Just Another Step...

[Negative Blessing]

Her ship landed on a small landing pad next to her palace on Dantooine, her homeworld and a place rich and strong in the Dark Side. Her pilot, the Zabrak Grundez, announced that they were free to depart from her ship and motioning for her Apprentice to follow her; they exited her ship and stepped onto the world of Dantooine. "The Dark Side rules supreme here on Dantooine...though it is not as powerful of a lure like Korriban or Ziost....but you can feel it just the same. And just like those two worlds, Dantooine is not without its dangers from animals infected by the Dark Side."

Grima led her Apprentice past her palace and out onto the grassy and hilly plains. After some walking in silence, the Sith Master finally broke it by saying, "Telepathy. We have at least an hour or so walk ahead of us and in the mean time...I will teach you this ability. To speak to one another using not words but our minds, all you need to do is link your mind to one that you have knowledge of in terms of their Force signature or the ability to sense the one you wish to speak. Once your mind is linked to the person you wish to speak....then use the Force to form your words into their mind...and that is what it is...forming the words in their mind via the Force rather than speaking them."

As the two Sith, Master and Apprentice, walked through the plains Grima reached into her Apprentice's mind and said through the Force, "At this stage Apprentice you can speak to me or another at close range....though they do not need to be in your line of sight but you must be able to feel them. Like Force Sense, you must be able to feel them for now but as you continue to grow and your powers manifest into something more powerful...you can speak to them over greater distances and like Force Sense, you will be able to detect others just the same."

Slipping her mind out of his, she begins to speak normally to him, "This ability has a different effect on non-Force sensitives. Yes...you can speak to their mind and read their thoughts...and read their thoughts only...for they will not be able to speak directly to you like Force sensitives and it has a very limited range. Now in our case as Master and Apprentice, we can speak to each other over longer greater distances with ease. If you understand what I am saying to you...then try to communicate with me using only the Force."

 

[Pyromaniac]

Zoroc said nothing though the entire ride, merely meditating or reading as the ship moved across the stars. When they landed, and his Master began to depart the ship, he followed suit. He was never more than a few paces behind her, his tool belt around his waist and his black robes ruffling in the breeze. His hood was flipped up to help hide his features.

What he had read mentioned some of the wild life here on the planet, and much about the Dark Side's affect on them...

Grima's words confirmed it.

Telepathy? A useful trick, it sounded like, provided he could reach Grima's Force signature again. He pondered his previous lesson on Sense, and how her power had consumed him. And it would not work in the same effect to non-Force Sensitive's? He'd have to keep that in mind.

He concentrated, with a large amount of effort, though nothing tiring, on Grima's mind. He focused his power once again like a snake and slithered inside her thoughts, feeling her emotions and her power. Her Signature.

"I hear you... My Master."

 

[Negative Blessing]

The corners of the Sith Master's lips curled up in delight when she heard the voice from the Apprentice in her own mind. He was learning; truly. "For the remaining leg of our journey to the caves....we will speak only to each other's minds that way you can grow comfortable in doing this," she said to him through their mental link.

As they continued their walk she was curious about what kind of lightsaber attracted him. There were three variations; all with their own strengths and weakness, and all designed to do something different. It was time they discussed this.

"So Apprentice....which type of lightsaber are you seeking for yourself? Are you inclined to use the more traditional hilt....or perhaps it is the curved hilt that appeals to you...or maybe you seek to learn and master the more exotic double-sided blade. It is something you must decide on. If you do not know the differences of the hilts I can explain them to you if you desire. A lightsaber is an extension of one's self and it is important to know which one fits with you...rather more importantly...which one will not hamper you but make you a powerful duelist."

 

[Pyromaniac]

Zoroc smiled slightly as his Masters words echoed in his mind. It was difficult to maintain this connection, and he could only focus on walking and using the technique, but he was trying.

When the Witch spoke of his preference on lightsabers, he opened his mouth to speak, only to close it and think before he made a mistake. He thought long and hard, breaking the connection for a minute as he contemplated. Yet, he knew nothing other than the traditional hilt. Curved hilt? Double-bladed? These were new to him, but intrigued him greatly. He reestablished the connection quickly, feeling her presence, before he spoke.

