Aggressive Negotiations

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Nar Shadaa, a cesspit of a world the likes of which Nikias had never before imagined could've existed in the galaxy. Stepping out of his personal shuttle his nose was assaulted by the scent of those smoking spice. A look of pity in his eyes Nikias shook his head averting his gaze from those that had spent their time letting the corrosive drug effect their mind. So many things had been told to Nikias about the world[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]about how it was supposed to be the best place in the galaxy to go and gamble[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt].[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] Nothing had been mentioned about what he was currently seeing. Even stepping out of the spaceport Nikias could taste the air on his breath and see what he thought of as the scum of the galaxy littering the streets. Men pushing others around[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] people injecting death sticks in their veins. Worst of all were those that acted as they didn't see a thing and continued on wandering in and out the numerous brothels and casinos. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]By the force. [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Nikias thought as he turned to move back into the spaceport but soon found himself face to face with a man in light body armor from head to toe. Feeling a foreign feeling in his ribs[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] Nikias glanced down to see that there was a blaster pistol pressed against his body. "I've been tracking you for days... Your highness[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] I know all about you and what you did on your world. Turns out that there's a high price on your head." The bounty hunter said a wide grin on his face. Obviously proud of his catch. "We're going to take a little walk." The bounty hunter said motioning with his blaster pistol. "Try to run and you're dead[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] try to yell for help and you're dead. Got it?" The bounty hunter asked in his nasally voice. Simply nodding his head Nikias showed that he had heard what the hunter had said. Though a flame burned in the prince's eyes. This was the second time someone had come after a bounty put on him by his father and it was becoming a nuisance. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt] "I didn't even need that kriffing Forcers help." The man cackled guiding Nikias with a hand on his large shoulder with the other still holding the blaster pistol. "I may not even include him. What do you think?" [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]"I think its best if you let me go. I do not wish to hurt you. Drop your weapon and go rethink your life." Nikias warned bringing his full regal tone to bear.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]"You have no power off your world. The only one with power right now is me! Now get moving." The bounty hunter said pushing Nikias into an alley. "Wait... Where is he?" The man asked obviously looking for someone. Taking this momentary distraction Nikias spun grabbing the arm holding on to his shoulder. Bringing up his leg to meet the man's chin at the same time as pulling against the arm a loud pop filled the alley followed by the Bounty Hunter's screams.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Yes,[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] kill him! He was going to do the same to us! Silence him before his ally arrives!" [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Trellos screamed inside Nikias' head and for once Nikias actually listened. It was the bounty hunter that had come after his life. That hadn't taken Nikias' warning, now he had to pay the price. Drawing his saber from his belt Nikias put the hilt to the man's head.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]"Should've taken my warning." Nikias said before activating the weapon. The violet blade extended from the hilt piecing the bounty hunters’ skull with no resistance. [/SIZE]

[member="Salvor Arnex"]

 

[Salvor Arnex]

"Warden, you should have at least one of us go with you." Charisma Reanaii, captain of his guard told him with a worried look on her face.

"Come on then, forcer, we don't have all night." He was told impatiently by a lanky human in light body armor with thin straw colored hair and breath that stank of drink and stale tobacco.

"I will catch up with you." Salvor told the bounty hunter without looking at him.

"Fine, you finish talking to your mom and I will go find the wayward prince." The hunter mocked before turning to leave.

"Warden, I really have to insist." His captain started again before Salvor raised his hand to cut her off. She was dressed in a set of drabby loose fitting used clothing that K'eeva had found for her because in his words "She was much too pretty be on this level of the moon and not be an escort." Neither Salvor or Charisma had asked where he'd gotten the clothes from, but the pungent scent of spice that filled every stitch gave a pretty good hint.

"I, will be fine." Salvor assured her. "I need some one to go with K'eeva, I don't trust that fucking Toydarian he is meeting with."

at the mention of K'eeva another member of his personal guard Salvor could see Charisma's face turn up slightly. Whether it was because of the man himself or because his latest scheme, Salvor did not know. K'eeva was for the most part a good man, even if his past was sketchy and trusting him was not something that came naturally. one thing that was certain, was his various number of underworld contacts had come in handy after the dissulution of the shadow dynasty.

