The New Guy (Nightstalker Training)

[Darth Anon.]

Nightstalker was slightly nervous yet excited at the same time as he walked through the passageways of the enclave. He wasn't sure if joining this shady order was the best choice he'd ever made. Granted, they seemed to...specialize in education and knowledge, which are two of the the things Nightstalker values most, but the anonymity of the place was daunting. The masks everyone wore sometimes made them appear like spectres, leering out of the shadows. All in all, Nightstalker was getting a little frightened. He hoped today would change that.

Finally reaching the door of the room he was told to go to, Nightstalker drew a deep breathe. This is it, he thought. He would finally begin his training. His nerves seemed to be taking over now, and he wouldn't be surprised if he had been drowning in his own sweat. But there was still some sense in him, and he composed himself. Taking another long breathe, he raised his hand and rapped on the door three times.

 

[Garuga]

A distant memory appears within Memoir's mind. A recollection of training past Padawans flickered, then died away. She was getting better and better at controlling and tuning her mind. It would be fairly difficult to discern her as being a 30 year old female, given the dress code all members had to follow. Memoir had sensed the individual approaching the door before they had knocked, but she remained facing away from the door. Upon hearing the three crisp knocks, she raised her left hand very slightly. The door opened slowly, and Memoir turned around to face the Neophyte under her charge. Her Silver-grey mask caught the candle-light from the right, giving it a haunting grin like appearance. Memoir nodded her head, indicating to the Neophyte that he should step inside.

Step inside... Nightstalker. Memoir said telepathically. Even in the mind, her tone of voice could be recognised distinctly. Curt, but cold and formal. After all, this was teaching another member of the Order, unlike training a Padawan. Do not forget about the rules of the Order, lest you wish to be killed myself personally. I for one, do not wish that to happen. She warned, reminding him to always communicate telepathically. Seeing as you are here, I can be certain that you will be eager to learn. That is good, as knowledge is the most important gift anyone could reward us. Follow my instructions, work hard, and you will achieve greatness and enlightenment.

 

[Darth Anon.]

When the person in the room inclined their head towards Nightstalker, he immediately stepped inside. The only reason he knew who the person in front of him was was because he had been told this is where she stayed. If he hadn't he wouldn't have been able to tell who it was, unless their mask was off.

He nearly jumped when he heard the voice echoed inside his mind. He was still getting used to talking this way. The voice made him think that its owner was someone he shouldn't get on the wrong side of.Thank you, master Memoir, he replied in his head. I will do as you say and hope to learn much from you.

 

[Garuga]

Memoir nodded. She liked fast learners. Nevertheless, Memoir had no idea what Nightstalker was currently capable of. Before she could fully begin her tutelage, she needed to obtain a better understanding. A mix of words and practical exercises should suffice. Very well then. Show me what you are capable of. She said simply, they would discuss such matters afterwards. Memoir raised her right hand, sending a pulse of force towards Nightstalker. The 'push' was of a lower strength, meant to simply test him. After all, she was no Bogan, and had no intentions of butchering her student. Her two hands then dropped to her lightsabers. Memoir would watch how he responded, and then make her next decision or move.

This is a test, Nightstalker. She said promptly. Do your best. Memoir pressed the activation buttons on her two shotos, and two short silver blades appeared. She bent down, ready to leap forward depending on Nightstalker's actions.

 

[Darth Anon.]

Something hit Nightstalker on the chest, like an invisible force. He stumbled back slightly, but managed to hold his ground. Whenever he heard what his new master said next, his eyes flickered to the lightsabre hilt on is belt. Whenever he saw her new position, he took it off the belt and ignited the lightsabre's blade.

Planting his feet on the ground, he held his blade in a defensive position. He did not move, though. Whether this was a tactical decision or becuase he wasn't sure if he should he didn't know. He stood there, waiting to see what his master would do.

 

[Garuga]

Memoir smiled, though there would be no chance of it being seen given her mask. The choice to enter a defensive stance and to withhold any further offense movements was a smart choice as Nightstalker would not have any knowledge of her combat abilities. You made the correct decision. Memoir said curtly, deactivating her lightsabers. Do not doubt yourself. Your instincts which told yourself to not move blindly ahead are trustworthy ones. She stepped towards her Neophyte now, preparing to examine him properly for the first time.

Tell me, what knowledge of the force and lightsabers do you have? She inquired. It was likely that he currently had no knowledge of many force techniques and lightsaber combat, but that was why people learn. Memoir was certain that after his time under her tutelage, he would be more than capable of acting on his own. She was pleased that his telepathic abilities were already capable of communicating without major breaks or flaws. Under her, she would turn his force potential into true force capability.

 

[Darth Anon.]

Observing his master switching off her lightsabers, Nightstalker did the same with his. He was happy that had gone well, and feeling less nervous. Yes master, he replied to her advice. He then felt smaller when she stepped close to him.

