C21) Rite of passage
Just after the successful mission to free Sabine's home, Keanu's next destination was to Ord Mantell where he would battle for Kitana's hand. Although he thought it was wrong, it was their tradition and had to respect it. Accompanying him on this mission would be Elyk, Noble squad and his parents.
Keanu sat in his room. Before he had finished tinkering with his lightsabers, he grabbed a small box and opened it, examining its contents. Satisfied, the teen closed the caser and stood, grabbed his gear and headed for the hanger bay where he would meet the group. Yet as soon as he turned a corner, a sudden feeling of danger struck him.
"On your left!" a voice called. Keanu activated one lightsaber and blocked the approaching staff. He activated his second saber and slammed in down onto his opponent's weapon, knocking it from their hands.
"You gonna have to do better than that, Elyk" Keanu said smugly, sheathing his blades. Elyk grunted as he picked his staff from the floor.
"Just keeping you on your toes, kid" Elyk shrugged. "Next time I won't announce my attack"
"Sure, and I'll still beat you" Keanu said confidently, swiping his gear from the floor and over his shoulder. "Expect the unexpected"
Elyk scoffed at the younger man's statement before gesturing forward. The two strolled to the hanger bay, passing the usual patrols and some friendly faces before arriving at their transports. Keanu climbed into the cockpit of his fighter whilst shoving his gear into a small compartment. He flicked the necessary switches and dialed in the coordinates for Ord Mantell, saluting Elyk and the Noble squad before taking off.
It wasn't long before the crew had reached Ord Mantell. Whilst descending into the lower atmosphere, the beautiful sights struck them. The planet had become much greener and healthier since Dar Khan was dethroned. Furthermore, the imperial deep dock was now an acting base of operations. Keanu's gaze was then stolen by the gliding dragon beside him. His roar echoed across the sky before diving towards the large platform just outside the palace, landing swiftly with the approaching ships.
Keanu jumped out of his fighter, grabbing his gear in the process and watching the ramp lower from Noble squad's ship. Nomad and his crew strolled out, supporting their equipment over their shoulders. Dante and Ahsoka also exited the shuttle but were clearly stuck in conversation. They were immediately greeted by two columns of Palace guards, standing at ease to allow their leader to approach. Osh Khan, accompanied by his daughter who now supported platinum blonde hair, marched down the aisle to meet the visitors.
"Your Majesties" Nomad greeted, placing his arm against his chest respectfully. The rest of the squad did the same.
"Nomad, it is good to see you again. I trust that your previous mission to Coruscant prospered?" Osh asked, even though he knew clearly of Noble squad's reputation.
"Yes Sir. We managed to snuff out a majority of the Black sun deserters. With more time, their cartel will disappear"
"Good work. We will continue at the debrief. Now get some rest. You and your squad have earned it"
"Copy that, Sir" Nomad concluded, gesturing for his squad to follow as they made their way to their barracks. Keanu approached, bowing as a Jedi would. Elyk stepped beside him and greeted the two with an arm on his chest. Kitana ignored the gesture and instantly hugged the young Jedi. The two laughed happily.
"Thank you for doing this Keanu" Osh said. "I know that it is unfair-"
"I understand, your Majesty" Keanu said, causing Osh to lower his head and smile. "Your Daughter is the universe to me. I'll do anything to make her and her family happy"
"Aw, my hero" Kitana said, kissing Keanu's cheek. Elyk groaned and stepped next to Osh.
"Right, enough of all that love birds. Hell, its tournament day! Let's get you ready!" Elyk said pointing at the young Jedi before grabbing and leading him away from Kitana and Osh.
"Do you think he'll like it?" Kitana asked worryingly. Osh wrapped his arm around his daughters and smiled.
"He will love it." Osh said. He then glanced back to Dante and Ahsoka, still deep in conversation. Something was wrong yet none of them were sharing. Ahsoka then broke away and approached the two. "Lady Tano, Welcome"
"Thank you, your Highness" Ahsoka said with a bow. "It's an honor"
"The honor is mine. Walk with us" Osh said, gesturing towards the palace. Ahsoka agreed, leaving Dante to tinker with something on Keanu's ship as they entered the palace.
