In search for guidance.

[Kixi Rajki]

As George ignited his blue blade, Kixi who already had un holstered her sabre then ignited her purple blade. An interesting colour Kixi had chosen for a blade. Her master would probably ask her about it later ,no doubt Kixi thought to herself as she prepared for the duel.

"You're gonna go easy on me. How charming Master." Kixi mused.

And then she lunged toward at him. Quick forward strikes, lunges, strikes again and again. Of course her master had no problem in parrying or blocking Kixi's strikes. Yet they were coming in quite rapidly and were effective. Kixi in turn had to parry some shots that had come her way too. Although she did so flawlessly.

"Master I think you should up your attack on me. This taking it easy isn't doing much as you can see."

Well just as she said that, Kixi almost lost her footing and lost her balance. A mistake that almost resulted in her defeat as her master kept up his consistent attacks. Kixi no doubt was getting cocky.

"I've fought real lightsabre battles before Master and won. Please do go harder on me." Kixi calmingly called out comfidtently, as the two continued with their duel.

[member="George O Rourke"]

 

[George O Rourke]

[member="Kixi Rajki"]

As Kixi also ignited her lightsaber the purple beam appeared. "Interesting colour Padawan. Any specific reasoning behind it?" The Jedi Knight asked as he took a relaxed stance removing a hand from the lightsaber and holding it by his side.

She quickly pounced striking at George, swiftly he brought the saber from his side across in front of him easily parrying away the blow. But it didn't stop. She was ruthless with her barrage of attacks. Non were of any lethality, but the effort and determination shown was quite respectable. "Oh little bit of fire in ya." He spoke as he continued blocking and parrying the strikes.

With the multitude of strikes thrown by the Padawan they were slowly becoming weaker and slower. This offered George the time to return strike. He hit back with a few strikes aiming at the chest of his opponent. But they were quite easily parried. He wasn't going to make it too easy for himself after all. As the Padawan also noticed his relaxed approach to the fight she hit back. Speaking of her experience and wanting her Master to go harder.

If thats what she wanted it was time. She slipped up as she finished speaking almost costing her the battle right there. George saw and left the opportunity. He gripped the hilt with both hands and went on the offensive. He began striking at the Padawans arms. Left and righting, using his brute strength to smash down her walls.

 

[Kixi Rajki]

"The colour of my blade. To be honest it is hard to explain. I constantly get feelings, some in the form of visions, that I was once a dark Jedi. But I don't recall it. It's as if it is me, but in a parallel world or even another lifetime. It's a weird feeling. Purple is the colour of a dark Jedi turned to the light, thus why my choice in blade colour."

Kixi quickly explained this as she lunged at her master. Before both of them knew it, they were both in the thick of it battling it out. Blades striking, parrying, moving. Kixi had wanted her master to go at her harder, this point she had made obvious enough. She had gotten her wish as George suddenly increased the speed and fury of his attack. Kixi barely being able to block managed to do so, however her master was forcing her back all the time as he kept advancing his position on her.

And then the tiredness kicked in for Kixi. As George's attacks on her continued relentlessly, she eventually dropped on both knees, but kept her lightsabre up blocking her master's strikes. She couldn't hold out for much longer. Surely he could see that she thought to herself, hoping he would soon stop. She was too proud to signal him to stop, despite knowing that she was defeated, and that now he could seriously hurt her. She kept her lightsabre up high, as slowly she began to lean backwards losing whatever balance she had left, as George continued to strike at her. Would he stop? Or would he wait until Kixi would surrender first? Kixi had no intention to surrender as the attacks from her master kept coming on quick and fast, while she was on her last legs.

[member="George O Rourke"]

 

[George O Rourke]

[member="Kixi Rajki"]

"Ahh I see... The light I see in you shows that you have succeeded." George replied as the battle heated up.

At Kixi's request he picked up the pace and pushing her back. His attacks were quick and strong. But his endurance was far superior to hers. He kept his attack up pushing her back a considerable distance. Eventually her energy was extinguished and she fell to her knees. But she held her blade high showing there was no surrender. George continued the attack for a little as the attacks slowly pushed her to breaking point. By this stage George was attacking the same point over and over again, and all Kixi had to do was hold her blade in the way. George changed it. He stopped for a moment as he moved his blade the ribs of his fallen opponent. She was finished, and George though so too.

