Happy Friday

[Saul Perth]

The success of his strike brought a grin to Saul's face, but his minor victory was interrupted as Jake surged forward to attack, uncharacteristic of Soresu, he knew what was about to happen. The feint surprised him, he expected Jake to attempt a blade lock, then draw his weapon, however the surprise had probably an equal effect. The tables had turned and now Saul was on the defensive.

Saul kept his lightsaber secure in a two-handed grip, using short parries to deflect what strikes he could away from him, and side or back stepping the rest. He couldn't keep this up for long though, as he was quickly being backed into a corner of the dueling ring. He had to break Jake's momentum quickly, before he got stuck in a corner.

Quickly running out of time, Saul once again put his trust in aerial tactics. Channeling the Force to aid his efforts, he launched himself into the air. Rather than leap directly forward, he severely angled his jump to his right, attempting to escape Jake's primary saber arm. Angling his spin to keep Jake in his sights, he maintained facing his opponent as he sailed through the air, carefully timing his actions. As he passed Jake's shoulder, he removed his left hand from his lightsaber and drew it back, channeling energy into his arm. Upon landing, he shot his open palm forward, unleashing his stored energy in a push. With time to focus his energy, this push was more powerful than either of the two the Padawans had utilized earlier, but also equally more draining. Saul didn't like draining himself for defensive purposes, but he had to break Jake's momentum.

 

[Insoulent]

Spoiler: Mav's Post

His tactics were impressive, she had to admit. At the very least they had improved, but that was only to be expected. Indeed, if they hadn't then she obviously did not do her job. But how much of that would be her responsibility? He was no longer her Apprentice and, thus, was no longer her responsibility.

The thoughts fluttered in her mind as she focused upon her concentration while watching him move around her. Any lesser sentient would have gotten dizzy, but she knew how to keep her equilibrium stable.

He was keeping to her saber side, her blade still in her right hand. Good. He knew better than to engage her so directly.

The two were still getting a feel for each other. It had been quite some time since they had sparred with one another and this was quite an exciting scenario in which to do so in. They were on display, in a way. Ashara had little to prove, but she wanted to prove she was not some old woman huddled away in the Archives reading endlessly the information which they stored. She could be a Jedi or action as much as the next. Despite her shortcomings with the art, she at least made up for it in other ways. Intelligence being but one.

His approach saw her blade come up, now with both hands grasping the hilt, to block her head. She misjudged the strength behind it, though, and was forced to parry the strike, spinning around the line new line she created. Her shoulder was the next to be defended, still moving away from his swinging blade. This time she was ready for the swing, her arms steeled against his might. It was in an effort to disrupt the momentum he was gathering and make him start over.

It managed to be marginally successful, but whether or not that was the low strike he performed or by her doing wasn't completely understood. While his momentum, and thus power, waned, hers increased. Her right arm, now solely in control of the saber, swung down to crash upon his own. A brilliant light erupted from the collision when her left hand found its way up, as she performed a quarter turn, to his solar plexus to emit an even stronger burst of energy than before. A simple push hadn't suited her for quite some time now, so a hard punch fought his body to have him expel the air he stored in his lungs while she, in a flourish, moved back to increase the space between the pair.

The blue blade was held low to her side, pointing behind her and towards the ground. Her left hand held parallel to the floor while her palm faced her former Apprentice. Not the most practical of stances, she knew. The only reason she held it is because she knew her opponent did not hold a ranged weapon she could not readily defend against with the Force or not immediately lethal.

Again, she waited for his approach and sticking true with her own personal philosophies even in this.

He hadn't had a bout like this in quite some time, to feel like he actually had to fight. His style was still new, but it was still his style. He wanted it to be an extension of himself while in battle. The Mandalorians had taught him that on the battlefield, all could be won through brute force, but it needed finess and a bit of courage. The Jedi had taught him to be cautious of power, to not succumb to the power to dominate others, but to learn to control oneself. And this style, wholly, would instill in him both of these things, to incorporate the nature of man into the blade. To control the power of power. There was no greater thing to a Mandalorian Jedi such as himself. The constant struggle of nature, in his eyes, would be channeled through this style of saber fighting. He had to strike her, if not just once more. Her masterful defensive qualities would be a great victory for Arkantos' newborn style, it would prove to him that it was worthy to continue honing. It would mean that eventually, with work, it would be a style to be wreckened with.

While he danced around her, he felt the pressure of the push from the Force strike his gut. His body jolting back, his feet sliding, as he focused to get his breathe back. Her skills with the Force were a great asset to her lightsaber skills, they complemented each other so well, this is how Arkantos wanted his style to eventually become. One side complementing the other. He had to let the Force balance him out. He had to let go.