"I have no idea which blade would suit me best, nor do I know much about the variations other than the traditional saber. Please, enlighten me."

 

[Negative Blessing]

"The curved hilt....which is sometimes referred to as the dueling hilt...will give you a firmer grip on your weapon and it is the most balanced of all the hilts. Also, it will make your strikes and attacks unpredictable to your opponent. It also has an altered hold unlike the traditional hilts....it rests in the palm more than your fingers. This will give your attacks more power," the Sith Master says through their mental link.

Pausing momentarily to unclip one of her hilts she adds, "With this style of hilt, Apprentice, you can effectively wield two lightsabers at once...one in each hand which will grant you another advantage over your opponents. However, in order to wield two weapons like this you must first learn the lightsaber technique Jar'kai....and yes, I will teach you that technique if wielding two sabers appeals to you."

She falls silent as they approach the mouth of the cave. She partial closes her eyes to take in the feel of the Dark Side. Once, a long time ago, these caves were imbued with the Light Side of the Force but after the planet had been razed by Darth Malak and his so called Sith Empire, the Dark Side became the rulers of this planet; and eventually these caves.

Slowly she opened her eyes and stepped inside the cave. "Open yourself up to the Dark Side inside this cave....and feel its power course through your body. This is just a glimpse of what the Dark Side holds for you, Apprentice."

 

[Pyromaniac]

Zoroc listened intently to his Master's words and smiled the ghost of a smile when she mentioned the advantages of the curved-hilt saber.

"That sounds amazing."

When she mentioned wielding two lightsabers at once, Zoroc actually grinned. His pearly white teeth were a stark contrast to his red and black skin. "I think I have made my decision, Master. I wish to learn this... Jar'kai technique, using two curved-hilt lightsabers. I now cannot wait to start combat training an earnest now. You said this type of saber also allows for unpredictable strikes and with a firmer grasp? That made my decision. If I am to win against a Jedi, or that Twi'lek, I must be skilled and have an element of surprise on my side."

They arrived at the mouth of a cave. Zoroc's eyes narrowed, for he sensed something strange coming from it. Yet, when he opened his senses to Grima's, he felt the brunt of the Dark Side. It radiated from the rock like a gaping maw and sent shivers of excitement down his spine. Zoroc's expression turned neutral as he closed his eyes but followed his Master inside, his steps falling in tune to hers. It impowered him, and when he used his own senses to feel it, it was so much stronger. Zoroc could feel it's cold embrace on his skin and he opened his eyes, turning to Grima with cold, calculating eyes, as if he were trying to determine the best way to absorb this energy for the longest lasting feeling.

"I am pleased to be Sith, Master. And someday, I hope to master this energy that now courses through my body like the blood in my veins."

 

[Negative Blessing]

The eyes of the Sith Witch moved about the cave, the only light shining was that from the crystals themselves, feeling the Force and listening to the whispers from the Dark Side. This cave was rich in lightsaber crystals. Turning to address her Apprentice, Grima said, "There are over thousands of crystal formations all through out this cave...and yes, this cave is massive. The deeper you tread into the cave....the more potent crystals you will find....and the greater dangers that this cave possess. There is a species of...insect....that thrives deeper in the cave...attracted to the strong pull of the Force and Dark Side."

Turning her attention to the cave once again, she pointes to the clusters of crystals. "Since you have decided that you want to wield two sabers...then naturally you will need two crystals. But before you go and snatch up crystals....know this....not all crystals will call out to you. If you listen through the Force you can hear the crystals sing...and it is those crystals that sing directly to you that you must harvest....and leave those that do not call to you alone. You are free to explore this cave and find the perfect crystals for you and once you have those....return to me so I can instruct you on the ways of balancing those crystals to you and your Force signature."

Grima left her Apprentice to find the two main components for his weapon. She began walking through the various tunnels of the cave, examining and observing the crystal formations.

 

[Pyromaniac]

Zoroc moved into the cave, shattering the connection to his Master as he moved inside. He opened himself to the call of the cave, the crystals. A few called for him, tugged at his psyche. A few screamed like a thousand trapped souls, and he avoided them.

