When You Give a Man Power Chapter 40 (Patreon)

Sparks acted like lightning dancing in the air with the sound of metal against metal echoing like thunder in the room as our weapons clashed against one another.

Unlike unarmed fighting against her, with weapons it seemed to be more even in terms of strength. I still fall behind her but not so much that she can strike hard enough to incapacitate me in a few hits.

My dual axes clashed and pressed against her tonfas as she gritted her teeth, but just like Celeste, it would seem they both enjoyed smacking someone around like they owed them money.

But unlike when we first started training together, it has only gotten more efficient as I take my time to heal and restore Selene's wounds and stamina. The former was rare at first, but the more we battled, the better I was getting enough so that I could, on occasion, land a hit. 

That of course hinged on her not upping the difficulty and holding back as much as she becomes stronger and faster. It’s like I am fighting Frieza and every time I think I have a chance she just gets more powerful showing the gap between us.

Like right now as I slam both dulled edges of the axes in a horizontal dual strike that she braced for as I estimated where and when she would move to my side. Unlike most other times the strike lands, sending her skidding back before she falls back into a roll to evade me.

My issue now is not necessarily the gap in strength. That is not as big an issue. It’s speed that makes it a problem.

My dual axes came down like guillotines aimed for the calf of her leg and her neck only for her to bring a single tonfa up in time to redirect the strikes at just the right time to knock my aim off course and slow them just enough for her to back flip into a kick.

Bringing my bicep up in time feeling the muscle and bone protest from the surprising force in the kick but they go ignored having learned to do as such since my personal hell had started with Selene.

Her grin gets more vicious as she flips to her feet falling into her stance seeing my growing hatred for this sparring. “Oh come now Corvo, it’s not that bad~” She says with a purr.

Where Serleena and Celeste were sweet and to the point like a pitbull ready to take a bite out of you, Selene was like a cat playing with its food. She took pleasure in this. In my case, I don’t think it’s malicious. 

Maybe it’s because I can somewhat keep up with her and offer a challenge. Like playing a game with friends on the couch in a competitive game. You have someone who can offer you a challenge.

If you can even call it that, at the time we have been doing this only stopping to get food, water, and sleep for a few hours set in intervals across the days and nights.

I have heavily improved compared to the day I witnessed Selene smack the First Sister's daughter. Before it was like she was teleporting and there was no way for me to observe anything with how fast she was. 

Now I can actually see her movements and to an extent react to them where before it felt like being frozen in time while she could move normally. Now the gap is not as wide despite it feeling like there are still miles of distance between us.

“You're getting distracted Corvo,” She says gently belying the ferocity in her strikes and the speed she moved staying just out of reach of my axes, “You have come far in such a short time, more so since you have learned so much in a mere four days under me than you have under Selene.”

“Her method was working just fine-” I argued back feeling safe enough to do so.

Only for Selene to try and blitz me her muscles and tendons all began moving like a well-oiled machine. She rushed right at me with both tonfas slamming into the handles of my axes now in an X shape to block them and push back against her.

Normally she would fight against me pushing her back, but not this time. Instead, she used the momentum of the push and pivoted on her heel moving even faster than before, upping her speed where she became a blur again.

Relaxing my body, my breathing evened out and I could ignore the pain now compared to before when it would make this far more difficult.

She moved behind me to my left side, a tonfa spinning in her hand generating more momentum in it in the blink of an eye. The blunt stick aimed for my shoulder blade before side-stepping it just enough to feel the rush of wind from it.

A quick counter with an axe strike that almost makes contact with her forearm before she narrowly backed away several steps.

Selene gave me an approving nod, seeing the pride in my posture. There were other things mixed in that I didn’t know what to call. Similar to Celeste when we would spar, only with her it grew over time. Like a small candle wick of flame that became a roaring inferno growing day by day.

With that last thought, Selene was upon me again with the two of us trading blows and dodging, parrying, and doing anything we could think to do to get the edge over the other. All the while Selene was getting faster and stronger the longer the spar went on and the only thing keeping me in the fight was remaining unpredictable and hard to react to.

That and her holding back still. One particularly nasty strike of her tonfa sent vibrations up my arm deep into my bones. My weapon almost got knocked out of my hand. Desperation hits me when she adopts a savage grin when an opening presents itself now that one of my weapons is out of position.

Making a last-second decision to use the next step in my method to counter them from reading me. Time to Deadpool it.