"You called, I answered." The Nautolan spoke as the duel finished. He whisped his blade away extinguishing it and placing his hand out offering a hand to help her back to her feet. "Endurance my Padawan. It can be your best ally or your worst enemy." It was true, George struggled that once upon a time. His Padawan days were exhausting, but never once did he ever show that to his Master. Today Kixi had brought herself to breaking point. Far beyond George had ever done. Was that his fault as her teacher for pushing her too hard? Or was there something else. Guilt started flowing through his mind. Am I breaking my Padawan? He was beginning to have doubts over his teaching style.

 

[Kixi Rajki]

Finally it was over. As soon as her master had extinguished his lightsabre, Kixi very much followed suit. Her master extended a hand to help her back on her feet, and Kixi gladly took it. He complimented her on her work well done, but emphasised on the importance of stamina and endurance. These had been key elements on why she had been defeated today.

Kixi could sense some guilt in her master. She couldn't be too certain of what it was however.

"Master are you okay, you seem a little rather concerned about something else?"

Kixi then quickly continued with her next question.

"I appreciate greatly all that you are doing for me Master, but if you have something of concern on your mind, please speak it. I know you are the master here, but we can learn a lot from one another, you even from me."

Kixi finished off as she slowly holstered her lightsabre back on her belt and walked with her master.

[member="George O Rourke"]

 

[George O Rourke]

[member="Kixi Rajki"]

"No, no everything is fine. Thank you for your concern." George wasn't quite ready to face it just yet. Hopefully he would be able to continue on and move past. Ideally Kixi would grow into a great Jedi Knight. George hoped this would be the case. If he makes sure not to train her to death prior.

Anyhow the sparring was finished and it was time to take some time out of the day to rest. George walked with Padawan Kixi. As they walked an idea popped into his head. "Hey Kixi do you carry a rebreather on you?" It seemed like an odd question at the time, but there was a method to his madness. The sun was out and the weather was warm and George couldn't help himself. He needed to get into the water, and what better reason then to investigate what is underneath.

 

[Kixi Rajki]

As both Kixi and her master began walking back, he asked her the odd question which was if she was carrying a rebreather.

"Well normally I do. I normally come equipped with everything I may need. However as you can tell by the way I even did my hair when we had met up this morning, that I've simply rushed out the door and brought only my lightsabre with me."

Kixi paused a moment realising that the only reason why he would ask this is probably because he wanted to get into the water and bring her along too.

"Umm what me? You want me to get into the water with you?"

Kixi giggled like a kid as she said that second guessing why her master had asked the question about the rebreather in the first place.

"Sure. I'll come with you. We just need to go back to my quarters and get my rebreather first. And perhaps a few other things like food."

Kixi then waited for George to respond, still not fully certain that his intent was to actually go into the water, despite the fact Kixi couldn't think of any other reason given he had specifically asked her if she has a rebreather on her.

[member="George O Rourke"]

 

[George O Rourke]

[member="Kixi Rajki"]

It was an odd question to ask the Padawan, but she replied like any other day. Unfortunately due to the busy night the night before and the difficulty getting out of bed in the morning she had forgotten pretty much everything except the clothes on her back and her lightsaber. Well at least she had the essentials. "Well that would make sense after all." George replied with a chuckle. "We'll head back to your quarters and get your rebreather and anything else you might need to get before heading out into the water."

Kixi also mentioned food. This brought grumbles to the big Nautolan's stomach. "Yes we must stop off for lunch on the way through. How about that little cafe? The Jedi Cafe I think it was." George replied thinking about the endless amounts of food he wanted to devour. The name of the Cafe was quite... Unthoughtful for such a place. Many Jedi would walk through those doors and order something of the Jedi Menu...

Anyhow the pair of them begin walking back to Kixi's quarters. When George asked yet another odd question. "Padawan, when you created your lightsaber did you add a waterproofing case to it?" George had an idea. It would be interesting to see how the water affected both their lightsaber and their movement.

 

[Kixi Rajki]

As the two made their way back to Kixi's quarters, George asked if Kixi had waterproofed her lightsabre. A fair question since they were both soon going to be going for a swim, or more rather an underwater adventure.

