Disclaimer:
Roses are red, violets are blue.
Me no own so you no sue.
(I did not write this disclaimer myself, I read it on a Zelda fic but it summarizes everything. Whoever made up this disclaimer, please don't sue me!)
AN: Thanks a lot to Jacen200015 and Teekoness for your reviews, you two are awesome!
CHAPTER TWELVE
Aro-Ken had done nothing in the past few hours. Nothing but sit dejectedly in a corner of his small prison. From the sound of the Master's happiness outside, the Council had given in to his wishes and given them their ship.
He had been unconscious when moved, but he had caught brief glimpses of the world outside the room when the Shadowraiths entered and left. From the steam and large machines he'd been able to see, and hearing of how the Shadowraiths were traveling about the Temple so quickly, Aro-Ken had concluded that he was in the large generator room.
He'd been in the generator room on a few brief occasions, and was only slightly familiar with its layout. But he was sure he knew enough to escape if he absolutely needed to.
Aro-Ken suddenly heard the Shadowraiths begin to speak outside.
"When may I kill him, my Master?" the Apprentice asked.
"Soon, soon. We will not need him much longer. Is the ship ready?" asked the Master.
"Yes, Master," replied the Apprentice.
"Then fetch the boy. My Seer, I sense others approaching. Stay here and take care of them," ordered the Master.
There were others coming? The thought filled Aro-Ken with some hope. It could be just someone coming for a maintenance check, or maybe someone had figured out where he was.
The door opened, and he squinted in the light change. Without a word the Apprentice stalked over to him and seized his arm. Even after so many times he still shuddered upon feeling the coldness of its skin.
Silently it pulled him out of the room to where the Master was waiting. The Seer was gone.
Aro-Ken quickly looked around, and saw that he was indeed in the generator room.
"Let's go," said the Master, seizing Aro-Ken's other arm and reducing his hopes of escape even more.
The Master led the way down the narrow catwalk that passed over various turbine shafts and melting pits. Glancing back, Aro-Ken saw that he had been in a small maintenance room.
As they left the generator room, Aro-Ken looked around, and felt relieved when he recognized his surroundings. Unfortunately, for whatever reason there was no one in the hallways.
They rounded a corner, and Aro-Ken saw that they were in the same tower that the Council Room was. If he could get away, he was almost positive that he could make it to the turbolifts behind him.
Calmly, Aro-Ken allowed them to basically drag him another few steps.
Then, as quickly as he could, he firmly planted his feet and pushed off, flipping backwards and twisting his arms out of the Shadowraiths' grasp.
He landed just behind them. Before they could seize him again, Aro-Ken jumped once more, extending both his legs and slamming his feet into the Shadowraiths' heads.
The instant his feet hit the ground he took off running, going as fast as he could despite his slightly weakened state. He suddenly remembered that he hadn't eaten for about two days.
He sensed the two Shadowraiths swiftly coming after him, and he didn't look back. Aro-Ken could feel the coldness nipping at his heels, knew how close to getting him they were. The turbolifts were just a few meters ahead…
As he got close, Aro-Ken extended a hand, jamming the button to open the door. They quickly opened and he kept running, never slowing for an instant until he was inside the small room. As quickly as he could, he spun around and hit the button to close the doors just as one of the Shadowraith's hands began to reach out for him.
The door closed and Aro-Ken entered the correct level, allowing himself to sigh with relief and lean heavily against the wall.
Suddenly the controls began to spark. The turbolift abruptly shuddered and halted. Aro-Ken's eyes shot open. He had a feeling this breakdown wasn't a coincidence.
There was a grinding, squealing sound from the machinery, and the doors abruptly moved a few inches, opening slightly. He caught a glimpse of black outside, and didn't wait for anything more.
He saw the access hatch on the roof of the elevator was open, and he jumped up to it, grasping the edge and pulling himself through just as a violent clanking sound came from within the walls of the turbolift, and he was sure the doors were opened.
Looking around frantically, Aro-Ken saw the only choice he had was to climb the turbolift cable. He seized the thick cable with both hands and jumped, climbing hand over hand as fast as he could.
Glancing down over his shoulder, he saw no sign of the Shadowraith. He knew that they were smart enough to figure out where he had gone, so why wasn't it following him?
Aro-Ken spotted a turbolift door above him open for whatever reason. Quickly he climbed until he was level with the door and swung his legs back and forth. He released the cable and used his momentum to land on his feet in the hallway.
