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last online Apr 19, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -5
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Jun 22, 2011 18:17:41 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jun 22, 2011 18:17:41 GMT -5
Space, En Route to the Rishi Maze
The violet eyes of Sherasti Rin focused on the young human sitting cross-legged across from her on the floor. At the moment, all her senses were trained on him, monitoring his progress intently. She was halfway inside his mind, quietly monitoring exactly what he was thinking and experiencing.
His focus had improved a good deal over the course of their trip. Over the past three days on board the ship, Sherasti had been able to evaluate his force abilities. His telekinetic abilities were quite adequate for his age, and with a little practice, a little refinement, and another few years they would easily equal or surpass her own.
Much to the Togruta's pleasure, Xell also showed an affinity for telepathy. It was the one area where Sherasti excelled most, and the one area she found hardest to teach. It was almost something innate, and that made it extremely difficult to explain. But the raw material was there, and if she could help him polish it it was very likely he'd be able to communicate without words. Depending on how much of a bond they developed, it was possible someday he'd be able to broadcast to her from a larger distance.
It was certain he'd been able to pick up on her unguarded emotions already, which was a most promising sign.
Feel the words form in your mind, and direct them to me. Focus on me and deliver the message. Will it towards me. In time it will be just like having a conversation with spoken words.
She continued to watch him from her own cross-legged stance on the floor. Her robes billowed around her and rested in a circle on the floor around her with the Togruta sash she wore resting in a straight line on the floor. It all looked impeccably arranged. And rising up from the pile of fabric was the figure of the Jedi Knight herself, a red pillar culminating in a blue and white striped pair of 'horns.' Her face was the very picture of serenity as she provided what instruction she could, though internally she wondered how exactly she was doing as a teacher.
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last online Dec 28, 2015 2:36:26 GMT -5
Padawan
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Jun 22, 2011 18:35:23 GMT -5
Post by ninjabot on Jun 22, 2011 18:35:23 GMT -5
Xell closed his eyes and opened is mind. So much time had passed that his childhood need of a repetitive sound to focus on to calm him had ceased, and he could segue into telepathic workings without too much time. He still found that it was easiest to do when completely immobile, as he wasn't experienced with telepathy enough that he could stop taking Sherasti's teachings so literally.
When she tells the boy to center himself; to sit still and feel the world around him, be becomes a stalwart statue. Good for his focus, but terribly impractical in the field. It was something he would learn quickly if he could ever find his comfort zone. Learn to treat the force as an extension of himself rather than a tool he needed to master control over. While he expected to learn it quickly with the aid of such a proficient telepath, he was still humbled enough by their difference in skill that he would not rush anything.
And while he would never say so (despite knowing that his master knew so already), the telepathic connection between he and Sherasti dwarfed the mental conversations he and Orren used to have. Speaking through the mind with Orren was like fumbling through a keychain with dozens of identical looking keys inorder to unlock doors he could never unlock. Other times, it was like standing on a doorstep as he peeked through the keyhole to speak to him.
Sherasti however... it was like they were meeting halfway. They did not even seem like two people conversing in his mind, but more like two bodies of water flowing in the same direction that end up meeting and combining to form the clearest, most pure of lakes. Their thoughts flowed. One could liken it to two old friends that were capable of finishing eachother's sentences. They understood eachother almost immediately.
This is...
Xell thought. how could he articulate the feeling he was having?
This is... right master. It feels... right.
And with that, the floodgates burst open and memories, emotions, fears, everything that combined to make up the young man that kneeled before Sherasti started to flow freely. His accident as a child, the movies he holds dear, even the image he sees of himself in the future. What he hopes to be some day. The image was of a tall, handsome (glasses-less) man with a statue of him of marble at the entrance of the Jedi Enclave on Coruscant.
Unfortunately, he was only just becoming skilled in his telepathic powers. He could not hide this vision from Sherasti. Still, embarassing as it was, he felt relieved that she could see what he considers him at his greatest. What he aspires to be.
I know we aren't super heroes. I know the importance of selflessness and neutrality. But I also know that we Jedi are a beacon of hope to those that have none. I think that... that's what I want to be the most. I don't just want to be a Jedi, master. I want to be so strong... so noble and loved that people strive to better themselves in honor of me. I want to lead by example.
Xell opened his eyes. Sure enough, his telepathic link was not broken. It was a sign that his proficiency was growing. He smiled before closing his eyes again. He almost didn't feel the fluctuation in Sherasti's telepathic aura. Something was bothering her he learned, after paying attention more closely.
"You're doing great. I feel I've learned so much already." he assured her. Why he chose to say it aloud he didn't know. Maybe he thought telepathy was too formal. Afterall, one could barely hide their true feelings. Alot of what he was saying to Sherasti was coming to her unintentionally. Atleast by speaking aloud she knows that he took the time to acknowledge what he was really feeling before stating it.
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last online Apr 19, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -5
Master
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Jun 22, 2011 18:40:02 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jun 22, 2011 18:40:02 GMT -5
“True rewards come from doing what is right, not from receiving glory for it, be sure to remember that. Impacting just one life is every bit as important as impacting worlds. More in fact, because you cannot control an image as a legend. Inspire others with your life, face to face. Be mindful of the Will of the Force, and do what you know is right. That makes you hero enough.”
With the lesson out of the way, she appeared satisfied. It was impressive that he’d picked up on thought. Her own doubts about her abilities as a teacher hadn’t been concealed, but Xell had picked up on them quite well. Granted he had been in a rather meditative state and very focused, but he was able to hold on to the connection even while using his eyes as well. It was promising. Very promising.
