Ask Yavin IV By Force and Blade

[Sybella Demici]

Yavin IV, Jedi Planet, 0907 Hours
​

In a frenzy of motion, sabers clashed. Again and again, the duelists charged at one another, parrying each move before serving one of their own in return. The figure clad in black was proving themselves to be more on the offensive than their lighter counterpart. Jabbing and slashing, the pair continued, dominating the entire area with their deadly dance. Locking their sabers against one another, the two came face to face; the fighter, dressed in white, was apparently the physical superior as within moments their rival was forced down onto one of their knees. Undeterred (and even more unwilling to lose), the dark one gave a tilt of their head as if to mock their lighter-clad opponent. Their intent became abundantly clear as a sizeable branch propelled itself into the body of the towering combatant; they stumbled and staggered, trying to right themselves yet still their guard remained admirably up should their devious adversary decide to follow up with another successive attack.

They didn't. Instead, the darker of the pair had chosen to create some distance; using the Force once more, they had somersaulted back and were now standing atop a collapsed tree. They then took an open stance, their hands outstretched as if to invite further conflict. Their partner, though hesitant, soon obliged and scaled up onto the elevated surface, the Force making them light of foot. With that, the duel commenced, more fraught than ever. The dark one's attacks became both frequent and feverish with slashes and stabs raining down with such speed, that the one in white sought a better defence. They were so focused on the enemy in front, that they did not register the floating debris that soon came crashing into them from behind. Stones aplenty pelted at them and soon the warrior in white was forced to create a sort of barrier; though this shielded them from any further onslaught, it also split their attention.

Taking advantage of this, the one dressed in black made a feint towards the chest. Their rival's saber would have caught this, had the aggressor not slid down to deliver a nasty kick towards their lower body. The white warrior buckled and soon found themselves shunting off entirely from the higher ground; they crashed into the brush, their saber now sheathed in apparent defeat.

And with that, the demonstration was over.

Removing her visor, Sybella revealed herself to be the darker of the duelists. The protective garb was uncomfortably stuffy and she soon stripped herself of its outer layers. The humidity of the jungle certainly didn't help. Still, she wasn't in the worst of condition and her groaning contender reminded her of that.

"You don't pull any punches, do you, Sybella?" Silas was a Zabrak, pale in colour, and though he too had removed the training visor, he remained otherwise prone on the grassy ground.

She also pitied him, after all, he did take quite a beating. "That, my friend, would defeat the point of training."

With a chuckle, she offered the zabrak a helping hand. Slowly but surely, he found his feet though there was now a rather prominent limp in gait. If Sybella didn't know any better, she'd say Silas was exaggerating; he did enjoy putting on a show. Shaking her head, the Serennian knight turned to face those who sat in observation. Some were younglings, but most appeared to be experienced padawans on the cusp of knighthood. It was an honour to engage in this exercise with them and it made Sybella wonder if perhaps the Order was demonstrating their growing faith in her skills. Admittedly, under normal circumstances, she favoured two sabers instead one but this training wasn't merely a display of swordsmanship; it was to show how the Force and blade could work in harmonious collaboration.

She'd go on to explain as much, addressing the murmuring crowd with mature ease. "When using hands to manipulate the Force, you are inadvertently revealing your combative intent. An experienced warrior can read this and prepare a counter. Using the Force in battle doesn't have to be passive. Yes, you can use it to guide your movements, to enhance your speed and senses but it can also be used to keep your opponent at a disadvantage. Use your surroundings, find opportune moments and allow yourself full range."

​

Whilst some Jedi preferred to master specific skills, Sybella herself championed a well-rounded approach. Despite her age, she trained the mind alongside the body, as opposed to completing separate exercises. Whilst nowhere near being considered a master, she was rather adept. With battles still yet to come, she hoped her Jedi brethren would take on a similar approach. Any advantage was a benefit.

"Does anyone have any questions? You yourselves will soon be practising all of this. Best be ready..."

