Can a Dog Learn New Tricks?

[Kurogan]

A young Shistavanen walk around the academy looking for the master he was hoping to learn from there teaching. He smile slightly at the thought of leaning something new.. of course everyone had to start some where and he new this to be true.

He felt a little awkward being there it seemed that his species were.. unusual and rare to bee seen walking around. He notice his time in the military that he had never seen another Shistavanen out side of his home planet, which could explain why some people including young ones called him a 'puppy.'

Kurogan all way's found this to be irritating tho when a young child called him this he simply smile and laugh and accepted this.. but when an adult did that there would be heck to pay.. He continue to glance around looking at the different looks that were directed his way, yes he look menacing but did looks really mean any thing?

He stood leaning up against the wall sighing to himself hopefully the master would arrive soon.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Kurogan"]

There is always a first time for everything and today was one of those days. Coci had never met a Shistavanen, although she knew of their existence. The galaxy is strange is it not, but in most cases in a very wonderful way, such diversity that excites the mind and senses. As she turned the corner she found the newest of the Padawans to the Silver Sanctum leaning against a wall.

"Greetings Kurogan", she said on approach, "I am Master Coci Heavenshield. I believe you wish for some training. However before we begin I would like to spend some time with you and get to know you more".

Coci is all business when on duty and today would be no exception. "Shall we?", she said as she half turned as if to lead him back the way she came. They would not be spending this time in the wall of the Academy but outside and beyond.

As they walked toward the exist, "I would like to know something of your history", she began, knowing that he is not new but had been with other groups before coming to Voss. He would need to be honest with her if she is to trust him enough to train him.

 

[Kurogan]

Kurogan followed Master Heavenshield, out side of the academy not knowing to where she was leading him. He look up in confusion and a bit worry when she ask to know more about his past, he knew that some day he would have to answer to his deeds.. he all way's thought it would be when he was on his death bed not now. Was he even ready to tell his past even if he did.. would he be accepted or believed in he done many things in his life that at the time was a good idea but now..

"I was born on Uvena I, I was a bit of a wiled young ling.. my father was the one who train me to fight and hunt.." he pause for a few moments its been a long time since he talk about his childhood "I was aggressive.. quick to anger.. I guess all Shistavanen, are like that?.. but I remember just barley that they had it controlled than I did.. maybe I was young and didn't know how to.. I don't know." his eye's narrowed and his ears lay flat as he remember his home remember the fire.. how hot it was.. how he couldn't breath because of the smoke. "The burning.. one night I awoke to the smell of fire.. had no idea what was going on I could see fire out side.. I panic.. I manage to get out.. not sure how.. but when I did I was accuse of burning my home.. killing my family.. I should have look for them.. at lest try to.. I had to leave.. I was band from ever coming back to my planet.. I had to leave.. I took the first transport ship..and left what little I had behind."

He glance up at the master before then brought his gaze down he didn't like talking about this it open old wounds that he hope were healed but they were still open deep down in side. "Someone found me.. and I guess like the way I look.. the fierceness the strength the way people would be scared of something like me. They train me to be a bodyguard in away.. and to shake down some dead beats who own them money.. I was quite good at it.. a growl here or there, bringing my claw up to someone neck.. or it was something simple like walking out of a shadow. It was the best job I could find for credits.." he smile slightly at the thought then shook his head "Granted I didn't look hard enough.. I guess I knew deep down inside that what I was doing was wrong.. but I kept putting it off.. Then I was arrested I was given a choice stay in jail for something odd years or join the military.. I figure I like to fight so might as well join the military.. I would just become awol any way's.

He stay quite gathering his thoughts he did enjoy the military to his own surprise.. he never expected to stay longer then he did. "I stay longer then I thought I would.. I quite enjoy it the fighting.. the killing..maybe more then I should have. The other members of the platoon were scared to say any thing to me, and the only one I talk to was the commander.. the only one who had the gut to threaten something like me.. I enjoy that he was brave enough to do so. I eventually left the service and join a group with some questionable background.. the red ravens.. you think I would have learn my lesson from my first employer.. it didn't last long tho. They try to use me for some operation but when they realize that I guess I wasn't good enough for them the let me go.. kick to a curb like some unwanted pet."

