Shadow of the Jedi
Chapter 3: Slayer of what?...What's a Kronos?
Apollo's bow materialised in his hand as he quickly fired two arrows at Nico's chest, but were quickly deflected by the Ghost King.
Apollo's eyes widened before he fired another arrow at Nico's head which was once again very easily deflected, at this Nico's confidence grew as he snorted.
"You think some crappy arrows will take me out, and you're meant to be my second strongest opponent!" Nico spat before lunging at Apollo whose bow vanished and was replaced with a sword as he brought it up to block the Son of Hades's attack.
Nico attacked with a flurry of strikes but Apollo's godly speed made up for his less than stellar swordsmanship.
Apollo jumped aside, kicking Nico towards Yoda. Before Apollo could attack, Nico hurled some black fire at the sun god, catching him in the face making him cry out in pain, as he shook it of him.
Meanwhile Yoda studied the fire that spouted from Nico's hand, Only one Jedi has used fire before, but long dead, he is, Yoda thought absentmindedly as one name came into mind. Darth Revan.
Meanwhile Nico was doing his best to block the Sun Gods attacks. Nico parried various strikes and swerved and dodged. However it wasn't quick enough. Nico watched Apollo's Blade go up his chest taking away the top part of his robe and showing his chest with a giant slash going up.
Nico grunted in pain as he backed away while Apollo wore a smug grin. Nico fought down the pain so he could focus on the task at hand. The cut wasn't deep so he would be able to shake it off.
Meanwhile the female Jedi were no longer looking at Apollo, but at Nico's bare chest. Most were able to control the blushes that came on their faces but other's (Ahsoka for example) couldn't. The Jedi who had more control were horrified at the amount of scars that decorated Nico's chest.
Meanwhile Apollo sent a blast of bright light at Nico. Nico side-stepped the attack and charged at Apollo with his black sword raised. Apollo dodged the strike and tried to attack but Nico was getting too fast, slipping behind him and slashing a gash into Apollo's back.
Apollo spun around to block but Nico feinted a strike before slashing across the front of his legs causing Apollo to stumble and drop to a knee.
Before he could recover, Nico sent him to the ground with a hard kick to the back. Apollo rolled to the side as Nico's blade came down to impale him. Apollo kicked him back and climbed to his feet, trying to surprise him with a quick attack.
Unfortunately for Apollo, Nico wasn't very surprised. Nico quickly sprang into offense, dropping low and sweeping the sun god's legs out from under him. The minute Apollo hit the floor, Nico drove his blade into the God's shoulder making him cry out in pain.
Before he could finish him, Apollo blasted Nico back with a bright light. The Ghost Kng flew across the room, slamming into the wall but to Apollo's, and every Jedi's, utter shock he was on his feet instantly.
Before Apollo could even blink Nico was in front of him, driving his sword deep into the god's stomach.
Apollo let out a pained gasp as he was driven to the floor by the Ghost King.
"Impossible." Apollo grunted as golden blood leaked onto the floor.
"I'm known to cause the impossible," Nico replied nonchalant as the form of Apollo flickered away.
Nico stood up and looked down and his eyebrows shot up, as if just noticing the long gash that went up his stomach.
"Di Angelo," Nico heard someone say, he turned around only to be greeted by the serious face of Master Windu, "Are you sure you wish to continue with this seeing the state that you are in?" Windu questioned.
Nico grinned half-heartedly, "Don't worry about me Master, it's just a few cuts and bruises, that's what is expected with the trials." Nico stated as he turned to the center of the arena once again, waiting for his final opponent.
Meanwhile Ahsoka was looking at Nico with concern, "It looks like he could have some broken ribs," Plo Koon stated, not exactly easing Ahsoka's worry's.
"Yeah, but who was that guy that Nico defeated? And who is the 'Mighty Python'?" Petro questioned.
"I think Nico is the only one who has the answers to your questions Petro," Ahsoka said to the youngling as she watched the next simulation come up.
