Force Combat: Reland v. Ashara

[Master Maverick]

"Wecome back," she started. "I trust you are all rested?" This was all, of course, after a somewhat lengthy pause, looking at those that had assembled. She started with quite a few Jedi and now was left with Five. These had proven themselves above the others. Honestly she was disappointed that not all stayed. Realistically she was glad that this many had stuck it out.

"This will be a test of what you have learned. A real world application of your skill and control." There was yet another pause simply to build up the tension. "We will spar with one another using only the Force." While they gathered their wits about it and prepared themselves mentally for what was about to come, Ashara watched emotionless while they shuffled or mumbled or whatever they chose to do in reaction to this announcement.

"Alistair, you will be up against Sky. Please take your position to the northern edge of the courtyard." She pointed to her right as she faced the group and waited for them to begin their walk to the specified location before the next pairing was made.

"Von and Sun, take your positions to the south" A motion to her left was made and they were to make their way there.

This only left Reland. She purposefully paired him up against herself. She wanted to see for herself how much he had learned in such a short amount of time. An expectant look was offered to the human and he was led towards the edge of the courtyard straight out, between the other two pairs. On the grass her feet dug into the grass, toes curling in with the grass and dirt. Her skirt shifted gracefully when she stopped and turned to face the young Jedi she would be testing.

"The goal here is to land as many hits on your opponent as possible. Refrain from excessive force or unreasonable pain. This is merely practice with your fellow Jedi." She spoke loud enough for all to here.

They would not enjoy themselves if the Sage Master had to get herself involved, truth be told.

"You may begin when ready!" A nod was offered to Reland and he would, not surprisingly, be given the first move. It was only polite, after all.

 

[Raydo]

Reland was still tired from the training they had returned from. He still had dark circles around he eyes from lack of real sleep however they had faded slightly in the two days they had been back. He was tried but felt stronger than he had been when he left. He could the slightest hint of muscle definition in his arms, chest, and legs. While the class focused on the use of the Force the daily intense runs had strengthened him physically and mentally.

When Master Ashara said he would be facing her in the duel. He gave a slight nod as they walked to location with the duel would take place. He gave a bow towards the Jedi Master. When he rose he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He could feel his mind opening to the world around him. He could feel the grass, rocks, and trees around him. When he opened his eyes he saw the Togruta nod to him and announce the could begin.

He felt several rocks around where he was staying, but instead of choosing the larger one right in front of him he choose a rock about the size of a human fist and flung it in her direction. He was able to throw something much heavier but he could throw a smaller one faster. He then started running around the other Jedi to his left.

He had to force his mind to clear and let the Force guide his actions. Over thinking would slow him down and he would need all of his speed for this exercise.

 

[Master Maverick]

((OOC - the 'other Jedi', is that Ashara or Alistair and Sky (who would be to his left given that Ashara is still facing the same way so her right is his left)?))

While Reland prepared himself, dipping into the Force and becoming aware of his surroundings, Ashara too concentrated on the Force. The waves shifted and convulsed as the Jedi utilized their power in this area. It was hard to keep track of everything with so much activity. As such, she couldn't be too sure how the other two groups were doing, but needed to focus on the Jedi she was testing.

Just in time, too, as a stone raced towards her. A slight manipulation of the trajectory saw it shoot off to her right, out into the light forest beyond. While he ran, she decided to do the same to him, see how he handled it. However, rather than just releasing the stone, which was about half the size of the one Reland himself threw, she kept control over the object as it whipped through the air. As such, the stone arced as it flew towards the young Jedi. Of course it wasn't any faster than the human's throw - he should be able to react in time.

 

[Raydo]

((OOC - I apologize, I was referring to you but will better specify in the future.))

Reland saw the stone flying towards him. The stone seemed to arc through the air to follow his run. He had nearly completed a half circle around the Jedi Master. He finished the half circle by applying an upward push towards the rock flying towards him. He then rolled completing the half circle. He finished the roll by jumping back onto his feet. Rolling low minimized the upward force he needed to exert on the rock for it to go over him.

He then stretched out his hand towards the Togruta. Instead of pulling on her, he pulled on the rock that was by his feet when he had started the duel and was now behind her. This rock was larger than the first but with his training he had undergone so far he was able to left and pull it towards himself. It was flying low along the ground towards the legs of his opponent. This rock was larger and took much more effort for him to lift. He released the rock as it got close to the Togruta, letting its momentum carry the rest of the way. Instead of sending another attack he gathered himself for the counter attack he knew would come.

 

[Master Maverick]

Good, he redirected it. However, it wasn't quite that simple. Everything that she did with these younglings was supposed to be a learning experience. Simply because he managed to push it up and away didn't mean he was out of danger from the small and unassuming stone.

Having yet to move, standing before him as to mock his efforts, a twist of her hand saw the stone whip through the air, a flick back towards him just as he finished rising from his roll. A tiny pebble by itself would be seen as an ineffective target. At the speed it was going, though, it would leave a good bruise. It was aimed to hit him in the back, which would hinder him least. The thick skin and developed muscles would protect him well enough. Given his concentration elsewhere, though, it would surely hit as he pulled.

