Private Warriors of the Plains

[Roman Vossari]

Dantooine | Ancient Jedi Outpost​

Lightsaber: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Diarch Reign

​

Roman narrowed his eyes slightly, as he considered the words of Darth Reign. He felt the weight of his own apprehensions fluttering within.

"I think the reason many in the galaxy do not see the Jedi as corrupt, is that they present themselves as protectors." Roman began, his voice steady yet tinged with a hint of uncertainty. "They strive to safeguard the galaxy, to uphold innocence, and to foster growth. At least, that's what I believed, and it's part of what drew me to this path, to make a difference, to protect those who cannot protect themselves, and to ensure that the galaxy flourishes rather than falls into chaos."

He took a deep breath, weighing his next words carefully. "Your philosophy of 'power with purpose' sounds noble, even ideal. But I still can't help but wonder if that ideal can withstand the test of time. I have been taught power has a seductive nature... is it not natural for those who hold it to be led astray? Power shared freely will only breed more to fall through the cracks? History is littered with examples of noble intentions corroding under the weight of ambition. I hope for your daughters, may they indeed follow these ideals you and your father have shared. It is a righteous path that could bring more light to the galaxy."

As he looked back to Reign, Roman felt a surge of curiosity compel him forward. He wasn't just a passive observer anymore, he was engaged in the most profound conversation of his young life. "But does this 'power with purpose' come with aspirations of expansion throughout the galaxy? Will you endeavor to teach the tenets of the Diarchy across the stars, will you be using political and military strength to spread your ideals, or will you merely be a sect of Force users who allow students to come to you?"

 

[Diarch Reign]

Darth Reign had to think, honestly think about it, He existed to bring order to this galaxy. That was the task his father entrusted him with, but this young Jedi had asked the right questions. He was not another Empire, nor did he desire to be crowned emperor. He just sought peace, for his children, and their children. All the children of the galaxy.

Responding slowly he said “Power does not have to be what you are thinking, you are referring to martial and esoteric might. Power can be anything, the power to be heard, the power to share ideas freely. Again, look to your own leaders. I have met your grandmaster, she is quite powerful, yet you see her as good, benevolent and kind, do you fear she has been led astray? None of us here, believe in personal ambition, my ambition is peace, for my children, and yours.”

Reign understood the boy’s trepidation. Had he himself not struggled with this his whole life? Raised to use the dark side, to crush those who would oppose him. Yet taught to be of service, and care.

“As much as it pains me, I do hold martial might. The Diarchy has a standing army, and fleet. They exist to protect us, all of us, including you, from the institutions that have a stranglehold on the galaxy, those that seek to gain from the never ending wars and chaos. My men and women, serve in the hopes that their children, and their children’s children, will not. In hopes that your children may pick up a lightsaber not to fight in wars as you have, but to bring hope and understanding to all corners of the galaxy. The Sith, and the Jedi, are so focused on their decimation of each other, that they lay waste to planets and peoples in their wake, heedless of the destruction they bring. THAT is why I have an army, not to force others to my way of thinking, but to protect them from the proclivities of those that think not of them.”

Darth Reign hoped that Roman would understand, political and military might were only needed because there are those who would refuse to relinquish their hold on the galaxy.

Roman Vossari

 

[Roman Vossari]

Dantooine | Ancient Jedi Outpost​

Lightsaber: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Diarch Reign

​

He felt a mix of admiration and concern, a complex storm of emotions unfurling as he processed Reign's notions of power, purpose, and peace. For the first time, he realized Reign had met Grandmaster Noble, a figure he revered and who harbored immense power yet embodied kindness and benevolence.

"If your ambition is truly for peace, why not join the New Jedi Order?" He hesitated, glancing away as doubt intertwined with hope. "The Jedi strive for peace like you do. Aren't we facing the same enemy? It's well and good to wish for an end to chaos, yet that chaos persists, some want only turmoil and destruction. Why not ally with the Jedi to fight against it?"

His heart raced, the implications of Reign's martial might looming large in his mind. An army? A fleet? Roman's apprehensions began to bubble to the surface. "You say you have strength to protect, but strength has the power to enslave just as easily as it can liberate. You mentioned that your standing army exists to shield us from the very institutions that seek to wreak havoc, but doesn't the existence of that army also suggest there are already adversaries at your gate, ever ready to challenge your ideals?"

