Chapter XX: Final Duel
Raza had left Obi-Wan and Luminara to fend with the droids and any other annoyances that the Nightsisters could send. Raza figured it all out when he ran away earlier: the Trade Federation was in league with the Nightsisters. Which meant, that Count
Dooku was too involved in some way shape or form.
After a few minutes, he reached the citadel which was home to the Nightsisters. Whether it was pure stupidity, bravery, or anger, he went through the main door, his lavender lightsaber cutting through the metal doors. Once inside, he immediatetely snuck
inside the ventilation shafts and using the Force as his guide followed the Force-scent of Anakin.
It had taken him only moments to locate his comrade. Now, he was crouched just above his friend. With a sharp mental focus he sent forth a mental gust of wind at the cage of the shaft proceeding then to roll out, and land directly infront of Anakin.
t was then, that Raza gasped out of pure horror.
Anakin looked horrible. Scars ravaged his bodies, fresh cuts trying to heal were still raw, probably from the frequent abuse applied to the same spots. Brusies too covered his body: head to toe. Raza could only have imagined what the Nightsisters co
d have done to him in the short time he was away, although, he was sure, that Anakin felt it was not a short time at all, but rather an eternity.
"Anakin," Raza whispered, holding Anakin's head gently in the palm of his hand. "It's me, Raza. Can you hear me?" Anakin moaned softly in compliance. At least he was still alive.
"I'm here to rescue you Anakin. Don't worry, you will be safe," even before he completed his sentence, he had drawn out his lightsaber, the lavender blade activating on a mere thought. He didn't care how much Jedi training he had had, the person, or
persons who did this to his friend, his comrade, and quite possibly, his lover would pay. Dearly.
Just as Raza was about to rise up his saber to cut free the bonds that held Anakin, a dark presence interfered. A presence he had never felt before, but knew immedately whom it belonged to. It was because of this reputation, as well as Raza's natura
instincts that allowed him to turn around just in time to deflect a bolt of sizzling Force Electricty with his lightsaber.
"Count Dooku," Raza said cooly, using all his training to hold back his anger, although, he still managed to give a slight bow of respect. He could be as angry as he wanted, nevertheless, it was no excuse to be rude, especialliy to one of Dooku's stat
e.
"Jedi Dactari," replied Dooku cooly, with a smile that sent a chill down Raza's spine. "I have heard so much about you. It is an honor to finally meet you."
"Do not flatter him My Lord, he is not worth the fodder on your boots." Raza knew that female voice all too well.
"Lady Sing," said Dooku, in a voice that was almost chastizing. "There is no need to be rude."
"Piss off Dooku!" snaped Aurra. "This Jedi is mine! He has cost me too much trouble and time! Not to mention, this little bastard helped defeat and nearly kill three of our most powerful Sisters! Vengence will be mine!" With a hiss, both from the weapon
she drew, and her mouth, she called forth the powers of the Dark Side within her, gripping her crimson bladed saber.
"I do not appreciate that tone Lady Sing," Dooku said too cooly. "Such insibordinations shall not be tolerated." With no further words or warning, Dooku ignited his own crimson blade, it gracefully gliding through the air meeting with Aurra's neck eve
so cleanly.
She didn't even have time to scream, let alone react. Dooku's style and grace with his lightsaber was legendary in the Jedi Archives. No doubt his legendary skills had made their way throughout the Nightsisters. Too bad Aurra was too stubborn to adh
e to any warnings. 'Oh well, Raza thought cynically, that is one less enemey to deal with.'
"Now that she is out of the way Jedi Dactari, maybe we can get down to business," Dooku said, stepping closer to Raza, his curve-handled lightsaber never being deactivated. "You know too much. As do all of your friends. They of course must die, but
u...I like you Dactari. You single handedly managed to take down two powerful Nightsisters without even so much as a lightsaber! Skilled indeed! You also managed to survive Glacia's most fatal and powerful attack! Yet another bonus in your favor."
"You are too kind Count Dooku," Raza said with honest sincerity. "Nevertheless, I will not allow you to kill my friends, nor will I allow myself to sink down to your level."
