Be Like Water

[Zay]

-theme-
"Don't fear failure... In great attempts it is glorious even to fail."​

Emerald eyes peered out over the vast ocean that spread out before them. The horizon seemingly endless in it's existence. Seated with his legs crossed over one another, Kael watches the ebb and flow of the living current. His breath is controlled and full. Around him orbit rocks of varying sizes. None larger than the size of a fist, but few smaller than one. From his seated position he places both hands palm down on the ground and lifts himself from the seated position into a full hand stand. The rock waver and dip slightly, but all remain aloft. His breath is slightly strained, but calms and returns to it's controlled state.

Kael lifts an arm from the ground and carefully shifts his weight. He holds the pose for the remainder of his meditation. Satisfied with his progress he lowers himself to the ground and returns to the position he started in. With one final breath in, and then out he concludes his morning routine. However, they Jedi isn't satisfied. He stands and reaching out with the force calls a small remote to his hand. He presses the "on" button and three droids come to life. Standing in their jerky inhuman way.

Removing his tunic and assuming a defensive stance, Kael centers himself in the force and prepares for battle. The two droids look at him momentarily as if allowing their hard-rives to catch up with their processors. Simultaneously, they split and begin placing Kael between them. He remains still, allowing the droids to trap him. He takes a breath in, then lets it out. At that very moment the droids rush in coming at him from either side.

Both droids move with purpose they close in on their target and begin unleashing their tirade of attacks. Kael shifts his body marginally to avoid a hard downward hammer fist. The second attack forces him to take a step to the right forming a triangle with the two attacking droids. Kael at the center. With his left foot in front he pivots on his back right leg and positions himself directly in front of the droid on his left. The droid swings and hits air. The Jedi has moved behind the droid and with a single motions brings both hands forward in a hard shove that sends the droid sprawling.

Disappointment flooded the jedi. This sin't what he wanted. He wanted to be in the field, not knocking over out of date droids... He tried to calm himself, but the feeling just wouldn't pass. He knew he was ready for a mission, why wouldn't the council let him do what he'd been trained to do? It made no sense and no matter how hard he meditated the force offered no words or incite.

As his mind raced the droids attempted to untangle themselves, but it was slow going. Disgusted by the lack of challenge, Kael turned off the droids. Would he never be chose? Was he destined to remain on this peaceful planet, meditating until his brain exploded? He didn't like the thought of that. Suddenly, a new presence caught his attention. It was a predatory presence, one of great pain and constant suffering. Kael's eyes whipped toward the forest, "I know you're there. Show yourself." his words were icy and full of challenge. Perhaps the force had heard his call after all.
@Phoenix

 

[Phoenix]

While Corvo was by no means a social person at any point in his life, it seemed that in recent days, with his move to Battlemaster, his patience with the members of the Jedi had grown thinner and thinner. Everywhere he looked there was disunity, indecision, weak-will, and someone saying they knew what path was best for the Army - if you could even call it that these days. With the destruction of Tython far too close in their rearview, it was clear that if there was ever a time for drastic action, it was now, yet all he found was indecision.

With that in mind, Corvo was beginning to wonder if it wasn't time to rekindle the flame of the Jedi Shadows. They had long been one of the best offensive components of the Order and Army and some of the best Jedi he'd met had come out of the group. To reinvigorate at group like that, though, he needed likeminded individuals who weren't afraid to get down in the mud and who he could count on if things got ugly.

To that end, he'd kept his ear to the ground for potential individuals who fit the bill. After a while, he'd heard rumor of a Jedi who was growing frustrated with the limitations placed on him by the Council. Well, now the Council was gone and the Order in shambles. Somehow, Corvo - the former Supreme Leader of the Sith - had stumbled into leadership within the Jedi Order. The galaxy was a strange place.