An hour had passed, and Keanu was now preparing for the arriving tournament. The chants of the crowd could easily be heard from outside. Keanu had been stripped down to a blood red ceremonial tunic, imprinted with silver incantations. He also strapped on a black pauldron which also had similar markings, protecting his right shoulder and part of his chest.
"Are you done?" Keanu groaned impatiently. Elyk had taken the liberty to brand Keanu with war paint. In this case, a thick red path which led from his eye, down his neck and back, across to his chest and concluding on his shoulder.
"That should do" Elyk said, marveling at his work. Keanu jerked his shoulders up and down, allowing himself to get familiar and comfy with the gear before turning towards the exit. He took deep breaths. "Don't worry kid, you'll do fine. Just remember what we taught you and don't die. Simple!"
Keanu grabbed his substitute weapon, a fine sword and a sturdy but durable shield, both worn down by time and excessive use. The doors opened and the bright sun pierced through the cavern like room. Keanu stepped out into the arena as the wave of chants struck him. He rose his weapons proudly, observing the thousands of spectators. Osh Khan stood from his throne, raising his hand to silence his subjects.
"I… Osh Khan… give to you…my loyal subjects… My champion!"
The crowds cheered as Keanu fell to one knee, thrusting his weapons to his sides and bowing his head. The Khan raised his hand again.
"As you know, Victory in ceremonial combat comes by yield… or death. Any faction who wishes to put forth a warrior... I now offer you that path" Osh bellowed. The crowds fell silent as the leaders of the other respected cities stood. They all wore robes of a different colour, decorated with personal runes on the clothes and shiny accessories from bracelets to rings and belts. The arena was composed of the planetary factions. No group had accepted the challenge. Was this all a wasted trip?
The answer was no. A sudden, aggressive chant echoed through the arena as a small militia entered the main event. Large warriors wearing barely any armour marched into view, halting just before the Khan. The chant stopped as their leader stood before them. A large Falleen, dragging a mighty club behind him, approached Osh and Kitana. He examined Keanu closely and chuckled before glancing up to the balcony.
"Kota, what are you doing here?" Osh demanded whilst His guards placed their hands on their weapons defensively. Kota laughed.
"It's challenge day, is it not?!" Kota cried out, causing some of the spectators to cheer for a short period. "We have watched... and listened from the mountains! We have watched with disgust... as your armies and… technological advancements have been overseen by a child! Who scoffs at tradition!"
Conversation broke out within the crowds. Kota then thrusted his club in Keanu's direction. "And now… you want to hand the planet over to this… boy! One who could not keep his own safe. We will not have it. I said, we will not have it! I, Kota, leader of the Iron peaks-"
"Are you done?" Keanu called, grabbing Kota's attention. "I accept your challenge"
Kota grinned as the arena was now full of cheers. He lowered his club to his side.
"Iron legion!" Kota yelled, striking the floor with end of his club. His men surrounded the two, grabbing spears from their backs and aiming them forward, containing the two combatants. Kota slammed a mask onto his face; a red skull with sharp tusks on the cheeks, branded with scuffs and cracks.
"White Star!" Kitana ordered, causing a small group of guards to leap into the arena. They wore Galactic marine gear, identical to that of what was worn on Mygeeto. The only difference would include the black and white colour scheme with added White stars on the shoulder pads and chest plate. They grabbed Electrostaffs from their backs and thrusted them forward, enforcing the circle.
"Let the challenge… begin!"
Kota stormed forward, mouth agape but hidden as he released a savage roar, swinging his club frantically towards Keanu. If it was supposed to scare the young warrior, it failed. He did not flinch as he held his blade out with a solid grip, positioning it against the top of his shield. The Falleen swung his club down towards Keanu's neck and Keanu forced his shield to the side to meet it. He deflected the powerful blow, causing the club to ricochet back. Keanu then whipped his blade across Kota's chest in an effort to draw first blood. He succeeded. Kota scrambled back slightly before lifting his club into a defensive position. He had clearly underestimated his opponent. The two quickly noticed the ring of guards gradually closing in. Kota charged again, bashing Keanu's sword aside and swinging wildly at his head. The Young Jedi retreated behind his shield to absorb the blow, but the sheer force knocked it free from his hand and his sword followed suite in an attempt to parry his opponents strike. But then there was an opening. Keanu slammed his foot down on the club, thrusting his elbow into Kota's face and shattering his mask. Then he pushed himself of the weapon and onto his opponents back before continuously punching the back of Kota's head. It was brutal but Kota was tough enough to survive it. He roared angrily, grabbing Keanu from his back and tossing him ahead although he landed smoothly, calling his sword and shield to his hands with the force. The crowds cheered frantically.
