Easing In

[Kurenai Yumi]

A soft mountain breeze worked it's way through the small number of trees that dotted the Dojo, bringing a small chill to the complex current owner. "Hmm, winter is coming early, it's already autumn". By now the trees had grown golden brown, the usually clean stone floor covered in a layer of leaves, sending a crunching echos through the area with each step one took if left alone. Thankfully Kurenai had the gift of the force, with one firm hand movement a strong gust blasted through the Dojo ground, a torrent of brown leaves rocketing up into the sky and over the front wall, falling gracefully away from the Dojo grounds once again leaving the cut stone clear and pristine.

The only reason she had allowed the place to become this filled up with leaves was due to the lack of students, her most recent one, a droid that had become force sensitive was out on some assignment while the usual local disciples had returned home to help due to the coming cold winter. Something she was used too, many a days the Dojo was left empty, the complex getting far less students then she had originally planned. Then again the complex had been built when she stilled retained the status as Dominus over the Pathfinder, a time before the 3 leading members of the order were superseded by the Dominus Prime at Metus's order.

She was never happy with the decision but understood why it happened, the other two Dominus had vanished from the CIS, going on some trip and Kurenai did not have the experience to lead the Obsidian Knights by herself. No point in making a fuse of it now, what was in the past can't be changed, all she could do was continue to grow in power and teach those willing to learn from her, even if the numbers dwindled year after year.

[member="Uthixo Nazim"]

 

[Uthixo Nazim]

Each step brought Uthixo closer to the Isayama Dojo, one that the warrior had been forced to go to great lengths to find. Having only been an Obsidian Knight for a few months he'd yet to truly gain the privilege to some information, such as the location of the higher ups. It was only through guile and cunning that Uthixo had been able to pry the information from others that had been there during Kurenai's reign as a Dominus. The records he had been able to acquire spoke of a woman that was ancient yet had somehow managed to retain her youth, not only that but spoke of her great feats. Powers that she had brought to bear, and most of all the reason Uthixo had come. To learn the art of Teras Kasi, a martial art, one to defend his mind from the attempts on it such as he'd experienced weeks ago.

The winding path leading up to the dojo was in a way calming the trees lining it letting their petals and leaves fall gently to the ground below. The air fresh, filling the Sandali's lungs and welcoming him. Far better than the scent of smoke and decay he'd been surrounded by not too long ago. On his back Uthixo carried nothing but a sack filled with spare clothing, he had no intentions on bringing weapons before Kurenai less it be an offense and she destroy him outright.

Braids pulled to the back of his head and kept in a neat ponytail Uthixo glanced once more up to the dojo, his legs burning from the great hike he'd had to make to reach it. "She couldn't have built it a bit closer to a starport?" Uthixo asked his palms rubbing against his thighs. Pushing the final length of the journey the sable-skinned man stood before two large doors that impeded his way into the dojo.

Fist hammering on the large double doors Uthixo waited to see if Kurenai would answer. How current was the information he'd even recieved? What if she'd decided to leave and abandon the CIS and all within it? What if she'd been taken captive and killed? There were too many variables that Uthixo hadn't taken into account before arriving and that did nothing but make the young apprentice slightly more nervous. "Master Kurenai!" The Sandali bellowed out the voice echoing over the wall and across the yards.

[member="Kurenai Yumi"]

 

[Kurenai Yumi]

Kurenai could feel the signature of someone approach long before any sound of smell reached the other senses, seemed fate had a funny way of granting her wishes, still it did not give indication to their goal upon getting to the top of the small mountain. As a voice finally rang out from the entrance she was already at the door, sliding the wooden object to the side revealing herself to the man whom had made the trek. "Yes I am Master Yumi, or Kurenai as you have just said, may I inquire to your visit here today"? Her voice held it's usual stoic nature, but carried a small sense of wonder upon looking at the man standing in the entrance way.

