Training in the Rain

[Ral]

"It is much easier to talk about," Kai would respond with the hints of a smirk at the edges of his mouth. "And remember that sometimes its hard for me to remember in the middle of all the 'action', but it will get easier as time passes. It's like working out a muscle; the more you use it the easier it'll be and the more you'll do it naturally on instinct and reflex. Don't stress about it too much my dear, Saerina, you'll get it eventually, I promise. Just keep trying and I know you'll eventually get it."

They moved onto the Soresu drill again, and Kai watched as Saerina decided to work on her drill. He nodded in response to her statement about trying to look at the overall picture. Taking a step back himself he let the young teenager get to work on her lightsaber drill. This time she seemed to having a much easier time at deflecting the training bolts. It caused a small smile to spread across the young knight's lips. He did his best to suppress it this time though, he didn't want her getting distracted by seeing his pride at her improvement. Kai would let the young Padawan train until she was either too tired to train, or had been shot up enough that she didn't want to continue. Of course, he didn't want her getting complacent with her training, so whenever she would appear to plateau with her training, he would increase the difficulty of the remotes to make sure she was constantly tested and pushed to improve herself. It would be difficult, at least eventually for even an experienced knight like himself. Whatever came first, Kai wouldn't say anything until Saerina decided to call it quits. Raising an eyebrow at the girl, he would give her an approving smile. "So, what do you think?"

 

[AuroraRogersSkywalker]

(OOC: So sorry about the delayed reply! My summer just flew by and I don't know where it went. :/ I will definitely be online more often.)

Saerina nodded and drew her blade again. Trying hard at something was easier for her than not stressing out about it! But she would make her master proud. The Padawan was determined to do that much at least.

She turned on the training remotes again, concentrated on the Force and got into the Soresu routine again. It took a lot of concentration and didn't feel very intuitive yet, but now that she was focusing on the patterns with the Force instead of the specific blasts, it started to make more sense. Occasionally Saerina missed a blast and got stung, but there were also times when she deflected them quite smoothly. Some of her movements were a little jerky, but not all of them. Once she started to get comfortable, Kai would turn up the difficulty and make it all faster-paced. She wasn't sure whether his not saying anything was a good thing or not- but she figured he just didn't want to distract her.

After a few more times of having the difficulty increased, the Padawan started to become overwhelmed by the fast moving patterns, and she found herself getting tired and unable to keep up. Finally she sighed a bit and said to her master, "I think I'm done." He turned off the training remotes and asked her what she thought, and she replied, "Well, I went longer than I had thought I would! It's hard though," she admitted with a slight laugh. "It amazes me how skilled users can make it look so easy."

 

[Ral]

(OOC: I figured as much, glad to have you back! Stick around this time!)

As Kai listened, he nodded his head, his gaze was distant and unfocused, but his mind was as sharp as ever. As he listened to his Padawan Saerina speak he knew that she had learned a lot, and that was a good thing. When she finished he smiled. "Well, that's certainly good to hear. Keep it up and you'll find you can surprise even yourself from time to time, you impressed me with how long you lasted. Though, that seems to be a running theme with you my young Padawan. And trust me when I say that I fully believe that one day soon you will be that skilled, you just need to keep up with your training; you're already off to an amazing start!"

Kai's voice was encouraging as always. He finished with a smile on his face, as he tossed the young girl a bottle of water to drink. Once she had refreshed herself he would ask, "So, Saerina, what do you wish to move on to now? More Force work or would you like to discuss philosophy and the code?"

@AuroraRogersSkywalker

 

[AuroraRogersSkywalker]

(OOC: Lol I will! ^.^ )
Saerina smiled in appreciation at her master's praise. She wasn't a bottomless pit that begged for compliments, but she was a perfectionist, and Kai's sincere encouragement meant a lot to her. "Thank you, Master," she murmured. "I think you're doing a good job being a teacher as well," she added lightheartedly, knowing that this was a learning experience for them both. The Padawan gratefully accepted the water, not having really realized how thirsty she was until now.