Deeper and deeper he went, until he found a creature. It looked like a strange spider, with one leg on it's face. It faced him and scuttled after him, a short screech escaping it's maw. Zoroc raised his hand and unleashed a Force Push, sending the creature against the wall, where the crystals impaled it. It pulled itself off and screeched, clawing after him, where he pulled out his practice saber and dodged around the clawed appendage it used to attack, before spinning and striking the thing on the side of it's head. The creature whipped around, and tried to smack him with it's arm, but he Force Jumped over it and nailed the same spot on it's head with another swing. The creature gurgled and Zoroc Pushed it again, slamming it into more crystals.

It fell, blood pooling from it's wounds.

Zoroc moved on without a word, despite being tired from so much Force usage at once. His hatred boiled below the surface. He would not be deterred, he would not be stopped. He would become Sith.

He had been walking for a while, spilling the blood of a few more creatures, before he entered a small chamber. It was coated with eggs, and crystals, and Zoroc suddenly felt enraged. Damn sentients, disgusting animals...

In his rage, he began busting open the eggs, one by one, and felt the pull of the Dark Side strengthening him, yet consuming him. He knew he was not strong enough to stay sane here for a longer period of time. A crystal sung to him, something that sounded like the whirring of processors in his mind. He grinned and approached this strange call. It seemed to be meant for him, oddly enough, and it radiated a large amount of energy. It made his skin prickle.

Smiling, Zoroc leaned over and picked up the large crystal, it's surface was a tarnished silver and felt smooth to the touch. It was strange. Zoroc pocketed the crystal, and began to walk away...

A screech farther in the cave snapped him out of his thoughts.

The Zabrak sighed and walked further inside the cave, only to be attacked once again by a creature, this one running at him like a bat out of hell. He dispatched it quickly with a few precise, quick hits to it's vital areas (or what he thought were). Zoroc quickly found a second a sensation on his skin, accompanied with a soft, chilling tingling down his spine. He smiled, the darkness called to him, and he obeyed...

A crystal was jutting out of the wall of the cave, and it was covered with dried blood. A corpse lay below the formation, long since mutilated and devoured by the occupants of the cave. Even with his limited Sensing abilities, he could feel the power of the Dark Side emanating from that body, and the crystal it's blood soaked. Zoroc quickly searched the body, and under it was a lightsaber. It did not activate, and its casing was scarred and broken in places, but he was sure it's internal components were mostly intact. He could hear them trying to activate, but something would sputter and make sounds like a dead energy cell or cut wires.

He slid the lightsaber into one of the folds of his robes for later inspection. The bloody crystal on the wall, on the other hand, felt like it emanated a magnetic pull on him. He could feel whispers, both angry and tantalizing, echoing in his mind. Smiling, despite the feeling of death in his gut, Zoroc snatched up the crystal that called. It was purple, mostly, but there were spots inside it that were a slight redish color, like blood.

He smiled, for if this man was a Sith or Jedi, and this crystal absorbed some of his power through his blood, then what affect would it have in a lightsaber? Especially since the power he felt was dark, very dark, and it called for him...

Before he could finish his thoughts, a blinding pain erupted from his shoulder. One of the creatures had snuck up on him and struck, piercing his left shoulder. Zoroc let out a scream and moved away, preparing to go on the offensive...

 

[Negative Blessing]

Grima moved through the cave's dark tunnels as the apex predator. The things that flew, slithered, crawled, or skirted around knew it would be wise to abandon her and seek prey else where. However, not all the creatures in here were wise. She was crouching down staring at a set of crystals when she felt a presence in the Force; one of hunger and primal. She whipped around on her heels, still crouched, and saw lumbering into one of the caves was Dantooine's greatest predator; a Graul.

Rising to her feet, the Sith Master locked eyes with the and Graul. Grima had never seen one alive before but she had heard of the rumours that placed this beast at the top of the food chain; making it the apex predator of Dantooine. Grima pulled from her waist belt one of her lightsabers and ignited it and when the beast roared slightly and clawed at the air, she smiled and retrieved her other lightsaber.

The beast charged the Sith Witch, who was standing their with both her ignited blades, and when the Graul was close, it swiped at the Sith Master. Grima back stepped avoiding the razor sharp claws and brought her right blade down, severing both claws and hand at the wrist. The beast howled in pain and reared back exposing itself to Grima. Using the technique Trakata, she shut down her left blade via the Force and from her fingertips erupted green energy that resembled webbing when she uttered the spell word, "Itsu Hyal Hask" from the spell known as Odojinya.