Roman leaned closer to the stern figure, his voice lowering. "What of the Sith? Is your goal to rid the galaxy of them and their chaotic influence? Or do you envision something broader, perhaps the eradication of both the Sith and the Jedi? Do you believe you'll transform the galaxy into something better by protecting it from these so-called heedless struggles?"

His expression softened, revealing the vulnerability behind his tenacity. "I do not wish to see you or your daughters as adversaries, Reign. Your ideals are virtuous, they make sense. But I can't help but believe that your path will lead to conflict, just as mine has. There comes a point when the desire for peace necessitates action, inaction in the face of chaos only leads to suffering. Would your 'power with purpose' ultimately result in the same kind of destruction I have witnessed, only under a different banner?"

 

[Diarch Reign]

Reign was proud of the boy. He had the mind to question, and the tenacity to ask them. If he could ask these questions of a Sith Lord, alone on an isolated planet, then perhaps he could ask them of his “masters”.

“You are a good and true young man Roman, and I am glad to have met you. What I have to say now will not be easy for you to hear, but I want you to know that it is only because I know you can handle the hard truths that I utter this in your presence… The Jedi, are as much the problem as the Sith.”

He waited just a moment. Letting his words sink in. This was a hard truth for the youth to hear.

“The Jedi have long abandoned their age old cause of being peacekeepers, they hunt the Sith at every turn, wage wars on the behalf of Galactic Government, whether that be The Galactic Alliance, The Republic, or even the League of Autonomous Worlds. Tell me Roman, you’ve been touched by war, as have I, it leaves a darkness doesn’t it? How many wars can the Jedi fight, how many battles can they see, without the taint of it darkening their light?”

He again paused, his heart was pained by this.

“When I met your grandmaster, do you know how she treated me? In something as innocent as a the sharing of knowledge, I was treated with disdain, called a snake she looked at me with hatred Roman, your leader, looked upon another with hatred.”

He dropped his head in sadness before continuing.

“You are right Roman, an army has the power to enslave, but in all the time you’ve known me, have I given you reason to think that is the path I would take? If my name did not have Darth preceding it, or if I did not embrace the Dark Side, your people would hail me as a visionary. But due to my upbringing and the circumstances of my life, I am vilified. Can’t you see that as part of the problem? And yes.. there are enemies at the gates already, your grandmaster has guaranteed me of such, as would my ideals make
me enemies among the Sith.”

He was truly saddened now though. As he was alone after all.

“I stand alone Roman, a bulwark against the chaos that threatens to engulf us all. I don’t want to tear down the orders, there are good people among them both, but the orders themselves are broken, the Jedi have lost sight of what they set out to do, and the Sith as they exist now are a scourge. The orders have more in common than they do apart. If my work, my cause, can make the galaxy a better place for the people in the market of Vaal, where they don’t have to worry about the fires of war coming to their planet, do I not owe it to them to do all that I can?”

The Dark Lord smiled and put a hand on Roman’s shoulder as he gave his final answer.

“I will never be your adversary Roman, neither will my girls. You are family, you are loved. Yes we may find ourselves on the opposite sides of a conflict, but YOU will never be my enemy, my blade will never cross yours. We in the Diarchy are no strangers to conflict even now. I have had to shed blood for my cause, as much as it pains me. And make no mistake Roman, it does. I remember the face of every life I’ve ever taken, every enemy has my pity, and my respect, for it is not by their choice that they cross blades with me, but by the choice of a group or person so afraid of losing their power, that they send the nameless to wage war on their behalf. War, sadly, is war. But the atrocities you’ve seen are committed by both sides of the force, those who allow their people to run rampant. This is not how we operate, we mitigate civilian losses, and actively contribute in repairs and relocation. We are not the monsters that haunt young Jedi’s dreams.”

Roman Vossari

 

[Roman Vossari]

Dantooine | Ancient Jedi Outpost​

Lightsaber: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Diarch Reign

​

Roman sat across from Reign, the weight of the conversation pressing heavily upon him. As each word settled into his mind, he felt a stirring of confusion and realization, a mix of fear and hope.