Kota gritted his teeth, ripping the remnants of his mask from his face and throwing them to the ground. He stared at Keanu with a wry expression of amusement. "Quite the warrior, aren't you, Boy? You have more backbone than I thought" Kota growled. "But it won't save you! Your little theatrics will only get you so far!"
Keanu looked to the subjects observing him and then back to his opponent. He rested the blade back on to the top of the shield. "I can do this all day"
Kota smirked, throwing his club aside. Keanu tilted his head briefly before doing the same with his weapons. The two raised their clenched fists and marched towards each other. Yet Kota didn't throw a punch. He quickly tackled Keanu into a gut-wrenching hold. Keanu could feel the air leaving his lungs and had to think of a plan fast. He wriggled and squirmed with all of his might, yet Kota's arm didn't budge. Then Kota roared again, bashing his head against Keanu's. Blood spewed from his nose, splattering onto Kota's face. Keanu's head was ringing, dazed by the blow to his skull. His eyes were wild, and his jaw sagged, gasping for air as nausea filled his guts. In a desperate final move, Keanu bashed his own ringing head forward, causing Kota to release him and stumble back. Air suddenly filled Keanu's lungs whilst he wiped the blood from his nose. The Guards were again closing in and Keanu knew it was time to end it. He erected his stance and prepared for Kota's attack. The Falleen managed to grab his club and thrust it towards Keanu. But the Young Jedi kicked it out of Kota's hands, following with another kick to Kota's stomach. He fell back, hitting the ground hard. Kota attempted to push himself back to his feet, but he was quickly forced into a submission. Keanu tightened his grip as the guards were just before them with the spectators eagerly awaiting the conclusion.
"Yield! Don't make me kill you!" Keanu demanded, continuing to enforce his grip. Even though he had no intention of killing his combatant, he had to win. Kota looked bluntly for an escape but there was no clear path. "I would rather die!" Kota spat, realising that the crowds were chanting Keanu's name.
"You have fought with honour, now yield! Your people need you!" Keanu said. Kota stared at his loyal soldiers and knew… that the Jedi was right. Through his anger of defeat, He submitted. Keanu released Kota from the hold with a large sigh of relief. The crowds cheered as the guards helped their respected combatants to their feet. Kota retreated from the arena with his people as Keanu raised his fists victoriously…
After his victory in the arena, Keanu and the crew had been invited to dinner in the palace. As he entered, he could see that most of the guests were already present, stuck in conversation with each other. Osh stood amongst a small gathering of the other leaders. Then, Keanu felt a quickening of his pulse when he caught sight of Kitana, dressed in a fine black robe with a luxurious silver chain which looped over her shoulder and around her waist. It also appeared to have the head of a dragon attached to the joints. She was chatting with none other than Ahsoka and Dante, who were also dressed in more formal clothes.
Kitana smiled as she caught sight of the Young Jedi. She strolled over and away from the adults as Osh concluded his own discussion. The two both approached Keanu as he bowed respectively.
"Keanu, I see that the tunic fits you well. It suits you"
Keanu swung his arms loosely. "It's ridiculously comfortable, your Majesty. I can't thank you enough for helping us out"
"My pleasure" Osh said, turning to Kitana. "I must tend to the guests. Stay out of trouble"
Osh then left the two and proceeded into another conversation with a random group of guests. The two teens exchanged looks. Kitana brushed her hair behind her ear awkwardly as Keanu scratched his neck.
"Would you do me the honour of walking with me?" Keanu winced at the awkwardness of his words.