​They were dark skinned much like Metus and his many relatives, tall too, being around the same height as herself, a build of a warrior and fighter, quite the interesting individual she had to admit. "If you are seeking training I am free to take in new students, if you are here to challenge me and test your skills I am more then ready, or are you here on other businesses form the CIS"? Though usually receiving holo calls and other messages from the dominus prime about new mission and mobilization it was not uncommon for someone to deliver her messages face to face when secrecy and important took priority, Kurenai standing at the door way awaiting the mans reply.

[member="Uthixo Nazim"]

 

[Uthixo Nazim]

Before his large fists could hammer on the door again it shot open, the owner and one he had come looking for waiting. Fist hanging in the air Uthixo was caught off-guard by how fast the woman's reactions had been. Had she been near the door already or had she known he was coming? There were still many secrets to the force that the Sandala native had yet to learn. The next shocking thing was just how tall the woman was, it was incredibly rare to meet one his own height at any point, but for one to match him near exactly was astonishing. "Um..."

Having only seen holofilms of how martial artists usually greeted each other Uthixo put his hands together with palms flat bowing to Kurenai. "Forgive my interruptions and rudeness Master Yumi. I am Uthixo Nazim and seek an audience with you not on behalf of the CIS but in the hopes you will take me as a student. I am more than willing to do all you ask just... Please teach me?"

Many things had happened to Uthixo the most frequent of which involved the young man's mind becoming a plaything to a Sith who held his memories. Never again did the warrior wish to be forced to slaughter people due to someone else's control. This was one of the principles behind Teras Kasi from what he'd heard, to ensure the safety of himself from the more mental uses of the force.

[member="Kurenai Yumi"]

 

[Kurenai Yumi]

It was certainly an awkward moment for the two, silence seeming to have blanketed the area as the visitor simply stood in silence at the entrance for her Dojo. Kureani quirked an eyebrow slightly as the man awaiting... well anything really to break the silence, it didn't help by the fact Kurenai could sense his nervousness, such just bringing even more question to her. Her pose didn't change as the man finally began to speak, watching as he gave a bow reminiscent of some Atrisian bows given between fighters, though that alone she finally got an idea of what the person was going to inquire of her.

She was proven right as the man, kind of begged her to become a student in the Dojo, such a delivery being again quite odd but not unwelcome, a small smile appearing across her face once he finished speaking. "Well
[member="Uthixo Nazim"], it is nice to met you", she replied, giving s straight bow, hand to her side, "I will admit you arrival is unexpected and your request to seek training in such a manner is a first". "I will accept you as a student at this Dojo, always a pleasure to pass my skills on, please come in". Her body moved to the side slightly, hand waving back indicating for Uthixo to enter at his own leisure.

"Before we get started, may I inquire what is exactly you want to learn and your current skill set and fighting styles".

 

[Uthixo Nazim]

Uthixo had come expecting a more harsh or cold welcome than what Kurenai had given. From her combat and skill record he'd expected a woman hardened to everything around her, one that was brutal and efficient. Yet she was more kind and warm than many of the others the Sandali had come to know during his time among the Confederacy. Taking a few steps past her and looking around the inner walls the Sandali found himself interested in the more Atrisian theme that the dojo gave off. He hadn't been there but he noticed the artwork and inspiration when he saw it. "I asked in that manner for I feared you would not accept me so easily. Seems that my fears were misplaced."

A chill retreating down his back as a breeze came through the Sandali shivered his body more acclimated to deserts and heat than the cool air that passed through the top of the mountain. Then came the question Uthixo had been hoping wouldn't come up. Inquiries into his skills that before his memory loss he hadn't remembered. Now that they returned he knew where he'd acquired them and how. The lives he'd taken, and his role as a Sith Lord's apprentice. "I... I seek to learn how to shield my mind from others. I don't want to ever be under the control of another again. As well as how to fight other Force Users with these two hands. To ensure they never possess the upper hand over me again." Fists tightening, nails biting at the skin in his palm a droplet of blood retreated down his wrist leaving a line.