Corvo had risen early, armored up, and wandered out to the edge of the water to stand at the edge of the clearing, briefly watching as the man of the hour went about his training. His eyes studied and watched every movement the man made, unwittingly evaluating him. He certainly knew how to handle himself, Corvo would give him that.

Abruptly, the man spun to address the tree line, noticing Corvo's presence that he'd made no real attempt to hide himself. His words were aggressive and his tone challenging, though only time would tell the underlying reason for it. It was potentially a good sign for Corvo's work, despite the fact that he was sure there were plenty of Jedi who would argue that aggression was inherently bad for Jedi. But they were at war, the time for half-measures was over.

As Corvo took a step forward from behind the bushes, he spoke up. Impressive work you've done there. Teras Kasi, if I'm not mistaken? He had long practiced a hybrid form of Teras Kasi and Echani and recognized some of the movements from his younger years. Dare I say, it looked a bit too easy for you? @Zay

 

[Zay]

Kael watched as the figure stepped out from the treeline. He took in a sharp breath as the visage of an armored clad Sith stepped into view. Kael's reaction was already done. He couldn't take back his surprise, but he could take down this interloper. His jaw tightened and Kael's eyes grew fierce. His muscular frame was tense with the anticipation of battle. He wanted it, craved it, needed it. For years the young jedi had been relegated to the temple for reflection. They claimed his desire to be tested was too dangerous for the field. Kael had been a prisoner in all but title. Now, was his chance to prove he was worth more than just some meditating monk. He was a warrior.

Impressive work you've done there. Teras Kasi, if I'm not mistaken? said the sith.

Kael responded by taking a defensive position in the martial art named by the interloper. The Sith's identification, but mispronunciation of the martial art told the Jedi that his enemy was familiar, but not immersed in the art. That might work to Kael's advantage. He needed to obtain his weapon, but refused to allow his adversary an opportunity to strike. For now he would progress with his fist until he saw an opening to obtain his lightsaber, which lay upon his tunic thee meters to Kael's left.

The Jedi's emerald eyes bore into his faceless opponent. Another disadvantage. This was beginning to look problematic, but he couldn't allow himself to be intimidated. To much relied on his success. If he ever wanted to get out of that damn library he needed to take this being down no matter the cost. Kael began to gather the force into his hands. Teräs Käsi translated to basic directly meant steel hands. Kael was prepared to impart his knowledge of the martial art first hand.

@Phoenix

 

[Phoenix]

Was... was he about to attack Corvo? He had failed to say anything or make any real response to Corvo's statement other than apparently taking up a fighting position. Okay, so the Council's assessment makes a little bit more sense now. Attack first ask questions later, apparently.

He couldn't decide if the other man knew who he was and hated him for having been the Supreme Leader or legitimately didn't know that Corvo was a psuedo-Jedi. Corvo pressed a pair of buttons on his datapad to activate his recording software before clasping his hands behind his back. He tilted his head to the side a bit in puzzlement as the man took up a full combat stance and looked at him with a stink eye that he was pretty sure would have done him in if looks could kill.

What are you doing? he finally asked, in a voice that was not quite exacerbated but also certainly not happy about being threatened. On top of it all, the man didn't even have a weapon on him, though Corvo could see his saber several meters away on a cloak.

For a moment, he was inclined to call the weapon to his own hand and simply hold it up as if to say "how's the 'no weapon' thing working out for you?" but he managed to suppress the desire and instead stood motionless in front of the other man. He took no stance but he knew his weight was distributed well enough to be able to fall into combat before the other man could close the distance, even with the Force. He made no attempt at being the aggressor but also didn't particularly attempt to talk the other man down.

So? was all he said. His eyes were locked and senses alert as he waited for the other man to do... something. Whether talk or attack, though he was ever aware of the other man's channeling of the Force. With his hands at his back he had easy access to his sabers should this grow ugly. Corvo was a dirty fighter to the end and rarely engaged with others on their terms, though he also had no interest in causing any lasting damage either. Time to see how things unfolded then. @Zay

 

[Zay]

Kael could feel adrenaline coursing through his veins. His chest pounded as his heart raced. Still your mind... he thought as he stared into the faceless interlopers gaze. Could this sith be associated with the recently failed crystal mine raid? Where their more around? Why were they attacking now? Still your mind... Kael took a deep breath and slowly let it out. He heart rate slowed and his breathing slowed.

