At the Sight of Blood, Sweat, and Tears

[Ignatius]

​

Courscant
Underground
Illegal Cage Tournament

Looking around me, I saw men and women. All larger, stronger, and faster than me. Or so I thought. They all looked tough. Muscular, physically fit, and dangerous. Since most of the people here were non-force users. I left my lightsaber. And I was glad because one guy was caught with one and was told to leave. And it wasn't very nice. All I had was my Katana. To be correct, it was a Vibroblade in the shape of the cultured blade. However, I rarely used the energy cell unless I was going to be doing some serious fighting. And from the looks of it, I was going to be doing some good fights.

I wore the Sith Hidden bracers, and had some calf armor, but other than that, I was in combat boots, knee high stockings, a black skirt, an almost dressy black tank top, with a red tie. Completely out of place for this fight where they were wearing torn shirts, battle worn pants, spiked gloves, even a few who took on the look of punk and goth rockers. The type of people that would throw a curse word in every sentence they spoke. From the sounds of them yelling and already being broken up by guards, they fit the stereotype.

I just moved to the line were they took our names, and the gear we were carrying. When they came to me, I showed them the sword, and then flipped my wrist over and to show that it was a weapon, without actually showing the recorders what it would do. Considering some people were sitting up front to gather information about the combatants, then tell others for a price. As well as starting the bidding. I shook my head as I walked on. A man laughing while talking to me.

"What is a little girl doing here?"
"You see this kid? She is batshit crazy."
"I am going to like tearing you apart."
"Maybe I can frisk her before she dies!"

Laughter came from the last comment. I spun around and in an instant, and a flash of silver, my sword was drawn, and pointed directly at the man's Adam's apple. He gulped as suddenly there was a sword out and at him. Without saying a word, I slowly pulled the sword away from him, and sheathed it. With a click that sounded almost unnaturally loud. Moving on, I waited in line for my fight.

A very small, sly smile upon my lips.

[member="Xander Blackmoore"],

 

[Judah Lesan]

​

He was likely the most exquisitely dressed man in the entire arena. Illegal cage fighting reminded Xander of the days when the Sith he once knew had a temple on Munto Codru and he would battle the Codru-Ji in their arenas and gauntlet competitions. Tonight's fight boasted many strong men. Muscles rippled everywhere in the fighters paraded before the crowd as each would place credits on the one they felt would survive the night. These were death matches, all of them. Highly illegal, but the sport was what everyone in the arena craved. Xander moreso than most. As Sith the man wanted to see blood, destruction. At times he craved the brutal emotions which came when people were given a choice, fight or die.

Blue eyes scanned the over the contestants. All of them were there bu choice, including a neatly dressed, full figured, young woman. He took particular note of her presence as it seemed out of place. His gaze moved to the screen which showed the names of each, and the bets being placed. Xander smirked. They had stacked the odds against the girl so much that one credit placed on her would gain a fortune should she actually win. Naturally that would cause other problems as well. For instance, should she win and Xander rob everyone of their credits, he too would be fighting for his life. It would give him a reason to kill and maim for himself.

Rising from his seat, Xander moved to the barrier and motioned for the man collecting the bets. Making a show of it, Xander raised one credit chit into the air with his left hand while demonstratively indicated the girl with his right index finger. The crowd laughed, and Xander motioned to quiet to those gathered.

"I say she wins the whole thing," he said placing the chit into the man's hand and returned to his seat.

Not before locking his gaze on the girl. He knew something was up. Pausing he looked at her directly. Waited until he had her attention, and pressed his own mind onto hers. Forcing his words into her thoughts, Xander spoke to her mind with his.

"You would not have entered if you did not know you would win. Do not disappoint me. Should you survive I will give fifty percent of my winnings, and that will be quite the fortune. The odds are not in your favor."

[member="Akuma"]

 

[Ignatius]

After all the gear was accounted for, and all of the people knew what the other person had, except for a little bit of a mystery for the gauntlet I wore. I looked over to the screen as combatants were put up against others. Total there were 20 people entered into this arena. Ten fights. I knew they would throw something in there for the last 8 to 4 people to make the crowd go wild. I just stood there. The other people around me looking down. As usual. Its not like this has happened before. I looked around and finally to the betting board. A holprojection of the size of credits that the audience thought on who would win. All of them went up to the range of the thousands, a few even higher, and the largest sum I saw was well over 2 million credits.

Oh the life of death, and bets.

However, when I looked to my name, I watched as the number went from a flat zero, to one. One single credit in my name. A man daring enough to even put one onto the name of a little girl known as Akuma. Others wondered on who this man was. I took a quick scan of the crowd and found him very quickly. His attention all in focus to me as he pointed one finger to me. Very well dressed, and was clearly not without credits. However, betting only one credit on me was not just a gamble, but a death sentence.

If I won, then all of those credits that summed to be well over the 4 million credit zone, would become his. And a lot of people will become pissed. I had a sly smile on my face as I felt a presence enter my mind. I knew it was him, I could feel him. Dark, dangerous, yet he had a smoothness to him that was very hard to tell. But it was there. Almost as though he once knew the meaning of compassion.

The odds were not in my favor? True in every aspect. I was small, dainty, girly, yet there was an aura to me that had the slightest hint to more than meets the eye. I nodded my head once towards him as a physical sign of my understanding of this man's words. Speaking back within my head, so he may hear me across the distance that separated us.

