Meditation [Jace and Jerek/Open]

[~Rizzo~]

"I understand, Master Beleren," said Jayden. So, the Master did understand how he felt. He had lost his own Master, and had succumbed to his grief, something Jayden should never give in to. Even though he, too, had struck out at his Master's killers in hatred, he had tried to forgive himself for it. Jayden knew it was wrong; he had accepted that, but he still wasn't completely over it. It was taught in the temple that striking out in hatred was a path to the Dark Side. Was he going to fall to the Dark Side? Surely not. He wouldn't allow himself to, after what the Master had told him.

Feeling that it was best to let his emotions out, he explained. "I, too, slew my Master's killers in anger . . . in hatred that I had never felt before, and I realized it the moment it happened. Every day, I think of what I did, and I forgive myself. Giving in to hatred is a path to the Dark Side, the Masters say. I don't want that path. My Master's death was an even more difficult thing to accept. I blame myself, even though I shouldn't. Perhaps I am wrong to think so." He paused, looking up at Master Beleren in admiration.

"But I will not succumb to my grief. No matter how difficult it may be, and no matter how many times I may question myself, I will not give in. I've realized that death is only a part of life; it is a lesson that all must learn. When I finally do completely accept what happened, my lesson will be learned. Thank you, Master. You have no idea how much you've helped me."

[Jace]

"There is no death, only the Force" he said reciting the line from the Jedi Code. He hadn't even realized he spoke the words out loud, for they were so embedded in his consciousness.

The boy seemed to understand what was at stake, and the consequences of what he had done. Reflections on ones actions was a very integral part of a Jedi's progression. One cannot correct their mistakes if they have not reflected on the mistakes they have made.

"Well maybe I can help you out a bit more Jayden. How would like to be my padawan learner?" he asked suddenly.

Jace wasn't one for beating around the bush, so he just went ahead and asked it. The Force had drawn him to that training room, and to the boy standing before him.

There are no coincidences....

[~Rizzo~]

Jayden sat in silence for a moment, pondering the Master's words, his hand on the hilt of his lightsaber as if it could somehow offer him comfort. It reminded him of his Master, for it was he who had helped him in the construction of his weapon, and he felt a pang of sorrow. "There is no death, only the Force." Master Beleren's words rang in his head; the Jedi Code. His Master was one with the Force now. He was not dead, for there was no death in the Force. Jayden should not mourn for him, but treasure his memory and move on, take another step towards his journey to becoming a Jedi Knight.

Master Beleren's next words caught Jayden off-guard. He had asked him to be his Padawan Learner. This was the opportunity the Force had offered to him. Take another step towards my journey, he thought to himself, nodding towards the Master. "Yes, I will be your Padawan Learner." He said the words cheerfully, his grief was gone. He had let go. "I still have so much to learn, and mourning for my old Master will only worsen the situation. He is not dead, but one with the Force now." Jayden smiled, the first true smile he'd smiled in days.

Bowing politely, he said, "I pledge myself to you, Master."

[Jace]

Jace smiled as Jayden accepted his offer of apprenticeship, and then let out a small chuckle.

I hope I haven't forget how to do this

He then turned back to Jayden and put on a more serious expression.

"Well since that is decided, I don't see any reason to delay with your training. But before we begin training, tell me what you have already learned from your former Master. Since you are not at the normal age to take a padawan, I am curious of where your skills stand. Depending on your answer, I shall decide where we are to begin"

It had been almost ten years since he had trained a padawan. He still remember those days, and how reluctant he was. He had changed since those days, then again a lot had changed since he was young.

[~Rizzo~]

Jayden thought for a moment, wondering where to start. Because lightsaber combat was more important to him, he would tell his Master where he stood in that area. "I've almost mastered Shii-Cho. Just another year or two and I'll hopefully have it down," he began, "and I've learned the forms Makashi, Soresu, and Ataru, though I focus most on Ataru. I'm nowhere near mastering any of those, I'm afraid." Now, onto other aspects of his training . . .

"Let's see . . . All of my skills could use some work, really. I need to learn how to manipulate the Force to heal others. I believe that would prove to be an invaluable skill." Jayden smiled, bowing again. "I'm ready for training whenever you are, Master."

[Jace]

Jace ran a hand over the side of his face; his hand met a rough stubble.He was going over various training techniques in his head, trying to sort out where to begin. He figured he had found a good place to start and began to walk back towards the temple.