Sherasti broke the connection and rose to her feet. She patted her Padawan on the shoulder, one of the bits of physical contact she’d ascertained was perfectly fine. Hugs were still beyond his comfort zone though. “Well done Padawan.” She rewarded him with a smile, reminiscent of the ones Master Pedara had shown to her as a girl.
She stared contemplatively at the wall, her eyes not actually looking at it. Her mind was at work. Three days of focusing on force abilities had been most important. She was a Consular, and force mastery was her indicator of skill and readiness more than anything else. But balance was important as well. She felt the weight of her lightsaber on her belt. It was time to test Xell’s saber skills.
“Xell, tell me about how Orren instructed you with a lightsaber. What styles have you learned, and what do you wish to learn? Your Trial of Skill will hinge on lightsaber combat, and you need to be prepared for it.”
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last online Dec 28, 2015 2:36:26 GMT -5
Padawan
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Jun 22, 2011 18:43:05 GMT -5
Post by ninjabot on Jun 22, 2011 18:43:05 GMT -5
Xell blinked his eyes. Maybe Sherasti was right. No, ofcourse she was... his dream should be far less grandiose and more focused. Still... he wanted to find some form of comprmise if at all posssible. Surely the Order would not mind paying homage to a true hero... right? Either way, the boy would now show her his fighting prowess, or lack thereof. He was afraid however of one major fact.
Sherasti still didn't trust Orren completely, of this Xell was sure. And he still didn't want there to be any bad blood between them both. He had a funny feeling she would not be happy with Xell's training regimen. Xell thought back to his training regimen for the past few years.
Years ago in one Orren's personal training fields...
"Um...why are we fighting trees again?" asked 13 year old Xell. He saw that plenty of them were cut in half.
"Take your lightsaber. Be sure to cut cleanly through the base of this trunk in one blow." Orren walked across from the tree and sat on one of the stumps. He waited, staring like a hawk. It was a bit intimidating. Without looking away the man reached inside of his robes to pull out his flask.
Xell turned back to the tree and took a deep breath. He released it as he activated his lightsaber. Then, he spun and swiped in a swift arch. Sure enough, the tree released it's innards as embers and splinters. It didn't quite cut cleanly through however, as it was simply partly cut through.
Orren smirked. "Good for a first try! Each of these trees are of the same density as a human neck. A lightsaber is the perfect cutting tool, but it doesn't simply burn through matter. Momentum and speed are a factor. You'll want to be able to cut through cleanly inorder to move to your next target if you are outnumbered."
Xell cringed at the thought of removing someone's head. Orren noticed, but said nothing.
Now...
Xell forced a smile. "Lightsaber mastery... well, I've gotten good with Shii-cho and recently I've been branching off into more defensive styles. I'm not quite the aggressor that my master... um... my ex-master is. I'm not the violent type. So... Soresu has been what I've focused on lately."
Xell stood up and walked far enough to place a good dueling start between eachother. He picked up his saber and activated it. He stepped further back and demonstrated the basic forms of Shii Cho aswell as a bit of Soresu. Just enough to convince his master where he was in his saber mastery.
"Master Orren said he would 'break my passive fighting style and rebuild my swordarm to spec'. I'm... not sure I like the sound of that."
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last online Apr 19, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -5
Master
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Jun 22, 2011 18:49:17 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jun 22, 2011 18:49:17 GMT -5
The Togruta watched as her Padawan demonstrated his two practiced forms. His Shii Cho was workable, if lacking finesse. And his Soresu was definitely and distinctly fledgling.
"Master Orren said he would 'break my passive fighting style and rebuild my swordarm to spec'. I'm... not sure I like the sound of that."
“I’m not sure I do either. For a Jedi, the only fighting style is passive. Even when you strike, it isn’t to be with aggression.” Sherasti frowned again. She knew she was walking a precarious line between correcting errors and insulting Xell’s former master. It was a sensitive topic between the two, one which she wasn’t prepared to go into.
“I mastered Shii Cho when I was slightly younger than you, though I’d dabbled with Makashi before then. Now Makashi is almost all I use, all I can use.” She detached her curved lightsaber from her belt and felt its weight in his hand as she remembered exactly why she relied on the one-handed style.
“I doubt you noticed, but I don’t lift objects with my left arm. It isn’t out of choice. I have almost no strength in it since my Trial of Flesh. I will try to help your Shii Cho, but the best thing I can offer you is a mentality and way of using a saber.”
She verified her saber was on a training setting before activating it and lowering it away from her body, down and to the side in a Makashi opening stance.
“Any swordsman has to approach combat in the mind as a Soresu practitioner would. You have to find your center first of all. To begin with, show me what Orren taught you.”
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last online Dec 28, 2015 2:36:26 GMT -5
Padawan
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Jun 22, 2011 18:57:00 GMT -5
Post by ninjabot on Jun 22, 2011 18:57:00 GMT -5
Xell lowered his lightsaber to training levels and spread his feet into his Shii Cho stance. He had to show her what his technique consisted of, so he couldn't stand back and wait for her to become the aggressor. He has felt many a lightsaber sting from Orren in his day. He didn't feel like enduring anymore anytime soon.
Even with his new master chastising Orren's combat philosophy, he didn't lose his resolve. He would prove himself to Sherasti, and show that Orren was not the monster he was sounding like. Being a Consular, Sherasti couldn't understand the choices Orren had to make in battle. She couldn't know what level of nerve was required to fight his way through large scale wars in areas where passive natured people were guaranteed short lives. He shook the idea from his head and loosened up before approaching.
