Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars: The Clone Wars. I only own the OC Jayden Shan.
Credit goes to DFM23 for letting me use this idea from his discontinued Rise of the Wraith version 1 story.
Tibrin was a semi-aquatic world. A world lined with massive reefs and crystal blue oceans. Home of the Ishi Tib, Tibrin had been a member of the Galactic Republic for the longest time.
And for almost as equally long, Premier Suribran Tu had ruled Tibrin with an iron hand.
He was nothing short of a dictator, heartless and merciless. Using whatever means necessary to maintain his power, either through assassinations or simple executions, Suribran managed to remain so for so long simply because the Republic supported his regime. How that worked, no one truly knew. But given the increasing levels of corruption being found within the Senate, one wouldn't have to look far to find the backers of the Premier's ruthless government.
This was something Count Dooku was intent on either using for his own benefit or changing to sway the population.
Given the importance of having bases of operation as far reaching as they could, Tibrin was of great strategic value to the Separatists. Count Dooku believed he could sway Premier Tu to his cause with a few well-worded promises. The Premier was a man who favored power, if the Separatists could bring forth a stronger show of might than the Republic, control of Tibrin would be theirs. But there was one other reason for the Separatists to move on Tibrin: the Ishi Tib wished to join the Confederacy, obviously fed up with those who supported their tyrant of a leader. In fact, the people had recently attempted to revolt against the Premier, only for Suribran Tu to strong-arm the people into submission.
If Tu would not fall willingly, than the Separatists could support the people to take him down.
It was in this state of affairs that Dooku arrived on Tibrin with an entourage consisting of his own Sith Acolytes. Among them included Kadrian Sey, Sora Bulq and Tol Skorr, fallen Jedi whom Dooku himself had swayed to the Dark Side. They served by his side and while they were not true Sith, something that would break the long upheld 'Rule of Two', they may very well be.
The Separatists landed on a public landing pad, simply becuase the Palace of the Premier did not have one. What they did not expect was the incredible welcome the Ishi Tib bestowed upon them. Crowds of locals cheered on the Separatist leaders as they disembarked, treating them as though they were conquering heroes who had come to their aid.
In a way, they had.
The collective made their way through the crowds at a rather slow pace. Fortunately, battle droids were present to flank them and provide some manner of distance from the crushing crowds. The arrival of Count Dooku and his entourage was something of a big deal.
No doubt word would reach the Premier.
The Separatists walked towards the palace, almost as if they were parading before the masses. A symbol of hope for a better tomorrow, one free of a ruthless dictator.
From a balcony on his palace, Suribran Tu watched with a sense of unease as his subjects hailed the arriving Separatists, welcoming them with open arms and joyous spirits. Such sentiments could easily result in his dethronement. Tu was a man who enjoyed power, the kind of man who wouldn't give up his prominence without a fight. The presence of Count Dooku troubled him greatly. He was a man who commanded attention, his very presence radiated with power... a power not even Tu could best. Dooku's supremacy would more than likely lead to Tu's downfall and him being removed from power... or even worse.
But Suribran Tu was a crafty man. He hadn't stayed in power this long by relying on good luck.
Perhaps, if there was a way to get on Dooku's good side, being open and reasonable and accepting of whatever the Count asked, he might just be able to retain his power and keep his regime alive under a Separatist banner instead of a Republic one.
That brought forth another issue: Tu's loyalty to the Republic.
Of course, Tu was not one to remain in any one place for very long. He followed the balance of power wherever it shifted. He didn't care whose feet he stepped on or whose head rolled, just so long as wherever he went continued to serve his ambitions. Until now, the Republic had been the only governmental power in the galaxy.
But with the Separatists on the rise... that fact may be subject to change.
He had to play this carefully. Forge an alliance that would benefit him without making any enemies.
No one wanted to be on the bad side of either faction.
The Premier ordered one of his aides to go and welcome the Separatist entourage. He had better prove himself to be a good host, first impressions were everything. But there was one other issue he had to deal with. He was in the midst of entertaining a Senator, Padme Amidala of Naboo. The sudden, unexplained arrival of a Separatist entourage did not bode well... unless somehow he could play the victim.
Tu sighed. It appeared he had his work cut out for him.
Dooku waited politely in the meeting room the Premier's servant had escorted them to. Flanked by his acolytes, Dooku sat at the head of a table with his three allies behind him. They didn't need to wait long before the Premier himself arrived.
"Greetings Count Dooku. I was unprepared for your surprise visit." The Ishi-Tib dictator greeted them, putting on his best smile.
"It was a late decision, I assure you, Premier. Had I more time I would've informed you of our coming arrival." The old man lied.
"Please, Count, refer to me however you wish. There is no need for formalities." Suribran told him, sitting down to Dooku's left. "But I must ask, what do the Separatists want from Tibrin?"