"A pitty too. Yet another Jedi who will never see the Master Plan created."
"What 'Master Plan'?"
"The Plan that will bring the galaxy to its knees! The power of the Force is the greatest power of the galaxy. This comes second! The power to destroy planets!"
"You are insane! No technology exists as such you say!"
"I am many things Jedi! Insane is not one of them. And I assure you, such technology exists, and is already in the makes!"
"Than there is another reason that I should kill you Dooku, and this one, I can tell the Jedi Council I was in total justification of chopping off your head." Although a Jedi. Although a Guardian and Protector of the Peace, this Jedi made the first strike
Catching Dooku off guard, he thrusted out his blade towards the human's stomach, which was deflected away only by Dooku's severely trained battle senses. However, because Raza's attack was so unexpected, it did knock the Count back a few steps, which
ended him up for another attack.
This assault went towards Dooku's lower left leg, hoping to severe it off. However, Raza was caught mid-motion by a rather powerful gust of wind eminating from the Dark Sider. This unexpectedm ove caught Raza off guard and threw him into the wall jus
above Anakin, who only moaned in protest of being disturbed. It was obvious, Anakin would be of no help. Nevertheless, Raza would not let this bastard kill Anakin! He would die before that happened.
Recovering from the gust of wind, he spun leapt above the ground just missing a thrust towards the ground where his head would have been had he not reacted as quickly. Once on his feet, Raza's blade was immedately brought up in a horizontal fashion to
arry the crimson blade from meeting his head.
So the battle continued. Each not besting the other, to both of their dismays. They were an equal match. Graceful flips from the alien Jedi Knight were quickly counteracted by the sheer brute force of the Sith Lord. To contrast, Dooku's strong stre
th was counteracted by Raza's quick and fluid movements. With one final clash of sabers, both figures backflipped away from one another, a good five meters apart, with Raza standing infront of Anakin defensivly.
Both figures were panting from exhaustion, sweat beads seen of both figures brows.
"It seems we are evenly matched Dooku."
"Only in lightsabers my friend. Let's see what else you are good at," said Dooku with a cruel grin. Following that grin was vengeful, living blue lightning. Raza's first instincts proved true once more, to bring up his lightsaber to absorb the power
l lightning eminating from the Dark Lord of the Sith.
"When will you learn that that trick will not work on me."
"Very true Jedi, very very true. However, I'm sure this will." A wave of his hand brought forth a large stone flying rapidly towards his leg. Dooku had to be kidding! With little more than a random thread of thought, he dismissed the oncoming stone
th his mind, sending it flying into the far wall. Which exactly what Dooku was hoping. Once the Jedi was distracted, Dook sent forth a powerful ball of Force power at the Jedi's saber gripping arm. The combination of not being prepared and the sheer p
er of Dooku's Force ball forced his saber out of his right palm, flying off a distance of about three meters away from him.
A simple task to retrieve it really. With an extended hand he called forth his blade back to him however, something interfered. Sheering, tormenting pain and anguish raged through his body as blue lightning coursed through his body.
"Not so easy to avoid no Jedi! Is it!" Dooku said with a malicious laugh just before sending another bolt at him.
Pure instinct took over as he raised a weak shield to take the blunt of the power. It of course broke easily under the power of the lightning, but instead of being electricuted, he was simply sent back into Anakin's body, unfortunetly, Anakin's body t
k most of the impact.
"Anakin!" yelled Raza on impact, more of an apology than anything. He could simply roll out of the way just as Dooku shot, even he had enough strength for that. Only one drawback though, it would shock Anakin. And Raza didn't know how much longer
s comrade, friend, companion, and lover could hold for.
So when Dooku sent forth yet another barrage of ice colored electricity, Raza stood proud and took the full front of the attack, his screams of anguish and pain roaring through the citadel.
Both, Luminara and Obi-Wan, soon found their way to the room in which Anakin was being held, and to boths shock, CountDooku standing over Raza's bent and smoking form, his crimson saber held high over-head, ready to place the final blow.
"Now Jedi, it is time to die!" Dooku screamed as his blade came raising towards Raza's neck.
