Chapter 131: Crisis on Naboo
Trust is the greatest gifts, but it must be earned.
Recap: Supreme Chancellor in peril! After surviving the ordeals of "The Box," Obi-Wan Kenobi, working undercover as assassin Rako Hardeen, is invited to join Count Dooku's plot against Chancellor Palpatine. Working with a team of deadly bounty hunters, Obi-Wan travels to the planet of Naboo, where the Chancellor will preside over the Festival of Light. Now, as the Jedi Council and Count Dooku finalize their respective plans, a deadly confrontation seems inevitable.
In the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, members of the Jedi High Council, along with Anakin, Ahsoka, Storm, and Twilight, were discussing the security measures for Chancellor Palpatine's visit to Naboo's Festival of Light event. Windu, Yoda, Luna, and Celestia, had already informed the Jedi Knights and Padawan about their plan of having Obi-wan fake his death and was currently under disguise, hoping to find out about Dooku's plan.
"As you can see, we've mapped the Chancellor's route to and from the festival stage," said Windu as he showed the palace map for all to see.
"We know where he'll be at every moment from the time we land on Naboo," stated Luna.
"What security measures are in place?" asked Master Plo.
"The Naboo Royal Guard will have armed sentries at all entry points on the palace," explained Celestia as she pushed a button to change the hologram and show the palace's interior.
"And the stage itself will be sealed off by a ray shield for the duration of the event," stated Windu.
"I see nothing here to worry about," stated Anakin.
"With complacency comes vulnerability," spoke Yoda. "Yes... it is what we do not see that concerns me. A long time to plan his attack, Count Dooku has," responded Yoda.
"Yes. We thought we'd have an advantage with Obi-Wan on the inside, but we've had no communication from him in days," explained Celestia.
"Obi-Wan will do his part. Let's make sure we do ours, said Anakin to all as he turned to leave.
His response was met with reactions as Ahsoka, Twilight, Storm, Windu, Luna, and Yoda all gave concerning glares at what the Jedi said. It seemed the fact that Obi-wan didn't tell Anakin about the plan was biting at him, slowly making him angry.
On the planet Naboo, in Theed, a group of mechanics was working. As one of them was on the floor, checking something. His buddy was pushing a box when a tentacle wrapped around his neck, and he was yanked up. The others turned as a helmet collided with one of them and were taken out. The bounty hunter to whom the helmet belonged emerged as he knocked out the other. Another mechanic was then shocked by one of the tentacles of another bounty hunter. Soon all the other mechanics in the hangar were being taken out or murdered by the bounty hunters. One of them ran to the exit of the hangar, as standing there was Bane.
Well, hello there," said the bounty hunter.
The mechanic fell back and then got up to run, only for Bane to fire his cable and wrap it around his legs. He pulled him back as he pulled out his blaster, and shot the mechanic without mercy.
"All clear!" said Bane as the rest of the team entered.
Dooku was the last to enter, as Sunset was also with him. They all gathered around a box. There was Rako Hardeen, who was still Obi-wan in disguise. Soon, the Sith Lord began to address the team of bounty hunters he had assembled.
"This is it, my friends. The day of reckoning for the Republic. I have it from a very reliable source that everything will happen exactly as we planned. Execute your roles as you've been instructed, and you will all be immortalized in history. Not to mention, rewarded with enough credits that you will never have to work again. I will let Cad Bane take it from here." stated Dooku.
"Listen up. I'm only saying it once. Each device tells you your position and essential details about your part of the plot." said Bane as he addressed the group of bounty hunters and tossed some devices out in front of him.
"Aren't you gonna tell us how all the pieces fit together?" asked Rako as he grabbed his device.
"Derrown here is going to breach the shield," said Bane as he pointed to a male Parwan bounty hunter. "Moralo Eval is the getaway driver. Two of you will act as guards protecting the Chancellor." Bane pointed at two bounty hunters: a female Frenk named Twazzi and the Kyuzo male bounty hunter Obi-wan met on Felcuia named Embo.
"And you, Hardeen, are a sniper. That's all you need to know. Once we have the Chancellor, the devices will lead you to the rendezvous point. Any questions?"
