Garet Jax

Garet watched as the first android approached. He silently named the battle droid Ax. The metallic warrior swung a large chain it its right arm. In place of its left arm, the droid had a massive ax that could split even a Doshan's hard skull. And of course, as with all the other droid weapons, they were coated in cortosis. Another droid approached from the opposite direction. Garet glanced over his back as he heard the footsteps of the second fighter. He silently labeled the droid Hammer. In place of fists, each of the droids hands were tipped by large metallic hammers. Each hammer head was as wide around as the crown of his head. Garet squatted as Ax expertly swung the chain above his head. He drove his knee into the droid's chest plate. The force of the blow knocked the metal monster back a few steps. I should have enhanced my attack with the Force. I really do need this training. That point was driven home by the swing of Hammer's right arm. Garet nimbly dodged, but the blow glanced off his shoulder. He had been a step too slow. Garet felt blinding pain. But the pain was a sign of his luck, and he did not lament it. He wouldn't be feeling anything right now if he had been a second late. Garet rolled away from the droids as they continued their cold unrelenting advance.

Garet took the holoprojector. He would complete his Master's assignment. But as Rocketblaze had given him permission, Garet first wished to get himself reacclimated to life amongst the Serpents. The Doshan stalked the familiar corridors of the Serpent stronghold. Garet stopped off on his way. He found his forge untouched, but worn by disuse. The Doshan would have to take great care to restore it. The Serpent continued on until he entered the training area. Garet considered himself a master duelist. He had spent countless hours here honing his skills. But since Rocketblaze's departure he had not once activated his lightsaber. Now Garet would need those skills again. He summoned forth his sparring partners. Four deadly battle droids emerged from within nearby wall panels. There was nothing he enjoyed more than the beautiful hum of his double-bladed lightsaber. Even the pleasure of hunting paled in comparison to the thrill of his many duels. Duels which Garet invariably won, but to keep that track record he needed to maintain his training. The Serpent prepared himself as the cold adversaries advanced.

By now, Garet was used to Rocketblaze's strange words and actions. Rocketblaze was an extremely powerful Force-user, and Garet had always suspected such power came with a twinge of madness. Why a Serpent needed such an annoying pet was beyond him, but he didn't question Rocketblaze. I hope he didn't seriously think I would eat that thing. Garet of course, had no intention of eating Rocketblaze's pet. Such animals were far too easy to capture, and had nowhere near enough meat to satisfy his appetite. He oould be brutal, but he didn't kill on a whim. On the other hand, Garet wouldn't have minded exerting extreme violence against Xentar. For Garet, Rocketblaze's absence had been an easy thing to deal with. He simply went underground, until his Master returned. There was never any question of Rocketblaze's motivations or whether or not he deserved respect upon his return. Rocketblaze was the embodiment of the Serpent Order. There could be no other and the loyalty of a Serpent's body was always to its head. Garet spoke to his Master for the first time in many years. "It would be a simple thing for me to teach Xentar a lesson."

Garet Jax stalked his prey with practiced ease. The tattered remnants of an old flight suit fluttered in the cool breeze. Even this small movement annoyed Garet. But he knew the beast before him would not notice. He had hunted them enough times to know all of their tendencies. It was not the challenge of the hunt that he enjoyed. It was his goal of perfection. The idea that he could kill the beast before it felt his presence was his target. And he was very close to achieving that goal, after so much practice. Garet's claws stretched out in anticipation of a fresh meal. I could use the Force to dull the beast's sense. Or create an illusion forcing it to flee in my direction. Garet had always been good at illusions, the one non-combat technique he had perfected. But that would be cheating. Garet inched forward into a pouncing position. It was better to perfect combat without the Force, and use the Force only as a supplement. It was why he alone among his brethren had no fear of ysalamiri. As Garet processed this thought, he was nearly knocked from his perch. It at that exact moment, the Serpent sensed a presence he had not sensed in years. Is it truly possible after all this time? When Rocketblaze had disappeared, Garet had spent a few months in the service of others, the Hutts, the Empire, the Sith, but all had seemed hollow and meaningless. He had eventually returned to Chandrila, content to live out his life in freedom. He knew he could never return to Trandosha. Their vision of him as some sort of savior was not something he could live up to, nor did he want to. And so the Serpent had turned feral, waiting for Rocketblaze to return, but content that this was probably how he would live out his life. In moments, it seemed, his future had changed. Unquestionably, I will return immediately. Garet had never had any doubts as to where his loyalty lay, even in his Master's absence. And so, before Rocketblaze had even sounded his arrival, the Serpent was on his way back. He stopped in a small cave on the way. It was the place where he had made his home. Garet opened a small chest to reveal his dark robes, protected from the elements. The Serpent ceremoniously put them on, and clipped his double-bladed lightsaber to his belt. Garet looked at his metal hand and arm as he did so, a gift from one who Rocketblaze had once served. It's alchemic powers had faded along with his own, but it was still useful in straight combat. The Serpent continued his short journey before emerging into the dining hall, and silently taking his seat at his Master's side.

