Zarkun

A Galaxy in Twilight[Lord Gressh/Zarkun]

Temari Ordo

The air leaves my chest with a loud 'umph' but I recover quickly. Ava hadn't yet cemented her position on top of me and so I hook my leg around her own and pull as I throw my hip, shifting positions to where I'm not on top. Rather than raining blows on her well defended head and face like an untrained child, I deliver a powerful hammer blow to her collar bone the moment she shows it and follow it up with an elbow blow to her pelvis. Having hopefully unlocked her legs by now I roll back and back onto my feet. Moving back into range quickly, I aim a powerful ax kick at her chest. While none of these blows would be enough to kill her, the wounds would certainly add up. I make a mental note to deliver another series of nerve strikes to the same arm when I can, fully immobilize it.

A Galaxy in Twilight[Lord Gressh/Zarkun]

Temari Ordo

I dance back away from the sweep and then lunge back in quickly, aiming a triplet of quick nerve strikes at her left shoulder followed by my own sweeper kick. Once I'd completed those, I dance back, my defense still up as I appraise the best way to come forward again.

A Galaxy in Twilight[Lord Gressh/Zarkun]

Temari Ordo

I did not arrest my momentum for more than the fraction of a second it took me to assess Ava's most open spot in her defense, and then threw an open palm strike there. However, it was a feint, as the moment she went to block and counter attack, I would use my other arm to strike her temple and stun her. These opening moments in a bout like this were important, as the Challenger was the one to set the pace and I trusted that my pace would be more than she had experienced in her time as Manda'lor.

A Galaxy in Twilight[Lord Gressh/Zarkun]

Temari Ordo

As the crowd begins to be whipped into a frenzy by the Battlemaster and the sounds of various instruments start up, I begin for the ramp, each step filled with purpose. Above, the Battlemaster began his speech properly as they got halfway up the ramp. "Mando'ade, today is a momentous day! On the eve of the conquering of the Heart of the Republic, the homeworld of our way of life's progenitors, Manda'lor the Risen finds herself challenged for the title of Manda'lor by none other than Temari Ordo, the Valkyrie herself! The bout is different from what we have seen in the past, with both fighters unarmed and unarmored, but it will be no less glorious to behold!" I enter the plaza to a tremendous number of applause and roars of encouragement as the band truly strikes a tune. Across, Manda'lor's entering at the same time, our timing synchronous by design.

A Galaxy in Twilight[Lord Gressh/Zarkun]

Temari Ordo

As the clans outside the small ramp I was to walk up to enter the courtyard could be heard talking excitedly about the coming bout, especially as it is the first Challenge in which the Challenger wished for a mostly bloodless fight. Neither fighter would be dishonored or killed this day and there was much buzz about why. I chanted to myself quietly, moving fluidly through various unarmed strikes and forms, striking a training dummy when appropriate or otherwise striking the air. Tonight was an important night, one that I could only hope I could shape.

A Galaxy in Twilight[Lord Gressh/Zarkun]

Zar'kun Je'and

"Then we'll take some time to rest up as well. Unexpected excitement and all that." I smile. "You should rest too, grandson. I'll see you tonight." Ending the call, I exchange a few quick words with Becca and Jakito before heading to rest. It would be a long night with a challenge for the title of Manda'lor going out.
[END SCENE]

A Galaxy in Twilight[Lord Gressh/Zarkun]

Zar'kun Je'and

"How long before it takes place?" I glance at Becca and Jakito and motion them to head out into the hall again. "We'll meet you there to make sure things stay honest."

A Galaxy in Twilight[Lord Gressh/Zarkun]

Zar'kun Je'and

I glance at Becca and Jakito before sighing. "I trust that Temari and Ava found a way to handle it the Mandalorian way, so unless I have to, no one will know. Say hi to your aunt and uncle while I've got you on the line though."

A Galaxy in Twilight[Lord Gressh/Zarkun]

Zar'kun Je'and

"If it helps, her attempt on Cosen wasn't entirely her idea. Kreia left her taint upon this world through the Force. It's fading, but it will be some time. And as for Cosen Gressh herself..." I furrow my brow in thought before letting out a long sigh. "She has lost more to this fight than anyone else I think. Let her have some peace before she throws her life away."

A Galaxy in Twilight[Lord Gressh/Zarkun]

Zar'kun Je'and

"I think more importantly, it's not such specific influence. I think the taint amplified her paranoia about Zarka Saxon and Cosen Gressh specifically, and once she'd succumbed to its influence, it found other people to affect. In fact..." I call HJ. "How did talking to Ava go?"