Private Advanced Enhancement

[Drystan Creed]

TYTHON

Despite being a bona fide undercity kid, Tython had begun to feel more like home than Coruscant ever did. Even when comparing the temples, there was something Tython held that his homeworld lacked. It was as if the planet itself was guiding him—helping him discover, learn, and grow in his understanding of the Force.

He was grateful. The path he'd chosen was far from traditional—an approach few would consider in seeking to master the Force.

Standing at the center of a circular stone platform, connected by a stony path leading from a nearby beach, Drystan stood still, arms readied at his sides, elbows bent, eyes shut tight. The waters surrounding him were calm, save for the gentle shifts and murmurs of tranquil waves.

He remained that way for a long moment, drinking in his surroundings, letting the planet's energy mingle with his own. The faint hum of stone and earth beneath his feet stirred—quiet, grounding, alive.

Now.

His eyes flung open as he began his kata: a silent dance of strikes, sweeps, and motion that flowed from his core. The movements started simple—rudimentary strikes meant to lay the foundation of his form. But with each transition, the rhythm deepened.

The waters around him responded. First in subtle ripples, then in graceful sways, echoing the arcs of his arms and legs. As his kata grew more intense—his movements faster, sharper, more deliberate—the sea grew lively with him. Waves leapt and spun, caught in the choreography as if compelled to watch, to join.

The dance continued.

With each pass, the water rose higher, lapping at the edges of the platform. Then at his bare feet. Then swirling along the stone beneath him—fluid steps in harmony with his own. A duet between body and nature, each matching the other in an ever-building crescendo.

This was no mere display or recital. It was a communion of discovery.

A dance that served as a microcosm of the bond between the Jedi and the living, breathing realm of this world.

Reina Daival

 

[Reina Daival]

Location: Tython
Tags: Drystan Creed
Lightsaber - Pequod


Reina watched quietly from the distance. She didn't dare ruin the Katas. It wasn't like she was hidden in any way. Of course Drystan would probably be able to see her or sense her. It was just her wanting to watch the moves for a moment. She didn't have a photo perfect memory, but that didn't mean she couldn't try to put this down to mind. It'd be helpful perhaps if she needed to go over something like this later...

Though the whirring of her leg snapped her out of those thoughts as she scowled to herself for a moment. That would probably make it harder for her to do any katas or performance. Having a prosthesis that was always a microsecond or two behind the rest of her body had been more of a hassle than she thought. She missed her old prosthesis. It had ended up feeling like a part of her, and now it was gone once more so it was like starting over from scratch. She shook her head, trying not to focus on that and instead headed over towards Drystan finally, after taking a long moment of watching his performance.

"Knight Creed?"

She raised her eyebrow for a moment as she folded her arms along her front. Reina had never been one for titles. She had always believed they were something that needed to be earned. But after the mission she had with Drystan, she had believed that the Shadow had earned her respect. It was the same with Jonyna or Valery. They had earned their titles to be used by Reina as the redhead stood quietly. Her head was throbbing ever so slightly, but she chalked that down to her ears having not fully healed from the battle against Serina. Which was part of the reason why she had come here.​

 

[Drystan Creed]

TYTHON

As soon as he heard a voice calling out through the waves of his kata, Drystan snapped his arms downward, palms perpendicular to his forearms, bringing his movement to a close. The waters surrounding the stone platform mirrored him, settling into a passive lull—his routine concluded.

He tilted his head, catching sight of Reina, and paused, curious as to the reason for her visit. The first—and last—time they had met was on Devaron, working together on a wild animal control operation. It was during that mission that he had truly begun forging his own path, having forsaken the lightsaber in favor of his body's natural gifts.

Drystan offered her a lazy salute, right hand pressed against the red of his headband, before stepping off the platform and approaching a more conversational distance. His demeanor was relaxed—a stark contrast to the focus and precision he had shown moments earlier.

"Padawan Reina." Her name alone served as an adequate greeting from the typically reserved Shadow.

His eyes swept over her, trying to discern the reason for her visit.

"Something I can help you with?" he asked, tone inquisitive. It wasn't often someone sought him out—and truthfully, he didn't mind. Even after reintegrating into the more social aspects of the Order, he still enjoyed his solitude.