Garet was impressed by the speed with which Xentar learned. Perhaps he had at last found a worthy adversary. He was most impressed by Xentar's ability to fool him. Garet normally could smell a feint coming, it was a tactic he employed often. But this time he was completely oblivious until the last second. The Force push came, and Garet concentrated on absorbing the blow. He had expected Xentar to heavily rely on the Force due to his behavior earlier. He barely saw Xentar striking low. No Force push is coming. Good move Xentar, just like I suggested. It was for this reason that Garet used a double-bladed lightsaber. The lower end stabbed straight down and blocked Xentar's attack just barely. But the force behind the strike sent Garet sliding back. His claws gripped into the ground to hold him steady. The Doshan pushed back and they disengaged. Xentar had tried to go for a major strike at the start of the attack. That was a bold and respectable way to fight. Garet in contrast was a planner and now he circled Xentar. I know thousands of battle tactics, but only have a handful of Force tricks that I use. Xentar is the exact opposite. And we both have skill with a saber. I haven't had this much fun in quite a while. Garet knew if Xentar went for it on the first attack, Garet would have to do him one better. Otherwise he would appear weak. Garet held out his Iron Reaver arm to this side saber in hand. He charged Xentar. At the last moment, he brought his hand forward, and his wrist began to rotate at incredible speed. Thanks to Tzeentch's gift, Garet's arm and double-bladed lightsaber had become a single unique and dangerous weapon. Xentar's blade was hit hard, and knocked clear. Garet spun and struck his foot out toward the new Serpent's face.

Garet was pleased. Now that Xentar had finally embraced the Serpent way, he was no doubt discovering the sensible nature of Garet's methods. The Doshan blocked the shot, but was indeed knocked back. In an all out fight, it would have left him vulnerable. That was the purpose of using this saber technique. "I think that you have mastered what I came to teach you. How about a test? You can fight me any way you choose. Rocketblaze would not be please if we killed each other, so other than that, no rules. Are you up to such a challenge?"

Garet trained Xentar at swordplay for some time. The Doshan could tell when Xentar used the Force, and was pleased the man did not attempt to. This sort of training was essential to becoming a skilled duelist. Garet stopped Xentar. "Alright, now you may use the Force. But only as I instruct you to. I'm sure a man like you has lots of Force maneuvers to use on opponents. I find such things lacking, but I would not begrudge you from mastering Force techniques. What I teach you now will help you save your energy for more difficult Force attacks." Garet held his double-bladed lightsaber up. He began to attack Xentar as they had before. Garet did not use the Force. But as he swung his blade, he summoned his anger. He used the Force to increase the strength of his blow, and send Xentar stumbling. "If you are good at swordsmanship, you will only need to use the Force to augment specific attacks at strategic times. This will catch your opponent off guard. Now you try."

Garet's firey eyes danced in anger. "I am here to teach you battle tactics that involve the use of the Force and fighting without the Force. How you choose to use them after our training is complete, is not my concern. You can fight any way you wish in real combat. But this is what I know, and all I can teach. You will learn these techniques. Rocketblaze has commanded it. Are we clear?"

