Raise High the Guardian's Saber

[Miranda]

Slow and steadfast like some vast, distended creature, The Will of the Force passed over the orbit of Tython.
There were lights under the hull. Green, grey, cold white and amber, globes of alien design, tracing the undersides of the great starship.
Stars prickled on a suspended distance. It came not only from the thousand bonds of illumination of the ship itself, but from corridors of horizon starlight that angled and contracted across the Deep Core.
From below, the ship was a massed silhouette against the slumbering globe of Tython. It was uniform, and sprawling, and hugely complex.
The Jedi Order's centre for battlemastery and combat.

Sorran Ven-Olar had been on the colossal ship for only a few days, and had only just begun to acclimatise to the microenvironment of the ship. Space had always been cold. He somewhat missed his surface dwelling on Tython, he missed the lingering sunlight of the summer season that had bloomed on the planet below. But his mandate had called for him to relocate to the The Will of the Force for an uncertain period of time, so that he could educate the ever expanding numbers of apprentices that had pledged their lives to the Jedi Order. Sorran's faculty was battle and combat. The sacred arts of the lightsaber. The Art of Movement, and even the unarmed and non-Force reliant battle crafts.

With the growing demands from the Jedi Council to improve and update resources in each and every speciality area, the Jedi Knight had been summoned to the great training ship to aid in the copious lectures that were to be given over the coming weeks. Sorran had also decided to take on a personal student, a Padawan whom he would mentor directly and privately when he was not giving lectures and combat training classes to the others.

The Jedi Knight opened his eyes after a moment of meditation in one of the ship's numerous sparring atriums and rose from the floor. He was expecting the arrival of his new Padawan at any time now, and had sent for him to meet him here. Life was going to be very busy in the coming weeks, but Sorran enjoyed the challenge.

 

[Symbiot Spider]

There was nothing dull about living aboard the huge vessel that was The Will of the Force. Who could be bored when you can see the scale of a planet just outside your window or the expanding universe along another? Dartel would never bore of his life on the ship and especially now that he was informed of his new master, Master Sorran. He strolled through the metallic hallways that took some getting used to, but as he spent more and more time up in the Will of the Force Dartel began to want a ship for himself.

He entered the training hall, empty aside from one person, Master Sorran. He approached cautiously as to not make a bad first impression. He bowed deeply in front of Sorran and waited a few seconds before standing upright again. “My name is Dartel Vega and I have been informed that I am your new padawan, so I am here for my first lesson.” He more smiled than smirked brightly as he looked at his master. Dartel had never seen a Kiffar before; the red facial markings were like his own black markings except a little less intricate.

 

[Miranda]

"Ah yes, Padawan Vega, right on time. I do like a student who is punctual. Please, have a seat."

Sorran Ven-Olar regarded his new student with a swift yet affable smile and then beckoned him to be seated on the thick, woven straw mat floor of the atrium. The Jedi Knight then proceeded to seat himself as well, crossing his legs over in an almost meditative position.

Sorran then quietly inspected his new Padawan with some discerning capacity. Dartel Vega was young, an adolescent, at an age where many changes in both mind and body were taking place that could so often make a sentient impulsive and bold and careless. Such an age made education all the more difficult. But Sorran was the right mentor for the task. He would encourage the Padawan to learn and grow and develop into manhood and foremost become a Jedi.

"I have been reading your file, are you from Iridonia or did your family migrate from there to another system?"

As usual with his students, Sorran would cultivate an understanding between the mentor and the apprentice, they would need to know each other, and the Padawan would need to foster a self-concept and understanding of himself. The Jedi Knight knew from his Padawan's file that the young Zabrak was a keen and avid fighter, and had a deep interest in learning combat techniques and lightsaber forms. These would, of course, come in due time. For to comprehend every facet of battle, one first needed to comprehend themselves.

 

[Symbiot Spider]

“My original homeworld is actually Dathomir and all I know about my family is that they moved to Iridonia to escape the ways of the planet. I don't know much else about it unfortunately, I would love to learn more, but I am also afraid of some outcomes.” Dartel spoke as he sat down like he was instructed to do. He allowed his new master to study him completely, opening his mind as wide as he could. He seemed to know much about him already, but Dartel hoped that he was not so easily understood by a simply datapad file. “You are a Kiffar are you not? I have never met somebody of your species before, are the markings you bear similar to ours?” It was an honest question Dartel couldn't seem to leave the subject alone so he thought he would just ask. “I hope to learn everything you have to offer me as well Master Sorran.” Dartel bowed slightly from his sitting position. “It would be an honour for me to become a guardian such as yourself.”

