Private A Knight's Valor

[Ko Vuto]

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Location: NJO Temple
Objective: Do Stuff
Tag: Valor the Forsaken

Ko listened to what Valor said to him and tried to understand what the young echani was telling him. Letting Valor express themselves and break down their own guards in whatever way they felt was comfortable to allow themself to open up. Needless to day however, what Valor shared was rather concerning.

“I’m really sorry for what you’ve been through. What you’re telling me about your former mentors is quite troubling. Because it details a rather in depth understanding of The Force. It sounds like they weaponized their knowledge of it just to tell you what would serve them.” Ko replied, it seemed like what Valor was taught was a patchwork of half-truths meant to make him fearful and unquestioning. It wasn’t difficult to imagine that being taught those kinds of things would make someone as seemingly conflicted as Valor was now.

Letting out a sigh Ko continued. “I don’t think there’s anything that I can say here and now that can let you know if The Force can be trusted or not. I would say that you should, but there’s really now way for me to back that up now. The only thing I can really say is that I think your best chance at answering your questions is to continue this journey as a padawan. To learn by my example, and the examples of everyone else here and then come to your own conclusions.” Ko could understand if that wasn’t a very satisfying answer, but he didn’t think this was a puzzle he could solve with a view of correct words and picking apart everything wrong with what his old mentors taught him. He wanted to give Valor agency and the tools to decide for himself.​

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[Valor the Forsaken]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

Valor frowned, his gaze dropping to the floor as Ko's words sank in. The weight of everything he'd been through, all the conflicting teachings, pressed down on him. He remained silent for a long moment, wrestling with his thoughts and emotions. Finally, he let out a soft sigh and looked up at Ko, his tone markedly different—softer, more accepting, free from the wary, combative edge that had been there before.

"Okay... How do I begin?" he asked gently. There was a vulnerability in his voice, a quiet plea for guidance.

"I don't... think I understand anything," Valor admitted, his voice trembling slightly. "Please, be patient with me.... Show me what is known to you. "

 

[Ko Vuto]

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Location: Corucant, NJO Temple
Objective: Teach about Lightsabers
Tag: Valor the Forsaken

The Temple on Coruscant was still largely uninhabited now. Acting more as a base of operations for Jedi missions on the capital planet. It lacked many of the archives, younger students and academics that made the temple feel more lived in. When Ko wasn’t on missions himself he came back to the temple to work out. The road to reconstruction was a long one after the Dark Empire’s attack. With their stronghold still squarely in the core of the galaxy the former capital world was still in danger. Sadly those who were recovering now were almost always long dead under the literal mountains of rubble still to be cleared.

Entering one of the various dojos along with Valor. Even the dojo was comparatively desolate from how they used to be. It was more or less an empty room. Ko flicked the lightswitch on. Before looking back to Valor. “It’s about time we get you familiar now with lightsabers. You’ll be trusted with this until you can make your own. Still though, take care of it.” Ko said before handing Valor a simple training saber. Ko urged them to look after it. Embedded within it was still a crystal that should be looked after.

“Get a feel for it and familiarize yourself with its weight. The hilts can be surprisingly heavy and robust for those who aren’t used to handling them.” ​

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[Valor the Forsaken]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

Valor accepted the training saber, turning it over in his hands with a curious look. "Thank you, Master... I have used saber blades before," he admitted, his voice deliberate.

He paused, the words seeming to carry some weight before he added, "Though I cannot say if I've been trained properly." His tone lightened, though there was an edge of candor beneath it. "I had two teachers before you... but I do not think I ever understood their feelings toward me regarding saber instruction. They taught me under duress, after all."

His gaze dropped to the training saber as he began to familiarize himself with it, running his fingers over the hilt, as if reacquainting himself with an old but foreign tool.

 

[Ko Vuto]

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Location: Corucant, NJO Temple
Objective: Teach about Lightsabers
Tag: Valor the Forsaken

“Oh you have? Interesting, that makes things a bit easier for me then. With this we’ll also review and go over the basic mechanisms and components of a standard, single bladed lightsaber. By the end of this you should be able to assemble and disassemble your own lightsaber with practiced ease, entirely through use of The Force.” Ko explained to the teenage apprentice.

