A Storm of Swords

[Krayzen Dratos]

So much had changed over the past decade, that he felt the One Sith had existed yesterday. Krayzen remembered when he was nearly killed by his opponent, a skilled Jedi, and the thrill when he had used his lightsaber to pierce through his flesh. He also remembered the time he had spent in the Unknown Regions, resting, and planning out his next move. If you had asked him ten years ago, the thought of dueling a Jedi, more specifically a Heavenshield in friendly combat was something that he would have never thought would occur. It seemed times had changed, and the Anzat simply followed the will of fate.

The planet they were in was at the heart of the Iron Empire, a neutral power that kept quiet while conflicts raged on, with the First Order and the Galactic Alliance fighting for territory in that part of the galaxy. Ever since he had returned to serve his ally, and friend, Isamu, he surprisingly had taken time to adjust to the duties of being a General once more. The Anzat at times preferred quiet and peace, and he fortunately would be granted that.

Krayzen had chosen the planet Sarvchi for a number of reasons. It was at the heart of the Empire, so they would be safe here; the planet was also neutral in terms of force usage, however the location of the duel was also what could be described as a 'mini light-side nexus'. He had chosen this location in order for him to get used to the idea of his connection to the dark side being affected, and for the idea that if he used the light side, he could die to be implanted to him subconsiously.

When Theodred would arrive, he would meet the Anzat, possessing two dual phase lightsabers with a phrik plating, and force activated switch. The Anzat bore no other weapons, not even his armor. This was a friendly duel, and he intended to show that he did not come with hostility by not bringing his standard gear.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

Thanks [member="Aster Rose Baelor"] for the title.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Sarvchi and all of Iron Empire space was new to him, his sense of adventure which he had from a very early age, was intrigued by this place and in time Théo would venture to all the worlds. It was equally the same that he had yet to meet members of the Empire and when he received an invitation to visit this world and participate in a friend duel, he would not pass this opportunity up. Besides Théo was looking for a new home, although the capital of Csilla, he liked the idea of a residences elsewhere mainly so he could continue is work in more private circumstances.

As he walked through the forest of many colours, he could feel the living force pulsing with energy here. The sound of water cascading told him he was close to the location and as he made way toward it, he could sense the presences of another, unknown to him. Natural alertness to the darkside informed Théo of the man yet there is no ill intent within him, they are both involved with the Empire and now strange allies.

Only his brown leather Valkyri trousers and jerkin adorned his body today, his saber clipped to his belt as always would equally signal his intent and Théo was looking forward to the meeting. Turning the corner of the path, the view opened up into a clear in which an amazing pool of water rested against a bank of rocks, the source of the sound of the water, a beautiful place more appropriate for meditation.

"Greetings Krayzen", he said on approach, offering a small bow as he arrived. He took a moment to study the man before him, and quickly ascertained the man is blind. But that was physical, Théo knew all too well, this is no weakness in a force user as there are more ways to see then with the eyes .. how many times had his master told him that. And so he knew that this ability would be the man's strength.

"I trust you are well and it is a pleasure to meet you". He added for they are warriors on the same side now.

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[member="Krayzen Dratos"]​

 

[Krayzen Dratos]

Krayzen had to admit being in a light-side nexus after participating in the ritual to heal himself made him feel 'sick'. There were slight instances where he felt like he was gasping for air, most likely due to him not being used to being in a light-side nexus. The Anzat was fortunate to have made an armor with a dark-side nexus durinh his time in the One Sith, but Krayzen himself knew that he had to try and adapt to this new challenges, or else his enemies would see this as an opportunity to eliminate him.

As he sat there, observing the waterfall, Krayzen could sense Théodred walking by, the man no doubt emitting a light-side presence that was nearly as synonymous as the light-side nexus that they both were in. Krayzen wondered what Théodred thought off when he would see him, the Anzat also thinking what he would think of him. He wondered how Théodred would be angry, but decided to put his speculations, since he could sense him approaching Krayzen.

