Private I know Teräs Käsi

[Jax Thio]

Location: Tython
Equipment: Monk Robes, Jax's Prosthetic Arm, Jax's Second Lightsaber, Promise Ring to Jairdain
Tag: Madison Starr

Jax was meditating since early this morning.

He was floating in the air attempting to maintain peace and harmony from within himself. Jax found one of the abandoned monasteries of the first Jedi a year ago. He remembered the presence of Jedi Knights and masters walking around, sharing their knowledge of the Force with each other. Jax went deeper into his mediation trying to take in the knowledge and wisdom of the Jedi who came before him. The planet Tython may be a simple planet at first glance, but after flying around the planet with his X-Wing Jax discovered more detailed buildings that the Jedi once built. The moment he landed, Jax felt the Force thrumming through his body so much light put into the Force but the brightest light often hid the darkest shadow.

Jax was waiting for Madison: Now his newly minted Padawan to arrive soon. The Jedi Master gave her the coordinates to his exact location and even left a beacon in the meadows to the west signaling her to land next to X-Wing. Madison was eager to embark on the path of the Jedi, the question though will she have the willpower to stay on it. Many Padawans had traveled the Jedi path only to fall to the Dark Side or quit entirely. Jax had faith in Madison, but faith can only take you so far. Jax continued to float in the air still trying to strengthen his connection to the Force. "Peace and harmony," he mumbled.

 

[Madison Starr]

Madison hated traveling.

Once again, it meant taking time off work, cancelling her girl's night out, and preparing her tiny ship for the dangers of the galaxy. Alas. Such was the fate of a Jedi Knight. The more she complained to her peers back on Kashyyyk, the more they just laughed, and told her the worst was yet to come. Thank goodness the Temple had agree to pay for gas. Otherwise, she'd probably be broke by now.

Her T-71 X Type Diana Blue came to a landing exactly where Jax had planned her to. A happy little blue Astromech beeped his excellent landing job. Ha. And Madison smiled and complimented him right back.

"Thank you R1. Lovely job. ...Mind the ship, would you. It's a rental."

~ Dwee doo! ~ The happy little droid complied with gusto.

Madison Starr dismounted her vehicle. Dressed like a Jedi Knight in lush Cinnagarian Robes. Traditional. With a touch of softness and wool.

"Good afternoon Master Thio." She smiled. Somewhat sleepily. Having slept for the last leg of the flight. She'd only been awake for about twenty minutes. Trying not to yawn.

~ Dweep dee! ~ Her happy droid corrected her from on high.

"Ah. Right. Let me try again. ...Good morning Master Thio. Hehe. Thank you R1. Very clever."

Time change. It was afternoon on Coruscant right now. Morning, on Tython. Derp.

She took a moment to stretch out and unpack her ship. Hitting the outward cargo bay with a heavy fist. Letting all the camping supplies fall out onto the grass.

She'd just leave them there for now. She could unpack when she knew what Jax wanted for the day.

"So!" She sauntered over and took a moment to just take in the horizon, "What's the plan? We fighting bad guys or... Picking flowers?"

She smiled.

Nice place. Least worst-planet she'd been to yet. Very green. Very calm. Might take a picture later.

We'll see.

Jax Thio

 

[Jax Thio]

Location: Tython
Equipment: Monk Robes, Jax's Prosthetic Arm, Jax's Second Lightsaber, Promise Ring to Jairdain
Tag: Madison Starr

Jax continued to be unison with the Force, he felt like he was in the center of the ocean feeling the waves bounce off of him. The gentle crashes from the water, the Sun being hot enough to keep Jax outside. It was blissful eternity as Jax felt the Force swelling inside of him bringing him peace and tranquility that he so desperately wanted ever since Master Oda died. They were always there inside of him, Jax needed to relax and not give in to fear and panic. But within the heart of it all, Jax saw it balance and energy, the Force speaking to him. The Force and life reigned supreme birthing a Galaxy with the sentience and death, light and dark. Those idiosyncrasies make up the rhythm of life and it was something that Jax will fight to maintain.

"Ah. Right. Let me try again. ...Good morning Master Thio. Hehe. Thank you R1. Very clever."

Jax yelled as he fell onto the floor headfirst. "Ugh," Jax rubbed his forehead which was dripping with blood. "Damn," Jax chuckled seeing droplets of blood on his palm. "Didn't expect you this early Madison, that's good! It means you're punctual."