"Walking with you?" Kitana arched one of her fine eyebrows curiously. "Where?"
"Well, um… maybe you could grant me a tour of the palace?"
"Are you asking me on a date, Keanu Tano?"
"I think so…" Keanu replied. The two laughed as Keanu took her arm in his. Kitana nudged gently.
"Let's go then" she said with a smile as the anxiety between them disappeared, replaced with joy. They walked in silence for a moment after leaving the larger room and strolled through the corridors before Kitana spoke up. "I feel so sorry for him"
"Who?"
"My Father. He looks so weary"
"I don't blame him. It can't be easy with the responsibility of the planet weighed on his shoulders. But he'll be fine as long as we support him." Keanu said with a smile. "Anyway, it's early and there's so much I want to say…"
The Princess looked at her companion curiously. "Like what?"
Keanu laughed. "I don't know. Nothing… everything. I don't care"
"That doesn't sound very specific" Kitana said, resting her head against Keanu's arm as they reached the platform from earlier. "But… I'm sure we'll manage". The two looked up to the stars and then to the resting beast next to Keanu's fighter. They approached him but Keanu's attention was stolen by the fighter. One of the stabilizer wigs had been torn off and apparently used as a chew toy for Drogoth.
"Right up you get!" Keanu said sternly. The dragon's eyes slowly opened as he reared his head upwards and yawned. Then he started to chew on the wing… again. "He owes me a new wing"
"I'm sure he didn't mean it. Look at him" Kitana said, stroking the Dragon's head. "He was only hungry. Probably bored too". Kitana then climbed onto Drogoth's neck, gesturing for Keanu to follow.
"What are you doing?"
"We are going for a ride" Kitana said. Keanu raised an eyebrow. "What, you said it yourself. Its early"
"What if he doesn't want me to? He'll probably eat me instead of finding me a new wing"
"Then I have enjoyed your company, Keanu Tano"
The Jedi sighed in defeat before ascending the beast. He sat himself behind Kitana, grabbing one of Drogoth's many spikes that transcended down his spine. They took off into the sky, becoming one with the night. Kitana steered the dragon towards a large forest, spanning across the horizon. The trees were thin, scraping the sky and spanning many branches. Yet a small opening could barely be glimpsed. Keanu tapped the Princess's shoulder, then gestured to the opening in the trees. Drogoth banked left on command and glided closer. The opening looked like a crash sight. Yet there was no debris. Only snapped trees which followed a trail left in the ground. The dragon landed shortly, allowing his passengers to disembark and follow the path of destruction before stopping at an opening. From observing the trail further down, the two could clearly see a creature lying at the end. It appeared to be trapped in a metal snare.
"Are you seeing what I'm seeing?" the Jedi asked. He received no answer. He glanced around and saw that Kitana was gone, now descending the path. Keanu sighed before following suite. But as he drew closer, he noticed a crucial detail. The trapped beast was a six-legged predator. The Princess fell to her knees, stroking the beast's neck for comfort. Its breathing was uneasy; its eyes narrowing at the sight of the two.
"Keanu look" Kitana said, gesturing to a lock on the chain with a black brand engraved in the corner. "That's the symbol of the Black sun. They shot this poor thing down… and left them to die…"
"Then let's get them out" Keanu said, grabbing his lightsaber and igniting it. The creature's head fell to the floor with its eyes closed, expecting a quick death. But that wasn't the plan. Keanu started to slice through the metal to free it, yet he felt an extreme presence in the force, connected to this creature. The beast noticed the chains slacken and suddenly pounced on the Jedi, forcing him down with one of his claws. Its luminous green eyes stared into Keanu's soul whilst emitting a low growl. It reared its head back and released a threatening roar straight into Keanu's face before disappearing in the blink of an eye. Keanu wiped the saliva from the beast's roar from his face. He looked to the princess before they both broke down into laughter. "You're welcome!". Kitana then reached down, grabbing the severed lock from the floor.
"So, what was that?" Keanu asked, glancing in the direction of the beast's' escape.
"Thanatoros Adalas… or Thanator for short. Ord Mantell's Apex land predator in the flesh…" Kitana replied.