Some quick foot work allowed Xell to circle to Sherasti's left, though he knew it would not be as easy as that. Still, he counted in his head, waiting long enough for his movements to make a 'rhythm'. One thing he learned from Orren stuck with him above all else, as it fit his own fighting style.
The more skilled your opponent, the less wasted movements, and the more analytical they are in battle. Use that analysis against them. Fein weakness. Fein repetitiveness. Make them believe they know your next move, even if you have to endure pain to lull them into a false sense of security. Yes, battle to the death should be a constant flurry of lies and half-truths. Never commit to a movement that you know your opponent expects.
Once Xell was confident Sherasti heard the rhythm in his steps and the wafting of his clothing he broke into a sprint to her side and swung an overhanded slash.
If your opponent favors ranged attacks they will be aiming for the torso the most. Take the side.
But if she's waiting to parry an attack...
Then you allow it... and be fast enough to roll away from the counterattack. And remember that survival is victory. Trade an arm for a head if necessary.
He would hope that she would parry his blow to the side, allowing him to pivot into "the storm". It was the area he needed to be in inorder to remain close enough to put his Soresu to good use. He wanted to be able to draw her into a drawn out battle where she would waste her stamina trying to break his guard.
If you notice a hinderance... an injury from a previous battle, a flaw in their ability to keep up with you... then you make sure to work it into your fighting style. They should regret not only challenging you, but challenging you without their full strength.
Xell thought. If he chose to he could stay on the side of her bad arm and continue striking... But he shouldn't. Orren would curse his indecisiveness, but Sherasti would curse his violent fervor.
He ignored the teachings of Orren for now. He didn't want to make Sherasti hate the man, because even with everything he had revealed about him, he still hoped not to give the Togrutan reason to forbid him from speaking to him. He still was important to Xell. No matter what everyone else thought.
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last online Apr 19, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -5
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Jun 22, 2011 18:58:35 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jun 22, 2011 18:58:35 GMT -5
Sherasti saw the strike coming from over her well in advance. And like any other skirmish, she picked up on the intentions of her opponent before they actually took action.
Xell had been hoping she would make a simple parry and allow him inside her guard. It was a smart move, one that would take away the advantage of her longer reach. And on some opponents it may have actually worked. But Sherasti Rin wasn’t merely ‘some’ opponent.
The Togruta chose not to parry or catch the incoming blade and follow through with a swift disengage. She opted for a third course of action that was brilliant in its simplicity. She moved.
In a quick spin, the Jedi Consular turned out from under the path of the incoming blade. It threw Xell slightly off balance, and when she completed the 360 degree rotation her own green blade was headed straight for the back of her Padawan’s knee with an almost leisurely speed. The movement wasn’t fast or powerful, it was graceful and elegant. That was Makashi at work. Strikes to the periphery of the target, minimal effort used to exploit a foe’s vulnerabilities. Outmaneuver them with footwork.
Yet it was also a unique bit of flare. The tall red Jedi could have placed her stroke towards the neck, instead she chose the back of the knee. It revealed her priorities in the battle. Winning by any means wasn’t on her agenda. She aimed to win by preventing the enemy from fighting, not to land a killing blow. In fact, it would become apparent as the skirmish continued that her intention wasn’t necessarily to win. It was to produce a stalemate, and only to end it if an opportunity presented itself. Sherasti used Makashi with the goals of Soresu. And that left one very good question for Xell. How to defeat an enemy who wasn’t fighting to win.
The Togruta Consular noticed Xell hadn’t aimed his strike to her left side, despite knowing her weakness. It was extremely courteous of him. It also didn’t seem in line with what she knew of Orren. Clearly it was his own thinking at work, which meant he still had room for Sherasti’s teaching in his repertoire.
“You don’t need to avoid my arm Padawan, but it is sweet of you.”
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last online Dec 28, 2015 2:36:26 GMT -5
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Jun 22, 2011 19:03:20 GMT -5
Post by ninjabot on Jun 22, 2011 19:03:20 GMT -5
Xell's eyes narrowed as he traced Sherasti's dodge. Well, he certainly had not counted on that. He could hear Orren admonishing him in his mind.
Fool! Just because you know of her fighting style does not mean you know her movements! 100 Jedi can all practice the same form and they would all have their own personal mannerisms. Learn hers through deciept! Force her to reveal her hand by baiting her attacks!
Xell groaned as his knee was stunned by Sherasti's saber blade. It gave him a boost of adrenalin that was needed. Often times his passive nature made it so that it took him a while to really get serious about finishing a fight. It took pain to push him to pressure the offensive.
That could very well be the reason Orren never avoided dealing significant injuries during their training. That has to be why. Right? No matter. Xell was focused on his opponent. He smirked at his master's words of thanks but never slowed his pursuit.
"This is just a training excersise. If it were a fight to the death, rest assured I wouldn't be so compassionate." promised Xell as he launched into a spiral, swinging his saber in a horizontal arc while stepping toward Sherasti's strongarm side.
He would continue swinging until he managed to force her toward the closest wall. At that point she would need to dodge to either side, as she didn't seem to be the type to attempt vaulting over him. Then?
Then, you will give her enough leeway to perform her own counter attack. She wants you to waste strength chasing her. Don't allow her to set the pace of the battle.