Almost instantly a fist collided with the side of his head and he staggered to the side, almost falling back into the turbolift shaft.
More punches came, hitting his head, shoulders, and chest several times until he fell to the ground from a particularly hard blow.
On the ground all he could do was cover his head as the Apprentice kicked him repeatedly in the chest.
"Enough," a familiar calmly voice said from the side.
Aro-Ken looked up into the Master's hooded voice, and saw those glowing red eyes glaring coldly down at him. "Get up," it said.
He wearily hauled his beaten body up, and the two freezing hands seized him again. Desperately looking back and seeing how close he had been to escaping filled Aro-Ken with despair.
They pulled him down the twisting labyrinth of corridors and still didn't see a soul. As they neared the landing pad, the Master and Apprentice both froze and turned to each other. Aro-Ken hoped it was because there was someone ahead, but he was wrong again.
"Now, my Apprentice, you may kill the boy. He is no longer of any use to us," said the Master. "I will be on the ship when you are finished."
Aro-Ken could sense the Apprentice's pleasure grow at this.
"Yes, Master, immediately," the Apprentice maliciously said. The Master released his left and, and the Apprentice began to drag him away.
Aro-Ken desperately looked around one last time, and spotted a flash of metal at the Master's side when its robe parted as it spun around. He instantly recognized the cylindrical shape as his lightsaber.
Reaching out with the Force, he managed to seize it, and began tugging as hard as he dared without alerting the Master.
He sensed the clip that held it to his enemy's belt snap just as the Apprentice pulled him around a corner. He kept his hold on his lightsaber, making it hover just behind him.
Aro-Ken did not make his move until the Apprentice yanked on his arm particularly hard and he staggered into an empty room.
As the Apprentice drew its own lightsaber it still did not release Aro- Ken's arm. The young boy saw his own lightsaber just a meter behind the Apprentice.
"This will bring me much pleasure, boy," the Shadowraith said, igniting its black blade and preparing to cut Aro-Ken down.
Aro-Ken quickly did two things at once. He sprang as far as he could to the side, and the Apprentice's downwards thrust missed him, but barely. He could feel the heat as it scorched the side of his tunic. While he was in the air, Aro-Ken also used the Force to his the activation button on his lightsaber.
The Apprentice heard the electric snap-hiss sound and instantly spun around. It just managed to duck as Aro-Ken summoned his weapon to his free left hand. Surprisingly, the Apprentice still had not released its strong grip on his right arm.
The Shadowraith swung its lightsaber at Aro-Ken's head, and the boy quickly held his weapon up. The Apprentice's weapon clashed with Aro-Ken's so hard it shook his one arm. He knew he would have to free his other hand if he wanted to fight with his full strength. He could tell the Apprentice wasn't letting go any time soon.
Aro-Ken jumped and twisting about, trying to pull his arm free, but the Apprentice's grip was too strong.
At the same time the Apprentice was still swinging its blade wildly at Aro- Ken, who barely managed to block the attacks each time.
They went back and forth across the room, Aro-Ken repeatedly spinning and twisting his arm and trying to slash at the Shadowraith's hand. Occasionally he'd manage to jump and perform a graceful flip not only to avoid an attack, but also in another attempt to free his arm.
Aro-Ken knew he was wasting time. He had to get to the Council Room before the Master and the Seer got away.
As he and the Apprentice went back and forth across the room, wildly attacking each other, Aro-Ken had an idea. He needed to get his lightsaber into an exact position.
As they went in wide circles about the room, still attacking each other, Aro-Ken blocked a slash at his side. Before the Apprentice could draw back its lightsaber, the boy moved his in an arch, bringing the two weapons in front of his chest so that his was on top. They were diagonally crossed, pressing together with an electric crackling sound.
It was the exact opportunity Aro-Ken needed.
Before the Shadowraith could react, Aro-Ken twisted his hand, spinning his lightsaber around as it still pressed against the Apprentice's. Just as he had been hoping for, his weapon hit the Shadowraith's arm.
It arched its neck and loosened its grip on Aro-Ken just slightly. Instantly he jumped back, finally yanking his arm free.
The Apprentice wasted no time in retaliating. Almost as soon as Aro-Ken's feet hit the ground it swung its lightsaber at him once more.
Aro-Ken instantly continued to fight, parrying, thrusting, and attacking wildly, able to do much more with both his arms in use.
As the two opponents moved about the room, Aro-Ken felt himself beginning to tire. Sweat dropped on his face, and the muscles in his limbs were starting to burn. His lightsaber was feeling slightly heavier in his grasp.