 

[Miranda]

Sorran beheld his new student for a moment, with that ever vigilant inspection that was so becoming of him. Dartel seemed somewhat wise beyond his years, unrefined and verdant, inexperienced, however - there was a great potential in the Zabrak youth that Sorran could not quite place at the time.

"Dathomir? Most interesting. A world steeped in Dark Side history, in bloodshed and violence, in malevolent energies. I have been there only once before, years ago with my old Master. Are you not familiar then with the chronicles of your birth-world, Padawan?"

The Jedi Knight paused for a moment in contemplation and reminiscence.

"Many centuries ago, a hybrid race was born of Dathomir, a genealogical alliance between humans and Zabrak. A union between the human Nightsisters and the Zabrak Nightbrothers was born, and so emerged the race of the Dathomiri. You may be familiar with the monikers of Darth Maul and Savage Opress? Ferocious men they were, wrought and fostered by the Dark Side itself."

Sorran always found history to be exceptionally fascinating, and in discussing a history that was significant to his Padawan, he sought to expose the young student into thinking about the past, in learning from it, and in turn learning about himself.

"I do not presume that your heritage lies within the clutches of the Nightbrothers and Sisters though Padawan. I gather that this is what you are afraid of uncovering? That perhaps your blood extends back into the dark recesses of Dathomir's history?"

His eyes did not shift from his Padawan's face as he allowed the question to register.

"You must not fear who you might be Padawan. In understanding where you have come from, you may also understand where it is you are going. Fear is a path that is so often paved by the Dark Side. You must not fear to uncover it is who you are, nor fear to develop a greater understanding of yourself. Perhaps, despite the dark history of Dathomir, you may well be a beacon of light, born from amidst the shadows. You will become a Jedi, my student, and if you wish to become a Guardian upon reaching Knighthood, then I shall train you as best I can under my faculty of expertise."

Sorran paused for a moment to allow a break for introspection. They would need to discuss many things before any tangible and physical training and progress could begin. Everything in due time. The Jedi Knight then nodded gently as the apprentice turned the conversation over, and inquired about him.

"Yes, I am of the Kiffar people. Very observant Padawan. The qukuuf facial tattoos as we call them are not entirely dissimilar to the markings of the Zabrak. They are etched onto our faces when we are very young, and demarcate our tribal lineage and family ancestories, and are limited to such. I believe that the Zabrak markings can be many things; heritage, lineage, place of birth, and even personality."

Sorran regarded the markings of his student for a moment and then continued.

"What do your markings suggest, my Padawan?"

 

[Symbiot Spider]

Dartel never gave his markings much thought, as he grew up not completely knowing what they truly meant. “I don’t know their actually meanings, but from what I have learned the pattern symbolizes the Vega heritage, but the bulkiness of the spots implement a strong and predominant personality. From what I have seen growing up, they are pretty accurate as well.” Dartel smirked a little.

Dartel knew about the names his master spoke and those were the two names he wished he wasn’t aligned with. Although, what his master spoke was reassuring. Becoming stronger by learning your past and then in tern having it guide you into the future. “I know of my brothers and sisters. It feels like the thing that will haunt me the most is not knowing. As if this ignorance will slowly eat at me until I make a foolish step because of it.” He wondered if he made any sense at all now.

His attention then drew to what the master said about becoming a guardian. “To be truthful, I am not too familiar with the class specializations of the Jedi order. I know of a Knight and a Guardian, but couldn’t ascertain a difference if asked to.” His master was truly knowledgeable and Dartel found this very fascinating. He couldn’t have wished for a better master. They seemed to be getting on good terms with one another as nothing would suggest otherwise. Dartel only hoped that he could keep up this image he was building.