"If the odds were in my favor, I wouldn't be here."

I loved a good challenge. Nothing quite like the fear of dying. However, I had no fear. I had died before. I knew what death was like. I knew what was on the other side of the veil. if I died, I would see him again. I closed my eyes as they began calling off names. Names in the rounds of who would be fighting. I listened for mine.

"Akuma verses Graxton."

I could hear cheering and chanting for this Graxton. A rather large man, obviously pumped full of steroids and muscle enhancers smiled as he looked to me. Cracking his knuckles as he was moved to the other side. I was ushered to the other as well. Waiting for when our match would start. Waiting to see the look on his face.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------​

​

Ten Minutes later

I waited. I was prepared. The announcer called us out once more to the field. I prepared myself. Standing there. Easily with my right hand limply to my side, with my left holding the scabbard of the Katana. I looked the man over. Dictating the actions he would take. From his size, he would rush me right from the start. Coming in, and he only had on a pair of gloves. likely shockboxing. Set to lethal doses. I had to stay away from those. The boots he wore had armor plating on the toes, heals, and sides of the boots. Meaning it was used for kicking. A lot. The exposed area would be the sole of the boot, as well as the ankle to allow bending of his foot.

Over all, he was unarmored in the rest of his body. He smiled brightly while my face was stoic. Void of all emotion. Closing my eyes, I breathed deeply in twice and let out the air from my lungs twice. As the ding of the bell came, my eyes flashed open. My red irises training upon the man as he launched himself forward. There was no real defense other than dodge and counter attack. Instead, I took the offensive.

Dashing forward myself, I jumped up just enough as I drew the sword, swung once, and landed with a turn and resheathing of the sword. The towering man stood there for a second more before face planting into the dirt. Allowing the needed flow of blood to escape the deep cut from his neck. While he was running, he was exposed. And therefore, his weakest point. If he was just the beginning, then I knew the higher up I would go, the harder it would get. This man was naïve, and arrogant. Believing that size and strength matters. Everything has a weakpoint, a spot that can be exposed. I just happened to find his before the fight even started.

[member="Xander Blackmoore"],

 

[Judah Lesan]

Quick and precise. The man fell to his death, gripping his throat as blood spilled from his neck after leaving himself so exposed. Xander always taught strength was not everything, and this man paid dearly for his oversight. The rest would as well. Unfortunately for [member="Akuma"] she had shown her talent with the sword. She would not get the jump on the rest her opponents. Not like she just did. Still, Xander stood and applauded the win. The crowd turned to him incredulously. They knew in that moment the man was leaving wealthier than he arrived.

Xander returned to his seat and waited the remaining rounds until the next battles were announced. Each one was less lackluster. Brutes pounding on each other, no skill in their kills whatsoever. He was excited to watch this young woman. Xander could only imagine what she could do if she would embrace the pain which he could see deep in her soul. The dark side was felt in her. It was decided in that moment. Xander was going to have this young woman as his. She would be whatever she wanted to be for him, but he would show her the true power of the dark side.

He pressed to her mind once more.

"This time do not use the katana."

 

[Ignatius]

I turned around and began to walk off the field as one single man in the entire audience began to clap. I didn't need to look to know who it was. I walked back over to my side with the small strides I had comparable to the lumbering man who now lay in a pool of his own blood. The cage door opened as I neared, and allowed me to slide under so I could take a "break" until the next fight. About the only thing I did was take my katana out to clean the gore off of the edge, and slide it back into the scabbard. Taking an apple from a table of fruits, I ate it slowly as the groups of men and woman went to fight the other rounds they had.

Now they had seen me in action, they knew I was skilled with a blade. Meaning they would actually think critically this time. Good. I wanted them too. it was good for me to have a challenge. Some would spit at the ground in my direction to show dishonor or disapproval in my actions. All was fair game here. As the next fight ended, I dropped the core of the apple in the waste basket. Walking to the doors to be called once more. Bets were still climbing that I would lose the tournament. I shook my head as when they called out my opponents name, it was met with cheers, and mine was met with boos here and there in the midst of silence.

"Brazen verses Akuma!"

Hearing within my head once more, this time not to use my Katana. I smiled. Walking onto the dirt field. My boots were plated firmly as we waited for the bell. All the while, I drew the curved sword. Only to drop it to the ground. I could watch in some amazement as the man, Brazen looked at me wide eye. He carried a sword as well. Two of them in fact. He wasn't bulky, but he was muscular. Carrying two shortswords, and a larger one on his back. I was prepared now.

I closed my eyes once more. Thinking on how he may attack. seeing as how the first man rushed me right off the bat, he wouldn't dare try that. Even if I didn't have a sword. No. He would try and circle me, or simply walk forward and close the distance at a pace he wanted. Meaning, I would have to close the gap instead. Once more, the bell rang. Echoing as the roars of blood lust, and the sight of seeing me cut in half were wanted. And in an instant, I rushed forward. Using the natural speed in which my legs could carry me, I could hear the jingling of the scabbard against my belt and side as I ran.

Brazen was surprised that I came onto the assault. And rushed forward a few steps coming to slice at my neck level. I saw it by the wide arc he took with the swing. He was a fighter, but not one who knew how to prevent telegraphing his actions. To avoid his strike, I fell to my knees, sliding forward under his sword, and brought my right elbow up. An upper cut fashion right into the fork of his legs. You see, hands and wrists can be broken in a punch should it be strong enough. Elbows however, were more sturdy, as well as less likely to break. There is less movement in the elbow. Meaning less margin for error.