"My skills in fighting can not be quantified by saying the styles, I was born and taught how to fight by both my people and by the one who raised me. I do not think there is a way for me to name the style." Turning to Kurenai to meet her eyes she'd see the faint hints of sorrow and helplessness that sat behind Uthixo's gaze. "I hope this does not change your mind as I truly need your assistance. You're the only one I can turn to. I can't go to the others within the CIS. If they knew what I was, and what I've done the consequences could be unimaginable, even if it wasn't of my own will."

[member="Kurenai Yumi"]

 

[Kurenai Yumi]

The two walked int the courtyard a few ways, Kurenai coming up besides Uthixo as he elaborated on his reasoning, a small chuckle escaping the women's mouth followed by a small sigh. "Your fear while misplace is not incorrect, I have more then enough combat prowess and strength to kill you with my bare hands, int he matter of seconds if I wanted to". "Those stories you hear and battle records only a part of me, probably doesn't help that no one ever wants to talk to me or interact outside of battle". "For quote a few members of the CIS my 'killer instinct' and ruthless fighting styles is the only side of me they actually see, if those people actually bothered to approach me when away from a fight my more somber attitude would make them think differently". Alas such would probably never happen, most people just didn't consider her worth the time or were often so nonviolently 'too busy' for any sort of get together, Kurenai had literately spend more time hanging out with Jedi then any one among the CIS.

Coming to a stand still on the passed stone center of the complex another small breeze swept through, sending a small cascade of leaves onto the recently cleared ground, Kurenais keeping focus on the mans plea and teaching wants while also giving her a small explanation about his past, or lack of. Yes, he would be a interesting student to teach, seemed as of late many pupils were quite the odd ones, made things around here interesting at the very least. "Your styles does not need a name, action speak louder then words, having a fighting method unknown to others is an advantage many do no realize, it gives you the sense of surprise and puts an enemy on the defensive no matter how skilled they are... to some extent".

She continued to walk around him, finally coming to a stop as his front, once again flashing a small smile, conveying a small sense of comfort. "I can on guess what you faced in the past, I've had my fair share of problems going up against force users strong in mind manipulation, if you are looking for a fighting style to combat that I have just the one". "Oh and one last thing, your past does not have any effect on if I will train you or not, I have all the time in the galaxy to spend on you, as long as I see progress and you are not a lost cause I will be willing to train you... come lets us get you set up". With a wave of the hand Kurenai beckoned the new pupil to follow her to the main building complex.

[member="Uthixo Nazim"]

 

[Uthixo Nazim]

Grabbing his neck as he followed Kurenai, Uthixo rubbed at it. The woman had been so blunt about how easily she could've killed him that it was slightly unsettling. Almost no one else would've admitted to such a thing so openly. Though as she continued on the Sandali felt a slight pang in his heart. The fact of how she'd been avoided by the others within the Confederacy. In many ways they were the same, the Confederacy not knowing much about either of them. "Well perhaps even after the training is done we can meet up at times for some... Tea?" He had no clue what to offer the Master as he knew nothing about her except her battle record.

Glancing around and noticing how empty the temple was the Sandali was caught off guard. He'd expected it to be fraught with life but not even service droids could be heard. Kurenai had been up there completely alone. Maybe that's why she had been so willing to accept him as an apprentice? Or were there other reasons? So lost in his thoughts Uthixo barely noticed Kurenai had stopped and almost bumped into her.

"Your words are a comfort and much appreciated Master Yumi." Slightly inclining Uthixo gave another bow. "I will be sure to not waste your time, and to make you proud." In reality, Uthixo planned to at least attempt to exceed Kurenai's expectations. With her having turned to enter the main portion of the complex the Sandali followed.

"So what's the first step?"