But not her. Something behind her.

She jumped, and not assisted by the Force either. Another rock flew under her legs, proving the success of the maneuver.

That split second she realized he was pausing, waiting for something, she decided to use and give him something worth waiting for. Her crowned head bowed, eyes closed while she dipped into the Force that little bit more. It was effortless, though, compared to some of the Padawans here. Not surprising, of course. It would only be a matter of time before they became comfortable within this entity.

In only a few seconds upwards of a score of various sized pebbles, cobbles and stones rose in the air with her hands and arms that were now parallel to the ground. Their heights varied while they elevated - this too was for a specific reason. A few seconds later they all flew towards the human in unison. Again, much like last time, she did not simply throw them. Not only was that ineffective, it was a waste of energy. Though that, really, was only in her own perception of her mental power. The amount of control and precision she exerted was far from simple or easy.

He could dodge but they would simply whip around and find him again. He could redirect them but they would only circle around and deal their blows the second, third or fourth time he wanted to try such methods. He'd need to do something else, but she wouldn't relent until he figured that out. Even in this controlled environment he needed to understand the seriousness of this exercise. This was far from fun and games.

 

[Raydo]

As soon as he let go control of the rock he was pulling towards his opponent he felt a pain shoot up and down his back as the rock he had already dodged hit him in back. His vision blurred for a moment from the pain, but he quickly was able to snap back into focus.

The Togruta had already jumped over his rock and was gathering a large number of rocks to throw back at him. As they began to fly towards him he tapped into Force to give him speed and agility and he began to sprint towards the Jedi Master. Using his new speed he was able to dodge past rocks. This time he left his awareness open so he could feel the rocks turning back around the come at him again. There was already one streaking towards him again.

He gathered his focus and sent a pushing wave to attempt to push his opponent to her left and he side stepped to her right. With all of his effort he then nudged the rocks that were now flying towards him towards the direction of Ashara. It was not a strong nudge but it was enough to throw them into her path. He hoped the push would throw her off balance enough to give him the time he needed.

He stayed in close to her where if there was rocks flying around him she would also be at some risk but tried to keep some distance from her so he still had time to react if needed.

 

[Master Maverick]

The pebbles rained upon the ground, rolling as the energy in their movement dispersed over the friction created by the air and ground. It was a graceful movement - her left hand rose in response to the young Jedi's pulse of energy that coursed towards her, covering the distance in but a moment. It was dispersed and displaced with ease, it seemed. Her head remained down-turned, her eyes closed, while she performed the maneuver. Her robes kicked up around her, of course, a strong wind hitting her lower half in essence. She remained steadfast despite this.

A few moments after it was open she'd raise her head to look at her opponent. She decided to reciprocate the offer. The fabric of her sleeves shifted in response to her deft movements. A swift, modest movement would create a burst that would explode, not violently of course, right in front of where Reland was standing. It was a deviation of a push - more control and less energy wasted. Of course it required the difference in concentration, practice and knowledge of how to utilize the Force in such a manner.

 

[Raydo]

Reland saw the movements of the Jedi Master and braced for attack. He raised his hands a transparent blue shimmer formed in front of him just before the ground in front of him exploded. The shield was taxing on Reland but he had deflected the blast.

Reland once again sprinted at the Jedi Master. When we was three feet away threw all of his will into a push towards his opponents stomach.

He didn't have much left in him as he let out the push. He doubted he could match that power again. As he looked up at the Jedi Master poked as if she had just woken from a nap and was fully rested. He pushed the flicker of doubt out if his mind.

 

[Master Maverick]

Well that was certainly unexpected. She didn't think he had learned that particular trick just yet. Obviously she wasn't quite as knowledgeable about the boy as she originally thought. He showed a proficiency with the Force that surpassed many others his age. He had passed her tests up to this point, but now she would turn it up a notch.

Again he charged at her. Young males always seemed so zealous. Such psychological considerations would be dealt with later. For now she had to keep up with him. That would prove less than difficult for the elder female.

For those close by it might be difficult to determine what happened. A huge burst of energy erupted between the two Jedi in an instant. Ashara remained standing in her original position, though her robes protested against the lack of movement. Reland, however, would most likely be knocked away simply given his approach and execution of the maneuver.

A lazy movement of her left hand raised to meet his. From her palm surged a river of Force as it flowed through her how it might were she meditating. The concussion of the waves caused a backlash, an explosion of sorts. Ashara made sure her push was maintained throughout, diverting the energy to flow around her harmlessly. She could not say the same for her friendly opponent.

After finding Reland's location she bowed her head slightly and closed her eyes again. Her hand was raised in front of her face while she concentrated on that which binds life. She was ready for what she expected he might throw at her but hoped he might give her the opportunity to teach him a particularly important lesson.

 

[Raydo]

He saw her raise her hand an instant before he felt a wall of energy hit him. It felt like a wave of stone hitting his entire body. He was throw back several feet and landed on his back. His head was spinning as his vision blurred. After a second his focus snapped back again and he jumped to his feet. He had been thrown further than he thought and stood over ten feet away than where he originally began.