He laugh slightly knowing his past was not the best but he never thought of why he did what he did.. was it because he had no choice or was it because he was force into it? But deep down he knew the truth.. "I know.. many think I'm a monster.. but I guess I did what I did because people look at me and see something dangerous.. that could hurt them.. I guess fell into what they believed in.. they think I'm a monster..act like one.. look like I'll hurt someone.. act as if I will.. I have done things that at the time didn't bother me but deep down it did.. and now I regret.. maybe I can make things right.. I still have a anger problem from time to time I never learn to control it.. if I can.."

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Kurogan"]

Not surprised that others would use Kurogan in position of intimidation, and as he spoke of his history, there was little doubt that life's path would lead him that way. Coci had heard of the Red Ravens, a faction dealing in all manner of crimes and rings running out of Nar Shaddaa and Nal Hutta regions.

"One's past, writes on the future. But it's author has the ability to change the story. Nothing is set unless you wish it, unless you make a choice to change and walk a path of change. This is the way for everyone, regardless of their early origins .. it is the chooses we make along this journey that writes the future. At some point in our lives we learn that our own lives are our own responsibility and no long someone else's fault", she stopped and looked at the large unique man.

"It seems you have chosen to make a new path for yourself. And because of this, your life will be different, and a long journey which will take you to great things. A life lived in darkness can never truly be anything but lived in isolation and anguish, it is the nature of it, the darkness. Foolish people believe otherwise. Here within the Coalition you will find not only a new way of life .. but family".

Coci began to walk once more until the two now stood in front of a ground speeder, she gestured for Kurogan to enter. "Are there any questions you have for me?".

 

[Kurogan]

He listen carefully to master Heavenshield words taking them in as she said them, he was shock that she excepted him like that after retelling his past of what he did he was sure that anyone else would have just walk away. One word caught his attention more then the others 'family' he lost his long ago and he never thought that he would have one of his own but to be with friends that he would consider family.. and hopefully one day that would consider him the same.

The Shistavanen fallow the master as he continue to listen to her words until they finely stop in front of a ground speeder, he look at it titling his to the side in confusion then glance back at Master Heavenshield he could see her giving the gestured to get in side "I chosen to change because I didn't like what I became.. I had nothing to fight or to live for.. I know that I hurt a lot of people.. and I was blind to see that at the time.. and yet.. you Master Heavenshiedl,.. you're willing to accept me after all I done just like that.. why? he step on into the speeder but he was still wondering how this master could accept what he did what he was just like that, his ears lower as he thought that it was probably not the best question to ask but it was one that was bothering him. He was grateful for everything they had done so far but he was taken back by the kindness that was shown to him since he join the Silver Jedis it just seem so unreal to him.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Kurogan"]

She climbed into the ground speeder, pilot side. "No not just like that", she began.

"You, like most that come from .. colour backgrounds .. there is a level of trust that will need to be gained. Not only from me, but the rest of the members of the Coalition. However, you have shown a strong desire to contrition, to change in order to do good for those that need it, that need you. As I said, one chooses ones path and you have reflected on past actions and learned from them. That shows me that you want it, and have hope in your heart. I .. we .. could never turn away someone that wants to change and make themselves better for it".

Coci pushed the speeder forward and headed toward the forests, and onto the Old Paths, beyond.

 

[Kurogan]

Kurogan listen to the master as she explain, she was right he wanted to change and he meant it. He watch the scenery pass by he begin to wonder where Master Heavenshield was taking them, he thought it odd that they were heading into the forest instead of staying in the academy halls. He thought that was tradition for jedis or at lest that's what he was told maybe he was miss informed.

The glance over at the master "I thank you for you're kind words..and you're right..." he took a moment to think "Master Heavenshield, is it not traditional for training to happen in the academy?"

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Kurogan"]

"It is Kurogan, and you will train in the Academy soon enough. But I am not a traditional master and much prefer to train in 'life' situations. There is only so much one can teach you in a class room".

Cutting through the forest, the speeder weaved along a winding track she knew all to well until they reached the beginnings of the old path. Once there, Coci stopped the speeder and got out. "Come we shall walk".

She started along the path, a single path for the start of a journey which she found similar to life. One step at a time would lead them into the forest deeper and soon they came to a fork. She stopped and looked to Kurogan. "You choose which way to go". She smiled. "And as we walk, tell me what you know of the force, what you believe it to be".

 

[Kurogan]

The Shistavanen eye the fork looking down each path, the both look the same but somehow he knew that they were different. Something inside of him told him to go left it seem like.. no felt like the right way to go "Left" he said softly as he begin to fallow Master Heavenshield.