Aro-Ken chanced a quick glance over his shoulder, and discovered his back was to the door of the room. He swiftly ducked a swing at his neck and then sprang backward, doing a neat black flip and landing in the hallway. Quickly he jammed the door and stepped back, leaning over slightly as he took a few deep breaths. He would not run away. Not this time. He had to finish it.
Not a minute later the keypad sparked and crackled and the door shot open. Instantly the Apprentice charged out and began fighting with a new fury.
The drove each other back and forth, but Aro-Ken knew the Apprentice was slowly beating him. Aro-Ken found that he was doing most of the ducking and blocking.
Suddenly, the Shadowraith swung, and hit weapon slammed into Aro-Ken's, forcing it down to his side. Instantly the black tip of the Apprentice's lightsaber was at his throat, so close he could feel the heat beginning to scorch his skin.
"Now you shall die," the Apprentice said, drawing back its blade.
Aro-Ken knew he needed a miracle as he turned his head away and closed his eyes.
Then, out of nowhere, his miracle came. "Aro-Ken!" Ada-Rin suddenly shouted.
Instantly his head snapped to the sound of her voice, as did the Apprentice's. Sure enough, Ada-Rin Remla came charging down the hall towards him, her lightsaber activated as she lunged at the Apprentice, who quickly blocked the attack.
Aro-Ken quickly regained his wits and lifted his lightsaber again, stepping back into the deadly dance.
As they both moved to avoid a wide swing from the Apprentice, Aro-Ken ducking and Ada-Rin jumping as high as she could, Aro-Ken called, "What are you doing here, Ada-Rin? How did you find me?"
"I was with Del-Mon! He told me to come and find you!" she replied as she came down. She quickly executed a downward thrust as she neared the ground. The Shadowraith swung around in a complete circle, batting both her attack and Aro-Ken's quick lunge aside.
Ada-Rin's words registered in Aro-Ken's mind as he recoiled his weapon when the Apprentice blocked his attack. So Del-Mon was alive after all! But where was he? As Aro-Ken abruptly stopped his charge, the Apprentice's next attack missing his stomach by inches, he reached out with the Force, searching for Del-Mon's presence.
He sensed the familiar vibrations in the Force. To his relief, they were not very far away. They were not flickering or fading, but somehow Aro-Ken knew that they were close to doing so. He could sense that Del-Mon was in danger. He needed help, and he needed it soon.
Aro-Ken was brought back to reality by Ada-Rin's sharp cry of, "Look out!" He jerked out of his thoughts quickly and spotted the Apprentice's black lightsaber blade swinging at his head. He just managed to duck, and could feel his enemy's blade singe his hair.
At the same moment Ada-Rin went in again. As the Apprentice's attack missed Aro-Ken, it swiftly spun around, and her upward slash cut through the air where it had been standing a moment before.
"Where's Del-Mon?" Aro-Ken called to Ada-Rin above the electric hum of the three lightsabers swinging.
She ducked another attack and came up slashing. "He's with another one of the Shadowraiths!" she replied.
Fear gripped Aro-Ken instantly. Would he be all right? He knew that he had to find out, but they weren't going anywhere while the Apprentice was still alive.
As the dance progressed, the two young Jedi seemed to share one mind in the three-way battle. Ada-Rin and Aro-Ken both attacked rapidly and skillfully. As one swung an attack, the other would try to lunge or thrust. If Ada- Rin's attack went short, Aro-Ken would be there to block the Apprentice's counterattack on her unprotected flank. Their moves were perfectly synchronized together. The Apprentice had to constantly spin about and jump aside to block both their attacks at once.
When the Apprentice did another wide swing with its lightsaber, both of its opponents jumped backwards. Grinning, it moved in on the girl as she flew through the air, moving close to where she would land.
Ada-Rin had gone higher and stayed in the air longer than her friend when she jumped.
Aro-Ken, on the other hand, had been close to the wall when he pushed off. As he flipped and was horizontal with the ground, he looked down very briefly. He spotted Ada-Rin upside-down, and knew she could not spot the Apprentice moving in on her.
His eyes grew wide, knowing he had to save her. His feet hit the wall and instantly he pushed off as hard as he could.
Aro-Ken sailed towards his friend and over the Shadowraith's head, flipping over once more and twisting his body so he would land facing it.
Below him, Ada-Rin landed just as the Apprentice swung its black lightsaber at her torso. She did not have enough time to block it, and cried out in surprise.