The Sith tilted his head to the side seemingly bewildered by Kael challenge. The young jedi's brow furrowed in confusion as the interloper inquired, "What are you doing?"

"Did you think a few compliments would sway my allegiance? Foolish Sith scum." bit out Kael. Surely, the being before him wasn't trying to sweet talk his way out of this! Then it occurred to the jedi that this sith might not know of his brethren's failed mission. A shab eating grin formed on Kael's mouth.

You do know your ally failed right? his tone was derisive. "I mean why else would an armored sith be gallivanting across the countryside?" he asked.

Kael was starting to lose his patience with the intruder. This pointless banter was only wasting time. Anything the man said would be ignored it was go time. That's when the Sith returned the challenge.

"So?"

Kael began circling to his lightsaber, when he was close enough he pulled the saber to his right hand. He was on the alert for any fluctuations or advances in the force. He was prepared to go to war and his guard was focused on his opponent. Catching the saber Kael clipped it to his belt and continued his circle. His eyes were locked on the sith. His hands were empowered by the force and he was preparing to get things started.

@Phoenix

 

[Phoenix]

Ah, that's what this is about. At least Corvo could give him credit for the fact that there was some logic to his madness. He wasn't sure that he could reason with the younger Jedi at this point but he could tell him the truth, even if it wasn't believed.

He slightly shook his head as his opponent began to circle to his saber, though the blade never activated. No, not a Sith anymore. Try again. His voice was deadpan and he was realizing that anything he said was going to fall on deaf ears. You're so desperate to fight that you're going to attack someone that hasn't been a Sith for years? And has probably killed more Sith than most within the Order?

He probably shouldn't have been doing anything to antagonize the other man, but on some level Dun Moch was a hard habit to break, though this was by no means a true version of the form particularly given that it was all true statements. If the other man was going to attack, Corvo was perfectly happy to wait. It was a bit of a role reversal from usual since he was usually the more aggressive of the combatants in his duels, but not today.

So... uh... what's the play here? What're you trying to accomplish with attacking someone who's not a Sith? Maybe this is what the Council was concerned about with you... He couldn't imagine the final comment would go over well (if he made it that far). He was half expecting to be cut off by an attack before he finished speaking, and so remained alert to every movement. @Zay

 

[Zay]

Kael listened carefully to the being before him. The interloper was bold in his confidence as he strolled forward with his hands casually clasped behind his back. The unsettling eyeless glare of his helmet seemed to bore into the Jedi. The presence of this being was so powerful that Kael could feel it pressing in all around him.

"No, not a Sith anymore. Try again." Confusion flooded Kael as he worked to understand his opponent.

"You're so desperate to fight that you're going to attack someone that hasn't been a Sith for years? And has probably killed more Sith than most within the Order?" Had he been wrong? Had he allowed his desire to prove himself cloud his judgement? The more he focused on the being before him the more he realized the error in his motivation.

Everything about this Sith began to feel... wrong. With his focus directed toward this adversary the Jedi realized there was no malice. There was no anger. There was mild surprise, and vague amusement, but nothing that truly indicated the perversion of the force.

A disgruntled scowl settled on the Jedi's face. His expression shifted to embarrassment and then as his memory caught up to his knee jerk reactions he hung his head in shame. Closing his eyes and mentally berating himself for his foolishness. Of course there wouldn't be a Sith foolish enough to just waltz around a heavily guarded Jedi controlled planet.

With his head down,and his gaze now focused on the blades of grass he'd been meditating on mere moments ago, Kael released his concentration and allowed the force to disperse from his hands. He turned to the tunic neatly folded on the ground and put it on. Before returning his attention the the questioning man before him.