Reina Daival

 

[Reina Daival]

Location: Tython
Tags: Drystan Creed
Lightsaber - Pequod

There was a lot that Reina could use help with. Yet she didn't want to ask too much as she stood there, debating to herself what exactly she needed. Her gaze turning to her reflection in the water for a moment, the scarred visage staring back at her. What was it that Reina needed? She needed to learn how to fight better. How to think on the fly. How to beat an unbeatable opponent. But that wasn't something she could arguably ask for easily. Part of her wished she could be as laidback as Drystan seemed to be at this moment before she cleared her throat, turning her attention back over towards Drystan once more.

"I'm...looking to learn from the Knights in the order. I have too many weakpoints that need worked upon. Too much that people can take advantage of."

Some of which, she could work on. Her lack of knowledge on Force techniques, on weapon techniques. Yet there were some she couldn't work on as easily. Her anger and frustrations she had been learning how to use to her advantage, but she couldn't exactly work on her prosthesis as well as she'd like to. Her last one had basically been ripped away from her. If she hadn't worked on her sparring when she had first lost her leg, that would have nearly been a death sentence for her...

"And...I believe you'd be one of the best to learn from."​

 

[Drystan Creed]

TYTHON

"A lot of weak points, huh? By my estimation, a general power-up would be your best bet. Just getting tougher overall should help you get where you want to be—and help you spot any talents that aren't keeping up with your broader growth. Yeah, I think I've got something for that."

Drystan rubbed his chin in thought, taking Reina's request seriously. Though usually aloof, the prospect of training and pushing past one's limits always managed to catch the Shadow's attention. As he delved deeper into his stockpile of martial knowledge, a rare focus settled over him.

He didn't take the "best to learn from" comment to heart. In his mind, he was far from the ideal teacher—certainly not compared to his old master or other seasoned Jedi. But if there was one thing he was truly passionate about, it was combat—and anything related to it.

"Pop quiz: tell me what you know about the Enhance Attribute technique. I want to get a read on your progress. I think it's a solid ability to work on, especially given what you're trying to achieve."

Before anything else, he needed to understand her foundation. He was more than willing to cover the basics—he'd led classes for both veterans and novices before. But if Reina already had a good grasp, he was ready to open up the deeper layers of his repertoire.

Reina Daival

 

[Reina Daival]

Location: Tython
Tags: Drystan Creed
Lightsaber - Pequod

"I've used it before. It helped me somewhat keep up on my training when I lost my leg. Gave me a little bit more of a boost to work on my energy and strength. I had been focusing on using it for Ataru, to focus on more acrobatic works. I've changed towards more of a Djem-So approach now...but...it didn't work for long. My leg ended up getting destroyed again, so I had to resort to Ataru once more."

Enhance Attribute wasn't a technique that was a stranger to Reina. There had been a time where she had been doing plenty of her own studying. Doing her best to get onto the same level as her other Padawans, as she believed her loss of limb was a hinderance that was holding her back. It still was, but it was also evidence that she wouldn't give up. No-one would have blamed her for wanting to retire from the Order for the injury, but she had kept fighting. Kept pushing. Because that's who she was.

"At least...That's how the second fight against this specific Sith went...The first time, she turned the Force into some kind of...infection in my body. Some kind of affliction. I couldn't rely on Enhance Attribute, because I couldn't use it anymore. I only survived that moment because she let me go...and I only survived the second time because of Knight Aadhir...I want to be able to survive on my own merit."

That was Reina's main issue. She didn't want to have to rely on help. Yes, a Jedi was always stronger when they had help...but Reina wanted to be able to do something alone. She wanted too much out of herself, but that was why she kept pushing.​

 

[Drystan Creed]

TYTHON

Drystan could relate, to some degree, with Reina's desire to improve. With each word she spoke, another piece of the training regimen began to form in his mind.

"Alright. I see where you're coming from. Wanting to be strong enough to stand on your own—that's an admirable goal. One I've aimed for myself."

Now the path was clear. He could see exactly what needed to be done. It all boiled down to a single concept: surpassing one's limits. Simple in theory, far harder in execution. If it were easy, everyone would do it. But they didn't.

"I'm going to help you get there," he said plainly. "But fair warning—it's probably going to be the hardest thing you've ever done in your life. Unless you've had really bad luck romantically... in which case, this'll be the second hardest thing."

A brief pause, letting that half-joke hang. His tone shifted, steady and serious again.