Arkantos had little to no time to think, he had to feel. While it was hard for many sentient species to release all thoughts, and simply allow nature to take its course, he simply had to. The Force would have to guide his strokes, to let it influence his movements. She had thrown one more Force Push as Arkantos took a run to her, but he felt it before it even left her palm. It was almost as if his body moved and curved itself around the energy propelling itself. The Force had empowered Arkantos, as it embedded itself throughout his body, enhancing his closeness to the Force and that around him. He begun to reach his physical limits, his body naturally teetering near its physical peak. His movement were a bit faster now, faster now to react than think. A perfect unison of body and blade.

While Arkantos could run a thousand of options in his head, different possibilities, the Force would simply move him, without a hesitation, without a split second of pause. Instantly. He speed quickly, as he swung his blade across his Master's abdomen, but she wouldn't take these strikes by just standing there. She moved gracefully with just a step back, while Arkantos brutishly swung his blade, bringing forth much more momentum. He moved forward, slashing away. As Arkantos brought his blade close to her, his old Master simply dodged, but now Arkantos left no room for error, no room for a counter attack. Though it seemed Ashara needed no help of her own attack, she simply had to wear the man down. They moved through their narrow space, every wild strike countered by a well trained movement.

Arkantos continued his barrage of attacks, the next bringing more speed and strength to it. But even his test of speed and power didn't mean much to his Master, who narrowly moved through the openings he left in his strikes. She had to have known that if she continued to try and block these with her own body, she'd have a harder time keeping up. Her judgement alone was enough to keep her in the fight. She had to keep away from his bladework, but Arkantos wouldn't let her slip away that easily. Unfortunately for him, he had to waste some energy to create his opening. In his last movement, he brought his blade downwards, hard, while his Master moved to Arkantos' right, only slightly as to move from Arkantos' flurry, to begin a counter attack. But as she stepped to the side, Arkantos suddenly pushed against the ground, using his feet and his blade for propulsion, and jumped behind his Master sending his own Push of the Force at her back as he landed. It was weak to say the least, he had put most of his attention to his Force Body, and thus to gather more energy was near impossible. The Push would barely strike her, if anything it would bruise her. He had to waste that opening, for something grander. He cornered himself to the edge of their battle space.

He then held his blade out in a more defensive pose. His feet firmly on the ground, and the blade aimed at the togruta, though bent behind and over his head, the opening Soresu stance. His right hand pushed out infront of him, at the ready. While Arkantos had very little in terms of pure defensive moves, outside deflection, he had to lure his opponent back closer to him. To be honest, Arkantos had little training in Soresu, if barely any at all, but he was doing this as if to mimic his Master. It was a foolish tactic, one he hoped his Master could still fall a victim to. Tactically, she had the advantage, but if she striked, Arkantos would release yet another flurry, one that could throw her balance off, and allow him to bear his power over hers. He had to get in her head, but he wouldn't result to a verbal way to this, he knew his Master was far too wise to fall for verbal challanges, he had to make a statement, physically. It was her turn to strike now, it seemed. He had to conserve the last of his energy for one last powerful strike. He simply had to wait for an opening, if there would be another one at all.

 

[Master Maverick]

Spoiler: Arkantos' actions

Arkantos continued his barrage of attacks, the next bringing more speed and strength to it. But even his test of speed and power didn't mean much to his Master, who narrowly moved through the openings he left in his strikes. She had to have known that if she continued to try and block these with her own body, she'd have a harder time keeping up. Her judgement alone was enough to keep her in the fight. She had to keep away from his bladework, but Arkantos wouldn't let her slip away that easily. Unfortunately for him, he had to waste some energy to create his opening. In his last movement, he brought his blade downwards, hard, while his Master moved to Arkantos' right, only slightly as to move from Arkantos' flurry, to begin a counter attack. But as she stepped to the side, Arkantos suddenly pushed against the ground, using his feet and his blade for propulsion, and jumped behind his Master sending his own Push of the Force at her back as he landed. It was weak to say the least, he had put most of his attention to his Force Body, and thus to gather more energy was near impossible. The Push would barely strike her, if anything it would bruise her. He had to waste that opening, for something grander. He cornered himself to the edge of their battle space.

He then held his blade out in a more defensive pose. His feet firmly on the ground, and the blade aimed at the togruta, though bent behind and over his head, the opening Soresu stance. His right hand pushed out infront of him, at the ready. While Arkantos had very little in terms of pure defensive moves, outside deflection, he had to lure his opponent back closer to him. To be honest, Arkantos had little training in Soresu, if barely any at all, but he was doing this as if to mimic his Master. It was a foolish tactic, one he hoped his Master could still fall a victim to. Tactically, she had the advantage, but if she striked, Arkantos would release yet another flurry, one that could throw her balance off, and allow him to bear his power over hers. He had to get in her head, but he wouldn't result to a verbal way to this, he knew his Master was far too wise to fall for verbal challanges, he had to make a statement, physically. It was her turn to strike now, it seemed. He had to conserve the last of his energy for one last powerful strike. He simply had to wait for an opening, if there would be another one at all.

