gardulla." States Mikael, making Bishop, look through Hoss's things.
"Hah, looks like Hoss got you a meeting!" Reveals Bishop, making Mikael chuckle.
"Let not keep the Hutt waiting." States Mikael before the two set off after burying their comrades. Mikael may not have known them for long but, they were a part of his team.
Arriving at Gardulla's Palace, Mikael spots dancing Twi'leks and shakes his head. What is it with the Hutts and Twi'leks? Entering the palace, Mikael spots other bounty hunters and enters the area with his guard up. The two stop in front of Gardulla who looks to the bounty hunter. She speaks in Huttese as a translator droids walks up.
"The Wise and Powerful Gardulla wishes to know who you are?" States the droid, making a bounty hunter step forward. Being only 15, Mikael is shorter than the adults but doesn't lack attitude.
"You've got three seconds to get out of my face before yours paints the ground." Warns Mikael, making the other bounty hunters laugh out while Gardulla becomes interested.
"Big mouth for such a small scum." States the bounty hunter in Huttese. Mikael's helmet turns to the bounty hunter before he quickly draws his pistol and kills the man. The laughter stops while Gardulla begins to chuckle and laugh.
"The Mighty Gardulla respects anyone who can defend themselves but still wishes to know who you are." States the droid, making Mikael holster his pistol.
"My name is Mikael, you made a meeting with Hoss about me." Reminds Mikael, making Gardulla grunt with remembrance.
"The Great Gardulla had heard that Hoss was killed and expresses her condolences since he was your ticket into the Great Hunt." States the droid, making Mikael nod his head.
"I know who did it but I need to enter the Great Hunt to go after him." States Mikael as he looks to Gardulla. Gardulla hums before speaking, making Mikael look to the droid.
"The Merciful Gardulla will allow you to enter after you prove that your reputations is more than… just talk." States the droid, making Mikael balls his hands into fists. As a Mandalorian, he takes great pride in all that he has done and to have someone think it is false, is an insult. Imagine have someone spit in your face, then slap you before kicking you in the balls and taking your hot girlfriend away… it's worse than that.
"Heh, what do you need done?" Questions Mikael with barely controlled anger.
"The Great Gardulla's first target is not far from here and has been trying to undermine her authority." Reveals the droid, making Mikael nod his head, "She wants you to eliminate him and bring his head back as proof."
"Fine." States Mikael as he walks out of the area with Gardulla chuckling. Bishop looks to him but knows he cannot help him. A little while later and Mikael returns with a smalls brown pouch. He tosses it on the ground and it rolls to Gardulla's… feet?
"Still doubt my reputation?" Questions Mikael, daring someone to say they do. Gardulla chuckles before Mikael looks to her with narrowed eyes, not that she could see them due to his helmet.
"The Mighty Gardulla will sponsor you but she feels it is important to tell you that you are running late." Reveals the droid, making Mikael narrow his eyes, "The others have already returned from their hunts, meaning you are the last."
"Doesn't matter, in the end I'll be the only one standing." States Mikael as he turns and walks away.
"Be warned, your target will not be easy to take down and you will most likely, die." Reveals the droid, making Mikael stop and glance back, "Your target involves the Separatist."
The Separatists, an unrecognized, galactic, democratic, and confederate government that has come to power to challenge the Republic. Mikael has of course heard of the trouble between the Republic and Separatists and has wisely chosen to evade the mess that it has caused. With the start of the Clone Wars, many bounty hunters have had good business as long as they steer clear of the war. Something tells, Mikael that he doesn't have that luxury.
"Who's the target?" Questions Mikael as Bishop stands next to him.
"A sith by the name of Perdita." Reveals the droid, making Mikael nearly choke. A sith?! Oh great. After the start of the Clone Wars, sith acolytes and lords have been popping up everywhere to challenge the outnumbered Jedi. Needless to say, sith are winning in the kill count arena. Is Mikael scarred? Not so much as scarred as cautious. Like the Jedi he has been told about, the sith wield weird powers. This is going to be a tough one but… Mikael finds himself excited.
"Tell me where she is." States Mikael, making Gardulla laugh.
"Sources state she is stationed nearby." Reveals the droid, making Mikael nod his head, "The coordinates will be given to you in transition."
"Good, I'll kill her and get myself into the final phase of the Great Hunt." States Mikael as the Great Hunt has two parts. The first is killing a high level target before returning with proof. After that, it is a free for all. Any hunter still in the competition is fair game. It only ends when all but one is left. Whether the others are killed or forfeit is irrelevant.
"Let's get going." States Mikael with Bishop nodding his head.