"Okay Captain, Go'tchy will not wait on us forever." K'eeva said walking up to them. He too was dressed in a set of well-worn clothes, Salvor however had the feeling that these were part of K'eeva's personal collection.

The three of them parted ways and Salvor left the pub they were in to find the bounty hunter that left minutes earlier and it did not take long before he heard popping as loud as a slug thrower but unmistakable as the sound of a limb being ripped from its socket, follwed by the tell-tale sign of agonizing screams. Salvor rounded the corner to the alley where the scream emminated just in time to see the bounty hunter being executed.

The screams stopped and the only noise that broke the scilence was the gentle but ominous hum of the lightsaber. Idiot. Salvor thought of the fallen hunter who made the mistake of not disarming the man the moment he had the chance.

"The bounty notice made no mention that you were a Jedi." Salvor told his prey calmly. The Gold-skinned Zabrak stood at the head of the alley way not bothing to hide himself, he wore a light combat suit, sleek and black, it was not armor in any way that would protect him from anything but the smallest of blaster bolts but it fit comfortably and afforded him any manner of movement he could desire.

Looking at the lightsaber in the hands of the man in front of him the logical side of him regretted leaving his guard behind but the other side of him, the side that most often ruled his heart was excited beyond description to face a worthy adversary, for months he'd done nothing more than capture or kill run-of-the-mill scoundrels or help quell or aid small time rebellions, the chance now to stand face to face with a Jedi was almost more than he could handle. His skin hummed and his fingers curled with anticipation but he did not let it show outwardly other than a small smile as he waited for [member="Nikias"] to give him notice.

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Nikias heard the approaching footsteps of someone before he heard them speak. That was the thing about a city. you could even hear people stepping on the permacrete[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]and the puddles that filled them. Though Nikias did not look directly at whoever had shown up[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] instead he spent a few more seconds burning the image of the man he had just killed into his memory. The look of pain and horror on his face that remained as he was executed and the now large hole that was in the center of his skull. It was a sight that reminded Nikias of his days on Hora[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]when he was still a soldier, and the scent of burnt flesh was something that he never forgot. Yes! This is what it means to be strong! To use our own judgement! You can’t continue to follow the way of those mystics and their teachings of peace. Trellos said feeding on Nikias' doubt and trying to push him more to the dark[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] into embracing the dark being that had been birthed inside Nikias' own mind.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]"Of course it didn't,[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] it probably didn't know." Nikias said as he turned to the newcomer his violet saber lighting the area around him. The gold of Nikias' eyes shined bright in the alleyway making him appear to be a demon. Though the being at the other end could've been thought to be more so. Nikias had seen many Zabraks in his life[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]and he was always impressed with their incredible strength and pain tolerance. He'd even seen them in action on the battlefield which made him more cautious of this bounty hunter. "I had offered him a chance to turn and leave me be[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] he did not heed the warning and has now paid the consequences." Nikias said listening to himself and finding that he sounded more and more like his father the more he spoke. "Don't make me take another life this day[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] just move out of the way and let me continue past." Nikias' muscles tensed slightly and due to being shirtless it was more than obvious. If he was forced to fight again he would without hesitation and he prepared to engage the Zabrak depending on his answer. [/SIZE]

[member="Salvor Arnex"]

 

[Salvor Arnex]

Nar Shaddaa always had a stink to it but here in this particular alleyway it smelled not like any other part of the moon he was sure. It had the acrid smell of melted hair, the mouth watering smell of cooked flesh and the sickly sweet unmistakeably enthralling scent of fear. None of these belong to the man standing shirtless in front of him how ever, it all belonged to the dead fool who laid at his feet.

"We both know that isn't how this ends." Salvor told him simply. No the outcast prince would not allowed to just walk away, not when Salvor Arnex was the one blocking his path. The force had brought the two of them together it was clear, it had heard his frustration, felt his rage and disapoint and here in this moment it rewarded his patience and dedication, he was able now to test his skill against a true opponent and claim the head of royalty, his first true and worthy trophy.

Salvor's feet slid apart just slightly in preperation to draw his blade, but for now he still just stood at the head of the alley way, waiting.