Garet could see Xentar's mind working. Garet needed no Force ability to read his intentions. He had dueled enough to know a person's strategy just by looking at their face. Xentar perceived that he could increase his speed and outmaneuver Garet. The man's attacks began to speed up. It was a logical reaction to Garet's defense. But it was not good enough. Their sabers clashed again and again. Every time, Xentar's strike came just a little bit closer to slicing him open. Finally, he pierced Garet's defenses. Garet was too slow as Xentar's saber clashed his own high, and then swung low very fast toward his legs. The Doshan pressed the button on his saber. The other end activated blocking the attack. Garet's now double-bladed lightsaber counter attacked without missing a beat. The shots came fast, forcing Xentar on the defense. Their lightsabers disengaged and the two circled each other. "That wasn't a bad attempt, for a Sith. But I expect more from a Serpent. Stop relying on your Force power. That's what a Sith would do. A Serpent is a warrior first, and a Force-user second. I will teach you to think battle tactics first, and only use the Force to augment these attacks." Garet swung his saber hard, using the Force and his Doshan strength to increase the power of his attack. Xentar blocked, but the sheer power behind the attack sent him stumbling backward. Garet did not press his advantage. This was not a true fight, but Xentar's training. "You are much more powerful in the Force than I am. Yet I had the advantage. That is because you are too reliant on the Force. I was able to save my energy. Only once during our exchange did I make a significant effort to use my Force power, and it through you off. That is what you will learn to do. This time when you attack, I don't want you to use the Force at all. I will start slow and then increase the speed of my attacks. Watch my elbows. That will tell you where the next strike is coming." Garet began, swinging his saber in slow motion toward Xentar's head. Xentar blocked it. Garet swung low, a touch faster. Xentar blocked it. Garet continued going faster and faster. He was hoping Xentar would pay attention to his elbows and learn where the next attack was coming from. If he payed attention while Garet was going slow, he would be able to block while Garet was going fast. "Don't forget, don't use the Force at all."

Garet had calmed considerably upon Xentar's arrival. The prospect of another fight would make him more comfortable after that unsettling experience. He was not sure where a Doshan's primal fear of the underground came from, but it was powerful. He growled at Tashkri as the man made another smart remark. He watched him scurry off before Garet could retort. I may not be the best Force-user, but few use the Force in combat better than myself. Garet was not one to boast. This inner realization didn't mean he was the best fighter or undefeatable. Being good at combat maneuvers was not the only way to win. A Sith Master would not be as skilled at fighting and using the Force in combat as Garet, but their superior Force power could conceivably defeat him. Garet was not being overly confident, he was merely stating fact. The Doshan drew his lightsaber. His red eyes looked Xentar up and down. "I will obey my Master, of course. Let's begin your lessons. Give me your best shot."

Garet tensed as they began to sink. Doshans had a fear of underground places. Garet did not understand why, perhaps something in their history. But almost all Doshans, especially those that had lived most of their lives on Trandosha, as Garet had, did not like the underground. Beads of sweat were visible on his forehead. "Why are we going under? If there is a threat, we should meet it face to face. The only security system we need is right at our sides." Garet's voice was thick with anger. He plopped down in relief as they rumbling ceased. But he was still visibly uncomfortable with Rocketblaze's little surprise.

Garet felt Kirana's presence leave the planet. He was certain Rocketblaze had his reasons for allowing her to depart. Garet would have preferred that her life end on Chandrila. But he respected his Master's wishes. Garet and Tashkri were alone now. "Well, that went badly. I thought you were good at that sort of thing? She wasn't persuaded at all."

((Cool gift)) Garet listened to Tashkri's long-winded explanation. He couldn't deny the man had a gift for speech. One had to when they were less endowed in the strength and speed departments. Despite their various draws in their previous battles, Garet stubbornly believed himself to be superior. Tashkri just rubbed him the wrong way. He turned his ire toward Kirana speaking sharply, "That is up to Rocketblaze. He would consider anything that advanced his goals." Garet would rather gouge his eyes out then help Jedi. He was confident Rocketblaze felt the same. But he wasn't sure, and in the end he would do as his Master wished. Garet stretched his legs out, his red eyes narrowed in annoyance. "You're trying to dodge the subject here. From our perspective, the Jedi and Sith are both useless. We have a tendency to favor the latter when it suits our purposes, but we have no use for either group. As I told you, I've killed more Sith then Jedi." Garet grinned at those fond memories. "The point is that the Jedi do more damage than good. At least most Sith admit they are a destructive force. When I said the Jedi should disband, it wasn't because I wished to take over the galaxy in their absence. For all I care, the Jedi could form a new group or join ours. The problem is that Jedi ideals are as harmful as the ideals of the Sith. They should disband for the sake of the galaxy if they are unwilling to give up their self-righteous beliefs."