[member="Kurenai Yumi"]

 

[Kurenai Yumi]

Tea? that was a coincidence, or had her racial heritage been a hint? Either way it wasn't a bad idea, "tea would nice, I do own a tea shop back on Atriasia, also have a few contacts to attain certain leaves, an Antz Jedi, been around almost as long as I have". He was always fun to talk with, though always seemed elusive, only even seemed to be found when he wanted to, guess is was a skill learned from living over 900 years, she could probably learn a few things from him. "Ah but I am getting off track, tea sounds nice, I am willing to meet you outside of training to converse and 'hang out' as some would say".

Continuing the two walked up the stairs Kurenai once again put out a small small force push, sliding the entrance to the main building open and letting Uthixo walk in. "It is good to know you will not let me down, but in time even the weakest being in the world can train in combat and make progress, it is not so much me making what I want you to be, and more you attaining what you want to be, as long as your personal growth is pleasing to you that is all I need". Not everyone needed to be as skilled in combat as her, but in this case she could certainly tell her new pupil had a lot of potential, something she wanted to bring out in full, yes he was a man that could become quite the fearsome fighter.

"First things first lets get you set up", she replied, leading him upstairs to the Atrisian styled bed rooms, "pick what ever one you want... even if most are the same, store what ever you want away in there, then meet me in the courtyard for a test spar".

[member="Uthixo Nazim"]

 

[Uthixo Nazim]

Entering the Atrisian style room the Sandali felt immediately in a different world. Instead of a room with cots, there were simple mats laid out on the floor. The room was simple, no decorations covered the wall. Simply the brown paneling that stretched from the ceiling to the floor which conveniently matched the walls somewhat and was divided into squares similar to tiles. Taking it all in the warrior wondered how long he would be staying there with Master Yumi, how long would he be immersed in this foreign culture? However long it was, did not matter as long as he achieved his goal.

“Yes, Master Yumi. Hopefully, I can impress you in our first spar." Going to the closet to put away his clothes Uthixo was welcomed to what appeared to be uniforms of the male and female variety that matched Kurenai’s. “I’m not that comfortable with this stuff yet.” The Sandali mumbled deciding to forget them and stick to his regular clothing.

Not even ten minutes later Uthixo met Kurenai downstairs in the courtyard. Chest barren of clothing while on his lower portion he wore black pants. Rolling his shoulders the Sandali looked across to Kurenai a sense of both excitement and dread filling him. The tattoos that littered his body stood out even more from the goosebumps that rose up on his skin. “The opening move is yours Master Yumi.”

[member="Kurenai Yumi"]

 

[Kurenai Yumi]

Most of the structure and over all design was minimalist, quite a turn around from her house back on Atriaisa, it made for a nice change in scenery also allowed for a more natural form of medications without any interference. As she turned to walk back to the courtyard he head turned around once more to address the new student, "Oh and just call me sensi, I don't think I'd officially be your master unless the Dominus prime assigned you to me, here things are different, our place in the order does not really carry weight around here". "Think of this place as my second job outside of the CIS", hopefully that made sense. not that is was very important, right now she needed to prepare for the sparing match, which mean clearing the courtyard once more.

Walking out into the still chilly air her hand once more threw to the side, a clam but forceful blast pushing the brown leaf carpet to the side but in a manner that left a semi circle shape, it would serve as the ring for the coming bout. With the stage set she turned to her own attire, a kimono, while warm and somewhat practical wasn't something to wear while fighting, Kurenai promptly disrobing down to her long black jeans and thick tank top, performing a few basic stretches while awaiting her new pupil, in time his foot steps echoing out through the complex again.

She waited, slipping into her main stance, left leg forwards, right back for stability, left arm and right arm perpendicular to each other with her left a few inches in front of her right. "My first move? okay then". With a burst of speed she rushed forwards, not striking or throwing a punch, simple sliding her right hand onto the inner side of shoulder, slipping her right left behind his knee and quickly throwing him to the ground. Her hand still pressing against his shoulder even once he had touched the floor, her left knee sticking into one of his calf muscles. "Is this what you were hoping for? or should I go a littler easier"?