At the slamming of my elbow into his "no-no area." I leaned down and forward to slide between his legs. Coming behind him, he was exposed. I spun around. Using a roundhouse kick to the back of his knee. Hearing a crack, followed by a scream of pain. The man fell to his knees. I tried to get to his head by jumping on his back, but he was smart. Using the ground as his ally, he fell backwards and used his body weight against me. I let out and audible umph. He tried to reach over, but I was quicker, ignoring the pain in my chest and stomach to snap his neck.

His body fell limp. And was left over the top of me. I pushed him off of me and slid myself out from under him. Boos came from the audience, as I looked up towards my sponsor. The unnamed man. Walking back to were my Katana lay, I picked it up, and slid it home into the scabbard.

[member="Xander Blackmoore"],

 

[Judah Lesan]

So the girl did have strength to her. The man's neck snapped like a twig, an impressive feat for a young woman of her frame. Clearly the crowd knew by now they had underestimated this girl. For a moment Xander scanned the crowd. Their feelings still reaked of arrogance in their champion. Certainly Akuna would face him, but they felt she would fall to him. The board showed a bye for her next round. Certainly an attempt would be made on her life during the break. A soft chuckle escaped from Xander's lips as she walked off, picking up her sword, and exiting.

"I have seen enough of your skill the rest of the kills are yours to decide. When you win, you will escape with me. I can refine you, make you a more powerful killer, a killer that only needs to look at a man to see him fall to the ground."

Would she agree? Xander had not left much of a choice. He claimed her, and now she knew. It was a return to the boredom of the other battles until he could watch the skilled woman again. Standing, Xander moved to the concession area for a glass of wine, red, rich, smooth wine.

[member="Akuma"]

 

[Ignatius]

After that round, I knew that my life was now in even more danger. Seeing a girl take on two foes in such a way, in a very quick fashion with or without her blade? Likely I would have a bounty on my head by the end of the night. Walking off, I could hear the voice once more. Saying that he got what he wanted out of me. I rolled my eyes. No he didn't. He didn't just want entertainment, he wanted me. And his tone said so. Continuing on, he said he could refine me into a killer that would see all fall before me. I shook my head. This was perfect. Nonetheless, A master, a teacher was better than nothing at all.

Coming back with my own voice as the gate behind me close with a bang, my voice was once more soft and sweet.

"Agreed."

We needed to find a way to get out of here before we needed it. So after entering, I didn't return to the chair I was at before, I began to move towards the place. looking it all over to find any cracks or doors or exits. Anything. So far, there were only two doors. One to the arena, and one out. Which means we would have to fight our way through, or find a different route. While we were waiting, I decided to communicate back.

"Look for possible exits. The arena only has one way in or out."

I ended my line there. I kind of had to as one of the women in front of me came over and began to pull my hair. Yelling into my face as I cringed a little from the pain. Spit flew from her mouth as I could see the piercing in her nose, lips, ears, even in one of her eyebrows.

"YOU queen! KILLING MY BOYFRIEND IS NOT ALLOWED!"

She was about to punch me in the face. And I had to act now. Using the force everything around me began to slow. Not alot, but enough for me to almost think clearly and notice the tattoo "H-A-T-E" written on her fingers. While I let go of my head. My left arm came up fast to push the fist down and to my left away from me. My right elbow came down on the inside of hers. Hearing an audible crack. Followed by the same elbow slamed into her face. Blood exploded from her nose and mouth as I grabbed the dagger from her belt and shoved it into her neck.

By now she had already let go and all the attention was turned to me as I pushed her dying body away from me. Others around me came towards me, but in a flash, my sword was drawn and pointed out at them with two hands. Ready. The guards rushed over and pushed everyone back from one another. I let myself be pushed back. Putting the weapon away once more, I looked at the ground as the woman grabbed my ankle with a bloody hand. The other holding her throat where the dagger was haning out of her.

She looked at me in amazement, anger, and hate. but those emotions died away to nothing. She passed.

Looking up, I knew our next fight would be different. We were one girl short.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

​

About 15 minutes later, they came to a conclusion, Because I already killed three people, when we were supposed to have about five matches if you got anywhere near the leaders, They moved one of my fights to a different person, as well as a few others being cut short. They anounced it over the speakers that becuase of a death, instead of me fighting people, I was to fight "something else."

As I walked out onto the field, there was a different introduction for me.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Akuma."

Boos where thrown, and not even two seconds later, I heard a roar that could only have been made by one kind of animal. One kind of beast that was known for pit fights. Stomping out of the cage, a pair of long tusks came into the light followed by a spiny, and very large, Bull Rancor.

"Oh hell."

[member="Xander Blackmoore"]

 

[Judah Lesan]

Did Xander want more from her than just a student? Of course he did. The young woman was sexually attractive, but Xander also knew one thing at a time. Anything along those desires were for naught if they could not escape alive. He laughed to himself when the woman told him to look for other exits. He didn't need to. When the time came for it he would make one for them. Xander was bored and his escape plan was already solid in his mind because of it.