Garet shielded his eyes from the blinding light. Tashkri was always one for theatrics. He also knew that as a Doshan Garet was even more sensitive to light than Kirana. That was probably why he'd done it, to cause Garet extra pain. There was certainly no love lost between the Serpents, but they each knew their place. The last time they'd truly fought each had left with a respect for his opponent, even if they didn't like each other. Well, Tashkri can show off and insult me all he likes. As long as he gives me a hand with this Jedi. Garet listened to each of them. He knew what gift Tashkri referenced. Garet shared Tashkri's admiration of the Iron Reaver, although he couldn't quite be sure Tashkri wasn't being sarcastic. He wondered what Tashkri had been given. I know he outlasted me, it must have been special. Garet rubbed the pain out of his eyes as he continued to hear their words. Tashkri definitely summed up their Order much better than he had. But Kirana's reply, soaked in self-pity was still just as annoying as what she'd been spouting to Garet alone. The Serpent Lord knew Tashkri would have something long-winded to say, so Garet broken in immediately pointing out the obvious answer to her words. "First of all, there is a contradiction in what you have just said. When you spare the lives of your enemies, it is isn't only you that you place in further danger. What about all the people they will harm in the future? That's one of my problems with the Jedi. They are more concerned with their own set of morals, and fail to see anything that is beyond. You may not follow the exact code that the Jedi used to, but as I see it, the result is the same. I killed Cineon, and although I don't really care, I'm sure that saved many more lives than you would have if you'd have spared him." Garet watched her face carefully to see if his words had their intended affect. "The simple answer to your question is to disband the Jedi altogether. If they are so hunted, perhaps their existence is causing more harm to the galaxy than good. But once again, the Jedi place their own existence above the needs of others. Sometimes it seems as if the Jedi and the Sith are quite similar. This is why we have chosen another way." He fell silent, waiting for Tashkri to go into a ten hour speech.

Garet was curious as to whether Tashkri would show himself as well. The Doshan was not good at this sort of thing. He wasn't stupid, but he wasn't verbally gifted either. Tashkri was. Nevertheless Garet wasn't one to back down. He wanted to make it clear that Kirana lived in a universe that did not really exist. Like all Jedi, and most Sith, she was living in a dream world. Protecting the innocent is something I have no interest in doing, I have to admit that. But I don't go out targeting the innocent either. I fight those who are capable of fighting. And I have not yet encountered a Jedi who as innocent. The Serpent Lord spoke, "I am not here to represent the Sith. I represent the Serpents. We may have helped them from time to time, but never have we aided them in the destruction of entire worlds. My Master has his reasons for our alliance, but do not think we are not an autonomous group." Garet lifted his hands, gesturing to the walls surrounding them, "Look at Chandrila. Do the local populace even know we are here? Have any of our warriors ever killed a native to this planet? The answer is no. Not a single resident here has died at a Serpent hand. A Sith would have conquered and enslaved this planet. A Jedi would have attracted Sith here trying to "protect" the people. But we live in harmony with Chandrila because we do not care. There was a time when Rocketblaze had disappeared and Cineon Yahn had taken control of the Serpents, that he tried to lead us down a path of destruction. The Serpents are not Sith, we are merely allied with them." Garet patted the saber at his side. "Trust me, Cineon was not leader for very long. The Serpents, including myself, kill without remorse. But we do not slaughter the innocent for our amusement. I kill only those that are able to defend themselves, like yourself for example. That is where I find my amusement. I would hardly consider you innocent. The Jedi have to make as many morally ambiguous decisions as we do, they cannot be considered truly innocent." Garet fully believed the words he spoke. He was not employing Sith lies. Garet believed himself to be imparting fundamental truths upon this naive Jedi. "Those decisions are much easier to make when one does not have morals to begin with. I do not believe we are doing any great service to the galaxy, but I don't believe the Jedi are either. The war between the Jedi and the Sith has caused the death of countless innocents. I would argue that the guilt for these losses is shared between them equally. At least the Sith admit they are a poison spreading through this galaxy. The Jedi are no better from where I'm sitting. I'm sure the innocents you speak of, caught in the crossfire of the long history of Jedi and Sith hatred, would say the same." Garet fully realized he despised the Jedi as much as any Sith. But the Serpents did not actively seek to make war with the Jedi. Garet may have killed Jedi on an individual level, but that was not the sort of large scale legacy of destruction he was talking about.