"Follow me Jayden" Jace stated as he motioned for Jayden to follow him.

He remained quiet as they walked through the hallways once again. Jace had come to learn that silence was one of the comforting yet disconcerting phenomenons in the universe. After a few minutes of walking, Jace finally stopped in front of a large room.

Jace walked into the room, and with a wave of his hand, all the blinds closed bathing the room in darkness. He then moved to the center of the room and there was a sudden hiss-snap. Jace's lightsaber ignited and it bathed the room in a dull orange.

"Now Jayden, look at this lightsaber, look at your lightsaber. What does the lightsaber mean to you? what is the purpose of the lightsaber?How is the lightsaber related to use as a Jedi and to the Force?"

Since Jayden seemed to be focusing on saber combat, it was important to understand his perception of the lightsaber. One's perception of the lightsaber ultimately would decide how they wield it.

[~Rizzo~]

Jayden nodded, following his Master back into the temple, down the hallway. They walked in silence, something that Jayden was accustomed to. He had been taught that silence was often better than words. When the two stopped, it was because they had reached a rather large room. Master Beleren stepped inside, closing the blinds, the only light remaining beind the glow of his orange lightsaber. So, this was going to be a lightsaber excersise. Good.

When his Master began speaking, asking him what his lightsaber meant to him, Jayden drew his own weapon, igniting it, gazing deeply into the blue glow that emitted from within its core. His heart beat in his chest, quicker than normal; holding a lightsaber had always been exhilerating to him. It was the same feeling he received when listening to the Force, feeling it around him, protecting him during battle. Both feelings were wonderful.

But what did his weapon truly mean to him? That was a good question . . . Jayden thought about it for a while, studying his lightsaber carefully, looking deep within himself for his answer. "The lightsaber is the weapon of a Jedi. Not only a weapon - it is also a channel for the Force. When I weild it, I can feel the Force . . . surrounding me, aiding me. Without it, I am almost nothing." He hoped it was a good enough answer for his Master. Most Jedi scolded him for his views on the lightsaber, saying that it wasn't necessary to a Jedi. He believed the opposite. Maybe he was wrong . . .

Jayden then looked up at his Master, waiting for him to speak, hoping that he had answered correctly, if there was a correct answer.

[Jace]

Jace remained quiet as his new padawan gave his answer to the question he had put forward. He waited for a few more moments before responding.

"You must always keep something in mind Jayden. The Jedi are keepers of the peace, we are not soldiers. Soldiers have need for weapons, we do not. You must remember this distinction young one, for it is what sets the Jedi apart from the common soldier.

In use, a weapon it may be, but if you view it as such it will lead you down a dangerous road. It is a tool yes, A tool of the Jedi, just as the Jedi are the tool of the Force. Tools are used to build,repair, and create while weapons are used to destroy and cause suffering. Do you now see how dangerous considering the Lightsaber as a weapon can be?"

He paused for a moment, for he was disturbed by the last thing that Jayden had said. Dependence was a dangerous thing, for it led to attachment which would lead to fear of loss.

"The lightsaber is important to some Jedi, and to others it is not. You must understand that it is nothing but a conduit for your deeds as a Jedi. You must not become wholly dependent on it, it will make you vulnerable. The lightsaber is important in walking the path for some, but do not let it define you. You define your lightsaber, not the other way around..."

He left the last sentence hanging there, he wanted to give Jayden time to reflect on what was said. He was not trying to be harsh but only to make sure that his young padawan understood the dangers of such train of thought.

[~Rizzo~]

His response had obviously been wrong, Jayden couldn't help but think. He understood what his Master told him, though. He understood it, but didn't quite want to accept it. Jayden had always thought of the lightsaber as a weapon; not necessarily a weapon meant for bloodshed alone, but a weapon nonetheless. What Master Beleren said was completely different. He had referred to it as a tool to build and create, while Jayden had always thought of it as a tool to destroy. He had always believed that he could build and create with his mind alone, using his lightsaber to guide and protect him.

"Yes, Master," he said, bowing his head in humility. "I understand." He had to define his lightsaber . . . Not let the lightsaber define him. Maybe he was relying on it too much. If he were to lose it, what would he do? The answer to that question frightened him. He had never dealt with any situation without his lightsaber. Was he too attached to it? Yes, maybe he did understand.