A moment of silence followed Bane's statement.
"Now for our disguises. Everyone step back," said Bane as he put a holographic disguise matrix or shadow hologram device on the table. "This will get us into the inner circle. Step into the shadow hologram and you will receive your new identity."
Everyone stepped into the hologram before them as they were now disguised. However, despite the advanced holography of the device, it had a few downsides as the image was not perfect or consistent; for just a second, it would phase out and reveal the person's face.
"When you leave here, you will have no communication with the rest of the team. All right, then, get to your positions," said Bane as Rako grabbed the briefcase he was given with the sniper in it; they all began to exit the hangar and to where they needed to be.
"Well handled. I should have put you in charge long ago," said Dooku to Bane as he turned to see the group starting to leave, "A word of advice, though, keep an eye on Hardeen. There's something about him I do not trust."
"Don't worry. I'm keeping my eye on all of them," said Bane as he left.
"Let's hope this works," said Sunset, standing by her master.
A ship was shown beginning to descend in the main square of the city of Theed. Many galactic senators were present, including Organa and Padmé, as well as the Queen of Naboo, Queen Neeyutnee. The ship landed, and out came the Chancellor, accompanied by Windu, Luna, Anakin, Storm, Twilight, and Ahsoka, tasked with keeping the Chancellor safe.
"Greetings, Your Majesty," said Palpatine to the Queen.
"Welcome home, Chancellor. I'm thankful to the Jedi for bringing you here safely," responded Padmé.
"Yes, Senator, it is good to be back, although I think the amount of security that has accompanied me is overkill," stated Palpatine.
"With all due respect, Chancellor, where your safety is concerned, there is no such thing as overkill," stated Windu.
"So you keep insisting, Master Jedi. But I've grown tired of discussing it," said Palpatine to both Jedi Masters as they began to walk.
"Anakin, Ahsoka, Twilight, Storm. Welcome to the festival," said Padmé as she walked with her friends behind the Jedi Masters and Chancellor.
"I've never seen the Festival of Light," said Ahsoka.
"I've heard about it from the books in the archives. It's a celebration to signify Naboo joining the Republic 847 years ago," said Twilight as Padmé smiled, seemly impressed by the girl's knowledge about her home planet.
"Sounds like a big event," responded the Padawan.
"They're expecting a large crowd, which means it will be difficult for Dooku to attack during the ceremony," said Anakin.
"That doesn't mean they won't try," said Storm, as just because that outcome wasn't the best one, it would be one in which the Jedi would least expect and therefore be when they let their guard down.
"You think I didn't consider that, at any rate, that leaves the palace as the best opportunity for an ambush," said Anakin.
"Are you that certain an attack is imminent?" asked Padmé to her friends and husband.
"I'm afraid so, which is why I'm making Ahsoka and Twilight your personal bodyguards," said Anakin to his wife.
"At your service, My Lady," said Ahsoka.
"If there's trouble, the girls will get you, the Queen, and the rest of your staff to safety."
"What about you?" asked Padmé to her husband.
"Hopefully, I'll be where I always am," smiled Anakin, looking forward.
"He means saving the day," whispered Ahsoka to Padmé and Twilight.
"Of course he does," smiled Padmé.
"Don't worry, Padmé. I'll be right behind him. Someone has to watch his ass for any mistakes." stated Storm, as that seemed to calm Padmé's worries.
Obi-wan had made it to the position he was supposed to be in. He set the briefcase down as he pulled out his comlink and began to contact his allies. Down in the palace, Luna and Windu were talking and directing the security when their coms went off.
"Make sure you have two guards posted," said Windu as the pair heard the beeping on their wrists and knew who it was from.
"Excuse us," said Luna to the clones as they left.
The pair turned and answered their comlinks.
"Obi-Wan, thank goodness you're alive," said Windu.
"Yes, I've seen better days. I'm here, in Theed," said Obi-wan as he opened the briefcase and began to assemble the sniper.
"So Dooku's plan is still on?" questioned Windu.
"Yes."