Thankfully, two Jedi interevined. With their combination of Force power, they sent teh Dark Lord of the Sith
spirling through the air, and into the nearest stone wall, leaving a two inch impression of the Dark Lord.
"Obi-Wan, Luminara," coughed Raza, slowly bringing himself to his feet, blood dripping from his mouth. "It is about time."
"Sorry we are late Raza," spoke Luminara, examing the wounds inflicted on his friend. Not even the best healers
could remove some of the scars. A deep cash went down from his right shoulder to his left torso, his shirt, hanging by a mere simple thread, his arms bruised and cut, his once perfect face, now scratched and bleeding.
"Get Anakin out of here now you two, I will take care of Dooku."
"You cannot be serious Raza! He was just ready to kill you, you are no match for him!" exclaimed Luminara.
"Luminara please! You two are not a match for him either. Please, as a last request, get Anakin out of here. Please!" spoke Raza on the verge of tears. Luminara was about to protest again, but Obi-Wan grabbed her arms, sensingthe need and love that Raza felt for his former Padawan. A love, that rivaled his own for Anakin. He knew, if he were in
this siutation, he would do the same thing.
"Come on Luminara."
"Obi-Wan! You can't be serious!"
"Yes Luminara! I am. Please, help me get Anakin out of here, Dooku is coming too." It was no lie either. The Dark Lord was starting to rise again, this time, the Dark Side was somethign that was palpable through the air. With a heavy sigh of reluctance, Luminara agreed, and aided Obi-Wan in bringing down Anakin from his bonds.
Obi-Wan then proceeded to carry Anakin in his arms as both he and Luminara raced out of the Citadel, leaving Raza behind, definitely never to be seen again.
When Raza knew both Jedi were out of sight, Raza faced the oncoming threat: Dooku. His normal prestige and grace was abandoned, replaced instead with cold rage and anger. Raza knew he was facing the Dark Side, not a man.
No big deal, because Raza knew, that Dooku would be facing the Light Side, and not a mere Jedi.
"Looks like you failed Dooku!" exclaimed Raza when the Dark Lord was two meters away.
"I doubt it Jedi! You will die. And you are the only one who knows of my plans, so although my vengeance was not taken out, I will nevertheless succeed in my mission. Now Jedi! It really is time to die!"
Light and Dark clashed in a phenomenal show of power. Dooku put all he had into one gigantic wave of Force Electricty. Raza, drained, and nearly on the verge of death, nevertheless, succeeded in absorbing the power into his being,nearly frying his neurons and body in the process. The fire raged within him, not the fire of anger, but instead the fire of
power. When his eyes opened, his once kind, intelligent, ice eyes were gone, instead replaced with emotionless pupils' sockets of white electricity.
"Now Dooku," Raza said. Or at least, his body said. The voice that was released did not belong to the alien, itechoed with an aura of omnipotence. "It is time to see the true power of the Light Side and the Power of the Jedi!"
His head tilted back as he slowly raised into the sky, his torn clothes whipping around in an invisible wind. A sphere of the purest white light surrounded his body. Raza's hands then extended outwards, and therein released the energy well within him. The power that escaped him was only destructive to the Dark Side. Therefore, try as he might, Dooku's shields of Force were destroyed by this Wall of Light. With a scream to rival that of Raza's earlier, Dooku faded into unconsciousness, and with his fainting, it seemed a shadow too escaped him and fled into unknown. This shadow that
escaped was something Dooku held dear to him, something that gave him his power: his connection to the dark side.
Because this wall of light destroyed all that was dark side, the building that surrounded him too was destined to fall. And so it did. Once the sphere of light vanished from Raza, the building around him crumbled, but he did not notice, it seemed as if his mind were someplace else, the expression on his face signifying he was in a place of perfect peace and love.
So when the stones fell aroudn his sleeping body, he did not bother returning to the real world, and instead let himself float in the power of the Light Side and the Force, his pseudo-grave being Temple of the Nightsisters on Dathomir.
His last thoughts were sent to a particular human Jedi, the one who, according to him, got him in all this trouble in the first
place.