At the same time Aro-Ken shouted from above her as he came down to the ground. He landed just in front of the Apprentice; beginning to swing his blade the instant his feet hit the ground.
His attack smashed into the Shadowraith's blade, knocking it aside.
As soon as she realized what had happened, Ada-Rin quickly darted around to the Apprentice's side and tried to snake her blade around Aro-Ken's and their opponent's. Just as the tip of her purple weapon touched the Apprentice's robe it spun around, knocking aside both her attack and Aro- Ken's.
Now the two young Jedi were on opposite sides of the Shadowraith. Ada-Rin briefly glanced at Aro-Ken, and he used their connection to each other to utter one word with the Force. "Feint."
Instantly they moved. Both of them swiftly put a foot forward, starting to move like they were going to attack. Instead, Ada-Rin stepped back and Aro- Ken charged in, lightsaber swinging.
The Apprentice blocked Aro-Ken's attack near its side and then swung its arm, moving both blades so they were pointed at the ground and crossed. There was an electric crackling sound as the two lightsabers pressed together, each trying to overpower the other.
Out of the corner of his eye Aro-Ken could spot Ada-Rin now stepping back into her attack stance, coming at the Apprentice with her weapon raised.
In a sudden, unexpected movement, the Shadowraith slightly leaned towards Aro-Ken, knowing he couldn't attack it with his lightsaber where it was, and quickly lifted one leg. The Apprentice lashed out with its foot, catching Ada-Rin in the side and knocking her down. She slid across the floor for a meter or two before coming to a halt.
The instant the Apprentice's foot hit Ada-Rin, Aro-Ken made his move as well. He let go of his lightsaber with one hand and drew it up, swinging and hitting the Apprentice's head with his arm as hard as he could.
The Shadowraith staggered to the side a few steps and Aro-Ken brought up his lightsaber. With a cry of rage and brought it up above his head and plunged it down before the Apprentice had time to recover.
At the same time Ada-Rin jumped to her feet and charged at the Apprentice with her blade extended.
The Apprentice was unable to react quickly enough to block the attacks. It looked at Ada-Rin quickly, and then spun around to look back at Aro-Ken. At that exact moment Aro-Ken's radiant blue blade found its mark, plunging down into the Shadowraith's throat and stabbing in almost halfway up the blade.
Ada-Rin's weapon also hit flesh, jamming into the Apprentice's back and going all the way through, sticking out of its stomach.
Both of them let out deep sighs of relief and pulled their weapons free in unison. The Shadowraith fell to the ground, dead as it would ever be. The cold feeling that surrounded them lifted almost completely.
Aro-Ken and Ada-Rin both deactivated their weapons, and Ada-Rin almost instantly threw her arms around his shoulders.
Aro-Ken put an arm around her as well. "Thank… Thank you so much," he panted, still getting his breath back.
Ada-Rin took a few deep breaths before speaking. "Don't thank me… Thank Del- Mon… If he hadn't told me… Told me to find you… I'd still be with him."
The boy abruptly released her. "That's right, Del-Mon! We have to help him, he's in danger!"
"Let's go, he's in the generator room! When I left him he was dueling with a Shadowraith!" cried Ada-Rin.
"We'd better split up, incase the other Shadowraith shows up," Aro-Ken said.
"Good idea. You go through the ventilation shafts, it's quicker that way," Ada-Rin told him before starting to take off.
"Ada-Rin!" he quickly called to his friend.
She stopped and turned to face him, a questioning look on her face.
"If I don't make it back… Tell Erdan I'm sorry, and promise me you'll look out for him," Aro-Ken said.
"Aro-Ken, you won't die, I know it," Ada-Rin said.
"No. No you don't. If I am killed, promise me you'll do that for me," Aro- Ken said, looking at her sincerely.
"Okay," she softly said.
"Say 'I promise,'" he said.
"I promise," Ada-Rin said, tears in her eyes.
"Thank you," Aro-Ken said.
Before she could say more, Aro-Ken cut through the nearest ventilation shaft grate with his lightsaber and ducked into the opening, crawling away as fast as he could.
* * *
Not to sound selfish or anything, but if you have friends who read Star Wars, I would really appreciate it if you would recommend my fics to them. Being an author, I naturally want people to read my stuff.
Also, if you liked this fic, I'd recommend reading my other two (also about Aro and Del), The Lightsaber and The Disease. I haven't worked on them lately, but reviews motivate me! (Hint, hint!)