"How are they planning to attack the Chancellor?" asked Luna.
"Three of the bounty hunters are disguised as senate guards. Eval is the getaway driver, and they have a Parwan that can pass through the ray shield. I have a sniper rifle. Don't worry. It's loaded with stun blasts. I'm supposed to immobilize the Chancellor, not kill him." said Obi-wan as he finished assembling the weapon and took a perch on the balcony outside. He looked through the scope as he zoomed in on Windu and Luna.
"Where are you?" asked Windu.
"In a tower overlooking the plaza," answered the Jedi in disguise.
"So the attack is going to take place outside," stated Luna.
"Yes. From here, I can be your eye in the sky. I'll be able to tell you everything that's going on. They will try to infiltrate the security area. Make sure you have someone double-check the guards' identities." stated Obi-wan, still looking through the scope at them.
"That's going to take time," stated Windu.
"You'll have to do your best, my friends," said Obi-wan.
"We'll get right on it," said Luna as the transmission ended, and the two Jedi Masters began to reinforce their security.
It was now evening as the Chancellor was making his presence known. He was giving a standing ovation as he approached his seat. Twilight and Ahsoka were seated next to Padmé as Anakin and Storm were near the Chancellor, with Luna and Windu standing off to the side, keeping an eye out.
"The stage is set. Activate the ray shield," said Anakin over his comlink.
"Copy that, General Skywalker," stated one of the engineers.
He touched the ray shield device as it booted up and projected a huge shield that covered the inner zone. However, Bane was disguised as a Neimoidian inside the shield as he was set to retrieve the Chancellor when the plan commenced. The Chancellor then got up, approached the podium, and spoke.
"It is an honor to be here for this momentous occasion. The pride I feel for this planet cannot be put into words. 847 years ago, Naboo joined the Republic, and tonight we celebrate that union!" said Palpatine as his voice echoed for all to hear.
Some guards were on patrol in the stairwell below them as they ran into each other.
"What's your identification number?" asked one of the guards as he stopped another.
"SG-1984."
"All right, move along, but stay sharp," said the guard to the one he stopped. The other began to leave as the one who stopped him phased a bit; it was shown to be Derrown in disguise as the shadow hologram also modified the user's voice.
"Take a moment and look around this glorious city of yours. It wasn't long ago this was all plasma mines. Naboo has indeed come a long way. But as we chart a bold course for the future, let us never forget our past!" said the Chancellor as he pushed some buttons on the podium as behind him, fireworks went off, and everyone applauded.
Watching it all from his tower was Obi-wan as he was looking through the scope.
"Mace, so far, so good," stated Obi-wan. He then looked a bit to the left as he saw something. "Gotcha! East side! The security guard on the stairs."
"Skywalker! Storm! The shield generator!" shouted Windu to the Jedi Knights.
They saw Derrown having his arm through the ray shield as his disguise was dying. They ran toward the generator to stop the bounty hunter, but they didn't get there in time as the generator was destroyed, and an explosion occurred that pushed back both Jedi Knights to the floor as well as the Chancellor.
"Storm!" shouted Luna as she rushed to her student, who lay on the floor. She approached her apprentice and brought him into her arms, a look of concern on her face.
The explosion caused chaos to ensue. People were screaming as they were now starting to file out.
"All right, you two, take the Chancellor to that speeder and get him out of here," said Windu as he bent down to check on the unconscious Chancellor and instructed the two guards to take him to safety as he left to check on Anakin.
"This way, Your Majesty. Hurry!" said Ahsoka as she and Twilight got Padmé, the other senators, and Naboo Queen to safety.
Anakin had recovered as he got up and hopped over the railing to land on the stairs below with his lightsaber turned on. He blocked the shots from Derrown, who was no longer in disguise. Anakin managed to slice off the guns as Derrown, then put his tentacles on the Jedi and shocked him. He then pushed a button on his wrist; it activated his jetpack and started flying away. Obi-wan saw this as he took the shot, and his blaster fire as it collided with the jetpack, making it go down.