Yeah! I'll keep her at sword's length. Stop chasing her, but use my basic form as a makeshift wall to keep her boxed in!
And he did. Or attempted to. His sword swipes became less frantic, and more slow as if inviting a counter attack, or drawing out a dodge. He clenched his saber with both hands tightly, his wrist muscles tensed in such a way that any analytical fighter would predict that he was waiting to swat away her green saber with a parry. And that's what he wanted. He wanted her to try to move in either direction so that he could pivot around with a wide backhanded swing aimed at her torso, again on the side of her swordarm.
You may think my compassion is misplaced Master Sherasti, but not really. You have one good arm. I may not be ambidextrous enough to write my name with my left hand, but if my sword arm is lost I can still fight with my left arm without any difference in strength. If I weaken your good arm I've all but won!
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last online Apr 19, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -5
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Jun 22, 2011 19:05:39 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jun 22, 2011 19:05:39 GMT -5
"This is just a training excercise. If it were a fight to the death, rest assured I wouldn't be so compassionate."
“What makes you assume any fight is to the death? There are always alternatives.” Sherasti advised sagely, un-winded as her blade blocked Xell’s blows seemingly with a will of its own.
The Togruta allowed herself to be backed towards the wall, rightly confident that she could easily work her way out of the ‘box’ Xell was putting her in. Surely enough, Xell’s fighting style became much more passive as he had her where he wanted her. Well, maybe not where he wanted her if his emotions were still in question…
Vaguely she wondered if the lingering attraction he felt would harm his efforts against her. Not likely. He appreciates the difference between training and reality.
He held his saber tightly, as if expecting a thrust or slash. Sherasti obliged him with a flick of her wrist. The curved handle of her saber tucked into her palm and gave the stroke extra leverage. Which meant extra speed and extra power.
Xell’s blade parried her swing, but Sherasti easily transitioned it into a disengage as she stepped to the side. Again she could tell that was precisely what he wanted. Her strategy boiled down to springing the trap. She’d never yet been caught by a trap, her telepathic prowess and her connection to the Living Force helped her see a step ahead and counter moves half a second before they were made.
Her Padawan swung his saber in a wide back-handed arc aimed towards her torso. It was an unusual swing, not really in line with his Shii Cho or his Soresu. It was a powerful stroke, and that tipped her off to his strategy. Weaken her sword arm. It was really quite clever, but it was a gamble for him. He had to believe his own strength and endurance surpassed her own.
The Togruta’s blade met Xell’s with a crackle, and in an unexpected movement she directed it downward and inward, away from her torso and towards the human’s own leg. As she redirected his saber, she stepped aside again. Now the whole of the room as to her back and she had unrestricted movement to lead him around in whatever path she chose. In short, she’d changed the venue to something perfect for Makashi.
Almost with amusement, she broadcast to him telepathically. Your compassion isn’t misplaced Padawan. It is your ally. Bind it to your fighting style.
The message served as more than advice, it also served as a warning that she’d picked up on his strategy.
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last online Dec 28, 2015 2:36:26 GMT -5
Padawan
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Jun 22, 2011 19:08:10 GMT -5
Post by ninjabot on Jun 22, 2011 19:08:10 GMT -5
Again, Xell felt the sting of a saber strike to his leg. This time Sherasti added insult to inury by making sure it was his own saber that buried into his leg. He let out a grunt, but simply stayed his ground, turning to face his opponent while spinning his saber in a defensive flourish to ward off any attempt at reaching his blindspot.
Fine... if I cannot bait her with my own movements, I should wait for her to take the initiative.
He ignored Sherasti's telepathic musings and focused on the hum of his saber. Still, the fact that she could counterattack aswell as speek to him telepathically gave him an idea.
If Sherasti could communicate with her mind while fighting, which takes more effort than simply recieving mental images... that meant she likely could read his mind while they exchanged blows! It was true that up until now all of his training from Master Orren was meant to protect him from opponents that didn't employ telepathic powers. He was not prepared for fighting Jedi of Sherasti's caliber, thus telepathic defenses were not apart of his training just yet.
Xell face-faulted. He hadn't a clue how to break away from a mental invasion from a master level opponent. Ofcourse, he could be over thinking things. His strategy could simply be that easy to see through. No matter what the situation may be, Xell would certainly try though. The young Padawan visualized a door shutting before him. He could hear a latch lock into place.
Then, another door closed in front of that one.
It was a massive, sliding metal door with a wheel lock tightening in place. Then, chains snaked up the metallic door and wrapped around the lock, surpentining with light clanking noises before a padlock clasped onto the chain. When he was confortable that his thoughts were his own, he simply spun his lightsaber to his side and waited.
Xell would simply wait. Orren's own teachings were not fit for this duel, and Sherasti was indeed his master, so listening to her teachings and taking them as his own definately would not be detrimental. Infact, that was what the entire training session was about. Learning. If compassion was his ally, then he would heed his new master's words and wait.
The boy cleared his mind. The sound of his lightsaber was all that he thought of and hopefully, that was all that Sherasti could 'hear' from within his subconscious. Whatever movement Sherasti made he would have to give his body over to the force and allow it to drive his attack home, rather than think of his actual movements.
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last online Apr 19, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -5
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Jun 22, 2011 19:18:31 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jun 22, 2011 19:18:31 GMT -5
Xell had indeed picked up on her warning and had closed his mind. It would have been easy enough to break through his defenses. They were good given his skill level, if visualized in quite the unconventional manner. A skilled telepath like Sherasti could break through them. But it wasn’t in her character.