The announcer came on with unexpected news. It seemed Akuma killed another fighter in the back. The game had been changed. Bets would open again once it was revealed what she was fighting. Xander smirked. They wanted her dead, it was certain. When the bull was revealed Xander grinned wickedly. This was about to get interesting. The fight was not fair in the least. She was on her own. If she survived, then Xander knew exactly what he had to work with. If she died, then Xander would continue his search for a student. While his decision was made, it depended on her survival now.

Readying the twin sabers he carried, Xander knew a fight would begin the minute she won. All eyes were on him if he would change his bet, choose the rancor over her. Instead Xander remained seated and tossed one more credit to the collecter.

"The girl wins," Xander said as the crowd erupted in laughter.

His mind pressed to hers again.

"When you win I will be joining you in the arena. Look up, the glass will shatter. When it does you will grab hold of me. We will fight our way to my ship from the top of the arena. Even these odds are ones I want to mitigate."

[member="Akuma"]

 

[Ignatius]

Already they wanted to end my life. At first it was a no brainer. Now, it was clear they didn't want me there. Like, at all. As the Rancor came out it got down on all fours to roar at me. The distance was barely a meter from where I stood to the end of it's mouth. Spittal and saliva flew past me and around me. My hair was blown back, and the breath was disgusting. I used my right hand to cover up my nose by the raunchy smell. Once it was done, it stood straight up. While hearing the voice of the man speaking bout his escape plan.

I simply nodded my head as the Rancor then charged me. I would rather focus on the fight, rather than telling him okay. I dashed over to the side missing the tusks by a mere hair length away. I let the cheering behind me fade into the background as I would try and find the weak spot to the beast. I had to find it fast, becuase dodging was not going to last long. It's back was a clear spot, but with the spines and natural armor, as well as likely having thicker hide. Stomach would be a good spot as well, but the claws and the tusks would be hard to get by.

As the beast turned around to face me, I knew what I had to do. Turning around and running, I could feel the vibrations in the ground as it ran after me. I then stopped short, and turned. The Rancor was about three meters from me. Once more, my reflexes were enhanced and time felt like it slowed down as I jumped up. Ejecting from the bracers were two blades. Hidden daggers that were aimed directly for the beasts eyes. The first one missed. The second one, slammed home. I could feel the eye pop with the blade, while the other slid across the flesh near the eye. causing blood to go over it.

Screaming and hollering came from the Bull. I retracted my blades, and dropped. Literally just allowed my body to drop and gravity to pull me down as the clawed hand came to smack itself in the face almost comicly. I rolled backwards to my feet and watched as it tried to scrape at where I might be. Flailing it's arms about trying to get me. I decided that I would end it's fate. The Bull Rancor would die.

Activating the energycell for the vibroblade, the humm felt good in my hands as I charged forward. The katana down at my side while I ducked under a claw. Rolled to the side to slash at it's left leg. Drawing it's attention in one way, I turned to the other. Climbed up its back where the claws couldn't quite reach, and stabbed the blade into the back of the head. Right at the base of the skull. No spines were there to allow the creature to look up. Which meant it was exposed. I then pushed myself over to the right side, and let my body weight pull onto the sword, Ripping out an entire side of the beast's neck while it tried to still reach for it's back.

Bleeding huge amounts, it would surely die. That was true, but it was still fighting. There was still movment to take care of. Flailing once more for the invisible attacker, Once more, I attacked it's left leg, and as it turned, I ducked under the swing, the claws running through my hair, and with the force, jumped up at the neck, sword pointed out up at it, and brought the tip of the blade right into where the adam's apple would be. I released the sword and dropped as the beast tried to claw where I once was. Getting slower and slower to react. As I lay on the ground, I rolled backwards oncemore, and called the sword to my hand. Pulling itself out of the neck, the black tar like blood began to fall out like a waterfall from it's neck.

my blade still vibrating, I turned it off, and looked at the black gore. All while the beast fell to the ground with a loud thump and a smack as the blood splattered everywhere. Including over myself. Getting onto my face, and my clothes. I even got some in my mouth. Hot blood was nasty. Suddenly I could feel pain on myself. Having to drop, roll, pain from other fights, I found I had alot of scratch marks all along my legs, exposed arms, my face, and even felt sore as though I had been lifting weights for hours.

Well, that takes care of the Bull Rancor?

[member="Xander Blackmoore"],

 

[Judah Lesan]

Once the rancor was determined to be dead, Xander leapt to Akuma. The force powers his legs, and he made the span from his seat to her side in one fluid motion. The Sith ignited his twin sabers and in a flourish locked them together to make a double blade hilt. The man who had been collecting the credits walked out to meet Xander and give him the winnings.

"Forgive my distrust of the crowd, but I have just taken all their credits," Xander said as the man tried to pull a blaster one him.

One flick of his wrist, and Xander sent the man flying through the air, landing on pike. As he had said, the glass shattered after a wave of force energy was sent through. Gripping the woman, Xander sent the force pulsing through his legs again. Leaping into the air, Xander cleared the opening with his new apprentice in tow.

"Xander Blackmoore, Sith Knight and once king of the Indupar Crown Worlds. That is a story I do not have the time to tell."

As Xander finished speaking, several of the guards had found their way to the roof and charged at them. Vizios ran to meet them head on. His purple blades ripped through them all as if they were simply made of tissue paper. The smell of burning flesh filled the air, and Xander revelled in the deaths of the men. It had been a while since he killed in such a manner. The usually cunning warrior still housed a monster deep within the core of who he was. Rarely did it surface, but when it did, Xander allowed it to take control.