"I never thought I'd hear someone speak of the Jedi like this. To think that they're as much the problem as the Sith…" His brow furrowed as he processed the idea. Roman recognized he might hold some bias, he has indeed spent most of his young life within the order. "I've only known them as keepers of the peace, protectors of the innocent. But maybe…I can see what you're saying. The wars we fight seem endless, and they leave scars, both on our people and on the galaxy itself."

He recalled the battles he had witnessed recently, the flashes of blaster fire and the cries of the wounded echoing in his ears. "It's true, I've been touched by war. It leaves a darkness, a memory that clings to the soul. I can see now how it changes us. How could it not?"

When Reign spoke about Grandmaster Noble, Roman felt a pang of loyalty stir inside him. He had always admired her, seen her as a guiding light among the chaos. "I can't speak for her." he asserted, trying to justify the confrontation he didn't quite understand. "She has treated me with kindness. I think she was just… she was trying to protect herself from a threat she didn't know. Maybe she didn't see you as I do."

He swallowed, his thoughts racing. "I'm sorry for how you were treated. Maybe in time, she can understand who you are, just like I have."

Roman then hesitated, considering Reign's words about being seen as a villain. "I don't see you as a monster," he said with conviction. "You've shown me kindness, cared for me in ways I didn't expect. You're right, if the roles were reversed, if you weren't marked as a Sith, people might have hailed you as a visionary. You have a different way of seeing the galaxy, and I think that's valuable."

The warmth that spread in his chest soothed his troubled thoughts. "I can promise you, I will never raise my blade against you or your daughters. You've opened my eyes to the complexities of this galaxy. There is so much more beyond what I've been taught, and I want to be a part of the change."

His resolve hardened as he continued. "I want to strive for peace and stability. The idea of sharing power resonates with me. I've seen too many lives lost over stubbornness and division. Too many pray on the weak. We must learn from those who have come before us and embrace new ideals."

But as he contemplated the future, a shadow of concern crept into his heart. "I just hope that your path and the Jedi's don't cross too soon. Not for many years. I want to grow within the Order, to be strong enough to contest any opposition you might face. I want to be the bridge, the one who brings us together. Maybe one day, I could broker a peace between our ideals."

He glanced toward Reign's daughters, their faces a mix of innocence and strength. "I hope they'd see it too, that we could share our beliefs without bloodshed."

Roman took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the galaxy shifting ever so slightly. "I believe we can be the change, the light that shines amidst this chaos, together. With time."

 

[Diarch Reign]

Reign smiled at the young man. Glad that this conversation had happened, and even more so that it had gone well. He stared intently into the eyes of the young man that he had started to feel a fatherly attachment to. His voice soft, and touched with sadness when he said “I too hope it does not come to blows soon, we are not ready, and I don’t wish to throw lives away. I foresee a great future for you Roman, and if you strive for this peace, for the change in the galaxy.. who knows.. maybe someone like me won’t need to exist anymore. That’s my hope, that those girls there, and you, and your children may live in a world that doesn’t need men like me.”

He shook his melancholy off, smiling once more. As he clapped his hands together and said “enough of this, you are here for a purpose, and I doubt that purpose was to hear me speak! At my last reckoning, you and Nightmare have yet to find a victor. When you are ready, let us continue”

His gaze lingered on the young man, the sadness in his eyes not quite expelled behind the jovial mask he had put on. If Roman were astute enough, he would be able to tell how much Reign’s mission weighed on him.

Roman Vossari

 

[Roman Vossari]

Dantooine | Ancient Jedi Outpost

Lightsaber: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Diarch Reign

​

Roman watched the sun dip lower in the sky, casting shadows across the plains of Dantooine. The warmth of the day was fading, but the intensity of the moment filled the air. He couldn't shake the conversation he'd just had with Reign. The older man's words echoed in his mind, a blend of hope and despair that made Roman's heart ache for him. Though Reign had tried to mask his burdens with a cheerful demeanor, the fleeting sadness in his eyes had left an imprint on Roman. It was evident that the weight of his mission pressed heavily upon him.

Still, Roman grappled with the profound respect he held for Reign, recognizing the sacrifices he had already made for the sake of a future peaceful galaxy. Roman wanted to be part of that change, to help forge a future where conflict would not be the norm.