Raza had left Obi-Wan and Luminara to fend with the droids and any other annoyances that the Nightsisters could send. Raza figured it all out when he ran away earlier: the Trade Federation was in league with the Nightsisters. Which meant, that Count
Dooku was too involved in some way shape or form.
After a few minutes, he reached the citadel which was home to the Nightsisters. Whether it was pure stupidity, bravery, or anger, he went through the main door, his lavender lightsaber cutting through the metal doors. Once inside, he immediatetely snuck
inside the ventilation shafts and using the Force as his guide followed the Force-scent of Anakin.
It had taken him only moments to locate his comrade. Now, he was crouched just above his friend. With a sharp mental focus he sent forth a mental gust of wind at the cage of the shaft proceeding then to roll out, and land directly infront of Anakin.
t was then, that Raza gasped out of pure horror.
Anakin looked horrible. Scars ravaged his bodies, fresh cuts trying to heal were still raw, probably from the frequent abuse applied to the same spots. Brusies too covered his body: head to toe. Raza could only have imagined what the Nightsisters co
d have done to him in the short time he was away, although, he was sure, that Anakin felt it was not a short time at all, but rather an eternity.
"Anakin," Raza whispered, holding Anakin's head gently in the palm of his hand. "It's me, Raza. Can you hear me?" Anakin moaned softly in compliance. At least he was still alive.
"I'm here to rescue you Anakin. Don't worry, you will be safe," even before he completed his sentence, he had drawn out his lightsaber, the lavender blade activating on a mere thought. He didn't care how much Jedi training he had had, the person, or
persons who did this to his friend, his comrade, and quite possibly, his lover would pay. Dearly.
Just as Raza was about to rise up his saber to cut free the bonds that held Anakin, a dark presence interfered. A presence he had never felt before, but knew immedately whom it belonged to. It was because of this reputation, as well as Raza's natura
instincts that allowed him to turn around just in time to deflect a bolt of sizzling Force Electricty with his lightsaber.
"Count Dooku," Raza said cooly, using all his training to hold back his anger, although, he still managed to give a slight bow of respect. He could be as angry as he wanted, nevertheless, it was no excuse to be rude, especialliy to one of Dooku's stat
e.
"Jedi Dactari," replied Dooku cooly, with a smile that sent a chill down Raza's spine. "I have heard so much about you. It is an honor to finally meet you."
"Do not flatter him My Lord, he is not worth the fodder on your boots." Raza knew that female voice all too well.
"Lady Sing," said Dooku, in a voice that was almost chastizing. "There is no need to be rude."
"Piss off Dooku!" snaped Aurra. "This Jedi is mine! He has cost me too much trouble and time! Not to mention, this little bastard helped defeat and nearly kill three of our most powerful Sisters! Vengence will be mine!" With a hiss, both from the weapon
she drew, and her mouth, she called forth the powers of the Dark Side within her, gripping her crimson bladed saber.
"I do not appreciate that tone Lady Sing," Dooku said too cooly. "Such insibordinations shall not be tolerated." With no further words or warning, Dooku ignited his own crimson blade, it gracefully gliding through the air meeting with Aurra's neck eve
so cleanly.
She didn't even have time to scream, let alone react. Dooku's style and grace with his lightsaber was legendary in the Jedi Archives. No doubt his legendary skills had made their way throughout the Nightsisters. Too bad Aurra was too stubborn to adh
e to any warnings. 'Oh well, Raza thought cynically, that is one less enemey to deal with.'
"Now that she is out of the way Jedi Dactari, maybe we can get down to business," Dooku said, stepping closer to Raza, his curve-handled lightsaber never being deactivated. "You know too much. As do all of your friends. They of course must die, but
u...I like you Dactari. You single handedly managed to take down two powerful Nightsisters without even so much as a lightsaber! Skilled indeed! You also managed to survive Glacia's most fatal and powerful attack! Yet another bonus in your favor."
"You are too kind Count Dooku," Raza said with honest sincerity. "Nevertheless, I will not allow you to kill my friends, nor will I allow myself to sink down to your level."