Just when she was going for the winning blow, my body relaxed again. Her expression shifted from one of victory to curiosity. Tilting back just enough to avoid the strike to Selene's surprise if the minute widening of her eyes was anything to go by.

The thing that made this difficult for me is that this was the next stage of what I originally wanted to do but was blocked by my lack of understanding. That and how risky this is along with other hangups. Like me thinking about what to do next.

Instead, this took inspiration from the Marvel comics Deadpool. I don’t think about what I am going to do next and just go off instinct, but that last part is not a good description either. It was more me just making it all up and not thinking about anything and just going with the flow while still having some basic martial arts and not just throwing it all away.

Selene used several probing strikes that were batted aside before I charged her. She tried to figure out what I was doing only to desperately block and redirect several strikes that almost looked like a drunk was swinging a club around.

Whenever she tried to regain the offensive I just continued to press my advantage forcing her to remain on the defensive. She backed off trying to figure out a way to read me. Every movement I made was now erratic yet all of the attacks were dangerous all the same. Beyond a few kicks sent her way which she managed to read but they were bait to get her to try something.

A frown formed on her face before she sped up even more. Stuck mid swing several strikes landed on both my ribs and legs sending me toppling to the ground with the match coming to a swift and decisive end.

“It would seem you have managed to make your style even better. Now you just need to be capable of keeping up with me.” She said, sauntering over to get a drink of water while I healed myself and her grumbling under my breath all the while.

To think I would miss the training with Serleena and Celeste. With a shake of my head, I got back to it and after several hours I didn't so much as walk but stumbled to my room like a zombie. 

I moved to the sanctuary that was the bathroom to clean off the day's grime while taking a gander at the mirror when the illusion covering me faded away showing a face that made me wince. Folded over skin with crimson red eyes that made me think of a rabid animal more than it did a person.

The first thing I am doing when I get back is chugging several gallons of blood. Without a gesture my face and body shifted and changed, appearing as they should be before stepping into the sonic shower. Another thing that will be done when I return to Nar Shaddaa-- a hot tub!

The sonic shower just used vibrations to remove the filth sticking to me. It was good at what it did. But it didn’t feel comfortable like warm water running down your body easing the aches and pains of a hard day's work.

Since I am supposed to be a servant in the manor who trains with the main family depending on what position they will have amongst the staff they could have lesser or better accommodations and training. If they are taking a lower position they are merely trained in the basics.

If they show potential they can be allowed to serve the main family members. Echani society is kind of weird like that, but according to what I have heard from Serleena the ancient Echani several centuries to millennia back in time were far more martially inclined.

So what she and Serleena could do would be considered average to the Echani of the past. While the sonic shower does its job to make the dirt, sweat, and detritus of the day's efforts fall off of me I think of just how insane the past Echani would have to be to put Selene to shame.

Serleena even chuckled at me when I balked at the idea when it was brought up, then I asked why they didn't try and recapture what their ancestors had achieved. 

Her response was simply that everything their people have achieved such as their company or the massive cities that were accomplished without help from the Republic would not have been possible.

Their ancestors had focused so much time and energy on their art that everything else had mostly fallen to the side and was not considered a priority. A mistake that was corrected after the Ruusan Reformations since their homeworld had been hit rather hard in the New Sith Wars.

So with help from the Republic albeit far too late after the technology levels had regressed for everyone and by the time the Republic got back in contact with Eshan they had already rebuilt their cities and made more of them.

Realizing they can’t rely solely on the Republic to provide everything they needed since they were on their own for several centuries before managing to regain the usage of the hyperspace lanes.

The shower ended and not going to lie, I missed a nice hot shower with water. Yeah, that hot tub just got put further up my wishlist.

Water-based showers were reserved for main family members and servants of high standing in the household who had proven themselves. 

I guess even with the wealth on display with Selene and her family you still had to earn it and prove yourself worth such amenities. 

Stepping out of the refresher I turned on the news channels seeing the typical Republic propaganda machine at work toting anything and everything they could think of to paint the conflict that had spread across the outer rim in a good light. 

It looked like it had now found itself in the core worlds with acts of vandalism and sabotage from either agents of the Hutts doing anything and everything they could to stall and slow the Republic forces.

