The Dark Heretic
Petrichor could feel the Force swirling around
Illian Dragos
as they went through the exercise. There was this conflicting energy within the young man, and Petrichor could feel it. There was the endless back and forth between the light and the dark, all culminating into a primal torrent of self. There was a swell in the Force surrounding them as Illian called out to the rock.
The Sith lord hadn't seen this level of power in someone so new to the ways of the Force in quite a while. He hadn't seen this raw energy since his earliest days as a master. And yet, here he was, seeing it again.
It almost felt like back then.
Illian tried once, twice, thrice... over a dozen times, he tried, without lifting the rock. With each failure, the torrent of energy grew. Petrichor could sense the will of Illian increasing in potency with each failed attempt. Finally, the young man was able to lift the rock, if only for a moment.
Petrichor had to admit, he was impressed.
"Very good."
He looked back to Illian.
"Many have spent much longer trying to accomplish even this basic task. You indeed show much promise."
He leaned in as he continued.
"Remember the feeling at the moment that you called out to that rock. Learn to tap into that on a whim, and to call out to it at a moment's notice. With each success comes strength. Furthermore, through failure comes understanding. Reflect on your failed attempts to lift the rock. Notice what changed within yourself as you moved from failure to success. This will help you to find your place within the Force. Perhaps that means one day you'll be a Jedi, or perhaps a Sith. Or perhaps, something else."
He chuckled.
"Perhaps that means one day we will be at odds. The Force is funny like that. But whatever it was that you felt in that moment, that is what will bring you success."
He stood up once again.
"The next step will involve repetition, and a lot of it. You will have to try to recreate your success daily. Growth will only come through continuous practice. And then, once you believe you have reached the end, do it all over again."
Reaching out through the Force, he lifted the rock and threw it to the water, causing a large splash.
"That is how you become a wave instead of just a mere ripple."
He reached into the pocket of his jacket, pulling out a datadisc and holding it out to Illian.
"This is a copy of my text. You will find many of my basic teachings therein. And don't worry, it isn't steeped in your average Sith imperialist drivel. It'll provide you with a framework from which you can build, as well as line out how to tap into the Dark Side without becoming a slave."
Petrichor looked down toward the datadisc as he spoke.
"It doesn't hold all of the answers, of course, but it is a start. If you wish to learn more of this path, or have questions about the Force, I would like to invite you to visit my academy on Lehon. Even if you do not wish to remain there, you might find that, at least, you are not alone in seeking that inner balance."
It had been a long time since Petrichor had personally invited anyone to visit the academy. The secrecy of the Order was always of upmost importance. When standing next to such potential, however, he couldn't let it pass without making the offer.
"And don't worry, we won't be trying to convert you to the Dark Side. After all, we are students of the Force before we are Sith. Consider it an... offer to experience the periphery Sith culture, rather than an invitation to join. You might come to find that not all of us are so tunnel-sighted as our brethren."
Illian Dragos
as they went through the exercise. There was this conflicting energy within the young man, and Petrichor could feel it. There was the endless back and forth between the light and the dark, all culminating into a primal torrent of self. There was a swell in the Force surrounding them as Illian called out to the rock.The Sith lord hadn't seen this level of power in someone so new to the ways of the Force in quite a while. He hadn't seen this raw energy since his earliest days as a master. And yet, here he was, seeing it again.
It almost felt like back then.
Illian tried once, twice, thrice... over a dozen times, he tried, without lifting the rock. With each failure, the torrent of energy grew. Petrichor could sense the will of Illian increasing in potency with each failed attempt. Finally, the young man was able to lift the rock, if only for a moment.
Petrichor had to admit, he was impressed.
"Very good."
He looked back to Illian.
"Many have spent much longer trying to accomplish even this basic task. You indeed show much promise."
He leaned in as he continued.
"Remember the feeling at the moment that you called out to that rock. Learn to tap into that on a whim, and to call out to it at a moment's notice. With each success comes strength. Furthermore, through failure comes understanding. Reflect on your failed attempts to lift the rock. Notice what changed within yourself as you moved from failure to success. This will help you to find your place within the Force. Perhaps that means one day you'll be a Jedi, or perhaps a Sith. Or perhaps, something else."
He chuckled.
"Perhaps that means one day we will be at odds. The Force is funny like that. But whatever it was that you felt in that moment, that is what will bring you success."
He stood up once again.
"The next step will involve repetition, and a lot of it. You will have to try to recreate your success daily. Growth will only come through continuous practice. And then, once you believe you have reached the end, do it all over again."
Reaching out through the Force, he lifted the rock and threw it to the water, causing a large splash.
"That is how you become a wave instead of just a mere ripple."
He reached into the pocket of his jacket, pulling out a datadisc and holding it out to Illian.
"This is a copy of my text. You will find many of my basic teachings therein. And don't worry, it isn't steeped in your average Sith imperialist drivel. It'll provide you with a framework from which you can build, as well as line out how to tap into the Dark Side without becoming a slave."
Petrichor looked down toward the datadisc as he spoke.
"It doesn't hold all of the answers, of course, but it is a start. If you wish to learn more of this path, or have questions about the Force, I would like to invite you to visit my academy on Lehon. Even if you do not wish to remain there, you might find that, at least, you are not alone in seeking that inner balance."
It had been a long time since Petrichor had personally invited anyone to visit the academy. The secrecy of the Order was always of upmost importance. When standing next to such potential, however, he couldn't let it pass without making the offer.
"And don't worry, we won't be trying to convert you to the Dark Side. After all, we are students of the Force before we are Sith. Consider it an... offer to experience the periphery Sith culture, rather than an invitation to join. You might come to find that not all of us are so tunnel-sighted as our brethren."