The timing an execution was exceptional. Of course most should have expected nothing less. This was one of the times where Ashara would commend such use of acrobatics. Using the momentum of his swing with the expectation of her dodge, he used that opening to get behind her even before she was ready to counter. The energy that blasted her back caused her to stumble forward, though she managed to keep her feet under her. More than anything she was surprised with the success of the maneuver.

He had learned quite a bit. At the very least he had been practicing tirelessly during the time they had been apart. It was nice to see her prodigy doing so well. Even so, she was not about to be beaten by her former student in such a manner.

No forward movement was sensed through the montrals that crowned her head, so she took her time in turning around and steadying herself. Of course that was a couple seconds more than she would have were she to have been attacked outright, but it mattered little. His position was noted; he had successfully put himself in the corner. Either that was an oversight on his part or he was planning something. She would have liked to think that he was simply overzealous, but the whole thing seemed more purposeful than that.

Despite her hesitation, she chose to take the offensive this time. It had been long enough, being pushed around by this human. It was time to show her stuff. Of course that was minimal, but she didn't care.

Focusing the energies within her, she moved towards him with a pulse of speed, exemplifying the control she had over her body. In but a moment her blade came down upon his left shoulder, to which Arkantos blocked with surprised ease. It was a simple attack, but the pace she was pushing him wasn't immediately expected. The strike was deceptively light, though, and his arms pushed up, yet her blade was already gone and snaking around to his opposite side. Cloth and skin sizzled for the moment before the yellow blade crashed against blue, a groan muted by the screech of plasma rubbing against plasma. In this maneuver, he caught her off guard once again. Her footing didn't allow for a quick 'get away'. Thus, her blade was cast aside with ease as Arkantos started his finishing combination.

Or, he hoped it would be.

His blade came crashing down on her head. Not yet ready to move out of the way, she was forced to stop the blade. Being unable to move underneath it, she was stuck for the moment. Her knees bent to allow her body to twist and her blade to tilt diagonally down to her right side, his blade sliding down. Her saber flicked towards his shoulder, nicking him once again, but the human was undeterred. His blade came up in a swinging arc to uproot her. She hardly had time to twist her arms to catch the blade, keeping his from touching her body. The heat, though, was felt through her thing robes and she was shoved back. The mentality of being in a corner seemed to be giving him strength. She could not hope to compete.

Their proximity did not change, he keeping the gap closed despite her best efforts. He had successfully moved her into an off-balanced position, her feet moving furiously to keep under her as she moved around his blade as best she could, using what little strength she had, which had to be augmented by the Force, to keep him at bay. Strike after blow would have meant her death were this a real battle and if she were any less practiced. Indeed, she was already at the lower end of where most would have thought she should have been, being only marginally better than most Knights and on-par, if not less skilled than, her peers. It was showing now, if it had never shown before.

Her arms were battered down with each successive strike, but the panting of her former Apprentice was clear. He was reaching his limits just as Ashara's arms threatened to collapse with each parry. At this point she couldn't relent, though. Her body was starting to fail her, but there was no way to make distance between them. At least not in a way she would have been more comfortable with. Rather she had to fight him on his own terms.

One particular strike, a lateral sweep at her torso from her right, was caught and locked by the Togruta. Her arms shook for the moment before she heaved back against his strength, pushing his blade away with whatever power she could muster. Releasing her left hand, she struck him in the chest again. This time, though, her palm struck him. A moment after contact, the Force burst from her hand, pushing him back in a small, concentrated pulse. It was about the same strength as before, but given she had already hit him once before in that same spot, another right below it, it was sure to be a bit more painful.

She didn't believe this to down him. Not in the slightest. It was to give her the opportunity to move back. The hilt of the saber was held loosely by her hands, practically dangling. Only her right hand grasped the cool, darkened metal of her lightsaber while her left was tensed and ready despite her arm hanging at her side. Her chest heaved and her muscles trembled, the upper half of her physical body failing her. Her legs were fine, but she was far outmatched otherwise. It obviously had been far too long since she pushed herself this hard and it was showing. Were she able to think of it, she would have been embarrassed. Regardless, she waited for him, just like before. Her gaze shot to Guhoo or Tytos, which ever was close, to determine how much longer they had.

 

[TweedPawn]

Della yelped as pain shot through her arm. The Phoenix trembled but held strong against Raleigh's blade. She was becoming weakened by the pain in her arm and the effort required to keep the other blade away from her. She had to show how break his grip on her.