Or other enterprising groups, since I didn’t doubt for a second that they wouldn’t take advantage while they could. As things stand a few of the Republic's battles have gone in their favor but as many as they may have the Hutts managed to keep even if not come out ahead of them. 

Such as Ryloth. Not a peep about the planet when the news stations made it out to be such a massive deal that the Twi’lek homeworld was getting Republic support and aid. I snorted at that particular memory as it reminded me of when a millionaire was caught in a scandal and did what most of them do besides finding a hole to hide in for a while before the heat dies down.

That is an act of charity. 

In the case of Ryloth, give them plenty of supplies, support, and aid in various forms. The issue is that as soon as this conflict dies down, either they fall back under the thumbs of the Hutts or find themselves in a situation similar to the outer rim worlds. Giving constant resources and supplies to the core worlds while not being properly represented and left to fend for themselves.

Plus that is not taking into account that beyond the attractiveness of the Twi’lek species to both their own and many other sentients across the galaxy, they only seem to have the spice abundant on their planet. 

Now that could prove useful to the Republic but again that runs into the issue of them just being taken advantage of and if they want a fair deal well they went to the wrong government for that.

Looking at censored images of a battle between Republic Judicial forces being led by several Jedi who have made names for themselves in several conflicts helping lead the Republic in several victories against the Hutts as they overcome their opposition. 

Impressive is all I could think when several of my droids were a part of the forces they were dealing with as they cut through them blocking when necessary and mostly dodging their blaster shots and taking them out with either their men gunning them down, cutting them to pieces, or just using the force if they got enough time to concentrate.

That is another thing the Republic news stations don’t seem to realize. Showing this content is a good way to tip people off onto various strategies against their forces. Sure you only see a small seemingly insignificant number of tactics and strategies, but if an individual has enough sense will pick up on those small things and start to piece them together.

Small things can snowball into bigger problems, for example, my Death Korps members have learned rather quickly that focusing fire on a Jedi is a good way to stall them if not overwhelm them. Something that had changed the course of several battles if the communications I have had with them on secure channels were anything to go by.

Nothing in depth but enough for me to get an idea of what is going on. 

Time felt like it went far slower than I would have liked in my personal hell. Next thing I knew it was time for the challenge to be done as I rode with Selene and her family as they made idle chatter while I remained stock still making my body as relaxed as possible despite my nerves.

Selene in a last-ditch effort started going as close as she could to her full power to get me better prepared when the clock was ticking down.

Despite how far I had come it wasn’t enough in such a limited time even if I was able to learn quickly which even surprised me but then again I was locked in to finish this job.

Kind of says a lot about me and this situation when I missed getting the crap kicked out of me by Selene as we zipped past numerous buildings almost looking like they were a part of the surrounding nature.

If it wasn’t for my keen eyes not picking up the metallic glint of the curved shapes of the buildings looking like trees I would have mistaken them for exotic alien flora. Giant shining alien flora but flora all the same.

It was rather interesting looking at the architecture and how they made it work. “Enjoying the sights?”

Turning to look at Celeste who was sitting beside me. “Yeah, I love your people's designs for these buildings.” 

Celeste snorted at that rolling her eyes, showing more emotion now than I had seen of her outside of sparring.

Glancing back at the city with several of our escorts staying beside us. We were at the center of several angular and elegant-looking speeders with both armed guards and heavy blasters on the escort speeders.

Doing anything and everything I could to keep my nerves in check going over and reinforcing my thoughts to always relax my body and not give away what I was going to do. As Selene told me that is my best bet at winning this fight, especially since this has so much riding on it.

I was still skeptical about why the First Sister is fine with me coming to a challenge as important as this is to the Echani people and their culture in general. It could simply be a case of them being fine with whoever won in the end. Or it could be a trap. The latter I doubted. They would risk too much political fallout over it and potentially cause a civil war.

As we neared our destination I saw the towering structure that went far above the others in the city on Eshan. Its angular almost liquid structure made me question how they managed to make it so it didn’t collapse with what should be structural flaws.

The building itself almost looked like a massive wave of water in design pouring out of the heavens above. 

Our speeders lowered down to a landing pad that already had many Echani standing and waiting for us. We landed after the guards and escorts were satisfied that it was safe. After a few choice words, we were clear to head inside.

I noted the interior was decorated in a different way compared to most of the other buildings I had seen and been inside of.

Compared to Selene's company HQ or her home, it was more decorative in that the decorations were built into the building itself. Rain drops from the ceiling or walls. Rooms that looked like a raging storm inside them.