When he bowed down to him, Krayzen bowed back, nodding respectfully toward the Iron Knight. The Anzat's eyes spotted no cybernetics, Krayzen choosing to surrender himself to the force, and use the Mirakulan's famous ability, force sight.

"To be fairly honest, it will take me some time to adjust to things, especially with what has happened." Krayzen replied. "Nevertheless, I thank you for appearing in this duel. May the best warrior win." Krayzen replied, nodding at Théodred.

He then waited for a few seconds, before activating his lightsaber in his right hand in a Djem So salute, before moving in, the Anzat wishing to test Théodred's defenses by sending an attack from his left side to his right side diagonally. Unlike before, when his lightsaber was red, Krayzen's new lightsaber was grey, to symbolize his change; additionally, he made sure his lightsaber was in a training setting, in order not to afflict any serious injuries.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

"You have chosen a very lovely place for this duel", he said as he adjusted Belawir, his saber to training mode. Belawir contains a unique white solari crystal Theo obtained in the caves on Rhen Var, years ago when he was but seven years old. The hilt is black with white markings carved into the bone of the antler of the Vhaanir by his father's own hands, which depicts runes of the ancient Valkyri language. In the old language Belawir means warrior.

Positioning himself to place distance between them, Theo took the salute and returned it with one of the Jedi, holding his hilt before his face before igniting the blade of white. Naturally, both combatants would test the defenses of each other, start off observing the styles and movement before an attack would open up. The first strike to come toward him was blocked easy enough, a one handed grip on the hilt would push his arm downward with white blade on a matching angle clashing the blades in the center. Theo's natural strength more then enough to counter such a strike, with Valkyri blood in his veins and moreover, the ancestral strength of his family has the Heavenshield men blessed with the physical strength of five of the galaxy's average men.

Growing up on Midvinter, training in the art of the sword with the Elders and his grandpapa, had taught Theo the value of keeping the use of energy to a minimum. And to be patient of course. However he did not underestimate his opponent after all Krayzen did not get to this position without skill and he is strong that much is clear through the force. Theo pushed his blade firmly against the grey one, forcing Krayzen's arm to the left opening up his chest, for now he would let Krayzen do the attacking and he wanted to see just when the duel-phase saber would come into use.

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[member="Krayzen Dratos"]​

 

[Krayzen Dratos]

Krayzen was impressed by Theodred's strength, wondering why the man didn't use it to his advantage. "You should practice Djem So, it will suite you perfectly." he stated, knowing full well the Heavenshield had the strength to beat his opponents to submission. The Anzat however knew, that with this cybernetics, his strength was also amplified. Theodred's strength however seemed to be stronger than those of natural Anzats, so he could only hope that his cybernetics would help the former Sith in combat.

When Theodred stopped his lightsaber, he wondered why the man would not attack him. He recognized the minimal amount of space he used, and wondered if he was a defensive duelist, using Soresu, or Makashi. Krayzen had used the latter, favoring it's precise motion to help him in combat. Nevertheless, Krayzen would be prepared for anything, as his years in combat had allowed him to meet a variety of opponents who used different forms of combat.

Krayzen so Theodred block his lightsaber in an opponent angle. The Anzat, He readjusted his blade, in order to meet Theodred's block, both of their blades now in a diagonal lock between each other, As Theodred pushed his blade toward Krayzen, leaving his left side opened, the Anzat grabbed his second lightsaber, calling upon it via telekinesis, and sent an attack toward Theodred, his left arm moving at a downward movement to Theodred's right arm, the Sith making sure he applied some pressure as well in his right arm to make sure Theodred would be kept busy.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Although his movements would be considered akin to Soresu with economy of effort in his style, Théo was engaged in the age old art of sword play of his ancestors, the Valkyri. His grandpapa had trained Théo since he was old enough to lift a metal sword setting him up against lads much older then he .. he would win some and loose most but the sword play had been invaluable and most instructive. For the average man whether they be of the galaxy or Valkyri against Valkyri, this form of fighting only lasts for no more then fifteen minutes and the energy is very quickly consumed. And so a good defense is the most important offence.

