Val's Advanced Training

[Sreeya]

Oh yeah, Val was definitely getting good at this. She felt like a rock star, weaving around others and speeding up. Huang would be left eating dust. She snickered to herself, eyes trained forward. All of a sudden, the Force warned her of someone approaching. She barely had time to look up, only to see Huang effortlessly flip over her and land smoothly on the snow, even going as far as to give her a cocky grin.

"Oh you son of a.."

She sped up even more, gliding past him. This time, Val went off the trail, leaping above elevated areas to put even more distance between them. Like with dancing, she decided to apply her battle finesse into what she was doing. As she jumped off of edges, her body acrobatically twisted and turned, landing on the board once again. Her landing was a bit choppy, but her tricks in the air were flowy, laced with her teachings in Ataru.

 

[Will]

Huang saw her catch up and pass. He grinned. He crouched more, speeding up, and leapt off piste lower down the slope.

Silently, he met with her, both speeding through the trees. Huang leapt, his board grinding along a fallen tree over a precipice, twisting elegantly in the air, smiling ruefully at Val at the bottom, as he sped off. They were getting near the end of the slope, to the lodge he had booked for them both.

 

[Sreeya]

Val skidded to a halt next to Huang. In her attempt to look cool while stopping, she almost fell over, waving her arms to keep balance. At long last, she stopped herself from falling, glancing up at the lodge. She turned to him and raised an eyebrow.

"When did you have time to get us a place.."

Huang never made sense to her. Somehow he managed to get things done without her ever noticing. Val sat down to take the board off, finally glad to be able to walk on her own feet again. She rose and followed him into the lodge. Never having been in one before, she had to look around.

"You come here by yourself? Or bring a special lady around every time?"

She had to laugh, remembering the incidents back at the club they had gone to.

 

[Will]

''A magician never reveals his art.'' Huang replied, a knowing grin on his face as he walked in, shedding his outer layers, down to his thermals.

''I do come here alone. And I'll show you why.''

He grabbed her hand, and led her across the room, and through a door. They were in a room made entirely of glass, giving a beautiful view of the mountain, which they were still quite high up.

''It's good to relax.''

It was breathtaking, to have the world stretched out before you. Huang loved it. And he loved having someone to show it to.

 

[Sreeya]

Val allowed herself to be lead by him. It was new, considering that she was always the one physically dragging him places. This had to be pretty important, as Huang seldom got excited about anything. She had her answer as soon as they entered the room. Val's eyes widened, gazing over the beauty stretched out before them. She walked to the edge of the glass, her fear of heights beginning to build up within her. She couldn't help it, though, glancing down at the snowy wonderland laid out before them. Val timidly placed a hand on the glass, almost afraid of falling over.

"It's..spectacular.."

Val simply stared for a moment smiling. For all his seriousness and cold exterior, Huang had a true appreciation for nature's beauty. Everything he had led her to do had bolstered her love for how intricate the galaxy could be. It drew her mind away from the impending war, allowing her to enjoy the finer things in life. Val finally looked away, spotting a fireplace in the room. She walked over and held her hand up in front of it. By now, she had become quite established and controlling and channeling electricity, though it would never compare to the skills of a Bogan. The lightning shot out from her fingers, lighting the logs. She sat down in front of the fire, warming her hands.

 

[Will]

Huang was glad to see she enjoyed it, disregarding the perilous drop. It warmed him that he could share these things with someone, to take his mind from the war, the grind of trying to deal with the new generation, who he feared were not ready for what the order would soon face. War had not been officially declared, but the whole order knew...

He saw her move to the fireplace, again using her lightning.

''It always worries me when you do that.'' He said, jokingly. He moved over to a cabinet.

''Maybe a civilised drink?'' He asked, his voice light with contentment. He held a bottle of red wine with two glasses. He sat by the fire, opening the bottle with the force, pouring two glasses.

 

[Sreeya]

Val only grinned when he mentioned her lightning. Not many Jedi looked upon her actions favorably. One of the reasons she enjoyed being around him so much was because she could simply be herself without having to worry about adhering to Jedi codes. At times, she even tended to forget that he was a council member, as he was never judging her for her actions.