Surprisingly, the two did not have to leave the planet to find Perdita. Turns out the Separatists are trying to make a deal with the Hutts and have sent some ambassadors to negotiate. Guarding the ambassadors is a sith acolyte, Perdita. Thankfully, there are not many droids around the area, making the job a lot easier than Mikael would have thought. Getting into the compound was easy as Mikael is naturally gifted in stealth and hacking. Opening the doors for Bishop, went just as smoothly. And that's when everything went downhill. The alarms blared to life and they were surrounded.
"Huh, I get the feeling they were expecting us." States Mikael as he looks around at the droids.
"It must be the work of Vance!" Growls Bishop, making Mikael glance to the droids.
"Too bad he doesn't have any idea who he's dealing with." States Mikael before firing into the droids. Bishop dives for cover while firing his repeating cannon into the ranks of droids. Mikael fires away before diving for cover. He then takes out a grenade and tossing it into the droids. Barely a second later, the droids are turned to scrap metal when the grenade detonates. Mikael comes out of cover with the use of his jetpack and fires into the remaining droids, taking them down. Mikael lands on the floor and looks around as a B2 walks up. The droid is blasted to smithereens by Bishop and his repeating cannon.
"Well she knows we're here." States Bishop, making Mikael look to him.
"Wait outside." States Mikael as he walks forward.
"Hey, she's no ordinary person!' Reminds Bishop, shouting at Mikael's form.
"Don't worry, if I die you can tell me you told me so!" States Mikael while Bishop, shakes his head. Mikael walks forward, through the doors and looks around. He continues to walk before stopping in front of a blonde haired woman with Dark Side taint showing through her veins.
"Ever heard of lotion?" Quips Mikael as the woman turns to him, "Not that it'd help you."
"Oh, what have we here?" Questions Perdita as she gazes at the 15 year old Mandalorian, "Ugh, are you another of those bounty hunters coming to kill me?"
"Another?" Questions Mikael as he looks at the woman.
"Oh, you don't know?" Questions Perdita before giggling, "There have been at least 5 others before you, vowing to kill me and enter something called the Great Hunt, hah, as you can imagine, none of them left alive."
"I'm afraid I am disappointed." States Perdita, making Mikael shake his head.
"You're not the only one." States Mikael as he looks over the woman, "I had expected someone a little more… well… more."
"Wait, you don't seriously think you can kill me?" Questions Perdita with a mocking tone, "I mean, I'm Sith, and you're just… whatever you are."
"Hmm, if all of them are as arrogant as you… business is going to be good." States Mikael, making Perdita hum.
"You can't kill a Sith, fool." States Perdita, making Mikael get ready.
"Shall we test that theory?" Questions Mikael as he draws his pistols.
"Oh how wonderful, I'll add another to my kill count." States Perdita as she draws her lightsaber. Mikael fires his blaster pistols, unleashing a barrage of lasers at Perdita who blocks as she moves forward. She swings her lightsaber, seeking to cut Mikael in half but Mikael evades by taking to the skies with his jetpack. All the while, he fires with his pistols. Perdita blocks the lasers before rolling to the left to evade more lasers. Mikael flies out of the room and into a more spacious area with Perdita following.
"Oh come now, hiding will do you no good." States Perdita before Mikael points his jetpack at her.
"Who's hiding?" Counters Mikael before firing his rocket. Perdita spots it coming but fails to react in time as the rocket hits right in front of her. The explosion knocks her back and her lightsaber falls from her hands. She groans before gasping at small beeping pellets. The pellets detonate, knocking Perdita away.
Perdita groans before looking up to see Mikael descending down with his jetpack. She acts quickly and kicks Mikael in his gut, making the Mandalorian fall to the ground and lose his pistols. Mikael recovers quickly before catching a kick from Perdita and flipping her down. Perdita lands on her back before Mikael bends her leg, making the woman yell out. She pushes him back before standing and throwing a standard combo that Mikael blocks and counters with a gut shot. Not giving her any room to breathe, Mikael swings with a left but Perdita ducks under it and punches his chest. However, due to his armor, Mikael feels nothing before he head-butts Perdita, sending her to the ground. Mikael's jetpack boosts him up and forward, only for Perdita to Force Push the Mandalorian. Mikael sails back and hits the steel wall. He grunts as he holds his right shoulder before pulling it back into place with a sickening crunch.
Knowing she is outmatched in hand to hand, Perdita spots her lightsaber and stands. However, Mikael is no fool and realizes her strategy and acts. He launches forward with his jetpack and aims his left arm at Perdita. Mikael's rangefinder lowers over the Macrobinocular viewplate before Mikael fires his whipcord thrower, tying up Perdita as her lightsaber flies by her as she tried to retrieve it with the Force. Before she can act, Perdita is pulled as Mikael sails right by her. The thrusters on the jetpack boost their power and Mikael sours through the air before turning and releasing Perdita. Perdita sails through the compound walls, to the outside before landing in a small shop.
