The Tutelage of Walter Shaknaw

[TheAccidentof1994]

Walter stroked his Vibrosword attached to his hip, he had grown very fond of it, he had slain many slaves with his blade and it had drawn much lesser blood. Walter had never discriminated against his weapon, he found it very efficient during battle and it's weight over time only made him a better warrior, his ability in combat growing with each strike he executed.

But now as he was to be trained by a new a master, one of considerable mention; if he was not mistaken - And truly, Walter hoped he was not. And Walter imagined from this training he would somewhere along the line construct the fabled lightsabre, he was not opposed to this fact, in fact he was quite excited. But he could not help but feel a small sting of sadness as he moved on, and left his friend behind; he would never discard his weapon, it would remain forever in his possession as a token of his progression through the Sith.

Drawing his blade once more, he began to execute routine Ataru strikes and battle techniques. Forever training, time spent waiting for his Master was time wasted; let his Master see his prowess, let his Master understand the seriousness Walter had for the Sith, let his Master witness the first hand the tenacity of Walter's strikes and his combat prowess.

In the back of his mind, he supposed he anticipated his Master's arrival. But time spent waiting anxiously, was time wasted.

 

[The Gloaming]

Yet another. Hopefully I will not be forced to discard him.

Gienn watched from the shadows as his new apprentice practiced his blade technique. He had hoped, against his nature, that his apprentice would show impatience. Gienn was already in a bad mood, and he wanted a reason to lash out.

No, that would be irrational. I control my emotions, not the other way around.

Finally, when it was evident his apprentice was not so foolish as to complain to himself about the wait, Gienn appeared from thin air.

"Your form is lacking. Way of the Hawk-Bat. I was once a disciple of such a form, though over the years, my personal experiences have led me to follow other martial pursuits. Nonetheless, in capable hands, Form IV can be incredibly effective, albeit taxing. You show potential though, and that is why you are here. I am Gienn. Your name?"

 

[TheAccidentof1994]

Walter was impressed, he withdrew from his battle stance and allowed his blade to rest in it's hilt for awhile longer, his Master was able to tell the form from just a few seconds of observation.

His Master was the standard image of a Sith, they were predominantly human and clad in dark robes. He was tall, just under Walter; and it appeared he was polite too, he had properly introduced him self and asked Walter for him name..

"I assure you, my hands are capable. I am Walter Shaknaw."

The conversation was not exactly friendly thus far, Walter was sure to maintain a cold exterior, though as of late that had become far easier as his mind welcomed the dark side.

 

[The Gloaming]

"We shall see. Be wary of dealing absolutes, they may bring shame, or worse. Many think that obtaining the title of Sith allows one to be pridefull. You should never be pridefull, arrogance is death. Let's begin."

Gienn stepped directly in front of Walter, who stood slightly taller than himself, with a hulking form. Gienn knew he would make a wonderful machine of war.

Drawing his lightsabers, Gienn stepped back and lowered his head. Both lightsabers snap-hissed to life, producing thin and fluid crimson blades. "You wish to learn combat, specifically. I can teach you to bring honor to your blade, and to yourself. Before we begin, I must ask. What training do you already possess? And how long have you been with the Sith, for that matter?"

 

[TheAccidentof1994]

His new Master was wise, Walter heeded his advice and for a moment he scolded himself; he had only aimed to assure his Master he would not fail him, how arrogant he had seemed! Walter despised arrogance, he would not let it happen again, he was far too void to be arrogant.

He addressed his Master, his words empty of emotion yet his voice was powerful.

"I have attended several classes, and slain many slaves in my training, not that the latter proves much. I am highly adept with a substantial amount of techniques in the force, techniques in my opinion, that are most suited to battle. I would walk the path of a Warrior, powerful, agile and symbolic of the strength of the Sith Order; thus I have studied the form of Ataru thoroughly during my training as you just witnessed, I seek to kill my enemies with my own blade, my combat devoted to just one opponent, always the most crucial opponent."

To emulate his Master, he prepared for training, drawing his Vibrosword and holding it with his right hand by his side; though he was ready to engage in combat with both hands at the slightest of warnings.

 

[The Gloaming]

Gienns body flowed into the formal open stance known to Makashi users, allowing his left hand blade to point nowhere in particular, while his right blade pointed straight at Walters chin.

Gienn pivoted his feet, circling his apprentice. He could sense Walter planning his fight, while trying to keep track of his master. Gienn had learned to let go of formalities, and allow his body to move as it must, fluidly, rapidly, lightly.

Walter would make the first strike, Gienn felt it welling up within him.

 

[TheAccidentof1994]

Walter followed his Master as he circled him, remaining wary, his Master could strike at any time. Gienn held an open stance, his blade pointed directly at Walter, he had to strike hard, perhaps throw his Master off-balance? It was all Walter knew, strength, power and impact were his advantages in battle, and Gienn would know them.

With honed speed, Walter moved his left hand to the hilt of his Vibrosword and side-swiped at his Master's blade, pointed in his direction, but without any force to keep the sabre in place it he would easily bat the sabre away, hopefully exposing his Master's body.

Their weapons collided, sabre and sword, Walter's two-handed strike introducing Gienn to the strength Walter could muster; but he would soon know his weakness as well.

He moved forward on his right foot, his blade retracting to his side and pointing at at his Master following the collision of blades. His blade was loaded, like a bullet in the chamber, Walter fired; his sword moved directly for his Master's chest with a powerful and sudden thrust.