"Well, I'm surprised he didn't eat me…"
The Next day, Keanu decided to take his parents into the forest to track the creature. Dante banked right, lowering the ship just above the treetops, glancing over to his son. "So… where did you see this Thana… thing?"
"Thanator" Keanu said, resting against the wall and gazing outside, searching for the tree opening from the night before. "And somewhere around here… I think"
"You don't remember?! Great…" Dante groaned, looking back to his passengers. Ahsoka was in deep thought, observing the woods whilst stroking her chin.
"Hey! It was dark… and I didn't just happen to map it down!"
"Would've helped…" Dante muttered, kicking his feet up and enjoying the view. But his feet hit the floor when the alarm blasted through their ear. Keanu and Ahsoka both stared at their pilot. "Conduit failure?! But I jus-"Dante stuttered, questioning his own engineering skills. "Hold onto something!"
Dante began frantically flicking every necessary switch for a smoother landing as his passengers strapped themselves firmly to their seats. "How come every time you fly, we crash?!" Ahsoka asked.
"It's not my fault, it's the ship's!" Dante argued, clutching the controls. The ship proceeded to plummet before crashing into the dirt, splintering trees on impact and leaving a distant trail behind. The ship eventually stopped. The three stumbled out of the ship, stretching their bodies uncomfortably. Dante caught Ahsoka's glare. "What?"
"You always blame the ship!"
"I don't…" Dante argued, examining the crash site. It was going to be a while before the ship would be flight worthy again. "Anyway… we can't just wander around aimlessly. So, I suggest we construct a plan!"
"That's the first…" Ahsoka sighed, looking over to Keanu. He was down on one knee, examining a set of large tracks and snapped branches, heading deep into the forest.
"Well…you guys always taught me to go on instinct and my instincts tell me to go this way" Keanu said, pointing in the direction in which the trail lead. Dante stroked his chin.
"You sure, Kid? I think we should go this way…" Dante said, jerking his thumb over his shoulder. Keanu stood and glared before confronting Dante.
"Why do you even ask for my opinion?! Its not like you ever do things my way! Hell, whenever we do things your way, we're left with this!" Keanu spat, flailing his arms towards the crashed ship.
"Oh, very funny. I see your sense of humour survived the landing, perhaps your sense of direction did as well?"
"Are you two done?" Ahsoka asked. Keanu and Dante both looked at her with crossed arms. "Look, Dante and I will go this way. Keanu, go and follow your instinct. We'll meet you back here". Ahsoka then dragged Dante in the opposite direction. Keanu sighed lightly before ghosting the trail into the forest.
From splintered branches to claw branded trees, the trail eventually became cold. How does one lose something of such a size? Keanu knelt, placing his hand firmly against the ground, delving deep into the force. It wasn't long before he felt a strong presence, guiding him forwards. But the forest became more of a jungle as he ventured further. Keanu ignited his lightsaber before cutting his way through the dense, suffocating undergrowth, fighting through the very air, which hung heavy and still. Trees tall as buildings surrounded him and light barely shimmered through the vast canopy of leaves. It was an assault on all his senses.
But then the Jedi was forced to halt his expedition by a hulking stone wall, infected by erratic vines. Yet he swiped the vines away, revealing an entrance. It was a cave mouth of impenetrable blackness and as he stepped in, Keanu watched his shadow dissolve into the surrounding darkness. He lifted his weapon above his head, illuminating the path before him until he stumbled into daylight. A hidden reservoir now stole his gaze. He approached cautiously, mouth wide in awe. But his eyes swivelled left to witness the creature he was tracking, perched over a large set of rocks. It was stalking him.
Keanu jumped slightly but stood his ground, observing as the creature lowered itself to his level, now standing directly before him. The Thanator's attention was drawn to the blue glowing blade. "Right… no weapons" Keanu muttered, removing his weapon belt and tossing it aside. The Thanator's eyes were glued to him, yet they were wide and interested. Its posture slackened whilst it crawled forward with caution, emitting a curious growl. Keanu stepped aside slightly, reaching his hand out to stroke the creatures head. The Thanator's head froze, iris's widening before it lowered into Keanu's hand. "Huh… and here I thought you were going to eat me…"
Keanu and the Thanator jumped at the sudden roar of a ship passing over their heads. A fleet hastily soared over them, heading in the direction of the city. The predator reared its head up attentively, eyes narrowing toward the cave entrance. Keanu reached out his hand towards his weapon belt, causing it to fly into his hand. He quickly armed himself before sprinting out of the reservoir and into the forest, following his path back to the crash site where his parents already stood, observing the fleet.