He wanted Madison to be with her family that way she can be comfortable taking lessons, also Jax felt that Madison wasn't ready to be out on the field yet. However, sooner or later Madsion will have to be a Padawan full time especially with war going on in the Galactic Alliance. "Right now," Jax said placing his hands on his hips. "What you're going to do is to meditate, I want to know if you're keeping up with your training exercises Madison. I need your connection to the Force strengthened and in order to do that, you must keep meditating."

 

[Madison Starr]

Haha. Madison almost blurted out.

Wait. Did he just really fall down? Hehe. And not from a thousand cubic Starfighter landing nearby. Engines like a hot hurricane. No. But because she said hello too loud. Haha. Oh gosh. Poor Jax.

She covered her mouth and tried not to laugh.

"Hehe. Right. Sure. ...But no floating. I don't do floating. I swear."

She stopped smiling and shook her head. Ah. Funny. But? What did he want today? Stronger meditation? Um. Okay. Sure. Madison wasn't quite sure what that had to do with flying all this way out to Tython but? I guess this place was special or something. Maybe.

She scoffed. Must be magic.

"Okay. Meditation it is."

She stopped for a second and took a deep breath. Then placed both hands out in front of her. Eyes open. Then. She began tracing small circles in the air with her fingers. Circles that went around, and around, and around again. Like the beginning of an elaborate dance. Then she very slowly. Almost like in slow motion. Began to take a Form One opening stance. Slowly entering the Golden World.

She stood there for a moment. Transfixed. Without a sword in her hands but with perfect placement. Her eyes deep inside another world. Her mind deep within the bellies of The Force. Her aura was almost glowing.

Then. She stopped. Blinked a few times and quietly regained her full height. Releasing the stance and brushing herself off. Releasing her call upon the Force and letting it disappear back into the natural world around her.

"Right. There ya go. One, very special, opening mediation."

Exactly as the textbook had said. Jedi Battle Meditation. Embrace the Form. Embrace the Force. Let your whole body become ready for battle. See not with your eyes. Feel not with your hands. But be believing. Embrace the battle. Embrace the Force.

She had been practicing. After all.

Jax Thio

 

[Jax Thio]

Location: Tython
Equipment: Monk Robes, Jax's Prosthetic Arm, Jax's Second Lightsaber, Promise Ring to Jairdain
Tag: Madison Starr

The head wound wasn't too bad, just a small cut. With a wave of his hand, Jax was able to heal the wound thanks to the power of the Force. "Thank you Jairdain ," He mumbled while he observed Madison meditate.

"Good," Jax said feeling Madison connecting with the Force. "I'm glad you're putting in the practice, remember: It's not about knowing the information it's all applying it."

It was how Jax learned as well, he liked academics, but a Jedi is always called on to protect. Firsthand experience was what needed to understand the turmoil that the Galaxy constantly endures. If one isn't witnessing the plight of the people, then they run the risk of not knowing the nuances necessary to help. "I see that you're also getting better," Jax said giving an approving nod. "I see that you're ready to take the next step in mediation, but it'll have to wait."

Jax took a deep breath taking in that cool morning air allowing it to invigorate him. Even though he liked technology, Jax had spent years connecting himself with nature. It was amazing how much the Force has influence over everything from the plants, the rocks, the tree, even the air! To become fully aware of the Force around not only made him stronger but also caused him to allow the Force to flow through him like a gentle stream.

"Today I'm going to teach you the basics of hand to hand." Jax announced turning around and performing some quick punches in the air. "A Jedi's weapon is their Lightsaber yes, but what happens if you don't have it? Or you somehow misplaced it?"

Jax remembered Lossa Darcuhl misplacing hers while she was at a damn party. He was still irritated at her for that. "That's where Teras Kasi comes in, It means steel hand and it was originally created by non Force users defend themselves against Jedi."

The Jedi Master chuckled. "However, we've Jedi took that style and made our own," he said. "The Jedi have always adapted, when criminals started to use Blaster Rifles, we threw out Makashi and started to create a more defensive style Lightsaber combat in Soresu. With hand to hand, we just study Teras Kasi. Powered by the Force, it's a lethal weapon one that can take out multiple enemies."

 

[Madison Starr]

Madison frowned.

He still hadn't told her why they were here. On this strange planet. This, rock of history. Or whatever.

"Okay. Fine." She nodded and put her hands on her hips. Trying not to be frustrated. "Hand to hand sounds fine. Sure. I suppose that makes sense. I signed up for combat training. Might as well do everything."