This simulation was of a very handsome seventeen year old, with jet black hair and bight sea green eyes. He was wearing a shirt with the words Camp Half-Blood written on it. He had a playful smirk on his lips but the look in his eyes said 'If you harm my friends I'll tear you a new one'. He is tall, looking very fit, muscular, and lean. Just like Jason this simulation had the tattoo of SPQR on the underside of his arm, but instead of an eagle there was a trident and there were no lines over it. The young man had a very familiar sword in his hand that Nico saw in one of his visions, Riptide? Once the Young man's eyes landed on Nico his smirk seemed to widen.
"How you doing Death Breath?" Nico wasn't given a chance to answer as the simulation raised his sword over his head for a dramatic announcement. "I am Percy Jackson, Son of Poseidon, Defeater of The God of War Ares, Slayer of the Titans Hyperion and Kronos, and one of the seven to defeat the Primordial Goddess of the Earth. I am the Saviour of Olympus."
Nico was staring at Percy with wide eyes as he finished his announcement, I am so very screwed. Nico thought to himself as he looked at Riptide warily, Something's different about that sword. Nico thought to himself as he quickly capped his black blade and activated his black as night lightsaber.
Percy looked at the lightsaber with a raised eyebrow but didn't say anything as he got into a battle stance, his bronze blade illuminating his face slightly. Nico narrowed his eyes and intead of getting into his Reverse Shien stance, Nico extended his left hand in front of him, and lifted his right blade upward, pointing forward along with his arm.
"He's using Soresu stance. Interesting…" Plo Koon muttered.
Nico and Percy, who's smirk fell from his lips only to be replaced with a look of determination, remained frozen for a few moments, each studying the other carefully. Percy attacked first, jumping into the air and slicing downward. How does Percy know the lightsaber moves of Ataru? Nico asked to himself dryly, before blocking the attack. Percy twisted his blade upwards, but Nico leaned back dodging the strike.
Kenobi was impressed by Nico's application of Soresu. He knew what he was doing, that was for sure.
Nico kept blocking Percy's moves, but it was difficult. Apparently his memories serve him well: Percy was an excellent swordsman. Nico twisted his blade backwards, knocking Percy's blade back. Nico switched tactics, going back to his use of Juyo.
Nico spun around, hitting Percy's blade, then spun back and delivered a kick to Percy's chest. The Saviour of Olympus was knocked back, but quickly recovered, delivering three quick slices, all of which Nico blocked.
The Ghost King whirled his blade around his body, trying to confuse the son of Poseidon. It didn't work too well, as Percy simply stuck his blade forward, causing Nico to knock it away to avoid being stabbed.
Nico spun backwards, gathering his composure. The Titan slayer lifted his bronze blade with one hand and charged again. Nico went for a low chop, but Percy side-flipped over and swung for Nico's back. In response, Nico slid to his knees and leaned backwards, the bronze blade flying an inch over his eyes.
Nico then released a Repulse, sending Percy flying into a wall. Nico lunged forward, trying a simple stab to see how Percy would deflect it. Percy dodged and used the wall as leverage, kicking off and flying away from Nico.
While all this was going on, the onlookers watched carefully. Awed by the swordsmanship that both of the young men possessed.
Nico ducked under a swing and sliced upwards, Percy blocking once more. The Ghost King twisted around and elbowed Percy in the stomach. The son of Poseidon groaned and jumped backwards in mid-air, their blades sending out waves of sparks as they clashed. Nico and Percy locked eyes, and time seemed to stop.
At that moment, Nico knew he was dealing with a true warrior. If he wanted to win this, he'd have to use every move he had ever learned. And then some.
Then time sped back up, and the two leaped away from each other. Nico deactivated his lightsaber and put it back on his belt. The gathered Jedi were surprised by this risky move. Was Nico surrendering?
The Son of Hades drew a deep breath, and in a blur, shoved both of his hands forward. Percy was blown off his feet as a large Force Push smashed into his chest, sending him flying into the air. Nico drew his lightsaber and charged, hoping that catching Percy off-guard would spell victory. He was wrong.
Percy was fully prepared, and when Nico got close, he pushed his hand out with all his might, and the most unexpected thing happened, water came out of thin air and rushed at Nico slamming him just like his Force Push did to Percy. Nico, just like Percy had been, was sent flying across the arena into the wall.