 

[Miranda]

Sorran offered his new Padawan an affable smile and listened to the young man as he spoke. The student seemed very promising, and Sorran would aid him and encourage him to continue developing his sense of self, in understanding himself, and ultimately prepare him to become a Jedi Knight. The galaxy had been growing darker over the past nine long years, since the Sith had risen from the shadows and claimed the Empire. Peace was sure to be shattered soon, and the Jedi needed to be ever vigilant. It was Sorran's responsibility now, one that he had taken upon himself, to cultivate the newest Guardians of the Jedi Order, so that they could hold their ground and stand against the coming darkness.

As Dartel spoke Sorran became aware of an uncertainty that the Padawan felt about his heritage, about not knowing, and that in not knowing could potentially threaten the Padawan's journey forward. The Jedi Knight looked at his apprentice and nodded gently.

"There is no ignorance Padawan, there is knowledge. You would do well to learn the teachings of the Jedi Code, embrace the doctrine, and allow it to guide you all your life. Through understanding we allow the Force to steer our vessels toward the light. You must learn to change that ignorance into knowledge, learn from everything, and never fear what you might uncover. When you understand yourself first, you will be ready to understand so much more; others, the stars, life, death. We are life-long learners Padawan. Seek knowledge in all things, and through it you can vanguard peace and justice throughout the galaxy."

He allowed his student some time to reflect on his words, and on the Code. They were both taking the first steps in their new voyage together. Mentor and Student. He then regarded the student's admittance about his lack of knowing about the various roles and faculties within the Jedi Order. It seemed that their lesson would be mostly concerned with imparting and encouraging knowledge today.

"We Guardians are the Alliance's first line of defense against the thousands of enemies who seek to destroy it. Our primary mandate is to protect and defend life, and uphold the laws of our people. We focus our time and effort in honing martial skills, in combat, and peacekeeping so that we are ready to defend and fight against the darkness."

Sorran then placed his lightsaber hilt on the table.

"When we Guardians construct our lightsabers, it is traditional to utilise a blue crystal. This colour symbolises our solidarity and uniformity with each other. It is, I like to think, a symbol of hope when shadows gather."

The Jedi Knight turned his eyes to his Padawan and allowed him once again to take in everything he had said.

"It is a demanding and difficult road my student. We Jedi are not meant to be soldiers, but the Jedi Guardians often find themselves in such positions when times of war erupt. It takes steadfast discipline to train yourself to be at the forefront of battle, where we Guardians always stand. You must be resolute and stalwart and wise in your decisions, for in the midst of conflict, we do not have time for counsel or guidance from others, we must make split-second decisions, and forever live with the consequences."

 

[Symbiot Spider]

Dartel listened to his masters words, learning from everything would be hard, but Dartel was sure to do so. To learn from something you’re scared of would be something powerful. When his master spoke about being life-long partners he couldn’t help but allow a smirk escape. It was nice to hear that his master was already, what he could assume, becoming excited as well with the partnership they now share. Dartel watched as his master placed his lightsaber on the table and continued to speak about the guardians of the Jedi way. Dartel couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride fill him as he knew he would be guided into the guardians, and Dartel wouldn’t let this opportunity slip through his fingertips.

Dartel furrowed his brow but quickly whipped it away. He placed both his lightsabers on the table parallel to his masters then looked at his master. He pointed at the longer hilted lightsaber “This one, Master, is purple…” he pointed at his shoto saber “…and this one is orange.” Dartel relaxed again and continued “I have always imagined myself using a purple blade, as truth be told, I learned some things about Master Windu from the archives. He had power and strength that I idolized as a youngling, but now I can only wonder what specialization he would have been and if he too used a blue lightsaber at some point. Where can I find a blue crystal?”

 

[Miranda]

Sorran contemplated the two lightsabers as his Padawan offered to display them for him. Like any cogent introductory lesson they were successfully becoming acquainted and getting to know each other on a less formal scale. This facet of Jedi education was significant because the link between mentor and apprentice had to be strong and unbreakable. And more than anything, there had to be a deep level of commitment and understanding between the two. Solidarity. That was what held the Jedi together and kept their beacons burning bright through the darkness of the aeons, and would continue on into the future epochs.

"I must say, very curious colours to decide upon for your initial sabers Padawan. Though I am quite sentimental when it comes to such things, not usually a traditionalist, but in this case, yes."

The Jedi Knight observed for a moment.