“As for ‘proper’ training, you’ll be going through a crash course of orthodox saber forms. Starting with Form I, The Determination Form or way of the sarlacc… every form has about four names to it…” It could be a little confusing even for Ko to sometimes remember each of the animals associated with a particular saber style. “Activate your saber, give it a few twirls or flourishes. With a training saber like that you won’t need to worry about dismemberment. So mistakes won’t be an issue.” Saying that reminded Ko, he grabbed his own saber hilt. The metal of it was still scratched, dented, and weathered from the abuse it endured at the hands of Domia. Holding the weapon up he brought two claws to it to turn a dial on it. Lowering the power to a lesser degree like that of a training saber.​

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[Valor the Forsaken]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

"Assemble?" Valor echoed, his curiosity evident. The idea hadn't crossed his mind before—he had always assumed lightsabers were fixed creations, crafted with care and meant to endure. The notion that they could be easily assembled and disassembled was... surprising. Then again, Braze seemed to have a knack for creating them, and these certainly weren't the standard-issue tools of the Jedi. It was, to say the least, eye-opening.

"You want me to assemble and disassemble the saber?" he asked, holding it up to examine it more closely. His fingers traced its edges as he turned it over.

 

[Ko Vuto]

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Location: Corucant, NJO Temple
Objective: Teach about Lightsabers
Tag: Valor the Forsaken

“No, I’m not asking you to do that now. But soon enough I would expect you to be able to accomplish it. Unlike that training saber in your hands. Every saber is unique and hand made by the jedi who uses them. Even if perhaps they’re based off of previous designs. Such as mine for example. Which I based off an centuries old schematics.” Ko explained to Valor. Trying to offer a bit more insight into the nature of Jedi lightsaber construction.

“I’m no expert, but I even think the Sith do something similar with many of their own aspirants. Despite our many differences, lightsabers are still held in high regard.” The jedi knight said, bringing up something the two opposing orders had in common. ​

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[Valor the Forsaken]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

"Yeah? I'm not so sure... I didn't get much of a chance to learn about the sith whilst I was there... It seemed a few of them had pretty aggressive weapons on hand. I was doing rather well for myself until you stole me away. " Valor huffed. Valor moved to activate his blade and flourished it playfully feeling the heft of it perhaps allowing that small bitter sentimental grudge to resurface and he seemed to take to the idea of perhaps sparring with Ko as a potential great outlet of catharsis. "No dismemberment ey?" He lunged forwards suddenly with a rather ferocious attack.

 

[Ko Vuto]

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Location: Corucant, NJO Temple
Objective: Teach about Lightsabers
Tag: Valor the Forsaken

“I see, and you’re welcome for that by the way.” Ko replied, with a bit of a teasing tone under his mask. Knowing it would somewhat push the teen’s buttons a little. Sensing a bit of the bitterness rise up in Valor he anticipated a bit of action from them. As they lunged towards Ko with an attack, the Kel Dor ignited his own brilliant green saber and blocked the attack.

Letting his weapon get struck by Valor’s training saber. Using the energy and momentum of the block transfer into his own blade to move it around to snap it towards Valor’s face. Only to stop right before striking the apprentice. “So… do you think you wanna move onto a live combat Velocity? Seeing as you’re already so eager to get started.”​

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[Valor the Forsaken]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

Valor might have been surprised, but this counter was something he had grown accustomed to. With a fluid motion, he shifted beneath and to the side of the incoming strike, angling his blade into a steady mid-guard. "A... what now?" he asked, his tone tinged with genuine curiosity, clearly unfamiliar with the terminology.

He hadn't expected the soft-spoken Jedi Knight to not only block his attack but to respond with such precision. The surprise in his expression quickly gave way to a flare of excitement and uncertainty. These emotions rippled through Valor's aura, a raw and untamed projection of his thoughts and feelings. Unlike Braze, who had learned to guard his mind during sparring sessions, Valor's mental state was as exposed as an open book—his lack of discipline leaving his emotions vulnerable and unshielded during combative practice.

 

[Ko Vuto]

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Location: Corucant, NJO Temple
Objective: Teach about Lightsabers
Tag: Valor the Forsaken

After Valor’s question Ko took a step back, pulling his sabers blade along with him. “A velocity, a rather straightforward lightsaber exercise. Oftentimes practiced along with an initiates training in Shii Cho. Some have called it a sort of choreographed mock duel. Where each participant performs a series of attacks and accompanying defenses. Moving faster and faster with each moment until one side makes a mistake or gives in. A simple exercise.” It was simple, but Ko found it impossible to perfect.