"It's convenient, though, isn't it?"

She watched him open the bottle, laughing.

"And you get on me for abusing the Force.."

Before taking the glass, Val walked over to pop in some music, more for ambiance than anything. She walked back to sit next to him, accepting the drink. Val took a sip, looking into the fire. The flames were almost mesmerizing, the warmth radiating from them relaxing her.

"I wish I had known about this. I would have come to a place like this after dealing with particularly frustrating padawans..."

 

[Will]

Huang shuffled back slightly from the fire. It was mesmerising for him. But, it was his greatest fear, trapping him like a rabbit in headlights. He couldn't look away...

He heard Val get up, mercifully snapping his concentration with the sound of some popular music. He simply watched her as she returned to sit by him. He kept his gaze on her, not wanting to return his eyes to the fire. He contemplated her. With her, he didn't need to be 'Master Karasu', or 'Swordmaster, or 'Battlemaster'. He was simply Huang. himself. Free.

He smiled as he contemplated, looking at the mantlepiece above the fire. Everything was better with her.

He loved her.

 

[Sreeya]

Val wondered why he didn't say anything. He appeared to simply be staring at her. It wasn't negative, but he looked lost in thought. Yet he looked as if he were at peace, simply enjoying the moment. She did not ask, smiling at him. Val would have had a greater idea of what he was thinking if she were more establish in telepathy. For now, all she felt was the warmth exuding from his aura. Or maybe that was just the fireplace..

She finished her wine and took another glass. Val hadn't felt this at peace a while. Even the halcyon atmosphere of the Jedi temples did not offer her this measure of relaxation. There was silence between them, but she enjoyed simply being here with him. Val finally began to feel the buzz from drinking, putting the glass aside. She forgot how much her feet ached from the day's activities. She stretched out her legs in front of her, wiggling her toes in front of the fire. However, that wasn't enough. Val soon leaned over and began massaging her own feet, finally deciding to break the silence.

"I swear, your ideas always make me horribly sore the next day.."

She decided to have a mock serious tone, only to laugh softly afterward. In truth, it was the most fun she had ever had.

 

[Will]

Huang finished his glass, which coincidently finished the bottle. He went to get another, and returned to find Val massaging her feet. Huang leant in to stop her, taking her hands.

''Allow me. I'm quite dexterous.''

He let go, holding her feet. He slowly began to massage them, his hands moving expertly, seeking out knots and tightness, easing the tension. He turned back, facing her.

''Any better?'' He smiled.

''Normally a full day of snowboarding messes with your whole leg.''

He didn't know why he was being so adventurous, but it felt...right. He worked her ankles, before moving to the soft, pale flesh of her calves, masterfully removing tension and knots.

 

[Sreeya]

Val was quite surprised when Huang took over for her. She did not know how to react. She had gotten quite comfortable around him, running around in undies being chased by Bantha tended to do that, but suddenly she felt shy. Her face got slightly red, not used to Huang being so forward. It was new and exciting in a way she had never expect. Val couldn't take her eyes off of him, melting into his amber gaze. When he spoke, it didn't register for a moment.

"Y-Yes it..feels good.."

She was afraid he would be able to hear her heart furiously beating her chest at this point. Val had spent so much time with him, she had held and kissed him multiple times. Why was this moment so different? Why was there more passion? It was something she felt emanating from him for the first time. Her legs felt much better, the muscles relaxing under his nimble fingers. However, every touch sent a jolt through her body in way she hadn't experienced before. As he came closer, Val could only gaze upon his features, his yellow eyes burning with the same intensity as the fire behind him. When she spoke, her voice was barely above a whisper.

"..Huang..I.."

Nothing more needed to be said. She reached a hand up to his face, gliding it to loop around his head, fingers curling into his hair. Val gently pulled him in and met his lips with her own. Unlike before, she did not draw away, resigning herself to the explosive feelings the mere action brought. The sweet taste of wine filled her mouth and she got lost in the moment, wrapped up in the warmth of his body.