"Either way, I'm going to need your full commitment. Total devotion to the process. Alright?"

The question was rhetorical. He was already laying out what came next.

"The reason I asked about Enhance Attribute is because it's a good technique to master—foundational, even. The training I put myself through while learning how to master it didn't just build up my body—it shaped my mind and spirit too. That's the kind of training I've got planned for you."

He let that settle in before continuing.

"It won't be as grueling as what I put myself through—truth is, I wasn't in the best place mentally back then, and a lot of what I did probably did more harm than good. But this will still push you. Hard. And if you don't commit fully, you won't get much out of it."

His eyes locked onto hers, voice low but firm.

"Alright?"

Reina Daival

 

[Reina Daival]

Location: Tython
Tags: Drystan Creed
Lightsaber - Pequod

"You've already reached a point where you can stand by yourself, I believe."

It was why Reina had came to Drystan to ask for help. He was capable. Strong. Reliable. Everything Reina believed she wasn't. Though she opened her mouth to give a small little retort to Drystan's statement about it being the hardest thing she had done...Reina then hesitated at the romantic statement. Reina had terrible luck with that if she was honest to herself...but she shook her head, taking in a moment to say her response that she wanted to say.

"...I mean...I cut off my prosthesis and blew up my eardrums to be petty to a Sith...so this might be the third hardest thing I've done."

Actually. That was a lie. It probably still was going to be the second hardest thing still. The prosthesis and eardrums were a spur of the moment thing. It had been easy for her to do in the moment, because she hadn't been thinking about it. If she had thought, or even hesitated, she'd have been dead in her eyes.

"I will admit that perhaps...I am not in the best state myself, mentally. I will be honest. I am...self destructive. You will get my total devotion to this training...but I might commit more than I need to."

It was rare for Reina to admit that. That she'd possibly push herself too hard. In the past, she'd have believed that no matter how hard she pushed herself, as long as she grew, she'd be stronger for it. In a way, she was far more aware of the state she was in mentally, than most people would have been. But just because she was aware of it did not mean she would be able to prevent herself from pushing herself too far...​

 

[Drystan Creed]

TYTHON

"And that's what I'm here for. We'll be exploring your limits—and once I get a proper gauge, I'll act as the safety net to keep you from pushing too far, too fast," Drystan said with a nod.

"That being said... I will be pushing you to those very limits. Let me show you exactly what I have in store."

He raised his right hand, palm facing inward toward himself.

"When I began refining my use of this ability, I discovered a far more efficient method of enhancing the body. Most Jedi keep themselves unenhanced—then activate the technique only when needed. But there's a flaw in that approach..."

His hand clenched into a fist. Veins bulged along his forearm as he directed the Force into the lower part of his arm, visibly amplifying its structure.

"That moment of activation—it comes with a cost. Think of it like a light switch. When you go from an 'off' state to an 'on' one, the body experiences a spike in stress. The sudden burst taxes your system, especially the targeted area."

His focus remained sharp for a moment longer before he slowly relaxed the tension in his hand, unfurling it into a calmer, open palm.

"With my training, that switch becomes a dial. You'll gain finer control, allowing you to moderate your output, enhance more efficiently, and maintain the benefits longer. And when your control reaches a higher level, you'll be able to stay in a passively enhanced state—lower energy cost, continuous performance."

Drystan's explanation—and the precision with which he delivered it—offered a clear glimpse into his commitment to self-mastery. His mind operated like a tactician's, always searching for better, more efficient ways to push the body, refine techniques, and reduce weaknesses.

Reina Daival

 

[Reina Daival]

Location: Tython
Tags: Drystan Creed
Lightsaber - Pequod


"I have no issue being pushed to my limits."

It was true. At the end of the day, Reina's upbringing had meant that either you pushed yourself or you drowned. Since she managed to survive, it was clear that she had managed to push herself hard enough to live out at sea. Yet that wasn't important. Reina listened to Drystan's explanation for a moment, watching the veins bulge as she nodded.

"That makes sense. A passively enhanced state. Of course, if it came to Force-Nullification, that advantage could be removed...so it would be best to still practice even without the enhancements.."

The idea of having the Force continuously enhancing yourself whilst doing every day things was an interesting one. It would help build stamina in a way. Reina kept a small frown on her face as her mind was hard at work, turning various cogs in her mind. Ticking away for a moment before her eyes lit up for a moment, as if she had came to some sudden realisation.

