Purple lights slowly began to activate from the ceiling, lighting up the dojo. Roughly 50 feet cubed, the matted floors and walls produced a safe environment to practice fighting. Different colored mats in the center formed a ring with lines, a stage for duels. Zim walked to the center, chatting with Eridani. She wore lightweight sparring armor, created with her speed in mind. With her silver spear strung across her back, Zim confidently folded her arms, nonchalantly awaiting the next opponent. A pair of doors on the opposite side opened, and two dark purple robed figures assisted an old, tall and lean man to the ring. Zim laughed and asked Eri, “Why would Cass put me against a crippled veteran? Sure he has scars, but I could probably dash behind him and slice his hamstrings before he could react.” “Perhaps he is healer?” “Hm. Not a bad idea. A war of attrition then?” “Exactly. Another idea that comes to mind is a spell user.” “Deflection practice.” Zim laughed, and approached the ring. The figure collapsed as the robed figures left, his mouth open and drooling on the floor. “Cass? He doesn’t look so good.” Cass’s voice echoed throughout the chamber. “He’ll be awake. And I’ll warn you: try your best.” Zim laughed again, not even grabbing her weapon. The figure seemed to awaken, his mind regaining control of his long imprisoned body. He tested his limbs in order, and regained his footing. A fire inside him awoke, and the old man recognized he was here duel. His voice was old but very powerful, dripping with knowledge of battles past. “You would fight me while I was defenseless?” “Hardly. Name the weapon, and it shall appear.” “Lightsaber.” A handle fell from the roof to the man, and he leapt into the air, catching it. Landing a few feet behind Zim, he ignited the blade blue blade. Disgusted, the man crushed the saber in his hand and tore out the crystal. Holding out the small, valuable blue kyber crystal, he asked,”Now what do you expect me to do with this?” Zim laughed at his disappointment, and the man angrily summoned a crimson bladed saber. He tested its weight and found it in conflict with his liking, but decided he had stalled long enough. “First serious wound, first hit or to the death?” “Cass won’t let me fight to the death,” said Zim. “But first serious hit works fine.” The figure nodded, and assumed a stance she did not recognize. Taught in all 7 lightsaber forms, this was… old. Very old. He noticed her unfamiliarity, and smiled a wicked smile. “You’re cocky. Let’s fix that.” Zim’s smile left her face, and she realized too late she underestimated her opponent. He dashed forward faster than she anticipated and she barely dodged his strike. Quick to adapt, he kicked her in the gut as she caught her balance. Zim went flying into the padded walls and collapsed to the ground. Coughing, she drew her pike and stood tall. Angry now, she twirled her staff and charged to meet him. Shortening the silver staff to match the size of his saber, it became a broadsword in her hands. He took a defensive stance, and began to seamlessly deflect and dodge her attacks. Enraged, her eyes began to spark bits of blue. Zim doubled her attacks, striking faster, harder and more precise. The man seemed to lose ground, backing up to avoid the barrage. She presumed it was because she overpowered him, and this pride was her downfall. In her fury, Zim didn’t notice his single strike. He had sliced right through right her side, leaving searing burn marks over her armor. She fought on for a few more moments before noticing the world was getting dark, very dark. Eri caught her before she fell, and the Master of the Gathering Darkness extinguished his blade.