Thanks! :-)
Roses are red, violets are blue.
Me no own so you no sue.
(I did not write this disclaimer myself, I read it on a Zelda fic but it summarizes everything. Whoever made up this disclaimer, please don't sue me!)
AN: Thanks a lot to Jacen200015 and Teekoness for your reviews, you two are awesome!
CHAPTER TWELVE
Aro-Ken had done nothing in the past few hours. Nothing but sit dejectedly in a corner of his small prison. From the sound of the Master's happiness outside, the Council had given in to his wishes and given them their ship.
He had been unconscious when moved, but he had caught brief glimpses of the world outside the room when the Shadowraiths entered and left. From the steam and large machines he'd been able to see, and hearing of how the Shadowraiths were traveling about the Temple so quickly, Aro-Ken had concluded that he was in the large generator room.
He'd been in the generator room on a few brief occasions, and was only slightly familiar with its layout. But he was sure he knew enough to escape if he absolutely needed to.
Aro-Ken suddenly heard the Shadowraiths begin to speak outside.
"When may I kill him, my Master?" the Apprentice asked.
"Soon, soon. We will not need him much longer. Is the ship ready?" asked the Master.
"Yes, Master," replied the Apprentice.
"Then fetch the boy. My Seer, I sense others approaching. Stay here and take care of them," ordered the Master.
There were others coming? The thought filled Aro-Ken with some hope. It could be just someone coming for a maintenance check, or maybe someone had figured out where he was.
The door opened, and he squinted in the light change. Without a word the Apprentice stalked over to him and seized his arm. Even after so many times he still shuddered upon feeling the coldness of its skin.
Silently it pulled him out of the room to where the Master was waiting. The Seer was gone.
Aro-Ken quickly looked around, and saw that he was indeed in the generator room.
"Let's go," said the Master, seizing Aro-Ken's other arm and reducing his hopes of escape even more.
The Master led the way down the narrow catwalk that passed over various turbine shafts and melting pits. Glancing back, Aro-Ken saw that he had been in a small maintenance room.
As they left the generator room, Aro-Ken looked around, and felt relieved when he recognized his surroundings. Unfortunately, for whatever reason there was no one in the hallways.
They rounded a corner, and Aro-Ken saw that they were in the same tower that the Council Room was. If he could get away, he was almost positive that he could make it to the turbolifts behind him.
Calmly, Aro-Ken allowed them to basically drag him another few steps.
Then, as quickly as he could, he firmly planted his feet and pushed off, flipping backwards and twisting his arms out of the Shadowraiths' grasp.
He landed just behind them. Before they could seize him again, Aro-Ken jumped once more, extending both his legs and slamming his feet into the Shadowraiths' heads.
The instant his feet hit the ground he took off running, going as fast as he could despite his slightly weakened state. He suddenly remembered that he hadn't eaten for about two days.
He sensed the two Shadowraiths swiftly coming after him, and he didn't look back. Aro-Ken could feel the coldness nipping at his heels, knew how close to getting him they were. The turbolifts were just a few meters ahead…
As he got close, Aro-Ken extended a hand, jamming the button to open the door. They quickly opened and he kept running, never slowing for an instant until he was inside the small room. As quickly as he could, he spun around and hit the button to close the doors just as one of the Shadowraith's hands began to reach out for him.
The door closed and Aro-Ken entered the correct level, allowing himself to sigh with relief and lean heavily against the wall.
Suddenly the controls began to spark. The turbolift abruptly shuddered and halted. Aro-Ken's eyes shot open. He had a feeling this breakdown wasn't a coincidence.
There was a grinding, squealing sound from the machinery, and the doors abruptly moved a few inches, opening slightly. He caught a glimpse of black outside, and didn't wait for anything more.
He saw the access hatch on the roof of the elevator was open, and he jumped up to it, grasping the edge and pulling himself through just as a violent clanking sound came from within the walls of the turbolift, and he was sure the doors were opened.
Looking around frantically, Aro-Ken saw the only choice he had was to climb the turbolift cable. He seized the thick cable with both hands and jumped, climbing hand over hand as fast as he could.
Glancing down over his shoulder, he saw no sign of the Shadowraith. He knew that they were smart enough to figure out where he had gone, so why wasn't it following him?
Aro-Ken spotted a turbolift door above him open for whatever reason. Quickly he climbed until he was level with the door and swung his legs back and forth. He released the cable and used his momentum to land on his feet in the hallway.