"Who are they?" Ahsoka asked. Dante's eyes squinted before the two felt Keanu's presence. "Did you find your creature?"
"Yeah, friendly guy. Didn't eat me" Keanu shrugged, stepping beside them. "So… who are our guests?"
"Let's go find out" Dante said before placing his hands on Ahsoka's and Keanu's back. They disappeared in a spiral of flames before reappearing at the palace. They rushed to the throne room where a gathering had begun. A figure in Black sun garments stood before Osh and Kitana with Elyk standing beside them as well as their guards and Noble squad. They were unaware of the three's presence.
"I have come home… My Khan" the larger figure said with a bow. Osh looked down to them with a blank face. He stood, making the soldiers around him step forward slightly. "This is no longer your home… and I am no longer your Khan" Osh said calmly. The figure glanced up and stared into his eyes before straightening himself. "Oh yes… you have a new favourite" The figure said sarcastically. "So where is this… 'Jedi'?". The figure chuckled darkly, beginning to loiter from left to right. "Did I scare him off?"
Osh risked a quick look to Keanu, but the figure caught it and quickly turned. The two stared each other down. "Apparently not… nice to finally meet your acquaintance, Jedi!"
"I can't say the same" Keanu replied, slowly approaching the mysterious figure with his hand rested against his weapon. "Who are you?" Keanu questioned. The figure's vision darted back to Osh, his arms hitting his sides in disappointment. He laughed before removing his helmet and dropping by his feet. A Falleen male about Keanu's age stood before them.
"My oh my… the secrets are out… I wonder how many more-"
"Enough of this!" Osh yelled, stepping face to face with the younger man, lowering his voice to barely a whisper. "The only reason I don't kill you where you stand and allow you to stand here in audience with me is because I know of who you are… Now what do you want?"
The young Falleen's eyebrows rose, directing his attention to the throne behind the Khan. "I want the throne" He announced, causing all eyes to switch between him and Osh. Kitana laughed.
"And what right do you have to make that demand? Father this is pointless. Reject his request and allow the guards to handle this"
"Oh, I'm not requesting anything" the teen replied, glancing back at Keanu and his parents. "You asked me earlier who I am. Ask again…". Keanu froze, knowing that his answer wouldn't be good news. He remained silent.
"You're a Black sun Operative and Mercenary with the alias of Reaper. Racked up quite the reputation in the outer rim…" Elyk said, watching as all eyes were glued to him.
The Mercenary chuckled. "Huh, so at least I'm not non-existent. But that's not my name, friend… My name is Thojes Khan! Son of Dar Khan and rightful heir to that throne!". Everyone froze, glaring at the intruder before the doors behind him swung open. A militia of Black sun soldiers stormed into the room, covering all exits and keeping the group at gunpoint. They stood their ground just as the Dragon crashed into the throne room. But wrapped around its neck was a large metallic collar. Drogoth released a deadly roar and began to ignite the entire room. The group scrambled for cover as Thojes mounted the rageful beast. "Kill them all!" Thojes ordered. The soldiers immediately acted and attacked.
Keanu and his parents ignited their lightsabers to deflect the barrage of projectiles, retreating behind a shield formed by Noble squad. They were easily outnumbered and outgunned. Keanu glanced behind the attackers, eyeing the open exit and quickly sketching a plan. His gaze switched between Drogoth and the doorway. He turned to Kitana, grasping her hand in his.
"I'm going to do something stupid but before I do, I have to ask you something" Keanu said. Kitana eyes widened. She nodded her head once. "Will you marry me?"
The words shocked the princess. Her vision jumping between the Jedi and the attackers. Kitana laughed happily. "I Don't think now is the best time!"