Even with strategic defenses in place, Xell would have to worry about other indicators. And he’d have to learn to give himself over to the Living Force. When you were a vessel for it, everything was connected. You ‘felt’ your opponent, and their own plans and movements were your plans and movements. You could counter them, and you could bypass them.
“Good,” she said with a smile. “Not everyone should focus on offense, it can leave you vulnerable. Let your opponent take the initiative, find your center and give yourself over to the Living Force. Yield to its demands and let it work through you. Wait until they make a mistake, then act against them. And never forget there are alternatives to fighting. And when you do fight, killing should be only the very last resort.”
The hum of their lightsabers was the only sound for a moment as master and apprentice were both silent. Then with a quick Makashi flourish, Sherasti took the offensive and made a few probing strikes to check Xell’s Soresu. The first combination was a quick series of cuts to the leg, the torso, and the neck. They weren’t hard to block per se, but they were delivered with speed. It was a test of his reactions, to see if he was in his center. If he was, then he could divert them all with the simple movement of his wrist. If not, he’d wind up getting stung by a blade for a third time.
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last online Dec 28, 2015 2:36:26 GMT -5
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Jun 22, 2011 19:21:32 GMT -5
Post by ninjabot on Jun 22, 2011 19:21:32 GMT -5
Sure enough, Sherasti pressed the offensive. Xell was happy with her praise. It proved he was learning and that all he learned from Orren was not for naught. He just wished it had not taken so long to realize. And he was sure that Sherasti could break his mental defenses based on the difference in their skill level, but expected her not to.
Sherasti was still getting a feel for Xell's level of experience, and she could not learn that without seeing what all situational reactions. How he defends telepathic intrusion. How he breaks through an opponent's guard. And how he defends physical attacks. He would not disappoint.
The tip of Sherasti's saber danced around like a green butterfly before thrusting outward at his leg. While he was centered, he wasn't in the spot he wanted to be in. Still, he used this chance to swipe his sword around in a blocking motion that made his saber look like a crescent moon. It was a diversionary tactic and blocking motion in one, as he pivoted behind the glare of his saber while it scraped against her saber. Now he was over to the side a bit, but had to contend with her saber rising up to hit his torso. Fortunately for him he was where he needed to be.
Finally.
Simply rising his still symmetrically aligned sword, tip pointed down, upwards allowed Xell to block again. While he wasn't master status in his fighting skill, he was particularly swift. One last strike moved upwards for his neck, which he blocked aswell by fliping his saber in the revers of the motion he made earlier, but without the pivot. His fledgeling Soresu was serving him well, but only because Sherasti thought it necessary to hold back considerably. He would not complain.
With his azure saber grinding against the green of Sherasti's on, Xell pushed forward with the weight of his whole body. He lifted his arms upward aswell asnot to break away from Sherast just yet, but to push her saber downward. His left hand slid down his saber handle and off, infront of his lower torso, pointing at her own torso. If telepathic warfare was fair game, telekinetic warfare was aswell. And Xell was far more impressive with his telekinisis than his telepathy. There was far less lag between summoning the surrounding forces needed to move his target than there was with his telepathic sensing. He could also use it while moving, and control the amount of force behind it.
The torrent of living force erupted from his hand in not a condensed kinetic bombshell as Master Orren had taught him to, but rather a wave of pressure meant to push away Sherasti. Normally he was expected to push with such killing intent that the enemy feels like they had been stomped by a rancor. But this was Xell's new philosphy in battle. He would apply less force over a greater area with the intent of staggering Sherasti backwards toward the furthest wall.
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last online Apr 19, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -5
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Jun 22, 2011 19:25:42 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jun 22, 2011 19:25:42 GMT -5
Xell countered the strokes well, and he even managed to take the initiative again. Sherasti noticed his hand leaving the saber, switching to a one-handed grip. She prepared herself for the telekinetic push. When it came, in the form of a wave, she didn’t resist it. She embraced it, using the ample room behind her to carry out one of her limited body skills by flipping in the air, her lekku dancing along with her, and touching down across the room on her feet.
She delved into her mind as her Padawan was forced to cross the room toward her. She gathered up what she needed and projected it out powerfully.
A flash filled the room realistically for Xell, though it was simply a shadowy light to Sherasti’s eyes. And when Xell’s vision had recovered, there were two false images of his Togruta master, both wielding lightsabers. And all of them would feel exactly real to him, despite them being illusions.
The three Sherasti Rins held their sabers in a Makashi opening stance, and the real one quickly thrust her saber forward to the inside base of her Padawan’s blade, and spun it out and around. The movement sent the lightsaber flying out of Xell’s hand.
With a quick force pull it shot into Sherasti’s left hand and deactivated. The Togruta deactivated her own saber and returned it to her belt. The practice match was over.
She switched Xell’s lightsaber to her right hand and examined it before handing it back to the Padawan, a Mona Lisa smile on her face with the exception of a solitary fang protruding from one side of her mouth. “You handled yourself well Xell. I think you have the potential to become a skilled Jedi Knight. With a little practice of course.”
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last online Dec 28, 2015 2:36:26 GMT -5
Padawan
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Jun 22, 2011 19:33:18 GMT -5
Post by ninjabot on Jun 22, 2011 19:33:18 GMT -5
Xell shielded his face with his right forearm as the room filled with light. After it passed he stepped forward, but immediately stopped after seeing Sherasti before him. Somehow... she had multiplied.