"The answer is simple, Premier. Your world is in a strategically beneficial location as it is near the front-lines of the Clone Wars. We should like to construct a base from where we can house our forces until they are needed." Dooku explained.
"What you ask is impossible, because Tibrin is a world aligned with the Republic." Suribran shook his head in mock disappointment.
"Ah, but perhaps we can convince you otherwise." Dooku responded with a slight smile on his face. "The Separatists offer superior technology and superior politics. All you'd have to do is renounce your allegiance to them and shake hands with me." This was the moment Tu had been worried about. He had assumed from the beginning that Count Dooku wanted something from him, but the Premier was hesitant to make a hasty decision. Sure, the Separatists were a growing power in the galaxy. But to turn his back on the Republic
"Perhaps this situation requires more... deliberation." Suribran cautiously replied. "Not that I don't trust your judgement Count Dooku, but I have been well off with the Republic all this time. I simply cannot leave them now."
"No you can't Premier." Another voice added. Turning to the doorway, Count Dooku was slightly surprised to see Senator Padme Amidala enter the meeting room.
"Senator Amidala, what a pleasant surprise." He cordially greeted her, but was internally bothered by her presence. She could very well interfere with his plans. "You did not tell me you had a guest, Premier." Suribran quickly searched for an appropriate response to keep him out of hot water.
"As you have said, Count, your arrival was rather sudden." He quickly explained. Dooku nodded in understanding. Padme moved to sit across from the Sith, placing Suribran right between the two representatives. He felt more than a little torn.
"Indeed it was." Padme mused. "We were unaware of your arrival and would've prepared Tibrin more properly for such an occasion."
"By 'properly' I assume you would've brought along a company of Clone Troopers."
"Tibrin is a Republic world, we would do whatever was necessary to ensure it did not fall into Separatist hands." Padme responded, her gaze had turned hard and unflinching. She would show Count Dooku he was attempting to convert the wrong planet, that this world would never fall like countless others already had.
"Has the Republic truly accepted ruthless tyrants into its fold? Perhaps the corruption of the senate runs deeper than first thought." Dooku shot back.
"I am not a tyrant, Count." Tu interjected, acting appalled by the accusation. "My people fare as well as they do because of my leadership."
"If that is the case, why do they so eagerly accept us upon our arrival? Surely citizens loyal to the Republic would rather snub Separatist arrivals." Dooku replied, questioning the Premier. Suribran grew nervous. Dooku appeared to be fully aware of his activities in order to maintain power. What else did the Sith know? The thought troubled him greatly.
"Premier Tu has been a long time support of the galactic senate, Count Dooku." Padme stated. "The Republic will defend Tibrin by any means necessary."
"I would assume those are fighting words Senator," Dooku responded, "words that would initiate another chapter in the Clone Wars, one I am confident the Separatists will emerge from triumphant." He smiled a little, knowing the costly battles the Republic was losing recently. Thanks in part to his Apprentice, the recently named Darth Khan, who has been given the nickname of the Hand of Death.
"Senator, Count, I must insist we avoid all possible hostilities. I do not want my people to have to face the Clone Wars." The Premier pleaded, trying to play moderator. Dooku quickly analyzed the current situation. He knew exactly what kind of man Suribran was and therefore knew how to make him play right into Separatist hands. As long as he was backed by the Republic, he felt safe. The balance of power was on his side. But if the balance were to tip...
"If war is not the answer... then perhaps a contest could benefit us better, Premier." He suggested. Suribran faced Dooku with piqued curiosity, as did Senator Amidala.
"You have my attention, Count Dooku. What did you have in mind?" Tu inquired. Dooku began to explain his suggestion.
"A simple bloodsport event. One-on-one, hand-to-hand combat. The winner will prove their superiority to you and thus the more powerful faction." His plan made Padme raise an eyebrow. Bloodsport? Since when had Dooku ever used such a means to achieve victory? The Sith preferred to use his words and charisma to sway the opinions of potential allies. "You wish to ally with those who could back you even further, correct?" Tu grew fearful, Dooku knew part of his plan. Was he truly that readable?
"You speak the truth. As long as the Republic will commit to this contest, I see every reason to make this event happen." He cautiously replied, turning to Padme. The senator looked straight at Dooku.
"This plan is most unlike you, Dooku. What are you playing at?" She asked.
"My dear Senator, I simply wish to maintain the best interests of the Ishi-Tib. If they do not wish to face war, then we will not give them one." Dooku smoothly replied.
"How noble of you." Padme dryly muttered. "On behalf of the Republic, I accept your suggestion and will contact Coruscant to inform them of these developments."
"Very good." Dooku responded with a pleased smile. "Please ask them to send their most formidable General to represent the Republic. Premier, when should you like to host this contest?"
"We will have it tomorrow, in the throne room." Tu decided. "The sooner we can avoid war, the better."
