Refining the Form

[Pyromaniac]

---

Acolyte Yusanis Dar'sen was a patient man, most days. He stood within one of the chambers of the Sith Academy on Ziost, the place where many were sent to become Sith Warriors. This path was the one Yusanis chose for himself, for he had always been submerged in violence. His life was something parents would wish upon their children, but he had been born to this path. Before he ever was able to be properly trained in the Force, he had been taught how to fight. Swords, quarterstaves, blasters, and now lightsabers- he always felt his strongest with armor on his body and a weapon in his hand.

He stood there in the chamber, fully geared up and weapons in hand. They there not ignited, but he wanted them in his grasp right now. Soon, someone was going to enter this chamber- a Darth and the former Warmaster of the Sith Order. He had recieved a message that he was going to be trained by this man, and the thought had both excited and worried him. From what he gathered, this Sith was a master of Soresu, the form Yusanis himself was learning- which was why this training was going to take place.

What worried him, however, was what this Sith was going to be like. He had met the Dark Lord himself and lived, so how would this Darth be? Would he break the young Acolyte, or would he be more like Somnus, trying to ensure the next generation would not only meet up to par with the current leaders, but some day even surpass them? The thought made him think, but he let it slip away. He would keep his senses open and his mind quiet in order to feel the Darth's approach.

This was going to be a valuable lesson, he knew.

 

[Twisted Reality]

Drakus had been more then just a master of Soresu, he was also a master of the more Offensive form V. The former Warmaster, like always when around the temples. Had his force signature muted through Force concealment, more so because his presence in the force was heavy. He didn't want to freak out any sparing Acolytes in the temple. So as he approached the room the Acolyte he would be training today resided. Drakus pulled his cloak around him. The metal mask of his helmet, catching the light in the hall. The suit of armor that had become famous during his time as the Warmaster covered his robes. Though hidden by the long black armorweave cloak, he opened the door with the force. Most thought warriors had few force powers, but Drakus could have been anything he wanted to be within the Sith. The call of combat however drew him to the warrior path. So his wide aray of force powers, only complimented his style of fighting. Long graceful strides carried him into the room as if he were floating on air.

Dark holes in the eyes of his helmet stared down at the young acolyte. Drakus was one of two people to make the Dark council before they reached their 30th year. And his exploits during the core campaign, were well known. His battle on Tython at the Jedi's ancient Forge, the destruction of the Jedi Temple on Empress Teta, and his part in the attack on the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. Just to name a few, but the sith lord cared little about his fame. A warrior fought in battle, it was what they craved and the fame that came from that was only secondary. "You wish to improve on my secondary form of Soresu, a rare thing to find among the Sith." He commented through the voice amplifier inside his helmet. The HUD displaying everything he needed to know about the boy's personal files. It was rare to find Soresu users in the sith because few could control their emotions and remain calm. The one thing Soresu needed to be effective.

"Let's begin." He whipped his cloak back and called one of the Phrik lightsabers into his armored hand. The half inch spikes on the knuckles sticking out, as he ignited the bronze blade with a hiss. The idle hum of his lightsaber was one thing that he loved hearing. "Take your stance, and recite the theory behind form III" He ordered, Drakus was an Intense teacher. He didn't mess around, and he wouldn't be taking it easy on the young man. Because in order to grow, one must be tested and pushed to improve. Much like Drakus himself had pushed his body to it's limits every day to get to were he was today. And he wasn't stopping there, he would reclaim his place on the Dark council one way or another...

 

[Pyromaniac]

Yusanis felt the Force being used to open the door to the chambers, and so turned to face the one entering. Drakus, the former Warmaster, was just as intimidating as the rumors and holo-images suggested. He had done a little research on the Sith before him- he was a decorated veteran and one of the youngest Sith to ascend to a place of true power. Yusanis knew that this Sith before him was the epitome of what he wished to become, powerful and feared, but not limited to his physical skills.

"You wish to improve on my secondary form of Soresu, a rare thing to find among the Sith." Drakus spoke through his helmet, which Yusanis not felt a bit self-conscious for. They both were armored and robed, with helmets that obscured their voices. It kind of felt like two people showing up to the party in the same outfit, though they were not exactly alike.

He nodded to Drakus and said, "I do. Soresu is a strong defensive form, something that all warriors need. You cannot always hope to win with pure offense."

"Let's begin." The Sith said. "Take your stance, and recite the theory behind form III." Yusanis watched as the master ignited a bronze bladed lightsaber, something he had never seen before. The Acolyte ignited one of his curved-hilt lightsabers, it's red blade giving a simple, trademark hum. His other weapon was placed on his belt for now, as he wanted to practice with a single saber first.

Yusanis took the race-ready stance of Soresu, the blade held at waist height and pointing upwards while the forward foot was off to the side a bit. "Form III was designed to counter blaster fire when these weapons became a common encounter. It has since evolved, but remains a hightly defensive style designed to create total defense with the help of tight blade movement and minimal energy expenditure. It requires quick reflexes and efficient body movements to counteract blaster fire. Form III is designed for extended battles to where the user can kill, disarm, or reason with an opponent- as was the Jedi way. It requires a calm mind, unaffected by distractions by the conflict around them."