Both fighters struggled to stand, their bodies sore from being slammed into solid stone. Nico had a few tricks left, however. He activated his lightsaber once more, but he didn't move. He waited for Percy to stand.
Meanwhile, Ahsoka was stunned. This was the most intense battle she had ever seen. She was struggling to even watch every move, they were fighting so fast. "Here's where things get interesting," Koon said. Ahsoka looked at him, her eyes questioning what he meant. Before Koon could speak, she felt a presence behind her. She turned to see her Master standing there, a small smile on his face.
"You see Ahsoka, an important part of duelling is figuring out your opponent's style, weaknesses, and advantages. Once two combatants have figured out the other's moves, things get a little crazy from there on," Skywalker explained.
"Precisely," Koon agreed. Ahsoka understood what they meant. Once you become predictable, you become a corpse.
In the arena, Nico whirled around, attacking Percy's limbs. Percy deflected the swings without much trouble and front-flipped over Nico before spinning and slicing. Nico ducked and hit Percy in the leg with a kick, forcing the Saviour of Olympus onto his knees. Nico lifted his lightsaber for a vertical strike. Percy countered it, knocking the saber away and getting back to his feet.
As Nico was about to strike, Percy threw his bronze sword into the air. Nico was confused, as the look on his face clearly demonstrated. Percy gave a small smirk as he lunged into the air and grabbed his sword. As Nico prepared to defend himself, he saw Percy wasn't aiming at him as he flew back toward the ground. Percy slammed his bronze blade into the ground, and Nico was knocked back by some kind of earthquake. Percy removed his blade from the ground and prepared himself for the next series of attacks.
Nico quickly lunged toward Percy and shoved his lightsaber forward, Percy blocking it horizontally. The two were now standing there, inches away from each other's faces, their blades sending out sparks once more.
The two combatants were scowling, each trying to overcome the other. They were pushing with every last ounce of strength in their muscles. Then Percy spoke for the first time since the start of the battle. "I thought you were training to get better Nico," He growled with a slight smirk. Nico blinked before he heard something else. A woman's voice.
Children of Hades are known to be the most powerful of demigods, and they like challenges, there's a reason why everyone fears you.
Nico's pupils widened. It was that same woman. The one he had heard before…When he was fighting Reaper. All these visions…What do they mean? Nico wondered. Unfortunately, Nico's wandering mind gave Percy the advantage. The son of Poseidon began pushing, and the two locked blades began approaching Nico's body.
The simulation of Percy was wondering what was going on in the Ghost King's head. His eyes had glazed over, and he appeared to have lost his strength. As Percy prepared for a finishing blow, Nico came back to full attention. And at that moment, when he saw the look of determination in Nico's eyes, Percy knew he had no chance.
Nico began pushing back, and the Jedi surrounding the two were amazed by his sudden surge of strength. But Nico didn't push all the way back. Instead, he kept the two blades at equal angles, grinning in a mocking kind of way. Then Percy saw Nico's saber flickering. And before his surprised eyes, Percy saw black Lightning flow from Nico's hand into his saber.
Nico's expression went from a cocky grin to a battle scowl. He then pushed with all of his might, knocking Percy back. Large bolts of black Force Lightning flew in random directions, all erupting from Nico's lightsaber. The Ghost King let out a battle cry and charged, hitting Percy's blade with intense ferocity.
KRA-KOOM! Bolts of black Lightning flew out of the saber, striking the walls and floor. The onlookers jumped back, fearing being hit by the stray bolts, though thanks to the shield they had nothing to fear. Nico twisted, whirling his blade around and hitting Percy's lightsaber once more. KRA-KOOM! More Lightning.
Over and over, the Lightning-enhanced blade struck Percy's bronze blade. And every time it did, there was a KRA-KOOM!, and bolts of black Force Lightning would hit the walls and ground, leaving charred black spots all over the arena.
Soon enough, Percy felt his arms tiring. As he was preparing himself for Nico's blow, the Ghost King jumped back. Percy looked surprised, then horrified.
Nico held his lightsaber hilt in both hands, allowing large amounts of black Force Lightning to flow into his black as night blade. Percy charged, fearing what would happen if this continued. But that's exactly what his opponent wanted.