The man's tone remained dead pan as he asked,"So... uh... what's the play here? What're you trying to accomplish with attacking someone who's not a Sith?" Kael opened his mouth to respond, but the man continued, "Maybe this is what the Council was concerned about with you..." The statement hit Kael's pride hard. Anger flared up in the Jedi, but he extinguished it. Few knew of the Council's decision and ruling over him. Which told him the being before him was a part of the upper echelon of Jedi Leadership. This final piece of information allowed the pieces of the puzzle to fall together.

The man before him was none other than, Corvo Vis.

Kael knew he should tread carefully around the former supreme leader, but his brain couldn't help but find a flaw in the former Sith's logic.

Unable to refrain from his angst Kael replied, "You do realize you're wearing battle armor and a Sith helmet right?" He would give the man a moment to consider his statement before continuing, "I'll assume you're also aware of the current state of the galaxy, since you've already boasted your prowess for killing." Kael straightened and clasped his hands in front of himself as he finished, "Not to mention the most recent attack which hit this planet a mere twenty five kilometers from this location. I'm happy to apologize for mistaking you as an intruder, but I refuse to be chastised for my logic." He eyed Corvo carefully, keeping watch on any of his movements. The young Jedi decided not to mention the real reason for the council's decision. If the famed Corvo Vis, Former Supreme Leader of the Sith, couldn't piece together that Kael had a problem with the consistent inconsistency of Jedi authority then the man didn't deserve to hear his explanation.

Kael was fully aware of the danger he'd just put himself in, Vis was famed for his tactical mind and martial prowess. The rumors about this guy were insane. It was likely the knight would be relegated to some demeaning task in order to curb his prideful tongue. Which would be no surprise. It was the same thing every time. A council member would walk around like the force flowed from their fingertips like running water, and every other hive minded Jedi would drop what they were doing to relish them with complements while vying for favor. Kael didn't fit that mold and because of that he'd been seen as unstable or uncooperative.

Of course none of that mattered now. The deed had been done and the Jedi stood resolute in his decision. Besides, it wasn't like he could be assigned a worse station. After all he was basically a glorified librarian.
@Phoenix

 

[Phoenix]

Corvo's lip turned up in a slight grin under his helmet. So your argument is predicated on the fact that Jedi don't wear armor? Helmets and the like of all different styles. You and I have been seeing very different Jedi in recent days, then. Even so, Corvo couldn't argue that his logic was entirely false. Corvo did choose the helmet at least in part for the intimidation factor which Kael was right, wasn't a very Jedi thing to do.

I'm not chastising you for your logic. Perhaps an admonishment that you'd be wise to question your situation before attacking, though, the Force knows how hard that can be. There was no sarcasm in his voice at the last part. Shae had long criticized him for leaping to aggression as a first option so he wasn't in the best place to judge. Old habits of the Sith certainly died harder than most would imagine.

Almost unwittingly, Corvo's mind took in the sense of the man's presence and emotions. He himself was slightly more relaxed now, though still alert should this man decide he wanted to attack. He felt a flash of anger and frustration from the other man at some of his words and then almost a feeling of tension and being... on edge? Was he expecting some sort of repercussions for what he'd done? If Corvo went out of his way to punish every individual who mouthed off to the former Supreme Leader of the Sith, he'd never get anything else done.

After a moment of silence, Corvo decided a redirect may be in order. If you'll humor me for a moment, I'd like to ask you a question. I'm assuming you've figured out who I am at this point so my question is: what do you think of what I do? What do you think of my role in the war if you know anything of it? His question was specifically asked with an intention behind it. He didn't need the approval of some other Jedi, but the answer would tell him a great deal about the man's out look on the Order, the Army, and the war. @Zay

 

[Zay]

"So your argument is predicated on the fact that Jedi don't wear armor? Helmets and the like of all different styles. You and I have been seeing very different Jedi in recent days, then." Kael struggled not to roll his eyes.