Not much, he admitted to answer her question. I only know a few basic lightsaber moves. The only Force ability I can really use is telepathy, as I am now, he pointed out. He hoped that his master wasn't expecting too much from him.

 

[Garuga]

That is fine. Memoir replied briefly, it was what she had expected. She indicated to Nightstalker that he should follow her, and she led him further into the training room. Once they had reached the center of the room, she turned towards him once again. To begin, I am going to teach you basic applications of telekinesis. Memoir said, her tone changing to a more soothing one, a tone more comprehensible and easy to listen to. Telekinesis is one of the most applications of the force, it involves using concentration to move objects around without physically touching them.

She stepped backwards and faced the assortment of items she had previously assembled. Memoir raised her right hand, and a violet orb rose in the air, an invisible hand holding it tightly. Memoir turned around and the medium-sized orb drifted towards Nightstalkers' hands. Take it. Memoir said. Concentrate all your efforts on it. Try to block out everything else around you, including me. Picture yourself hoisting it into the air.

Memoir stepped back to watch, her eyes focusing on every detail.

 

[Darth Anon.]

Nightstalker followed his master further into the training room, listening to everything she said and observing her actions. When he took the orb floating towards him in his hand, he felt doubtful of his ability. But following his master's advice, he fixed his eyes on the object and concentrated. He tried to see it floating above his hands, yet could not make it move. He concentrated as hard as he could.

 

[Garuga]

Do not think about the size of the object. In fact, I want you to close your eyes. Close them firmly, and when you feel like you are completely at ease, allow the force currents to sweep right through you and around the orb. Sight is not a factor, you know where the object is anyway. Memoir said encouragingly. Now try again, and do not force anything.

She crossed her arms and continued her observing. Closing her eyes, she could see the force currents flowing through the two force sensitives coming active. Memoir knew that he could achieve the task, he simply needed a little guidance and confidence.

 

[Darth Anon.]

Nightstalker listened to his master's advice, and shut his eyes. Taking a few breathes, he relaxed his entire body. He soon felt the Forve energy flowing through his body. He concentrated on it, and channelling it through his hands. Thinking about the orb, about lifting it, he focused. He thought he felt the orb leave his hands, and opened his eyes to find it hovering above them. He was glad he was wearing a mask, for he didn't want his triumphant smile to make him look like a child.

 

[Garuga]

Memoir smiled brightly, though of course, the smile couldn't be seen. Excellent! She said, some joy in the telepathic message. She was certain that he could do accomplish it, but this was simply the first step. By achieving this first task, Nightstalker had displayed that he was qualified to be a member of the Order. Nevertheless, though Memoir was not sure, it could very well be possible that he would find the Path of the Swordmaster to be more suitable. No matter what happens, training goes on.

This is Telekinesis. Once you have learned the main principles, you will be able to utilise the ability in many different situations and manners. Memoir said, elaborating on details of the ability. For example... She raised her left hand, gently lifting the neophyte in front of her into the air with the force. Remain calm, this will not harm you. Memoir advised, her tone reassuring. If I placed a specific point to focus on with the force, utilising Telekinesis could very well gravely injure or easily kill someone.

She slowly dropped her hands, bringing Nightstalker back onto the ground. Is there anything in particular that you wish to learn? Memoir asked. This could also be interpreted as a test of whether the Neophyte had done any research or studying by himself.

 

[Darth Anon.]

As Nightstalker continued to listning to his master, he found himself floating in the air. He was about to shout out, but then saw that it was onl a demonstration. He quietly sighed in relief when he was lowered back down, but felt a bit uneasy at the mention of injury or death.

Well...he considered her question. Making a decision, he said, Since I'm more interested in swordsmanship, I would like to learn the Art of Movement. I read about it in a book here, and it was very intriguing.

 

[Garuga]

A sensible skill to learn, given your enthusiasm for swordsmanship... Memoir said, pondering. In addition to that, I will begin teaching you Lightsaber form IV, also known as Ataru. She was certain that Ataru would be the best choice for Nightstalker given his smaller stature and agility. Ataru focused on rapid attacks from a magnitude of angles, which is further boosted by extensive use of force-aided athletics. To begin, she would teach him how to apply the force to aid the capabilities of the physical body.

Increasing your physical capabilities with the force is not only simply making your muscles work faser. It also involves slowing down one's perception of the world around them, giving you much better reflexsive abilities. Memoir said, guiding Nightstalker with her words. Focus the force currents that had aided you in Telekinesis and take them into your body. Spread it right into every bit of your body, and then your mind itself.

Memoir then pressed a button built into a wall, and an assortment of obstacles of varying difficulty to navigate through assembled itself throughout the room. When you are ready, navigate through this course in a counter-clockwise direction to the best of your capabilities.