Shaking off the melancholy, Roman stood, his resolve hardening. He sensed Nightmare's eagerness beside him, her fierce spirit igniting a competitive spark within him. With a soft chuckle, he caught her gaze, and they shared a moment of unspoken understanding, both ready to challenge and push each other beyond their limits.

As they moved toward their makeshift combat circle, the air crackled with anticipation. Roman slipped into a familiar guard stance, ready to maintain his defense against the skilled practitioner that was Nightmare. The energy between them shifted, she circled him, probing for weaknesses, her eyes keen and calculating.

The combat began with a flurry of feints and strikes, each testing the other's reflexes. Roman focused, correcting his mistakes almost simultaneously as they occurred, reveling in the rhythm of their sparring match.

Yet, as the minutes passed, fatigue began to creep into Nightmare's movements. A half-hearted strike opened a fleeting opportunity, and Roman capitalized on it instinctively. With a swift motion, he executed a throw, sending her tumbling to the ground. He stepped forward and Roman was ready. He seized her head from behind and locked her in place. The pressure was firm but calculated, designed to unnerve but not harm. He could feel her squirming, her struggle fueling the competitive fire within him.

After a few moments, unable to withstand the constricting hold any longer, Nightmare tapped out. Roman released her quickly, stepping back as she fell to the ground, drawing in deep gasps of air. He knelt beside her, offering a hand to help her up.

"You okay?" he asked with genuine concern. While they were fierce opponents, moments like this reminded him that they were also allies, both striving to master their skills in service of something greater.

Nightmare nodded, a grin creeping back onto her face even as she caught her breath. "That was a good move, Roman. I wont make that mistake again."

Roman smiled in return. "I know." He felt a warmth bloom within him at her spirited reply. There was a bond between them forged not just in their competition, but in their shared desire to grow stronger.

 

[Diarch Reign]

A few days had passed, with Roman finally besting Nightmare, learning valuable lessons on fighting multiple opponents as he combatted both of Reign’s daughters.

As the sun set on the third day, they were eating a meal Reign had prepared. Nothing special, roasted meat and food cooked in a cast iron pot that the Sith Lord had brought with him.

As they ate, the Diarch appraised the young man. Practice in combat had afforded him many defined muscles and an air of confidence.

“You’ve done well so far, I am impressed by the progress you’ve made in such a short time. Tomorrow however, will be your true test.
You will face me in combat”

Roman Vossari

 

[Roman Vossari]

Dantooine | Ancient Jedi Outpost​

Lightsaber: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Diarch Reign

​

Roman found himself surrounded by warmth and camaraderie beside the crackling campfire. He sat with Nightmare and Shadow, their laughter mingling with the soft rustle of the tall grass in the gentle evening breeze.

With each mouthful, Roman felt the tension of their recent sparring sessions wash away. The bond he had formed with Reign's daughters had become a source of strength, turning competition into a shared growth experience. He found common ground with them, sharing tales of his upbringing on Serenno and the strict discipline and tradition of the Jedi. In return, Nightmare and Shadow spoke of their own trials under their father's watchful eye, weaving a picture of shared ambition and struggle.

He had spent the last few days honing his skills, learning the art of combat against them under the watchful eyes of Reign. With Nightmare, he faced a fierce rival who pushed him to his limits, each bout was an exhilarating clash of speed and wit. Meanwhile, Shadow's approach was more playful yet equally competitive and fierce, her determination to improve sparking a bond that resembled a protective older brother and a spirited little sister. It was a dynamic he hadn't expected, but it felt natural, as if he'd stepped into a new family forged through the fires of shared struggle.

As the evening wore on, laughter echoed, and old stories revived the flames of pride and resilience within them. Yet, when Reign's voice broke through the revelry, announcing the challenge for the following day, Roman's heart dropped. The pit in his stomach expanded as uncertainty seeped in.

Roman nodded in response, though his mind buzzed with doubts. He had earned his sparring rounds against Nightmare and Shadow, but facing the master that sculpted their skill? That was an entirely different battle. Nervousness gripped him, a swarm of questions fluttering in the background. Would he measure up? Had he truly improved enough to stand against him?