@AdventCore @Lucifrey Sol

 

[Lucifrey Sol]

Luci always looked forward to studying the blade. She found herself excelling with the Force, but lightsaber combat was something she felt she needed to improve if she were going to keep her abilities balanced. The lesson she attended today was one she felt would take her to the next level in her training. After all, she felt she was about to have her Trials any day now.

Her attention was intently focused on both of the duelists and their surroundings. She noted how the one in black was able to leverage her Telekinetic prowess with her saber, and without the need for telegraphing her move with a hand wave. This was the kind of skill she was looking for. To leverage her own proficiency with the Force and balance it with the blade.

Padawan Sol politely raised her hand from the crowd, wearing the same training garb as the duelist in white and the rest of the disciples. She waited a moment to make sure she had a chance to speak, then lowered her hand and addressed the Knight in black. "Lady Demici, how did you train yourself to be so good at guiding the Force during combat without the need for hand gestures?"

@HoneyMagpie

 

[Sybella Demici]

Whilst Sybella had devoted herself to the Order, she was still technically heir apparent to her family's titles; some Jedi (more than most) knew of this and chose to honour it by still referring to her as 'Lady'. She appreciated the gesture and if the Sereenian knight wasn't mistaken, the padawan speaking was @Lucifrey Sol. This was not unexpected, given that trails for knighthood would be coming soon; these were the student Sybella wished to mentor the most, given their essential role within the Jedi ranks.

"I'm glad you asked. Come, you can be the first volunteer." She gestured for the padawan to join her in the clearing, whilst at the same time, producing from her pouch a simple pair of binders. Hoping the restraints would not intimidate the @Lucifrey Sol too much, Sybella offered the Tiefling a moment of reassurance. "Trust me. All will become clear soon enough."

Though somewhat unorthodox, this rather crude method certainly yielded the desired results. In restraining one hand behind the back, the Force wielder would have to adjust in order to compensate. Luci would have one hand locked behind her back, whilst still retaining the other in order to use her saber.

Securing the cuff to the padawan's belt, Sybella continued with the explanation aloud. "It's natural for us, to want to use our extremities as a method of guidance. However, depending on our circumstances, we aren't always afforded such luxury. We must be creative, if not adaptable. Let's start with something simple. The lightsaber, for example, can be an extension of our very body, yes? Whilst some see it as nothing more than a weapon, these blades can be so much more. Not only is it a symbol, it is also a tool."

Turning now, Sybella would give Luci her undivided attention. "You see those rocks, padawan? You're going to move them across the clearing. Focus your mind on the stones, but use the saber for direction. Control will come with practice."

There was more to say but with the exercise only beginning, it was best to complete each stage one step at a time. Too much instruction could confuse the mind and add unwanted stress. The pile of rocks were of varying size, some harder to lift than others. Luci could fling them abruptly, or with care. It mattered not, so long as she was using her mind and saber in unison.

@AdventCore

 

[Lucifrey Sol]

"Nn." The Annfynian Tiefling nodded and took her place in the clearing next to Sybella. Before accepting the binding she planted her custom dueling helmet on the fallen tree, then turned around in front of the Lady while her left hand gently went to her lower back so the Knight could tie her wrist to the belt around her garb.

"Yes, m'lady." Luci gave a respectful reply to the mentor before she swept her hand down across the front right side of her hips to pull her songsteel and Brylark wood lightsaber hilt into a sturdy grip. The saber went out to her side as she ignited the blue and magenta blade with a louder hiss and hum than those made with common Kyber crystals. She of course kept its power-setting low to keep it in its training mode, as she usually did.

Luci had to resist the urge of a prideful smirk as she heard a few hushed gasps come from the crowd, not at all taking into account they might be less impressed by her prismatic saber and more concerned with the fact that the end of the blade was so hot pink it was close to red. Then she pointed the blade toward the designated pile of rocks, and slowly closed her eyes as she dipped into the Force.