"A pitty too. Yet another Jedi who will never see the Master Plan created."
"What 'Master Plan'?"
"The Plan that will bring the galaxy to its knees! The power of the Force is the greatest power of the galaxy. This comes second! The power to destroy planets!"
"You are insane! No technology exists as such you say!"
"I am many things Jedi! Insane is not one of them. And I assure you, such technology exists, and is already in the makes!"
"Than there is another reason that I should kill you Dooku, and this one, I can tell the Jedi Council I was in total justification of chopping off your head." Although a Jedi. Although a Guardian and Protector of the Peace, this Jedi made the first strike
Catching Dooku off guard, he thrusted out his blade towards the human's stomach, which was deflected away only by Dooku's severely trained battle senses. However, because Raza's attack was so unexpected, it did knock the Count back a few steps, which
ended him up for another attack.
This assault went towards Dooku's lower left leg, hoping to severe it off. However, Raza was caught mid-motion by a rather powerful gust of wind eminating from the Dark Sider. This unexpectedm ove caught Raza off guard and threw him into the wall jus
above Anakin, who only moaned in protest of being disturbed. It was obvious, Anakin would be of no help. Nevertheless, Raza would not let this bastard kill Anakin! He would die before that happened.
Recovering from the gust of wind, he spun leapt above the ground just missing a thrust towards the ground where his head would have been had he not reacted as quickly. Once on his feet, Raza's blade was immedately brought up in a horizontal fashion to
arry the crimson blade from meeting his head.
So the battle continued. Each not besting the other, to both of their dismays. They were an equal match. Graceful flips from the alien Jedi Knight were quickly counteracted by the sheer brute force of the Sith Lord. To contrast, Dooku's strong stre
th was counteracted by Raza's quick and fluid movements. With one final clash of sabers, both figures backflipped away from one another, a good five meters apart, with Raza standing infront of Anakin defensivly.
Both figures were panting from exhaustion, sweat beads seen of both figures brows.
"It seems we are evenly matched Dooku."
"Only in lightsabers my friend. Let's see what else you are good at," said Dooku with a cruel grin. Following that grin was vengeful, living blue lightning. Raza's first instincts proved true once more, to bring up his lightsaber to absorb the power
l lightning eminating from the Dark Lord of the Sith.
"When will you learn that that trick will not work on me."
"Very true Jedi, very very true. However, I'm sure this will." A wave of his hand brought forth a large stone flying rapidly towards his leg. Dooku had to be kidding! With little more than a random thread of thought, he dismissed the oncoming stone
th his mind, sending it flying into the far wall. Which exactly what Dooku was hoping. Once the Jedi was distracted, Dook sent forth a powerful ball of Force power at the Jedi's saber gripping arm. The combination of not being prepared and the sheer p
er of Dooku's Force ball forced his saber out of his right palm, flying off a distance of about three meters away from him.
A simple task to retrieve it really. With an extended hand he called forth his blade back to him however, something interfered. Sheering, tormenting pain and anguish raged through his body as blue lightning coursed through his body.
"Not so easy to avoid no Jedi! Is it!" Dooku said with a malicious laugh just before sending another bolt at him.
Pure instinct took over as he raised a weak shield to take the blunt of the power. It of course broke easily under the power of the lightning, but instead of being electricuted, he was simply sent back into Anakin's body, unfortunetly, Anakin's body t
k most of the impact.
"Anakin!" yelled Raza on impact, more of an apology than anything. He could simply roll out of the way just as Dooku shot, even he had enough strength for that. Only one drawback though, it would shock Anakin. And Raza didn't know how much longer
s comrade, friend, companion, and lover could hold for.
So when Dooku sent forth yet another barrage of ice colored electricity, Raza stood proud and took the full front of the attack, his screams of anguish and pain roaring through the citadel.
Both, Luminara and Obi-Wan, soon found their way to the room in which Anakin was being held, and to boths shock, CountDooku standing over Raza's bent and smoking form, his crimson saber held high over-head, ready to place the final blow.
"Now Jedi, it is time to die!" Dooku screamed as his blade came raising towards Raza's neck.