Nico removed his left hand from the hilt, letting it hand. He lifted his right arm, raising his black as night blade, and promptly swung downwards with his lightsaber, the blade hitting the stone floor. The onlookers gasped at what looked like a wave of Force energy flew toward the Saviour of Olympus. As it grew closer, Percy saw flickers of black Lightning inside the wave. He didn't have time to counter it. Instead, he drew upon the water vapour in the room to try and use it as a shield.
The wave hit Percy's shield, and the Titan slayer cried in pain as it broke through his defense and knocked him into the wall also using the water as a conductor. He actually hit the wall with enough force to break some of the stone.
The crowd of Jedi looked at the downed Saviour of Olympus carefully, hoping that the fight was over. The crowd was disappointed, however, when Percy stood up, panting. He had taken quite a hit, and he looked like he was about to pass out any second. But he held his ground, and lifted his bronze blade.
Nico dropped his lightsaber and leaned on the wall, panting. He had put every last ounce of energy he had into the Lightning attacks. He saw that Percy was ready to get back into battle. Nico had to end this now.
Percy charged forward, lifting Riptide above his head, ready to win. But he didn't expect his opponent to jump forward and kick the blade out of his weakened hand. Percy didn't even have time to wince from the kick, as Nico struck out with a Force Push.
Percy flew back and landed on the cold, hard ground. He didn't get the chance to rest, as he felt himself getting pulled into the air. He looked down to see Nico flying up, the Force backing his jump.
Down below, Ahsoka looked up as Nico grabbed Percy and flew toward the ceiling. She could only gasp as she saw he friend slam the old man into the ceiling. He then turned and threw Percy toward the ground. But Nico wasn't done yet. He pulled back both of his hands and pushed them forward, his largest Force Push of the battle hitting Percy slamming him into the stone floor.
Nico, still in mid-air, called his lightsaber into his hand, activating it as he landed. He ran up and stabbed the lightsaber through Percy's chest. "You lose," Nico growled before deactivating the blade.
Percy looked Nico in the eye and gave him a small genuine smile before he faded away.
Nico was sweating like mad, and he knew what was coming next. He promptly dropped his lightsaber and fell backwards, the last words he heard were from Ahsoka as she cried out in shock before everything turned black.
"Nico!"
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"Nico!" Ahsoka exclaimed as the shield to the simulator was shut down and she ran to him kneeling next to him. The other Jedi were by Nico in an instant, with a couple of medical droids.
"Take Nico to the medical center," Master Windu was ordering the droids, he then turned to Anakin and Ahsoka, "You two go with them make sure that Nico is okay and when he is I want Skywalker to report to the Council Chamber." Windu ordered. The two Jedi nodded not daring to question Master Windu's orders.
As the two Jedi followed the medical droids Anakin decided to make small talk with his Padawan.
"You and Nico seem to get along well." Anakin noted.
"Oh, I guess so, I mean it's not like anyone else has really tried talking to him." Ahsoka looked away, trying to not make eye contact with her master.
"Hmm yes I'm sure that's it," Watching his padawan Anakin noticed the obvious signs of a crush beginning to form. He sighed, hoping that he wasn't somehow indirectly teaching Ahsoka to form bonds, not that he could exactly defend himself on that matter.
Ahsoka bit her lip nervously, Why am I so nervous, she wondered. I wasn't the way of the Jedi to form bonds, but yet she found herself becoming attached to the ex-Sith Lord, known as Nico Di Angelo. She wanted to talk to him again, he made her feel…well she couldn't exactly explain how she felt. There was just something about Nico that made her want to see him again.
"Don't worry Snips," Anakin gripped her shoulder lightly, "I'm sure everything will be fine."
"W-what are you talking about master? I'm not worried about Nico!" Ahsoka said rather hastily, making Anakin chuckle. He was pretty sure that he saw his apprentice blush.
"Whatever you say Snips," Anakin chuckled again. "Whatever you say."
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A teenage girl with Lightning blue eyes wearing silver clothing and a tiara had a bow aimed at Nico…
Percy was battling Jason in what looked like a fight to the death until Nico decided to intervene…
A boy with elf like features was throwing fire at some kind of creature with a serpent tail for legs…
Nico's eyes shot open; he quickly realized he wasn't in the arena any more. Nico sat up in the bed that he had been placed in, but his world began to spin as he groaned. "Easy there," A familiar voice told him, as whomever it was gently pushed him back into a laying position. "Where am I?" He groaned.
