Chapter 2 - Confrontation with Dooku
Invisible Hand Corridor
Looking at Obi-Wan's face, my resolve to tell him the situation dissolved, I couldn't tell him yet, not here, not yet. I flashed my trademark grin, trying my best to create an aura of reassurance and confidence. Saying something that helped express the feelings I had bottled up along with the light deep inside the coldness of the void that was the dark side, I hadn't realized just how badly I'd missed my old master over the decades, I truly was a fool.
"You're like my brother, and right now there isn't anyone else in the galaxy I'd rather have at my side." Obi-Wan seemed a bit taken back at my statement, but he returned the gesture by smiling, that famous Obi-Wan smile he always had, putting his hand on my shoulder and nodding. "You're a great Jedi, Anakin, and an even better friend, thank you," He gave pause, considering something for a moment before a moment. "We should get moving though, we can't keep the Chancellor and our friend the Count waiting anymore, can we?"
I chuckled lightly, it felt odd, being able to hear his own voice, and not the voice of some mechanical monster, for that first time since coming to the past, he truly thanked the force for this chance.
Later, Invisible hand observation deck
Obi-Wan and I stepped out of the elevator, Anakin felt the presence just down the stairs, locked to a chair, it was him. Anakin could feel his blood begin to boil, but he kept himself calm and they descended the stairs towards Palpatine, Obi-Wan gave his greeting and I did too, halfheartedly, of course. They felt a familiar presence enter the room, it was Dooku, standing at the top of the stairs, Palpatine spoke up, feigning alarm, but I knew better. "Get help. You're no match for him. He's a Sith Lord!" I scoffed under my breathe at the statement, speaking up before Obi-Wan responded. "I think we can handle ourselves." Palpatine narrowed his eyes slightly, but smiled after a moment. "I'm very aware, I'm confident in your abilities, my boy."
I turned away, focusing my attention solely on Dooku, as he neared them, Obi-Wan spoke up to the aging Sith Lord as the three of them disrobed and unhooked their Lightsabers. "Surrender. You will be given no further chance." Count Dooku merely chuckled at the thought of it, speaking in his usual sarcastic way to the duo. "Unless one of you happens to be carrying Yoda in his pocket, I hardly think I shall need one." I ignited my lightsaber, I stared at it for a brief moment, the blue blade returned me to the memory on Cloud City, I silently shuttered at the thought, but I collected myself, there will be time for memories later. Just as soon as my saber ignited, as did Obi-Wan's, he glanced at me, I could tell he noticed my emotions again, through the force, I strengthen my mental barriers, but not too tightly, He looked at me, bubbling concerned covering his expressions once again, before he relaxed and looked back at Dooku, preparing himself. I knew he'd be asking questions once we finished this mission, I just hoped I was able to answer them in time. Dooku ignited his blood red saber as well, he caught the brief moment between them, but said nothing of it, staying on the topic at hand, he spoke one final time. "Just because there is two of you, do not assume you have the advantage."
Time seemed to slow down as I focused my feelings and my energy for this duel, I knew how this duel was going to happen, but the way it happened the first time couldn't happen again, I needed to do things the right way this time around. Then it hit me, I felt calm, calmer then I ever have before, my redemption wouldn't be wasted, I wouldn't let all the hard work Luke did be in vain, I knew what needed to be done this time.
As one, Obi-wan I moved forward, I went high, he went low, we moved in tandem, unleashing a flurry of strikes that surprised even myself, Dooku moved backwards, blocking out blows, we stopped just under the railing that Dooku had jumped off earlier, Dooku expected me to say something full of bravado and arrogance during this pause like I usually would've, I could tell, he spoke up first though, smiling that cocky smile he always had. "As skilled as ever, Master Kenobi, but your apprentice seems to be lacking as usual." I heard Obi-Wan sigh beside him, I smiled at him in response, thinking up of a new variation for what he had said at this moment. "I've grown a bit since you've seen me last, I believe you're in for a surprise, Dooku."
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Here you go guys! Thought I'd make it a bit longer this time, I hope you like it so far, I'm still just rolling with the story as I type, no real overall idea here, so I'd appreciate ideas, questions, or concerns and whatnot. Thank you for reading! I really appreciated the positive feedback from the first chapter, it was a great feeling.