"On my home world, it is general practice to build a lightsabre that is shielded from water. Although this is the first I've built on my own, I've basically copied the design from one of those from back home. So yes Master it has a waterproof case."

Kixi grinned at her master as she answered, proud of herself that in this instant she had been one step ahead.

"Here are my quarters. I'll be a sec while I get the rebreather."

Kixi quickly entered her quarters while George waited outside. She wasn't in there for long as within a couple of minutes she re-appeared again. This time with her utility belt around her waist that contained various things including her rebreather. Her lightsabre however still remained attached to her upper right leg.

"Okay Master. I'm ready to rock. Lead the way. First the food and then the water."

Kixi was like always eager to get on with things. She hadn't even bothered to change her clothes or do her hair properly, something, her hair that is, that she normally took pride in. She figured it would all get messed up in the water anyway, and her half sweated clothes all wet too.

[member="George O Rourke"]

 

[George O Rourke]

[member="Kixi Rajki"]

As the pair of them made their way to Kixi's quarters she replied to his question. Luckily she had set up her lightsabers for underwater use also. Great news for the Nautolan as this broadened his training facilities and allows them greater variety of missions and planets to go to.

"Good choice Padawan, never know when you might need your lightsaber underwater." He said as they came towards her quarters. "Alright then Padawan." He replied once more as Kixi popped into her quarters. In the brief few moments that she had been inside George was thinking about what to get for lunch. Sandwich? Chips? Bantha Steak? The possibilities were endless. Half way through his thought process Kixi returned from her quarters. This time carrying her utility belt around her waist. "Aright lets get some food then hey."

The pair of them headed off once more, their last stop before making it to the water. Their empty stomachs were not about to be empty to more. They both walked up to the cafe and entered, taking a seat near one of the windows. The menu lay on the table waiting for them to pick their goodies. A few moments later a service droid approached. "May I take your order?" The monotone voice spoke. "Ah yes, I'll have the Bantha sandwich with chips and a salad. And just a small salad for the lady." He replied to the droid as he looked at Kixi with a smug smile on his face. "Nah just messing, just the Bantha sandwhich thanks. She can pick her own food today." George was well looking forward to his sandwhich and who could blame him. Its taken all day but he just realized that he hadn't eaten all day. Such a sad story.

 

[Kixi Rajki]

As the two sat down for lunch, a waiter droid approached them and took their orders. George ordered first and pretended to order for Kixi.

"Hey wait a sec!"

Kixi was about to protest when George then told the droid that he was only joking about the small salad for her.

"Ha ha ha. You got me there Master. The joke's on me."

She continued laughing as the droid just patiently waited for her to make an order.

"Okay, I'll have two sandwiches and chips."

Her master looked at her surprised that she had ordered such a large meal for an average sized lady. Kixi looked at him as the giggles from his earlier joke eventually wore away and smiled.

"Missa veeeeery hung-gary."

She delibrately made herself sound like a Gungan as she spoke Basic in attempt to continue keeping the humourous vibes that now filled the air.

"So Master what exactly is the plan. What are we going to be training under the water?"

Kixi decided she'll ask the question while they waited for their meals so that way she can try and prepare herself mentally for what she would soon undertake. She had never actually done any underwater combat training before, so this would all be uncharted territory for her.

[member="George O Rourke"]

 

[George O Rourke]

[member="Kixi Rajki"]

George's plan worked, Kixi though she was getting a little salad. But what came next surprised the Nautolan big time. George ordered a nice big Bantha sandwich right. Well Kixi ordered TWO sandwiches, the though that such a small person could eat so much blew his mind. But her next comment was brilliant. Mimicking the Gungan speech she spoke of her hunger. "I see what you did there." Laughing as he replied pointing at the Padawan in a joking way.

What was the plan once we entered the water? George hadn't even thought that far ahead. "To be honest, not sure yet. We'll have to see what we find then I shall have a few ideas on what we can do down there." He replied calmly as the moment of hilarity had ended and the food was being brought to the table. "Three sandwiches." The droid said looking at the two of them seeming quite confused. "Yes, one here and two there." The thought behind that seemed so odd. The woman having such a larger lunch than him.

