Searching for Peace (The training of Krug Tull)

[JM76]

Chester nodded. "I imagine you'll be able to fight much better now - for a time, of course. The Force, while invigorating for a time, wears down the body quickly without proper practice and training. Which is why we are here," he said.

"Now, take your powers and focus them even further. Instead of concentrating the Force's power throughout the body, gather up all of its energies within your limbs, particularly your legs. The next two powers, Force speed and Force jump, are related. It should be fairly self-explanatory what each of them do. Keep in mind, you will be at the whim of the forces of time and gravity, respectively, when you use these powers. You must learn to alter them via the Force."

Chester pointed toward a building that was designated for destruction - some old office building of sorts - that towered over the surrounding buildings. It had at least twenty massive floors on it, and it had an old elevator that traveled from the ground floor to the rooftop level. On its exterior, several large balconies were situated at key positions on each floor to allow window-cleaning droids to do their work.

Chester stepped into the elevator, which was within earshot from their position, and signaled for his Padawan to step closer. "I want you to test your skills with these powers. Practice is best when applied practically. Utilize Force valor, Force speed, and Force jump to beat me to the rooftop level of this building. The elevator is rather slow, as to not give me an unfair advantage, but it is fast enough that, if you tarry, I can still beat you. Be careful; some of the floorpanels within this building are probably unsafe; keep your wits about you."

Chester smiled, hit the button to close the elevator, and waved to his Padawan. He would ensure Krug knew what he was doing and could actually use these abilities before he actually started the elevator. "See you at the top."

 

[McFisticuff]

Krug invigorated his leg muscles and focused the force on them. It's glow filling in the open spaces and adding strength and power to them. He did a little hop and then jumped. He wasn't prepared for how high he went and crashed through a window.

"Ughhh." He groaned. That had hurt, but a few seconds later he had used valor once again to refresh himself. He remembered the contest suddenly and ran as fast as he could toward the stairs. The stairs were dilapidated and crumbling, at full speed, Krug tripped several times and his face had made contact with the concrete a few of the times. He kept going and kept using valor.

He saw a large number 17 on the wall and suddenly collapsed. Using valor so much had exhausted him completely and he could barely stand. He tried to crawl up the stairs to no avail. Finally, after a minute or two, he stood and walked. Only his determination and willpower kept him going. After 10 minutes of his odd shuffle-walk, he finally reached an entrance to the top. He went in and fell to the floor, breathing heavily. He looked up and saw his master looking down at him.

 

[JM76]

Chester had reached the twentieth floor shortly before Krug had. It was not surprising, considering that his Padawan had collapsed due to exhaustion during his time traveling up the apartment complex. Nevertheless, he waited for his Padawan and walked up to him once he had reached the rooftop.

"Wasn't too difficult, was it?" Chester asked, somewhat jokingly. He continued: "Rest there for a moment. Your next task involves your willpower, so you may proceed whenever you feel ready.

Chester pointed toward the collection of rubble and construction equipment that was scattered about the rooftop level.

"Lift any of those objects with the Force via telekinesis. Once you have lifted them up, suspend them in the air for as long as you are able."

 

[McFisticuff]

Krug said "Ok." He coughed and stood up. He swayed a little and corrected it by leaning on the wall. His sense of pride had been extinguished a bit, and he hoped to regain it by showing his master that he could lift the rubble. He groaned a bit as he stood on his own and sighed. "Here we go." He focused the force, wrapped it around the rubble and lifted with his mind. They lifted in the air, Krug felt great, he saw what he could do with the force, he thought about lifting swords with the force and fighting with them.

Then he felt the strain, he felt like a two-ton weight was on his mind. His face went from a smile to an intense concentration. Then soon to pain, he held for about 25 seconds before it fell, he fell down to his knees and rasped out, "Good enough?"

 

[JM76]

"Yes, that was good. Let us return to the Jedi Temple. We shall continue your training from there."

Chester motioned toward the ground below, where a citywide omnibus was already waiting.

"Take the elevator, and then the bus. It won't leave until you enter. I'll meet you at the Temple."

 

[McFisticuff]

Krug went to the elevator, albeit slowly. As he reached the ground level he sighed and hopped on the bus. He sat on a seat wearily, and closed his eyes to get some rest.

 

[JM76]

Once the bus had arrived at the Jedi Temple, Chester thanked the driver for his patience and hospitality as his Padawan stepped off the bus. Chester would have offered the Zabrak some time to rest, but he figured that the young Jedi had received more than enough time on the bus ride to do so.

"Follow me. We'll head to the sparring room," Chester mentioned while the bus departed. "From here on, we'll be perfecting your skill with a lightsaber."

 

[McFisticuff]

Krug smiled as he followed his master. A lightsaber, that will be fun. "Do they handle like swords?" He asked his master as they ascended the steps to the temple. "Is it true they can cut through anything?" Krug was very eager now, thinking of everything he had heard about lightsabers.

 

[JM76]

"They are somewhat similar to vibroblades, in terms of style and application, although actually fighting with them is very different. A blade of weightless, pure energy is a bit more difficult to control than a ten pound blade of metal, as you can imagine," Chester noted. "And lightsabers can cut through nearly everything. We have discovered some rare metals, some used by the enemies of the Republic, that can negate the effects of a lightsaber. A tragic turn of events, really."

By the time Chester had finished speaking, they had arrived in one of the lightsaber training room. A circular room with no windows or decorations, it was plain even compared to the rest of the temple. The walls were a dull brown and the ceiling was a faded maroon. At the end of the room was a table resting near the farthest side of the wall, where dozens of footlockers and wicker baskets surrounded it.

"We shall get started right away. Head over to the desk, if you would," Chester instructed. Once there, you shall find all the equipment needed to construct your lightsaber. It can be as ordinary or as unique as you like, but be sure to put a power adjuster on it, so it can be used in training matches. Also, do not put in the primary crystal just yet. Those are your only restrictions. Inform me when you have finished."