Star Wars Roleplay: Chaos

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In terms of defense.... (Training)

Sochi was completely within her studies. Combat wasn't something she preferred but it was nevertheless inevitable. She didn't wanna lack in specific areas, especially in combat. She wanted to be at least proficient in most forms. Form III was the one form she was practicing today, and actually one of her favorites. She sought out one of many masters who had mastered this form to train her. From constantly being within the archives, she had studied up enough on the style to know its history. Adding to what she had already been taught,

She sat in the Combat Center, in a room that she had reserved for this specific time. She sat in the center of the room and was meditating. She was also quite fond of those techniques. She figured now was a perfect time to make use of the meditative stance she had learned from her time studying. She could practice Soresu, and Center of being; they sort of went hand and hand. She would wait till combat started for her to officially submit herself to the stance however.

In the meantime she sat in meditation, while her lightsaber hilt floating slowly in a circle around her as if it was in a planets orbit. She awaited the arrival of the renown Jedi master @[member="Kiskla Grayson"]
 
Coruscant Temple
Temple Sparring Chamber
08:30
640px-Jedi_Temple_Sparring_Chamber_-_TFU.jpg
The Jedi were a balance between the spiritual and the physical.
The spiritual element was exerted through The Force, a mystical ability that left many in the galaxy baffled. The physical, was a display of agility and martialism.

Today, Kiskla had been requested to instruct a Padawan learner how to balance the two cornerstones in Form III of lightsaber combat.
This Padawan was insightful. War was coming, and many of The Empire's forces were trained with blasters.
And they were formidable.
Kiskla had learned Soresu because of her history with a blaster. Her ability to shoot aided with her ability to quickly and reflexively calculate angles in order to conserve her energy and defend herself. Something they would need in the immanent war the galaxy would soon witness.

She wasted no time, and was prompt to the scheduled appointment. As soon as she entered the dimly-lit facility (which was a stark contrast to the daylight that blessed Coruscant), the sound of her own heels against the flooring ricocheted from wall to wall. She was pleased to see the Padawan had also taken the hours into consideration, and had respected her enough to be on time. Respect and decency.
The Togrutan Padawan looked miniature in the centre of the two-story arena, especially in comparison to the overreaching, ancient figures made of marble. A small smile flickered across the blonde's lips at the recollection of her time spent being tiny, and in a similar, vulnerable situation. Because the Padawan's senses were so exposed, Kiskla approached slowly, her long legs taking their time to close the distance between her tall figure and the seated Jedi.

"It's good to see you centering yourself, Padawan Ru." The blonde Master said, breaking the silence. Slender fingers reached up to her hood and lowered it, letting it rest against her shoulders. The woman's pants were a similar light hue, a difference from the Jedi robe norm. Kiskla's asymetrical clothing was better for her agility, she found. Less fabrics to be concerned about. "Are you ready for today's lesson?" A question that could reveal a great insight into the Padawan's personality based on the response. Therefore, her light gaze was fixed on the Padawan in the ring of the arena, and her hands folded in front of her as she waited for the Padawan to respond on her own accord.

@[member="Sochi Ru"]
 
She was surprised she hadn't felt the presence of the Master approach. Maybe she was too focus, or maybe deep in though about something else that clouded her perception for a brief time. However she was rather excited by the voice she had heard. She got up slowly, unfolding her legs and turning around catching her lightsaber hilt. She holstered her hilt, and ran her hands slowly down her light brown skirt to release some of its wrinkles. After that she too folded her hands and placed them in front of her. She responded, "Hello Master Grayson, I'm grateful for your help this day. I hope it wasn't much trouble clearing your schedule for this?" She said softly. Her demeanor was always professional, she figured that was how she should be. She wanted to practice being a true embodiment of the Jedi Code, and all its tenets. Some might say she was a little to dedicated, but she felt this was necessary for being a Jedi.

She noticed the woman's robes, running hers eyes along them, they were unique it seemed. A fit unlike others she had seen within the order. Well they were coming into new times, and it wasn't something unexpected and surprising. She took a couple of steps closer and bowed before the woman, not been able to believe she hadn't done that earlier. It was a sign of respect, and one must always honor their master. She proceeded to respond to her question, "Yes, Master Grayson. I'm ready for the lesson that is to be at hand." She responded once more, still within her soft spoken tone of voice. She was truly a woman of few words.

@[member="Kiskla Grayson"]
 
"There's always time for those willing to learn." Kiskla offered in response to @[member="Sochi Ru"]'s polite appeal to her schedule. Well that was certainly diplomatic and generous of her!

"You're ready, are you?" The blonde Master pried after the Padawan had done obeisance. She wondered how much research the young Togrutan had invested prior to this arranged meeting. Form III was a purely defensive form, that allowed a Jedi to extend their amount of time in the field and harvest their energy productively. "Good. You can start with telling me what you know of Form III -- including the opening stance."