"Master Windu, a noble and stalwart figure of Jedi history without a doubt my student. You have chosen your source of inspiration very well I must say. I am certainly no Lore Master, Padawan. But from what I have studied over the years I can tell you that Mace Windu was a Master of the Order. A very dignified and trustworthy position amongst us. Though his origins tell us that he was also an exceptionally talented lightsaber specialist, and developed the seventh form known as Vaapad. His saber I believe contained a unique crystal known as Hurrikaine, and that is what gave it its purple spectrum."

Sorran was not generally accustomed to giving history lessons, he was by no means an expert, but he enjoyed lore and history when he found time to read, and found students interested in such.

"Perhaps he was a Guardian, or perhaps not. I could not tell you my student. I would suggest you seek out Jedi Master Lecchamemnon on Tython if you would like a more indepth and knowledgeable lesson on Mace Windu, and any of the histories of the Order for that matter."

He then turned the discussion into an education, as was his pedagogical mandate as Dartel's new mentor.

"I think you are somewhat misguided in some manner of speaking, concerning Master Windu. For he did not ever crave power or strength in the journey of his life, perhaps we see him as having ascertained power and strength, but you must be cautious of your aspirations and their source, always Padawan. Remain ever vigilant, even when looking to the past for foundations in personal inspiration. For to seek and covet power and strength will so often lead one astray, can blind us from true understanding, from knowledge and wisdom and peace. There must always be balance, in everything we do."

Sorran paused and considered his Padawan's question. The small lecture would sink in, over time. And he would keep a careful attention on his student, on his motivations, on his development, and would him to blossom in the light.

"Well, I personally ventured to the world of Ilum for my lightsaber crystal. My old Master, may the Force be with him, felt it was right for us to travel there and undergo the construction of my saber. Ilum, for centuries, has been a great resource for the Jedi, a sacred place where we can abide by certain rites of passage that we deem necessary. Perhaps one day we shall journey there together."

 

[Symbiot Spider]

Dartel listened to his master; he was a very intelligent person. He knew a lot about the histories of the Jedi and worldly events that have taken place.

“I would like to continue to use a purple crystal, but I would also like to switch it to my shoto lightsaber and have my main saber use the blue crystal to show my devotion to the Jedi ways.”

Dartel then realized he did say something wrong and the master didn’t let it go unnoticed.

“Master, I didn’t mean that I wanted power. What I meant was Master Windu seemed to have reason; his devotion to the cause is why he became such a powerful Jedi. I wish to become strong like he was to protect the ways of the Jedi, just like he did. I understand that the Vaapad is closely tied to the dark side of the force. I also understand that Master Windu was able to stay a Jedi because he kept his morals, yes, a user of the Vaapad has to like dueling and the thrill of a fight, but if you are aware of that as well as why you are fighting than I believe that a person wouldn’t slip into the darkness.”

Dartel hoped it cleared things up for the master, he knew the risks of the Vaapad, but what he also didn’t mention was that when Dartel tried to use the form it almost seemed natural for him instead of the Ataru form he has learned.

“I am determined to fight for the views and lives of the Jedi and now I see that the way of the guardian is the path that I wish to follow. I wish to be the person on the front lines. Not because it’s closer to the battles, but if a battle is of no other choice than I would rather risk my life than another Jedi risking theirs. I know it sounds foolish to throw myself into a battle like that, but I wish to protect as many as I can. That is my reason for this power, not to become powerful, but to protect what I believe in.”

It was a little bit of a tangent, but he hoped that it helped understand him a little more. He hadn’t been that honest in a long time, but there was something forming between the two that made him comfortable and able to confide in the master.

“I would like it if we could go to Ilum for my lightsaber crystal, but I understand it’s your choice to make for when I am ready so I will try to be ready as soon as I can without rushing anything. Jedi respect all life in the galaxy, in any form it may take, right?”

 

[Miranda]

Sorran offered a gentle to smile to his Padawan as the young Zabrak demarcated what he had meant earlier. So often words could betray true meaning, and one had to always choose their words carefully. For language itself could so often manifest reality, shape it, create it. The clarification was a welcome one indeed, and Sorran's brief concerns at his new student's placement of strength and power had been assuaged. He would nevertheless remain vigilant, for the sake of his apprentice, especially if Dartel wanted to not only learn The Way of the Vornskr as his lightsaber specialisation, but also if he wished to walk the path of the Jedi Guardian. Sorran did not offer any more insight into the matter and merely nodded in appreciation.