This was a winded explanation, he knew, but he wanted to spout all he knew of the form. Obviously this wasn't all, but this is simply what he decided to say. He was no where near a master of the Form, which was why he was here, however, he knew why the Form had been created.

It was now up to his teacher to decide if this response had been decent or not.

 

[Twisted Reality]

Drakus studied the young man as he stood there, the idle hum of his bronze blade giving off a bright glow. The Sepith Crystal allowed Drakus the increased control needed by a duelist. "But a warrior cannot win on defense alone. Soresu's lack of offensive ability, gave way to my primary form, Form V. The only reason i mastered Form III is to further my mastery of Form V." Drakus warned the acolyte, defense was all good in combat. But always being on the defensive, and never getting any offense. Was one way to prolong the users death, but those blank and hollow eyes of his Helmet's mask watched as the young acolyte took his stance. But Drakus' stance remained the same. Arms at his side, with the blade pointed down in front of him.

When the Acolyte finished reciting the theory behind Form III Drakus took the few steps towards the acolyte. "You forgot subtle dodges, some jedi who are able to enter a meditative state. Increase their defense, using a stance known as center of being. It is said that those that fall deeply into this style could almost unconsciously defend from even the most flowing and random attacks and Feints." He instructed, and without warning. The bronze flash of his lightsaber being raised over his head, was quickly brought down in the Djem So's Signature attack. The attack aiming at the Acolytes right shoulder. The purpose was to gauge the Acolytes reaction, and defense for any wholes. He should have known that training under a Former Warmaster wasn't going to be a Pick-nick. But for the purpose of this training session, His lightsaber had been set to Training mode. To avoid any lasting damage.

 

[Pyromaniac]

Yusanis grinned under his helmet, for the former Warmaster's words were true enough. Soresu lacked offense, and so a second Form was required- a form that Yusanis wished to learn, and knew that the Darth before him was also proficient in it. The Sith's hidden eyes trailed him as he took his stance, but Yusanis tried not to let it bother him. The Acolyte was focusing on the Darth's weapon, waiting for the initial strike. Was he calm? Not as much as he would have hoped, no. The fact of the matter was, he was excited.

To train with one the likes of Drakus was a rare opportunity, and he desperately wanted to absorb all the Sith had to offer him. It went against the basic mindset required by Form III practioners, but Yusanis could not help it. Always, he had an outer mask of calm, a reserved demeanor for many- but this not always translate to a calmness inside. No, inside, Yusanis was a storm of emotions and thoughts, something that many have tried to quell in order to give him true control.

There had been more than once his emotions had gotten the better of him. He gave way to frustration and anger when they became too great, and he knew it.

"You forgot subtle dodges, some jedi who are able to enter a meditative state. Increase their defense, using a stance known as center of being. It is said that those that fall deeply into this style could almost unconsciously defend from even the most flowing and random attacks and Feints."

Yusanis saw the flash of movement, barely having time to register what was going on before the lightsaber was brought down quickly and efficiently. The Acolyte didn't have time to think about what Form his mentor was using, or what else was going on, other than that blade. Raising his own lightsaber in an arc, their blades collided just before they could reach the Mando-Sith's shoulder, and swiped the blade to the side harmlessly.

The young Sith's heart was beating quickly from that sudden reaction, adrenaline pumping through his blood. It had been instinctive to react in that fashion, and only now that he thought about it, he probably should have countered. He did not however, and kept his blade low for now to track his opponent's weapon.

 

[Twisted Reality]

Drakus didn't quite know what to make of the acolytes reaction to that attack. He did give him plenty of time to see it coming, So while the acolyte took the blow and swiped it away. Turning, and spinning Drakus unclipped his cloak from around his shoulders and tossed it aside. Idly giving his saber a twirl as he broke the seal on his helmet. Taking it off, he tossed it aside. The metalic clank sounding as it skidded to rest near a wall. "Not bad kid, but your reaction is sluggish. Your mind is muddled with Excitement, antinipation. Block it out, clear your mind. Take a Form I stance, i will show you what i was talking about."

Drakus was going to give a little demonstration, Taking his place about 10 paces from the acolyte. Raising his hilt in two hands, to rest just below his chin. The blade of his lightsaber pointed to his right side, and closed his eyes. Clearing his mind, as he let his presence in the force shine through the concealment that had been holding it back. The weight of it filling the room, Drakus quickly fell into the meditative state of this stance. His mind clear, and his body motionless. "Attack, and don't stop until i say so." He was going give this quick demo, and then set this acolyte down the road of learning it...and using it with a clear mind.

 

[Pyromaniac]

Yusanis was still a bit jittery, shaking from the energy. He watched as his mentor took off his cloak and helmet, something the Sith respected. Since his mentor shed those two things, Yusanis took off the robes that he wore over his armor, leaving only his armorweave bodysuit, armor, and helmet. Despite it being rude not to take off his own helmet, it was something the Sith never just 'took off' easily. There were even times he slept in it.