"Excellent. We shall face each other tomorrow then, Senator." Dooku replied as he stood up. "I bid you farewell until then." Turning about, Dooku motioned for his acolytes to join him as they left the room.
"I will have a servant direct you to your quarters!" Tu called after them. The four Separatists left the room without another word, the door automatically shutting behind them.
"This is rather troublesome." Padme quietly mused. "Dooku has never chosen bloodsport as a means to peace. I fear he has some scheme in mind that we have... unwittingly fallen for."
"He tried to promise me a better life outside the Republic." The Premier informed her. "I was feeling very under fire until your timely arrival."
"Do not fall for his serpent's tongue, Premier. Dooku is crafty with his words, but has only ill-intent on his mind." Padme cautioned him. "Which makes me wonder what exactly is going on that would make him suggest a tournament over diplomatic discussions." Having been involved in every kind of political foray, from scandals to betrayals, Padme knew a plot when she saw one. Problem was, she had no idea what kind of plot this was. And it made her very edgy.
Dooku, on the other hand, was considering the prime candidate to defeat the Republic in such a way that Suribran's greed would get the better of him. He was seeking someone to display such incredible power that the Premier would easily fall for the Separatist cause.
"I have no doubt the Republic will send Anakin Skywalker to represent them," he mused, "which means we will need an equal display of great power... we will need our own champion."
"Use one of us, my lord." Sora requested. "We can combat the Jedi with ease."
"No. I do not want to risk the possibility of Skywalker beating you." Dooku replied, much to the chagrin Sora and the other acolytes. "I have someone in mind... and yet I just sent him away..." The Count spoke thoughtfully. "Although I'm certain he'll not pass up this opportunity."
"Who else could possibly defeat a Jedi?" Skorr asked.
"Such a man does exist... and they call him the Right Hand of Death." Dooku replied..
Later that night...
A Republic shuttle delivered more than one 'champion' to Tibrin. When Padme had explained the situation and Dooku's suggestion of a bloodsport tournament, Chancellor Palpatine was more than a little concerned by the development. In response, he sent a rather impressive entourage of Republic representatives, including: Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ahsoka Tano, Captain Rex and Commander Gree. All of which were here to represent a united front against the Separatists. Palpatine had specifically asked Anakin to represent the Republic in this contest, believing the Chosen One could conquer any foe the Separatists sent his way.
And he had... so far.
Padme was waiting for them on the landing pad, along with a pair of the Premier's royal guards. Anakin was the first to disembark, Ahsoka right behind him.
"Senator. Always good to see you." Anakin greeted her with a small smile which Padme returned.
"Likewise, Master Jedi. On behalf of the Republic, I must thank you for being willing to participate in this contest."
"No worries. But I can't help but wonder what Dooku's game is."
"A sentiment we both share." Padme nodded in agreement. "Something is afoot, that much is for sure."
"Whatever it is, I'm sure we'll stop him. We always do." Ahsoka stated with a smirk.
"That we do Snips." Anakin agreed. "I'm sure it's nothing to worry about Senator. We're here to protect Tibrin and that's exactly what we plan to do." He confidently told his wife. The rest of the Republic exited the shuttle and were escorted to where they would be staying for the night, not giving Dooku's plan another thought. Everyone was confident they had the manpower and the means to defeat any Separatist plot...
Elsewhere...
On another area of the planet, Count Dooku waited on a small, flat island as the Rogue Shadow landed. The location was deliberate, part of an effort to avoid any prying Republic eyes and maintain the secrecy of Dooku's master plan.
A plan that took the form of the Sith Lord descending the ramp.
Jayden truly struck an intimidating figure dressed in all black with an expressionless mask that many will remember belonging to Revan and believe it's Revan incarnate.
"Welcome to Tibrin, my Apprentice." Dooku greeted him as Jayden bowed to his Master. "I trust you weren't too bothered of being brought here so suddenly."
Jayden shook his head. "No, Master. Mygeeto is in a stalemate and I have commanded my forces to let it remain as such until I return. The data you sent me didn't explain much. May i ask why you have summoned me so suddenly, Master?"
"Come." Dooku beckoned him and Jayden followed, walking side-by-side with his Master. As they walked, Dooku filled him in on recent developments. "I have convinced Premier Suribran Tu to a bloodsport contest, as a way to convince him of the superior faction. The Republic will choose it's champion, most likely Anakin Skywalker, and I have chosen the one to represent the Separatists."
"Me." Jayden said, getting a nod from Dooku.
"Yes, are you up to the ask?"
"Very much so. I have unfinished business with Skywalker."
The next morning
Suribran's throne room was quite packed that morning. Servants and guards lined the edges of the steps before him while the Republic banded together along the far left wall, facing off against the Separatists on the opposite side of the room. Out of all of them, only Commander Gree was not present. Fearing some element of sabotage, the Jedi chose to have him stay behind and guard the shuttle. A level of tension hung in the air as the two opposing factions stared each other down. Admittedly, the Republic did outnumber the Separatists by a few extra members.
