Faction Defense First(High Republic)(Jedi)

[Aiden Porte]

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The training grounds at Shiraya's Sanctuary were quiet in the late morning light, touched by the golden spill of Naboo's sun through the tall windows. Jedi Knight Aiden Porte moved calmly across the open floor, each step echoing faintly against the stone. He set aside a small cluster of training sabers near the entrance before turning to the circle of mats laid out for today's lesson.

Though had been part of various trainings before, never had he led one, there was always a kind of anticipation in these first moments, when the room was still empty, yet charged with possibility. He let his eyes linger on the doorway, patient, unhurried, waiting for the familiar shuffle of boots or the hushed murmurs of students arriving.

Aiden extended a hand and drew upon the Force, letting its presence wash over the chamber. It pooled here like a current beneath the stone, steady and calm, ready to be called upon. In his mind's eye, he visualized the barrier he would soon teach them to shape, a translucent veil of will and intent, stronger than steel when focused, yet supple enough to bend like flowing water. A shield not of armor or durasteel, but of trust in the Force itself.

He imagined the younger Padawans testing themselves, holding out palms and watching faint ripples form in the air. He pictured the older students, more confident, straining to extend protection around others, learning the difference between guarding only the self and embracing responsibility for all nearby. It would not be easy. Force barriers required more than raw power; they demanded discipline, patience, and above all, clarity of heart.

Aiden drew in another long breath, eyes half-closed, and whispered to the silence, as though to prepare the room for their arrival.

"Strength is not found in the wall we build to keep danger away. It is in the barrier we shape to shelter others, even as we stand with them in the storm."

His voice settled into the stillness, and he folded his hands together, content to wait. The students would come soon enough, and when they did, the lesson would begin not with words alone, but with the calm foundation he laid here now. The quiet before their steps was not emptiness, it was the promise of what was about to be built together.

 

[Feng Huang]

Feng took a deep breath. She'd been avoiding this. Avoiding training sessions with other Jedi, particularly in group settings. Afraid they'll sense it within her, afraid they'll know just by looking at her. The Dark Side. She had almost given in to it during the attack on the Kattadan Enclave, her Master had pulled her out of it with a few simple words.

"Remember you're village."

An image had flashed into her mind of her village being burned to the ground, the men who had done it laughing as they had done horrible things, drinking precious stores of rice wine the villagers saved for special occasions, looting anything of value. Master Wu standing before them, between them and her. Asking them quietly to surrender. They hadn't. Feng sometimes felt bad about not feeling bad about that.

Master Wu had told her after that he had hoped the words would recall a time of peace in her life, remind her what she was defending. He had been sad to hear that it had reminded her of the worst of times, when her village had been attacked by evil men, burnt to the ground. Feng had glanced away sadly and ashamed.

"It worked. I was reminded not to become those men. I don't ever want to become those men" Feng had declared softly and cried.

Master Wu had just pulled her close in a hug and held her tightly.

Feng had half been expecting some empty promises that she would never, could never become those men. Master Wu however avoided lying even when it might temporarily soothe wounds.

"You need not. I think it's time we go back to the basics of your training."

So they had going painstaking over training Feng had thought she had mastered a thousand times over. Feng hadn't even felt any bitterness over it a certain amount of shame perhaps, but she understood why it was necessary. Strangely her obedience only seemed to worry Master Wu more.

Eventually Master Wu had decided the isolation was harming her, and requested in that way he did that made her squirm, acknowledging it wasn't a request she start resocialising with other Jedi. He suggested even training with them could do some good, perhaps give her perspective.

So here she was, squirming as she entered the room to find Knight Aiden already present and practicing.

"Master Aiden." Feng said formally bowing. Aiden was a friend so the formality felt strained, but Feng had been wondering if her rebellion against Jedi conformity had helped her along to her near fall to the Dark Side. "I look forward to receiving instruction from you."

Aiden Porte