As laughter resumed around the fire, Roman feigned a smile, masking his rising anxiety. He engaged in light-hearted banter, trying to enjoy the moment without the cloud of impending challenge looming over him. Still, as shadows lengthened and stars appeared like distant sentinels, his mind wandered back to the fight.

That night, sleep eluded him. He tossed and turned, feeling the weight of impending responsibility press upon him. The more he thought about it, the more adrenaline surged through him, thrumming like a heartbeat. Finally, surrendering to restlessness, he slipped out of his tent and wandered into the cool embrace of early dawn.

With the world still cloaked in darkness, he walked, the tranquil sounds of the plains calming his turbulent thoughts. He trained his breath to steady, envisioning his movements, mapping out strategies and counters, immersing himself in the reassuring rhythms of his own heartbeat.

As he returned, he spotted Nightmare searching for early morning food, a sly grin lighting up her features. "Good luck, Padawan." she said, shaking her head as if she couldn't help but find amusement in his plight.

The anticipation coiled inside him as he approached the sparring circle, looking to the horizon where the sun began to crest, spewing beams of gold. He paced back and forth, heartbeat syncing with the rhythm of his footsteps. Each second stretched like an eternity as the nervous adrenaline filled the air.

 

[Diarch Reign]

As the night continued, Reign observed the padawan. Tomorrows bout had unnerved him greatly. He did well hiding it from the girls, but Reign had been observing the youth for many days now, and the bond of teacher and learner had been forged. He knew the boy’s mind now.

The Sith Lord had very little need for sleep, sustaining himself with the dark side while he studied the histories he had found. Lost in the history of great wars past.

He felt the young man up and moving, and the Sith Lord himself moved to exit the library. Catching Nightmares look of sympathy for the boy as she’d turned around. Their own training giving her a great understanding of what he was about to go through.

As he stood in the makeshift arena, he removed the tops of his robes, flexing and stretching his own muscles. Reign was an imposing figure, muscles well defined from a lifetime of combat.

Eyeing the youth he said “Are you ready?”

Roman Vossari

 

[Roman Vossari]

Dantooine | Ancient Jedi Outpost​

Lightsaber: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Diarch Reign

​

Roman stood at the edge of the makeshift arena, heart racing in the silence of the early morning. Tension was in the air as he watched Reign stride confidently into the circle. The Lord's sheer presence was daunting now that Roman expected to spar with him. Roman swallowed hard, feeling both excitement and dread swirl within him.

As Reign's piercing gaze locked onto him, Roman could sense the weight of expectation. A wave of adrenaline surged through him, sharpening his focus. He quickly assumed a defensive guard, feet grounded, knees slightly bent, ready yet cautious.

"I'm ready." he signaled with a nod, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside. In his mind, he replayed the lessons learned the over that last few days, lessons that emphasized the power of patience and observation. Striking first with reckless abandon was not an option, the last thing he wanted was to make a novice mistake against someone so skilled.

Roman took a deep breath, grounding himself. He knew that Reign would test him, would gauge his reactions. It was a dance they were about to engage in, one that required careful calculation and respect for the strength of the opponent. As he awaited the Lord's first move, his mind raced through strategies, assessing the strength of Reign's blows and the openings that might appear.

 

[Diarch Reign]

Reign smirked at the young man, he was not a friend right now, no. He was an adversary and a teacher, teaching the same way he taught his own daughters.

He would not say a word to the Padawan. As soon as his affirmation came through, Reign launched himself at the apprentice. Coming at him with a large double handed overhead strike.

Roman Vossari

 

[Roman Vossari]

Dantooine | Ancient Jedi Outpost​

Lightsaber: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Diarch Reign

​

Roman barely had a moment to process Reign's smirk before the surged forward quickly. The overhead strike came down with a swiftness that caught him entirely off guard. Instinct took over, and he raised both arms in an 'X', bracing for impact. The sheer force reverberated through his forearms as he felt his stance give way beneath him.

With a thud, he landed on his backside, his breath almost jolted from his lungs. The world spun for a moment as he blinked, dazed but not defeated. Reign's strength was undeniable, a force meant to intimidate, but Roman felt the spark of defiance flickering within him. The Lord's overconfidence could be his downfall, and Roman tried to seize the moment to strike back.