The green energy web wrapped and encased the one-handed Graul around its massive frame; immobilizing the beast. Grima began to pour more of her Dark Side energy into the spell causing the webbing to tighten around the beast until it collapsed; on the brink of death. Igniting her left blade again, she stepped up to the creature and drove both blades into the beast's head.

Just as she returned her powered down weapons to her waist, she felt through the Force her Apprentice was in danger; and in pain. Curling her lips in anger, she used the Force to enhance her speed and using his Force signature as guide, she ran toward his location.

She entered a chamber and saw her Apprentice doing battle with another of Dantooine's residents. Grima stood ready to assist but wanted to observe how her apprentice dealt with this situation.

 

[Pyromaniac]

Zoroc's left arm was bleeding, pain throbbing from the wound in long bursts. He ground his teeth in frustration at not having sensed the beast. It struck, and he parried before using the momentum of the parry to his advantage, spun, and struck the joint in it's offensive appendage.

The beast screeched and whipped the clawed arm back at Zoroc, trying to pierce his chest, but the Zabrak dodged to the right and jabbed, slicing one of it's legs under the knee. He then Force Pushed the creature back, making it fall over, before he struck again, this time at it's stomach. A deep cut into the stomach caused the creature to flail and scream, but nothing could be done. Each time an appendage swung at him, he quickly struck it or parried, until the beast could no longer move, but screech.

Using the beast's weakness, he silenced it with one quick sword stroke.

More screeching came from inside the cave, and he heard the scuttles draw closer. He grunted as the pain flared in his left arm, which had hung uselessly as he fought. There must have been something in that creature's claw... poison?

He put his training saber away and raised his hand towards the rock formation that grew from the ceiling. Concentrating, the Zabrak reached out to the creatures that were coming, and using the Force, attempted to enter their minds...

They were nearly in sight when the fruits of his endeavors showed.

One of the creatures suddenly struck one of it's herd with it's attacking appendage, which in turn caused the creature to fight back. One by one, they began to turn on each other, before Zoroc began to pant and looked up at the stalactites above. More were coming, and he could only delay and pick off a few for now. He focused on the formation above, and when the raging tide of Dantooine's animals got close enough, Zoroc yanked down.

Crystals rained from the cave ceiling, smashing into the creatures before him, and ceiling off the tunnel... mostly. When the dust and crashing subsided, he noticed a few were trying to climb the rubble to get to him. They were having difficulty, though, for the sharp rocks cut into their legs. Eventually, they must have given up or decided to look for a different route, because they were slowly receding. Zoroc only have enough Force energy to spare for one last trick...

He looked to his Master, sweat beading his brow and panting, as he fell on to one knee.

"Let us... go, Master.

He then fell face first into the corpse of the dead Dark Sider, more tired than he's ever been in his life.

Oh, he was going to get it now...

 

[Negative Blessing]

Grima stood with her arms folding in front of her, her two hilts in her hands, as she watched her Apprentice deal with the creatures. She observed how well he handled the training blade but his form and style still needed work. Against these creatures he would dominate them but against more potent foes, he would not survive long. She would train him to be a master swordsmen in time.

When Zorac put away his training blade, she slightly raised her right eye brow. She knew he was calling on the Force, for she could sense and feel it swelling up inside him, but she was not sure why he would disarm himself when he still had a free hand to use. She watched as he used the stones, crystals, and other sharp pointed rocks from the ceiling as weapons to crush and kill his enemy.

Grima nodded her head as her Apprentice's words and was just turning around when she caught a glimpse of him falling face first into the corpse. She crouched down next to him saying, "You have experienced Force exhaustion for the first time, Apprentice. You must learn to balance your powers and measure the strength of your opponents before deciding what powers to use against them."

Her eyes looked up as she felt the presences of several creatures moving toward them from the only opening left to them. The creatures were indeed smart but they were not as cunning or clever as the Sith Master. "If you had been here all alone you would be the fresh meat these creatures crave. Rest....and I will ensure that we can leave uninterrupted," Grima said standing up to meet the new challenge.