[member="Nikias"]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Sighing Nikias looked down at his feet and at the puddles beneath him. In it he saw his reflection[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] the anger and rage that burned in his eyes. His face contorted in rage and the voice of Trellos in his mind screaming for blood. The fool stands against us! He wishes to kill you as well. Trellos said acting as the demon on Nikias' shoulder. Too bad for the Hellyni that there was no angel voice to offer a counter offer to what the dark voice was saying. The darker portion of Nikias had been hoping that the Zabrak had been foolish enough to stay and face him in combat. While what sane parts of him remained fought against the tide but were soon drowned out by the anticipation for battle. There were very few things Nikias loved like battle[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] even just standing there and looking at the Zabrak he felt a new surge of energy that caused his body to tingle. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“You should’ve just let me leave… Why can no one ever know when enough is enough?” Beginning his movements towards the Zabrak[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Nikias' walked purposely at first taking long strides[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] then that stride turned into a jog. That jog turned into a full on sprint. His gold eyes were wild as he approached entering a low guard with his saber and as he approached the Zabrak[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Nikias reached out with his left hand and out from the corner where he lay dead the bounty hunters body an invisible grip seized the corpse. With a wave of his hand Nikias sent the corpse spiraling through the air at the Zabrak as a distraction. Letting the body reach the Zabrak first Nikias would immediately exit the low guard throwing a slash aimed at the right side of the Zabrak's waste that would continue on up to his left shoulder. [/SIZE]


[member="Salvor Arnex"]

 

[Salvor Arnex]

And where was the honor in that? Salvor wondered to himself when the prince proclaimed his displeasure at not being allowed to just walk away from the destiny the force had handed them. He watched as the prince moved toward him slowly and with purpose, his heart pounded with a combination of excitement, glee, fear, and adreneline. Death came to lay siege at his door and the thrill of keeping it at bay was upon him.

long purposeful strides turned to a jog and then an all out run and the exiled prince came at warden with a fury. As he ran his posture low to the ground the prince reached back with a hand and with a motion like yanking on an invisible rope he sent the corpse of the once foolish and now dead bounty hunter hurtling at Salvor.

With instinct and the force as his guide Salvor pivoted outward on his left foot opening his stance so that his back no longer faced the opening of the alley but the wall that had been on his left. As he turned he drew his saber and with no effort cleaved the body in half with a strong strike that came down from his left shoulder down to his right hip, slicing right through the thrown corpse and clashing against the violet blade of the prince's lightsaber stopping it inches before it disembowled the young zabrak.

As soon as the two blades had touched Salvor quickly spun in a 360 degree motion to his left turning away from where the Jedi's blade was situated in an attack meant to decapitate the young prince.


[member="Nikias"]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Not truly expecting the corpse to do to much than act as a minor distraction Nikias wasn't to shocked when it was easily sliced through. seemed as though the hunter was just as useless dead as he had been alive. In one smooth motion the Zabrak had managed to get behind Nikias[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] hearing the hum of the Zabrak’s saber Nik realized just how skilled his opponent was. Smart. Though this did not stop the prince[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] Nikias continued his slash through the air turning it into one smooth motion. Letting the blade continue on and over his shoulder Nikias bent his arm back so his own saber would impede the attack meant to decapitate him. The sabers clashed with a loud[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] violent humming. The lethal intent apparent to any that would be watching. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]This actually reminded Nikias more of his duels with Sith than with the Jedi. The Zabrak had no hesitations in aiming to kill first[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] while the jedi aimed to main or stop the conflict. Good thing Nikias wasn’t like other jedi. Taking a step forward and pivoting on the foot Nikias turned keeping his saber against the Zabraks so once the spin was complete he’d be facing the Zabrak again. The maneuver did take a great deal of strength and the muscles in Nikias’ bicep could be seen tightening to hold the saber in check. This time he’d enter a more probing offensive to test out his opponent’s reflexes and skills. While Nikias wasn’t opposed to going for the kill he was opposed to entering battle without being sure what his opponents were capable of. If he did he could possibly get caught off guard in the mid or even later parts of the duel[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] then it would be his shoulders missing a head. Bringing his saber around in another slash aimed for the upper left side of Salvor’s ribs Nikias before reversing it at the last second for an attack at his right shoulder. [/SIZE]

[member="Salvor Arnex"]

 

[Salvor Arnex]

Salvor's killing blow was blocked and countered in short order. His opponent was clearly skilled and his strength was apparent had he blocked and turned away the savage blow Salvor had aimed at his head. A small smile, more a snarl really, pulled at the corner of the golden zabrak's mouth. A short fight would be better for his own health but would of been an incredible disappointment.