A steady breath. Calm tides washed over her. Luci's left arm dared to move, flinching for but a second before the blue-horned Padawan steadied her instinctual impulse to guide the Force through her open hand. Using her lightsaber as an extension of herself she instead focused on using it along with her right arm and grip around her saber's hilt to guide the Force along its blade and to the rocks.

A few moments later the stones would begin to lift one by one until a handful of them were floating loosely a couple meters from the ground. She maintained a calm and steady focus as she slowly guided her sonorously purring saber toward the opposite side of the clearing, roughly directing the collection of rocks to glide through the air until they dropped and rolled to the ground on the other side.

Luci opened her eyes with a soft smile. It wasn't perfect, but she'd managed to get most of the stones she'd lifted most of the way to the other side of the clearing. "It worked! Not the best maybe, but I can see what you mean, m'lady."

Her gaze then turned back to Sybella. "Do you spar with your hand tied behind your back to get better at this during combat too?"

@HoneyMagpie

 

[Sybella Demici]

Like the others in attendance, Sybella too admired @Lucifrey Sol's saber and the array of hues that morphed within its spectrum. Beautiful. Unusual, but beautiful. It suited the padawan well. How did the old saying go? Interesting sabers made for interesting Jedi, or so an old battlemaster once said. Only time could determine such things.

For the moment though, the padawan was handling the exercise well. Sybella wasn't expecting perfection, after all, this was Luci's first attempt; at least the Annfynian was open to this kind of instruction. It was hard, going against what was deemed conventional, and some found comfort in more traditional methods. Yet times were changing, as were their adversaries. If the Jedi were to survive what was to come, they would need to develop. They'd need to evolve.

"Yes, good. Exercise the mind, guide with the saber." Sybella marked the progress of the rocks with open interest. One rock should have sufficed, but Luci was utilising numerous rocks at the same time. The padawan was challenging herself. What else was she willing to try?

When Luci asked about Sybella's training, the Knight became somewhat nostalgic. She remembered her days as a padawan fondly, especially when it came to her basic training. "In the beginning? Yes. I sparred like this for hours, and I was sure to alternate between both hands." Especially as it made transitioning to dual sabers all the better.

As the last of the stones made it to their mark, the crowd of spectators congratulated Luci on her apparent success. The demonstration was going well and with each passing moment, Sybella felt a swell of pride. She wondered if perhaps they could push this display further, to properly illustrate what could be achieved with the right practice.

Beckoning Luci's attention once more, Sybella decided it was time for the next stage. The command was a simple one, yet the challenge was clear. "Charge at me, padawan, and hold nothing back."

Tucking one hand behind her own back, Sybella fell into a familiar. It was the same one she took as before, one in which her saber was pointed out towards the side. It left the body totally exposed. A tempting target for any brave enough, or foolish enough to try their luck. Like this, Sybella waited for @Lucifrey Sol to make her move. The Knight predicted two most likely options. The padawan would do as instructed as simply charge or, if she were feeling bold, she would try something more precocious like using the rocks.

Being as experienced as she was, Luci would more than likely be expecting something similar of Sybella. After all, she had watched her go on the offensive, it was almost expected she would try something similar. If Luci was feeling wise, she may have felt compelled to keep an eye on Sybella's saber. Yet the blade never moved. Instead, the Serrenian shifted her weight, and in one subtle, yet fluid move, she slid one foot in front of the other. The change was ever so slight, one blink and it'd be missed.

The accompanying wave of Force energy, however, would not be so easy to overlook. It wasn't necessarily a violent shove, but coupled with the Luci's forward momentum, it would certain be enough to shunt her back.

@AdventCore

 

[Lucifrey Sol]

"Thank you." A brief bow and blush came from Luci as her peers congratulated her. She coyly brushed back her small Padawan braid and a couple other loose bangs while flashing a small smile to the group.