Almost instantly a fist collided with the side of his head and he staggered to the side, almost falling back into the turbolift shaft.
More punches came, hitting his head, shoulders, and chest several times until he fell to the ground from a particularly hard blow.
On the ground all he could do was cover his head as the Apprentice kicked him repeatedly in the chest.
"Enough," a familiar calmly voice said from the side.
Aro-Ken looked up into the Master's hooded voice, and saw those glowing red eyes glaring coldly down at him. "Get up," it said.
He wearily hauled his beaten body up, and the two freezing hands seized him again. Desperately looking back and seeing how close he had been to escaping filled Aro-Ken with despair.
They pulled him down the twisting labyrinth of corridors and still didn't see a soul. As they neared the landing pad, the Master and Apprentice both froze and turned to each other. Aro-Ken hoped it was because there was someone ahead, but he was wrong again.
"Now, my Apprentice, you may kill the boy. He is no longer of any use to us," said the Master. "I will be on the ship when you are finished."
Aro-Ken could sense the Apprentice's pleasure grow at this.
"Yes, Master, immediately," the Apprentice maliciously said. The Master released his left and, and the Apprentice began to drag him away.
Aro-Ken desperately looked around one last time, and spotted a flash of metal at the Master's side when its robe parted as it spun around. He instantly recognized the cylindrical shape as his lightsaber.
Reaching out with the Force, he managed to seize it, and began tugging as hard as he dared without alerting the Master.
He sensed the clip that held it to his enemy's belt snap just as the Apprentice pulled him around a corner. He kept his hold on his lightsaber, making it hover just behind him.
Aro-Ken did not make his move until the Apprentice yanked on his arm particularly hard and he staggered into an empty room.
As the Apprentice drew its own lightsaber it still did not release Aro- Ken's arm. The young boy saw his own lightsaber just a meter behind the Apprentice.
"This will bring me much pleasure, boy," the Shadowraith said, igniting its black blade and preparing to cut Aro-Ken down.
Aro-Ken quickly did two things at once. He sprang as far as he could to the side, and the Apprentice's downwards thrust missed him, but barely. He could feel the heat as it scorched the side of his tunic. While he was in the air, Aro-Ken also used the Force to his the activation button on his lightsaber.
The Apprentice heard the electric snap-hiss sound and instantly spun around. It just managed to duck as Aro-Ken summoned his weapon to his free left hand. Surprisingly, the Apprentice still had not released its strong grip on his right arm.
The Shadowraith swung its lightsaber at Aro-Ken's head, and the boy quickly held his weapon up. The Apprentice's weapon clashed with Aro-Ken's so hard it shook his one arm. He knew he would have to free his other hand if he wanted to fight with his full strength. He could tell the Apprentice wasn't letting go any time soon.
Aro-Ken jumped and twisting about, trying to pull his arm free, but the Apprentice's grip was too strong.
At the same time the Apprentice was still swinging its blade wildly at Aro- Ken, who barely managed to block the attacks each time.
They went back and forth across the room, Aro-Ken repeatedly spinning and twisting his arm and trying to slash at the Shadowraith's hand. Occasionally he'd manage to jump and perform a graceful flip not only to avoid an attack, but also in another attempt to free his arm.
Aro-Ken knew he was wasting time. He had to get to the Council Room before the Master and the Seer got away.
As he and the Apprentice went back and forth across the room, wildly attacking each other, Aro-Ken had an idea. He needed to get his lightsaber into an exact position.
As they went in wide circles about the room, still attacking each other, Aro-Ken blocked a slash at his side. Before the Apprentice could draw back its lightsaber, the boy moved his in an arch, bringing the two weapons in front of his chest so that his was on top. They were diagonally crossed, pressing together with an electric crackling sound.
It was the exact opportunity Aro-Ken needed.
Before the Shadowraith could react, Aro-Ken twisted his hand, spinning his lightsaber around as it still pressed against the Apprentice's. Just as he had been hoping for, his weapon hit the Shadowraith's arm.
It arched its neck and loosened its grip on Aro-Ken just slightly. Instantly he jumped back, finally yanking his arm free.
The Apprentice wasted no time in retaliating. Almost as soon as Aro-Ken's feet hit the ground it swung its lightsaber at him once more.
Aro-Ken instantly continued to fight, parrying, thrusting, and attacking wildly, able to do much more with both his arms in use.
As the two opponents moved about the room, Aro-Ken felt himself beginning to tire. Sweat dropped on his face, and the muscles in his limbs were starting to burn. His lightsaber was feeling slightly heavier in his grasp.