“It’ll also teach you the primary body target zones to keep in mind for lightsaber combat. Where a number coordinates to a specific area on the body. Being the head, back and torso, left and right arm, and left and right leg. Naturally there might need to be a bit of improvisation as not every being so conveniently possesses a ‘humanoid’ body.” Ko explained, making sure to add that the body zones weren’t really a hard rule to follow when fighting with lightsabers. ​

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[Valor the Forsaken]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

Valor eased back into a ready stance, his posture fluid and balanced, the faint hum of his blade acting like a counterpoint to the tense silence that had descended. He began to twirl the lightsaber in a controlled arc, his grip firm yet flexible. The weapon's glow painted faint streaks in the air as he brought it forward into a neutral guard, the tip of the blade hovering level with Ko's chest—a calculated threat, poised yet uncommitted.

"How is it you can see me?" Valor asked, his voice steady but laced with curiosity and a hint of accusation. His eyes, searched for any flicker of deception in Ko's expression.

Without waiting for an answer, Valor moved with deliberate caution, his boots ghosting against the ground as he began to circle. His steps were cross-patterned and methodical, designed to mislead, as if his body were stalking a prey rather than confronting an opponent.

Valor, now positioned at Ko's flank, chose his moment. With a sudden burst of speed, he pivoted sharply, his blade cutting a faint crescent of light through the air. He aimed not for the center but toward Ko's outside shoulder—a strike designed to force a reaction, to test the boundaries of Ko's defenses. His intent wasn't just to land a blow but to uncover the truth hidden in the Keldor's movements.

Would Ko counter directly, meeting the attack head-on? Or would he slip away, revealing how he could see what Valor sought to conceal?

 

[Ko Vuto]

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Location: Corucant, NJO Temple
Objective: Teach about Lightsabers
Tag: Valor the Forsaken

Valor seemed to not care that much about anything Ko had to say. He answered the teens question and yet appeared to be uninterested with the answer that was given. Instead Valor was more interested in understanding how Ko saw, how he perceived the world around himself and their actions.

“Is that now what your mind is preoccupied with, Valor?” Ko questioned. The Kel Dor didn’t even turn to face the apprentice as they moved. “The Force-” He added simply before Valor made their next move and cut him off. Deftly flicking his own saber up to cover the exposed flank that the teen would strike towards. Possibly revealing to Valor that he didn’t need to look at them for Ko to see them. Being able to view things in what would appear to be his blindspots.

“Now if you’ll let me finish… The Force offers me a sort of sight beyond sight. Translucent visuals of the matter around me. Can even see through objects and make fine details if I focus enough. As well as you of course and how you choose to move. Many force sensitives possess such senses. Even if they don’t quite realize it.”​

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[Valor the Forsaken]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

Valor frowned briefly, his brow knitting in thought as Ko deftly parried his strike. He stepped back, lowering his guard into a casual stance. His expression betrayed a swirl of emotions—disappointment, perplexity, and frustration—woven together with a faint thread of recognition, as though something familiar had sparked excitement in him.


"I can't picture that," he admitted, his tone thoughtful as his mind turned over the memory of Braze practicing blindfolded. Perhaps Braze had been training himself to 'see' without relying on his eyes—a concept both intriguing and foreign to Valor.


"I suppose we can work on velocities," he added after a moment, "But you'll have to show me how they're done. I don't know what drills you have." His tone carried an undercurrent of irritation, but it seemed more directed at himself than at Ko.

As he spoke, Valor's thoughts meandered, his mind jumping between topics with an ease that mirrored Braze's scattered yet somehow cohesive way of thinking. He appeared capable of tracking multiple tangents simultaneously, his focus sharpening when he was truly interested in something. It was difficult to say whether this was a deliberate habit or simply his natural way of processing, but it was notable nonetheless.

"Is that what we're supposed to start with?" he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty. Training as a Jedi was still unfamiliar to him, and he wasn't entirely sure what their methods entailed.