The droid placed the two plates side by side in front of Kixi and placed the last one in front of George before leaving the table. George looked at Kixi and her meal. "Are you sure you can eat all that?" He asked jokingly. She would eat it, that is for sure. One way or the other. George gently picked up his sandwich and took a big bite out of it. "Mmm this is good." Escaped his full mouth. He wasn't great with dinning etiquette.

 

[Kixi Rajki]

As the two chit chattered for a bit waiting for their food to arrive, George had told Kixi that he had didn't really have a plan of what they would be doing once they got to the water.

"Great. So you're just gonna make it all up as we go along."

Kixi smirked and laughed.

"You think like me Master, that's just the sort of thing that I would do too."

Just as Kixi had finished her last sentence, the droid had returned with their food. Rather confused too, as he wondered why it was Kixi, the obvious smaller being out of the two that had ordered more.

"Still recovering my energies from the previous night's drinking."

Kixi replied to the droid, then winking at her master with her left eye. The droid promptly put the food down before them and promptly left not getting any of Kixi's humour. Well that was expected from a waiter droid programmed only to serve meals, but at least it would keep the humorous vibes in the air for a little longer between herself and her master. Kixi would then slowly eat away at her first sandwich.

"The trick to eating more Master is to eat slowly and not scoff the food down all at once."

George had already taken a big bite out of his sandwich and undoubtedly would finish his meal before her. Eventually Kixi too would be finished. Full and re-energised and ready for the afternoon's next task she would wait for George, and leave once he would get up.

[member="George O Rourke"]

 

[George O Rourke]

[member="Kixi Rajki"]

"Yes pretty much, I don't plan much more than the trip itself. Once we're there its pretty much as you go." George replied to Kixi's notice of similarities between the two of them.

As Kixi replied to the droid George chucked as it had no idea what Kixi meant. But what she said about eating slower to get the most out of it was quite interesting. George had never thought of it that way so it was quite different. He was always the one to finish his meal in record time. And today was no different. His first bite was clear in showing he wasn't messing around. A few more and it would be gone completely.

A few minutes later George swallowed his last mouthful. As he glanced over at Kixi he noticed she was only just half way through her first sandwich. This could take some time. He thought to himself. He looked at her and chucked. Not for any other reason than watching her eat the mountain of food she ordered. Nothing was said, just watching and eating. And the occasional laugh.

 

[Kixi Rajki]

George had finished his meal in record time. As a result he was forced to watch Kixi take forever and a day to finish hers. They laughed and chatted a bit to kill the time in between. Eventually Kixi was done. She stretched both her arms in the air, whilst at the same time put both hands together locking her fingers together, stretching herself.

"Okay I'm good. Looks like you were mighty hungry yourself. Do you always smash your food down like that?

Kixi couldn't help but ask. She didn't know much about his species. In fact she knew little about any species other than human and of course the Xendaj from around her own parts of the universe, and sadly for not things she would now be proud of.

"Okie dokie Master, it would appear you are ready. Same here. So whenever you wanna get going, anytime would be a good time."

Kixi gestured with her right arm and hand pointing forward indicating to the direction of the exit. Of course she would remain seated and wait for her master to get up first out of respect and courtesy.

[member="George O Rourke"]

 

[George O Rourke]

[member="Kixi Rajki"]

As Kixi asked George about his eating habits he showed a cheeky grin. "Always Padawan, it doesn't last long around me." And it was true, George always ate fast and quite often... Normally. But with the extended break between food stops he ate it in even quicker time.

"I'm ready, you're ready, lets go." He replied as he pushed his chair back and stood up. He looked around as he stretched for a moment. He then made his way for the exit. It was finally time to get in the water and George was excited. Unfortunately he hadn't through ahead for today and his swimming trunks were in his quarters still. But oh well.

As the pair of them made their way down to the lake once more he asked his Padawan another question. "What are you expecting to see down there? What do you think makes up the land under the surface?" It was an interesting question, as one that lived under the water for many years it was second nature under the water and the many interesting things that made up a body of water became normal to him. He wanted to see what the Padawan though was normal under the water.

 

[Kixi Rajki]

As master and padawan left the eatery, they headed down for the lake. George then asked his padawan what would initially sound like a no big deal question, but in fact was one of interest if one thought about it. What would she expect to see under the water.