Aro-Ken chanced a quick glance over his shoulder, and discovered his back was to the door of the room. He swiftly ducked a swing at his neck and then sprang backward, doing a neat black flip and landing in the hallway. Quickly he jammed the door and stepped back, leaning over slightly as he took a few deep breaths. He would not run away. Not this time. He had to finish it.
Not a minute later the keypad sparked and crackled and the door shot open. Instantly the Apprentice charged out and began fighting with a new fury.
The drove each other back and forth, but Aro-Ken knew the Apprentice was slowly beating him. Aro-Ken found that he was doing most of the ducking and blocking.
Suddenly, the Shadowraith swung, and hit weapon slammed into Aro-Ken's, forcing it down to his side. Instantly the black tip of the Apprentice's lightsaber was at his throat, so close he could feel the heat beginning to scorch his skin.
"Now you shall die," the Apprentice said, drawing back its blade.
Aro-Ken knew he needed a miracle as he turned his head away and closed his eyes.
Then, out of nowhere, his miracle came. "Aro-Ken!" Ada-Rin suddenly shouted.
Instantly his head snapped to the sound of her voice, as did the Apprentice's. Sure enough, Ada-Rin Remla came charging down the hall towards him, her lightsaber activated as she lunged at the Apprentice, who quickly blocked the attack.
Aro-Ken quickly regained his wits and lifted his lightsaber again, stepping back into the deadly dance.
As they both moved to avoid a wide swing from the Apprentice, Aro-Ken ducking and Ada-Rin jumping as high as she could, Aro-Ken called, "What are you doing here, Ada-Rin? How did you find me?"
"I was with Del-Mon! He told me to come and find you!" she replied as she came down. She quickly executed a downward thrust as she neared the ground. The Shadowraith swung around in a complete circle, batting both her attack and Aro-Ken's quick lunge aside.
Ada-Rin's words registered in Aro-Ken's mind as he recoiled his weapon when the Apprentice blocked his attack. So Del-Mon was alive after all! But where was he? As Aro-Ken abruptly stopped his charge, the Apprentice's next attack missing his stomach by inches, he reached out with the Force, searching for Del-Mon's presence.
He sensed the familiar vibrations in the Force. To his relief, they were not very far away. They were not flickering or fading, but somehow Aro-Ken knew that they were close to doing so. He could sense that Del-Mon was in danger. He needed help, and he needed it soon.
Aro-Ken was brought back to reality by Ada-Rin's sharp cry of, "Look out!" He jerked out of his thoughts quickly and spotted the Apprentice's black lightsaber blade swinging at his head. He just managed to duck, and could feel his enemy's blade singe his hair.
At the same moment Ada-Rin went in again. As the Apprentice's attack missed Aro-Ken, it swiftly spun around, and her upward slash cut through the air where it had been standing a moment before.
"Where's Del-Mon?" Aro-Ken called to Ada-Rin above the electric hum of the three lightsabers swinging.
She ducked another attack and came up slashing. "He's with another one of the Shadowraiths!" she replied.
Fear gripped Aro-Ken instantly. Would he be all right? He knew that he had to find out, but they weren't going anywhere while the Apprentice was still alive.
As the dance progressed, the two young Jedi seemed to share one mind in the three-way battle. Ada-Rin and Aro-Ken both attacked rapidly and skillfully. As one swung an attack, the other would try to lunge or thrust. If Ada- Rin's attack went short, Aro-Ken would be there to block the Apprentice's counterattack on her unprotected flank. Their moves were perfectly synchronized together. The Apprentice had to constantly spin about and jump aside to block both their attacks at once.
When the Apprentice did another wide swing with its lightsaber, both of its opponents jumped backwards. Grinning, it moved in on the girl as she flew through the air, moving close to where she would land.
Ada-Rin had gone higher and stayed in the air longer than her friend when she jumped.
Aro-Ken, on the other hand, had been close to the wall when he pushed off. As he flipped and was horizontal with the ground, he looked down very briefly. He spotted Ada-Rin upside-down, and knew she could not spot the Apprentice moving in on her.
His eyes grew wide, knowing he had to save her. His feet hit the wall and instantly he pushed off as hard as he could.
Aro-Ken sailed towards his friend and over the Shadowraith's head, flipping over once more and twisting his body so he would land facing it.
Below him, Ada-Rin landed just as the Apprentice swung its black lightsaber at her torso. She did not have enough time to block it, and cried out in surprise.