"Blast! It's only good for one shot," said Obi-wan as he was empty when trying to fire another shot. "Mace, Anakin's down, and I don't see Bane anywhere."
"I'll find him," said Windu as he turned his lightsaber, the disguise of the guard behind him going off for just a second as it revealed Twazzi. The Jedi Master then began to search.
"Let's make the switch," said Twazzi to Embo as they had the Chancellor in front of them.
The pair put a holographic matrix on Palpatine as he now looked like a guard; Twazzi changed her disguise to be that of Palpatine and let Embo carry her to the speeder. In the meantime, Bane, in his disguise, approached the disguised Chancellor.
"You're coming with me, Chancellor," stated Bane as he began to drag the unconscious authority figure away.
"Those tentacles pack quite a punch," groaned Anakin as he recovered and sat up as Windu bent down at his side.
"Come on," said Windu as he and Anakin got up.
At the same time, Storm was coming as Luna still had his head in her chest.
"Luna... what happened?" asked the boy, putting a hand to his throbbing forehead.
The Jedi Master sighed as she was thankful her son was alright.
"You're alright. That's what matters," responded Luna as they stood up.
"The Chancellor! The guard escorting them is a bounty hunter!" shouted Obi-wan to his comlink as he saw through the scope.
All four heard that as they turned to see the disguised guard and "Chancellor" entering the speeder. They all jumped on it as Windu and Luna were on the hood with their lightsabers pointed at Embo. Anakin and Storm were on the side with their weapons out as well.
"Chancellor, are you all right?" asked Anakin.
His response was the Chancellor punching him in the face. Anakin then lunged forward and cut Twazzi's arm off as she fell back in her seat with the lightsaber aimed at her.
"Where is the Chancellor?" demanded Anakin.
On the far side, Eval appeared in a speeder as he docked.
"Move it, move it!" shouted Eval to Bane in disguise as he had the Chancellor.
The four heard that as they turned and jumped off the speeder they were on as the clones had their weapons aimed at the bounty hunters.
"So long, Jedi!" said Bane as they took off, just before the Jedi could stop them.
"I'm going after the Chancellor," said Obi-wan as he saw the whole thing and began to move.
"Copy that, Obi-Wan," said Luna as they began to book it.
"I'll send you the coordinates and hold Bane there as long as I can," said Kenobi.
Bane and Eval soon came to their destination as they got out with the Chancellor in tow.
"This is the rendezvous point. Dooku said he would meet us here," said Bane.
"What did I tell you, Bane? My plan worked to perfection," said Eval as he got out of the driver's seat.
"It wasn't your plan. It was my execution of your plan," scoffed Bane to Eval before turning to look at the Chancellor next to him. "Come on, get up."
"How dare you disrespect Moralo Eval!"
"Pipe down. Where's Dooku? I thought you said he'd meet us here?" said Bane as they stepped forward, expecting to see Dooku or maybe even Sunset, but neither was present.
"That was the plan," said Eval. At that moment, Obi-wan appeared in a speeder and jumped out.
"Hardeen, you're not supposed to be here yet," said Bane.
"I don't want to be double-crossed and left behind again," responded Rako.
"I think we've all been double-crossed. Dooku's a no-show," stated Bane.
"What do you mean? What do we do with the Chancellor now?" asked Eval.
"We'll ransom him ourselves. If Dooku won't pay us, somebody else will," said Bane.
"I'm afraid the Chancellor's coming with me," stated Rako as he pulled his blaster on Bane.
Eval grabbed his arm as it allowed Bane to punch him. It dropped Rako to his knees as Bane did a jumping punch, making Rako tumble a few meters back. He then pulled out his blaster and began shooting at Rako, who was dodging, rolling forward, and closing in. Bane then activated his rocket boots as he continued to fire. Rako could leap into the air as he got a hold of Bane's boots. He was now struggling to pull the bounty hunter down as he did and did a swing that sent Bane into Eval. Rako grabbed his blaster as he approached the pair; with Bane still on the ground, Eval came to his knees and saw the weapon in his face. He then turned as the sounds of speeders arrived, with the Jedi all coming out and having their weapons aimed at the two bounty hunters.