He raced west, toward the lift. His ship was up a few levels, but they only had to survive to the lift. Once beyond, no one would dare question them. Why would those chasing them admit to illegal death matches. Besides Coruscant was full of Sith. They could not hope to win.

[member="Akuma"]

 

[Ignatius]

As this man jumped towards me all in one fluid motion. It was almost graceful. With the tails on his coat following him very nicely I might add. I could see how some women might like him for his mysterious nature. The double bladed lightsaber sprang to life as e stood next to me. I took that moment to use the blade, and cut off the tusks of the rancor. Might as well take a trophy for myself. All while he was dealing with the credits. Collecting all the cash that had come from the first few rounds I had. Likely I wouldn't see a single credit of it. All of it being put towards his wanting me. Nonetheless, I kept my sword out as the man was thrown across the arena, after pulling a blaster on him.

I smiled at the man's position. The way he was impaled on the pike. Protruding from his chest like a third limb. His body just hung there suspended by the weapon. I felt oddly aroused at that. Killing three people, a Rancor, and likely more to come, I felt a little hot with the possiblity of more deaths in which I could see. More people to cause pain to. More people to take pain from. Oh was my mind messed up. All while suddenly being grabbed around my waist, and jumping up into the air.

After the very large jump through the new hole in the ceiling, We landed on the top where the guards rushed us. While he faced one, I faced the other. Protecting each other's backs in essence. I slashed at two men and sent a third off of the top of the roof with a force push while it seemed the man, now known as Xander, had a different side to him all along. Royalty. A former King. So why was he here? Nonetheless, I could see somewhat of the almost animalistic fighting style he had. After the group was fought off, he ran in one direction. I followed after him while sheathing the sword.

He was different. He was strange. Yet he felt familiar at the same time. Almost as though I have seen him before. Yet I continued on after the man. Xander Blackmoore. A Sith, A Former King, a man of intergalactic mystery. I ran faster after him, not intending to simply follow him, but to find out who he really was. He puzzled me. And I wanted to solve this little puzzle of his life. What happened to him, his choices along the way. And why he was interested in me other than my skills as a fighter.

"Akuma Shisu, Sith Acolyte, Ex-slave, and now Ex-pit fighter."

Introducing myself as we ran for where his ship may be. Later on I could return to where I was staying for now, and grab my gear. Which wasn't much, but I needed to have it. There was one thing, that I would never leave behind. The little bag that sat in the closet of the room held something that was very important to me. Not even Xander would stop me from getting it. But that discussion was for later.

[member="Xander Blackmoore"],

 

[Judah Lesan]

She was quick. The deaths of the men she faced were expedited gracefully, fluidly. Her movements were as one. Someone had trained her before, but to a certain degree. Where was this teacher of hers? Why was she in the pit fighting in illegal death matches. It dawned on him, a sensation he should have picked up sooner. There was the aura of death on her and not because she was a killer. The girl knew death, pain, loss, and she knew it intimately. Xander could tell. It explained her lack of fear when facing the rancor. She was not afraid of what she already knew.

Xander stopped in his tracks, a feeling telling him to. He turned around, looking at her for the moment. They were safe for a few minutes.

"You need something? Belongings? There is something special. Your feelings for this thing are so strong I can sense it. Lead the way. Once we leave it will be sometime before we return here. If you want this thing it is now or never."

He commanded as if still a king. The girl had been a slave, and by the beauty she displayed, it was not difficult to understand that she had been in the sex trade. Likely, Akuma was used to having men force themselves upon her. Xander would be different. Yes, he had taken women before, but never once because they had not wished it. If Akuma did not want him to touch her, then he would not. If she did, then he would more than oblige.

Xander followed. He stalked quietly like the hunter her was. She would learn to better her skill, become a real assassin, by the hunts he would take her on. The beasts of his estate grounds would soon be too easy for her to track. When that happened he would take her across the galaxy for game of great prize and renown. Only beasts hunted by expert hunters would prove she was truly ready to go after her first mark.

[member="Akuma"]

 

[Ignatius]

We continued to run. I could see as Xander looked back at me for a moment when we ran. The look and feeling of his form was almost as though he knew what was going on in me. Almost as though he could understand to some extent what I had gone through. And suddenly, he stopped. I skid to a halt and slid about a foot next to him as he then began to almost command me to go back and get the gear I needed. I looked up at him. and nodded once. I took a single second to see where we were, and then turned to head north.

I went in a heavy run. Not just running, and not quite sprinting. I knew he could easily keep up with me by his longer legs, and with him having a fresh amount of energy. I was running on adrenaline fumes. I tried to keep an easy pace for myself. And I would keep it that way. if I wanted to continue to impress or even show him what I could do, I needed to push myself. And push hard.

We continued running over the rooftops when I slowed down towards the edge of a building, and stopped. Across the alley, was an open window, the drapes somewhat leaning out into the wind, and the fireescape right there. Waiting for him, I then jumped. And instead of landing, Caught the railing on the fire escape one story above the window, dropped to grab onto the next one, and then vaulted myself over while grimacing from pain.