"Now could be the only time!" Keanu said, rearing over his shoulder to the attackers and the weakening shield. He slid his hand into his pocket and grabbed the small box, presenting it to the princess. A Chrome ring wrapped within a lush blue cloth laid before Kitana's eyes. "I love you and I've made my choice. What's yours?"
"Yes! Yes, I will!" Kitana exclaimed. The two exchanged a kiss before turning their attention back to the battle.
"Great! I have an idea!"
"Well, enlighten us!" Dante called impatiently. Keanu dashed past them, clutching Thojes' attention and luring him away from the others. Removing Drogoth from the battle would act as a major turning point. The Jedi stumbled out of the large doorway, narrowly avoiding the dragon's jaws and purely concentrating on the horizon. But the dragon's wing swept forward, knocking Keanu of the ground, causing him to tumble and be trapped within one of beast's claws.
"What an excellent plan! Run outside and die?! How… original" Thojes mocked, kicking the dragon's neck. Drogoth reared his head back, preparing to burn Keanu alive. A distant roar caused him to freeze and peer forward with a growl. The Thanator came to the Jedi's aid, now challenging the larger predator. Keanu's plan had worked. Drogoth erected his posture, hoping to strike fear and present his dominance as an alpha predator. The Thanator did similar but jumped forward, placing itself between Keanu and Thojes. The Jedi mounted the large predator and slammed his two lightsabers together before igniting them. The two fierce beasts forced one final roar and charged.
With strength and power against them, they had to rely on speed. The Thanator pounced on its target, scraping its claws against Drogoth's tough scales before one of its arms latched onto the collar. The beast heaved strongly but the contraption refused to budge, allowing the dragon to savagely bite down on his opponents tail and swing them away. The Thanator attempted this manoeuvre again but from the other side. In this attempt, Keanu reached out and sliced the collar with his lightsaber before retreating. Thojes had no control over his mount, aggressively forcing the dragon to attack. But he failed to notice the approaching counterattack.
"Witness the might of the Iron peaks!" Kota chanted, restraining Thojes by lifting him up with one arm. Keanu saw his moment to strike, urging his mount forward to strike again. The Thanator obeyed, leaping forward and tearing off the collar. Drogoth roared painfully before taking off, flying directly upwards and shaking off his passengers. Keanu dismounted the Thanator, eyeing his opponent briefly. "Thank you" Keanu said gratefully. The beast tilted its head as if it were a bow before speeding off.
Thojes stumbled to his feet, rubbing his and observing his surroundings. The fighting had stopped. Thojes was now surrounded by a circle, mixed with different warriors. He reached for a blaster on the floor before it was kicked out of reach. Kota stood over him, club in hand. The large man swung his head in Keanu's direction. "I owed you a great debt! A life for a life..." Kota said before grabbing Thojes by his hair. "As much as I want to kill you myself... I do enjoy a good show"
Kota then threw Thojes to the ground in Keanu's direction. The Falleen glanced up and witnessed the Jedi who stood before him. Keanu tossed a lightsaber into his opponent's hands, igniting his own.
"So honourable... Now, show me what you got, champion!" Thojes roared, igniting the cyan blade and swinging it forward. Keanu parried the attack with ease, feinting a single attack and luring Thojes into an open strike. Keanu struck his opponent's shoulder. Thojes grasped it angrily, continuing a barrage of miserable swings. Keanu lunged forward, bashing Thojes's weapon out of his hand and impaled his shoulder. He retracted the blade and called the other to him whilst watching Thojes fall to his knees.
"Yield!" Keanu ordered. Thojes barely muttered the words, staring at the floor and concealing a sick grin. He reared his head up, snatching a blaster from the nearest spectator and aimed it at Keanu's turned back. Before he could pull the trigger, a shadow of a dragon loomed over him. Drogoth's jaws fell upon Thojes's limp body before being swallowed whole. Finally, the dragon released a breath of flames, spreading his wings as the victor. The Son of Dar Khan was no more; the Champion had claimed another victory...
Hours passed and order was finally restored. The remnants of the Black sun on Ord Mantell were rounded up and imprisoned, the marriage was approved and the major factions were at peace. Things were looking good... for now...