He could feel the pull on the force from Krayzen, and within a heart beat a second saber hit the palm of his hand and ignited. Théo could also feel the pressure applied to the crossed sabers and knew a secondary move would come. His right arm moved upward as if he was holding his shield ready to block the attack, however, he suddenly forced his right arm down pivoted inward toward Krayzen, closing the gap between and shoulder charged his chest which would force him back unbalanced and give Théo enough time to reset his stance.

"Then train me in Djem So", he said with a wry smile, but meant it. Théo had learned forms with the Silver Jedi of course, but not that one.

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[member="Krayzen Dratos"]​

 

[Krayzen Dratos]

As always, Krayzen observed Theodred's movements, and could see that he pushed his right arm inward, the lightsaber had struck a part of his chest, forcing Krayzen to move back, stumbled at what had occurred. Thank God it wasn't a real duel Krayzen said, recognizing that he had left an open, and had attacked in an irrational manner.

Like other dark-siders, Krayzen used the pain he had to fuel him, although even he had to admit, it wouldn't make much of a difference, since there were in a nexus, and his body was having trouble adjust to it. "I will teach you later." Krayzen said, nodding back at him. Unlike Theodred however, the Anzat didn't smile, simply replying with a nod. He wondered if this was the beginnings of a friendship, and so on.

Before he attacked however, Krayzen however equivalent exchange, a practice that he, at times, tried to adhere to. "In exchange, you can teach me what you know about melee ombat." Krayzen said. He did this b/c he wanted to asses Theodred, learn more about him, and b/c he was always looking to improve his abilities, especially after now being limited.

"For now however, let us return to dueling." Krayzen said. The Anzat conducted the same attack he had done before, sending a diagonal strike from Theodred's left waist, to right shoulder, his lightsaber being in his right hand.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

"That, my friend, is a deal", he replied regarding the exchange in training. No sooner had Theo spoke the words, the duel resumed. As Theo had time to reset his stance, the strike similar, if not the same, as the first swung with full force toward his waist designed to cut across his chest to the shoulder.

Once again the strike was met with a block strike but this time he had a double grip and force the Krayzen's blade downward with sheer strength. Theo was well aware of the second saber and knew his had left his side open to attack. Yet, the move was done in order to use the downward movement to fuel his momentum upward.

Theo swung his white blade up, parallel to Krayzen's arm and rolled his wrist so his left hand would become the leading hand and strength in which to drive the strike. This move would place both in an end game, depending on Krayzen's next move, they would both take a hit. Theo's side exposed while his blade would be but inches from Krayzen's neck. So far the two combatants had not drawn on the force to excess to aid them in this, but the duel was fueled by pure skill and determination. That could change of course ..

​

[member="Krayzen Dratos"]​

 

[Krayzen Dratos]

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]


Once again, the strength of Theodred made cracking into his defense extremely difficult, even for a man as experienced as Krayzen himself. The Anzati was possibly stronger, or equal in terms of strength with the Valkryi, but Krayzen had not done this attack in order to use his brute strength to help him. No, he had done this attack to use the footwork Makashi offered him to his advantage.

The Anzati could have used a two-handed grip, but he had chosen not to, seeing his other hand's small injury as a nuisance to carry along with, and he didn't want it to affect his form. The lightsaber he had returned back to it's hilt, ready to be used, but he would use the one right now, hoping the cybernetics, and his Anzati strength would help him push through.