 

[Will]

Huang noticed her gaze upon him as he worked her knotted, tight muscles. It awoke stronger feelings buried down deep in his mind as me moved the massage up to the thighs.

She grabbed him, and her fingers brushed through his dark hair. And they leant together. And kissed. Emotions coursed through his body, consuming his being, he simply acted on instinct, pulling closer to her.

Rather than aiming to subjugate and control the emotion raging through his being, Huang allowed it to fill him, fuelling his actions. Every sensation coursed through him in it's raw, untempered form.

He picked her up, still kissing her, as he strode over to the next room. With the force, he opened the door. He drew his head away, and looked down into her eyes, warmly.

''Don't worry, I've got this.''

He strode in, closing the door behind him.

 

[Sreeya]

---​

Val had been awake for a few moments, the sun bathing the entire room in light. She wasn't sure what time it was and it didn't quite matter. All she could do was gaze at Huang, a smile forming on her face. Val leaned in and placed a gentle trail of kisses along his jawline, sighing in contentment against his skin. She was already holding him, having fallen asleep on his shoulder. Val's face grew hot as she thought of the night before. She was still exhausted, having fallen asleep a mere few hours ago. Now that the sun was up, she knew sleep was a lost cause.

Val was about to get up, but felt him stirring. She grinned down at him, lovingly kissing his forehead. For now she decided lay back down, enjoying the warmth he provided. Val did not understand her feelings for him, but she knew they were whirling within her mind. She absentmindedly began to trace a lone finger above the tattoos on his chest. It was something she had never gotten around to asking him about. Val spoke quietly, her eyes following her finger.

"..Why do you have these tattoos and piercings? What do they mean?"

 

[Will]

Huang awoke, the serenity of one asleep replaced by the contentment of one awaking to something good. The light fell perfectly on her, framing her in its liquid gold. He smiled, kissing her on the forehead, before replying. He remembered, so many years ago, getting the markings.

''My master was Edo Tesu. He, like me, was...unconventional in appearance. He was everything I wanted to be. A master with the blade. A respected member of the council. I got these just before my trials. I see them every day. They remind me of who I am. They Identify me as a Jedi, reinvent me. I am not the boy from Corellia, beaten and abused. When I chose these, I became a Jedi. An unwavering guardian, unassailable foe. I needed others to see this.''

He looked down at his chest, absent-mindedly running his fingers along the two tattooed marks at the top of his sternum. They had been added later.

He looked back up at Val, his face warming slightly as his mind drifted back to the previous night.

 

[Sreeya]

Val listened to his words intently. He seldom had passion in his speech, and it shined through when he spoke of his old master. It was a name she had heard before. All padawans were taught about schism that had happened long ago, and Edo Tesu was a name that came up often. She wasn't even alive during those times, but had often wondered what it was like to be a Jedi during those times. Val thought of her own role model. For a while it had been Sheng, but she felt abandoned by him. However, as she thought about her actions, she often saw hints of his personality within her.

"The Jedi Order is very important to you, isn't it?"

She turned back to Huang, bringing her hand up to gently brush against his cheek. Val had a leg lazily strewn across his lower body, nothing but a thin sheet covering them. Although there was sensuality still between them, her thoughts were far away. What did the Jedi Order mean to her? He had found a place to belong but she had been more of a wanderer. She had done her part by being there to defend the Order when it needed her, but lately she had been drifting further and further away from it. Val looked out towards the window, squinting at the sun.

"...I envy you for being able to be so passionate about the Order. I feel so detached from it. If I were around during those times where you had to make a choice on which side of the Jedi to take, perhaps I would have been a better Jedi. I feel as if I have failed as a Knight."

 

[Will]

He was lost in his memories as Val began to speak. He only caught the end.

''It does, yes.'' He smiled, looking at her as she touched his cheek, a wave of sensation spreading out like ripples across a pool.

''Failed as a knight? No. You're one of the few Jedi I would trust in these times.'' He flashed a smile, brushing some hair off her forehead, before planting a soft kiss on it.