The first wave of creatures began filing through the chamber's opening and Grima, full of rage and anger, unleashed Force Whirlwind at the first wave of creatures. They were swept up in the altered air currents, slamming hard into each other and the walls, shattering their bodies against both. The second wave charged in and they fared no better against the same power. The third wave entered and were met by Sith Lightning and well timed Saber Throws that ended their charge quickly. Grima quickly inhaled the Dark Side energies that swirled about the cave to refill her Force energy she used even though she was no where near weakening in the Force. She never allowed herself to fall victim to Force exhaustion.

The final wave entered and were met with fierce lightsaber strikes, thrusts, and lunges that cut them to pieces in matter of seconds. When the last insect-like creature fell to her blade, she looked around and found all was silent except for the breathing of her Apprentice. Walking back to Zorac, she put away her weapons and looked down at him. "Now....we can go."

Grima led him to the front of the cave and motioned him to sit.

 

[Pyromaniac]

Zoroc laid there and watched the intense Force powers his master unleashed on the primitive creatures. He bared his teeth in frustration at having so little energy to expend. He felt prey to exhaustion, and by doing so left himself vulnerable. Anger swelled in his gut as she cut them down...

He would be dead without Grima...

And that angered him even more. He was not going to remain the weak little person he was before becoming a Sith. He would grow strong, and make sure to never experience this feeling again. Focusing on the Dark Side energies that surrounded him, he began to breathe them in. The focus was difficult to maintain, and when Grima returned to his side, he was able to stand. As he walked, he followed Grima, and soaked in the Dark Side with every step. It wanted to control him, to drive him into a frenzy, but he had learned to grip his rage enough not to.

When they exited the cave, Zoroc was standing upright, though still wounded. His left arm still throbbed and it hurt to move it, but that was fine for now. When he was fighting, he couldn't even move it. It wasn't healed, but his basking in the energy of the Dark Side gave him a temporary reprieve from his wounds.

He sat down as she instructed, looking her in the eye, in a meditative position. Zoroc was ready for her words and possibly, the pain she'll inflict, but he knew it was deserved. He didn't follow her instructions, he'd allowed himself to become exhausted.

If he lived, Zoroc knew that he'd make a mental note to keep that thought of weakness in the back of his mind at all times.

 

[Negative Blessing]

Grima waited for her injured Apprentice to take a seat and when he did, she began, "Fools...and only fools....will tell you that a Sith's true power comes from the Force and the Dark Side only....but that is not all that defines you as a Sith or will make you a powerful Sith for others to fear and tremble. Passion, determination, and ambition is what you should always set your sights upon. Aside from these, the use of your lightsaber is what makes the difference between life and death."

She stops briefly letting her words soak in then she continues, "You have just experienced your greatest enemy you will ever face....overconfidence of the Force. Rely to much on it during combat and what you just experienced will be the end result...leaving you weak and vulnerable...then dead! Also, there is one other thing I need to address."

Grima pulled out one of her lightsabers, balancing it on the palm of her left hand. "At this moment I am holding one weapon giving me a free hand to use the Force freely." She withdraws her other lightsaber, holding it in her right hand then adds, "Now as you see, I have both hands occupied with my weapons...and no free hands, hampering my ability to use the Force. However, I know techniques to override this but that is a lesson for another time. This lesson is about satisfying my curiosity."

Returning both her weapons to their resting place until she needs to call on them again, she says with slight anger in her voice, "During your battle with those things....you powered down your weapon and placed it on you side to use the Force....and leaving yourself exposed. Contrary to what you may have been taught in the Temples....your Force power doesn't know grow in potency if you use two hands instead of one....or any hands at all. It grows in potency when you grow in power and fall further down the path of the Dark Side. So...please explain to me why you would do such a thing as unarming yourself?"

 

[Pyromaniac]

Zoroc returned the serious look to Grima, and after her long explanation and warning, he responded, "I always thought otherwise, Master. I never truly researched Telekinesis before, merely learning on my own. I know I do not require my hands for it's use."

The Zabrak sighed and counted to three to control his anger, for he was close to the edge. However, he strived for control. "Master, I deactivated my training saber because I thought it might help my focus my energies on bringing down the formations. Using just my saber would have been suicide, I would have been swarmed and killed. I took a chance, yes, and my exhaustion was my failing, but that is because I overestimated how much energy it would take for me to bring down those rocks. I know the difference between an unwinnable battle and a lost battle, and so I sought to find an escape or at the very least, buy time. I could not count on you, Master, for as a Sith, we are to be able to protect ourselves and survive on our own. I am still the expendable apprentice."

