With a little helpful help, I hope this little trick emphasizes the impact.
Chapter 9: Force Blightning
Galen Marek leaped forwards, thrusting his lightsaber forwards as he clashed against Ranger's own blade. There was a bright flash as the two beams of pure energy danced and intertwined, but neither fighter even blinked, though they wouldn't have needed to anyway. They could sense each other as they fought. Master and pupil, they could recognize, expect, predict, know exactly what would happen next. This was an un-choreographed dance, an un-practiced duet; they were creating an elegant, graceful opus, together.
Galen pushed off, launching backwards while exerting a force upon Ranger. Rather than brace, he simply let himself get swept upwards, spectacularly doing a backflip in the process before landing on both feet without sweat. Both twirled their blade, readjusting their grip while at the same time breathing in that familiar hum that came from their swords, before they came together again, sabers twirling, clashing, blocking, slashing, and basically turning this fight into what looked like a funfest of glowsticks.
Ranger tried for slice towards Galen's head, who promptly ducked underneath before pushing outwards with his palm, using the force to send a wave of energy into his opponent, sending him sliding backwards for about 5 meters. Ranger stepped forwards to renew his assault, but suddenly droop to a keeling position, his hands coming up to clutch his stomach as his lightsaber clattered out of his hands, the beam of energy retracting.
Galen sprinted forwards. "Ranger, are you alright?" Holding out his hand, he took a good grip on Ranger's forearm before pulling him up. "Didn't think you'd take a hit that easy."
Ranger shrugged it off. "An injury to my stomach some time ago. It's nothing. Let us carry on."
* * *
The Pit.....
The prisoner within the suit of armor opened his eyes. Accordingly, two red lights flared to life within the faceplate, reflecting the state his eyes were. His eyes gazed around the hallway, watching the lights as they pulsed along the walls, tracing the outlines of the guardian statues that were placed equidistantly on each side of the hallway, each manually controlled by 343iBot.
Although, something was different today.
Each of them weren't moving, but they were all pointing their weapons at the suit of armor.
The prisoner would shrug if he could move. All they would be able to do was break the armor, and then he'd be out and fighting. Staring up, he gazed at the visitor who had done all this - a figure that the prisoner recognized. The figure gazed at the two crimson eye-gaps.
"I can get you out, if you will work with me."
The prisoner would smile if he could move.
"Do go on.
* * *
Elsewhere......
"Phase One is nearing completion."
"Your prediction skills are of note. Without them, we would not be here."
"Yes. The mods, as expected, have denied help. When the time comes, each of them will suffer. The member's attention has been drawn. Church's group are now hunting for our 'Sniper'. Mayh3m and Elite Sniper have responded to our call and have began to hunt for the relic. Our target for Beta has been chosen. The pricks will soon be entering town. Our friend downstairs will soon be unleashed, and our friend upstairs will soon be awakened. Even now, Drizzy and his team continue through banned. With the help of their next....teammate, they will gain the ability to navigate that world."
"And me?"
"You will continue being my hand, my pawn, my tool and my weapon. For that, I thank you."
"No....Thank you."
"But will you be able to take your next kill, I wonder? He is of importance to you, after all. Failure to do so, and....." The message was clear.
"Have no doubt, Master. I am not afraid; you predict success, and success means we will meet again."
"Good. Be ready for phase two. We'll cut off the prick's internet connection - they'll be forced to enter town. We shall initiate when that happens."
"Yes, Master."
* * *