At the same time Aro-Ken shouted from above her as he came down to the ground. He landed just in front of the Apprentice; beginning to swing his blade the instant his feet hit the ground.
His attack smashed into the Shadowraith's blade, knocking it aside.
As soon as she realized what had happened, Ada-Rin quickly darted around to the Apprentice's side and tried to snake her blade around Aro-Ken's and their opponent's. Just as the tip of her purple weapon touched the Apprentice's robe it spun around, knocking aside both her attack and Aro- Ken's.
Now the two young Jedi were on opposite sides of the Shadowraith. Ada-Rin briefly glanced at Aro-Ken, and he used their connection to each other to utter one word with the Force. "Feint."
Instantly they moved. Both of them swiftly put a foot forward, starting to move like they were going to attack. Instead, Ada-Rin stepped back and Aro- Ken charged in, lightsaber swinging.
The Apprentice blocked Aro-Ken's attack near its side and then swung its arm, moving both blades so they were pointed at the ground and crossed. There was an electric crackling sound as the two lightsabers pressed together, each trying to overpower the other.
Out of the corner of his eye Aro-Ken could spot Ada-Rin now stepping back into her attack stance, coming at the Apprentice with her weapon raised.
In a sudden, unexpected movement, the Shadowraith slightly leaned towards Aro-Ken, knowing he couldn't attack it with his lightsaber where it was, and quickly lifted one leg. The Apprentice lashed out with its foot, catching Ada-Rin in the side and knocking her down. She slid across the floor for a meter or two before coming to a halt.
The instant the Apprentice's foot hit Ada-Rin, Aro-Ken made his move as well. He let go of his lightsaber with one hand and drew it up, swinging and hitting the Apprentice's head with his arm as hard as he could.
The Shadowraith staggered to the side a few steps and Aro-Ken brought up his lightsaber. With a cry of rage and brought it up above his head and plunged it down before the Apprentice had time to recover.
At the same time Ada-Rin jumped to her feet and charged at the Apprentice with her blade extended.
The Apprentice was unable to react quickly enough to block the attacks. It looked at Ada-Rin quickly, and then spun around to look back at Aro-Ken. At that exact moment Aro-Ken's radiant blue blade found its mark, plunging down into the Shadowraith's throat and stabbing in almost halfway up the blade.
Ada-Rin's weapon also hit flesh, jamming into the Apprentice's back and going all the way through, sticking out of its stomach.
Both of them let out deep sighs of relief and pulled their weapons free in unison. The Shadowraith fell to the ground, dead as it would ever be. The cold feeling that surrounded them lifted almost completely.
Aro-Ken and Ada-Rin both deactivated their weapons, and Ada-Rin almost instantly threw her arms around his shoulders.
Aro-Ken put an arm around her as well. "Thank… Thank you so much," he panted, still getting his breath back.
Ada-Rin took a few deep breaths before speaking. "Don't thank me… Thank Del- Mon… If he hadn't told me… Told me to find you… I'd still be with him."
The boy abruptly released her. "That's right, Del-Mon! We have to help him, he's in danger!"
"Let's go, he's in the generator room! When I left him he was dueling with a Shadowraith!" cried Ada-Rin.
"We'd better split up, incase the other Shadowraith shows up," Aro-Ken said.
"Good idea. You go through the ventilation shafts, it's quicker that way," Ada-Rin told him before starting to take off.
"Ada-Rin!" he quickly called to his friend.
She stopped and turned to face him, a questioning look on her face.
"If I don't make it back… Tell Erdan I'm sorry, and promise me you'll look out for him," Aro-Ken said.
"Aro-Ken, you won't die, I know it," Ada-Rin said.
"No. No you don't. If I am killed, promise me you'll do that for me," Aro- Ken said, looking at her sincerely.
"Okay," she softly said.
"Say 'I promise,'" he said.
"I promise," Ada-Rin said, tears in her eyes.
"Thank you," Aro-Ken said.
Before she could say more, Aro-Ken cut through the nearest ventilation shaft grate with his lightsaber and ducked into the opening, crawling away as fast as he could.
* * *
Not to sound selfish or anything, but if you have friends who read Star Wars, I would really appreciate it if you would recommend my fics to them. Being an author, I naturally want people to read my stuff.
Also, if you liked this fic, I'd recommend reading my other two (also about Aro and Del), The Lightsaber and The Disease. I haven't worked on them lately, but reviews motivate me! (Hint, hint!)
Thanks! :-)