"...wha-"
His words could not be finished. In one swift movement Sherasti swiped her green lightsaber blade against his blue one and twisting her wrist in such a way that it launched his saber out of his hand before pulling it toward her. The boy was too busy watching in bewilderment to voice any protest.
Sherasti grabbed hold of the lightsaber (the Sherasti in the center, mind) and powered it down. She even looked it over as if it was all done on a whim and she was curious as to the makings of the lightsaber. It was a little condescending to be honest. Still, Xell was still staring with his mouth agape. The illusion dissipated at Sherasti's choosing and she approached to return the saber.
"You handled yourself well Xell. I think you have the potential to become a skilled Jedi Knight. With a little practice of course."
Xell blinked finally. Then, he took a loud, audible breath to prepare to say what he wanted... needed to say.
"YOU MULTIPLIED!" squeaked the Padawan in fanboyish fare. "And! And you all looked the same! It was like one, but then three! AND THEN...THEN ONE AGAIN!"
Up until this point Xell had done well to hide his childish nature when it came to his fascination with action heroes.
"IT'S SO AWESOME!!! You don't even KNOW man! You do-not-even KNOW!! It's like.... it's like..."
Xell bolted away from the room toward his bags and rustled through them with a speed that could be likened to Force Speed (another ability that would likely blow the youth's mind when he first witnesses it), tossing clothing and books left and right before he came to The Amazing Spider Droid. Another burst of speed and he was back infront of his master. He held the book up literally a centimeter from Sherasti's nose.
"Mild-mannered Peter Parkwalker was stepped on by a radioactive Spider Droid tank. The next day he developed speed and strength comparable to that of a Spider Droid! But look here at the badguy!" said Xell before moving the book from her face and taking it out of the plastic. He carefully flipped through the issue, making sure not to crease the corners.
"Mysteriex! The illusion-casting enemy of The Amazing Spider Droid!!!" Silence ensued, aside from Xell's enthusiastic breathing. The picture showed a villianous looking man with a fishbowl helmet. He had made ghostlike images of himself, hardly as realistic as what Sherasti pulled off. Xell hummed to himself as he put the book back in it's plastic. Then? Then he began singing the Spider Droid theme.
"Spider Droid, Spider Droid, partly spider and partly droid,
Fighting crime, with his leet, super awe-some spider feet,
Watch out! Here comes the Spider Droid!"
It was only after his fangasm subsided that he realized that his fascination with science fiction would be considered another failing on Master Orren's behalf. Xell's smile slowly faded.
"I uh... ahem... we can just keep that little event to ourselves." Xell hastily moved to put his book away. After doing so he made his way back over to Sherasti.
"So... how 'bout them force abilities..." he started, hoping that she would take the conversation somewhere else. He expected lecturing though.
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last online Apr 19, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -5
Master
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Jun 22, 2011 19:36:07 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jun 22, 2011 19:36:07 GMT -5
Sherasti stared blankly at Xell, her jaw dropped and her mouth hung open and revealed her ivory-colored fangs. A rather dumbfounded expression appeared on her face and she was at a loss for words.
It really didn’t matter, as Xell’s giggling schoolboy rant continued unabated for what seemed like several minutes.
"I uh... ahem... we can just keep that little event to ourselves."
“Yes… Let’s do that…” Sherasti said tentatively, honestly still at a loss for words. She had not been prepared for the fantastic captain super spider wookie-man, or whatever it was he’d started yammering about.
As a Youngling and a Padawan she’d known a few others who were interested in holos of fantastical heroes. She’d preferred simpler things, like simply being part of nature. Walking barefoot in a forest. Wading into a stream and drying off in the sun. Studying the plants.
Or learning about her culture. That had been her biggest interest at his age. Learning how to hunt. Learning to eat a thimiar.
She felt almost guilty for her feelings now. She was judging Xell, probably unfairly. Simply because he was… well, nerdy, didn’t mean he wasn’t an intelligent and insightful young man. But at the same time that was… hard to put up with. But she had to respect him. She couldn’t push him hard or try to change who he was. That may have been the sort of thing Orren would do, but it wasn’t her way. Xell needed to learn to be comfortable around her. And judging him ruthlessly wasn’t going to help that at all.
The Togruta still couldn’t suppress the sigh that came from her. Or even the slight shake of her head from side to side.
“I think we’re done for today Padawan. No further lessons. But I would like to simply… talk with you.” She said as she paced over to seating area of the ship’s main lounge. The Togruta eased herself into a chair and motioned Xell into one across from her. “I want to get to know you better. Tell me about yourself.”
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last online Dec 28, 2015 2:36:26 GMT -5
Padawan
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Jun 22, 2011 19:40:44 GMT -5
Post by ninjabot on Jun 22, 2011 19:40:44 GMT -5
Sherasti sighed as she made her way to a seat adjacent the room they were just sparring in. It was this show of disappointment that really drove home the idea that Xell's master was ashamed enough for the both of them. The Padawan looked at the floor and shuffled his foot in hopes of figuring out something to say. He only looked back to his master when she beckoned him.
"I think we're done for today Padawan. No further lessons. But I would like to simply talk with you."
Xell looked up slowly before glancing left and right, even behind himself as if he was surprised she wanted to speak with him. Because in truth, he was. He did not expect her to still be willing to learn more about him after the last surprise.
"...okay." muttered Xell. He made his way over to the seat in front of her, making sure to make no sudden movements to freak her out. Even when finally sitting down he made sure to do so slowly.