"Please! Do not kill Moralo Eval!" begged the criminal.
"Take him and Bane into custody," instructed Windu to Anakin and Storm.
"And make sure the Chancellor is returned safely to the palace," added Luna as the pair turned and turned to address their comrade in disguise.
"You did a good job, Obi-Wan," said Windu to his comrade.
"Kenobi! I should have known. Something smelled wrong about you
from the start." growled Bane as he was helped put and put into cuffs by a clone.
"Yes, well, spending so much time with you was no reward either," snickered Obi-wan.
"Reward! I'll give you a reward when I plug you full of laser bolts!" threatened Bane as he was led away.
"Such a pleasant fellow," smiled Obi-wan as he, Windu, and Luna looked on. "I hope this was all worth it."
"We saved the Chancellor. That's the important thing," said Windu, placing his hand on Obi-wan's shoulder as he walked.
"Now then... let's go. I can't bear to look at your ugly face any longer," trolled Luna as they left.
The next morning came as the Chancellor and Jedi were looking to return to Coruscant. Many clones and security detail were starting to board the cruiser as Palpatine had given them the order to return home.
"Once again, you have all distinguished yourselves in the eyes of the Republic. The people of Naboo are in your debt," said Padmé to the Jedi before her.
"It's all part of the job, My Lady," said Anakin to his wife as the pair shared a small smile before the two groups walked ahead.
"I'm not sure I agree with your orders to send the rest of the security detail back to Coruscant," spoke Windu to the Chancellor as Luna was next to him.
"Now that the threat has passed, I think Anakin is all the security I need," said the Chancellor with a smile.
"You look terrible," said Anakin to Obi-wan, who was still disguised as he walked with his friends.
"Being a criminal's not easy work," said Kenobi.
"Nor is being in the dark about your plan... but... I understand why you did what you did," stated Storm; however, Anakin didn't agree with that statement.
"If I'd known what was going on, I could've helped you. Too bad the Council didn't trust me," growled Anakin, still upset about him being kept in the dark.
"Hey, now, Anakin. Don't go blaming Luna for this!" said Storm as he took a bit of offense at what his friend was saying about his mother.
"Anakin, it was my decision to keep the truth from you," said Obi-wan trying to calm both of his friends down and talk some sense into his apprentice. "I knew if you were convinced I was dead, Dooku would believe it as well."
"Your decision?" gasped Anakin as he couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"Look, I know I did some questionable things, but I did what I had to do. I hope you can understand that," said Obi-wan to his student.
"You lied to me! How many other lies have I been told by the Council? And how do you know that you even have the whole truth?" shouted Anakin as he glared at his master and walked off.
Storm sighed as he kept glaring at his friend, seeing that he couldn't see the bigger picture that Obi-wan was trying to tell him. He eventually walked ahead as Kenobi was left by himself and let out a sigh, seeing that his protege was letting his emotions blind him. But... maybe... he was right.
Obi-wan was on the cruiser and looking at the palace map. The doors opened as in came Luna and Windu as they had been searching for their comrade.
"We should get you into the transformation chamber. Everyone's a little tired of looking at that ugly face of yours," stated Windu.
"Please, it's unbearable. I'd rather be blinded than ever look at that face," said Luna, having another chance to mock her comrade.
"Keep in mind, Luna. This is the face that saved the Republic," smiled Obi-wan to the woman, "But I think you're right. It's time to go back to being Obi-Wan Kenobi."
However, while Obi-wan said that, a look of concern came over his face, which didn't go unnoticed by the Jedi Masters.
"I can sense something is still bothering you," stated Windu.
"Yes, something Anakin said has me worried," stated Obi-wan.
"Another irrational thought, I presume. Let me guess, he was bad-mouthing how we didn't clue him in on the plan. His anger and feelings got the best of him. Isn't that right, Kenobi? You need to keep your student's emotions in check, or... he will never be a Jedi Master." Luna sternly stated how Anakin's behavior was getting out of hand sometimes.
"Do we know the whole truth?" spoke Kenobi to his pals as they gave him some questionable looks. "I think I'll stay. I need to check one last thing."