But what they lacked in numbers, the Separatists made up for with power. A power that had yet to enter the room.
The premier himself was a little late arriving. Suribran had not slept well, racked with constant worry and dread over what the events of the coming day would result in. Forgoing any fancy dress, Premier Tu arrived wearing similar clothes to what he wore yesterday. Taking a seat on his throne, Suribran nervously cleared his throat and found his voice.
"Members of the Galactic Republic and Confederacy of Independent Systems, I thank you for coming at such an early hour." He greeted them. "But now we shall begin this contest of strength, to see who shall prove the mightier ally of the Ishi-Tib and is worthy of our allegiance. I must also thank you all for agreeing to such terms and making an effort to avoid bringing the Clone Wars here. Know that my people and I are grateful." With the formalities over with, Suribran cleared his throat once more. Senator Amidala had informed him earlier that Anakin Skywalker was to represent the Republic, but Count Dooku had not given him the name of his representative yet. Suribran wondered what he would say... "Fighting on behalf of the Republic: Jedi General Anakin Skywalker!" Each member of the group applauded as Anakin stepped forward, a confident smirk on his face.
"Go get 'em General!" Rex encouraged.
"Don't I always, Rex?" Anakin remarked. Stepping into the middle of the throne room, Anakin sized up the villains before him. "Alright Dooku, who's your best man?" Anakin called to the Separatists, half-expecting the Sith himself to step forward and draw his lightsaber. "Heh, none of you Separatists would be stupid enough to fight me." He quietly mused with a small smile. An aid ran up to Suribran and whispered something in his ear.
"Here? Are you certain?" He quietly replied, turning back to the messenger. The servant nodded. Suribran's eyes widened, either out of surprise or fear, before he resumed his original position. The Premier cleared his throat again. "Fighting on behalf of the Separatists," he announced, fighting to maintain his calm composure, "The Hand of Death... Darth Khan!"
Dooku smiled at the delicious reaction on the faces of the Republic.
The four Separatists parted to let their champion pass through. The dark, masked and menacing form of Darth Khan entered the sunlit throne room, fully revealing himself without a care in the world. Padme felt a chill creep up her spine as she laid eyes on the Sith that held her hostage on the Malevolence. and he was now different and with a new name. Rex grew uneasy as he gazed upon the one responsible for numerous brutal deaths of whole Clone detachments. Ahsoka's eyes widened at seeing Khan again, only he now wore different clothing... and had Darth in his name.
"Guess he's no longer in training." Ahsoka muttered.
Jayden stood across from Anakin, his expressionless visor just staring at the so called 'Chosen One'. Nobody could tell what his expression was so they couldn't tell what he was thinking.
"Khan... been quite a while." Anakin said.
"That it has, Skywalker." Jayden said.
"The rules of engagement are simple: no-holds barred, last man standing wins. Anything goes." Suribran announced, slightly uncertain as to how to start this contest. "Round one, begin!"
Anakin drew his lightsaber and activated it, the blue blade humming. Jayden grabbed his crossguard lightsaber and activated it, the unstable red blade crackling. Jayden twirled his saber before assuming a Form III: Djem So stance, as did Anakin.
Anakin lunged forward first and swung his blade around only for Jayden to block and parry, kicking Anakin back. Anakin got to his feet quickly, no sound heard except for the sound of their lightsabers humming. Jayden struck first this time and landed a heavy swing, almost knocking Anakn off balance but he was quick to swing around and block Jayden's next attack, the two entering a saber lock. Jayden pushed Anakin back a couple of steps before breaking the lock and went for a swing at his legs only for Anakin to jump to avoid it and go for a attack from above, only for Jayden to parry that and back off from Anakin. Jayden then ran, jumped and hit a power attack that Anakin blocked, gritting his teeth as he was brought to a knee from the strength of the blow.
Anakin managed to push to his feet and back off. The two twirled their sabers around, blue and red illuminating their face and mask respectively. Jayden twirled his lightsaber around repeatedly, causing Anakin's eyes to flicker from him to the saber, and Jayden struck quick with a overhead slash that Anakin blocked in time and the two circled each other. Jayden gripped his Lightsaber with both hands, as did Anakin with his. Jayden strode forward, raised his Lightsaber but Anakin blocked it, Jayden performed a spinning swing only for that to be parried and Jayden hit a series of attacks that Anakin blocked, moving quickly on his feet before the two entered a Saber lock again.
Jayden took the chance to deliver a hard right punch to Anakin's face, then swing his lightsaber but Anakin jumped back only to be thrown across the room with a Force push.
"That... looked like it hurt." Obi-Wan commented.