"The Halls of Healing, you passed out after your fight with that Percy guy and me and my Master brought you here." The voice sighed.
Slowly opening his eyes Nico seemed pleasantly surprised, "Ahsoka?"
She smiled, "Yeah, I'm suppose to keep an eye on you and alert someone when you woke up."
"Well I'm awake," He groaned as he closed his eyes again, the room was still spinning.
"True, but I'm not sure I should leave you alone in this state." She laughed, "by the time I got back you might be asleep again."
Nico yawned, suddenly realizing how tired he was. "With great power…come great need to take a nap." Nico mumbled, feeling a great sense of Déjà vu, drifting back to sleep. Ahsoka giggled slightly while watching Nico fall asleep Ahsoka yawned herself, it really was contagious. Lying her head down on the part of the mattress that Nico wasn't occupying Ahsoka found herself thinking that a quick nap couldn't hurt.
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"So what do you believe to be the best course of action, Master Yoda?" Obi-Wan questioned the Grand Master as Anakin, Yooda, and himself made their way to the Halls of Healing.
"Keep an eye on him, we should. Trust him, distrust him, I do neither. Only time can tell." The diminutive Jedi master stated.
"Masters if I might make a suggestion?" Anakin gathered the pair's attention. "Nico seems to trust Ahsoka more than anyone else, and as an extent, myself. It might be a good idea to place him under my care."
Obi-Wan shook his head, "Anakin you have a hard enough time keeping yourself, and your Padawan out of trouble, do you think it's really a wise decision to become the guardian of another teenager?" He chuckled at the last part. "I remember just the other day you were telling me just how difficult Ahsoka could be at times."
Anakin winced; his old master had him there. Sighing he realized thet they had reached the wing that Nico, as well as Ahsoka, was in. "Let's see if he's awake before we continue this conversation." Pushing the doors open Anakin felt his eyes widen at the sight of Ahsoka laying her head on Nico's bed, she seemed so…peaceful.
Yoda floated, in his chair, next to Anakin, and chuckled. "Hmhmhm Trust him, your Padawan does."
"Yes," Obi-Wan commented, "If he would turn traitor, it would make the blow hurt all the more if we encouraged this friendship by placing him under your Anakin."
"And if he turns out to be a powerful ally than it would be a good thing," Anakin turned to face the two. "Masters if it comes down to it than I will be the one who puts an end to Nico, but my Padawan trusts him, and I trust her judgement."
Hmm placed under your care, he will be," Yoda closed his eyes in concentration. "Let your trust blind you not, however."
Anakin nodded, "Understood Master, thank you."
And there you go, that was probably the most intense battle I have ever wrote, also adding a bit more fluff between Nico and Ahsoka. The Trial of skill is complete but before Nico continues on with the Trials he must first fight a war.
Clefspear chapter 2 . Nov 17
Awesome job! This next fight should be interesting...
Honestly, I think that the Apollo fight could have gone better but I am not good when it come to writing about someone fighting a god who has a bow and isn't exactly great with a sword.
alex chapter 2 . Nov 17
how is nico gonna win this one also can you have nico fight minos the ex ghost king sorry about your money problems
Sorry but I already had people lined up for the fight and to be honest I don't know how that fight would turn out, maybe I'll use it to have Ahsoka and Anakin find out what Nico truly is.
Guest chapter 2 . Nov 17
mighty python? who's that?
Python was the earth-dragon of Delphi and son of the Primordial goddess Gaia, Apollo killed the Python saving his sister Artemis and his mother Leto. And after killing the Python Apollo found his Oracle in Delphi, hence the name Oracle of Delphi.
Thank you for reading this chapter it is the middle of the night right now and I am very tired, so please either review or PM me. Please review.
PS: I need more reviews people, all I've got right now are six, and I bet as soon as this chapter goes out I'll have like what, nine or ten. No I need more than that. It shows me how much you people like my book, and the more reviews the faster the updates.