Faction I Hate Everything About You

[Valor the Forsaken]

Tags: Braze | Open



After the events that lead Valor to meeting with Silas Westgard , the genetically modified Echani clone was brought to the Grand Jedi Temple, and processed. Valor was methodically questioned, his weapons temporarily relinquished, and his intentions scrutinized under the calm yet piercing gaze of the Temple's security. The youth's demeanor was polite but distant, a professionalism that bordered on cold, which did little to ease the tension. The initial processing was a blur of formalities, each step stripping away another layer of his former life, leaving him feeling more exposed than ever. When all was said and done he was fitted with a med tracer that couldn't easily be removed for teh time beingand told he was to stay with in the temple.

Eventually, he was led through the quiet corridors to a small room that would be his temporary residence. The room was utilitarian, with minimal furnishings—a bed, a desk, and a small meditation pad—mirroring the simplicity and discipline that were hallmarks of the Jedi way. The walls were bare, the light soft and unobtrusive.

As the door slid shut behind him, the soft hiss of the sealing mechanism felt final, like the quiet conclusion to a chapter of his life that was fraught with turmoil. Left alone with his thoughts, Valor found no peace in the silence. Instead, the room felt like a cell, the tranquility of the Temple oppressive, as if the very walls were waiting for him to unravel the secrets he carried within him.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Valor looked out the small window at the Coruscant skyline. Here, in the heart of the Jedi's sanctum, Valor felt an unexpected pang of vulnerability—the realization that he was no longer just a pawn in a larger game, but a participant in a story that could very well reshape his destiny.

Unable to find peace in the silence of his room, Valor ventured out into the quieter halls of the Jedi Temple, seeking familiarity in its vast spaces. His exploration led him to the training rooms where the sound of clashing sabers resonated with him. Standing at the entrance, he watched Jedi of various ranks engage in rigorous practice, their movements fluid and disciplined.

This environment was familiar and comforting. The energy of combat, the rhythmic dance of lightsabers—here, Valor felt at ease.

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Valor the Forsaken | open

Lost in the intensity of a sparring session, Braze moved fluidly across the training floor with Aether, his Iron Knight friend and mentor. The air around them buzzed with the hum and crackle of their lightsabers, their movements a blur of controlled aggression and swift counterstrikes.

Having recently shared his unease at the station with his Master, Jasper Kai'el , Braze was granted permission to stay at the temple. He dove into his training with fervor, finding in each strike and parry both a cathartic release and a reaffirmation of his commitment to the Jedi path.

The bout was intense. Braze's vibrant teal lightsaber clashed against Aether's golden blade, creating a spectacle of light and sound that echoed through the otherwise silent room. Each maneuver they performed was precise, their footwork meticulous as they tested each other's defenses and sought opportunities to exploit.

Aether, a Shard inhabiting a droid's body, brought thousands of years of combat experience to each movement. His mechanical form, immune to fatigue, executed flawless, tireless sequences of attacks. "Your form has improved, Braze," Aether's metallic voice intoned, even as he parried a particularly aggressive swing. "But focus. Anticipate, don't react."

Braze, spurred by the praise and advice, became more determined, lunging forward with renewed vigor. His blade was parried, and Aether's swift, precise counterattack lightly tapped his thigh. "Keep your guard up. You're letting your excitement guide you. Patience," Aether coached, his voice embodying the calm of centuries.

The pause in their sparring was brief as Aether continued to press the advantage, teaching through action. "Your passion is a strength, yet unchecked, it blinds you to the broader currents of battle," Aether explained, guiding Braze through a complex series of defensive maneuvers designed to hone his spatial awareness and control.

Caught up in the heat of the bout, Braze was entirely focused on Aether, his every thought tuned to the clash of blades and the physical chess of their combat. He did not immediately notice the figure of Valor, who had silently entered the room and stood watching from the shadows.

During another pause, as Braze caught his breath, Aether's photoreceptor eyes remained alert, scanning for any interruption. "Control the duel, don't let it control you," Aether reminded, his tone firm but encouraging. Unbeknownst to Braze, Valor's presence went unnoticed, allowing him an unobstructed view of the session, presenting him a rare glimpse into Braze's capabilities and potential vulnerabilities without detection.

As they resumed, Aether's combative approach adjusted to Braze's responses, pushing the young Jedi to refine his technique further. "Fluidity, Braze, not force. Let your movements reflect the quietude of your mind," Aether instructed, his ancient wisdom filtering through the droid's synthesized voice.

 

[Valor the Forsaken]

Tags: Braze | Open

Valor watched, his interest piqued as he observed the skilled duel unfolding before him. It was a marked contrast to the harsh lessons he had endured; the techniques and principles exhibited by Braze and Aether were far more refined than anything he had been taught. With a slow, measured pace, he drew closer to the pair, circling the arena and pausing near a column to get a better view of the ongoing fight.