"Hey, you going to pay for that?!" Shouts the shopkeeper in Huttese. Perdita groans before the shopkeeper yells in a panic and flees the shop. A small concussion grenade bounces into the shop before rolling below Perdita's face. The bomb goes off, sending Perdita through the shop and to the outside. Perdita groans in the dirt while crawling forward. She is grabbed by Mikael with his left arm and lifted up by the throat.
"Don't fight it. It'll only drag it out." States Mikael as he chokes Perdita who glares.
"AAARGH!" Shouts Perdita before she Force Chokes Mikael, making the Mandalorian gag as he lets her go. Mikael rises as he struggles to breath, "Don't fight it. It'll only drag it out!"
So caught up in her power, Perdita fails to realize the beeping on her back. On her back is a small pellet that beeps rapidly before detonating, making Perdita sail forward as Mikael lands safely. He sees her coming and clotheslines her with his left arm. The force is so great that Perdita is sent flipping before she lands in a heap. Mikael coughs and regains air while blood oozes from Perdita's mouth, showing the damage of the clothesline. She gags and coughs as Mikael stands and walks to her.
"Ah man, I told you not to fight it." States Mikael as he looks down at her while Bishop, walks behind him. Bishop, hands him his pistols while Mikael holsters one of them, "I know, I know, "How was I beaten?"
"Truth be told, you're just so damn arrogant that you made this way too easy for me." States Mikael before aiming his pistol as Perdita widens her eye as she stares down the barrel of the pistol, "But don't worry, you're not the first Sith who died from arrogance, and you won't be the last." Mikael fires, ending the dreams of the Sith Acolyte.
"Prep the ship, we're leaving." Orders Mikael, making Bishop, nod and walk away. Mikael turns to the shopkeeper and tosses him some credits.
"Sorry about the mess." States Mikael as he wraps up Perdita and carries her away. What?! He needs proof!
Getting back to Gardulla's Palace, Mikael carries in the wrapped up body of Perdita, drawing the attention of other bounty hunters as they spot the body. The singing and dancing stops as Mikael walks forward and drops the body of Perdita, in front of Gardulla. He uncovers her face to show proof, making Gardulla laugh loudly. Around Gardulla are the final members of the Great Hunt and one of them is Vance the Butcher. Watching Mikael from the back is a Duros male with a hat on his head. Another is a pale skinned woman with built in comlink antenna, coming from her head. The two are not part of the Great Hunt but have come to watch.
"The Mighty Gardulla is impressed you managed to subdue and kill a Sith." States the droid as the other competitors eye Mikael, "Now that you are here, the final phase can begin."
"Hey, you!" Calls a voice, making the Duros and the pale skinned bounty hunter turn to the voice. Mikael glances back to see Vance looking at him and walking up. Bishop growls and steps forward, only for Mikael to outstretch his arm and stop his advance.
"Vance the Butcher, I was hoping to meet you." States Mikael, making a crowd gather but stay back, "You've got balls to meet me face to face instead of shooting me in the back like I would have expected from a second rate… no… worthless bounty hunter like yourself."
"What?!" Growls Vance as he pulls out a machete of some kind, "How would you like a lesson in why they call me the "Butcher"?"
"Oh I heard." States Mikael with folded arms, "Killing unarmed women and children, you're so tough."
"On the blood of Hoss and Jess, I swear you will die screaming." Vows Bishop as he stares with anger at Vance. Vance begins to laugh loudly at the declaration before looking to Mikael.
"Now I see, you're the one that fool Hoss backed to get into the Great Hunt!" States Vance while Mikael allows his taunts, having already decided to kill him, "He should have left it alone and kept in mind his place!"
"His place?" Repeats Mikael as Vance walks around.
"He's was a weakling who wanted a chance at glory and chose to back another nobody to get that chance at glory!" Announces Vance, while Mikael looks to him.
"You talk a lot." States Mikael, making the crowd chuckle and Vance to sneer, "I wonder if you can back it up."
"You'll find out when the Tournament begins." Assures Vance, making Mikael scoff.
"Why wait?" Challenges Mikael, making Vance growl and step forward. Before the fight can start, Gardulla returns and announces the Tournament.
"The final stage of the Great Hunt can begin, now." States the droid, making the bounty hunters look to each other before they begin to walk out of the room. However, there is no rule that says the killing can't begin here. Mikael uses that to his advantage and draws a single pistol before killing to men on the right, shooting a Twi'lek girl in the middle before firing two shots into the last two bounty hunters and holstering his pistol. The occupants are silent, having never seen someone do such a thing.
"Like I said, why wait." Repeats Mikael as he glances to Vance who stands nearby.
"Ok, hot shot, I'll play your game." States Vance before looking to Bishop, "Leave him out of it."
"Believe me when I say, he's not needed." Taunts Mikael as Bishop stands back.
"No blasters." Adds Vance, making Mikael drop his blasters, "Just melee."