Panic was starting to set in, a feral urge to bite and scratch like an animal was starting to set in. Sebastian had warned her of this temptation to give in to feral instinct and lose control. She had a knack for her emotions being a powerful fuel source for her abilities. It made het strong, but unpredictable. But Della refused to let herself give in.

If she gave in to her feral instinct, she might as well spark again. If she sparked again, everything her master worked for would have been wasted, and the darkness Geist Weiss said would corrupt her would be proven true.

Della recalled her training in Force Bubble from Tuwan. It was a long shot, but it would either break their bond or shove them into a tiny bubble to untangle themselves from. It required concentration and Della focused her mind to create a barrier to wedge between the two fighters. If it worked, Della would leap away from Raleigh and land on her feet.

She was tired, and her opponent was unable to move.

"I would have left you in the dust ages ago." she panted.

 

[Sirocco]

Encasing them both in an orb of pure force energy just like the time Raleigh did a minute before to try and trap her, Raleigh saw that she was not thinking as clear as she was. Neither was he for the matter, all he could think of in his pain was to either finish this with the natural aggression he unwittingly inherited from his unknown mother, or to end this peacefully by asking her to back down from this. Even in his pain, he stood as a powerful bear trap that was ready to clamp down on her when ever given the chance. Seeing the fighting spirit to prove to others she was strong, he thought there was no choice but to give her a warning before continuing. She did not know it but she had by far surpassed her master in his eyes, she was everything he could have wanted and more. But most of all, she had the compassion, empathy and open kindness her master could never hold. He respected her for it and in that respect would he not degrade her with lacking a warrior’s defeat, a defeat that marked that she went down fighting with everything she had.

Being encased in that small bubble was excruciating for his leg but he was able to fix his footing to make the pain manageable. Now practically hugging each other like tired boxing fighters, Raleigh’s body pressed on Della’s top for the most part in the cramp space as he continued to twist at Della’s arm. Holding her hand was imperative as to not let her get that painful downer she loved to try to pelt him with. Still in the struggle to overpower her, he worried she would bit his neck “Della, you have already proven your worth in battle and you honor yourself to continue fighting with your all. Still, we must stop or ill end up braking your arm or wrist, I can already see fractures appearing in your bones so I beg you to stop” Raleigh whispered in a struggled tone to Della as shatter point allowed him to see the weakness on her bones. “you have already proven yourself a great warrior” Raleigh said almost begging as he was not up to quitting because of his mandalorian spirit but would do so if he had no other choice.

Not all jedi where meant to be warriors and Della seemed to be among those with more peaceful specialties but she was already showing her mettle in battle. But in contrast, he was a warrior by birth right, and even with his knee damaged, he was a storm of pure power and strength still raging with strength. His specialty WAS combat.

 

[TweedPawn]

The pain in her arm was blinding. She started whimpering . She was now worse off than she was before. The other fighter was now tangled against her; the breath and sweat of the other causing her to start to panic in the response of being trapped.

The bubble vanished as her concentration broke. Her eyes clearly showed the distress she was in. She couldn't carry on. For her, it wasn't just about being a great warrior. It was also about survival. She constantly searched for new tricks and methods for the fight against death.

But at this moment, she wasn't fighting death. She was simply a student in a lesson and there was no need to keep fighting and injure herself beyond repair. Della retracted her blade and made her body language more passive. Her way of conceding that Raleigh had won the fight.

He had called her a great warrior. But Della did not allow herself to be fooled. She was anything but a warrior; she was a mere survivalist. Her fight wasn't against a great horde, only death. The jedi believed that there was something beyond death, but Della only just recently scratched the surface of what that meant. She would have to discover the answer without her Master.

Her arm burned with pain. Tears from the stress of her injury stung her eyes. She humbly looked away from Raleigh. He had paid her a complement, though Della had not been entirely seeking it.

"Thank you." she said meekly.

 

[Sirocco]

Deactivating Gram, and clipping it on his belt, he nodded softly as his nerves and body calmed which followed a surge of the real pain that his knee brought. With no sense of adrenalin surging his system to enhance his already empowered Physical abilities, there was nothing to block out the pain which followed his tiredness. He was drained and his leg pained him so but that was nothing to what he thought Della felt which sapped him of the “glory” of an existing battle. There was no true victory for him as he saw Della feel as sad as she did, only shame that he had to be so combat driven to give it his all no matter who it was. Knowing to not under estimate the enemy and in turn give it his all against those proving to be great and exiting in battle. He needed to make it up to her somehow. No longer able to walk without support since the numbness of conflict was passed, he crawled over to her “why don’t we go get a drink together or get something sweet, I feel I must make it up to you” Raleigh Said as he felt like bantha fodder all of the sudden. Then suddenly it came to him, maybe a gift for her might do it and he knew just what to give her.