He thought about what she ask him about the force what he believed it to be, he couldn't help but to think back when he listening some of the other Jedis. About how it was the life energy of every thing around them "The force is the energy that surround us that helps give life.. we don't control it or command it.. we are simply one with it." He pause for a moment to think on what he believed it to be he all way's thought of it to be some sort of magic tho that was probably because he never read any thing about it or didn't know "I use to believe that it was magic.. but now.. I think it's something more than just that something the can guide us."

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Kurogan"]

"Some consider the force as a tool, and in a sense they are correct as well. But view limits them, they do not allow it's full potential to run through them. So much more they would be, if they listened. We sense it, we use it, we allow it guide us and .. as you say, we are part of it".

She walked along side of him, allowing herself the opportunity to look around the forests that line the path. She raised her arm and pointed. "Off this Path, there is mystery and danger, remain on it and you walk in safety. But sometime we need to venture off the path in order to find ourselves, only to return. It is that return journey that will make you or break you".

As they moved along the way of the Old Path, Coci sensed the past here. Peoples of yesteryear living and dying on Voss, all within the realm of the force, they linger and watch, yes there is much mystery here on Voss, a lot of which is yet to be explored.

Up ahead is a break in the tree line, Coci stopped as they approached it. "Shall we?", she asked as she inclined toward the break.

 

[Kurogan]

Shistavanen smile he knew life was full of danger but it was also full of wonder as well, he remember telling himself there was no point in being scared of what's going happen next.

He wasn't sure what they were going to find but he knew that he must have courage not be afraid.. being afraid let people to not think very well.. to do things they normally wouldn't do something they will regret or could get someone killed.

Kurogane glance over at master Heavenshield, he watched her for a few moments then gave her a slight nod. "We can't be afraid of what might happen.. we wouldn't be able to continue with our life. Questing every thing we do and being afraid of what's going to happen.." he gave her small smile "Of course we should proceed."

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Kurogan"]

As soon as the two moved off the path, the temperature dropped. The warm day had gone, and a chill shrouded them both, yet it did not bode ill. The trees thick here and Coci found it difficult to pass without pushing back low hanging branches. The trees sent out a nutty aroma, with a hint of sweetness from the tiny flowers that bedded the ground. There is a calming effect to this place, she could sense it. And wondered if they are close to the shrine of healing but that, she knew was down the other path.

Still they moved on until reaching another break in the trees. Pushing through that, they would discover a new path, one she had not ventured before this. "It seems we have discovered something new".

She turned to smile at the Padawan, "Right or left", she asked once more. Right would lead them back to the Silver Temple, left to the old Ruined City.

"The choice is yours" .. it will be interesting to see what path he chooses, the safe one? or a walk into the unknown.

 

[Kurogan]

Shistavanen stood there watching the two path he could smell the new scent that's all around them, he let out a soft growl as he enjoy the smell and the nice cool breath the ran through his fur. He glance over at Master Heavenshield after hearing her words, he was a bit surprise he thought the master knew where they were going but it seems they were both exploring together, he didn't think this was a bad idea he like doing things like this when he was younger tho he remember getting in trouble when he stay out to late. Kurogan look down the two path they both look the same to him, there was no way of telling them apart or to see what was on the other side he closed his eyes to feel what he could in the force.

He could feel something calling to him not physically but through the force or at lest that what it felt like, he could feel something flowing with in the force that some how was calling his name. Kurogan open his eyes as he look around a bit confuse he knew it wasn't Master Heavenshield who was calling him but something else what it was he had no idea, he glance over left path as he did he tilt his head a little in thought. "Something.. is calling from over there." he said quietly but load enough so that the master could hear him "I don't know what it is.. but it seems like it wants us to go."

The Shistavanen look over to the master then back to the left path, he wasn't sure what was going on or what was calling him but something told him that he needed to go down there. He wasn't sure if what they will find but he hope that his decision didn't put the two of them at risk.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Kurogan"]

Walking the path he chose, Coci noticed the new surroundings. The trees and flowers had changed, no more the twisting branches but more upright and reaching for the sky. There are vines and bushes in flower and the path had widened as they progressed.

"Something is calling you?", she asked a little concerned by this admission. To make sure there is no harm ahead of them, she reached out through the force, searching for any danger but found nothing. There was a sense of serenity however, something she had never felt along the Paths, but she had never been down this one before today.

"Can you tell me what was said?", maybe it was just a feeling he received and not words but he could try and explain it. "Regardless, we must be mindful of what lay ahead, the path of life is always set to test us and maybe this is your test".