One thing about Krayzen was that he blended in other forms to his style. He always used Form V as a basis, while blending in Makashi's footwork, and precision in order to help him. Krayzen countered Theodred's attempt at moving his blade downward with his own strength, pushing both of their blades once again into a diagonal lock; of course, this was costing the Anzat some of his energy, as he knew that his opponent would overpower him soon. This however placed both of their arms parallel to each other, and since Krayzen had had to extend his right arm(it would be diagonal) somewhat to go from the left waist, to right shoulder,Theodred's arms would, at least in his mind also be diagonal in some way. The saber's diagonal touch was also in the midpoint of Theodred's & Krayzen's torso, or at least close enough to it. Krayzen then saw an opportunity to strike

The Anzati predicted that Theodred would no doubt put more of his monstrous strength on the Anzat's one handed grip, and in that manner, Krayzen would lose. That was why he planned on using Theodred's strength against him, the Anzati using Trakata, and turning off his blade in the process. The sudden use of Trakata would hopefully imbalance Theodred, Krayzen hoping that he would fall down in the process. With this, Krayzen then pivoted, going toward the left side of Theodred, where his attack had originally began in the first place, and activated his dual-phase function of his right blade. He used the energy he had left to strike at Theodred's kidneys, coming up from below. The lightsaber was now at 2.5 m long. I hope this works. he thought, adding a slight use of force speed to enhance the speed of his attack.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

There was not so much of the flurry of flashing blades but more the brute strength of each opponent in play in this fight. It ebbed and flowed in either direction, one out muscling the other forcing each to move and stand ground. Stubborn they both are on this account. Krayzen's next move indeed surprised Theo, and as the saber of Krayzen fell away extinguished he fell forward and to the ground. And a small smile crossed Theo's face, although it is a move he has seen before it does not detracted from the fact it is a valuable skill.

In the process of scrambling to his feet, Theo felt the burning of the saber in his lower back. Krayzen's strike would hit, but not his intended mark of his kidneys but unwittingly to his opponent, he had hit a place even more painful to Theo, the still tender scar of an injury sustained from the tusks of a the large boar of Midvinter. On a hunt in the dead of night, the hunter had become the hunted and although Theo had victory that night, the boar had given Theo a weakness only few knew of. The pain of the saber was not so much from the blade itself, but the pressure placed on the tender spot and Theo gritted his teeth as it felt like the boar had run him through once more.

However one must not fall under the assumption that Jedi do not use pain to fuel resolve, they do .. just .. differently. Or maybe it is more that Theo comes from a long blood line of warriors that use it which aids his determination. It does not matter. Now Theo stood eyes fixed on the target, her lower back and side aching with dull pain, and a want for hit on his mind. Now came the flashing white blade, with two defined strikes, the first directed low to the left leg so that the man would have to maneuver downward, and second coming quickly after to the left shoulder. This attack was not a result of a sense of revenge but each strike placed with deliberate action to set up the third strike.

​

[member="Krayzen Dratos"]​

 

[Krayzen Dratos]

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

He wondered how the Valkyri would have handled the pain from the back. A small part of him wanted to tell Theodred to use it to fuel his anger, and his hatred. The Anzati believed that Theodred could make a powerful dark-side warrior, someone that could lead legions of dark-siders into battle. He did however know the family name that Theodred had, and he didn't want to be the one to face the rough of the SSJ if he had converted Theodred to the dark-side, nor did he wnat to ruin any prospects of a SSJ, Iron Empire alliance.

"You could have used your momentum when you were falling down to help you dodge the strike to your back if you had rolled down." he said.

While Theodred began to stand up, Krayzen then shaked his hands, preparing himself for the duel. He then so Theodred use(what I'm assuming are two dual blades), attacking him in a downward position, as well one coming toward his left shoulder. He used his dual phase function on his left hand, stopping the blade from coming toward him, although it felt painful to use it, but the Anzat used the pain to fuel him, and fuel his resolve. Krayzen then extended the dual phase function of his right blade, creating a vertical block.

What are you trying to do Heavenshield? he thought, wondering how to get out of this.