She rubbed her lips together. Getting nervous. Thinking about what hand-to-hand training might consist of on a foreign, hostile world. She quickly looked back at her spaceship. Wondering if she had brought anything or, would need anything else. Mm. No. Probably not.

No. It's just fist fighting, she told herself. She didn't need camping gear or tac rope for this. Just knuckles, blood, and sweat. No. Wait. That's not right. She didn't even know what Teras Kasi was? Right? It wasn't boxing or wrestling or pressure points. Was it? Fluck! She didn't know.

"Um. Actually." She turned back around and raised a single finger. Almost curious. Almost in protest. "I've never actually heard of Teras Kasi in any of the Padawan Holocrons before? Is this something... Erm. Unothodox? Maybe?"

She remembered he called himself that once. Unothodox. Though, in her meager experience. She still didn't quite know what he meant by that.

"Because that's fine. And everything. I um..." She hesitated. But just for a moment. "...Um. But. Did we really need to fly half-way across the galaxy for karate lessons? Maybe?"

She looked around their perfectly perfect surroundings. Almost expecting ninjas or goblins to jump out of the grass and volunteer as sparring partners. Or something.

No. Damn, No. She was overthinking this. She needed to move on.

"Oh. Okay. Never mind. Sorry. I'm just... sleepy or something. Bah. Never mind. Let's do this. Sure. That's fine. I'm ready. Yeah."

She put her hands on her hips and waved him onward. Taking a deep breath and rolling her shoulders a bit. Mm. Damn. She didn't like not being in control. But it was fine. She could do this. It was necessary.

Madison took a minute to remember her visions of war and the memories of the past. Remember why she needed this. Again. Resolved herself into being a Superman. Remembering why.

She had to be ready.

And this would help. This would keep her alive. This. This was exactly, what she needed.

"Okay. So." She took another deep breath and held her chin high. "What do you need me to do?"

Jax Thio

 

[Jax Thio]

Location: Tython
Equipment: Monk Robes, Jax's Prosthetic Arm, Jax's Second Lightsaber, Promise Ring to Jairdain
Tag: Madison Starr

"Oh I forgot to tell you where we are," Jax chuckled shaking his head. "I was so caught up in being immersed in the Force that I didn't give you a proper introduction. As you may or may not know this is Tython which was home to the Jedaaii the predecessors of the Jedi. It's considered the birthplace of the Jedi Knights though some scholars argue that Ahch-To was the true birthplace.

The Jedi Master shrugged. "Personally," Jax said. "I think it's highly unlikely that Ahch-To is the birthplace, too boring and basic. The Jedi of old were bursting with creativity and imagination. They've wanted to express their unity with the Force and all of the vivid life that it bought. Through learning how the Living Force feeds into life, it taught the Jedi to respect life and nature to build alongside nature and not try to supplant it."

Jax looked around. "This building that you are standing on was made by wise Jedaii masters and were walked on by the first Jedi." He took Madison's hand had her touch the ground. "Feel their presence and hear the wisdom of those who came before." Jax said. "You may hear bits and pieces but that's because you're not fully in tune with the Force yet. In due time my Padawan."

Jax then smiled. "To learn Teras Kasi means to clear your mind," he explained. "It's easy to forget how much noise that the Galaxy pumps into your ears. To be an effective close quarters combat specialist you must breathe and focus."

 

[Madison Starr]

Madison held her hand to the stone and did her best to listen as Jax explained the history of Tython. She wasn't one to be so quickly convinced that ancient cultures could be considered wise and noble. Yet, as a woman of dreams and visions? There was something unique about this place. The Force here did hold reservoirs of power. Like memories. And scars too. It made her wonder if she could dream here. See the past just as clearly as she could oft-times see the future. She wondered what she would experience with such a technique. Mmm. Perhaps she would read up about such things in the Seers library again. Then return here someday and try.

For now. She needed to focus on the present.

"Breath and focus. Alright."

Madison removed her hand from the stone floor and retook her full height. Once again, practicing Jedi battle meditation. Entering the Golden World. Letting the Force flow through her.

She concentrated on her breathing. Then nodded.

"Okay. What next?"

Jax Thio

 

[Jax Thio]

Location: Tython
Equipment: Monk Robes, Jax's Prosthetic Arm, Jax's Second Lightsaber, Promise Ring to Jairdain
Tag: Madison Starr

Placing his hands behind his back, Jax observed Madison meditating the Force swirling inside her, focusing. "As a Jedi," Jax stated. "You need to let go what is considered impossible. Understand some rules that you have learned can be considered bent with the power of the Force."