Garet was surprised she was so forthcoming with knowledge about the Jedi Order. Especially since she was a captive here. Garet knew that Rocketblaze may very well let her go, that was his way. But she surely thought that her chances of escaping alive were minimal, not knowing much of his Master. It seemed to him unwise to share such knowledge with enemies of the Order. Whatever her motivations, this knowledge intrigues me. It interested him for more than just intelligence about the Jedi. He was always interested in finding out knew ways to think about the Force, new ways to fight. Garet was willing to use any combat knowledge he came across. Another difference between the Jedi and myself. He thought about the code she had related to him. Some of them seemed foolish, such as never attacking others or becoming guardians of peace. But he also valued life, at least non-sentient life, he was always interested in improving himself, and he was subservient, not to the people, but to his Master. He could see some similarities at least. "I became a Serpent because it was my Master's desire. Rocketblaze brought me out of ignorance and granted me the ability to become the warrior I desired to be. When he proposed splintering from the Sith, it was only natural that I follow him. I prefer to bind myself to a person, not an arbitrary code." Those words were truthful. Garet could not follow a set of ideals, but he could follow his Master. He could follow someone with greater vision. He was the fang of the Serpent, and Rocketblaze was the mind. "But I do not see how that is any different from what the Sith claim to do. Some realize what they do is selfish. But others certainly believe they are doing what is best for the galaxy. Some of the most self-delusional Sith would suggest they follow those exact same set of rules. How can I be certain you Jedi are not just as self-delusional? Who is to say your method of protecting the people is any better than theirs?" He knew deep down it was better of course, but he also believed she would not be able to tell him why. There was no objective reason.

Garet looked upon her with pity. She was so brainwashed by her Jedi teachings that she could not see reality. The Serpent Lord spoke, disgust thick in his voice, "I have killed more Sith than Jedi, that should tell you something. But yes, on occasion we have given aid to the Sith. Do not think I take pleasure in these actions. I do as my Master commands. I do not seek power for my own sake, but I do seek it in the service of Rocketblaze." The urge to slay her was still strong, but Garet was slowly controlling his instincts. This battle had increased his hate for Jedi exponentially. Kirana wasn't doing a very good job of convincing anyone that the Jedi were a better path. "You still have no answered my question. Why follow the Jedi code? Surely you could do more for the galaxy if you were not bound by its rules."

Garet sat down again, clipping his saber back onto his belt. He was slowly recovering from her mental assault. This training session had certainly taken a dark turn. He now realized he'd lost a bit of self control at the end, but it had been for the Jedi's own good. Common sense was just as important as fighting skill. If she hadn't expected this to turn ugly, she deserved to lose, she deserved to die. Everything within him wanted to kill her, but he obeyed his Master. It was also true that something she said had struck a cord with him, calmed him down. She's right about the Force. That's something Rocketblaze might say. My loyalty is to him, not to the dark side. If using Force for good made me better able to serve him, I'd do it. But that is not the case. "Look, I could care less whether the dark side or light side are superior. I spoke in a moment of anger at your refusal to submit even in the face of death. I should have asked you to admit the Serpents were superior, that I am superior." His voice had risen slightly in anger at the last comment. His skin returned to its normal color and his red eyes darkened once more. The dark side emanated from the Serpent Lord. "I think you are weaker than you realize. A Doshan or a Sith have weaknesses, but Garet Jax does not. You are not a soldier anymore, you are a Jedi. However you feel about the Force, as a practical matter, the Jedi code makes them weak. A soldier that has no code has an inherent advantage. I believe with all of my soul that if we were fighting for real I would have crushed you. Why do you belong to the Jedi? I can understand if someone rejects the dark side, but that doesn't mean they have to embrace the Jedi." At that moment, Garet's focus had shifted away from battle. He was weak in the Force, and so it was only just then that he sensed Tashkri. Garet hoped he'd gotten a good show.