"I shall counsel you as best I can on the matter. But you must follow both your heart and your head in all decisions. And the decisions can never be made for you. Follow my guidance and I shall always keep guard over your development. If you wish to venture to Ilum then it will be your decision, when you feel you are ready and when your actions tell me that you are ready."

Sorran had left some tea steeping in a ceramic jug on the table earlier and he took two small cups from the desk drawer and poured them both some of the steaming herbal liquid. He offered one to his Padawan and then continued with the lesson.

"Indeed we do my Padawan, as our sacred mantra tells us so. Are you familiar with both Odan-Urr's Jedi Code and Grandmaster Luke Skywalker's Code when he re-established the Jedi Order, centuries ago?"

The Jedi Knight paused in light contemplation.

"Why do you ask Padawan? Is there something on your mind?"

 

[Symbiot Spider]

“I do know of the codes master. They are helpful now that I can think about them clearly. Our little talk just now has opened its meaning to me.”

Dartel sipped his tea, it was warm and soothing. He didn’t realize it but he had been getting a little worked up, but in a good way. He was getting excited about his master showing him the way of the force and teaching him to be a Jedi Guardian. He sipped again and felt it calm his inner self.

“It was a quote from the code master. It was an attempt to slip it in, but it was clearly not thought fully through. Never mind it, Master.”

He studied his master’s lightsaber as it sat on the table. It looked worn and fairly used, but still in immaculate shape. What caught his attention was the rough wrapping of leather instead of the usual fitted grip of a lightsaber. Master Ven-Olar must be a man of tradition, or mastered in several forms of combat and used it more than he would let on.

“How often would you say you use your lightsaber, as a guardian? I see your lightsaber and compare it to mine. It’s lost that padawan shine mine has, which is to be expected, but yours looks more so than others I have seen through the academy.”

Dartel was trying to understand the position of a guardian and not trying to offend his master. It was an honest question asked with pure curiosity and calmness. He managed to take a swig from his tea after it had lost some of its initial heat now.

 

[Miranda]

"You have been studying well then my Padawan. I am glad to hear it."

Sorran offered another gentle smile to his student and then took a long sip of the herbal tea, its aroma wafted in fluid rivers of steam, the liquid itself was murky and dark amber. The Jedi Knight looked deep into his cup for a moment, as if searching for something that would suddenly emerge from its depths.

"My lightsaber has seen its fair share of conflict over the years Padawan...it has aided in settling many minor disputes across Alliance territory. My old Master and I were sent on countless missions of peace and justice as I was growing up. But I was reared in a time of relative galactic peace. There have been no great wars or battles for centuries Padawan. At least before the Sith ascended to power over the Empire nine years ago..."

Sorran finished his warm tea and held his lightsaber hilt in his hands. It was a traditional weapon, constructed in an austere and unpolished style - reflective of his humble origins as a Kiffar tribesman. The Jedi Knight had never been one for fancy or ornamented possessions, even his beige and dark-sandy robes conveyed as much.

"But more than anything, I am a trainer Padawan. It has been my position to instruct numerous students, such as yourself, in combat and the lightsaber arts. And so my weapon has indeed lost its shine over the years."

Speaking of such, Sorran felt the time for conversing was perhaps done for the moment. He rose and took a battle-ready position, standing in the centre of the atrium he ignited his saber, his legs firmly planted into the floor.

"So, come, let us test your skills my apprentice."

 

[Symbiot Spider]

The young padawan smiled playfully. He pushed himself up from the table and took his lightsabers, attaching one to his belt and holding the other in his right hand. He ignited the saber and listened to his hum lowly with its purple hue. With a slight flourish the lightsaber was in front of his face, and with a slight bow he took his stance.

“Thank you master for teaching me so much without a lightsaber, I can only imagine how much I will learn now.”

He lunged forward with an elegant step, a quick light attack to set up his pacing. The foot that took the step bent as he landed and as the trailing foot came to it he leaped into the air. He attacked three times as he spun through the air and overtop his master. When he landed he spun once more and attacked one last time before stepping back and reevaluating the situation.