Tossing his robes to the side, the fabric making it's trademark sound as it was flung away, he listened to Vyrassu's words. "Not bad kid, but your reaction is sluggish. Your mind is muddled with Excitement, antinipation. Block it out, clear your mind. Take a Form I stance, i will show you what i was talking about."

The Acolyte took a deep, relaxing breath to try and calm his nerves and mind. He needed to stay focused and calm, as both his mentor and the Form demanded. It was difficult, but he was at least not shaking as badly as before. Yusanis was not totally calm, however, but he was at least trying his best to project his outer calm inwards.

He took the traditional stance of Form I, both hands firmly on the hilt of his weapon. The Sith Lord before him suddenly became a beacon in the Force, unleashing his power- and it gave Yusanis pause, before he grinned. Such power, when controlled, revealed that he had been the Warmaster for good reason.

"Attack, and don't stop until i say so."

Yusanis nodded before he came at the Sith, first swinging at an angle from upper left to right, before he would return with a horizontal attack from right to left. After, he would simply attack following the basic principles of Form I as instructed, and would not let up.

 

[Twisted Reality]

Drakus wasn't one to play games when it came to teaching, but this acolyte needed to learn that in order to achieve full mastery of Form III. He would need to calm his mind completely, that thinking too much. Would lead to his death, in a duel. There was no thinking, it was react and attack. So when the Acolyte finally made his move, Drakus kept his eyes closed. Letting the Meditative state of this stance, guide his movements. A quick rotation of his of his wrists, and a raise of his hilt sent his bronze blade clashing with the first attack. Brushing it aside, and keeping the blade moving to generate the power needed to deal with the rest of the attacks. Dropping his blade down into a drop parry to his left. Drakus spun his saber to keep the momentum going.

Brushing each attack aside before his eyes snapped open. Taking his right hand off the hilt, Drakus grabbed at the acolyte wrist. If the Grab was successful, a half spin of his body to the young mans side. Using his hips to generate the power in an attempt to throw the acolyte to his back. So that his head would be at Drakus' feet, pointing the tip of his lightsaber blade at the young acolytes chest.

"With a clear mind, and a centered being. You allow the force to guide your blade, keeping the blade moving to generate the force needed to keep your defense. This allows you to expend little energy, i suggest that when you become more skilled in this form. To study another, to give you an option when you sense an opening in your enemies form. A lightsaber is not the only weapon a warrior has at his disposal...too many become relent on their lightsabers. And less on themselves, i have shaped every part of my body into a weapon to be used.."

He paused and moved back. Turning his back to the acolyte, Drakus slowly spun his lightsaber. "Now, Take the same stance i did. Focus on your breathing, nothing else. Feel the force flow through your body, and your mind. Listen to it, and let it guide you. Keep your eyes closed, and let your feelings and the force guide you." Drakus hit a few buttons on his gauntlet to activate the training rooms remotes. The small balls floating around the acolyte in random orbits waiting for Drakus command to fire.

 

[Pyromaniac]

Yusanis noted his mentor's closed eyes, his complete calm state of mind. It was something Yusanis desperately wanted to achieve, but found difficult. So when he blocked and parried all his attacks, the Acolyte was not surprised. What did surprise him was the grab the Sith had on his wrist, before flipping him to the ground. Yusanis groaned a bit, he knew he would feel that later. Honestly, it was a small move on the Sith tutor's part. Yusanis, despite all of his training, still seemed to suffer from a tunnel vision to combat.

"With a clear mind, and a centered being. You allow the force to guide your blade, keeping the blade moving to generate the force needed to keep your defense. This allows you to expend little energy, i suggest that when you become more skilled in this form. To study another, to give you an option when you sense an opening in your enemies form. A lightsaber is not the only weapon a warrior has at his disposal...too many become relent on their lightsabers. And less on themselves, i have shaped every part of my body into a weapon to be used.."

The blade was taken back, and Yusanis was ordered to take the same stance this Sith had just done to defeat him so easily. The Mandalorian Sith nodded, not about to question his mentor, and quickly got to his feet. The young Zabrak put enough distance between them to take the stance, raising his left blade up to chin level to point right, while his right blade pointed left, a little lower so as not to slice off his own arm. Yusanis closed his eyes, and went deep into his mind. He was doing his best to calm the storms that raged within him, but it was a tough task. All his life, his rage had always been present- a swirling vortex that sought to drown him at every turn. Yet, he had to do what he was told.

He took a few deep, calming breaths, and slowly his mind began to quiet. It wasn't perfect by any means, but he hoped that the difference coming over him was visible. His body became still, his breathing slow, and the hurricane that cursed and churned inside was taken down a notch, buried beneath the willpower he was amassing. He heard the remotes come to life, but did little to react just yet. He was afraid, he knew, to let the Force guide him. All his life, he was taught that trusting others led to punishment- and trusting in a power that he could neither touch nor see in front of him made it all the harder to let go.

Finally, he just gave in, and for the first time in all of his life, decided to give all his trust to something- the Force. He felt it's pull on him, the tugging of something far greater than a single Zabrak in armor. It both scared and enthralled him, but he would not let such emotions come to him- not yet.

"I'm ready." Yusanis said slowly, not yet opening his eyes.