[member="Uthixo Nazim"]

 

[Uthixo Nazim]

If Yumi wasn't a hardened warrior that could kill him in the span between one heartbeat and another, Uthixo may have paid more attention to her body. But in this instance his survival and displaying his own skills was more important. What he had been anticipating was a blow, not the maneuver that quickly ended up with his body pressed to the floor. Which surprisingly was cooler than the Sandali had expected and slightly padded. Grunting as he felt the pressure on his shoulder the warrior attempted to find the words that escaped his mind the shock from the maneuver still catching up to his mind.

"I don't mind things a bit rough." Uthixo choked out his ability to get out the situation very limited without taking some form of injury. With the weight of Yumi's foot pressed on one of his calves this limited his movement even more. In every fight he'd been in till this point Uthixo had dominated others, usually his betters but now he was in a field where Yumi was leagues ahead.

With only one arm and leg he could move freely Uthixo had to work with what he had. Sliding his free hand beneath his body and pressing it to the ground Uthixo moved all at once. His arm pushing up and his head lashing back to where Yumi's face had been. A reverse headbutt to get her to back off, not only that his spare leg kicked out hoping to.put distance between them.

[member="Kurenai Yumi"]

 

[Kurenai Yumi]

The move she pulled went without a hitch, but then again she did not expect the new student to counter it easily, instead she was looking to gauge his grappling strength, test their quick thinking, wondering how they would get out of this tight spot. Well if they could, no telling if her little stunt had been a little to strong... it tended to happen more then one would hope.

She allowed herself to smile a little, good to know he could take punish holds well, even if she was still going easy on hims, herself waiting to see how he tried to get out of the current situation. It was always interesting to see what sort of moves her sparing partners had, allowed her material to form proper counters should she even come across similar actions when in a real fight. She continued to stay still until Uthixo started to act, feeling a push from below as they they attempted to use their upper body strength to breath free, simple to the point, but easy to use for her own devices.

Sense in incoming head but the hand to hand master let up, but instead of letting go fully she grasped onto her students shoulders, using his forceful push as leverage to raise him up and attempt to perform a back through into the ground behind her. It was a typical move for most Atrisian fighting styles, but very effective, more so against hefty opponents, Kurenai was quite eager to see how the boy would react to this new predicate they found themselves in.

[member="Uthixo Nazim"]

 

[Uthixo Nazim]

His maneuver while not making contact had succeeded in its primary goal had allowed Uthixo to get at least some freedom from the hold Kurenai had put him in. He felt the grasp shift to both his shoulders quickly followed by the floor becoming the ceiling as Kurenai lifted him up to throw him. Difference here is Uthixo had chosen to go shirtless meaning that it was much harder to keep a grip on his skin and keep him from moving. Using this opening Uthixo's arms raised locking onto Kurenai's during the throw.

Bending at the waist Uthixo's legs met the ground with a solid thud,and braced themselves as the Sandali returned the favor using his own strength, a slight bend in his hips and using the momentum from the attempted throw, Kurenai's body motion, and his own strength to flip her over himself and let her go flinging the woman away in hopes of putting distance between the two of them giving the Sandali time to recalculate and adjust to her way of doing combat.

[member="Kurenai Yumi"]

 

[Kurenai Yumi]

The sudden up heave of force from her student was a nice surprise, seemed their spar had quickly turned into a grappling match, intriguing. As the apex of the mans throw cam she let herself into the air, flipping and landing on her feat, it was time to mix things up. Pushing down on the ground her body was sent back toward Uthixo, Kurenai skidding to a stop but a meter short of the man, her hands raised in a more traditional brawling style, her opening attacking being a feint punch, only to turn into a strong right elbow hook before connecting, quickly followed up bu a short kick aimed at the mans side.

One thing she always kept about herself when in a fight was to not rely on one sole fighting stlye, keep creative, moving, changing the way you work, it prevented someone from gaining the upper hand and learning your patterns. For most an almost impossible tactic, for her, being over 800 years old not so much, she had dozens of styles to work through and had not found any opponent yet capable of besting her in hand to hand.

[member="Uthixo Nazim"]