"Master, if you mind my asking, what does this have to do with my training?" He was eager to begin; as eager as any young Jedi would be.

[Jace]

Jace smiled slightly, recognizing the typical eagerness to begin with training. There was more to training then just swinging around your lightsaber, much more.

"It has everything to do with your training. Just as you train your body, you must also train your mind. Once you progress as a Jedi you will learn that there is a great deal of thought involved. As I stated earlier, it is important for you to understand certain discrepancies. If you do not, though you will not notice, your movements will be effected by your perceptions.

Swinging the blade is only half the battle young Jayden. The key to being a successful lightsaber wielder is to always be at least one step ahead of your opponent. The exceptional fighters in any area, are those who are steps ahead of their opponent. You don't realize it, but you subconsciously try to calculate and predict the movements of your opponent. By conditioning your mind, you will be better able to predict your opponent."

He then clipped his lightsaber back on his belt, and stretched his arms out.

"Alright I think that is enough lecturing. I am going to teach a few useful skills to deal with opponents who have weapons but when you do not. Then we will move on to lightsaber combat from there. These techniques may one day save your life, whether against a vibroblade or a lightsaber.

Now I want you to attack me with an overhead slash, aiming to cut down the center of my head"

Jace hadn't taught these techniques for quite sometime, most Jedi didn't bother with unarmed combat. Jace had found it very useful in his time as a Shadow. It was also a much less lethal alternative to the lightsaber.

[~Rizzo~]

"I understand, Master," said Jayden, listening as Master Beleren explained how useful his mind could be in a lightsaber duel. He was right, of course. Jayden used his mind constantly, picking apart his opponent, anticipating their next move, planning his . . . Fighting an opponent wasn't always about the lightsaber.

When Master Beleren finally decided to begin the training session, Jayden was disappointed. They weren't going to work on lightsaber combat yet? Unarmed combat wasn't all that exciting, but, if his Master found it necessary, he was probably correct. It could be a useful skill, now that Jayden thought about it. "Alright, Master," he said, raising his lightsaber.

In one quick movement, he brought it down towards Master Beleren's head, just as the Master had instructed. The blade cut through the air as it whipped down with frightening speed. Jayden smirked, wondering how his Master could possibly avoid the blow without a lightsaber.

[Jace]

Hmmm he still holds too much faith in the saber, well that is something that can only change with experience

Jace watched as Jayden moved quickly, slashing down towards his head with great speed.

Oh not bad at all he thought as a smirk crossed his face.

Jace waited for the blade to almost connect, and then a small surge of Force rushed inside him. He step forward and to the right, with force induced speed. Narrowly dodging the blade, he grabbed Jayden's wrist with his left hand, and then under his armpit with his right. He then shifted his weight and threw Jayden over his shoulder.

"Now Jayden, this leaves you with a few opportunities. You can use it to retrieve your possibly fallen lightsaber, or pin the opponent to the ground. The key is too narrowly dodged the blade, and use the opponents momentum to throw them. Too early and he will change his attack, too late and your dead."

He then took a few steps back and waited for Jayden to get up.

"I will teach you a different unarmed technique in our daily training sessions. Now that I have taught you this one, it is time to begin our lightsaber training.

Now take your stance, and attack me as soon as your ready"

He knew Jayden has been waiting for some lightsaber training. He figured if he did it now, he would focus on the other training later. That was the problem with the youth's ideology, always thinking they can only solve problems in one way.

[~Rizzo~]

Jayden gasped as Master Beleren easily threw him over his shoulder, almost as if he were nothing. The young man landed, hard, on the ground, dropping his lightsaber in the process. He lay on the ground for a bit, trying to regain his breath, before slowly standing up to listen to his Master speak. Reaching out his hand, he retrieved his fallen lightsaber with the Force, strapping it to his belt.

His Master explained the move, and Jayden listened eagerly. That move would probably come in handy someday, he realized, if he were ever disarmed. It would be much more effective than simply dodging an opponent's blade.

Now they were going to start lightsaber training. Smirking, Jayden grabbed his lightsaber from his belt once more, igniting it with a single click, bringing it back into a position behind his head, just like he had been taught. Because he would be fighting one opponent, he would use a more aggressive style of fighting. That should be suffecient. He was going to let his Master have the first move, but, because he had instructed him to attack first, Jayden did so, moving forward in a burst of speed. But, just before reaching his Master, he moved to the right, going in from the side, and thrust his blade forward.