"You don't say." Anakin replied as he shrugged off his daze and readied for another attack. Anakin took a deep breath and assumed his Form V:Djem So stance again. Jayden gripped his saber with both hands, lining it up beside his head, the blade pointing at Anakin as the two circled each other. Anakin lunged first with a impale strike only for Jayden to knock that down and swing for a throat slash but Anakin ducked it, blocked the next one, then parried another. Jayden went on the offensive while Anakin started going on the defensive as they continued to duel each other.
Jayden blocked left and right then in a flash he was back on the attack as he used a mix of quick and heavy attacks, throwing Anakin off balance. Anakin had to quickly adjust to this pattern as he blocked quickly. The two backed from each other and went back to circling, their Lightsabers at their sides as they eyed one another.
Jayden took on an offensive stance so Anakin went back on defensive. Anakin rushed ahead and prepared to execute a low sweep to catch Jayden off-guard. But Jayden tensed up, seeing Anakin's plan of attack in his posture.
He could read the Jedi like a holotext.
As soon as Skywalker was near enough, Jayden leapt off the ground and executed a lunge kick, cleanly missing Anakin's blade by many feet. His boot collided with Anakin's face and flung the Jedi back to the floor. Jayden landed on both feet and rolled his shoulders.
"Is that the best you can do, Skywalker?" Jayden asked.
"Not bad. Not enough to keep me down, though." Anakin groaned as he rose, feeling his face for a bruise. Picking himself back up, Anakin dusted off his robes and chose to take the initiative again. Forgoing anything fancy, the Knight simply rushed Jayden like he would any other opponent. Jayden raised his lightsaber in preparation for an attack, but Anakin shot his hand out and pushed him back with the Force, catching Jayden off guard this time and making the Sith fall onto his back. Jayden rolled to the side in time to avoid Anakin's saber hitting where he had just been.
Jayden jumped to his feet as Anakin went for a signatue Form V attack, striking rapidly and repeatedly at different angles in an attempt to throw Jayden off-guard, but the Sith Lord blocked and parried the strikes quickly. Form V relied on brutal and aggressive attacks that could throw a fighter off his balance and allow an opening to show for a kill attack, so Jayden made sure to not suffer that fate as he blocked and backed off from Anakin whenever he hit a Form V attack.
Jayden blocked another attack into a Saber lock and the two grunted as they tried to overpower each other before Jayden shoved Anakin back and unleashed a series of quick Form II attacks that Anakin blocked, recognizing Count Dooku's fighting style. They backed off, circled each other again and went back to attacking. Anakin remembered his past duels with Dooku and had learned from them, especially the first one on Geonosis when he rushed in, blinded by emotion, and it cost him an arm.
He won't make that mistake against Dooku's Apprentice.
Jayden ducked a swing from Anakin's lightsaber and lunged forward and slash Anakin in the shoulder, causing Anakin to grit his teeth in pain before Jayden executed a roundhouse kick that struck his midsection. Anakin was downed almost immediately, cracking his skull against the hard floor as he was laid out.
Ahsoka winced, that would surely leave a mark.
Anakin groaned in pain as he tried to push himself up, Jayden accepting the applause coming from the Separatists as he popped the tendons in his neck. Jayden then beckoned Anakin forward with a wave of his hand. Twirling his lightsaber in his hand, Anakin rushed forward only to have his blade collide with Jayden's again. Launching into another sweeping series of strikes and slashes, Anakin went full-bore into the fight as Jayden moved with lightning-quick reflexes to block each one. Jayden parried the next strike before he going on the offensive. One, two, three, four, five slashes slammed into Anakin's defence as Jayden spun rapidly, hacking and slashing with his lightsaber as he pressed his attack. Using the Force to better his reflexes, Anakin blocked each strike until he and Jayden were locked in another clash, lightsaber grinding against lightsaber.
Jayden started to tap into his strength, Anakin's blade moving as Jayden pushed him back and bent him to one side. With his free hand, Jayden lashed out and delivered a solid punch into Anakin's ribs, causing him to grunt and cough, backing off quickly. Jayden strode forward and kicked Anakin in the chest, sending him onto his back. Anakin fought to his feet again and dropkicked Jayden, causing him to drop his Lightsaber. Now both didn't have their weapons just now. Both fighters got to their feet and Anakin ran at Jayden only to get tripped up and land hard on his back. Jayden pulled his Lightsaber to him with the Force, activated it, and brought it down only for Anakin to block it with his own, the red and blue blades almost touching Anakin's throat.
With the Force added to his strength, Anakin pushed himself to his feet, the two still in a saber lock before they broke it and began unleashing attacks and blocks on one another. This continued for several seconds until they twirled their Lightsabers in sync then slammed them together. Pulling their free arms back, Jayden and Anakin attempted to Force push each other at the same time only to end up in a battle of dominance as they tried to overpower each other with the Force, only for both to lose and be sent flying back across opposite sides of the room. Jayden jumped to his feet first, ran and leaped for a massive Form two power jump, but Anakin quickly rolled out the way and parried Jayden's next attack.