Jax walked towards an ancient panel containing a small, mechanical orb. "And other rules can be broken, that's simply false the Force is essentially life and nature. How can nature bend what's considered to be the laws of physics or chemistry? The great minds see the Force as some mystical entity that projects magic on everything. It's an easy enough explanation for the things we are able to do. Keeps their artificial ruleset intact, but to the Jedi, there's more to the rules than the theories that people make up. The Force complicates what we know about the Galaxy and the more you venture into the Force, the more you understand that you don't know anything at all."

The Jedi Master sighed. "I wanted to teach you Shii-Cho," Jax said. "But I thought about the Force and how much we don't know about how the Galaxy works. While you attained control of the Force, you do not truly understand it."

He leaned closer to Madison. "You need to free your mind of the limitations that have been imposed on you." Jax said. "Teras Kasi is a wonderful tool to start because it has been created by those people who may not be Force sensitive but understand that they can push their limits. Jax pressed the small button on the orb and it showed a Training Droid. "The Jedi are people; we are not supermen or superwomen. We can be killed like anyone else in this Galaxy. The creators knew that but like the Jedi, they freed themselves from what is or isn't possible and created a new set of rules."

Jax immediately grabbed the Droid in the Restraint move. "The bare basics," Jax said. "The stance that can open up for you to take out 20 Jedi." He let go of the combat droid. "Try it out."

 

[Madison Starr]

Madison nodded and listened to what he had to say about 'bending' the rules. She understood this concept in many ways already. She'd been practicing basic Padawan Force skills. Bending the rules was becoming almost second nature in that way. Though, she did wonder how long she could keep this up and what the long-term consequences might be also. So far, all the Jedi she had spoke too seemed to be in agreement that using The Force didn't negatively affect your health. Many even said the opposite. That oft times, it even prolonged a sentient's longevity. Helped you live a longer, fuller life.

So Madison didn't mind experimenting. The consensus being, that as long as you didn't touch the Dark Side of the Force; you were probably okay to dabble.

"Okay. Sounds fair enough."

She took a deep breath and engaged the droid quickly in the Restraint Move.

She did it quickly but sloppy. Her footwork was terrible, her core strength misaligned, and her arms held the droid too loosely to effectively restrain a human being. She tried adjusting but that only made it worse. So she took a step back and disengaged.

"Actually. Show me again how you did that." She nodded with a frown, "Slowly."

Luckily, Madison possessed enough physical strength and statue to pull off the move itself. She just needed to slow the technique and master the basics of it's beginning, movement, and end.

Easy stuff.

Jax Thio

 

[Jax Thio]

Location: Tython
Equipment: Monk Robes, Jax's Prosthetic Arm, Jax's Second Lightsaber, Promise Ring to Jairdain
Tag: Madison Starr

Madison was eager but was very sloppy in her move, approached the combat droid like a Barbarian wielding a club. It was all right though; it was her first try and Jax had seen worse approaches. "Madison," Jax said. "You are approaching all wrong, you're thinking that you must strength in subdue the opponent. But it's far from the truth, one of the major reasons that the Jedi adapted Teras Kasi to their offensive wasn't just combat the people who use it but because they saw an effective means of self-defense."

Jax approached the combat droid. "A Jedi engages combat when there's no other choice," he said. "And even then, we try to take out our opponent quickly and efficiently. Teras Kasi isn't about hurting the opponent but rather controlling the fight and using the opponent's moment to their advantage."

The Jedi Master slowly did the move. "You see here?" Jax said. "Hold your arm over your opponent's corded artery, while gripping your other arm on your opponent's wrist."

Jax continued to hold his opponent. "You can also use your hand to handle your weapons." Jax removed his DL-44 Heavy Blaster Pistol from behind pointing it to the wall behind Madison. "Like that," he said. "It's not about strength It's about technique and control."

He let go of the combat droid. "Try again," he said. "And this time take it slow, you don't need to rush in order to please me. I care more if you get the move right. Don't worry we got plenty more lessons so take it slow."

 

[Madison Starr]

She nodded and watched him closer this time. Making point to memorize his footwork, stance, and movement. Both into the move and out of it. She was keen to try again.

"Okay. Sounds good."

She preformed the move three more times. First, she moved very slowly. Taking note of how it felt. Then she did it a second time. Making sure it was snug grip and that she could hold it. Lastly, she did it faster and stronger. Making sure she could drift in and out of the move quickly.

Then she did it three more times. Repeating the process again. First, slowly. Second, for feel. Third, for speed.