"Very well," said Luna as she and Windu left their comrade to do his thing.
Obi-wan had returned back to his sniping position from the previous night. The sun was starting to set as everybody else was in the palace, getting ready for a banquet for the Chancellor. Obi-wan saw the sniper he had left in place as he looked at it. He examined it to see if anything was out of place or suspicious. After a couple of glances, he found nothing.
He then made his way inside and bent down to the briefcase. It was closed as he examined its exterior, searching for anything strange. Once again, nothing. It was a normal briefcase. He then opened it up, seeing if there was anything inside, but nothing apart from the holds for the sniper when it was broken into parts. He then traced his two fingers along the rim of the briefcase and its stuffing. He soon came to a stop as he felt something. He pulled it out, and to his surprise, there was something in between as a small activated com device was found. And it was on.
"Dooku was listening! He knew all along," gasped Obi-wan as he put together that Dooku listened in when he was talking with Windu and Luna earlier, telling them about the plan. That was also why he didn't show up at the rendezvous point.
The Jedi Master suspected something was up as he began to run and find Anakin or the Chancellor. Speaking of them, they and Storm were shown walking toward the banquet hall where the dinner the Queen was serving for the Chancellor was going to be held.
"We will leave as soon as Queen Neeyutnee's banquet is over. I also want to say goodbye to Senator Amidala. She has been a very gracious host." said the Chancellor.
"Hmm. Padmé didn't mention a banquet to me," said Anakin, as he would have known if his wife was throwing a dinner, given she would have asked him for help.
"Neither did I," said Storm as he found it suspicious that the Chancellor was telling the pair about this but not Padmé.
"Perhaps she meant it as a surprise," said the Chancellor, "I must say, the lengths the Jedi will go to is nothing short of incredible. I assume the brilliant plan to disguise Obi-Wan Kenobi was yours."
"Oh, you give Anakin way too much credit." scoffed Storm in front of the Chancellor as he downplayed his friend, "He would never ever think of anything this complex."
That comment made Anakin glare a bit. Feeling disrespected by someone he considered a close friend.
"No, it wasn't, sir. I was in the dark as much as you were," said Anakin.
"Really? Interesting. I was under the impression the Jedi always worked as a team," smiled the Chancellor.
"Yeah, we do. As a team, Anakin," growled Storm at his friend.
The two glared as they were taking personal shots at each other. Any more, and it seemed like a brawl could ensue. Yet, one person was starting to smile at seeing the two friends shoot angry looks at each other. They arrived at the banquet hall as the doors opened, and inside, seated at the head of the table was Dooku.
"Welcome!" smiled the Sith Lord at seeing his targets.
Two Magnaguards then appeared and surrounded the trio on both sides.
"My gracious, it's a trap!" said Palpatine, as he acted surprised for the sake that he was the one who set up the trap by telling Dooku what to do.
"Chancellor, stay back!" shouted Storm as he and Anakin turned on their lightsabers and had the official behind them.
"You should've quit while you were still alive, Dooku!" addressed Anakin to the Sith Lord across the room.
"Fighting off the entire Jedi security force would have been difficult. But now that they are gone, defeating you alone will be an easy task," said Dooku, as with Palpatine ordering almost all of the clones back, it was much easier to kidnap the Chancellor.
"Who says he's alone?" asked Storm, as it seemed Dooku might have forgotten that it was two-on-one.
"Who says he was alone!" shouted a voice.
The Jedi Knights looked up; sure enough, Dooku had his own backup. Up on the floor above them, sitting on the railing of the upper balcony, was Sunset herself. The girl sat with her arm resting on her knee as she patiently waited for her rival to show up.
"You didn't forget about me, now, did you Storm? But I shouldn't be surprised. You Jedi are always so short-sighted! It's one of the reasons why I left." stated Sunset. "But, being the villain and the bad girl feels so good. Know why... 'cause I got the hero chasing after me. Every girl's dream is to be chased by a boy."
"Sorry to disappoint you, but I don't think I qualify for that role," growled Storm.