''You go out into the galaxy we claim to protect. You know it best. You would not have wanted to be around in those times.''

His mind flashed back to that dark period.

''Brother against brother. War that should not have occured. The Jedi growing ever more complacent. No. It was not a good time.''

His eyes fixed on the middle distances as he remembered the pinnacle of that time for Huang: The murder of his master.

 

[Sreeya]

Val was surprised at his words. He had opened up quite a bit lately, and it was surprising to see how much depth he truly had. Val knew he had shared more things with her than he did most others, and that last night was something she would forever cherish. She leaned in and held him for a long moment, thinking about how far they had come along together since the day she had shown up at training. Val hated him for being a council member then, for being a textbook Jedi. But within these last few months, he had taught her more about life than she ever could have imagined.

Suddenly, she thought back to that time she had trained under him. He had an exceptional collection of swords and had claimed to have forged them himself. Val wanted to have something of his to keep with her always. She couldn't understand why it was so important to her or why she felt so strongly about him. Everything was a mystery with Huang, even though he was much more open now. She turned to face him, her expression serious.

"Will you forge me a blade?"

 

[Will]

Suddenly serious, she stared into him, seemingly into his very soul.

And she asked him one of the best things he had ever heard. He smiled, rising. He climbed from the warm bed, and stepped onto the cold floor.

''It would be an honour.''

Slowly, he dressed himself. He turned back to Val, finding a quizzical look on her face. He quickly pulled up his trousers.

''It's cold. You know it's cold.''

He pulled on his top, smiling. He put on boarding boots.

''We'll need to get to the bottom of the mountain before Ossus.''

 

[Sreeya]

Val had to laugh at his words, watching him rush while putting his pants on. She simply grinned at him afterward.

"Don't worry, I'm quite satisfied."

Aiming to make him blush, she added a wink to her comment. She rolled off the bed and also dressed to leave.

----​

Val waited outside of Huang's quarters as she often did. It had been a daily routine for months now. Often times, he would still be in the middle of training, and she would patiently wait outside. This often allowed her to pass off as a student who always came at a particular time. She used these chances to secretly visit him every day, always timing it to where she was the last to see him.

She looked up as a young Jedi walked out, looking quite exhausted from training. He glanced over and nodded at Val and she smiled at him in return. This exchange had gotten quite habitual. She sat on the grass till he was well out of sight before jumping to her feet. Truth was that she was excited about the sword she had asked Huang to forge for her. He had told her he would begin forging it recently, and Val couldn't wait to see.

The Knight had spent quite a bit of time within these chambers, a thought that brought a light blush to her face. However, the biggest things that caught her attention were the various blades on display. She marveled at them every time. They were beautifully crafted and looked far more complex than the bland old sabers she had. Wielding a sword would be unique, whereas virtually every Force user had lightsabers nowadays. As she spotted Huang, she quickened her pace. She had a smile on her face, her tone almost childlike.

"How's it coming?! Can I see it?!"

 

[Will]

Huang smiled at her exuberance. He walked over to a rack, where a blade sat. The scabbard was a pure black, a deep crimson serpent wrapping its way up the sheath, mouth agape as if striking. The handle was wrapped with thread the darkness of pitch, seemingly absorbing the light around it. The pommel was capped with a metal of glimmering silver hue, shining proudly.

He picked it up, one hand around the sheath, the other around the handle, held horizontally. With a subtle tug, he exposed a small amount of the blade. It shone, as if light was captured in the blade. It's brilliance was eye-watering. Near the circular Tsuba, with a raging dragon carved in, was a crow in flight. Somehow, the mystery and darkness of the bird had been caught in this simple carving.

The process of this blade, as with any blade forged with the force, had been long. He had taken the metal, melted it, and, while hammering it into shape and folding it, he had poured his soul into the blade, imbuing it with power.

''This...is your blade. I have poured myself into it. It is everything I am. It is everything I feel for you. It will cut anything, and stand up to any blade. Even a lightsabre.''

With a snap, he closed blade and scabbard. He held it upward in his palms, the curve facing inward.