Garet fell to his knees in pain. The lightside burned his mind and weakened him. But as Garet had told Kirana many times, he was not dependent on the Force. He was not that strong of a Force-user, he knew a handful of tricks and relied on his extensive combat training. Garet spoke, still clutching his head recovering from the lingering attack. "You may dispense with the pleasantries, they would not have been able to stop me." Garet had felt the pain causing him to panic. If Kirana continued the assault, Garet would allow himself to slip in to his primal form. When Garet felt the bloodwrath, he could not control his actions. He was fully animal when he allowed his subconscious to take over. "Do not do that again, or I will not be able to stop myself from killing you." It was not an idle threat. In spite of the pain, Garet stood and ignited his lightsaber. His face was greener than it should have been, which would have been hard for a non-Doshan to notice. But she still would be able to sense that Garet had clearly been affected by Kirana's powers. "If you will not turn, then admit you have lost. I could have killed you several times during the course of our battle. Admit the dark side his superior. Admit the truth."

OOC: Sorry. IC: Garet was even more angered that she'd dared to heal him. But he saved his rage for later. He was remembering something. As Garet had indicated to Kirana, he was no common Doshan. In his youth, he had been trained as a Temple Guardian, not raised among the common drabble as nearly all other Doshans were. And then when he had rejected the Doshan homeworld and was discovered by Rocketblaze, he had further distanced himself from the stereotypical Doshan thug thanks to his Master. Garet was ferocious, there was no doubt. But he was not ignorant. In a way, he embodied the snake Rocketblaze's sect represented. Deceptively wise, but still a ruthless animal in the end. So it was not surprising when he finally remembered something he had learned about Mirialians during the years he spent studying the styles of Jedi and Sith long dead. A few of these Jedi had been Mirilian. A smile crossed his lizard-like features. "My intentions are not as pure as you believe them to be Jedi. You should know better than to trust a snake." He vaulted forward directly in front of Kirana, his wrist rotating at incredible speeds once more. He used a combination of his Iron Reaver wrist and normal lightsaber maneuvers to gradually push Kirana back. He was able to activate and deactivate the rotation with a mere thought. Her defensive style would not have lasted against his self-created random style if this had been an all out duel. He knew that in his heart. But he needed to show the Jedi. He needed to reveal to her just how pitiful she was. He flipped backward and deactivated his weapon. He knew she would not attack. She was defensive to the point of being ineffective. Garet concentrated summoning his strength. It took only a few seconds. He had used this maneuver only once before, in a duel with a long since dead Sith named Neo. They had only been training too. But I never forget. He reactivated his weapons, charging again. This time, he called upon the full rage he had been building up as they battled. The air was charged with dark side energy. Garet hated this Jedi and everything she stood for. His hate was physically manifested as his red eyes took on an even more sinister look. They burned with the fires of the underworld. They seemed to be glowing and growing larger. Like a serpent his eyes held Kirana's in a dark gaze as they let the Force guide their duel. Suddenly Kirana found herself slashing at an empty black cloak. Garet had used the dark side to create an illusion. Neo had been weaker and easier to fool. With Kirana, he had needed to distract her with a brand new hypnotic technique. He was excited to see it was successful. The real Garet had somersaulted over Kirana, landing behind her as she slashed at the illusion. His lightsaber had long since been clipped against his belt. Garet's Iron Reaver gripped one side of Kirana's head, and his normal arm gripped the other. His claws dug into her scalp. If she was like every other Mirialan she would have extremely sensitive organs on their heads. His attack would be beyond painful, almost paralyzing to the Jedi. This Child of Light would be in unbelievable agony. How would she defend against this? There could be no defense without the use of the dark side. Garet found himself yelling at her, still in a rage. It was a stark contrast to the calm warrior she had encountered at the beginning of the duel. "What do you do now Kirana? Do you think this is a game?" He violently shook her head back and forth. "This is a contest of wills. The only thing between you and blissful death is the word of My Master. You should feel grateful he sees some purpose to you being here. I think he wishes for you to join us. Therefore, if I can help him fulfill his wish, that is my only purpose in living. Give in to the anger you surely must feel now. Doesn't it upset you to realize I could kill you right now? Perhaps I will. You don't know for sure. How loyal is a Sith to his Master? Surely you know Sith history. Giving in to the rage is necessary to preserve your life. Could your Jedi friends really fault self-defense?" Of course Garet would not kill her. He was a Serpent, not a Sith, and so he was completely loyal to his Master. Rocketblaze represented his whole purpose for existing in this world. But Kirana could not know that. He dug in deeper into the sensitive organs.