Jayden strode forward and the two resumed fighting, their Lightsabers battling over their heads until they entered a brief saber lock and circled one another. Jayden pushed Anakin back but Anakin fought back with an attack of his own and the two briefly grappled with one another and twirled before Jayden tried slicing Anakin in half only for that to be blocked in time.
With a growl, Anakin struck with hard, vicious swings of his lightsaber, Jayden parrying each with his lightsaber. Throwing his strength into another downward slash, the blue blade connected with Jayden's red blade as the Sith Lord warded him off, bending his knees as he took the full weight of Anakin's blow. The Jedi reared back to strike again, but Jayden took advantage and kicked his torso. Anakin recoiled for a split second, giving Jayden the advantage he needed. Cutting across Anakin's side as he dashed past him, Jayden blasted Anakin with Force lightning, sending Anakin tumbling across the floor, before righting himself and pausing in a kneeling stance, grunting and grimacing as he shrugged off the pain rolling through his back.
He looked up as Jayden came charging at him, the Sith vaulting over the Jedi as Anakin swung his lightsaber around to try and cut him. Sensing the Sith land opposite him, Anakin struck with the Force and slammed Jayden into a nearby pillar, holding him in place. Jayden struggled as cracks formed in the stone behind him, but his body was rendered immobile. Anakin slowly advanced, seething as he got ready to end this.
But what he failed to notice was the shock chip Jayden dropped on his back when leaping over him.
The sudden explosion of electrical energy took Anakin by surprise, and the Jedi screamed in sudden agony as his nerves were lit up by raw voltage. He lost his concentration and Jayden hit the ground feet-first as Anakin struggled to focus. Sprinting forward, Jayden drove a knee into his midsection and followed with a massive uppercut, sending Anakin sprawling across the ground and his lightsaber falling from his hand. The Republic collectively winced.
"Impressive work, Khan!" Dooku applauded.
"Yeah, take him down a few more notches!" Kadrian added, also applauding. Wraith looked up at his allies and nodded.
He intended to do just that.
Anakin reached for his Lightsaber only to be blasted with Force lightning again, causing him to yell in pain as Jayden strode forward, not relenting at all as he listened to Anakin scream. He looked right up at the Republic, mocking them while he tortured their 'Chosen One'. Jayden eventually stopped and smoke came off Anakin's armour before Jayden picked him up with the Force and slammed him into the ground repeatedly, then into the walls, then into the ceiling, then slammed him down into the floor hard.
"Ha!" Tol let out an audible chuckle. "Let's see a Jedi recover from that!" The Separatists collectively agreed with shared smiles, glad to see the Jedi poster-boy down on the ground, a bloody and bruised wreck.
"You show 'em Khan! We're the superior ones!" Sora called, earning a cheer from Tol. Anakin heard their jeering applause but brushed it off, struggling to get back up.
He saw footsteps stop next to him and looked up to the towering form of Khan before he was kicked in the ribs, knocking him onto his back. Jayden then pressed his boot down on Anakin's ribs and pressed down hard with the Force added to his strength, cracking several of Anakin's ribs and making the Republic wince.
Anakin had no time to move as Jayden reached down and picked him up, grabbing him by the throat. The Sith turned and threw the Jedi across the room, tossing him as though he weighed nothing. But as Anakin flew through the air, something within him was engaged.
He'd had enough of being Jayden's plaything.
Summoning the Force to right himself, Anakin landed on his feet and slid to a halt. Looking up with a newfound fire in his eyes, he stretched out his hand and called his lightsaber to him. The hilt instantly whipped across the room and into his hand. Igniting his blue blade, Anakin stood up.
He had found his second wind.
Throwing Jayden back with the Force, Anakin also tore up a thick piece of the floor. As Jayden bounced off the wall and hit the ground, Anakin threw the piece of debris at him. The Sith had no time to move and the floor piece slammed into him, crushing him between the wall and the floor. No movement came as the dust settled, Anakin's shoulders heaving as he regained his composure. His body burned and ached and he'd like nothing more than to call this fight right now.
After all, given how thick and heavy that floor chunk was, Khan likely wouldn't be getting up any time soon.
"My... M-My floor..." Suribran muttered, none too pleased with the necessary repairs that would be required.
"Sorry Premire," Anakin breathed, looking significantly worse for wear, "Now then, why don't we-" He was interrupted by the shifting of the debris and he turned, his eyes widened as the debris was lifted to reveal Khan had stopped it in time with the Force, his hand up to lift it with the Force. Jayden stared right at Skywalker as he let the debris fall behind him.