Kiskla took a step back, allowing the learner her space to demonstrate. "Remembering that the primary objective for this forms development was to defend against oncoming blaster fire."
 
Masters Kiskla's response of "There was always time for those willing to learn." Had brought a smile to her face. Oh how wonderful it was to learn something new, especially something that could benefit you, and others. Something you'll eventually be able to pass down to others who might seek you out to learn what you too sought out so long before them. She definitely quickly took a liking to this woman, she was easy to communicate with, and while Sochi was so soft spoken, and quiet, it all seemed to just come out with Master Grayson.

"Indeed I am ma'am," she said in response to her question. While she was asked to tell out she had previous knowledge was she was gladly too. At least now she could get clarity on something if she hadn't understood it the first time. "We'll Form III otherwise known as soresu, the most defensive of the seven forms. It utilizes tight moves, making use of subtle dodges and parries, intended to provide maximum defensive coverage, and minimize exposure to ranged fire. It was developed to counter the wide-spread emergence of blasters. To make up for what Form II: Makashi wasn't equipped for. One would practice this form to be able to expend as little energy in the process as possible." She said slowly, and softly. Hopefully she could be heard. After she gave her summary of what she already knew about this form she looked back to @[member="Kiskla Grayson"] to see why she might say next.
 
Kiskla nodded at the explanation. @[member="Sochi Ru"] had done her research. That was good, that made her job both easier and more fun. It meant she could cut to the action rather than the boring history and drawling theory of it all. For a mighty species, the Padawan was quite hushed, and it worried Kiskla that once they activated their lightsabers she might not be able to hear her over the hungry hums of the energy.

"One would practice this form to be able to expend as little energy in the process as possible.." Kiskla's blonde head bobbed in approval, repeating what the Padawan had said word for word. This proved that she had listened to what Sochi had said, and hadn't just asked her to repeat the story behind Soresu as a test. "Why is it you want to practice it?"

Kiskla let the question hang in the air for a moment, before reaching behind her and unclipping one of her hilts from her lower back. "I want you to follow along as I introduce the lesson, alright? We'll walk through it before application." Usually, Kiskla would throw one of her own Padawans right into the ring without any forewarning and instruct them from the viewing patio overhead. This wasn't the case today, however, because Sochi was not her own Padawan.

"As you said, this is a defensive technique. So first thing's first, you want to create a circle of protection around you. Typically, blaster fire is fairly concentrated and you want to cover all your zones, as well as those around you if possible." Kiskla faced the Togrutan and pointed to different areas of the being's body as she spoke, indicating the 'zones' she had mentioned. "A key element of Soresu is self-awareness. You have to know your back from your front." Kiskla smirked "Silly sounding, I know. Please activate your saber -- set it for training or leave it at regular energy levels. Whichever you prefer." Kiskla usually didn't set things for training, she was adament in a no threat, no purpose. Even though this was a controlled, friendly environment, no enemies would be setting their sabers to training level. "Your front is the direction of your weapon arm, and lead foot. Keep your posture straight."

"Your strength is from your shoulders, unlike many other forms where its all in the wrist." Kiskla took the stance she had instructed to Padawan Ru, pointing with her toes and her lead arm before rotating the saber through her shoulder and waist motions. "Follow along with me, and keep your stance steady through your knees."
 
Sochi slightly smiled hoping that the bob of the Master was one of approval. She didn't want to come off as a bookworm who thought she knew everything, when in reality she was a humble as anyone could be. She just liked to study; a lot. Especially on subjects that she would be dedicating lots of her time to. As she held her lightsaber hilt in front of her, across her chest, she began to answer her first question, while Sochi's eyes followed her movements.

"Well Master, I think its definitely an expression of non-aggressive Jedi philosophy. With me wanting to go into diplomacy in the future if I make that far, this would be a useful form to have. If the need for aggressive negotiations were to arise." She said softly

She nodded her head at the masters request for her to follow along while she walked her through it. Sochi slightly closed the gap between them so that she could get a good view, and be able to hear perfectly the explanation and see the demonstration at hand. Her head followed the motions of Kiskla's hands as the pointed to different locations on the body, ones that she was emphasizing. She nodded, and activated her blue saber. The blade shot out of her hilt casting a blue glow along her body. She would prefer to leave where it is, thinking she wouldn't be able to do that in battle, best she got use to it now.

Sochi nodded along, trying to her best to hear the very last word of every sentence clear enough so that she wouldn't fall behind. She nodded her head slowly while watching the Master assume the posistion while she to followed behind. Once she got into the stance all that ran through her head was, "keep posture straight.... Strength from the shoulders.... Front is the direction of the weapon arm, and the lead foot. Hmmm gotta keep the stance steady, use my knees." She tried her best to follow everything to the absolute tee.