Garet's metallic wrist stopped rotating as Kirana dodged his move. The Jedi was fast and thus become increasingly annoying. He pulled out of his spinning attack, landing firmly on the training room floor. All that and he'd barely scratched her. Garet was disappointed, his maneuver looked cool, but it wasn't as effective as he'd hoped. Suddendly, the Serpent Lord could feel one of her remotes head towards him. Garet pulled a roundhouse, shattering the small device into pieces. He was about to leap after Kirana, but he could sense she was moving again. What am I fighting, a spider monkey? "Throwing things at people is a cheap maneuver Jedi, this is a lightsaber duel." His words were merely a distraction. Garet did not care what tactics the Jedi used, in the end the result would be the same. He turned as she landed behind him. Her entire attack had taken less than a few seconds. Her speed was indeed excellent. With two swipes of his saber, Garet cut down the other two remotes. He backflipped to avoid the fall of her silver blade, its end catching his back causing a long painful burn across his skin. Luckily it was only the tip of the weapon or he'd be missing a spinal column right now. Garet focused his attention on the burn allowing the pain to fuel his anger. I am restrained because I can't kill her. Surely she knows if this was a duel to the death, she'd be in the next world right now. Garet struck back clashing sabers with Kirana. His wrist rotated knocking her blade aside. He struck the end of his red saber forward, like a spear, aiming for Kirana's shoulder. But her speed impressed him again, recovering fast enough to swipe aside his blade with her own. Her arm had been a blur, her Force ability was amazing to behold. Their sabers dueled furiously for several moments, neither gaining an advantage. Be patient. Garet had to struggle to keep himself from throwing down his saber and going for her throat. It would be a quick end to the Doshan. His rage was powerful when controlled, but suicidal when he let it get out of hand. Garet stuck to his plan, contemplating his next move as they fought. At last, Garet locked sabers with Kirana. His red eyes stared into her own. "You cannot win a contest of strength Jedi." He emphasized this point by thrusting her saber to the floor, and holding it there with his own. His Iron Reaver tightly gripped his weapon. He was able to hold Kirana's saber down with one hand, even though she held hers with both. His other free arm swiped its Doshan claws across her cheek. Three deep gashes stretched across the Jedi's face. Garet licked the blood off. "Not bad Jedi, but what are you going to do now? Couldn't I have cut your throat right there? If you were a Sith or better yet a Serpent, you would be able to convert that pain into strength, and my claws never would have touched you. Why don't you give a try right now? I've drawn your blood, and insulted you. Surely you must be angry?" Sparks flew into the air as Garet's saber pushed Kirana's further into the floor.

Garet's spine painfully absorbed the impact of her boot. He fell forward into a roll, coming to his feet again and spinning to face Kirana. His face was emotionless now, though it would hard to for a non-Doshan to read his face anyway. Garet obviously had been outmaneuvered in that last exchange, and he was displeased. The Jedi had not even been using her full strength. She was attempting to embarass him, or so Garet believed. He had to admire her agility. It seemed to be one of her strongest skills. But there were ways around that. A battle plan formed in his mind. She's better than I convinced myself, but still not quite good enough. Garet's red eyes stared right back at Kirana's, as he advanced. He gripped his hilt firmly in the metal claws of his Iron Reaver. Garet blindly swung his blade toward her head. Kirana easily dodged the sloppy maneuver of course. Garet attacked again, swinging the red saber toward her midsection, and again Kirana sidestepped the attack. He feigned frustration as he growled at the Jedi. A Doshan is quick to anger, surely she knows that. But Garet's anger was not real. He did not feel he'd yet lost control of this battle, he was still enjoying himself. It's time to show her one of my tricks. Garet prepared to attack for a third time, but this time the attack was different. The Doshan did not swing his blade, but merely held it out in front of him. His metallic wrist began to rotate faster and faster as he ran with enhanced speed toward Kirana, much faster than his last two weak attacks. His wrist was soon spinning with such speed it seemed as if a solid red circle was surrounding his hand. Garet's blades elongated even further as one of Garet's metal claws pressed a button on the cylinder. The double bladed lightsaber was a whirring wall of death in front of the Jedi. Garet gathered his Force strength, recalling the Jedi's precision kick to his back. It had almost been a mockery of his abilities, or at least that's what Garet told himself to stir his rage. Do not use lethal force. Do not succumb to your instincts. With that thought, Garet's held his deadly blade out to the left. His powerful haunches sprung him into the air. The Doshan used the Force to spin his own body just as his blade was spinning. His leap had purposefully not been very high and the tornado attack headed straight for Kirana's eyes.