Did Corvo really think he looked like the average Jedi? Interesting. thought Kael slightly amused. Sure, there were far more armored Jedi, but Corvo was literally wearing black armor and a helmet that inspired fear. This same model, if he remembered correctly, had been inspired from the former supreme leaders original mask. Of course Covro, most likely, never concerned himself with imitators. Instead of rebutting Corvo's point Kael simply bowed his head.

"I see your point, and I concede." Of course he didn't, and he knew the merit in his logic was far more duracrete than Corvo's, but continuing the conversation would only result in the waste of time.

Corvo continued, "I'm not chastising you for your logic. Perhaps an admonishment that you'd be wise to question your situation before attacking, though, the Force knows how hard that can be."

Kael bowed his head and replied, "I understand, thank you." His mind grew agitated by the man's insistence. Kael forced himself to remain impassive in his expression wishing to get this little meet and greet over with. He'd not come out here to be lectured on how to think as a Jedi. Had he desired this kind of enthralling discussion he would have sought out the head librarian.

The young Jedi remained silent awaiting the other's judgement. Kael's gaze never wavered from the man before him. Just as he was preparing to ask if he could leave, Corvo said, "If you'll humor me for a moment, I'd like to ask you a question." Kael's left eyebrow shot up in equal parts surprise and intrest. What in the force could he possibly want to know from me?

"I'm assuming you've figured out who I am at this point so my question is: what do you think of what I do?" asked Corvo. Kael's brow furrowed in thought as he attempted to ferret out the meaning of the man's words. Was he referring to his betrayal of the Sith, or his direct involvement in one of the only successful attacks upon the Sith since the beginning of the war? Kael was pulled form his thoughts as Corvo continued. "I thought he had one question...

"What do you think of my role in the war if you know anything of it?" Kael returned to his thoughts and really pondered his true feelings. The Jedi preached about Peace, but never discussed how it is obtained. Sure for them it was a lifelong practice that was only obtained by meditation and introspection, but for the rest of the galaxy it was fought and won. So long as the Sith lived and breathed there would be war. There would be pain and there would be imbalance. To Kael, Corvo was an important weapon the Jedi needed to wield. However, his accomplishment weren't ones that could be paraded about and glorified. This question was far more philosophical than Kael had been prepared for. As a Kinght he wanted to protect the galaxy. He wanted to protect peace, but he knew in order to that one needed to make decisions that were difficult for some to understand. Was this his path? Had the force answered his earlier pleas with Corvo, or was he simply looking to much into it?

Clearing his mind Kael looked deep within and then leveled his gaze on Corvo Vis, saying, "I think you're a necessary evil for the greater good. I believe you do what the council is afraid to do and what the rest of the order is afraid to do." Kael would let his answer rest for a moment before adding, "Personally, I've never believed the light could extinguish the dark without creating some sort of shadow." Kael had sealed his fate. Verbalizing the blasphemy he'd shared with the man before him should have meant expulsion or imprisonment. It wasn't very Jedi-like to admit the flaws of their doctrine much less to question or challenge them.

Kael remained still and alert. He watched the man before him with growing fascination. How would this man respond to his statement? Kael smiled inwardly while his face remained impassive. He would have loved to of said this to any of the council members. The outrage and indignation on their faces would have been incredible. Here however, he was removed from this small pleasure. Stupid helmet...

@Phoenix

 

[Phoenix]

Behind his helmet, the corner of Corvo's mouth turned up in a smirk. That was pretty close to the answer he was looking for but in the back of his mind he couldn't help but wonder if he was making a mistake and leading people down a dangerous path. He was looking for aggressive people with the goal of cultivating that aggression and directing it to the Sith. It wasn't a very "Jedi" thing to do but at the end of the day, these people made their own choices.