She seemed to be getting the hang of it. She was rough but strong. Lacking finesse and grace but... Such was the route of the beginner. Only years of practice would grant her mastery and a dancer's grace. For now. She had the idea.

"Okay. Got em'."

She smiled and took a step back. She understood the concept.

Jax Thio

 

[Jax Thio]

Location: Tython
Equipment: Monk Robes, Jax's Prosthetic Arm, Jax's Second Lightsaber, Promise Ring to Jairdain
Tag: Madison Starr

It took a few tries, but Madison managed to get the hang of the opening grab of Teras Kasi. She lacked fluidity but it was to be expected for a first timer. "All right," Jax walked over to Madison observing her foot work and technique. "Be sure to lock in his arm," Jax said tapping Madison's hand she was having the Droid's hand stick out to the side rather than locking it behind his back. "It's important because the next thing I'm going to teach is very important."

With a wave of his hand, Jax used the Force to summon a small holographic sphere. He snapped his fingers causing it the sphere to flicker for a brief moment before another practice Droid appears. "Look closely," Jax said placing the droid in the same hold. "From this position you have many options available to you. You can disarm their weapon, can do a hip toss, but for now we're going to be sticking to the Jedi Philosophy of combat and focus more on subverting and subduing."

The Jedi Master took a deep breath. "So for the first approach," Jax said. "Called the Serpent's grab," Jax held the droid's arm up while he began to choke him. "This move restricts the blood flow to and from the enemies' brain until they pass out." he said. "It is a non-lethal maneuver perfect for stealth takedowns."

Jax then picked up the combat droid and placed him in the opening grab again. "Second approach," Jax said. "The Sarlacc slam, nothing fancy just slamming your enemy down on the ground hard. You sweep the enemies' leg using their momentum as your source strength. You push them back first on to the ground like so...."

Jax performed the move with liquid precision causing a crack to form on the ground. "So now you try it," Jax smirked. "And take it slow no need to impress me."

 

[Madison Starr]

Madison smiled as Jax preformed a take down. This. This she could do.

"Ha. No problem!"

She took a quick step, pivoted, and dropped the droid with gusto. SLAM! Almost like she'd done that before with the pirates. Then, just for show. She assumed a subdue-n-fire position atop the droid's chest. Right knee leaning into it's throat.

"I once knew a pirate droid on Devaron who specialized in throws. I once watched him make three guys at once with this mount. Heh. Funny."

She smiled. Hopefully the old robot was doing okay. Anyway. She moved to stand and offered the grounded droid her hand. The training droid did not respond but stood back up quickly.

"Anyway. I assume we'll skip the submission for a bit. On to strikes then?"

She seemed anxious to continue.

Jax Thio

 

[Jax Thio]

Location: Tython
Equipment: Monk Robes, Jax's Prosthetic Arm, Jax's Second Lightsaber, Promise Ring to Jairdain
Tag: Madison Starr

"Impressive, "Jax saw Madison throw the combat droid with fluid grace while adding a little flavor to follow up. "Using the opponent's weight against them and keeping them pinned down all while expending as little energy as possible."

The Jedi Master nodded placing his hands behind him. "That is the essence of Teris Kasi," he said. "A defensive style designed to use the opponent's momentum against them. But I love the fact that you've bought some improvisation to your technique. It's also what makes Teris Kasi so good, it allows people to think on the fly and transition to move to move quickly as if you planned out your attacks. You say that Pirate Droid held off against 3 people? A master of Teris Kasi can take out up to 50 single handedly."

Even though Madison liked to stay in one place, she picked up some skills during her travels. The ability to learn and adapt, it was the mark not only a good student but a good Jedi. Still a little eager to get to the good stuff though. "Hold on Madison," Jax said. "I still haven't taught you how to disarm your opponent."

Jax smiled. "Patience Madison," he said. "Don't get cocky because you did a move reasonably well. Just because you know how to ride swoop bike doesn't mean you're ready for the pros."

But he liked how eager Madison was, it made Jax's job a lot more easier and fun. "The REAL fun Madison is to take away your opponent's weapons."

Jax chuckled. "The amount of Jedi and Sith I've successfully disarmed over the years," he said. "It'll be the size of a Galactic Encyclopedia."

Snapping his fingers, a vibro knife appeared in the training Droids hand. "Right first disarming technique," Jax said as he began to approach the Droid and execute his move.

"There!" Jax said smiling. "Nothing fancy now...." Jax snapped his fingers again as Madison's combat droid's virbro knife appeared. "You try but take it slow."