"I want to get to know you better. Tell me about yourself."
Xell wringed his hands and bit his bottom lip. She obviously wanted to figure out what other quirks Xell had so she could cut and run incase he was too much of a handfull. Xell's eyes rolled up and to the left again, textbook signals that he was picking and choosing his responses rather than allowing them to flow honestly. After a deep breath he closed his eyes and nodded.
"Okay. Well. I guess we should start from the beginning..."
Half an hour later...
"...and I got in alot of trouble over that. I stopped reading so many action novels and watching holos inorder to focus on my training, and it served me well, as I had earned the right to become a Padawan. Master Urrik stated that Master Orren never wanted a Padawan. But he chose me. That's gotta count for someting, right? So yeah... time went on..."
An hour later...
Sherasti stared at Xell attentively, which goaded him to continue. Whether that was her plan was unknown.
"You um... probably want to know just how my relationship with Master Orren was. Right? It was great. I don't know... like, having a strong enough connection to someone after having no personal connections at all? It changes you. I know I should depreciate the value of self and focus on the value of the whole... to be less focused on things like what makes me happy, and more focused on my duties but... Master Orren showed me I could do both aslong as it's in moderation. Anyway, I wasn't allowed to follow on the dangerous missions, but there was one time when I found Orren under ambush. I knew not to interfere but..."
More time later...
"...and I saved him! Against a Dark Jedi! But, I was too weak. I trapped her against a wall and turned to help Orren, because no matter what the situation, aslong as he was okay I was thankful. Still, she tried to attack me from behind and... Master Orren saved me. Launched her right out of a window with the force."
Xell stopped to think. Again he was struggling to assure Sherasti that Orren was not a fallen Jedi.
"If he hadn't pushed her, I would've died! It was at that point I started to understand what a true life or death situation was. This path I walk would not be as simple as Good vs. Evil. There was no way to always win. No way to protect everyone. Not if you're not strong enough. So I train harder. Try to push myself past what's expected of me at this level. That's why I had to win against you. Not because I was angry or because I was like... humiliated. But because I've experienced battle and I'm well aware my opponent won't be holding back. I shouldn't either. Not when the lives of good people are at stake. Not when my own is at stake."
Xell shook his head and forced a brief smile.
"...and that's it. From orphan, to student, to Padawan... to you."
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last online Apr 19, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -5
Master
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Jun 22, 2011 19:48:20 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jun 22, 2011 19:48:20 GMT -5
"...and that's it. From orphan, to student, to Padawan... to you."
Sherasti nodded, her lekku rising and falling with the motion. Xell had really poured himself out to her, with reserve at first. But his confidence had grown to where he spoke freely. Surprisingly freely.
His initial thimiar in the open behavior had vanished, and he seemed at ease with her. His attraction was now small enough that Sherasti’s natural aura of serenity was relaxing him.
The Togruta had nodded from time to time, and occasionally offered a word or two. But for the most part she had remained silent and listened. He had a life story far more interesting than he gave himself credit for. His modesty knew no limits.
But the story with the Dark Jedi troubled her. For a Master like Orren, disarming the girl would have been child’s play after she was essentially defeated. But he’d elected to kill her right there with his Padawan present. It was a decision that made her shudder. And it had colored his approach to saber combat.
His Soresu could never succeed while that view of not holding back was allowed to prevail.
Sherasti opened her mouth and started to speak.
“Never forget the difference between you and your opponent. What good is it to slay a dragon only to find you have become it? Victory at any cost is not what you should strive for. Remember that a Jedi is one with the Force while fighting, and when we die we simply become one with the Force entirely. Your own death shouldn’t be embraced, but neither should it be feared. Some day you may even be called to yield it willingly if the Force calls you to.”
She paused, trying to figure out exactly how to phrase her next thought.
“You have to be careful. You may find the cost of taking a life is more than you can pay. And you might not even notice what was taken from you until it is too late.”
The Togruta held the arms of the chair and tucked her legs underneath her into her typical cross-legged seated position, though in a chair rather than on the floor. Once she was comfortable enough physically, she readied herself for the uncomfortable challenge she had for Xell.
“That girl, the Dark Jedi. Tell me about her. What color were her eyes? How old was she? What color were her skin, her hair? Was she tall? Short? Did she have family or friends? Who was she? Did she have dreams? Did she love? Did she read action novels?”
She let Xell think it over for a few long seconds before she continued, reaching her point. “If you knew any of those things, if you knew your opponent, would you be so nonchalant about killing her? Could you look into her eyes and see her life fade away?”
“The lives of good people are always at stake. No matter how dark someone is, the light lives inside them and waits for a chance to emerge. The Light and the Dark are both present in all of us, and a Dark Jedi has as much chance of returning to the Light as a Jedi has of falling to the Dark Side. If I were a Sith and you fought me, would you be content to simply kill me? Or would Sherasti Rin deserve a chance to live and to change?”
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last online Dec 28, 2015 2:36:26 GMT -5
Padawan
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Jun 22, 2011 19:57:11 GMT -5
Post by ninjabot on Jun 22, 2011 19:57:11 GMT -5
Xell awaited Sherasti's judgement. He was sure his words were honest enough and descriptive enough that they needed no elaboration. Sherasti nodded at each point to show understanding. Then, she asked her own questions. Oddly enough, alot of them were questions he himself asked Orren at their last meeting.
"That girl, the Dark Jedi. Tell me about her. What color were her eyes?"
Blue. But tinted red with killing intent.
"How old was she?"