Thankfully, two Jedi interevined. With their combination of Force power, they sent teh Dark Lord of the Sith
spirling through the air, and into the nearest stone wall, leaving a two inch impression of the Dark Lord.
"Obi-Wan, Luminara," coughed Raza, slowly bringing himself to his feet, blood dripping from his mouth. "It is about time."
"Sorry we are late Raza," spoke Luminara, examing the wounds inflicted on his friend. Not even the best healers
could remove some of the scars. A deep cash went down from his right shoulder to his left torso, his shirt, hanging by a mere simple thread, his arms bruised and cut, his once perfect face, now scratched and bleeding.
"Get Anakin out of here now you two, I will take care of Dooku."
"You cannot be serious Raza! He was just ready to kill you, you are no match for him!" exclaimed Luminara.
"Luminara please! You two are not a match for him either. Please, as a last request, get Anakin out of here. Please!" spoke Raza on the verge of tears. Luminara was about to protest again, but Obi-Wan grabbed her arms, sensingthe need and love that Raza felt for his former Padawan. A love, that rivaled his own for Anakin. He knew, if he were in
this siutation, he would do the same thing.
"Come on Luminara."
"Obi-Wan! You can't be serious!"
"Yes Luminara! I am. Please, help me get Anakin out of here, Dooku is coming too." It was no lie either. The Dark Lord was starting to rise again, this time, the Dark Side was somethign that was palpable through the air. With a heavy sigh of reluctance, Luminara agreed, and aided Obi-Wan in bringing down Anakin from his bonds.
Obi-Wan then proceeded to carry Anakin in his arms as both he and Luminara raced out of the Citadel, leaving Raza behind, definitely never to be seen again.
When Raza knew both Jedi were out of sight, Raza faced the oncoming threat: Dooku. His normal prestige and grace was abandoned, replaced instead with cold rage and anger. Raza knew he was facing the Dark Side, not a man.
No big deal, because Raza knew, that Dooku would be facing the Light Side, and not a mere Jedi.
"Looks like you failed Dooku!" exclaimed Raza when the Dark Lord was two meters away.
"I doubt it Jedi! You will die. And you are the only one who knows of my plans, so although my vengeance was not taken out, I will nevertheless succeed in my mission. Now Jedi! It really is time to die!"
Light and Dark clashed in a phenomenal show of power. Dooku put all he had into one gigantic wave of Force Electricty. Raza, drained, and nearly on the verge of death, nevertheless, succeeded in absorbing the power into his being,nearly frying his neurons and body in the process. The fire raged within him, not the fire of anger, but instead the fire of
power. When his eyes opened, his once kind, intelligent, ice eyes were gone, instead replaced with emotionless pupils' sockets of white electricity.
"Now Dooku," Raza said. Or at least, his body said. The voice that was released did not belong to the alien, itechoed with an aura of omnipotence. "It is time to see the true power of the Light Side and the Power of the Jedi!"
His head tilted back as he slowly raised into the sky, his torn clothes whipping around in an invisible wind. A sphere of the purest white light surrounded his body. Raza's hands then extended outwards, and therein released the energy well within him. The power that escaped him was only destructive to the Dark Side. Therefore, try as he might, Dooku's shields of Force were destroyed by this Wall of Light. With a scream to rival that of Raza's earlier, Dooku faded into unconsciousness, and with his fainting, it seemed a shadow too escaped him and fled into unknown. This shadow that
escaped was something Dooku held dear to him, something that gave him his power: his connection to the dark side.
Because this wall of light destroyed all that was dark side, the building that surrounded him too was destined to fall. And so it did. Once the sphere of light vanished from Raza, the building around him crumbled, but he did not notice, it seemed as if his mind were someplace else, the expression on his face signifying he was in a place of perfect peace and love.
So when the stones fell aroudn his sleeping body, he did not bother returning to the real world, and instead let himself float in the power of the Light Side and the Force, his pseudo-grave being Temple of the Nightsisters on Dathomir.
His last thoughts were sent to a particular human Jedi, the one who, according to him, got him in all this trouble in the first
place.