Knowing Della needed help fixing up her fractured bone, he started to wave roughly to someone who was supposed to help them “we are done, come get Della!” Raleigh called, not wanting to call this a victory specially because he hurt someone so kind (even if she kept insulting him) :p he had more kindness than he had brains, this was true.

 

[Insoulent]

Spoiler: Mav's Post

The timing an execution was exceptional. Of course most should have expected nothing less. This was one of the times where Ashara would commend such use of acrobatics. Using the momentum of his swing with the expectation of her dodge, he used that opening to get behind her even before she was ready to counter. The energy that blasted her back caused her to stumble forward, though she managed to keep her feet under her. More than anything she was surprised with the success of the maneuver.

He had learned quite a bit. At the very least he had been practicing tirelessly during the time they had been apart. It was nice to see her prodigy doing so well. Even so, she was not about to be beaten by her former student in such a manner.

No forward movement was sensed through the montrals that crowned her head, so she took her time in turning around and steadying herself. Of course that was a couple seconds more than she would have were she to have been attacked outright, but it mattered little. His position was noted; he had successfully put himself in the corner. Either that was an oversight on his part or he was planning something. She would have liked to think that he was simply overzealous, but the whole thing seemed more purposeful than that.

Despite her hesitation, she chose to take the offensive this time. It had been long enough, being pushed around by this human. It was time to show her stuff. Of course that was minimal, but she didn't care.

Focusing the energies within her, she moved towards him with a pulse of speed, exemplifying the control she had over her body. In but a moment her blade came down upon his left shoulder, to which Arkantos blocked with surprised ease. It was a simple attack, but the pace she was pushing him wasn't immediately expected. The strike was deceptively light, though, and his arms pushed up, yet her blade was already gone and snaking around to his opposite side. Cloth and skin sizzled for the moment before the yellow blade crashed against blue, a groan muted by the screech of plasma rubbing against plasma. In this maneuver, he caught her off guard once again. Her footing didn't allow for a quick 'get away'. Thus, her blade was cast aside with ease as Arkantos started his finishing combination.

Or, he hoped it would be.

His blade came crashing down on her head. Not yet ready to move out of the way, she was forced to stop the blade. Being unable to move underneath it, she was stuck for the moment. Her knees bent to allow her body to twist and her blade to tilt diagonally down to her right side, his blade sliding down. Her saber flicked towards his shoulder, nicking him once again, but the human was undeterred. His blade came up in a swinging arc to uproot her. She hardly had time to twist her arms to catch the blade, keeping his from touching her body. The heat, though, was felt through her thing robes and she was shoved back. The mentality of being in a corner seemed to be giving him strength. She could not hope to compete.

Their proximity did not change, he keeping the gap closed despite her best efforts. He had successfully moved her into an off-balanced position, her feet moving furiously to keep under her as she moved around his blade as best she could, using what little strength she had, which had to be augmented by the Force, to keep him at bay. Strike after blow would have meant her death were this a real battle and if she were any less practiced. Indeed, she was already at the lower end of where most would have thought she should have been, being only marginally better than most Knights and on-par, if not less skilled than, her peers. It was showing now, if it had never shown before.

Her arms were battered down with each successive strike, but the panting of her former Apprentice was clear. He was reaching his limits just as Ashara's arms threatened to collapse with each parry. At this point she couldn't relent, though. Her body was starting to fail her, but there was no way to make distance between them. At least not in a way she would have been more comfortable with. Rather she had to fight him on his own terms.

One particular strike, a lateral sweep at her torso from her right, was caught and locked by the Togruta. Her arms shook for the moment before she heaved back against his strength, pushing his blade away with whatever power she could muster. Releasing her left hand, she struck him in the chest again. This time, though, her palm struck him. A moment after contact, the Force burst from her hand, pushing him back in a small, concentrated pulse. It was about the same strength as before, but given she had already hit him once before in that same spot, another right below it, it was sure to be a bit more painful.

She didn't believe this to down him. Not in the slightest. It was to give her the opportunity to move back. The hilt of the saber was held loosely by her hands, practically dangling. Only her right hand grasped the cool, darkened metal of her lightsaber while her left was tensed and ready despite her arm hanging at her side. Her chest heaved and her muscles trembled, the upper half of her physical body failing her. Her legs were fine, but she was far outmatched otherwise. It obviously had been far too long since she pushed herself this hard and it was showing. Were she able to think of it, she would have been embarrassed. Regardless, she waited for him, just like before. Her gaze shot to Guhoo or Tytos, which ever was close, to determine how much longer they had.

