"The Shadow Games?" said Obi-Wan.
"Yes. They are an event on this planet. The contestants must go through a series of tasks and survive, while also working together to survive" said Xerxes.
"Survival tasks with these people? Count me out," said Ventress. "Give us back our lightsabers and we will be on our way."
"It's not voluntary; it's mandatory," said Xerxes.
"Says who?" said Dooku, glaring at him menacingly. (Which he does to everyone all the time)
"I do. If you do not compete, you will die right here and now," said Xerxes, his eyes turning bright red.
"Hmm, we have a great spectacle here," he continued, his eyes turning blue this time, "six Jedi, a Sith Lord, two acolytes, one being a cyborg, and another dark side user. This is quite the catch." He made his way to stand in front of each of them, one at a time.
"Anakin Skywalker. My my my a very powerful Jedi with a great destiny in front of him, yet a very tragic life awaits him," said Xerxes.
"Count Dooku, or Darth Tyranus. Once a Jedi, but turned to the dark side for his own reasons, and now leads a war to destroy them. Very odd indeed."
"Obi-Wan Kenobi. Jedi Master and one of the most powerful Jedi in the galaxy. A full life you have earned, yet will it be enough? Did you teach your students well, or will they fall?"
"General Grievous, or should I say Qymaen jai Sheela, a former Kaleesh warlord with a tragic past as he defended his people, even at the cost of his lover, yet you're current state due to one who you consider an ally. How...disturbing," said Xerxes. Grievous was frozen. No one aside from Count Dooku knew about his past identity.
"Ahsoka Tano. Great talent and great prospects for you, yet a secret," he said, looking to Taran, "that is forbidden, and an uncertain future ahead of you." Ahsoka felt her heart drop, shocked that he knew so much about her already.
"Asajj Ventress. Very painful childhood and past. Always seeking help and guidance, yet never earning it and trudging around until you can one day find it. How sad. You're former Master would be saddened were he still alive," said Xerxes. Ventress made a move to attack, but Ahsoka held her back, fearing the consequences.
"Bruck Kottari. Jedi padawan. I can tell you've told her your feelings, and wait for them to be reciprocated. This can lead to a good future, but will it be cut short?" Bruck's eyes widened.
"Tia Dira. Will you tell him, or hold off because of your own doubts?" said Xerxes. Tia looked away, saddened and ashamed.
"Ceran, a Dark acolyte. My you have quite a life, yet so much you're hiding from everyone, even yourself. How much longer will you continue down this path before it consumes you?" said Xerxes. Ceran continued glowering at him and Xerxes moved to Taran.
"Taran Cyneran. The Avatar of your planet? How wonderful. You're the first one to ever play in this event. You will definitely keep the audience going. Yet, so much pain in your life to this point. Dead parents killed by a bounty hunter, painful encounters with enemies, and a dark secret you haven't told anyone yet. Shall I reveal it to them if you'd like?" said Xerxes. Taran was visibly shaking, fear radiating from him.
"No? I'll leave it to you then," said Xerxes, his eyes reverting back to their bright yellow glow.
"How do you know this about all of us?" said Ceran.
"My powers allow me sight into your past, present, and future," said Xerxes.
"Be that as it may, holding us to participate in these games against our will is not acceptable," said Obi-Wan.
"I fear this will not due. These games are important to our society," said Xerxes.
"I'm sorry, but we refuse," said Obi-Wan.
"Hmm, I thought it might come to this with you Jedi," said Xerxes. He snapped his fingers and more creatures like him came out. They were shorter than him and didn't float off the ground like he did, and had green eyes. Eight came in, two wielding curved swords with jagged edges that resembled the edge of a saw, and six came in dragging three clone troopers, two per clone. The six of them gasped as they saw Hunter, Felix, and Bogs bound and gagged.
"As you can see, these men will be dead if you do not participate," said Xerxes. "And in case you need further encouragement.." He lifted his hand to give a signal and one of the creatures took its sword and stabbed Bogs in a chink of his armor at the neck. Blood flowed from the wound as Bogs choked on his own blood, slumping to the floor as he fought to regain breath for a few seconds before he lay still and died.
"You bastard!" yelled Anakin, preparing to charge at him. Xerxes raised his hand threateningly.
"One more move and the other two die. You will join, or they will perish," said Xerxes, his eyes back to red. Anakin looked at Bogs's body the bloody sword in the minion's hand, and back to Xerxes, barely contained rage in his eyes. Without speaking, he nodded.
"Anyone else?" Xerxes asked. No one responded.
"Good."
The ten of them were led down a large flight of stairs, two minions flanking them. Their footsteps echoed through the corridor they were descending. It sounded like a rhythmic countdown to their doom.
They arrived at the end of the stairs where a large wooden door loomed in front of them. One of the minions opened the door, and blinding sunlight spilled in. The minions pushed them forward out into the sunlight as they fought to see.
Roaring cheers and applause greeted their ears as they released they were in what looked like an ancient racetrack with the jungle cleared away in this area. High-rise stone stands lined a section of the track that led to the jungle, and in them were crowded thousands of creatures just like the minions that were 'escorting' them. The crowd was clapping, cheering, whistling, and other sounds as they gazed down at the 'contestants'. The group was moved over to the center of the track and left there.
Suddenly a blinding white light emerged in front of them and then vanished, leaving Xerxes in its place, his medallion glowing yellow.
"Welcome one and all to the Shadow Games!" he said, raising his arms. The crowd went wild.
"And welcome to our contestants for their participation in the games," said Xerxes. The crowd roared with thunderous applause.
"Now, here are the rules. Each team has two people, ergo the one you are chained to. Your team must acquire their specified items within three days or else they lose, and losing means death. And also, a special rule has been added. If your partner dies, the other dies as well," said Xerxes. Everyone's face paled with the exception of Grievous.
"Now, begin!" Suddenly their world went black.
Leave a review if you wish, but also know that the next chapter will be LONG and having German homework isn't helping so an update will be awhile (Based on estimates)