Getting into the little apartment, I went into the closet, grabbed my coat, put it on fast, grabbed my wallet, and the book bag. I left a tip of 15 credits should they walk in to see me not there. And came back out of the window. I started to go up the stairs of the fire escape, but stopped, went over to the railing, and bounded with the force up.

Reaching the roof in which Xander would be waiting. Grabbed the Katana and put it, and the sheath on the side of the bag. and grabbed the lightsaber I owned. Keeping it in my hands and would only use it when necessary.

"Now, where is your ship?"

[member="Xander Blackmoore"],

 

[Judah Lesan]

Even when she was near her brewing point, Akuma persevered. Her skill was impressive for little training. Xander could open more to her, show her the true power of the dark side. If more attackers came she would not survive without the dark side. Before answering her question of where his ship was Xander took an opportunity to offer his first lesson.

"Your fatigue, pain, embrace it. Allow your physical discomfort to fuel your connection to th dark side. You will become strong, envigorated."

As before, there was no choice given in the tone of his voice. Akuma simply would do it, or she would not. Failure was a hard lesson, one met with even more pain. For her sake, Xander hoped she could grasp the simple command he had given. Eyes traced over her. Her future was hidden behind the coat. A shame. Hers was pleasing to look upon, and Xander rather enjoyed looking at the curves her outfit accentuated. His orbs stopped at the lightsaber in her hand. So, she had the weapon of a Sith. Did she know how to use it. Xander admired her use of the katana, but would expect her to embrace the use of the lightsaber when dealing with enemies who utilized the same weapon.

"My ship is housed in the local space port. We must make the lift and reach that particular level. Opposition will likely meet us, and block us from getting there. We stay on the roofs, and keep to the shadows.".

Xander reached for the woman's wrist. Taking it in his hand, he examines the gauntlet weapon. It was similar to the one he wore, though his had a slight modification to it, one which simply reflected his personality. This was the second time he had touched her this day.

"You already have the gauntlet of the assassins. How you can buy it I do not know, but you have nonetheless. You will have plenty of opportunity to use it."

Releasing her wrist, Xander led on. Leaping from run roof to the next, running along the shadows when they could. They neared the lift, and Xander stopped. His arm raised, hand balled to a fist, commanding Akuma to stop and remain quiet. Closing his eyes Xander readhed out to the force. It was heavily guarded. Many of the spectators, and guards from the pit fights were there. All of them oozing hatred for the girl, and even more toward the Sith which had taken her. Xander smirked as his eyes opened. Turning to Akuma he nodded.

"You will want to use your lightsaber."

Xander ignited his twin blades, leaving the hilts disconnected for the time being. Leaping into the middle of the group, Xander pushed them all back with a force wave. He could do that once, from here it would be his skill as a fighter that would see them escape. Ataru was a form most would not expect the king to know, but Xander was masterful with the offensive form. He was more agile than anyone knew at first glance. His secret a powerful one. He knew Akuma would not have seen it coming, and he also knew she was fighting along side him. Xander would teach her the form, if only for the picture it would create as master and apprentice danced, flipped, and fluttered around each other in a seemingly choreographed dance to bring about the death of any who would oppose them. Xander was a Master now. He felt as though something which had been missing, filled.

[member="Akuma"]

 

[Ignatius]

After coming up, Xander looked at me. I couldn't really see his eyes, but his face was almost dissapointed. Forgetitng about it as he started to speak about using my pain and anger to fuel me. I smiled and nodded my head. I already knew how when in battle. I have used Force Rage before. Though at the time I didn't know it, I now do. Speaking next about where his ship was. He gave me the detailing about how we may have to fight our way out of here becuase of how public the place was. At most, it would look like a gang teaming up on two Sith or Dark Jedi acording to our lightsaber colors. His were a nice purple color. As it so happened mine was as well.

He then saw my wrist. mentioning it while grabbing it. He wasn't forceful, nor was he gentle. And I felt a little hot as he grabbed my wrist. I actually had gotten the tool for killing a while back. First joining a group of assassins. A small sect of them from the One Sith. Nonetheless. I shrugged it off answering him.

"Part of a sect of assassins. I come to the fights to earn money."

I may be an Ex-slave, and not look like much, but there was much that was hidden about me. Looking to my hand to see the lightsaber, he knew I might be able to use one. And the only form I knew was Ataru. Mostly the aspect of jumping from one person to the other while hitting them with one strike only. As he walked towards the edge, I knew he could feel the anger from the crowd, as well as myself. Smiling a little as he jumped while activating both of his blades, I jumped after him. And as soon as the wave passed him, I landed.

Single purple lightsaber snapping to life with a hiss as I stood up and turned around to be at his back. Looking at every one of the men or women as they were thrown into the air and are now dealing with bruises. I smiled as now this man would be my master. Those that stood came at us. I stepped forwards once and came down with an overhand strike to cut him in half from shoulder to hip. Not waisting a second to turn to my left. Stabbing witout even knowing who was there to find my saber piercing a woman through the chest, Kicking her off, I jumped up as a vibrosword came towards my feet. And as soon as my feet landed, I jumped into the air to bring a powerful downstroke of the lightsaber.

Moving back and forth between foes using a max of a second on each one to make a single killing blow, and then moving onto the next in line. In total, it seemed that those who were angry were barely armed. And were here purely out of rage and anger. not thinking. While three rushed me all at the same from in front of me, to my left and right, I moved to my left, Stabbing him through before literally jumping onto his chest, and pushing off with the force and a small change in inerta to flip around to land on top of the second man. Raking the saber across his neck much like I would with the katana. Letting the body fall and the gravity to bring the saber out towards the center man. stabbing him through the chest as well.