Garet smiled even wider at Kirana's response. She was much more calculating than he had anticipated. She obviously wanted him to make the first move. Garet preferred being on the defensive when a duel began. Any duelist with half a brain preferred to feel out the opponent. But she would find out he could come up with some clever offenses if necessary. Kirana would not easily be able to determine Garet's style. He followed no pattern. Doshans aren't the smartest creatures in the galaxy. But we know how to fight. Garet's left hand held the upper half of his lightsaber, his Iron Reaver arm held the lower half. He circled the Jedi, Kirana moving with him, always keeping her face toward the Serpent. Her eyes revealed that she was very experienced in these sorts of fights. That did not intimidate the Doshan in the least. Garet worked out his battle plan quickly. He would show her that even though he wasn't allowed to kill Kirana, that didn't mean this wasn't going to be painful. The Serpent Lord attacked at last, and spun his blades in a windmill attack. In rapid succession he struck with each end of his blade. The air crackled as her silver weapon blocked each his attacks. She's good with the saber. But a real warrior doesn't just fight with the sword. Garet attacked again, and locked his upper blade with her silver saber. The Doshan could feel the power surrounding Kirana. She was gifted with a powerful connection to the Force, much greater than Garet's. He wasn't surprised, Garet's Force connection was average for a Force-user, maybe even a little lower. As he felt her aura, Garet faltered for a moment. Grinding his teeth, he quickly surged back against her, using his Doshan strength. His metallic Iron Reaver helped him gain even more leverage, as he forced Kirana to slide backward ever so slowly. Garet knew this maneuver could be easily countered by any Jedi. Brute strength would not win duels. No doubt she thinks me a common Doshan thug and a weak Sith. Time to show her the truth. Garet disengaged without warning, dropping to the ground, falling straight backward. He finally focused on the dark side, bringing forth his anger and hate against those who would squandor their force abilities. Jedi like Kirana were the embodiment of these pseudo-warriors. Garet's Iron Reaver hit the floor. The Doshan's feet rose off the ground, and Garet balanced on his one hand. His boot kicked upward striking the Jedi on the chin. The Force increased the speed of his attack, and Kirana had a bloody mouth in less than five seconds. Then the Doshan was on his feet again, his blades whirring toward Kirana. Garet was well trained and well disciplined. He may not be the strongest in Force ability, but the Sith and Jedi he'd slain were a testament to his dueling prowess.

Garet grinned widely showing his Doshan fangs. He had no intention of fighting when he came here. But giving this Jedi a dose of reality was very enticing. Garet did not have desire to disappoint Rocketblaze, though. I cannot disobey my Master. But as long as I keep control and this doesn't get ugly, he shouldn't mind. Garet wasn't sure how a Sith and Jedi could practice duel without getting too rough. The Doshan, however, knew his sense of loyalty would overcome his tendency to go for the kill. He hoped Kirana could keep herself in check as well. "Alright Jedi. If you think you're up to it." The Doshan pulled his double-bladed lightsaber from his belt, each end coming to life. He used the Force to calm him and keep his mind clear. This was an unusual tactic for a Sith, but Garet relied on his reflexes, not Force induced fits of rage.

The Doshan looked upon Kirana with no small measure of disgust. He moved forward, and leaned against the door frame. Garet's dislike for the Jedi was not rooted in personal experience, but a dislike for almost all Force-users in general, save his Master and perhaps Tashkri because of their experiences together. Garet saw most Force-users squandor their gifts, and it bothered him a great deal. However, he believed the Jedi were among the worst offenders in this respect, so that had a special place on his list. "I thought we were supposed to be learning from each other Jedi. Am I not free to watch without you bothering me?" Garet had a distinctly sarcastic tone to his voice when he spoke these words. "But if you must know, I wanted to watch how a Jedi trains for combat. I wanted to see if I could learn a bit. Imagine my disappointment." Garet had no intention of trying to harm Kirana, he would obey his Master. But he saw no issue with bothering the woman. After all, she was supposed to be convincing him of the glories of the light side.