@[member="Kiskla Grayson"]
 
Kiskla held her position while @[member="Sochi Ru"] followed along. The blonde master noted that Padawan Ru did her best to mimmick Kiskla's moves with each twist. Her progression was undeniable, and she was pleased that Ru proved to be a quick learner. Although, at this stage, it wasn't difficult at all.

"All terms of defense stem from that maneuver." Kiskla spoke again, still unwavering in her pose. Her blade had yet to be activated, unlike Sochi's, and her hilt was still steadfast. "I want you to repeat those motions and look into covering all of your zones. But now, for offence, your primary motions will be sweeping."

Zzzcchhhttt

To better demonstrate, Kiskla's cerulean blade activated and protruded from the hilt, glowing radiantly. The hum of her blade was nearly deafening, and immediately the scent of ozone filled the space between the Master and Padawan. Kiskla's wrist, from overhead, twisted and still using her shoulders to move her blade, her blade wove a basket of blue light; demonstrating the defective slashes that were so recognizably Form III.
 
She was extremely focused on getting every single step correct, she didn't want to disappoint Kiskla after all. She tried her best to mimc, and apply to memory all the steps, and maneuvers, plus the verbal lessons. She nodded her head at the Masters statement, "All terms of defense stem from that Maneuver." She repeated that to herself in her head probably more than fifty times.

She took to e task of repeating the moves, and motions shed just learned. Nodding her head, to show that she heard the master though she didn't have eye contact with her. She manipulated her lightsaber, with motions stemming from her shoulders, and her waist. They weren't as refined as she would've liked them to be, but at least she was grasping the concept. She continued to repeat, and repeat.

She only stopped for a brief period of time, to watch the demonstration that the master was about to give. It was clear that this woman was indeed the master she needed after all. It was so natural to her. Her demonstration was one needed, it helped pull Sochi closer to the concept she was being taught after all. Ru then assumed the stance that was Form III, and began to perform the moving motions of her shoulder, and twisting of her wrist. Trying her best to keep it refined.

@[member="Kiskla Grayson"]
 
"Good." Kiskla observed, "Maintain that control for all the following saber orbits I show you. And feel free to interrupt with any sort of questions." Her blade hummed by her side until she lifted it once more to demonstrate an upward wield.

"This is is another defense motion. Keep using your shoulders and keep your hilt connected with your centerline. Then, make a downward cho behind to ensure proper rotation." As Kiskla used one hand, she kept an eye on @[member="Sochi Ru"], using her free hand to brace her elbow as it twisted with the demonstation. She then switched to a complementary minor orbit "Establish a rhythm." Kiskla's toned arm looked as if it were weaving in and out of waves, like a dolphin leaping between crests. Slowly, however, her major orbit began to tighten and the circle's arc began to get smaller. For demonstration purposes, Kiskla moved slowly, transferring the strength from her shoulder, to her wrist as the arc began to decrese. Soon, the blade was twirling in a circle in her hand, crossing from shoulder to shoulder with a manifested shield of brilliant cerulean.
 
She kept performing stopping only for a moment while she took in more of Master Grayson's lesson. She nodded to indicate that she understood, making a mental note of all that the Master said. Performing more of a sequence to drill the movements into her mind, so that it will become something natural to her. Doing so almost simultaneously as the master recommended it so. Though her skill in this moment would definetly not be on Kiskla's level she still tried to maintain a clean, and clear form. She slowly looked over to see another demonstration from Kiskla. One could tell she slowed her movements to a point where others would be able to see each movement done all the way through. Ru herself stopped to further watch the demonstration. It would soon be that the masters blade was twirling within her hand, roaming around her body, leaving a manifested trail of blue; a shield.

"That was a really great feat you demonstrated Master Grayson." She said softly, sending the woman her praise.

@[member="Kiskla Grayson"]
 
The whirring hum stopped and Kiskla deactivated her blade with a shake of her head at @[member="Sochi Ru"]'s compliment. The Togrutan had followed along as best as she could for her first time, and her intent and will was obvious. Something that Kiskla would pick at until Padawan Ru developed the skills enough to send her into the front lines, where her shield of light would protect those by her side.

"Thank you, but it's easy to look impressive on your own." It was true. She turned to face the Padawan, clipping her lightsaber hilt back to it's position on her lower back "How confident are you? Think you can withstand some fire?"
 