"Do we really need to kill all of them? this can get rather boring."

Yes it was fun to cause pain. But when there were so many people that you couldn't do that, it was rather boring, and almost annoying. I was half tempted to just walk on without fighting the rest of the group that remained and get on the ship.

[member="Xander Blackmoore"],

 

[Judah Lesan]

It was a dance indeed. Akuma already knew Ataru. They would perfect it together. Xander cut two men down in one strike. Another came at him from the front. Crossing his blades in a "X" the man who rushed him fell to pieces. Spinning, Xander stabbed two who rushed him on the right. Leaping into the air he slashed, decapitating one as he flipped over the man's head. The entire time he fought his way to the lift. Akuma could be heard asking if they had to kill them all. She was bored. So was Xander. It had been too long since he killed with a woman at his side. The monarch having been in a force stasis the past 800 years. His lover had long passed. The Red Huntress before her, gone as well. Xander smiled at his apprentice as his mind invaded hers. She had to learn to rely on the force at all times for communication while engaged in combat.

"No, fight your way to the lift. Once we make it to my ship, I will take you to my estate."

Moving toward the lift even more, Xander used the force to open the sliding door. Five men circled him in the time he focused on the door, and rushed him. Jumping, he landed on one of the men's shoulders. Gripping his head firmly between his boots, Xander twisted the man's neck until he heard a snap, and felt the crunch. As the body fell, Xander stepped into the chest of the man in front of him and stabbed his neck with blade in his right hand. Pivoting, Xander swung out with both arms, slicing two more in half. The last man turned and ran, allowing Xander to leave.

Once Akuma was in the lift, the door closed and took them to the platform his old infiltrator was on. The loading ramp losers as they approached. Walking up the ramp, Xander removed his gloves after securing his lightsaber to his belt. He blue hooded coat was removed and tossed into his open living quarters.

"You may occupy the ones across from mine, or may share mine with me. The choice is yours."

He motioned to either set as he spoke. Moving on, Xander walked to the cockpit as the ramp lifted, closing them in. Starting the engines, Xander called for his pilot to run through pre-flight and get them in space. The mute man nodded and complied. Soon they would clear the atmosphere for Ec Pand.

"You need a shower," he said to [member="Akuma"] as he returned to the lounge.

 

[Ignatius]

We both danced the dance of death. Lightsaber twirling back and fourth. Around and around to cut one more, two more, three more men down. I watched off to the side while I defended myself at how he took down each man. Already seeing how he could tell where talent was. He knew I had some. That's why he wanted me as his apprentice. I could feel the mind of the man enter my own once more. He would likely tell how bored and annoyed I was at not being able to take these people down how I wanted. Answering my question with in my mind. Telling me to fight towards the lift.

"I thought I would have seen where you lived after the third date?"

Cracking a joke about him taking me to his estate. I mean, yeah it would be nice, but the entire time that I was with my friend, we were in his ship. And that was because he had no real home. The one he did have was destroyed. So not just seeing a house, but an entire estate, would be different for me. Instead of protecting his back, or his blind spot, we moved towards the lift as we fought. He was taking out others as I did as well. Five rushed him, while four rushed me.

I decided to end this quickly. Throwing my saber underhanded, the blade righted itself through the force, and impaled a man through down to the hilt as I rushed the second. Jumping up to have my thights around his head. And with a jerk of my body, his neck snapped. Leaning backwards, the man's body fell. I did a flip over his body to the still standing man with the ligthsaber in his chest. Staring in amazement at the weapon. I grabbed it and pulled up to cut from where it was in his chest, through to his shoulder and out, only to bring it down on a third man. and decapitating the fourth.

As the fifth man from Xander's group ran, I smiled and threw my saber once more. Spinning around, it went to cut around his chest and flew back into my hand shutting off just before the doors closed. Damn was that timed nicely. Now the easy wait in the lift sounded awkward as the soft melody of music played. I just shook my head. Waiting for the doors to open. When they did, I saw an Infiltrator. I knew the ship. never been in one. But it always looked somewhat cool to me.

Orders from Xander were given out for the Pilots to start it up. While he took his coat off. I looked at his face. Lean, rather handsome. His black short hair looked nice. After putting the jacket in his room, he told me I could choose one. Either with him or the one across from his room. I moved to the room across and put my stuff on the bed. Including the Katana and the jacket. However I kept the lightsaber with me. Hanging on my belt. I walked into the lounge, and as I did, I could hear his voice. Saying I needed a shower.

"And that's the first thing you say to a girl?"

I chuckled a little as he wasn't actually being mean, more so he wanted me to clean off. Clean myself up and rest a bit. Seeing as how I have just been fighting for the past few hours on and off. As well as sweat, smoke, drugs, blood, and dirt was all over me. I nodded my head and smiled just a little. But for the first time in a long time, it was a genuine smile.

"Where are your towels?"