Arkantos hadn't been this tired in quite a while. While in practice, his style's cons weren't explored fully, he could finally grasp the limitations of his body, and how he would have to correct his downfall. His entire body screamed for rest, but he simply would go on without even lasting the first round. He panted heavily for breath, all while his chest throbbed in pain. His old Master took the bait, and he managed to finally land his strikes. While quick and powerful enough to tire his opponents relatively easily, his Master knew to keep her distance if she was to best him. Arkantos eyed his the Togruta, and only had much more respect and admiration for her. She was a warrior, one who was willing enough to prove that she could go toe-to-toe with another fighter, even as far as to prove herself to show it.

But even now, he could see her just as tired as he was, if not more. He looked at his old mentor's eyes, staring for a split second and then brought up his saber's blade to his face, inhaling and exhaling quickly. He cleared his mind, ignoring the pain, and pushed himself once again, moving forward. As he ran to her, she stepped back, while Arkantos reached for where she once stood with an upwards diagonal strike. He was so tired that even his vision was a bit impaired now. Ashara had stepped forward once again, as Arkantos blindly struck only air. She then pushed her saber forward in a lunge attack, but Arkantos moved around barely missing it, only before Ashara sidestepped and went for another strike of her Lightsaber, this time an underhead strike to Arkantos' left armpit -- the only non-armored part on his arm. It burned through the flexible material that composed his underarmor. He withheld his groan of pain, only jumping back to stay away. Out of the pain, his vision became clearer, though now a burning sensation in his armpit. Though she was tired, she wouldn't give up. Arkantos vision was back now, and he wouldn't let it happen again. He tossed his lightsaber up in the air once again, even going as far as to take some steps forward slowly, as he did before. She quickly went on the defensive, as she looked up, awaiting Arkantos' jump though was surprised as the Jedi suddenly rushed full speed at the togruta Jedi Master. She managed to noticed this, and quickly move to the side, as Arkantos nearly fell as his failed attempt at a tackle failed. His Lightsaber landed on the floor, deactivating.

The Jedi Master took this opportunity, going in to strike her opponent, but Arkantos quickly beckoned his hilt, as it slid on the floor rapidly and up into his left palm. He only had a split second before he ignited it upwards to protect his neck, the directed hit of the Jedi Master. It was so close that even with both hands on the hilt, he struggled to overpower his opponent now. His body was too tired now, and it seemed he had to go on the defensive. He didn't have the time to call for the Force to revitalize himself, not with a saber in his face at least. He'd have to pray they'red be one last opening before the match would be over.

 

[Master Maverick]

Final Round

Spoiler: Insoulent's post #4

Arkantos hadn't been this tired in quite a while. While in practice, his style's cons weren't explored fully, he could finally grasp the limitations of his body, and how he would have to correct his downfall. His entire body screamed for rest, but he simply would go on without even lasting the first round. He panted heavily for breath, all while his chest throbbed in pain. His old Master took the bait, and he managed to finally land his strikes. While quick and powerful enough to tire his opponents relatively easily, his Master knew to keep her distance if she was to best him. Arkantos eyed his the Togruta, and only had much more respect and admiration for her. She was a warrior, one who was willing enough to prove that she could go toe-to-toe with another fighter, even as far as to prove herself to show it.

But even now, he could see her just as tired as he was, if not more. He looked at his old mentor's eyes, staring for a split second and then brought up his saber's blade to his face, inhaling and exhaling quickly. He cleared his mind, ignoring the pain, and pushed himself once again, moving forward. As he ran to her, she stepped back, while Arkantos reached for where she once stood with an upwards diagonal strike. He was so tired that even his vision was a bit impaired now. Ashara had stepped forward once again, as Arkantos blindly struck only air. She then pushed her saber forward in a lunge attack, but Arkantos moved around barely missing it, only before Ashara sidestepped and went for another strike of her Lightsaber, this time an underhead strike to Arkantos' left armpit -- the only non-armored part on his arm. It burned through the flexible material that composed his underarmor. He withheld his groan of pain, only jumping back to stay away. Out of the pain, his vision became clearer, though now a burning sensation in his armpit. Though she was tired, she wouldn't give up. Arkantos vision was back now, and he wouldn't let it happen again. He tossed his lightsaber up in the air once again, even going as far as to take some steps forward slowly, as he did before. She quickly went on the defensive, as she looked up, awaiting Arkantos' jump though was surprised as the Jedi suddenly rushed full speed at the togruta Jedi Master. She managed to noticed this, and quickly move to the side, as Arkantos nearly fell as his failed attempt at a tackle failed. His Lightsaber landed on the floor, deactivating.