"Either way, you're here. And with Twilight occupied, it means I got you all to myself. Which means I can settle the score and finish what we started last time!" shouted the bacon-haired girl at her enemy.
Dooku stood up with his lightsaber turned on as one of the Mangaguards went for a swing; Storm cut its head off and kicked it away before leaping into the air. Anakin elbowed the Magnaguard behind him in the head before turning to go for a strike, but the electrostaff blocked it. Anakin swung as the droid missed and stepped to the side when the Jedi went for a lunge. He reeled his fist back and went for a punch as Anakin caught it with his robotic arm. He pushed it back as he cut off one arm, quickly turned his back with his lightsaber, and lunged behind him, piercing the droid before pulling out and slicing it in half.
"Chancellor, get out of here!" said Anakin as he raced toward Dooku.
"Good idea," stated Palpatine as he turned to the door when it opened, and another Magnaguard appeared and grabbed hold of him. "Unhand me!"
Storm leaped and landed on the railing as he looked at the redhead sitting a few meters away.
"Let's dance, Sunny!" growled Storm.
"I was hoping you'd ask me!" growled Sunset with fury in her eyes as she got up and lunged at the boy.
Their blades clashed as red and yellow lit up their faces. Each took a position as they were balancing on the railing while fighting. Both then leaped off and landed on the upper balcony as they began to exchange strikes. At the same time, they were fighting; Anakin was running on top of the table as he leaped to where Dooku was. The pair began their duel as Anakin mostly went for strikes as Dooku deflected and blocked them. They were moving back while fighting as Dooku blocked Anakin's attack and pushed him back with the same hand.
He stuck his other hand and flung a chair at Anakin, who turned his head. He flung another as he ducked, but Anakin struck it down with his lightsaber. Pieces of silverware were lifted as Dooku flung them all at Anakin, who turned his head as two forks were jammed into his robotic arm. He pulled them out and then charged at the Sith Lord; the Magnaguard was behind them and making their way out of the room, allowing Palpatine to see the fight. Anakin leaped and went for a lunge as Dooku used a chair to block it. The lightsaber pierced through the wooden thing and almost touched his face. Dooku had difficulty pushing Anakin back while having the chair contain the lightsaber as he felt Anakin pushing him back. All the while, the Chancellor was smiling as he sensed the darkness within Skywalker. Eventually, Dooku managed to push the chair and Anakin back as he got up like it didn't phase him.
He rushed again as their blades collided. At the same time, Obi-wan, still in disguise, made it to the palace while looking for his friends. With Storm and Sunset, the teens were exchanging straight rights and lefts while battling with their fists. The boy dodged a right from the girl as he swept her off her feet and landed. He went for a stomp on her chest as she rolled to the side and got to her feet quickly. She ran and did a kickflipped off of Storm, having her boot catch him in the nose as she landed, and immediately went for a knee strike as her foe was stunned. However, Storm saw that coming and stepped to the side and while around her back and was going to bring the back of his elbow to the back of her head, but she ducked.
Sunset delivered a punch to Storm's midsection as he felt it and bent over a bit. The girl went for another punch as Storm leaned back to avoid it and turned to go for a sweep as Sunset jumped. At the same time, both extended their legs to deliver a kick to the face of the other as they connected. Their faces turned upon impact as they were pushed back, with Sunset leaning against a column and Storm against the railing. The teens felt their faces as they looked at each other and glared.
The two rivals, fueled by their disdain for the other, rushed forward and met in the middle; they grabbed their foe's head with one hand and used the other to start whaling on them. Both looked at the other while taking hits to the head as they kept punching. Both then went for a headbutt as their heads collided, and both fell to the floor. Storm and Sunset flinched a bit before they were on their hands and knees as their foreheads touched each other. Both looked up as the hate in their eyes was still there; neither took their eyes off the other with how close they were, as all they wanted to do was kill the other.
"Come on, Sunset! You #$ #%#$!"
"I'm gonna kill you, Storm! You # #$#%#!"