"Fine by me." States Mikael before Vance rushes forward with a swing with his machete. Mikael evades before throwing a straight left. The punch hits, snapping Vance's head back while a tooth flies out of his mouth. Vance comes around with another swing but Mikael blocks with his left arm before gut punching, Vance several times. Vance lifts a knee, bringing Mikael up before the Mandalorian lands in a crouch. He spins and tries to sweep Vance's legs but Vance hops over it, only for Mikael to twirl around and kick him in the gut, sending him flying into a table.
"GRAAGH!" Growls Vance as he stands and attacks. Mikael blocks and guards with his left arm while kicking, punching and countering Vance's attacks in a masterful display of martial arts. One of his bounties was a local killer that had been bothering a rather prestigious dojo. The master of the dojo hired a bounty hunter to handle them man and his thugs after the killer killed all of his disciples. Together, Master Racketdash and Mikael beat the thugs and killer. After words, Racketdash, trained Mikael in numerous martial arts. Mikael ducks before throwing two punches and ducking again and throwing three more punches.
Realizing, challenging Mikael to a melee fight was not the wisest thing to do, Vance jumps back and picks up a pistol before firing. Mikael raises his left arm and moves forward, blocking the lasers before grabbing the barrel of the pistol and bending it. He then grabs the machete and breaks it. Vance looks to his broken weapon before taking off his armor to show muscle. No wonder, Mikael's attacks weren't working. Vance charges forward and tackles Mikael before slamming him through a table.
"Whoa." Mutters Mikael before he is grabbed and picked up. Mikael ducks under a slow swing before upper-cutting Vance with his left arm. Vance growls, not affected, making Mikael groan before he is slammed down. Vance grabs the helmet and wrenches it off, Mikael, showing his face. Vance then lifts Mikael before throwing a right. Mikael blocks the attack before spinning and tripping Vance. Mikael then grabs the leg of Vance and bends it back, making Vance yell out. Vance pushes him back and stands before Mikael picks up a knife that was probably from a table.
"Come on!" Taunts Vance as Mikael dashes forward and swings the knife. Vance evades before straight punching Mikael whose head snaps back from the force. He comes back and plunges the knife into the shoulder of Vance who appears unfazed. Vance then grabs Mikael and slams him down before pulling out the knife and thrust downward. Mikael blocks the initial thrust before Vance crouches, providing more pressure. Mikael uses his left arm to hold off the knife but even with the arm, the knife plunges into his skin, slipping through the gaps of his armor.
"AAAGH!" Shouts Mikael in pain before lifting his knee, into the crotch of Vance who howls out. He stands while holding his crotch before Mikael kick-ups to stand before evading a straight punch and grabbing the arm and breaking it over his shoulder. Vance howls out in pain before his throat is chopped and he falls to his knees. He pushes Mikael back who grabs the knife. Vance feebly swings but Mikael ducks and plunges the knife into the soft flesh of the arm and ducks before cutting his gut. Vance grabs Mikael and using his vambrace, he burns a symbol onto Mikael's forehead, making Mikael yell out. Mikael growls before breaking his final arm and plunging his left hand into Vance's throat. He yanks, pulling out as Vance coughs up blood before falling to his knees and falling sideways.
"The winner of the Great Hunt has been chosen!" States the translator droid, making Mikael pant and grab his wound. Bishop is by him in seconds and begins patching him up. Though the symbol is a permanent mark on Mikael's skin.
"You got promise, boy." States a voice, making Mikael turn to the owner. Standing in front of the young Mandalorian is the male Duros with a cowboy hat.
"The name's Cad Bane and I have a proposition I'd like to discuss with you." States Cad Bane, making Mikael put his helmet back on.
"How's the pay?" Questions Mikael, making Bane smirk.
"To die for." States another voice, making Mikael turn to the chalk skinned woman.
"This here is, Aurra Sing." States Bane, making Mikael nod to the woman.
"So, what'd you say?" Questions Bane as Mikael looks to Bishop. Bishop nods his head, making Mikael turn to Bane.
"Let's hear it." States Mikael, making the bounty hunters walk with each other.
Phew, I hope you guys enjoy the first chapter of Jedi Hero. Ironic title given the first chapter, right?
As you read, I made the Great Hunt shorter and quicker. I wanted to keep it all on Nal Hutta.
Mikael's arm is the arm of Winter Soldier's in Infinity War. The mark on Mikael's forehead is the same type that adorns Exar Kun's forehead. I always thought it was cool but there is another reason for it. It will be revealed later.
Like in Mandalorian Knight, I've had Sidious recruit potential Sith Acolytes. Also the Clone Wars will proceed longer due to the fact it would have to take at least 3 years for Mikael to learn to be a Jedi.
Bishop is much like Baze from Rogue One and even has a similar gun.
Next Chapter- Jedi Chase! Assassination of a Senator?