[Jace]

Jace could see that his unarmed technique was not lost on Jayden, and gave a mental sigh of relief. Some were closed to teaching they didn't approve of or agree with, Jayden didn't seem to be this way though. Jace watched as Jayden took his stance, which he realized as Ataru.

So you are going to try and get me on the back foot

It wasn't all that bad of a strategy, since there was only one opponent. The problem was that, it seemed to be common sense, but in fact could be detrimental. Jace had not taken any stance, or even drawn his lightsaber when Jayden attacked. Jace saw Jayden's thrust come from the left, and he spun to the right. He drew his saber in a wide arc as he spun to parry Jayden's attack. He remained only a few feet away from Jayden. Jace was now standing sideways, his blade running parallel to his right foot, pointing at the floor. His feet were about a shoulder's width apart, this was the stance for one of the earlier forms, Makashi.

"You are quick Jayden, and that is good. Remember this though, while aggression can catch your opponent off guard, it is also a double edged blade. When facing multiple opponents, aggression will benefit you for you will always need the first strike. When facing a single opponent, especially once versed in the Force, it tends to come to down to who makes the first mistake. These mistakes tend to arrive from moves made in haste or desperation. Always remember that.

Good, now let us continue, attack again!"

Though Makashi was designed for saber to saber combat, the later and more aggressive forms could overpower it. Jace knew this, and if Jayden could realize, then he would find himself an opening. Though it would probably be too early for him to truly recognize it, one never knew.

[~Rizzo~]

Master Beleren seemed to easily dodge Jayden's lightsaber thrust, dancing into a position on the young man's right. He was quick, but, because of Jayden's youth, he knew himself to be even quicker. Jayden would have to rely on swift, precise movements to win this duel. Not non-stop aggression, but well thought out strategies. That is what his Master wished him to do, he thought.

He couldn't be desperate. He couldn't be hasty. He had to take time, think about each move, try and make an assumption of what his opponent's next move would be. His Master was using a lightsaber form that Jayden recognized as Makashi, an older form used in lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat. Surely Jayden's Ataru form could prove affective here, if he thought about his moves before acting. It seemed as if Master Beleren were making this too easy . . .

Jayden couldn't tell if his Master was proud of him or not. Surely he was. The young man had been quick, choosing a good tactic. He was doing just fine . . .

Saying nothing, preferring to keep his thoughts about the battle to himself, Jayden jumped forward for the next attack, using his light feet to dance around his Master, swinging for his back. It would be a good idea to use his speed to avoid his Master's blade while attacking with powerful Ataru strokes.

[Jace]

[Rizzo this is just a tip, but when you are attacking me, be a little more specific. Are you slashing vertically, or horizontally. At the midsection, legs,head. Are you slashing from left to right, down to up.

I hope this doesn't offend you in anyway, just a tip]


Jace watched his padawan carefully, studying him with his eyes and through the Force. His eyes suggested that he was thinking on what had just been said.

Good, he is learning then, thinking of his next move.

It was good to have a padawan again, for it also saved Jace the worry about getting rusty. There had been many times where he had not gotten the opportunity to practice daily as he would have liked. This way he was practicing, and teaching a younger one at the same time.

Jace watched as Jayden then began to move, and swung the saber toward Jace' back. Jace moved his left hand to his hilt, now grasping the hilt with both hands. He quickly moved his hands up and over his, to the point where his elbows were pointing at the ceiling. His lightsaber now running parallel to his back. His lightsaber arrived behind him just in time to block Jayden's attack causing a stalemate. Jace then pushed forward slightly, and spun to left deftly, so they were face to face. Their blades now pointing at on another, forming a small X between them. He then suddenly shuffled back two steps, seemingly retreating. He then stepped forward with his right leg, and stabbed towards Jayden's stomach.

[~Rizzo~]

[Yeah, I know. I was kinda lazy with those last few posts. ]

Master Beleren expertly blocked Jayden's attack, almost effortlessly. The older man's block was perfect. Were all of his moves without flaw? Before Jayden knew it, their blades were locked. The two lightsabers sparked blue and orange, reminiscent of a true lightsaber duel. Jayden lost track of what he was doing for a moment to stare at the two blades in awe; duels always thrilled him.