The two combatants were once again facing each other down with only a half moment of peace between them before the Jedi struck again. His attack was more measured, not quite as furious as the attack either of them first mounted, it was obvious he saw this fight lasting some time. The Jedi aimed a slash at Salvor's left side and instinctively he brought his own blade to parry. The two lightsabers touched for a mere second before the violet blade swung around aiming for its true target.

[member="Nikias"] lightsaber slashed at toward Salvor's right shoulder. The zabrak bold as over made his move. He ducked under the lightsaber's blade in a move that was more risky than impressive and no where close to smart. He ducked under and attempted to get behind his adversary, where regardless if he made it behind or not, he would aim a cross slash from left to right at the legs of the Jedi in an effort to cripple. That attack would immediately transition to an upward arching attack trying to cleave the Jedi from right hip to left shoulder.

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Once again Nikias' blade swung through empty air as it missed its target. The Zabrak was obviously highly skilled in lightsaber combat[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] when compared to Nikias. The Zabrak knew what to look for and when to dodge[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] not to mention he had the reflexes to react to whatever Nikias through.[/SIZE] [SIZE=10pt]Curse my lack of force abilities. [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Nikias thought blaming his lack of being able to boost his body that was leading to the Zabrak escaping him. In reality though Nikias wasn't that much a lightsaber enthusiast[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] he much preferred to use his force abilities[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] but saved them for when they were important or a necessity. No point in showing all his tricks in one go.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Without being able to react to the Zabrak[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] Nikias found the hunter behind him. Doing a complete spin to block the attack wouldn't be within the realm of possibility for Nikias[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] instead with a slight pivot Nikias half-turned and brought his left arm up. From the gauntlet the secret emitter activated and with a snap-hiss a shield sprang to life between Salvor and Nikias. The shield had a lethal hum similar to a lightsaber and it blocked the blows meant for Nikias' body. The light shield was an incredibly rare weapon and very few people had used one. Not giving the Zabrak enough time to fully take what had happened in Nikias pushed back with the shield to put room between him and Salvor. Dropping the lightsaber in his right hand Nikias grabbed it in the force and began using it like a scorpions’ tail. The lightsaber lashed out with a few quick thrusts at Salvor while Nikias used his shield as a defensive wall. [/SIZE]

[member="Salvor Arnex"]

 

[Salvor Arnex]

One moment Salvor was sure he had shifted things to his advantage and in the next he found himself on his heels. Salvor did not know when or how but he now found himself giving ground to the Jedi. The violet saber struck at him from above, his own saber lifted above his head in defense Salvor did all he could to not lose his head or an arm. Salvor's eyes, the same color as the enemy weapon searched for respite from the assault. None. Trying to leap over was a sure way to become crippled. The walls made it impossible to go around and going through was impossible with that sheild. Wait. A sheild? When the fuck did he get a sheild?

A strange feeling rolled over Salvor as he probed and failed to find respite. His throat went dry and tightened. His flesh became covered in goosebumbs. His heart began to hammer in his chest. He knew this feeling but long had it been since it had gripped him so. Fear. plain, pathetic, unworthy fear. He would of cursed himself for a coward and a loser if he had the breath. With fear clawing it's way through his heart and mind Salvor made one last ditch effort to free himself from assault.

As he was being driven back Salvor Arnex pointed a hand toward the ground and from that hand a steady stream of fire flew forth. It did not last long and neither was the cold wet stone of the alley going to catch fire but if [member="Nikias"] did not slow his advance there was a chance his pants or cloak could. Salvor's fear of death was forgotten momentarily as he marveled at still being able to do that trick taught to him by Romeo Sin, it was then replaced by new fear as the bottom of his cloak caught fire.

Salvor backed away even faster now, dropping his saber as his fumbled in his panic to rip his burning cloak from his shoulders. Finally freeing himself of the flames but unarmed Salvor looked up not sure whether he would find himself staring down death or having won a breif moments peace.