"Now... I'm angry." Jayden growled as he reached for his belt and, to the Jedi's surprise, brought out a second Lightsaber, this one a standard hilt, then he activated it and a purple blade was revealed. Jayden then took on the basic stance for duel-wielding Lightsabers.
"Okay then." Anakin said with a smirk, "Bring i-"
He was cut off as the debris was sent at him with the Force, Jayden not even making hand motions for it to happen. He was using it through his willpower Anakin slashed the debris or avoided it and looked in time to block a purple blade from slicing him in half, he was quick to block a red one and backed off as Jayden strode forward, both Lightsabers gripped tightly in his hands.
Jayden struck, first with the red saber, then the purple, and Anakin had to be quick and fast to avoid the equally fast and quick attacks. Jayden spun and swung both sabers at the same time but Anakin blocked them nearly stumbling on his feet actually. Jayden reared back with his crossguard red blade and managed to slash Anakin across the chest, causing him to break the saber lock and Jayden kicked Anakin onto his back.
Deactivating both lightsabers and clipping them to his belt, Jayden grabbed Anakin and headbutts him, sending blood flying. Lashing out in anger, Anakin attacked with a punch, only to be blocked by Jayden's waiting left hand. The Sith retaliated with a right and left hook, cracking Anakin across the face with each punch. But as the Knight steeled himself for another right hook, Jayden surprised him by snapping out his elbow and bashing Anakin's cheek. The hard impact split open the skin and bruised the bone underneath, leaving Anakin bleeding with a very sore face. Jayden then delivered two hard punches straight to the Jedi's ribs. Anakin felt like he was on the verge of collapsing, but a sudden resurgence in willpower flooded him with the fortitude to continue and he tapped into the Force.
Just as Jayden came at him again, though, Anakin blasted him with a wave of telekinetic power, throwing Jayden back across the floor. A bleeding and battered Anakin, fuelled by a sudden rush of adrenaline, picked up the Sith and flung his body into the nearest decorative pillar. His body bounced off and hit the ground, leaving a sizeable crack behind as Anakin grabbed him again with the Force. He smashed Jayden into the pillar again, then hurled a piece of debris that slammed into his helmet.
Using the Force, Anakin pitched Jayden back and forth like a ragdoll before finally throwing him clean across the room and into the steps leading to Suribran's throne. The Sith lay still, his chest slowly rising and falling in time with his breathing. With the adrenaline dying down, Anakin collapsed. All of his bodily receptors hit him en masse, overwhelming his senses. The pain was growing unbearable, every torturous second he stayed awake only resulted in more pain. Every move he made was agonizing. He internally cursed his longevity, for being able to take this punishment. He would give anything to succumb right now.
But he knew why he was here. He had to fight for Tibrin, for the sake of the Republic. He couldn't let the Separatists win, and yet here he was on the losing side of the fight.
Dooku had planned this. Curse that old man.
Anakin fought to rise. He would fight with whatever stamina was left in him, whatever amount of Force endurance he could summon to carry on. Pain wracked his every move, just being awake was unbearable. But he had to press on. He was the Chosen One, no Separatist could stop him.
He would make the comeback of a lifetime. Imagine the stories...
Finding renewed hope and a desire to fight back, Anakin summoned the Force to numb his pain and enhance his strength. As long as he kept his head in the game and remembered the power at his command, he could survive this fight. Rising to his feet, limping as he fought down the pain coursing through his thigh, Anakin raised himself to full height and sharply sucked in a lungful of air.
But he saw Khan was also on his feet... and advancing towards him.
"No matter what you do... you won't stop me!" Anakin vowed, quickly deciding what course of action he should take. Pitching a left cross, Jayden seemed unfazed as he blocked Anakin's punch and countered with a blow to his midsection and one to his face, blood staining his knuckles as it flew from Anakin's mouth. Barely recovering, the Jedi pitched a wild right cross which Jayden caught.
"I already have, Skywalker." Jayden said. Forcibly pulling the Jedi in, Jayden drove his knee into Anakin's torso, the air rushing from his lungs as he doubled over. Jayden then executed a double-axehandle that put Anakin flat on the ground.
With much effort, Anakin pushed himself to his hands and knees, spitting blood out of his mouth and onto the floor. But Jayden quickly lined up a shot and sent his boot crashing into Anakin's face. Anakin cried out as he was knocked onto his back, blood spraying from his facial wounds. Jayden paused to roll his shoulders and crack his neck, reveling in the rush of adrenaline pumping through his body. Anakin groaned as his broken body lay on the ground. It took so much effort to even breath he wondered if it was worth trying to get up.
But he had to. Somewhere, deep within him, Anakin felt a sudden desire to make Khan feel as miserable as he did.
His pain fuelled him, turning his desperation into anger, anger turning into resolve as he tapped into the Force once again. With a roar, Anakin picked up Jayden with the Force and threw him across the room, the Sith crashing into the far wall before Anakin forcibly threw him into the floor below, the polished marble cracking on impact.