It was an interesting choice to design one’s building around water and storms. Not that I was going to complain since it helped take the edge off of my nerves while I enjoyed the sights before me.

A nudge to my side made me look at Selene who had a mischievous glint in her eye as she smiled at me. I chuckled, shrugging at her which earned me a light laugh in return. I could see she was on edge too.

Everyone hid it well amongst Selene's family and closest servants and friends like Serleena, but with me being around them all for as long as I have even if I didn’t know them personally well, I could still pick up on something that was bothering them and had them on edge.

It would be rather surprising if they were not nervous about this. A lot is riding on it, and even if Selene and Serleena never said anything about it I do wonder what they may lose should this not succeed.

I shook my head to rid myself of such thoughts. I can’t think of losing. Not now. Not when I am so close to the finish line. Clenching and unclenching my hands thinking of the pain that was to come, but at least it was mitigated when I knew that I could return the favor to the matriarch who had been a rather painful thorn in my side.

That made my clenched hands pause and relax if only slightly. We finally reached a grand chamber with the most Echani I have seen gathered in one place. Massive round plates jut out of the curved walls. Almost like droplets of water beading up on a car's windshield.

Each one had many different Echani, young, old, men, or women, you could see them all. Even spotted several of their Thyrsian cousins on several seats. It almost looked like an overly elegant and grand opera house. 

We walked along the marble floor, along the far wall a throne was placed with a woman who wore a bowl cut, but what drew my attention was the two massive scars on her face.

One goes from her forehead down her left eye to her jaw. The other one was straight at first on her right cheek going horizontal before angling up diagonally across the bridge of her nose intersecting with the vertical scar.

Numerous guards stood at attention in ceremonial armor and robes. Swords and pikes were held at attention both along the wall of the throne and leading into the room. 

The armor and robes were black with shades of blue mixed in. The armor looked like scales from a serpent with incredibly tiny pieces that coalesced into the form-fitting uniforms they wore along with cloaks helping hide their bodies.

Our group walked forward as I did my best to ignore the many eyes staring at me as I felt them. Whatever thoughts I had about being stared at by so many people were swiftly replaced when we saw another group standing off to the side near the throne.

The outfits they wore screamed nobility. I knew they were House Atrix because of the murderous gazes sent my way when they noticed me.

Several of the women present were recognized immediately. They had clashed with me before, one of whom happened to be Scarface herself. Half her face is hidden behind some black and white half mask that hides what lurked beneath from everyone with her posture all but screaming murder.

My smirk grew which didn’t help when I subtly gestured that I liked what she did with her mask and face. Selene's family showed mirth while Scarface's body simply turned from one of cold fury wishing death to apocalyptic.

Of course, much like anything involving the Echani this to someone not familiar with their arts and ways would think she was calm to outright bored, maybe even robotic. 

It showed both how absurd their ways are that they could appear as such yet how far I have come in being capable of seeing it now.

But my gaze swept past her and I looked at the one in the center of their group. She calmly placed a hand on Scarface’s shoulder as she froze up before relaxing. A few whispered words into her ear got a small smile out of Scarface.

The woman who calmed her had to be the Matriarch. Much like many of the women in the stands they were dressed up the most. 

She wore a regal cloak that covered most of her body with two golden clasps keeping it in place with a strange headdress that had a veil reminiscent of a mourning veil women wore during burials. 

The cloak obscured much of her body underneath but the way she held herself, the narrowing of her eyes, and the disdain she had for me in particular told me she is indeed the Matriarch.

Our group had come to an abrupt stop standing across from House Atrix. Selene stepped towards the throne of the First Sister, where House Hekaton’s Matriarch sat regally.

“Selene of House Solorok. You have accepted the challenge set forth by House Atrix.” She stated more than questioned.

“Yes, Aileen. We do. If Corvo Attano, who has learned our people's arts in the span of several months wins the challenge then my House will regain control of the Second Sister and House Atrix will be disgraced and tried for their crimes.” 

“Crimes you say? The only crime I see here is you housing a known fugitive who is wanted by the Republic for crimes against it.” Moria said haughtily yet also like it was some kind of joke to her.

Her smile and superiority quickly faded away when Aileen slowly turned her head with lidded eyes looking less than impressed. “That is not your jurisdiction nor your place to speak of such things Moria.”