He did not bother with rushing her again. This was a foolish move he now saw. He quickly scanned the space they were in. He located two rocks on either side of the Jedi Master. They were both equal in size and both around the same size. He picked them both up and hurled them at his opponent. The one on her left side he threw low and close to the ground and the one on her right side he threw it higher, roughly at shoulder height. This time he did not let go control of the rocks. His head pounded pain but he retained his focus, his determination grew as the rocks flew closer.

 

[Master Maverick]

Reland was in rough shape, but he wasn't about to give up. "Good for him," she thought. He was at the very least showing her that he was determined. She was glad he finally caught on that rushing her, for any purpose really, would prove futile. Well, pretty much anything he might have done would have been less than effective. Instead it showed that he was able to adapt, not stuck on one method until it worked.

He was too late. A flick to his brain would hurt tremendously. It was a method to break his concentration - causing any sort of pressure inside the skull would be hard to ignore. She didn't want to hurt him, but he might have a bit of swelling afterwards, resulting in a migraine-like headache for a time.

She was too late. The rocks were loosed and flying towards her. They were arcing down towards the ground, the one closer to the ground, the one to her left, tumbled on the ground but still rolled towards her. Both would make contact lest she did something. And something she did.

As per usual, she performed a rather simple defense. She had yet to use anything she hadn't shown her students. It was her intention to show them what they were capable of with such seemingly simple skills. Well, that was of course save for the 'attack' on his mind. That would come with time. However, they needed to learn how to protect their minds from such things. The Sith would have used something like that in the beginning if they had the opportunity.

Again strong bursts of energy erupted from her hands, left low and right mid. The rocks would simply tumble backwards, back the way they had come. There was no need to send them flying, after all. He'd have one more chance to strike her before she'd show him how to really fight through the Force.

 

[Raydo]

Reland stood, head pounding, his eyes going in and out of focus. He blinked and then closed his eyes. He could focus without the distraction of the blinding light. He reached out and could feel the Jedi Master. He tried to formulate a plan of attack in his head. There was nothing he could do. so he did nothing.

He could feel the area around. Feel the life. He could just barely feel the other two groups of Padawans in the distance. He focused on Ashara. He drew on the force to push to pain and cloudiness from his mind. He waited for the attack that he doubted he could defend another attack.

There was no fear in his train of thought only the logical outcome to the conflict. He waited for his opponent, the debilitating fog lurked just outside his consciousness.

 

[Master Maverick]

Hm. Perhaps it was a touch stronger than she intended. That or she over-estimated him. It didn't really matter much either way. Now, though, it was time to show him what a Jedi's body could be capable of. Again, nothing they had not learned. Well, as far as utilization of the Force went. Martial arts were another thing. Of course Jedi knew at least some basics, but becoming proficient in it, as with anything else, took time. Ashara was no fighter by any means, but she didn't think Reland was either.

Heels flew in the air as she rushed him, much faster than he had her. Perhaps not 'much', but it was significant. To think an old lady could move so fast... it actually wasn't that surprising. In any event she chose to engage him in hand-to-hand combat. At least as much as he could in his current state. Her hands streaked towards him in fast, but light punches. The speed itself would leave pretty good bruises. They were mainly towards his arms, chest and upper back - the more better protected parts of the body in terms of muscle cover.

Dozens of taps followed in quick succession before she finally released a modest burst of energy from her palm, now engaging in open-hand techniques. Her movements were rather crude, but these were masked by the speed of her movements. At least to those untrained in such things. She'd circle him, defending against whatever counters he might try. Otherwise she simply tried to out-maneuver him with pure speed. Eventually she'd let out a more intense burst to send him back a little bit in order to indicate that they were finished with the spar, demonstration and exercise.

 

[Raydo]

Peace. Calm. The Force pushed away at the cloudiness of his mind. He shut out his other senses and fully relied on the Force. He could feel his surroundings. One could almost forget he was in an impossible duel. Almost.

Then he felt the rush of speed from his opponent as soon as it happened, much sooner than he would have normally been able to react. Ashara was moving...fast...really fast. He would not have even reacted to the burst of swiftness if he was not so focused. He took one quick step to the left and extended both his hands in the direction that he knew the Jedi Master would be and pushed out with the Force as hard as he could.

He had never exerted himself this hard with the Force, even in the prior two weeks of training. It was simple and crude but it was powerful, at least, for someone so young and inexperienced. With that his concentration was shattered. The pain rushed back to his head and he felt at least one strong push against him before falling back. As his consciousness faded to black he felt himself hit the ground...and then nothing.

He woke up what seemed like ages after, but had only been a couple of seconds. His head pounded and he felt weak. He went to stand up. He knew the Jedi Master would not have pity for him nor did he want it from her. He only vaguely remembered the last seconds of the duel and given his state he doubt his last attempt had even touched the Togruta Master. He forced himself to his feet still shaky and forced himself to bow. He had failed. He could not even hit her one time. This was his time to show the Jedi Master the skill he had, and that is what he did. He knew it was a disappointment. He stood quietly after his bow waiting for her to say something.