No older than you. Old enough to understand right from wrong. Old enough to kill. Old enough to suffer the consequences of her actions.
"Was she tall?"
She was shorter than you. What does this matter?
"What color were her skin, her hair?"
Porcelain white skin... jet black hair. Still information that won't protect you in a fight to the death. None of it matters.
"Did she have family or friends?"
Inconsequential. Just like we Jedi, the Sith are expected to break these ties. If she did or did not, she had to be prepared for the consequences.
Yes, Xell remembered everything about the girl so vividly. He dreamed about the event often. His conversation with Orren was memorable aswell, that was why he could remember it even better. He would not forget. Infact, it was this conversation that was far more horrifying than the actual actions that took place that fateful night.
Sherasti continued her lesson on life and death. Then one question snapped him back to attention, making the image of the young girl fade away.
"If I were a Sith and you fought me, would you be content to simply kill me? Or would Sherasti Rin deserve a chance to live and to change?"
Xell's eyes widened. He couldn't think of killing Sherasti. He considered her more than a pretty face after the time he spent with her, and it left a bad taste in his mouth to think of any harm coming to her.
"I understand where you're coming from master. That's why I hoped to keep her subdued... see to Orren's injury instead. But the fight took place in a crowded building. Orren said I can't gamble with the lives of innocents. What if... what if Orren hadn't been strong enough to protect me when my back was turned? What if we left her to flee and one of the bystanders were injured? Could you have protected everyone there?"
Xell awaited an answer. "I understand that Master Orren resorted to less than honorable means to stop her. But I'm not convinced the end didn't justify the means. Sacrifice one to protect many. It's a choice I hope I never have to make for myself. But if I do..."
Xell stopped and looked away.
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last online Apr 19, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -5
Master
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Jun 22, 2011 20:05:36 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jun 22, 2011 20:05:36 GMT -5
“Why not let her flee? She was defeated, and she knew it. Mercy could have changed her life perhaps. A ray of hope and kindness shining in might have been all she needed. As to bystanders, fight defensively, take control of the venue and you can ensure the innocent ones stay safely away from the combat. Never be afraid to retreat. If your foe is aggressive and wants to fight you, they will follow. You can direct the path of the fighting away from others.”
Sherasti sighed and closed her eyes for a moment. Xell wouldn’t like what she had to say.
“Orren didn’t have to kill her. She was still a girl, not yet a woman. I can see her in your thoughts. She was no match for him and he knew that too. He appointed himself as judge, as jury, and… as executioner.”
Execution. Something the Jedi Order did not believe in. Something it was important Xell learned to disavow.
“He made a decision to kill her when it wasn’t necessary, because as he said Old enough to suffer the consequences of her actions... Consequences he determined and doled out.”
She plucked the words directly from Xell’s mind and let them flow off her lips. She let it sink in before continuing.
“The ends can never justify the means Xell Rayner. The road we take matters just as much as where we arrive. And you’ll find if you aren’t careful that the means we ignore often take us to the wrong end. We can’t afford to gamble with any lives, guilty or innocent. It simply isn’t our place to judge. And it is never our place to dole out punishment. If we do, one day we wake up and see the dragon we hunted is staring back in the mirror.”
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last online Dec 28, 2015 2:36:26 GMT -5
Padawan
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Jun 24, 2011 0:15:47 GMT -5
Post by ninjabot on Jun 24, 2011 0:15:47 GMT -5
Xell shook his head. He was flustered, it was obvious. But he was no fool. He understood the oaths, the life that every Jedi is expected to lead, and the promise to live passively and act to serve and protect. She had more experience than he, but was it enough to really believe so strongly in what she was saying? Did the event he witnessed scar him so heavily that it proved his will was weaker than hers?
He didn't care. He just wanted her to stop. Still, Sherasti continued. She even went as far as invading his mind. Earlier their mental conversations were invited, but now that she was going where she was not given permission to go he was feeling violated. He would not speak about it, as he already seemed to have posed an afront to her sensibilities. But he would remember.
"The ends can never justify the means Xell Rayner. The road we take matters just as much as where we arrive. And you'll find if you aren't careful that the means we ignore often take us to the wrong end. We can't afford to gamble with any lives, guilty or innocent. It simply isn't our place to judge. And it is never our place to dole out punishment. If we do, one day we wake up and see the dragon we hunted is staring back in the mirror."
Xell mulled it over for a moment before sighing. "I honestly hope you are right. Because I don't favor the thought of taking another's life. I won't be an executioner, I swear it. But it all seems... unrealistic. To think that we could fight these people who will stop at nothing to kill us, and just expect to be able to hold on to our values. I'm mature enough to know there are bound to be instances where you simply can't win without going to a place you'd rather not go; emotionally and physically. What Orren did... may be excessive by the Order's standards. But I doubt the people he may have saved would think otherwise."
Xell removed his saber from his belt and held it up, looking it over as he usually does when thinking. "You have my word that this saber will never be used to pass judgement on another sentient. But my promise to myself, to protect the weak and devote my entire being to that promise... I can't go back on that either. Those two promises will butt heads eventually. I pray I have developed enough by then that I can make the right decision."
He put away the saber and forced another smile. "I guess... that just means I have to be the strongest Jedi their ever was, huh? You disarmed me handily, and didn't have to kill me to do so. But only because you were strong enough to do so. If I can become that strong, then I don't have to resort to Orren's type of justice. I can keep my oath to the Order aswell as my oath to myself. Win-win. Right?"
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