He crossed his arms over his chest, his expression a mix of surprise and contemplation. Seeing Braze again stirred a memory of their last encounter, where Braze had been in a sorry state, struggling with a non-functioning arm. Yet now, here he was, displaying a level of intensity and tenacity that Valor hadn't expected. The vigor behind Braze's attacks was undeniable, and it spoke volumes about his resilience and growth.

Valor's own training in sword combat had been drastically different. He watched with a languid and morbid curiosity, comparing the controlled and methodical approach of the Jedi training to his own experiences. His lessons had been brutal, each one a trial by fire that tested his limits and often pushed him well beyond. The way Braze and Aether sparred seemed almost coddled in comparison—no sudden betrayals, no backstabbing, just a clean, honorable duel that focused more on skill refinement than survival.

This observation led Valor to contemplate the stark differences in their paths. His experiences had been steeped in pain and harsh realities, a constant battle for superiority and survival. Here, in the serene and structured environment of the Jedi Temple, the approach to combat was nurturing, aiming to build upon each practitioner's strengths and minimize their weaknesses without breaking their spirit.

Valor found himself questioning the methods he had been subjected to, wondering whether this more measured, respectful approach could have changed his own journey. As he watched, the seeds of doubt about his past teachings began to sprout, mingling with a growing respect for the discipline Braze was mastering under Aether's guidance.

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Valor the Forsaken | open

​

As Braze maneuvered to counter Aether's latest strike, his eyes inadvertently caught sight of Valor observing from beside a column. The unexpected glimpse of the familiar figure momentarily disrupted his focus. Aether, perceiving the lapse in concentration, shook his head in mild disapproval.

"Braze, your focus must remain absolute," Aether scolded, noting the distraction. "The battlefield will not pause for your curiosities."

Despite Aether's warning, Braze found himself pulling away from the duel abruptly, his attention fixed firmly on Valor. The rush of adrenaline from their intense sparring mingled with confusion and a surge of unresolved tension from their last encounter. The last time Braze had seen Valor, they had been locked in combat, adversaries caught in a clash that had left more questions than answers.

'Why is he here?' Braze pondered, his heart rate accelerating from the shock of seeing Valor in such a peaceful setting. No time to question or deliberate—the suddenness of Valor's presence triggered a defensive instinct in Braze. Despite the teachings of patience and reflection, the immediacy of the moment drove him toward a more impulsive reaction.

Braze stepped forward, positioning himself defensively between Aether and Valor, his lightsaber raised in a guarded stance. His mind raced, trying to make sense of Valor's intentions, but the flood of adrenaline clouded his judgment as he charged him.

 

[Valor the Forsaken]

Braze | Open

As Braze caught sight of Valor, his immediate response was instinctive and charged with intensity. Without hesitation, he disengaged from his sparring session with Aether, adrenaline fueling a swift and decisive approach towards Valor. His lightsaber hummed with energy as he advanced, the blade raised in readiness for a confrontation. Valor, standing unarmed and seemingly unthreatened, watched Braze's approach with a bemused expression.

Finding the situation amusing, Valor began to taunt Braze, his voice laced with mockery and a cruel edge that reflected the harsh lessons of his own upbringing. "Really, Braze? This is how you greet an old friend?" Valor's tone dripped with sarcasm, his stance relaxed as he effortlessly dodged Braze's initial strike.

"Come on, you can do better than that!" Valor continued, sidestepping another aggressive swing with ease. His movements were fluid and mocking, a sharp contrast to the tense and deliberate attacks from Braze. Valor's demeanor suggested he was merely playing, drawing out the encounter for his own amusement.

"You still fight like a scared child, Braze. Is this what they teach you here?" Valor taunted further, his words sharp and intended to provoke. He seemed to revel in turning the duel into a psychological game, aiming to unsettle Braze not just physically but emotionally, testing his composure and resolve in the face of unexpected and unwelcome provocations.

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Valor the Forsaken | Ellie Mors | Open

Braze's frustration mounted as Valor effortlessly dodged each strike. Braze's breathing grew heavy, his movements more desperate as he struggled to land a hit on the elusive figure before him.

Aether, sensing the personal nature of this confrontation and recognizing a potential lesson in it, chose not to intervene immediately. Instead, he stepped back, his gaze analytical as he watched the two Echani, allowing the scene to unfold. His role as an instructor wasn't just to teach combat, but also to guide his pupil through the complexities of emotional control and confrontation resolution.

Reigning in his rising anger, Braze attempted to recalibrate his approach. Braze muttered under his breath, using the moment to gather himself. He shifted his stance, trying to focus more on anticipating Valor's movements rather than blindly attacking.