Standing and wincing, Zoroc looked his Master in the eye, replacing it with a cold and calculating expression, "The poison in that creature's appendage has neutralized my left arm, as well as the wound itself making it difficult to use. That is why I did not use it, for I could not. Only now can I move it, and that is because I learned something from you inside that cave... I drew inside me the energy of the Dark Side, which has given me a temporary reprieve from most of the pain and debilitation."

A few rocks began to levitate around the two of them.

"Not to mention replenish my energy to call upon the Force. I should not have relied on it as heavily as I did, yes, but I took the risk because I thought I could safely. I was wrong."

 

[Negative Blessing]

Grima listened as her Apprentice defended his actions in the cave. When he finished talking, she replied, "You are right, Apprentice. A Sith should never find themselves relying another to save them...protect them...or defend them; especially from another Sith. Yes, I could have intervened during your struggle but then that would have showed weakness on your part....and compassion on mine. Make no mistake, I do not believe in compassion....and you are right, you are expendable; for now. If you had died would have I mourned your loss? No! I would simply replace you...that is the way of the Master and Apprentice relationship. I teach and you try to survive the teachings."

Pointing her right index finger at him, her eyes locked on to his, she added, "Do you know the true difference between a Jedi and a Sith, Apprentice? Sacrifice over self-preservation. A Jedi will sacrifice their lives for the greater good to save others from peril or even death. A Sith...the True Sith...believe their lives are not to be wasted...to be cast aside to save another. There is no shame in retreating from a fight. All battles cannot be won! But if you survive to fight another day then you have gained two advantages over your opponent. The first, you have studied their style and learned the measure of their power. The second, the next time you confront them you are not only aware of what they possess in terms of skills and power...but the battleground will be of your choosing."

Grima watched as the two stones moved around them, assuring her that her Apprentice was gaining his strength back in the Force. With a smile on her face she said, "Before we move onto focusing your crystal...one last thing. A Sith is born from the Dark Side...it grants us strength...power....and at times, wisdom. Not everywhere in the galaxy does the Dark Side rule supreme. However, a Sith is the most dangerous when they are surrounded by places like this cave that is steeped in the Dark Side. Why? Because we can easily refill our energies by inhaling the Dark Side energy that surrounds such a place....just as a Jedi with Light Side areas."

Looking around the first chamber of the cave and getting a feel of the Dark Side, she nods her head. "Before you can focus on your crystal you first need to be full of your energy....so walk around the front parts of the cave taking in the Dark Side all around you. When you have done this, return to me and we shall begin."

 

[Pyromaniac]

Zoroc nodded and did as she instructed. He entered the cave and began to walk around the first chamber, closing his eyes and becoming aware of his surroundings. He listened to the Force, and it spoke not in words, but feeling, images. He felt death, decay, a planet's worth of hatred flowing around him. It made him smile, like a lover who had just been given a wondrous gift. The Zabrak stood there and breathed in the Dark Side, simply absorbing it's energy to replenish his own.

While he did so, he began to wonder, could the Dark Side be used to heal the wounds of it's followers? Could a Sith use the Dark Side to heal their wounds, much like the famed Jedi Healing technique? He'd have to research such a thing, but for he was here in the now.

For half an hour, the Acolyte remained still save for his breathing, remaining alert to the world, yet lost in the power flowing through his own body. It was malice, revenge, the cold chill down one's spine. Such a sensation made him feel alive!

When it was over, and he was back to full power (save for the poison), he returned to Grima. He still could move his arm, but the poison still caused him pain and a slight loss of movement, but nothing unrepairable. The Dark Side would help him move fine until he could reach someone to help him with the poison, or until it ran it's course. After all, it wasn't fatal.

 

[Negative Blessing]

Grima looked at the Zabrak's arm and using the Force she could detect a toxin flowing in through the veins. So it seemed her Apprentice was still suffering from battle wounds. Grima reached out gripping his arm and calling on the Dark Side to assist her, she began to use a healing technique, Dark Healing, to extract the poison through his pores. Turning his arm at an angle, the toxin began to drip off his arm and landing on the cavern floor where the dirt and dust soaked it up.