She nodded to Lady Demici's notes, and to the request for her to charge. Luci rotated her sword hand down to her left side, then whirled it back up and to her right as she prepared to dash forward with one hand tied behind her back. Her eyes focused on those of the instructor, then a moment later Luci dashed forward with a slight boost in her step to cover more ground faster.

The distance between them closed within seconds. She kept her eyes moving, watching for any brief sign of the Knight attempting one of her subtle techniques. Luci then began her diagonally downward slash from right to left, but upon catching a glimpse of the instructor's foot moving she quickly abandoned her charge and slid forward on her momentum for a second before hopping back just as she Sensed a swell through the Force.

Luci whipped her saber back down infront of herself in a defensive stance. Her left hand tried to move again, but was caught in the bind at her the back of her hips. Without hesitation she then felt through the Living Force and guided it down through her arm, and lifted the first two fingers of her right hand's grip in time to create enough of a barrier to keep her from getting thrown back by the Knight's subtle attack.

The blue-horned Padawan's feet staggered back and slid across the damp foliage to a stop. A heavy breath left her lips, and she let her lithe frame pause for a few moments while the sudden drain on her stamina hit her. A little smile perked up as she thought about how useful such a skill would be for her. "This is exactly the kind of thing I've been looking to learn."

She recomposed herself, stood straight, and then flicked the tip of her loud blue and magenta lightsaber to the sky in a respectful duelling stance. It was clear the vigilant Padawan was ready to continue the lesson.

@HoneyMagpie

 

[Sybella Demici]

An applause erupted from the audience and Sybella was quick to join them. Despite that rather deceptive ploy, @Lucifrey Sol did well trying to counter. The hybrid was proving herself to be rather capable. A promising start for any hopefully of knighthood.

"Well done, Padawan Sol! Impressive perception." Whilst praising the Padawan once more, the Serennian would also give a simple flick of the wrist, releasing the binding from Luci's back; both hands were now free to move.

So far, the demonstration had been going well. So well, in fact, that Sybella was feeling a little cocky.

Motioning for Luci to move aside, the veiled knight decided to put on one final displace. "We've seen how the Force can work in tandem with both the body and the blade. The only limits that exist are the ones we place on ourselves. In order to reach new heights, we must strive for something...more."

Throughout her speech, Sybella was silently gathering the Force from within her. In an impressive display of focus, she divided her concentration between the two tasks; speaking confidently and fluidly, whilst also drawing on the Force around her. The invisible energy began to pool, growing larger and more excessive with each passing moment. Cautiously, several observers moved back yet Sybella herself seemed undeterred. In fact, she was smiling, growing drunk from the power and its sensation. Unable to contain it any longer, the knight (in one single motion) slammed her fist on the ground and caused an eruptive blast. The ground quaked and shattered, crumbling in response to the amount of Force energy surging it. Dust and dirt kicked themselves up to form a sizable dark cloud that encompassed the open space. When it finally settled, it revealed that a fairly large crater had now been formed.

Surveying the destruction with much satisfaction, Sybella turned her attention downwards to her hand; she soon realised the consequences of her folly when she noticed two (if not three) of her fingers had been broken upon impact. In her eagerness, she had rushed the manoeuvre and, in doing so, had thrown off the entire timing. Moulding and controlling such vast amounts of energy took much focus and practice; a Jedi had to ensure they protected themself well during the dangerous transition.

Still, the kohl-eyed knight seemed pleased. The display was impressive enough to illustrate her point. Ignoring her injury, and its steering pain, Sybella turned to face the crowd. But she stopped mid-step, her gaze drawn elsewhere. Across the clearing, she had seen a flash of red. It took a moment to register but from its shape, it appeared to have been a person. Another Jedi perhaps? Why were they so far away?

Curious, Sybella stood as stiff as a statue, staring at nothing yet searching for something. "Who...was that?"