"Let's discuss philosophy and the code," she replied. Saerina didn't want to get right back into the action so soon- she was still building up her stamina- and they hadn't talked about the Jedi Code very extensively yet anyway. It was just as important as the other parts of Jedi training. Just talking about it would be easy, she knew, but applying it to a tough situation would be hard. And there wasn't an easy way to practice doing that, either.

 

[Ral]

Blushing a little, Kai looked down at the ground. "Well, thank you, my young apprentice. You are kind to say such things. I only hope that I can continue to keep up with your thirst for knowledge. If you keep it up I may find myself with nothing left to teach you!" Kai teased lightly. He looked back up at her with a smile on his words. The Jedi could feel his Padawan's appreciation for his words. It made him feel somewhat better about taking her on, just a reaffirmation that he had made the right choice with Saerina.

As she finished her taking a drink of water and told him what she would like to cover next, Kai nodded. "Let's take a short walk then, shall we?" He gestured to the perimeter of the grove they were in. Once Saerina had joined him he would begin. "What do you know of the Jedi Code, Padawan? Do you know the old version as well as the knew one? Not just the words, I mean, do you understand the meaning behind the words? Do you know how to interpret them and apply them to your life? How to apply them as a Jedi?"

@AuroraRogersSkywalker

 

[AuroraRogersSkywalker]

Saerina found it a little surprising that Kai seemed to appreciate her encouragement that much. She generally thought of him- and other Jedi Knights and Masters, for that matter- as people who were confident enough in their status that they didn't "need" to be encouraged by Padawans. But then again, they were human too, just as she was. "Don't worry, I'm sure that won't be happening anytime soon," she said with a laugh.

Once he started walking, she stood up and joined him. Saerina had been chilly when they first got here, but after doing so much training, she found the cool and damp air refreshing. "I know the words of the Jedi Code pretty well," she admitted. "I've been studying it for a long time, and I'm more familiar with the new one than the old." She would explain it in her own words if he asked her to. "As for applying it, I know what I should do. But I've never had an experience that has tested my application of the Jedi Code."

 

[Ral]

As they walked, Kai listened to his apprentice's words. It was clear that she was being honest, and so he was curious what she thought of the Code. "Alright then, Saerina, you know the Code, but what do you think of it? How do you think it applies to not just yourself, but all Jedi? Let's say you met a Sith, how would the Code dictate you act in that situation? What if the Sith was not aggressive towards you, what would you do? What if the Sith took a hostage? How would you react? What if you found your friend was using a Sith Holocron to get ahead of you in their studies, what do you feel is the appropriate thing to do?"

"Or, what if you happened on a crime scene. A man lay murdered before you, two men are present, both know the victim. Both are armed. One seems to be injured, the other does not. How do you as a Jedi go about solving this crime?" This question was more a test of her ability to discern the truth. But it would be important to see how Saerina used the Code to guide her actions as well as her thoughts. It was an important thing for all Jedi to consider.

 

[AuroraRogersSkywalker]

Each situation Kai brought up would be a tricky one- Saerina had never been in a conflict like that before, but she answered as best as she could. "The Code is a hard one to live by," she admitted. "Living a life based on truth, peace and selflessness is never easy, but it's the best way to go. I see the Code as a guide that all Jedi need to make sure is a part of who they are, so that they never have to think twice about what the Code would say in a tough situation. If I met a Sith, according to the Jedi Code I should act only in defense and not initiate a fight with them, especially if they aren't acting aggressively towards me. If the Sith had a hostage, I would do everything I could to free that hostage, and take the least aggressive action first. And of course, I would do my best to not get the hostage hurt because of the conflict. If someone was using a Sith Holocron to get ahead in their studies, with the experience I have right now I wouldn't take the issue into my own hands. I would find a Master and tell them privately about it first.