She contained a small, subtle smile. It would seem Ru wasn't the only one who was humble, and that was a good thing. It was great that she could identify with Master Grayson. Ru had only determination left to get to that particular level of skill one day. While now she seemed to be on the correct road. Though, she was sure that she hadn't enough training yet, there was still much she inspired to learn, and she wasn't one to move on to skill after skill. She took her time and trained specific abilities for a while. She never wanted to be one of those Jedi who spread themselves thin.

She refocused when the Master spoke once more, this time it would seem that she was being given a proposition. A chance to practice more, but with some resistance. Well that did seem the best way to learn. She wouldn't turn her done regardless.

"I'm not sure at what level of confidence I'm at yet ma'am, and I'm willing to try" she said softly, accepting the challenge.

@[member="Kiskla Grayson"]
 
Unconfident, would be the answer if @[member="Sochi Ru"] couldn't assess where she stood.

"Let's put what you've learned to trial." As Kiskla spoke, she extended her thoughts to an un-sentient being that hung against the wall. The droid's eyes lit to life and it descended from it's position to the stone ground with a soft clunk.

"First, work on your defence." Without much more introduction, Kiskla stepped away, though keeping her hold on the droid to set it to an easy level for an introduction. She didn't want to overwhelm the Padawan, she wanted her to learn. The hovering metallic ball whirred over toward the Togrutan Padawan, and gave a beep of activation as a warning to Level 1 before emitting a blast of energy at Sochi.

Many more shots were fired in a similar fashion shortly after the inaugural.
 
She held on to her lightsaber with both of her hands. She noticed that the Master had called out for one of the many training droids along the wall. They were suddenly joined by the non sentient companion. Her eyes slowly opened wider, awaiting on what she would have to do.

She nodded, when she received her first objective, to work on her defense. She noticed her master stepping back, and almost simultaneously the droid started hovering towards her. Sochi ignited her lightsaber and stood ready. All that she had been taught she went back over in her head.

When she heard the beep that signaled the initiation of level one she looked at the droid, focusing herself. She manipulated her shoulders, and wrist to compliment her lightsaber, blocking the first blast. It ricocheted off her blade and across the room. This would continue a couple of more times. She continued using her wrist to maneuver her blade around to block the boasters shots. She surprised even herself when she displayed the ability to do this, while just learning the skill not too long before this, it would mean she had a great teacher.

@[member="Kiskla Grayson"]
 
She kept her eyes on the droid, she had heard the comments made by the observing master even though she hadn't turn her attention towards her.

Still focusing on blocking the incoming fire, she tried to attempt returning the next bolt back to its origin, but she would fail. The next attempt would fail as well, with the bolts still going in every other direction but back to the sender.

She sighed, and squinted her eyes. She was going to get this right at the end of the day. After acouple of more deflected bolts her very next would return back to the droid, following the same path from which it came back. The red bolt bouncing off her blue blade, reflected right back to its origin.

@[member="Kiskla Grayson"]
 
The droid fizzed in response, and Kiskla upped it's shields.
Sochi was taking to Soresu like a powerful adhesive. As she spent minutes developing her skill, the training orb also intensified. When it was at level 3, a sister droid joined it. Still at the novice level.

Both droids bobbed now, spitting hot blasts of energy in @[member="Sochi Ru"]'s direction.

"Don't let the second opposer intimidate you." Kiskla spoke from the background, advising the Padawan to keep her wits about her.

"Keep your strength and your focus. Soresu was developed so you could keep these up for days without growing tired. Just remain focused on protecting yourself, and deflecting those shots."
 
She remained humble at the sight of the droid fizzing in response to her reflected bolt. She was rather excited to see her skills, and understanding increasing. It would seem the level of intensity, shields, and number do training droids would increase. She assumed a Jedi ready as quick as possible.

Both of her floating opponents were flinging blaster bolts at her direction, and she held both of her hands on her hilt and proceeded to block them. She made note of Her overseeing Masters words. She breathed, and strengthened her focus.

Precisely performing blocks, and fluidly moving from one to another, she deflected multiple bolts that wouldn't hit their target. It was the previous droid, now intensified, that she face more resistance from. Nevertheless she kept her strength and form, and eventually, with speed she deflected the blaster bolts back to their origin.

@[member="Kiskla Grayson"]
 
After much more of @[member="Sochi Ru"]'s defensive reactions, both hovering droids clattered to the ground in a spiral of smoke and sparks.

"Your progress is impressive, Padawan Ru." Kiskla commented, waving her hand for the two metallic bundles to roll away from the immediate space the two Jedi were sharing.

"I strongly encourage you to continue pursuing this form. Spar with other Jedi Padawans. My Padawan, @[member="Dar'rak"] is quite skilled in lightsaber combat, and I'm sure you would both benefit from an organized joust." She smiled warmly. This lesson was drawing to a close.

"Are you satisfied with your learnings, or would you like to continue?"
 

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