The now named Moria shut up after hearing that and didn’t look too pleased either. 

“Yes he may be a fugitive, but that is not what we are all here for, nor will you use that as an excuse to end this challenge when you were the one who initiated it with your restrictions. Do not waste my time,” She then waved her arm at our group, the stands, and then her group behind her, “Or their time, especially when it embarrasses your family.”

Despite her face being devoid of emotion I could see her inner emotions looking like she bit into a lemon. Selene’s smile grew a fraction before she wiped it away, appearing all business now yet I can see she had an edge to her when she looked at Aileen. 

Still holding a grudge I see. 

“Now that it is settled, what does House Atrix wish to gain from this challenge?” 

Despite her asking this I feel like this is more for ceremonial purposes since both parties had to have made it known what they wished to gain from this challenge beforehand instead of just saying it here and now. But then again I could be wrong and this is the first time anyone is hearing it. 

“A large part of their company and many of their possessions will become my family’s. Along with the apprehension of Corvo Attano so that he will be brought before a Republic jury for his crimes.” She said all of this succinctly and calmly.

“Very well.” She turned to Selene, “What does House Solorok wish for in return should your champion win the challenge?” 

“The control of the Second Sister, and for a massive and thorough investigation to be done of House Atrix's own shady dealings. One in particular was a deal with a merchant on Nar Shaddaa before the outbreak of the Hutt War.” 

The Matriarch in question did a good job of hiding it but the fact that she was hiding it so well compared to everything else she gave away told me that she knew she couldn’t afford to lose this now.

“Do both parties accept these terms?” 

“Yes.” They both say in unison with neither one turning to look at the other.

“Selene, you have chosen Corvo Attano as your champion to represent House Solorok. Who have you chosen to represent your own?” 

“I will represent my family, Moria of House Atrix.” She looked at me assured of her victory letting it be shown for all to see. 

I merely responded in kind with a scoff without a single twitch on my face. Something she doesn’t dare acknowledge.

Aileen herself acted as if she expected this, though unlike any other time where she had carefully hidden her inner thoughts with me being incapable of seeing anything in her body language, she now showed some disgust and dare I say disappointment at her response.

“Then the challenge will commence.” She looked up to the stands as several holograms sprang to life with Aileen’s voice booming across the chamber. “House Atrix Matriarch Moria will represent her House and Corvo Attano will represent House Solorok for this challenge.”

Both of us stepped away with both families backing off leaving us with plenty of space. No warning was given when the marble shifted and changed. The floor acted like it was water with several pillars bubbling out of the floor. Before my very eyes in no time at all it had become a small-scale gladiator arena.

Moria unclasped her cloak tossing it aside along with her weird hat and veil. She was about the same height as Selene. A notable difference between the two I noted was that her body had more muscle than Selene who would be more comparable to a swimmer's build. 

The garb she wore under the cloak was almost akin to a belly dancer's garb even if it was modest. The modesty was only because it covered most of her body yet you could still see so much despite that.

Glancing around to see several holograms had come to life of Aileen with her voice heard across the entirety of the chamber. I internally smirked about how this fight would be broadcast to anyone of note amongst the Echani people.

Whether the fight will be me winning… or getting torn into like a Thanksgiving turkey before a lion.

I shook myself of such thoughts and stepped forward, leather boots lightly tapping against the floor. Moria stalked forward with her hair cut very short, almost like a buzz cut.

Considering how many Echani women enjoy their long hair, I firmly believed hers was out of utility. Like preventing me from grabbing it.

She came to a stop several meters from me. You could cut the tension with a knife. Aileen looked down at the two of us before speaking.

“This challenge will be unarmed with no weapons beyond the champion's bodies. Corvo Attano if the rumors are true you are not permitted to use the force since that counts as a weapon.” I glance over at the Matriarch of the First Sister slowly nodding.

She looked pleased before she continued, “The victor will be decided either by knockout, surrender, or death.” 

I didn't even glance at the hologram when the mention of death was said. I was more occupied mentally preparing myself for what was about to happen. 

Not that the possibility of dying didn’t bother me but it was more of a distraction than anything else. Relaxing and tensing my back body up, not even shocked at the idea that we could kill one another. 

Moria merely smirked at me with the knowledge that she can go all out without holding back. 

Aileen raised a hand holding it in the air. After a long pause, she brought it down, “Begin!”