There was no way the attacks would have connected with his new master. As a knight he knew a lot more than Dartel would have. Despite the rank difference Dartel was also holding back, not attacking fully with intent as it was not the Jedi way for him, not unless it was a real battle for his life.

“Which form do you specialize in master?” He spoke calmly with his master. “I’m not as keen with two lightsabers, but I wish to be someday.”

 

[Miranda]

((So sorry for the massive delay! Life has been suuuuper busy /cry))

Sorran Ven-Olar was as fleet of eye as he was of foot. Years of training and specialising in lightsaber combat had added to an expertise that was honed by the Jedi Guardians and Battle Masters of the Order.
His eyes watched diligently and almost without effort as his new student launched himself into the air and committed three barraging attempts from the air, Sorran simply shifted his footing so that he was completely removed from the sweeping arcs of his student's blade. As the Padawan turned and attempted another attack, Sorran simply deflected it with his own saber and stood firm.

"Quite the acrobat my young Padawan! But you must always be cautious not to get too fanciful in your movements. By leaping over me while I am standing and awaiting your initial assault opens your entire body up to me, leaves you vulnerable. If I have the high ground in such a situation there is nothing to stop me from simply severing your legs or splitting you open as you twirl through the air! We cannot have that. You are better to begin a duel by having your feet firmly planted on the ground unless the situation begs for a different approach."

Sorran then mused gently and smiled, "I am a specialist in the Ataru Form Padawan. Which is a highly acrobatic method of combat, so when I speak to you of beginning your duels on the ground, I speak from experience!"

The Jedi Knight then rushed at his Padawan, he thrusted out in a perfect vertical line from his head-line to meet his student's shoulder - if Dartel were not to parry the attack he would cop a slight numbing twinge to his arm, having set his saber to training mode.

 

[Symbiot Spider]

“That shall be something I keep my attention to in the future, thank you Master”

The deflection of his master’s saber against his own caused Dartel to stagger a bit; it was as if he bounced of a wall. Dartel Watched as the elegant blademaster moved into his attack. It was smooth and accurate with little to no reaction. It was guided Dartel could see, meaning it gave only but one option. Dartel spun towards the incoming saber strike. Using his own, he deflected the saber as he continued to spin. Dartel finished with a little flourish which led straight into a stabbing strike.

“Have you ever faced somebody who used a long handled-lightsaber, Master? They truly are interesting to me; I would wish to train in the form of one.”

Dartel spoke as he continued his training lesson, showing that his mind was at ease with saber combat. He flourished his lightsaber around in between the spurts of attacks. He lunged in using a bit of his force speed. He seemingly strafed around his master in a single bound, but it was no strafe, Dartel was spinning in tune with his step giving him a presence of floating. As he neared his target, his master, he moved his saber for his knee and then upwards through his hips and off by an arm before landing on the other side.

“I have been looking at some holocrons about constructing a lightsaber with two emitters, but what if a Jedi constructed a lightsaber to resemble a long handled-lightsaber, but in fact, it was two. Much like the double-bladed styled ones.”

Dartel watched his master knowing another purely intuned attack would be coming and readied himself for it, despite the calmness of his composure.

 

[Miranda]

Sorran halted a moment, maintaining a battle-ready stance of the Ataru form, but then addressed his student's flourishing question.

"I have indeed faced a few rare opponents who have utilised a long-handle lightsaber my Padawan, and while it certainly isn't my specialty, we could perhaps learn the required forms together if you would like?"

His eyes then, keen as a Nexu's, watched the unhoned movements of his student as he lunged forward for another assault, Sorran shifted like water out of the trajectory of his Padawan's blade and then brought his own shimmering blue saber down to make a punctuated contact that hummed as both lightsabers met.

"Curious idea Padawan, I suppose in theory it could work. I think it would be something we would need to address with the Council before pursuing it, but it could be possible. I will need to train you in Jar'Kai and Double-Blade combat if you truly wish to perservere in such an endeavour. Fortunately, Ataru, which is my specialisation, consists of some fundamental dual-blade modes, so I will be able to instruct you in such."

The Jedi Knight then finished their conversation and continued with the training bout, he quickly drew his arm back at the elbow and then thrusted an open palm at Dartel, a rapid Force Push hurtling in the apprentice's direction.