"If I saw a crime like that, first I would question the witnesses and try to find out what happened- and I would do my best to communicate that I would be there to help them and not hostile. If the injured man has serious injuries, it's best to try to get help for him before questioning him. And, if they started to act aggressively I would defend myself and try to get them apprehended so they can be questioned more thoroughly."

She glanced up at her Master, wondering what he thought about her answers and if there was anything else he would suggest.
@Ral Aran

 

[Ral]

As usual, Kai's face remained impassive as he listened to Saerina speak. He was interested to hear what she thought about the Code and how it affected a Jedi's life and the decisions a Jedi has to make every day in their personal life or while out on a mission or in a fight. So, he listened attentively to what his young Padawan said. When she was done, Kai hummed thoughtfully, almost amused, but definitely satisfied at what she had said. "Very interesting. I like your take on the Code being something that should guide all Jedi as though it were a part of them so they wouldn't have to think twice in a situation. That's very good, I approve of that line of thought. Now, here's a question to you, would you take an aggressive action against the Sith if he held a hostage and was otherwise unwilling or unable to let them go? Would you consider that to be taking an aggressive action in the defense of others perfectly justifiable?" Kai paused, to see what Saerina would say before continuing on. "And as for the holocron... I think that shows great wisdom on your part. So I commend you for knowing when something might be too big, but for the sake of argument, let's say you were on a planet by yourself, and there was no way you could get a message out to a master. How would you respond?"

Once they had discussed that, Kai moved on to his second part. "Curious. So, let me add on to that. While you are questioning these witnesses, what would you do if they accused the other of doing it, while maintaining their innocence?"

@AuroraRogersSkywalker

 

[AuroraRogersSkywalker]

Saerina nodded, a bit more decisively this time. "Yes, I think it is justifiable to confront the Sith in defense of the person being held captive. After all, the Jedi Code does say that even though Jedi value peace, we are the defenders of the galaxy. I don't think we should sit idly by and not make an effort to help people." She knew that sometimes various Jedi disagreed on areas like this- some Jedi even believed that they should never even use their lightsaber, but as a Jedi Guardian Saerina believed otherwise.
She thought for a moment about the second scenario. "Well, I guess first I would question them and find out where they got it and why they think it's okay to use it. But If I couldn't talk them out of giving it up... well, honestly I'm not really sure whether or not it would be wise to try to destroy the Holocron. Also, I would be suspicious about their loyalty to the Jedi if they were using a Sith Holocron. Perhaps they are being tempted by the Dark Side. At that point, I know the best thing to do is to be cautious and stay as safe as possible."
When Kai moved on again to the murder scene, Saerina replied, "First of all, if they both started to blame the other and argue for their own innocence, I would suspect they both had part in it and simply wanted to save their own skin. I would also be concentrating on the Force, because sometimes it can help you discern who is lying and who is telling the truth."
Then she asked her master something that had been on her mind since the beginning of the discussion. "Was there ever a time for you when it was very difficult to follow the Jedi Code?"
@Ral Aran

 

[Ral]

Kai was pleased to hear Saerina's answer, not because he agreed with it, though he did, but because it showed someone who was willing to do what was necessary to protect someone. Hopefully, that meant that Saerina wouldn't be choked by indecision when the time for action came; when a person's, or several person's lives depended on her acting quickly and decisively. With a smirk and a slight, but approving nod, Kai spoke. His voice was warm, but thoughtful, with the slightest undercurrents of approval. "Very good, my Padawan. Indeed, we are the defenders of the galaxy and the keepers of the peace, but I would personally amend that statement to say that in times of war and peril, like what we are in now, that the Jedi are the peacemakers and peacebringers. It is our duty to make the peace, whether through diplomacy or through the application of force. For how can we defend people, or protect the peace if there is nothing to defend or protect? Surely, if the code teaches us not to sit idly by, then mustn't we learn to take a more proactive role in the war and obtaining that peace which we are sworn to defend? Something to think about anyways."