[member="Xander Blackmoore"],

 

[Judah Lesan]

Third date, Xander laughed to himself about the comment. He would keep it to himself until a better time. It was all too soon that he realized how long it had been since he had a female apprentice. Though he talked to this one much the same as he had before. She had teased him about his comment of her needing to be a shower. The banter reminded him of Lucette. How long had it been, yet to him it seemed a few short weeks. Yet they were all dead and gone. His lover, his apprentice, those he called companions. All of them were gone, and he had moved on. Despite this, his life was a lonely one. Xander still did not know the what the dark side was doing. Why had he been put in stasis as long as he had was one question he had no answer to. He wanted it though, desperately.

"There are towels in the closet of your quarters. Unfortunately all I have are my washing products. I apologize in advance that you will smell like a man afterward, unless you have your own in the bag of yours."

Xander pulled the tie from his hair to reveal that his hair was not short at all, but rather fell to his shoulder. The monarch had usually kept his hair short, but it had grown shortly after waking from his stasis, and he liked the length. He kept it. Certainly the girl would be hungry, and Xander was as well. A feast then, or what he could manage. Vizios was not the best of chefs, but he knew enough. Looking to the cold storage he pulled out nerf meat. It would grill well, that he knew. Fresh greens were paired with it, as well as a starchy vegetable, baked. Knowing women generally took longer, Xander hopefully had timed the meal to be done as she came back to the lounge. If she wanted to rest after she could.

The table was set as if it were in a palace. The cloth was a fine linen, the dishes of the finest china. His silverware was true silver, polished to perfection. Candlesticks rested in the center, holding pillar candles which Xander lit. Why was he going out of his way? He didn't know, but it seemed right, felt right. Perhaps it was her humor about a third date which inspired this kind of attention to detail. He found himself hoping she appreciated the gesture.

[member="Akuma"]

 

[Ignatius]

After the little chuckle and telling me that there were towels in the closet of my room, he also mentioned that he only had washing materials for himself. So if I used it I might smell like a man. I shook my head as he mentioned unless I had any myself. I had to chuckle myself. For how much of a Gentlemen he was, he still had no clue on how a girl was. When I was free, the first few weeks I took long showers because the ones I had when I were a slave was barely above the level of having a bucket poured on you, and your hands. The few weeks after were really nice. I was very clean. I didn't smell like smoke and it felt good.

"Looks like you have more to learn about girls."

I left it at that as I walked away to go and take my shower with a shake of my head. Moving to the room, and looking into the closet, I found very fluffy towels. Soft to the touch, and white. Completely so. I just shook my head and picked one up. Walking to the shower. I turned on the water. Cold at first, I waited for it to warm up. As I did so, I took off my clothes. undoing the tie and letting it fall onto the floor. I placed my lightsaber on the sink counter. My shirt came off, I let it fall to the floor, followed by my skirt. Looking down at myself. I could see scratch marks.

Marks all over my body, and my stomach had some bruises from the man landing on me. I shook my head and realized how much my body felt sore. I was tired. Physically tired. Striping myself of the rest of my undergarments, I moved into the shower. Letting the hot water run over my form. Stinging in general, and causing more pain to my scratches. I looked down at myself. Watching as my skin began to feel hot, and my skin turn red. It was hot. But it felt good. I ran my fingers through my hair. Getting the hair wet and using my nails to get all the dirt and gore out as much as I could. Reaching over to the soap, I poured a little into my hand to use on my hair. Cleaning it up and washing it out. To be thurough I washed twice both with my hair and body. After I was done, I stayed in there for a few more minutes. Letting the water run down my shoulders and over my body.

Turning the water off, I pulled the towel around me. Drying myself off as much as I could. As I was done, I wrapped the towel around my body and grabbed my clothes. Returning to my room, I could smell food being cooked. So Xander was a Gentleman, and a cook? Not to mention him being a former ruler, that was pretty impressive. I continued on and grabbed some clothes. Another outfit much like the other one I wore, only a white color with a black tie. Putting the lightsaber on my belt, I walked out to the lobby to find the table changed into a room that looked more fitting in a palace than a ship.

I looked over everything as Xander was in the room waiting for me. Was he trying to impress me as a man in general, or just trying to get me as a Master? I looked a little bit in amazement as I walked further in.

"What's the occasion?"

[member="Xander Blackmoore"],

 

[Judah Lesan]

"Would you believe me if I said I really have no clue," Xander confessed being as honest with the young woman as possible.

Darth Vizios had given way to Xander Blackmoore, ruler of the Induparan Crown Worlds once more. Not the man he had been raised to be certainly. On his world, women were nothing more than objects, trophies to be put on display. His mother had ensured Xander saw them differently. He knew what it meant to be a gentleman because of her, and Akuma was benefiting in the moment.

The chair she was meant to occupy was pulled out for her, as Xander's right hand rested on the top of the back. He offered a small bow as he motioned for her to sit, all the time a grin on his face.

"You have served others enough. Tonight you shall be the one served."

Helping her into her chair, Xander pushed in. He rounded the table and took his own seat. The ring which held the cloth napkin was removed and set to the side before Xander placed the ivory cloth onto his lap. Reaching for the wine bottle, Xander removed the cork, and sniffed the contents, letting the aroma waft to his nose. A fine selection, fitting for the meal they had before them. He filled her glass before his own, and looked across to her, a glint in his blue eyes.

"There must be questions rolling around in that head of yours. We are fianlly in a place I can tell my story if you wish to hear it?"

Xander cut a piece of meat and put it into his mouth, chewing as he waited for her to answer.

[member="Akuma"]