Then, his Master jumped back, seeming to retreat. Jayden took this opportunity to take a deep breath, preparing himself for what was to come. When Master Beleren stepped forward once more, he stabbed at Jayden's stomach.

Everything seemed to move in slow motion as Jayden brought his lightsaber up, towards his Master's. He barely managed to deflect it, harmlessly flicking it into the air, away from the young man's stomach. Jayden was impressed with how easy the block had been. Perhaps he was getting better.

After his sucess, Jayden raised his sword to a defensive position in front of his face, waiting only a few brief seconds before charging again. This time, instead of manuevering around his Master, he charged at him from the front, full force. Jumping into the air, the power of the Force surrounding him, Jayden brought down his lightsaber in a strong, downward stroke, aiming for the top of his Master's head. Of course, the Jedi Master would be able to block it, but it would still stun him - the force of the blow would be enough to knock a fellow Padawan off of his feet.

[Jace]

The simple jab that Jace had sent towards Jayden, was deflected but not before the young padawan had been caught off guard. He enjoyed using Makashi to teach students, for it was a very good style to teach them lessons. It was easy to catch them off guard, but with the forms getting more aggressive and power focused, it gave them a chance to gain the advantage and in turn confidence. Jace watched as Jayden once again attacked, but with a different strategy.

Ahh he has finally noticed...

Jayden's attack was coming straight down towards his head, with tremendous force. Makashi wasn't well suited to deal with such attacks, but he didn't change his form. He shifted his weight ever so slightly, but it would make a world of difference. He raised his blade horizontally above his head, and grabbed his right wrist with his other hand to brace. Jayden's blade connected with his own, and Jace felt significant force behind it.

It is good to know he does not lack strength

Jace stumbled backwards, a few steps but made sure it was in a straight line. He made a show of being shaken up, and taking his time to recover.

Now what will you do Jayden?

[~Rizzo~]

His strategy had worked.

Smiling, proud of himself, Jayden took a few steps back, taking the opportunity to think about what his next move would be. Master Beleren stumbled ever so slightly, also taking a step or two back. In those few brief seconds in which his Master stumbled, Jayden let the Force surround him, guide him. He always fought with the Force as his ally, and he often found that it was much better than relying on only yourself.

He knows that I will strike again. He suspects it. Let me catch him off-guard . . . Jayden thought to himself, trying to think up something that would surprise his Master. The element of surprise was also a valuable ally.

He couldn't wait any longer. Rushing forward, Jayden brought his lightsaber up behind him, looking like he was about to slash downwards at his Master's chest. Instead, however, he used the Force to propel himself into the air, landing with light feet behind his Master in a flurry of movement. Obviously Master Beleren would think that Jayden would now use this to his advantage by taking a swing at the Master's back. This was not the young man's plan.

Dropping low, Jayden kicked out in a semi-circle, hoping to knock the man off of his feet. It would be a surprise - that was certain. But would his Master be able to avoid it? If Jayden were to sucessfully trip him, he could win this duel.

[Jace]

Jace watched as Jayden seemed to be calculating his next move, not automatically jumping at the opening he had made.

Ahhh I may have made the bait a bit too obvious...

It had been quite a deal of time since Jace had last trained a padawan. He never used to be much of a teacher, and he was still learning as he taught. There were skills that were necessary of a person to make them a good teacher. Master Vreem has these skills, and it was one of the reasons that Jace admired and respected him.

He watched as Jayden, flipped over his back instead of swinging directly at him. Then with surprise and a little bit of pride, he saw Jayden drop down and swing at his feet. Jayden's feet connected with him as he was swiped off his feet and fell to the side. He shot his left hand out towards the ground, and felt it connect with the ground. He felt his elbow bend under the weight of his body, as he a surge of Force ran through his arm. Using the strength of his forearm, aided by the Force, he sprung upwards. He landed a few feet to the side of Jayden, and nodded impressed.

"Very good Jayden, Very good. Even I did not totally anticipate the move..."

He suddenly stopped there and charged forward. Once he closed in on Jayden, he sent three jabs near him but none of them aimed directly at him. Each Jab was deathly fast, and his fourth jab went straight towards Jayden's right thigh.