His experience thus far had been rooted in repetition—practicing the same cuts and slashes over and over while scrutinizing his form in a mirror. The old Togruta and Starfall had drilled him tirelessly, keeping him busy with exacting tasks. It was because of this that Valor's strikes were quick and committed, honed by the relentless discipline of his previous training.

 

[Ko Vuto]

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Location: Corucant, NJO Temple
Objective: Teach about Lightsabers
Tag: Valor the Forsaken

“If you continue along in your journey you’ll come to learn it I’m sure. Many force sensitive even beyond this one order can be familiar with sensing through The Force. Even younglings can block a blaster bolt blind.” Ko didn’t say that as a way to make Valor doubt themselves. But to just put things into perspective a bit.

“Of course, I was planning to teach you the velocities today. They’re simple enough that you can even train them with a droid. Providing an excellent balance in speed, precision and endurance. Just like shii cho i’s equal parts offense and defence. It’s an excellent starting point for any swordsmen with a lightsaber. In fact Shii Cho was derived from ancient swordsmanship. But we can get into the history of the forms later. Technique is what’s important for us now.” With that Ko took his own saber in both hands.

“Now follow my lead Valor and mimic my movements.” The Kel Dor said as he stood next to Valor with his saber out in a neutral position before moving his blade in rather slow yet smooth motions as if to strike at an invisible target in front of them. “Visualize your blade connecting with the different body target zones.”​

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[Valor the Forsaken]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

Valor nodded at Ko, a small determination settling in his expression. "I can do that," he said, stepping to Ko's side. He mirrored the older man's movements with surprising fluidity and grace. "So, it's like learning patterns…" he muttered, inhaling deeply before letting out a steadying sigh.

He moved through the drills, each repetition smoothing into the next. What once felt foreign became natural, his body remembering where his mind wavered.

But as the rhythm settled in, Valor's thoughts drifted. His formal training lingered in his memory—two instructors, worlds apart. Master Vosara, who shaped his form with patience and wisdom, and Ace, who forged him through cruelty and harsh pragmatism. Two styles, two lessons—discipline and survival—burned into him as deeply as the motions he now practiced.

---

The room was dim and suffocating, its walls an oppressive cage of blackened durasteel. Master Shae'lan Vosara stood at its center, the glow of faint energy cuffs pulsing against his dark skin. His violet montrals were still proud, though they drooped slightly under the weight of captivity. The once-regal Togruta—Seer, guardian, warrior—was reduced to a teacher under duress.

Valor sat cross-legged before him, a training saber laid out on the floor. He refused to look at Vosara, his frustration with the situation apparent. Across the room, Ace leaned against the wall, the redheaded bounty hunter smirking around the cigarette perched at his lips.

"You're wasting my time," Ace taunted, exhaling smoke toward the ceiling. "The kid doesn't want to learn. Wrap it up."


Vosara ignored him, his authority undiminished by chains or circumstance. "Pick up the blade, Valor," he instructed softly, though his tone carried weight. "Now."

Valor hesitated but obeyed, fingers curling around the hilt. "What's the point of this? You can't teach me anything real," he muttered bitterly, casting a side glance at Ace.

Vosara stepped closer, his calm gaze locking onto Valor's. "The point is control," he said. "Your blade reflects your focus. Without it, you are nothing but a storm—destructive, blind." He positioned Valor's arms, correcting his stance. "Hold it steady. Watch the arc."

Ace chuckled from his corner. "Flowery words. This is combat, not poetry."

Vosara's amber eyes flicked to Ace briefly. "Words shape action. Without understanding, a blade is just a tool for slaughter." He turned back to Valor. "Again."

The young man swung, movements rough but improving. Repetition smoothed the edges of his strikes, and despite himself, Valor's breathing slowed, his mind focusing. For the first time, he felt the tension leave his shoulders.

As the minutes stretched on, Vosara's voice grew quieter, almost reflective. "A Jedi learns to endure," he said. "Even in chains, you remain yourself. Do not let your cage shape you."

Ace pushed off the wall, his footsteps heavy as he approached. He grabbed Valor's shoulder roughly, yanking him upright. "Enough. We're done for today," he barked, earning a sharp look from Vosara.

The Togruta's calm never wavered, though his voice carried a hint of steel. "You are afraid of what discipline will make him. You should not be."