The fact was, though, he was looking for men that were willing to be the "bad guy" and do the things that the majority of the Order couldn't or wouldn't. He nodded as the Knight finished his thought. And you? Would you do those things if given the option? The Order doesn't approve of being the aggressor but in a war isn't it necessary?

There was no mistaking it: they were at war. The whole galaxy was torn apart by it and as much as the "Army" may want to call itself that, it was still filled with pacifist individuals. Whatever indignation this man was expecting from Corvo about what he'd said, he'd be severely disappointed. Corvo was an outcast looking for outcasts. "Shadows" as Kael had called them. It was an apt word and actually the group he was recruiting for more or less. @Zay

 

[Zay]

"And you? Would you do those things if given the option? The Order doesn't approve of being the aggressor but in a war isn't it necessary?"

Kael was a little taken back, by Corvo's question. His statements had aired his thoughts on the matter. War wasn't a time of peace, so an order of peacekeepers didn't make any sense. The Jedi, needed to become an army. If the Order's true intent was to protect the galaxy then it was time to go to war. Waiting around to react was the perfect way to get destroyed. The choice was clear to the young Jedi.

"War is the conflict of ideals carried out on the backs of warriors willing to fight for their way of life." he started.

Kael could feel the excitement in his blood. His heart rate increased and a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

"If a warrior isn't prepared to do what is necessary then their ideals are null and void. For the Jedi to remain the peacekeepers of the galaxy we need to be on the offensive. Even the youngest warrior knows the best defense is a good offense."

Kael watched the man before him with growing interest. Had the force truly placed this man in his path? Or was this simply a coincidence? He could tell the man was beating around the bush. Corvo was carefully choosing his words and asking questions that could be seen as blasphemy, but could also be twisted into a "lesson" if he didn't like what he heard. The former Sith was either dastardly cunning or incredibly paranoid. Both seemed plausible. Kael decided he'd humored the man enough by answering his questions. The Knight felt it was his turn to ask a question.

"If you don't mind, I have a question of my own." he'd allow the man to decline, but he didn't believe he would. "When do we get started?" The smile that had tugged at his lips blossomed and the tension in Kael's body relaxed. For the first time since being knighted he had hope.
@Phoenix

 

[Phoenix]

Corvo could almost feel that the other man was interested. He was far more engaged with this conversation than he had been earlier. While Corvo was at least partially concerned at the need to fight that the man exhibited, that was precisely why he'd sought him out. He needed Jedi who were tired of sitting back and passively waiting for the fights to unfold in front of them.

He couldn't help but think that he would have to make sure that these men and women he was recruiting were not going to fall to the Dark Side, something he was painfully aware that he had trouble even controlling within himself. As the other man asked a question of him, he paused for a moment and said nothing. He reached out with his senses to see if they were truly alone.

With that, he took several steps forward until the two of them were closer. Soon... It wasn't an exact answer but Corvo didn't have an exact timeframe yet. He needed the manpower first to support what he was planning.

I have plans... many more plans that I'll need people I can count on. Will you be one of those? There will be dangers to it not only without, but within. The sort of "plans' that Corvo produced were things like the Moff Council bombing. Violent and offensive plans that could easily lead one to the Dark Side... to the threats within. He wanted there to be no question of the potential pitfalls to agreeing to this were. @Zay

 

[Zay]

Kael's brow furrowed in confusion as he scanned the surrounding area for eavesdroppers. Corvo's ominous tone and foreboding answer made the Jedi Knight uneasy. He couldn't tell if the man before him was intentionally testing him or incredibly paranoid. Based on what Kael knew of the man it may be a little of both.

"Vague and ominous." He remarked in a muttered tone.

The close proximity between the two men made Kael uncomfortable and he backed away a pace, returning his personal space boundary to a comfortable position while maintaining a distance that could accommodate hushed tones.

Corvo asked again if Kael was sure about joining him. The young man struggled to bite back a sarcastic remark and instead replied with, "I'm positive."