 

[Symbiot Spider]

The force from connecting against his master’s lightsaber was ridiculous; he couldn’t control the ‘bounce’ that occurred from the force inflicted by his master. His movements were solid, meaningful and precise, Dartel would learn a lot from Sorran Van-Olar.

“I would like it if we could learn the forms together, master.”

Dartel managed to see the invisible attack coming, but only from the source. Dartel knew that it would be just as intense as the lightsaber combat he was experienced, so to combat the Force that his master was going to use, Dartel would have to put everything behind it.

He drew a large but quick breath and used the momentum of that last lightsaber connection to rock himself onto his back foot. Simultaneously Dartel released his breath and lurched his body forwards onto his front foot. He hands shot out from the elbows; his free hand carried an open palm behind his lightsaber. With as much force as he could muster he pushed back. It only seemed to delay the sheer strength of his master’s as he was still pushed back, but instead of head over heels he slid several feet upright and in his standing position.

“I do not intend to use a double-bladed lightsaber, but rather conceal my second saber in the hilt of my main one.”

Dartel spoke through a winded chest; he explained his idea to his master. He took a ready stance again and sunk low into the Ataru stance. Dartel could feel his presence, and it wasn’t impressive at all in connection to his master’s, but one day it would rival it, if not surpass. Today, Dartel could only ready himself for reaction; his body was close to the edge along with his mind from sparring with a knight level Jedi. It was frustrating to Dartel to see that he was so much weaker than he imagined, but that would all change soon, he had a master now.

 

[Miranda]

"Well that can certainly be arranged. I am glad you have such a deep invested interest in your combat skills my young Padawan. We shall have to inquire about this long-handed saber you have in mind."

It seemed that Sorran and Dartel had been paired up very well indeed. The Jedi Knight could see much of himself in the Zabrak Padawan. Dartel seemed keen on weaponry and honing his combat skills. Sorran would need to instruct him at some point in other Force philosophies and skills, and other combat skills that did not utilise a blade. But all of that would come with time and further training.

Sorran noticed that Dartel reacted quickly to the Force Push and attempted to push back with some instinctual efficiency.

"Good Padawan, a very insightful move. Focus, do not allow your thoughts to overcome your actions. There must always be a balance between the two. You have only the tiniest of moments to react in combat. You must always be focused, and assess every move you make. With time you will be able to judge every move you make, and every move your opponent makes, with split-second decisions."

Sorran leapt through the air towards his student now, bringing his saber down into a vertical slice aimed at Dartel's blade arm. If the attack were to register the momentum of it would most likely knock the Padawan's saber from his clutches.

 

[Symbiot Spider]

Dartel listened to his master speak and it made him proud that he was doing such a good job on the first day, and he would continue to impress his master for something clicked inside him. It was like everything suddenly made sense and that he understood his abilities, his master’s style and the environment around him. He watched his master leap into the air and he could feel that there was going to be no use blocking the attack and countering as he had little strength left.

“I can see myself getting stronger already, master, and I have you to thank for that.”

Instinctually he lunged straight and rolled quickly; slipping under his master. As he rolled he flourished his lighsaber to attack his master from underneath. He rolled into a handspring and pushed himself back to his feet and wasted no time from there. He unsheathed his second saber as he sped himself with the help of the force. He was behind his master as he was landing. A steady stream of purple and orange blurs streamed around Dartel as he moved into a uniquely honed form of Saber Swarm.

Dartel slid to a stop and felt like if he was a machine he would be smoking from overuse. He extinguished his orange shoto lightsaber and then held his other in a lowered stance. He was panting hard now, struggling to keep his breath calm. His mind was back to its balanced state and he could only wonder why he couldn’t make sense of things like that all the time. He would learn to do it, and his master was going to help him.

“I will not give up until you call the end to this session, but I will be honest master, this is the hardest I have pushed myself before.”

He took a deep breath and straightened his stance showing his determination to continue. There was a fierce passion in his eyes, but also a very calming stare to them. There was nothing the master could do that Dartel wouldn’t accept. He would fight back as best as he could and he would make himself known to the Jedi Council, and then they would see the control he could have and grant him the ability to use his desired long-handled lightsaber.