But Anakin was nowhere near done.
He threw Jayden into one pillar, then another, slamming the Sith around like a toy before finally dropping him to the floor. Jayden lay still and unmoving, his body not even twitching as he lay on the ground. The Separatists exchanged uneasy glances, believing their champion to be downed. Count Dooku met their uncertain looks with a glance of his own. He could feel Jayden through the Force and knew he was still conscious. But had Anakin really taken that much out of him?
The Republic, although a little unnerved by Anakin suddenly lashing out like that, were still pleased Darth Khan was down. This fight would soon be over...
Or so they thought.
Striding over to the Sith, Anakin stood tall over Khan. "It's over." He stated, confident in his victory. He might've gotten a little bloody, but he still came out on top.
"For you." Jayden suddenly growled before he activated his purple Lightsaber in the blink of an eye and slashed off Anakin's prosthetic arm, causing Anakin to yell out in pain before he was slashed across the chest. Not enough to kill him... but enough to lay him out. Jayden breathed heavily as he deactivated his Lightsaber and used the Force to send Anakin rolling to the feet of the Republic. "There's your so-called Chosen One... nothing but trash in the end."
The reaction from the Republic was identical: Padme gasped and covered her mouth as did Ahsoka. Obi-Wan looked shocked, even a little scared, as his mouth opened wordlessly. Rex was lost for words. His own general, so unshakable in the field of battle was now a bleeding wreck. Nobody hurt him. Nobody could!
But Khan had and did just that.
"I believe the fight is over." Dooku said as Jayden walked back to stand beside his Master. The Republic were already kneeling by Anakin's bludgeoned form, taking in just how much damage Khan had dealt.
"I-Indeed." Suribran stammered, overly stunned by the spectacular display of violence.
He would definitely need to have a servant clean the floor as soon as possible.
"The winner, by flawless victory, Darth Khan! Representing the Confederacy of Independent Systems." The Premier announced. The Separatists applauded their hero, cheering on Darth Khan as he crossed his arms, feeling quite triumphant. The Republic made no response as all of them were tending to Anakin however they could.
He was a serious mess.
"Count Dooku, you have swayed me with this most impressive display." Suribran commented.
"I'm glad you see things from our point of view." Dooku politely responded. Obi-Wan looked up from Anakin's bloody form.
"This brutality will not stand! Mark my words Dooku, there will be retribution! You won't get away with any of this!" He exclaimed. The count was amused, Obi-Wan seldom lost his cool demeanour and it was always amusing to see him do so.
"Now I believe it's time to establish a Separatist presence here." The count mused. Suribran nodded, ready to accept Dooku's terms and also ready to sign control of Tibrin over to the Separatists.
But Dooku had a much different plan in mind. He looked at Jayden who got the message.
Activating his lightsaber, Jayden stabbed the red blade through Suribran's chest. Jayden ripped his weapon from the now dead man's chest and watched the body fall. The royal guards had no time to act and could only stare helplessly at the body of their leader. The Republic turned with a start at the sound of a Lightsaber activating and saw the dead body, and Khan deactivating his blade.
"What have you done Dooku?!" Padme exclaimed.
"I have removed a blight from this world, lifted a burden from the shoulders of the Ishi-Tib." The count calmly explained. "Suribran Tu was a dictator who mercilessly oppressed his people, something the Republic has turned a blind eye to for too long. We are here to liberate the Ishi-Tib, and I should say we have done just that."
At that moment, a pair of servants ran over to Dooku and Jayden, bowing before them and repeatedly thanking them for liberating them. Dooku instructed them both to gather all the people, he had a proclamation to make.
"Go on home Senator. The Republic is no longer welcome here." Dooku dismissed Padme with a dark edge to his voice, as if prepared to act upon his threatening words. They slowly made to leave, Rex and Obi-Wan gingerly hoisting Anakin's body off the ground and carefully carrying him out. But as they turned to leave, Ahsoka looked back at Jayden with a determined fire in her eyes.
"I will avenge my master! Just you wait!" She declared, her voice hoarse with emotion. Jayden chuckled.
"I look forward to it." Jayden said, staring at Ahsoka. he took note of her change of clothing, as well as her growth.
She was now wearing a full-body top that ended in the middle of her thighs, made to look like a skirt with the belt and sash she wore. He was curious as to the origin of the design, as a diamond shaped window displayed part of her chest. It was also backless. She now wore dark grey leggings with a series of diamond holes running down the sides of her legs and also sported brown bands around her bisceps. Her montrals appeared larger and longer, denoting an older and more mature appearance, compared to the last time he saw her. Also, not one but two lightsaber hilts were clipped to her belt, signifying her advanced proficiency in combat.
She looked very... attractive.
'What? Where did that come from?' Jayden thought with a shake of his head.
And that's it for this chapter everyone.