Braze feigned a direct attack, hoping to draw Valor into a parry before quickly changing direction. His strategy was to outmaneuver Valor's defenses, aiming to catch him off-guard. As Valor prepared to sidestep what he anticipated to be another straightforward attack, Braze pivoted, directing a swift, low sweep towards Valor's legs, trying to disrupt his balance.

"Enough games!" Braze barked, his voice echoing in the training hall.

 

[Valor the Forsaken]

tags: Braze | Ellie Mors | open


Valor, caught slightly by surprise at the sudden shift in Braze's tactics, quickly regained his composure, a smirk playing across his lips as he narrowly avoided the sweep. "Improving, but still predictable." he mocked, yet there was a hint of respect in his eyes that wasn't there before.

 

[Ellie Mors]

It wasn't the first time she'd shown up in a Jedi Temple ran by the New Jedi Order, or even the first time she'd been to Coruscant, but she neither lived there nor belonged to any Order in particular. It wasn't business as usual for her - she rarely ever involved herself with the everyday affairs of any order - but then there wasn't really something she could ever pin down as business as usual either, so perhaps this oddity of a visit counted just as much all the same. In either case there was someone there she'd intended to meet, someone who wasn't going to be arriving for quite a bit longer, so to pad the time she'd wandered into the training halls to observe just how effective they were in their teachings.

Or, as she watched a fight break out rather suddenly, how ineffective they were.

Elle barely entered the space where she'd been told padawans and the like would be honing their skills and practicing control over their hearts and minds under stress when a prime example of entirely the opposite that was already underway seemed to play out before her very eyes. 'Are they going to..?' She started to ask in the back of her mind, the thought never reaching her lips as she realized one of the people standing back to observe seemed to be an instructor, if not one of the two's master. It reminded her of her own youth and, if she'd been raised in one of these kinds of temples, that might've been okay - except she had been raised in the Sith academy of Bastion during the height of the Sith Empire's hold over the majority of the eastern portion of the galaxy and it was a part of their indoctrination effort to pit the youths against each other for purposes of cultivating rivalries and ambitious attitudes.

Antithetical to the Jedi way.

Where the instructor watched, Ellie moved - and with purpose. When she asked, the force listened, and it flowed through her body to provide her with the speed, the agility, necessary to close the distance between her and the brawling duo before any tempers could flare higher than they already had. It would've been easy to jab a lightsaber between the two and force the fight to come to a close, but it was equally as likely to cause an inexperienced padawan to injure themselves, so she moved her body between Braze and Valor the Forsaken instead - a nimble hand reaching out to try to reach for the wrist of the padawan's arm that held their saber in an effort to keep them from striking again.

"Compose yourself."

The directive was firm, but yielding. Her voice wasn't quite capable of sounding gruff or otherwise intimidating, and she didn't try to be, but it was layered with a tone of disappointment.

"You might've been taught that a lightsaber is a tool, but it is a weapon that is used to subdue or kill - do not use it to communicate your emotions, that is what words are for."

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Ellie Mors

Caught off guard by the intervention of the unfamiliar figure, Braze's aggressive stance momentarily falters, his lightsaber hand relaxing as he processes her words. His gaze shifts between Valor and the new arrival, uncertainty clouding his expression.

Breathing deeply, Braze moved to step back, deactivating his saber with a click. His chest heaves from exertion and adrenaline, but his voice is steady, albeit laced with frustration and confusion.

"I... understand. My apologies Miss," Braze says, his tone held a slight defensiveness. He isn't fully convinced of her intentions yet, but recognizes the wisdom in her words.

Turning slightly towards Valor, his eyes narrow, not with aggression, but an attempt to reassess the situation in light of this unexpected pause. "This isn't what I expected," he admits, more to himself than anyone else. His gaze then shifts back to the woman who intervened as he started to struggle and pull away from her grasp.


Aether, observing the exchange with a critical eye, steps forward, his mechanical frame making a soft whirring sound. His own lightsaber remains deactivated.

"Enough, Braze," Aether begins, his voice imbued with a calm authority that draws attention. "While Echani culture uses combat as a form of communication, it is essential to remember the context in which this is appropriate. You are a Jedi, and here, your actions must reflect our values."

He pauses for a moment, ensuring his words sink in. "You let your emotions dictate your actions. Engaging in combat with an unarmed opponent, especially using a lethal weapon like a lightsaber-even if it was in training mode, strays far from honor. This is not just about controlling your blade, bu also controlling your self. Employing your lightsaber against an unarmed opponent does not reflect the honor or restraint expected of a Jedi. You must recognize when emotions cloud judgment, leading to actions that escalate rather than resolve conflicts."