As he gathered himself on the ground, Roman swept his right leg out in a swift motion toward Reign's ankles, aiming to unbalance the man.

 

[Diarch Reign]

The leg swipe had caught him off guard, Reign could admit. Turning his fall into a roll he popped backwards onto his feet again.

As he got up, he launched into a series of strikes with his fists, attempting to overwhelm his younger opponent.

Roman Vossari

 

[Roman Vossari]

Dantooine | Ancient Jedi Outpost​

Lightsaber: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Diarch Reign

Roman's arms became a blur, pushing and deflecting Reign's relentless fists. He managed to parry two strikes, the force of them still jarring his arms. But a third, a vicious uppercut, caught him flush on the jaw. Stars danced in his vision, but he gritted his teeth, refusing to let the blow floor him. He stumbled back, his head ringing, but his eyes never left Reign.

The onslaught continued, a flurry of fists that threatened to overwhelm him. Roman's mind raced, seeking an opening. He saw it in the next strike, a looping right hook. Attempting to deflect the arm with a sharp inward twist of his wrist, Roman would try to grab hold of Reign's forearm. If he could successfully grab it, he would use his momentum and the surprise factor to propel the older man off-balance with a powerful hip throw.

 

[Diarch Reign]

​

Location: Dantooine
Tags: Roman Vossari

---

The Diarch was airborne, a small mistake on his part had resulted in him being thrown.
He chuckled lightly, it seemed he could still learn as well.

As he landed..hard.. he sprang back up, the youth had weathered his assault, he was proud.

He circled slowly, looking for an opening to pounce, he had switched his fighting style to one more suited for knees and elbows, as opposed to outright jabs and punches.

Seeing a small opening, the Dark Lord rushed in, attempting to hold the padawan in a clinch.

 

[Roman Vossari]

Dantooine | Ancient Jedi Outpost​

Lightsaber: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Diarch Reign

​

Roman's surprise at having successfully thrown Reign was fleeting. Yet Reign was up, a blur of dark movement, and Roman knew he couldn't afford to be caught off guard again. Roman took note of that, even though he had lost the move, he quickly recovered, not dwelling on his mistake.

He was quick to react, but not quick enough. Reign had already shifted his style. Roman felt a surge of adrenaline as the Dark Lord closed the distance, a whirlwind of muscle and malice. Before Roman could react, strong arms wrapped around him, pinning him in a vice-like grip.

The sheer strength of the Diarch was evident. Roman strained against Reign's hold, but it was like trying to move a mountain. Desperation flared within him. He couldn't rely on raw strength to break free. He needed to adapt, to use what he had.

With a sudden shift in his posture, Roman channeled his remaining energy into a swift, powerful movement. He drove his knee upwards, aiming for the vulnerable area beneath Reign's ribs.

 

[Diarch Reign]

​

Location: Dantooine
Tags: Roman Vossari

---

The kid was fast, Reign had to give him that.

The Diarch had successfully clinched with the young man, but he’d driven a knee towards Reign’s ribs.

Dropping his grapple he blocked the knee, spinning around in a half circle to drive an elbow into the youths temple.

 

[Roman Vossari]

Dantooine | Ancient Jedi Outpost​

Lightsaber: X | Armor: X | Training: X | Casual: X
Tags: Diarch Reign

​

Roman felt a surge of adrenaline as he suddenly found himself free from Reign's clinch. Even as his knee smacked back down against the ground, he still found himself looking for his next opening.

Without a moment's hesitation, Roman's instincts kicked in. He felt the shift in the air as Reign swung his elbow around towards him. Just as the Diarch's attack came roaring in, Roman instinctively dropped low, collapsing onto his knees and narrowly avoiding the devastating blow.

With a swift motion, Roman launched forward, seizing the moment of momentum. Using his speed, he launched himself at Reign's leg, attempting to execute a single-leg takedown with precision born from a lifetime of practice.

 

[Diarch Reign]

​

Location: Dantooine
Tags: Roman Vossari

---

The takedown was not unexpected but the Diarch was impressed by the attempt. Planting his back foot, Reign kept his footing.

Grunting with the effort, he attempted to lift the younger man off the ground, attempting to counter his takedown with a quick throw.