Obstacles to Overcome: Axos Pequentis' Training

[FallenKeeper]

Axos nodded to Huang and picked the book up off the table. Before touching the tool he skimmed through the book. A few minutes passed before the padawan set the book down and returned to the lathe. The Aleene paused as he examined the block before beginning the process of spinning and forming it. Each groove and notch was made carefully and without second-guessing. He felt as if he were possessed, eyes squinting as metal shavings dropped to the surface of the workbench. Knurling the hilt of the casing he ensured that he would have a firm grip.

 

[Will]

Huang was glad to see the padawan seize the initiative, and begin working his own casing. And such a natural touch, he mused. I could make an artisan of this one yet.

Huang picked up another set of tools.

''You need to hollow the handle and then insert the components, then, you can ornament it how you wish.''

 

[FallenKeeper]

Axos focused his attention on making the casing's size appropriate for his hand. His weapon would be a shoto. Already he was finishing with the shape and as the Jedi Master instructed he began to work on hollowing the now solid cylinder. He started slowly, making sure now to remove too much material to compromise the integrity of the completed product.

Soon enough he would be finished fabricating the housing for the componenets of his lightsaber. He smiled to himself, not from pride but from the enjoyment of making something. With a nod he set stopped the lathe and unclamped the completed casing.

 

[Will]

Huang looked over his handywork. He was pleased with the skill the small Aleena had shown.

''You have a flair for this, padawan. Remind me to teach you some more skills in this art later... For now, assemble all the components. Then, add any ornamentation you wish.''

To demonstrate, Huang placed his second lightsabre, the one he had crafted after his mastery of Jar'Kai. The ornamentation on the pale metal was understated. Under the button was the black engraving of a bird, native to his home, the crow.

''You don't need to be gaudy to make it your own weapon. Remember that, padawan. Many don't, these days.''

The comment made Huang feel old. He hadn't felt that way in a long time.

 

[FallenKeeper]

Axos made no further comment and simply nodded once more. He arranged the components to how they would fit into his lightsaber. He reached into a box and pulled several wires out. Carefully he measured and cut them to the appropriate lengths before connecting them to a few components. As he settled his bottom onto the workbench he concentrated on using the Force to assemble the weapon.

The lightsaber Huang had placed on the workbench was quite artistic in design without being, as he had commented, guady. Axos furrowed his scaley brow as he felt the final connectors of the lightsaber's components lock into place. The completed weapon floated in front of him, awaiting to be grasped.

 

[Will]

The basic aspects of the lightsabre were there. Huang was pleased for the inherent skill the Little Aleena had for this art.

''I am sure you wish for more than a simple tube, padawan? Here.''

Huang pulled out materials and tools, some for embossing, some for engraving, leathers and plastics for grips.

''I expect this to be unique. I want this to be the greatest piece you ever design.''

 

[FallenKeeper]

Axos' tiny hand reached out and grabbed the freshly completed hilt as it floated towards him. He held the light, knurled and short tube precariously. First he hefted it, jugding its weight and balance. As he had desired the blade-emitting end was heavier. This would add some extra degree to the momentum of his swings for he wanted to utilize a reverse grip. As he continued to examine the weapon he happened upon the idea of including an attacheable handle extension. It was a thought he would experiment with later but for now he would add some flare to the design.

Axos collected several strips of leathers and set them aside. Next he took the engraving tools and started to work on a deisgn that would encompass the entire weapon. Axos spent an hour on each line until he finally finished. Threading along the length of the tube was a series of lines that spiraled from top to bottom. He then added the bands of leather along the upper half to allow for a comfortable grip. With a satisfied smile he set the lightsaber down and stood up on the workbench. "Finished." he said with a voice of triumph.

 

[Will]

''It is an admirable first attempt, padawan.'' Huang said, lifting the piece to his view with the force, not touching the weapon with his hands. It was exquisite workmanship. Huang would make sure to teach him further on this in the future.

''Come, now that you have made a blade, it is time to take it's path. I can tell you prefer the reverse grip. Come.''

Huang stepped into the circle that marked the duelling ring. He plucked the lightsabre he used for training from his belt, holding it in the reverse grip. He held his arm out horizontally, the forearm in front of his chest, the blade flashing outwards. His other hand hovered at his waist, able to move freely. His knees were bent slightly, feet planted a shoulder width apart.

''Take this stance, padawan.''

 

[FallenKeeper]

Axos snatched his lightsaber from the air and picked up the training blade from the workbench. With a little huff he jumped down, his bare feet smacking into the ground with a scaly patter. Clipping the lightsaber to his belt, Axos followed Huang to the sparring ring. The Aleena held firmly onto the hilt in his hand, already having it situated in a reversed grip. He stood apart from Master Karasu and did as instructed. Axos's right arm crossed his chest as he ignited the blade, its blue beam casting a dull glow on his scaley skin.

With his feet spread the Padawan let his left hand hove at what could be considered waist-level for his species, and awaited further instruction.

 

[Will]

''Good. Now, this is your platform, from this position, you can attack...''

Huang slashed, the blade coming out in a wide arc,

''...or defend.''

Huang brought the blade close, obviously a move to shield the body.

''You need to return to this if you are ever not confident. From here, you are nigh on unassailable.''

He held up a hand, unleashing a force push to knock the Aleena over.

''Return to the position.''