"...This passive state doesn't necessarily have to be with Force Enhancement, correct? I could use my affinity for manipulating the air to adjust the pressure around me...It might not be useful in an active fight...but it could make it harder for people to detect me through scent...Or there's possible other uses that I'm not thinking of..."

Having a passive bubble effect around herself could also be an interesting usage of the Force. Reina was used to forming a visible bubble around herself when she went diving, so it wasn't as if she was inexperienced manipulating fields...Wait. No. She was getting off task. This lesson was about Enhancement.​

 

[Drystan Creed]

TYTHON

"Hold on—let's not get ahead of ourselves," Drystan said, raising a hand to slow Reina's eager speculation. "Yes, technically you can apply this concept to masking your presence like that. Hell, you could even make your robe billow unnaturally if that's your thing."

He gave a slight shrug.

"But that's not what we're focusing on right now. I believe applying this concept to passively maintain an enhanced state will make it easier when you want to layer it into other powers. Once you've mastered what I'm about to teach you, the rest should come naturally."

He lifted both hands slightly in a calming gesture as Reina continued to think ahead, then turned his gaze toward the horizon. The sound of waves lapped gently in the distance, the sandy shore wrapping around them like a natural training ground.

"We'll start now," he said. "Let's warm up with a walk on the shore."

He stepped down from the stone path, beckoning her to follow.

"As we walk, I want you to focus on your stride. Pay attention to the muscles you're using. Visualize them flowing with the Force. I want you to augment them while we walk—nothing too intense. Just enough to start feeling what we're building toward."

With that, Drystan set off at a brisk pace, bare feet pressing into the soft, sun-warmed sand. The air was cool, the weather calm. And where sea met shore, the contact beneath his feet carried an oddly pleasant warmth—gentle, grounding, and perfect for the lesson ahead.

Reina Daival

 

[Reina Daival]

Location: Tython
Tags: Drystan Creed
Lightsaber - Pequod


Reina nodded, trying to calm down her speculation for now. It was rare for her to get eager about training in this way. It made sense that she had to focus on getting the basics under control before she thought about doing anything fancy with it. It was like the sword training she had received. You focus on using two hands at first, before you focus on doing any fancy with one hand. Basics were the most important.

There was a small budding amount of excitement that was also growing at the idea of walking by the shore. That was her home turf in her eyes, teh place that she felt the most comfortable as she started to follow Drystan off towards the sand, folding her arms along her front as she nodded along to what Drystan was working. It was going to be strange focusing on the muscles she was using, especially since it was only one leg that she was using...but it wasn't anything too difficult. Just let the Force flow through her leg, alongside the rest of the muscles being used. Each small little ligament and tendon being used as she sighed to herself.

"...This is stranger than I thought it would be. It feels like I Should be trying to focus on both legs...but considering only one of them actually has muscles...I only really need to focus on the one. It's like when I'm using Ataru."​

 

[Drystan Creed]

TYTHON

"I've found similar problems with that in my own prosthetic," Drystan said, raising his left arm—plated in blackened cortosis alloy—for emphasis.

"But just because you can't enhance it like your own body doesn't mean you can't do things with it. Think of it more like an inanimate object. I've imbued it like a weapon most of the time, and it's simulated my desired effects closely enough that I don't worry about it...But that's a technique for another time."

He glanced over, tone still focused.

"Don't just focus on your legs, either. Think about how you walk, and what parts of your body move with it—your hips, for example."

Drystan seemed deeply in tune with the inner workings of the body—almost scientific in his explanation. While not an anatomist, he knew enough from his personal pursuit of self improvement.

"I believe the body, mind, and spirit all need to be as attuned to each other as your connection to the Force. Working on them—and improving upon them—makes for a better Jedi, in my opinion."

With that, he began to quicken his pace, shifting from a slow stride to a more brisk walk.

"Alright, let's finish this lap with an increase in pace—both physically, and with the enhancement to our stride. We'll keep upping the pace with each lap along the shore until we're at a full sprint."

Now that the basic understanding had been established, it was time to put that understanding under strain and raise the intensity. It would serve as a two-fold method of conditioning: first, to build physical stamina and muscular endurance; and second, to test the connection to the Force—maintaining the enhanced state under duress and potential breaks in concentration.

Reina Daival