"I expect to see a living ecosystem."

She very much used the word ecosystem to sum up the fact that down there, under the water lived many creatures, in all sorts of forms. That in-itself was like another world.

"Generally speaking, life under there is primitive. However clearly there are the obvious exceptions."

Kixi would continue speaking.

"Excuse my ignorance, but you Master are the first highly intelligent species that I've encountered that is from the water. Where I'm from, sure there are worlds that have huge underwater cities, however they're all human built cities. You are the first non human I've had as a very close friend."

She stopped and looked at her master a moment in the eye before finally finishing off.

"I look forward to what you intend to show me. Aside from any training, I know this isn't your actual home world, but it will give me an insight of what it is like once you take me there for the under water grand tour royale."

Kixi clearly added the last part for a bit of sarcasm, to add to the already cheerful mood as she giggled.

[member="George O Rourke"]

 

[George O Rourke]

[member="Kixi Rajki"]

The answer he received from the Padawan way exceeded what he expected. An ecosystem it was down there, one that he had become all too familiar with. "The water down here definitely doesn't have the buildings from above. However the underwater cities on Glee were a sight to see. Completely different but so the same as a city above water. It's something you have to see to believe." George replied as they made their way closer to the lake.

Although the place seemed safe from on the surface the lake was somewhat uncharted territory. George had never stepped down there, nor had he heard about one down there either. "Remember Padawan, like any other ecosystem there is a food chain. We aren't always on top. There could be creatures there that do want to eat us. Always keep an eye out." He kept his mind open and his thought clear. Trying to prepare for the unknown.

As they made it to the lake George removed his robe and boots leaving him in just his dark trousers and his belt holding both his lightsabers. His light blue body sizzled in the sun and George grew very hot, very quickly. He made his way to the lake and jumped in, scouting the water before Kixi joined him. For now the water was clear. He popped his head up to see where Kixi was at.

 

[Kixi Rajki]

George complimented Kixi on her answer to his question and then proceeded to explain how the cities on glee were an incredible marvel.

"Were?"

Kixi quickly noted.

"Are the cities still there?"

She then elaborated further.

George quickly jumped in to examine the lake. He had already warned Kixi of the possible dangers that lay within the lake's ecosystem. None to take lightly of course. Kixi then dived in herself to join him. She didn't undress with the exception of taking off her boots, since she already was lightly dressed wearing basically only her shorts and shirt.

"Oh!"

Kixi exclaimed.

"Water sure feels cold. But don't worry I'll get used to the temperature. I'm aware that it will be further colder under the surface."

Kixi was shivering slightly, but it wouldn't last long as her body would soon adapt. She floated on the lake's surface watching her master examine the lake. She would await his next instruction of course as not only was he her master, but in the water world below, he clearly would be the master of this domain.

[member="George O Rourke"]

 

[George O Rourke]

[member="Kixi Rajki"]

Just as George left the surface he heard Kixi asking about the cities on Glee, were they still there? He noted them and would answer them when her returned to the surface. As he looked around under the water it was quite calm. Little marine life swam around him like nothing and the plants swayed with the current. So calming.

As he returned to the surface the big Nautolan shot out splashing water all about. Home sweet home. He thought to himself as he remembered the questions Kixi had asked earlier. "Yes the cities are still there I believe. As much as the Sith enjoy destroying stuff, destroying vital infrastructure probably isn't their wisest choice. May not be as beautiful as it once was, but hopefully still there." He replied realizing the amount of time he had actually been away from his home.

"The water is clear, no threats around here for now. But keep your eyes open. Never know whats around the corner." George told the Padawan as he felt the current gently pushing his body around the water. He noticed that Kixi had only taken her boots off and otherwise went in fully clothed and that she was shaking a bit. "Give it a couple of minutes and it will be just right." He replied to his Padawan, the coldness of the water barley phased George. Going from the heat outside the water was something George had done quite often in his life so the change of temperature barley affected him these days.

"Alright, lets head out." George told Kixi as he ducked his head underwater. As George wasn't carrying any communication devices he would have to allow the force to share his thoughts with the Padawan. Hoping she would be able to get it. The water was clear and the current was smooth. The marine life floated by not phased by the newcomers.