Aether addresses Valor with a stern tone, his blue photoreceptors unblinking as they fix on the instigator. "It seems you derive some satisfaction from provoking conflict, particularly with Braze. This kind of behavior might gratify you momentarily but is ultimately destructive. Though you may not share our teachings, you must recognize the impact your presence has here. Engaging in a confrontation only escalates tensions unnecessarily."
He steps closer to Valor, his movements deliberate and composed. "Your skills are evident, and your motives, while unclear, brought you here for a reason."

Aether's photoreceptors hold Valor's gaze firmly, searching for any sign of acknowledgment or dissent. "This is a place of learning and growth. I encourage you to express your intentions openly, so we may find a path forward that does not involve conflict. This is a place for dialogue and learning, not for the continuation of personal vendettas or games of power. You wield your influence like a weapon—more dangerous than a lightsaber because it targets the spirit, not the flesh."

Aether's tone becomes more authoritative as he addresses Braze and Valor. "Both of you, apologize now," he commands, his voice leaving no room for argument. "Resolve this and move forward." He steps back, watching them closely.

Braze's expression tightens with indignation. "What? No!" he protests, his voice tinged with disbelief and frustration. "Why should I apologize to him?" His gaze shifts between Aether and Valor, seeking validation for his reluctance.

Turning his attention to the woman who intervened, Aether offers a nod of appreciation, recognizing the lesson she imparted. "Thank you for stepping in. Your intervention reminds us of the importance of perspective and restraint in our training. Perhaps you could share more on how we might better manage the emotions that clearly run high in these sessions?" Aether suggests, his tone respectful, inviting the newcomer to contribute her insights.

 

[Valor the Forsaken]

Tags: Ellie Mors

Valor's lips curl into a smirk as he watches Braze's frustrated outburst. He takes a moment to enjoy the sight of Braze getting reprimanded, his smirk deepening with amusement.

When Aether turns his stern gaze towards him, Valor's expression shifts to feigned surprise. "Me? Apologize?" he questions with a touch of mock incredulity. Shifting his demeanor, Valor straightens up, looking at Braze with an overly gracious smile. "Very well," he says smoothly, his tone dripping with insincerity. "I apologize for any... misunderstandings," he continues, his eyes locked on Braze, clearly enjoying the moment of compliance as a way to further irk him.

 

[Ellie Mors]

"Listen to the Force."

It was easier said than done, she could've readily admitted that, but it was the truth. "A level head doesn't come naturally, and it isn't easy to keep once you've managed to have one." She added. There was a time when she acted as impulsively as the Echani had, probably around the same age, too, but over time she had learned how to control herself under stress to such a degree that this kind of behavior was almost foreign to her now. "There are plenty of people who compromise their closeness to the light side of the force with exceptions to their morality - otherizing people is an act that makes us susceptible to the pull of the dark side."

She'd seen it firsthand, Jedi that decided certain groups of people or individuals were exempt from the idea of redemption - only to one day turn into those very people after having chipped away at their integrity bit by bit each and every time. That wasn't her, fortunately, and this was certainly not quite close to being that, but it was the main lesson to take away from this kind of an outburst in either case. Just like the steady fall towards the dark side didn't happen in a vacuum, neither did the notion of being able to decide who was worth redeeming and who wasn't - it always starts the same way, with the same impassioned views on other people.

Braze

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Ellie Mors

Braze huffed, turned off his blade, and clasped it to his belt before crossing his arms. He didn't want to make nice with Valor and didn't understand why he was here. No one had informed him about Valor being brought to the temple. He still very much viewed him as the enemy. As much as he hated being scolded and admitting he was wrong, Ellie Mors did have a point.

"Why are you even here?" Braze asked, his face set in a scowl, glaring at Valor.

 

[Valor the Forsaken]

Ellie Mors

"I see the fire hasn't cooled in you yet, Braze," Valor remarked with a wry smile, reaching out to gently pat Braze on the head. "Look, I know this isn't easy for you—accepting my presence here, I mean. But let's face it, the universe doesn't really care about our personal grudges. We've got bigger stars to orbit now, and I'm here to lend a hand, like it or not. Let's try to play nice, shall we?"

He offered her a soft smile. "You were right to step in," Valor said, nodding toward the blonde woman who had broken up the fight, his voice tinged with a wry smile. "Listening to your advice would serve us all well. And Braze," he continued, turning his gaze back to the younger Jedi with a smirk,

"Perhaps showing a bit more peace might better reflect the Jedi ideals, don't you think? It's always fascinating to see young Jedi in action, trying so hard to embody their teachings. I'm sure there's a lot you can teach me about patience and humility, once you find them for yourself, of course~"