Listening to the girl answer his second question, he hummed to himself. It was an interesting response, but he felt he could put in some advice there. "I would suggest in that situation, Saerina, that after you question them, to remove the holocron from their possession. If you are unsure if you should destroy it, that is fine, but you shouldn't allow them to remain to keep it. Even if they say they are using it for basic core skills, as the road to the Dark Side is slippery and steep, and one poorly chosen step is all that is required to fall. As a Jedi it is also our duty to make sure that those around us, especially those of us in the Order are not influenced by the Dark Side. Do you understand?"

Then clearing his throat, he nodded to the girl when she replied to his last question. It was a good enough response, so he didn't say much other than: "That would be wise. Perhaps one day soon you will get to see this happen and apply your knowledge and skills to an actual situation."

With that, they moved on and Kai frowned at Saerina's question. "There has been a few times, I will admit. Often it is when you are fighting for your life or the life of one you are close to; one you call a friend." Kai thought back to his duel on Tatooine, and the time he was with Nakoma on that forested world in the temple with the slaves. His frown soured into a scowl as he looked away into the trees. "It's important to remember that not even the Jedi are perfect, but that doesn't mean we should stop trying to live up to and follow the code."

 

[AuroraRogersSkywalker]

(OOC: Darth Real Life has been kicking my butt lately. But I'm not dead! Yet! :P )
Saerina nodded thoughtfully as she listened to her master's response. "Yes, and that's what sets Jedi apart from everyone else, I think. Some people want peace, but think that peace is a result of nothing happening, so they're not proactive about it. And then there are the Sith, of course."
She couldn't help but shiver slightly at the thought of someone close to her, someone she depended on, being tempted by the Dark Side. Hopefully she would never be in that situation, but one couldn't be too idealistic and as a result face a situation like that unprepared. "Yes, Master," she said. "Perhaps the friend would be grateful later to have been stopped from pursuing the Dark Side."
Saerina had somewhat hoped to get a specific story out of Kai about this; there was so much he had done that she didn't know about. But he seemed a little hesitant to discuss the matter further so she didn't press him. Maybe someday, though, he would tell her more about his past.

 

[Ral]

Nodding, Kai gave a light smile at his student's responses. Saerina was a student he was proud to have; whatever she didn't know she quickly learned or accepted. She was eager to prove herself and please those she was learning from. Not bad traits to have, and she seemed to be a bit of prodigy herself, which made things a little interesting for Kai. So long as she remained humble "Well then, I think that will do it for today. Unless there was something else you wanted to cover today?"

Kai would wait for Saerina to reply before continuing. "I will have some things I need to take care of once we leave here, so feel free to go on a mission or take a few classes. Remember to practice and apply what we've learned today, alright?" The teacher smiled, he knew he didn't have to mention it to Saerina, that she would just do it, but he still had the habit of saying it. Motioning her to follow him he remarked. "Ready to leave?"

 

[AuroraRogersSkywalker]

"I think... that's all we planned to do here," Saerina said after a minute. She felt satisfied with their progress and didn't have any more questions (for now at least), and besides, she was excited to get somewhere dry. It had been an enjoyable session though, and she was particularly excited to continue practicing Soresu.
She nodded and murmured, "I will. I'll do my best to remember it all! And thank you again for all your help." Her master was a busy one, with all his involvement in missions and help training other apprentices, so it was good to have his undivided attention for a while. Saerina's attention drifted to the idea of the other missions going on- in particular, she had hoped to join in on the effort to restore the Archives, and that certainly wouldn't be ending soon. And now, she didn't feel so tentative about going on a mission.
As they walked back towards the ship, Saerina had the feeling this would not be the last she would see of this planet. It was a great place to train, and it definitely deserved more exploration. Where exactly the Force would lead her next, she didn't know, and was eager to find out.