The Jedi Master took this opportunity, going in to strike her opponent, but Arkantos quickly beckoned his hilt, as it slid on the floor rapidly and up into his left palm. He only had a split second before he ignited it upwards to protect his neck, the directed hit of the Jedi Master. It was so close that even with both hands on the hilt, he struggled to overpower his opponent now. His body was too tired now, and it seemed he had to go on the defensive. He didn't have the time to call for the Force to revitalize himself, not with a saber in his face at least. He'd have to pray they'red be one last opening before the match would be over.

The lock was intense, the weary combatants trying feverishly to overpower the other. It was kind of pathetic, were someone to walk in now and witness the event.

In order to save whatever strength she had left in her arms, whatever power her exhausted muscles would allow her at this point, she disengaged from the lock in a flourish, though not a superfluous one. It was to keep him away, her blade waving in the air to dissuade an approach.

Her saber was held at an upward angle, her elbow bent in a wide and still hanging low. Her left hand was held in front of her stomach in order to ready for the next assault. While she had worn her arms to nothingness, she had most certainly not used a particularly significant amount of the energies she had stored within her. It was with this, during this short pause, that she worked at soothing her arms whatever little bit she could while expending more concentration for a more aggressive tactic.

Arkantos was allowed another approach, but just as she, he used this time to recuperate Of course he wasn't about to stop the duel, they had some time left. It was clear to Ashara that he had something to prove and would let no time be wasted on such things.

They were a few yards apart, the Togruta having taken a few additional steps back in order to create space, as was her habit it seemed. It gave her time to react and made her opponents expend energy on travel rather than attacking.

Without further delay he approached with an upward slash starting at from his left. However, before a step could be taken, his movements would feel slowed. At the very least resistance would be felt on his entire body, feeling sluggish and weighed down. Despite her best attempts, however, she couldn't manage to break his mind so easily, to influence a catatonic state upon him. He powered through the attempt, his blade crashing against hers while she moved back in order to dodge the attack, her arm having been flung helplessly to the side.

Despite this she was able to bring it back in time for the faster, and marginally stronger, downward strike. Again her arm was knocked to the side as she continued to move backwards, more or less dodging his attempts and keeping out of her own way. It was the third one, though, that proved to be her bane. It was a simple stab to her chest. She tried to work her way around his blade, one hand remaining in control of her blue saber. However, he was more successful in his counter and, to the surprise of the Togruta, caught her off guard and managed to disarm her. She couldn't remember the last time that had happened, but shock would not prevail. Not now and not yet.

With a mighty heave she thrust the human in the air. Crouching a bit before lifting to give her more leverage she managed to get him up there a few feet, a bit higher than she anticipated. It wasn't dangerous, she knew, but she just needed time.

She always seemed to need time.

When he was in the air, more or less helpless, she produced a relatively strong push to get him away. They weren't close enough to a wall for her to use that as his abrupt stopping point, but she was far from finished.

At the point of landing, almost a moment before, she pulled hard on his body to bring him closer. A meter and a half before he'd crash into her, she'd release a strong, concentrated blast of energy from the palms of her hands to crash into his body and send him flying back, tumbling across the ground. It was as though she were, at this point, desperate as she practically flung him around like a doll.

His lightsaber deactivated and fell to the floor after being tossed a few meters from the impact. Both were brought to her hands, Arkantos' in her left. This would signify the end of the match. Ashara was physically tired, that much was clear, and she had at the very least handled herself well. It was still a far cry from where she could have been in comparison to her peers, but combat was never her specialty. Nor was it her interest.

Placing her lightsaber in its rightful spot upon her hip, she took a moment to relax before moving over to Arkantos. She'd help him up, offering a hand and a light smile. When he was up, she'd offer him his blade. "You did extraordinarily well, Arkantos." It was clear she was proud of him with the statement.

Looking out across the space, she noticed that the duels were starting to finish up and her eyes searched for Guhoo or Tytos, quite curious as to what they'd have to say.

 

[Saul Perth]

Spoiler: OOC

NPCing Jake to finish up, will edit if asked.

The sizable impact of the Force push caught Jake in mid stride, Juyo's naturally low force defenses had betrayed him and now it was all he could do to not trip and fall where he stood. Saul was not going to waste this precious opportunity and rushed forward to attack. Jake was in trouble now and he knew it. His only option was to attempt to match Saul's rapid Ataru strikes with an equal ferocity.

While Saul was beginning to tire, fatigue was effecting Jake much more rapidly. His wild dual sabered attacks quickly causing his arms to weaken and burn. On top of fatigue, his nose throbbed, yet another tax on his focus. Finally, amid the whirl of blades between the two combatants, Jake made his last mistake of the duel. Drawing back his right hand for a power attack, he left himself too far exposed to rely on his tired left arm for defense. Although he attempted a saber lock, his single, tired arm was quickly overpowered by a two-handed downward slash, powering through the lock and striking him between his left shoulder and neck.

