Battle of Demdrona: Maiden fall
As Danger and the others enter the Gungan city, Demdrona, they see nothing but wreckage.
“By the force, you are right, Master Danger. The city is under attacked just as you said. I just hope we are not to late.” Starcomand says.
“If my guesses are right, the city shouldn’t fall in a short period of time. At the rate I am looking at it, she did a good job helping the Gungans defending the city.”
“Master Danger, you mean HIME is here? How can you be so sure?” Ronin asks.
“Easy, the Gungan have their ways of war. However, they are not familiar in the ways of urban warfare. If no one here was to teach them how to fight urban warfare, the city should fall in a matter of days. Look, the city is still belongs to the Gungans. That is already a proof. Also, HIME helped building this city during the times of the plague. Only she knows how to defend this city well.”
“You sound very confident in your student’s abilities. How can you be so sure? She is only one girl against….dare I say many? Plus, she is never the leader type to me.” Starcomand asks.
“Star, she doesn’t seem to be in good terms with fellow Jedi does not mean she is not in good terms to everyone else. I know my student well enough.”
“So did Yoda, when he was talking about Count Dooku before his fall to the dark side.”
“Star, will you shut it? You are not really helping here! At least I do not think HIME will fall into the league of the Darth!”
“Sorry, but the more I study her, the more I thin she is dangerous! I am starting to think that Stump may be right.” Starcomand says.
“You can judge my student when you work side by side with her. I will say no more aside from we nee to move on now.”
“Yes, Master Danger.”
The more they enter the city, the quieter it gets. All that is left are nothing but burnt buildings, rubble, and nothing more. There is not a single living soul around.
“This is strange; I think battles should have dead bodies laying around the place. Do you think the Gungans just hide while the coup army just taking their time burning buildings as such?”
“I want to think about the same thing Ronin. However, this is way too quiet for a battlefield.” Danger says.
Suddenly the lights went off and the Gungans appear from nowhere and start attacking the three. The Gungans bombard the three with Gungan weapons. Danger uses the force to pull a huge piece of wreckage as cover for cover. Ronin then ignites his double saber and start deflecting the attacks. Starcomand also gets his dual sabers out. The Gungans continue o bombard their enemies. They soon realize that their attacks are not going to do anything to the three.
“They are very organized in their attacks. Master Danger, you have any ideas?” Ronin says.
As Danger is about to respond, the attacks stop. The three begin to wonder what is going on when a shadow lurks from above. It is very fast, faster than Danger expected.
“Careful, it is coming straight for us.” Danger says.
Before anyone does anything, the shadow already unleashes its attacks. A blue light comes out from it’s hand and start slashing at the three. Danger ignites his saber and blocks the attack while Ronin and Starcomand are going to support. However, the shadow stops its attacks once it made contact with Danger. The Shadow takes a back flip and lands safety on the ground. Then, the shadow kneels in front of Danger. The Gungans turns the lights back on. Everyone sees a person in Jedi black robe.
“Master, what brings you here? Please forgive me rude behaviour moments ago.”
“It’s alright HIME. I come because we need you back on the surface.’ Danger says as he brings HIME up.
“The surface needs me? I would go with you without question if it is a normal situation. However, as you can see….”
“I understand. How are you and the Gungans holding up the city?”
“I got here just in time. We managed to push the coup forces back just two days ago. We have no idea when they will come back. But I am sure they will be back soon. This Admiral Justin is not someone who gives up easily.” HIME says.
“Why does he want to attack this city so bad? This place has no strategic value.” Ronin asks.
“True, however the Gungans are in good terms with the government of Naboo. If the surface has any problems, the Gungans will assist the Royal army. The deal goes the same way with the government as well. I think Justin wants to eliminate one of his possible threats to his take over. Therefore, the Gungans must be dealt with.” HIME says.
“Now that makes sense now.” Ronin says.
“A number of Gungan cities had already fallen to Justin’s army. Many innocent lives were lost because of one man’s ambition. The surviving Gungans came here looking for refuge. Go and study strategy for once!” HIME says with a certain mocking tone.
“WHY YOU!!” Starcomand says with a voice of anger.
“Stop it you two! This is not the time for this.” Danger says.
The four return to the Gungan out post in the city. The Gungan generals and officers give HIME and Danger a salute. HIME returns them with the same salute as respect to the generals. Danger also pays respects to the generals and Gungan soldiers.
“So Master, why did you go through all the touble to come here. You didn’t come just because you miss me right?” HIME asks.
“Well, we have come to bring you back to the surface. You are needed there.” Ronin says.
“Oh really? I last time I recalled there were a dozen of Jedi up there and one of me down here. What? Even a dozen of Jedi couldn’t handle certain Sith threat, when I have to held defence all by myself in this city? Can’t you see these people here; need me more than those guys up on the surface?” HIME asks.
“Don’t you have any idea what we have to go through to get to you? I have to endure that underwater path to get here! Not to mention we had to fly from systems to systems just to find you! Now you better just leave and come with us.” Ronin says.
“Now, what am I suppose to do with the Gungans who entrusted their lives to me? I am suppose to just leave them to their deaths when the enemies arrive? We are so close to pushing them back. I cannot possibly leave now! I cannot leave the Gungan who fell in this war of non-sense not avenged.” HIME says.
“You need to explain yourself and helpfully clear your name for shooting on both sides during the battle!” Starcomand says.
“I do not need to explain myself for this! I have nothing to say for my actions. I merely just want to stop the fighting. I have nothing more to say.” HIME says.
“I am sorry, but you have to come with us now. Do not force us to drag you with us. You know you cannot beat me or Ronin here.” Starcomand says.
“Are...you….threatening me? Was that a threat?” HIME asks with a slow voice. She slowly turns around and glares at Starcomand.
“Oh, that’s very scary. Now come on before we are forced to injure you pride or something.” Starcomand says.
“HIME, listen to me, you need to clear you name!! Everyone is waiting for you up there. Please listen to your fellow Jedi for at least once. Master Danger! Say something!” Ronin says.
“You know, I an see HIME’s point. There is people needed protection here. She rezlized that protecting these people is more important than anything else. I would support her.” Danger says.
“BUT, I AM NOT ABOUT TO GO BACK EMPTY HANDED!! I HAVE NEVER FAILED A MISSION BEFORE.” Starcomand says.
“This is not a failed mission the way I see it. I would like stay here and help if I can.”
“MASTER DANGER…..I am sorry. But we must bring her back whether you like it or not.”
“Star, I am not going to get my hand in on this. However, I do not think you two can ever drag her back with you. I can be sure of that.”
“Then let’s find out Star.” Ronin says.
HIME looks at her master. Danger nods his head as approval. HIME then posts a stance in bare hands.
“What? You want to fight us with nothing but your fists? You must be out of your mind!” Ronin says as he ignites his sabers.
“Surely you should know the two of us with sabers are deadly.” Starcomand says.
Suddenly, HIME charges up towards the two and puts her palms on the both of their chest. That hit knocks the two back to a distance.
“Clearly……we have never fought each other before.” HIME says in a soft voice.
“What?....What was that?” Starcomand says in shock as he is trying to get up from the ground.
HIME twirls her body around as if she is dancing. Her body seems to be as light as a feather as she moves. It is so graceful.
“Advent, above everything else, I walk in the ways that is above everything. Maiden Dance.” HIME says as she stops. She is smiling. However, there is something more behind that somewhat warn smile of hers.
“You two ready for an encore? Or you just want to shut up and die?”