Jedi Brat!
Deep within the Jedi Temple, far from the hushed corridors and tranquil meditation chambers, lay a realm of action. - the Training Rooms. This particular chamber served as a haven for Jedi apprentices and seasoned Knights, a place where lightsabers clashed with purpose. A place where discipline and dedication forged character and skill.
Soft, ambient light bathed the room, seemingly emanating from the very walls themselves. High above along the arched ceiling, sunlight streamed through rounded windows, casting warm golden rays upon the polished wooden floors.
At the heart of the training room lay a focal point - a pristine white, marble-like circle. It was here that apprentices and Knights engaged in rigorous combat training. The marble-like surface, while smooth and cold to the touch, had been crafted to withstand the scorching intensity of lightsaber duels. On one far wall rested a glass case displaying a collection of training sabers with basic housing structures.
Braze had deliberately selected this training room as his training ground with Aether. The prospect of sparring with someone who never fatigued was thrilling to him. More so, Aether wasn't just any opponent; he was a repository of experience and wisdom accumulated over centuries. This opportunity to learn from such a seasoned warrior was something Braze cherished.
The idea of matching blades with a being who had witnessed the ebb and flow of countless battles, who had honed his skills over lifetimes of combat, ignited a spark of inspiration in Braze's heart. He was eager to absorb every lesson, every tactical nuance that Aether could impart. This was an opportunity few could even dream of.
"Remember, a key to lightsaber combat is not just skill, but understanding your opponent," Aether's voice was calm, almost melodic.
Braze lunged forwards, lightsaber slicing through the air at he pressed his attack. Aether sidestepped with an effortless grace, twirling his saber in a sharp parry of smooth motion. Braze, not to be outdone, spun around, attempting a swift strike, but Aether deftly parried again putting a little more force behind this one, sending Braze stumbling past him.
"Balance, young one. You're letting your enthusiasm get the best of you," Aether chided gently.
Braze regained his footing, a sheepish exspression crossing his face. He charged again, feinting to the left before swinging to the right. Aether, anticipating the move, caught Braze's blade with his own, locking them in a stalemate. He leaned in pressing his strength against Braze's, his blue glowing optics coming close to meet Braze's eyes. With a sudden, unexpected move, Aether used his foot to sweep Braze's legs from under him.
Braze hit the floor hard, and was momentarily dazed.
"In combat, predictability is your greatest adversary. Your feint was a good attempt, but your patterns are becoming readable. You must learn to vary your attacks; to be as unpredictable as the wind."
Aether offered a hand to the smaller and assisted Braze back on to his feet.
"And never forget to guard your lower half as fiercely as your upper. A warrior is not just a pair of hands wielding a saber; you are a whole entity, and every part of you must be involved in the dance of battle." Aether spoke in an encouraging tone devoid of any harshness.
Back on his feet, Braze circled Aether cautiously, his lightsaber held in a ready stance. Aether watched him, an air of calm anticipation filling the air.
With a sudden burst of speed, Braze launched a series of rapid strikes, each aimed at different angles in an attempt to outmaneuver Aether's defenses. Aether, however, seemed to predict each move, effortlessly blocking and parrying with a precision that only centuries of experience could grant.
As Braze swung high, Aether gently tapped him on the side with the edge of his training saber. "Ah, an opening," he noted, almost conversationally.
Braze winced hissing in pain. Blushing and slightly flustered he adjusted his stance and tried a low sweep. Aether jumped lightly over the blade, landing with grace. "And another," he commented, tapping Braze lightly on the shoulder. The searing kiss of the training saber catching his attention quite vividly.
Undetered, Braze charged forward, his lightsaber blazing a trail of light as he aimed a powerful strike at Aether. His movements, however, were more forceful than precise, driven by his growing irritation.
Aether, ever the embodiment of composed calm, easily read Braze's intentions. As Braze's saber came down, Aether smoothly sidestepped, his own saber moving in a fluid, practiced motion. He executed a counterattack, not to strike, but to guide Braze's momentum past him, with a tap to his flank, whipping the tip of the saber with a flick of his wrist.
Caught off guard and psuhed off balance by his own forceful charge and Aether's deft maneuver, Braze stumbled forward. His foot caught on the smooth marble-like surface of the training circle, and he tripped, tumbling to the ground in a heap.
Lying there, Braze's frustration melted into a mix of embarrassment and realization. He had switche doff his saber and covered his face with his hands just wanting to lay there. He understood that his emotions had gotten the better of him, turning his skill into recklessness. Aether extended a hand to help him up, his voice steady and reassuring.
"Passion and determination are strengths, but when they cloud your judgment, they become weaknesses. Learn to harness them, not be ruled by them."
"How often are you going to lecture me?" Braze asked with a groan.
"Not as often as you should close your guard," Aether replied with a hint of mirth in his synthetic voice.
Braze huffed and ignited his saber before charging yet again. He parried and attacked, getting into a rapid-fire game of cat and mouse with attacks, parries, and ripostes, trading blows with Aether.
Finally, as Braze overextended in a bold but reckless move, Aether skillfully parried, his movements precise and fluid. With a swift flick of his wrist, he disarmed Braze, sending the young Jedi's saber clattering across the floor. In the same fluid motion, Aether halted his own saber just above Braze's heart, the glowing blade a mere whisper away.
"And the most important lesson, young Braze," Aether said, his voice calm yet carrying the weight of his experience, "always protect your heart - both in combat and in life."
Braze lowered his gaze, panting softly. He looked atthat tip of the saber and frowned, his brows furrowing.
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