Both duelists were panting heavily as they deactivated their weapons. Saul mouthed something akin to 'good match' as he made his way to the ring side healers. He didn't think he was done for the day just yet, he'd need all the recovery he could get.

 

[Nightmare Moon]

(Diamond hasn't been online in quite some time and I need to complete some of my threads so I'm wrapping this one up)

Blows rained down from both contestants. Carapace met cybernetics shaking the ground beneath them. Nearly a tonne of muscle bone and flesh throwing harder and harder blows wearing each other down. Minions strength born from the arena was formidable but Rathru's might drawn from battles with countless sithspawn and other dark creatures was insurmountable by the Wookie gladiator.

Deflecting a roundhouse with a gleaming golden forearm Rathru's movements quickened as he slid under Minions guard and hit the other knight with an uppercut that made a jackhammer seem frail. The blow carried the Wookie several meters through the air causing him to slide across the ground.

Rathru bowed to Minion.

"Truly It feels wonderful to let loose. Return to training and when you feel you have achieved a breakthrough seek me out and reclaim your honour"

Looking to the battle master Rathru made a nod in respect.

"I hear that your mastery of force valor is enough to go head to head with opponents whose size dwarfs your own. I would be interested to see such power utilised - if you ever feel the need to flex you spiritual muscles so to speak then you know where to find me."

And with that Rathru exited stage left.

 

[TweedPawn]

Spoiler: previous

Deactivating Gram, and clipping it on his belt, he nodded softly as his nerves and body calmed which followed a surge of the real pain that his knee brought. With no sense of adrenalin surging his system to enhance his already empowered Physical abilities, there was nothing to block out the pain which followed his tiredness. He was drained and his leg pained him so but that was nothing to what he thought Della felt which sapped him of the “glory” of an existing battle. There was no true victory for him as he saw Della feel as sad as she did, only shame that he had to be so combat driven to give it his all no matter who it was. Knowing to not under estimate the enemy and in turn give it his all against those proving to be great and exiting in battle. He needed to make it up to her somehow. No longer able to walk without support since the numbness of conflict was passed, he crawled over to her “why don’t we go get a drink together or get something sweet, I feel I must make it up to you” Raleigh Said as he felt like bantha fodder all of the sudden. Then suddenly it came to him, maybe a gift for her might do it and he knew just what to give her.

Knowing Della needed help fixing up her fractured bone, he started to wave roughly to someone who was supposed to help them “we are done, come get Della!” Raleigh called, not wanting to call this a victory specially because he hurt someone so kind (even if she kept insulting him) :p he had more kindness than he had brains, this was true.

Della now had regret for the power of her kick injuring her partner. She could read it on his face that Raleigh also felt terrible about the duel's progression. She initially wanted to decline Raleigh's offer, after all she didn't feel that she had earned anything from the fight. But, the guilt in Raleigh's eyes made Della understand that it was best to accept the offer. It would alleviate his own guilt.

"Okay. I'll see if my husband would mind you coming to visit. You could bring some drinks over to our quarters." Della replied. Her husband was more protective of here these days. It only made sense that Della would remain at home to rest when she could.

 

[Gaja]

Eventually the sparring session between the various Jedi reached its end, the signal for the end was given by the Battle Master himself. "Time!" Looking around the Jedi Master observed everyone who was in the room. So much potential for the future, he truly felt honored to have seen these men and women display their courage, their strategy and their wits against one another.

Obviously some fared better then other, some showed their dominance in one areas, or were exposed in another department and that was the very reason why the muscular Battle Master arranged this class. It was and would be a learning experience for those who knew how to observe it. A true Jedi, one who is open to knowledge and learning would see the benefit of this class, which Guhoo hoped was the majority of people here.

Offering a deep bow of respect to everyone in the room the Battle Master regretted that he could devote more time to the people inside this room, as he received an urgent message that required his immediate attention. "I thank you all for coming to day. It was an honor and a pleasure watching you all today. I really do think that all of you have a bright future in the Order if you dedicate the same passion and determination in every aspect of your lives. Sadly I must leave you now, but do know that my door is open to each and every one of you. Whenever you may need someone to turn to, don't hesitate to call upon me. May the Force be with you all."

"Master Vashee." With those words the blond haired human turned around and walked away, Tytos following suit as would hopefully the recently promoted Sage Master. As the Battle Master continued down a long corridor towards the Council chambers he got noticeably more serious, for he just learned that the Mandalorians and the Empire made a major strike against the Alliance. Brentaal IV had just been attacked... An information that would be shared with his fellow Jedi in a matter of minutes, but all three Jedi could feel the drastic change in the Force...

/thread end