 

[Lucifrey Sol]

"Thanks again." A bright blush came from Luci as she was praised by the others again. She smiled happily, closing her eyes and arching them up in the process. There was a soft, "-ah-" as she felt her wrist free up from the binding. She brought the wrist forward, looking down at it for a moment before she returned her attention to Lady Demici.

Upon seeing that the Knight was motioning for her to step aside, Luci nodded, deactivated her loudly humming lightsaber, and clipped it back to her utility belt. Then she used her free hand to reach out towards her modified helmet to summon it. The protective headgear flew through the air a moment later, landing in her grasp. Luci then turned to Lady Demici, gave her a respectful bow, and stepped aside to rejoin the other learners.

She watched with anticipation as the Knight gathered the Force, finally releasing an excited gasp when the ground suddenly erupted from the impact of the lady's fist. Her tail and pointy ears perked up, along with an enthusiastic smile. That was, until Luci noticed the damage Lady Demici had done to her own hand.

"Huh! M'lady!" The Padawan gasped sharply and hurried over to the Knight, gently holding her palm under the Serennian's broken fingers. "Are you okay?" Then she flicked her shiny blues up at the lady's, and followed her glance to a section of the forest that didn't seem to have anyone. She took a brief moment to extend her Sense to the trees around, but didn't seem to feel anyone through the Living Force other than the group of Jedi that had gathered.

"I don't Sense anyone." Luci softly spoke to Lady Demici, then turned her big wide eyes back up to look into the Knight's. "I can go check if you want, or I can help you mend these a little." There was clearly a look of concern across the girl's expressive face, both for the damage the lady had done to herself, and for her distraction with the mysterious person who didn't actually seem to exist.

@HoneyMagpie

 

[Sybella Demici]

Lost in her thoughts, Sybella at first did not hear @Lucifrey Sol. Her gaze was still firmly fixed on the area which surrounded them. The padawan was right, however. Apart from the assembled observers, there was no one else within the vicinity. Whilst this could easily be written off as an error, the Serennian seemed unconvinced; she had definitely seen a figure standing nearby, a person who was cloaked in red. It was a bold colour, complete out of place within the greenery of the jungle. Surely she wouldn't just imagine something like that for no good reason.

Was it the Force, perhaps? Trying to communicate with her?

Feeling to need to investigate, the kohl-eyed knight finally turned her attention back to her audience and back to Luci. Shame on her for making the padawan worry so much. Indeed, her fingers were broken, but she had suffered worse before; the pain was but a fleeting price, especially when in the pursuit of greatness.

Tucking aside her injured hand, Sybella instead offered the hybrid a reassuring glance. "No, but thank you. There's no need to trouble yourself. Perhaps I was mistaken."

Gesturing for Silas to make a return, the Knight would in turn remove herself from the rest of the demonstration. She would leave the actual practice and drills for him to oversee. Thankfully, he was understanding and wished her a speedy recovery. In all honesty, it wasn't anything the healers couldn't handle, though they did scold her for such foolishness; after all, this wasn't the first time Sybella had visited them with such an injury. In pursuit of her training, the Serennian often pushed her limits. Sometimes, she would try to perform risky manoeuvres, other times, she would spar using unregulated droids; the risks were high, but so was her rate of success.

Still, one area that remained underdeveloped was Sybella's ability to heal. Using the Force to cure injury was indeed a remarkable feat and it was an ability only afforded to those who do their utmost to dedicate themselves to the Light; masters of this art needed to be in full control of their passion because of its rather taxing nature. Love, compassion and mercy were required in order to use such potent power. As much as Sybella admired the healers for this work, she felt as if her efforts could be better directed elsewhere. Perhaps in the future, she could explore this area again but for now, the knight would leave such work to the mystics of the Order.

Flexing her now-mended fingers, the Serennian paused for a moment outside the temple's library. If she remembered correctly, most Jedi and their records should be accessible (save for Shadows and their ilk). Perhaps a quick search would reveal the name of this mysterious red-robed figure.