Both got to their feet, their foreheads still touching as they cursed at each other. Storm quickly pulled his arm back and delivered an elbow strike to Sunset's face as she turned from the impact. The girl followed it up by doing a step-up enziguri as Storm's head turned, and he stumbled back into the railing. The girl tackled Storm as they crashed through the balcony and onto the table. The boy grunted in pain as he shoved Sunset off, who got up and stared down her foe. Sunset pulled out her lightsaber as she saw Dooku exiting the room and ran, with Storm rolling off and fighting through the pain to go after her.
Anakin and Dooku were fighting in the halls as the Chancellor was still being led by the Magnaguard as they watched the fight a few meters in front of them. Anakin was fighting back as Sunset appeared and was going for a sneak attack, to which the Jedi turned to block her attack. Anakin was now forced to fend off two attacks from both sides as they were starting to overwhelm him. Dooku was going for a strike, but a yellow lightsaber stopped it. He turned and saw Storm as he kicked the Sith Lord away, with Sunset doing a back stand to avoid Anakin's lunge at her.
Anakin got to his feet as Storm appeared by his side. Both panted as they looked at each other for a moment and did a quick fist bump as they lunged forward. The Jedi and Sith were now fighting as they moved back as the villains made their way to their ship. The Jedi then kicked their foes back as they slumped over some stairs and the two hammered with their lightsabers as Sunset and Dooku struggled to block them. Anakin grabbed Dooku's throat as Storm put his foot on Sunset's arm. The Jedi towered over their foes as Palpatine smiled, moreso at Anakin as he saw the Jedi's anger.
Dooku and Sunset then made a desperate move as they launched a Force Lightning at the Jedi. They felt the electricity as it shocked them; this allowed both Sith to thrust their hands out and fling both Jedi back as they collided into columns and fell to the floor. Dooku and Sunset got up and began climbing the stairs as they saw Anakin and Storm getting up. Obi-wan turned the corner and saw his pals as he bent down with his lightsaber.
"Are you two all right?" asked the Jedi Master to his pals.
"Come on!" responded Anakin as all three rushed forward.
Dooku and Sunset had made it to where their shuttle was waiting as the droid was starting to pull the Chancellor on board. As the pair got on the ramp and were about to enter, they quickly turned their lightsabers on as they sensed Anakin and Storm lunging at them. They pushed the pair back and began their fight as Obi-wan took out the Mangaguard and grabbed the Chancellor while his friends distracted the Sith.
Obi-wan jumped off with the Chancellor as the shuttle took off. Dooku pushed back with his lightsaber as Sunset did a spinning back kick. Both sith sent their foes back as they backflipped and landed on the ground; they looked up at their foes slowly getting away.
"Well done, Master Kenobi. You are a worthy adversary. I cannot say the same about your young apprentice," spoke Dooku as he turned.
"Storm, next time you see Celestia, give her this message! Tell her I'm coming for her ass!" yelled Sunset as her quest for revenge was still on her mind.
The girl turned as the shuttle closed, and it flew away. Some guards and Padmé appeared as they saw the Jedi and Chancellor.
"Chancellor, are you all right?" asked Padmé.
"Yes, thanks again to the heroics of the Jedi. That's the second time today," answered Palpatine as he was helped up by Padmé and looked at the trio.
We specialize in heroics, Chancellor," said Obi-wan.
"As long as I live, no harm will ever come to you, Your Excellency," vowed Anakin.
"Hmm. Well, here's to your long and prosperous life, Anakin. One shudders to think where the galaxy would be without the Jedi." said the Chancellor, with a hint of devious tone.
"Well... let's pray that day never comes," said Storm.
The group turned as they entered the palace. However, the words that Sunset spoke rang in his head. The girl's crusade to get her retribution drew closer and closer with how much she was learning from Dooku and the Dark Side of the Force.
Author's Note: The end of this story arc comes to a close. Talk about a whole lot of backstabbing. And the small glimpse of seeing Palpatine looking on and measuring Anakin. Not to mention the small ominous line said at the end about no Jedi existing. And it seems that Sunset's crusade to get revenge on Celestia is stronger than ever. As always leave a review, expressing your thoughts and comments.