Ace smirked and blew a puff of smoke directly into Vosara's face. "Discipline is a leash, 'Master'. I just happen to hold it."

---

Even now, Valor could recall the lessons of that dark room and how they shaped him more than he'd ever admit. The rhythm of his drills, the feel of the blade—it was there, carved into his bones like a forgotten hymn as he shifted in to the next velocity with out Ko actually showing him as if he already knew them.

 

[Ko Vuto]

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Location: Corucant, NJO Temple
Objective: Teach about Lightsabers
Tag: Valor the Forsaken

“Precisely, velocities are a standard set of motions stinged together at varying levels of intensity.” Ko explained to Valor as he stood beside him showing the teen the motions with a fluid cadence. Through the The Force Ko watched as the Echani beside him mimicked his motions before suddenly continuing along with the lesson without him.

Ko paused and lowered his saber while Valor continued with the movements. Doing them correctly despite Ko’s guidance. “It seems I have less to teach you than I may have assumed. Your previous instructors must’ve run you through this before. Your body's muscles have better memory than your brain.” That communicated to Ko that the teen might’ve been drilled heavily on this before. "Perhaps we can move on to performing a velocity against one another." With that Ko pulled out a data pad and opened up some application. "Here, can you set it to where it plays a steady rythm for us to move along with while increasing it's tempo? It has an alarm set to help us switch between offense and defense. You're eyes will help with me not needing to fiddle to much with it." This was how Ko liked to practice velocities. Using a application on his data pad to act as a sort of metronome to move in accordance with. ​

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[Valor the Forsaken]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

Valor inclined his head in agreement. "It would seem so," he murmured, his voice trailing off into a contemplative sigh. He shifted, turning to face Ko fully. "Alright. I'm ready." The reflective quality of his aura ebbed, replaced by an earnest enthusiasm that seemed to radiate from within. Valor's stance adjusted, his focus sharpening as if to emphasize his interest.

He offered his full attention to Ko, his gaze steady and receptive. Each correction was met without resistance, his movements fluid as adapted with intent. There was no room for pride or hesitation in his actions—only a sincere desire to learn, to refine, and to rise to the challenge before him.

 

[Ko Vuto]

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Location: Corucant, NJO Temple
Objective: Teach about Lightsabers
Tag: Valor the Forsaken

With the pace set on the datapad Ko set it down to the side before standing in front of Valor. Bringing his saber up he prepared for their exercise. Listening to the rhythm and centering himself in its beat before speaking up over it. “You’ll start on the defeneive before before we switch it up.” Ko said that Valor can prepare their guard. “Ready… Now!”

With that Ko swung his green blade towards Valor, going for the first target body area. Having the impact of their blades happen at the same instance as the beat that could be heard every half second Using so they can both follow along with the speed it’s set at. Once the first hit connected Ko would quickly flick his saber away from Valor’s and over to the second body target zone. Moving his ‘attack’ to Valor’s head over to the right side of their torso.

Ko has practiced these moves enough to where they can feel like a moving meditation when exercising in velocities. Honing it to be second nature, even after he temporarily lost his saber. Since traditional blade work still translated smoothly enough given the ancient origins of Shii Cho. As the two cycled through the various body zones at the speed set there was a sudden buzz. “Switch, attack!” Ko commanded to remind Valor to play the offense now in the exercise. All the while the time between beats slowly, incrementally shortened.​

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[Valor the Forsaken]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

Valor adjusted his stance, raising his blade into a defensive guard as Ko's command resonated in his ears. He centered himself, aligning his movements to the rhythm emanating from the datapad, each beat acting as a guidepost for his reflexes.

The first strike came swiftly with a green blur descending toward his torso. Valor moved to intercept, his saber flashing upward in time with the measured cadence. The satisfying clash of blades rang out, perfectly synchronized with the beat. Confidence surged through him as he deflected the next blow, a diagonal cut aimed at his right shoulder.

But as the tempo quickened, subtle doubt crept into his focus. The incremental shortening of each interval demanded a sharper precision. His motions grew tighter, faster, his breath syncing with the rhythm. Then, it happened; a misstep. A fraction of a second too late, his parry came up short, the green blade grazing past his defense.

Valor stepped back to recover his footing. The error broke his concentration, and the rhythm he had been so attuned to felt suddenly alien.
"S-sorry I messed up. "