After releasing his arm, she once more reached out and took in the Dark Side energy to replace what she had used in healing his arm. "What I just did is a rare and little used Dark Side power known as Dark Healing. This is a variation of what the Jedi call Force Healing, however, this version is not without its drawbacks. This power will drain you quickly during the healing process and must only be used when you are free of dangers....in time, I will teach you this ability once you have grown more powerful and connected to the Dark Side."

Motioning for him to take a seat once again she holds out one of the crystals she took for herself. When he sat, she began. "All crystals that inhabit a lightsaber must be balanced and made to be in tune with whomever wields the weapon. Once a crystal is infused to you...no other can use that crystal. Yes, they may use your lightsaber but their are certain crystals in the galaxy that give your lightsaber certain properties....and those properties will not work for another that the crystal is not combined to."

Grima sits on the floor, crossed-legged, across her Apprentice. "The greatest challenges to bringing a crystal in tune with you is concentration and patience. You must expel everything from your mind and focus on the crystal and the Dark side and the Force only! As your mind begins to focus on the crystal....begin to pour your emotions of hate...anger....malice...or anything you wish into it but be careful when you do so. To much at once will crack the fragile crystal and then it will be useless. Be patient and work slowly. Take your time...there is no rush. Now you are ready to shape your first crystal then you will be ready to construct your first lightsaber."

 

[Pyromaniac]

Zoroc winced as she angeled his arm, but was amazed at the Dark Healing power she showed. He smiled a small smile at this display, and inwardly decided to learn this power in the future. Odd, though, for did she know he thought about the technique? Did she sense his thoughts and the poison with her Telepathy?

He dispelled such thoughts for now, since they were not important. Zoroc wanted to find someplace private to meditate on his crystals, but this place was too good to pass up. Also, even if he went somewhere alone, and should Grima decide to kill him, he couldn't stop her anyway. Might as well take the risk and trust her, for now.

Sitting in a meditative position across from her, he took the bloody-purple crystal out from his robes and held it in both hands in his lap. The Zabrak drank deeply of the Force, and began to let it flow through him, and into the crystal. What trait was he bestowing this crystal? Well, he was letting his ambition flow through himself, and into the crystal.

The ambition to gain the power he sought for so long. The ambition to survive any danger, any test. The ambition go forward and overcome all obstacle, until he became the strongest Sith ever to exist. His ambition to achieve his revenge, and show the Hutts that he was no longer a slave.

The ambition to find his father, if the thing was still alive, and end him.

This feeling made him tremble with hatred towards the Hutts, and towards himself. He barred his teeth as he let the Force connect him to the crystal in his palms, his eyes closed. He was not worthless, and he'd come to realize this. While he was not at his peak yet, his time would come. Zoroc... no, Gedra, was no longer a slave, but a Sith, a wielder of the Dark Side!

 

[Negative Blessing]

Grima felt the fluctuations in the Dark Side of the Force and knew that her Apprentice was achieving success in shaping and forming the crystal to himself. In spite of his failure earlier against the insect like creatures, he was a promising Apprentice. He would indeed become a very powerful Sith, a Sith all his rivals would fear to challenge. So when she saw him return to her, she felt the pulsating crystal, shaped and bound to him.

"You have achieved success on your first attempt...a rarity indeed. Now that you have your crystal, you are ready to construct your first lightsaber. Though this will be your first and over the course of your life....you may tinker with it or even build a more powerful one...treat this weapon and all your weapons in the future as an extension of yourself."

Grima motions for her Apprentice to walk with her, leading him back to her waiting ship. "Tell me, Apprentice, what do you know of lightsaber construction?"

 

[Pyromaniac]

Zoroc opened his eyes. He was good at control, for the most part, and he'd read up on Force manipulation to help him with his Force powers while he had waited for Grima on Korriban, and even before that. He was no master. The tuning had taken hours of intense emotion and concentration, but it was still new to him after all.

The Zabrak stood and listened to Grima's words. He did his best to calm himself, and listen, but he was still trying to rein in his rage. "I know how to construct a standard hilt lightsaber, Master. I am good with machines. However, the other styles I just learned about... evade me."