The Order, aside from his former master Logan Ferrox, had done little to make the young man feel at home. He'd been treated as a nuisance and even after completing his trials with surprising prowess he was still underutilized and punished for being "unstable". If Kael could subvert the authority of the Jedi council while also doing what he believed to be necessary to protect the galaxy then that would be the path he followed with no question. Corvo had supplied him with this opportunity and he wouldn't turn it down even if it eventually cost him his life.

Kael looked Corvo in the eye, prepared to do what he must in order to fulfill what he knew the force had ordained him for. There's no such thing as coincidence. He thought he watched the other man.

"Is there, like, some kind of test or are you so desperate for allies among the Jedi that you'll recruit any teen with attitude?" He'd meant no disrespect to the other man, but Kael was tired of the word games.

It was time to get down to brass tax. He wanted to know what he'd need to be an integral part of the team. Assuming this group was to remain hidden he'd need training specifically geared toward their future missions. His skills as a Jedi were on par with any his rank, but he doubted traditional training would cover the missions this group of Jedi would be undertaking.
@Phoenix

 

[Phoenix]

Well, the man could make his own decisions and he'd made his. He wanted to go forward with this and that was his decision. All right, then. There was no point in beating around the bush anymore or questioning the man.

He took a few steps back, not taking his eyes off the other man. His hands were still grasped at his back and he pressed buttons on both of his sabers silently and without any noticeable movement before letting his hands fall to his sides. What, are you looking to prove yourself? A fight? Fine... you seem bored with the droids anyway.

His eyes watched the man, waiting to take a position until he watched what the other man did. It was a simple thing but he had a point: it was better to see what he could do now than when it counted. @Zay

 

[Zay]

What, are you looking to prove yourself? A fight?

Kael scoffed and replied, "Yeah, something like that." The young Jedi's sense's went on full alert and as Corvo stepped toward him he allowed his left hand to hover over the hilt of his lightsaber. Feral excitement radiated from the young man. He'd wanted to defeat an intruder, but now he was getting a shot at the former champ. The force truly was a mysterious entity.

Corvo still had his hands clasped behind his back. There was minor movement, but Kael didn't notice. He was too focused on the prospect of dueling the former supreme leader of the Sith. A grin spread across his face as his eyes met with Corvo's. If Kael wasn't mistaken the man before him seemed amused.

"Fine... you seem bored with the droids anyway."

Hand still hovering over the hilt of his lightsaber, Kael prepared himself for the battle. He centered himself in the force and took an athletic stance. He was ready to go to war.

The wind from the coast blew up the side of the mountain face and into the woods where his adversary had originally emerged. A single leaf caught by the wind floated through the air and fell directly between the two men. As it passed between their locked gazes the insignificant foliage became the war horn. Kael's body flew into action, the hand that hovered over his lightsaber, grasped the weapon, pulled it from his belt, ignited the blade and sent it into an arching vertical slash aimed at Corvo's center. Falling into his common practice, Kael shrouded his free hand in the force, customary to a Teras Kasi practitioner. His shrouded hand utilized tutaminis and was prepared to defend. @Phoenix

 

[Phoenix]

Corvo let the Force draw in around him as they prepared to fight. As soon as his opponent's hand moved, Corvo's sabers snapped to his hands and his right blade activated flying upward to deflect the incoming strike. Both blades had already been set to their stun settings, so Corvo had no need to hold back and couldn't help but wonder if the other man had done the same. It sent the adrenaline pumping all the harder as he made his first movements.

He angled his blade about 30 degrees to the horizontal so that the momentum of his opponent's blade would carry the saber past his side and to the outside of Corvo's. He used the space that created to drive his feet inward toward his opponent's body. He was still tracking that second hand as his own moved inward - deactivated saber in hand - aiming to strike his opponent in the gut with his clenched fist in something of an uppercut motion. @Zay