Raw Fire [Jericho]

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Voss Temple Gardens​

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Training Grounds​

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[member="Jericho"]​

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Walking the stone path to the training grounds, Théo is going to meet with Master Jericho to train in Makashi. He had heard of this master from other padawans and knights in the Silver Temple who had spoken of his expertise with the blade and saber, that there was no better than he if one wanted to learn to become proficient. Before reaching the gate, Théo took his new lightsaber in hand and regarded it, it was time to not just look the part of a Jedi but be one. At least begin this part of a Jedi's life.

Théo pushed open the gate, and walked up onto the veranda and looked inside the training room, there appeared to be on one about but who knew with Jedi, especially masters, they can be tricky. However, Théo decided to watch the babbling brook for a time until the master arrived. But the contemplative mood did not last long as something shiny in the water caught his eye and so he jumped down from the veranda and onto one of the larger rocks in the brook.

As try as he might, he could not reach the shiny thing and so he summon it to his palm through the force. Resting in his hand, a stone of the most fire red and as he turned it around the sunlight reflected off the surface, it was like it was moving, flickering like a flame and it reminded Théo of his uncle. Maybe one day he might give it to him, he thought as he washed off the dirt in the running brook holding it firmly in his hand.

 

[Jericho]

The day was in a huge wind and the trees were quickly losing there leaves. The clouds were coming quickly enough to cover the sky that one may no longer see the sky that you wanted or even the good sun to have a little heat or feeling of light was in the region. The ground was lush for now the only thing that could change it if it rains during these time of coverage in the sky. The small river of the region was far deep in the middle of the forest along with the training grounds of the Voss temple. He looked at the river for a while until he sees the young padawan, using the force to pick up some sort of stone. The young lad looked as if he was at peace, a sense of serenity as one could say the youth had more of it than some of the master and they didn't even realize it. From the looks of it he was the same age, if not older, than his own twins, Lily and Micah. It gave him a strange feeling, but the warrior quickly dismissed it.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

The was his name, son of the Lady Coci and Master Thurion Heavenshield. Masters of the order, one the leader and the other on the council. Quite the shadow that loomed and shoes to fill for the young lad. Was he anything going to be like them or become something more? Only time would tell. Not to mention he was the son of his brother disciple under Asha Seren. Did this mean he was going to be easy or more kind to the lad unlike his other padawans? No. Jericho was going to keep his usual regiment, it didn't matter how old he was, it didn't matter who he was or the family he had. His training was going to be tough, the young lad is young to feel a lot of pain. There would be blood, sweat, and tears but if he follows through he was going to be one tough blade master.

Now for the lesson, Makashi, it was going to be somewhat difficult for him to teach him a specific style as he had developed his own style from the adaptability of Niman. But everyone had to start somewhere. He walked up slowly to the lad and went straight in. "Heavenshield. What do you know about form II? Explain in detail if you can." The warrior state in his usual stern voice.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

The moment of letting his mind wonder off was over. The force telling of the arrival of the Master only seconds before his voice entered his head and ears. Théo stood upright quickly before descending in a respectful bow. Just for a moment Théo regarded him looking him over from boots to hair, he did not look like a blademaster, but Théo was not sure what one was suppose to look like. And this was the man that had beat mother in a dueling tournament, father's presence must have been a distraction, but mother had told him that Jericho as the best and to listen to him very carefully and be obedient.

To business, "Well .. I know it is combat orientated, uses little movement to be effective in conserving energy? while your opponent loose their's. err .. helps stop you being disarmed?", Théo tried to remember his reading of the form, but could not remember the actual descriptions of the strikes and blocks.

"Master Jericho, I have trained in and practiced form I, but I would like to learn a more defensive style before moving onto an attack form. I don't know much more then I have said". He looked a little sheepish and his cheeks flushed red.

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[member="Jericho"]​

 

[Jericho]

In return, the warrior bowed his head to the young man. He was unlike most of the misfits that Jericho took in, polite and courteous. Also unlike most of the mistfits he took in, Theo had the advantage of the archives within the silver order. There was so much knowledge to go around it was a wonder how he knew so little of the form. But the young man had the gist of the form and Jericho had to understand that everyone was different. He let out a soft sigh and adjusting his mask before speaking, "If you decide to learn under me again after this. Read up on more of the form or style. But you understand some of it's concept." The warrior said sternly to the young man. Now how would he go about this? The form was one of his weaker forms, he only learned it due to the foot work and understand the minimalist style so he could counter. Personally, Jericho disliked the form almost as much a Soreau, but he had to have lad learn his own way.

"Makashi, The Way of the Ysalamiri." The warrior started off. "Is a duelist's form, not a combat form." He took a seat giving the young man a moment to let that part to really sink in. He of course did what he could to keep from confusing the young man and mixing in his own opinion on the form. "This form is actually meant for one on one fighting. The form itself is elegant and it's main focus is for light but precise attacks, the foot work and movements to keep your weapon where you want it to be. In your hand. Before you say anything, there are applications of this form the can be used in a larger battle and there are a number of masters of this form can use it in a combat setting. But for now, we are starting at the basics."

The warrior stood up and went into the stance and held out his saber upward doing the salute, the light of blue igniting from the hilt. "This is the beginning proper salute before you make an attack." He did the bow before lowering at his saber in the stance expecting the boy do the same thing. "We are going to duel and you will get hurt. Knowing this do you truly wish to continue to learn before we begin." Jericho stated. This was the truth, he wanted to show the boy just what he was getting into. This was also another way to anaylze his skill and really help him develop. And with this he could test his determination. A blade master was the front line warrior and last defense for those in need, they would have to face many thing and had would have to have face it.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Each passing moment allowed Théo to gather himself. He listened attentively to every word Master Jericho spoke, not because he had been told to, but because he was interesting to hear. For once, Théo was interested in doing his homework, as soon as he could he would go to the Library and read what he could find on form II, and some. However, with a curious gaze he looked upon the master's mask and had to wonder why he wore it, but it would be rude to ask, he would have once.

As Master Jericho moved to stance, Théo grabbed hold of his new lightsaber, it still felt heavy in his grasp as he has not used it since he made it. Théo had not played with it, it is not toy he knew that and so the saber had not been ignited from that day forth. He followed the stance and held his to salute to the letter, "Master Jericho, do sith salute before they fight?", he had heard stories that they are anything but honourable when it comes to fighting. A long white blade erupted from his hilt, to mirror the position of the master.

On Midvinter a few years ago, Théo had come across Valkyri warriors training with long sword, the whole experience intrigued him and before he knew it, Théo had joined them. The Valkyri Elder, a good friend of his grand father, had given him a lesson with the sword and did not spare Théo because of his lineage, in fact he had pushed him greater. Théo had come away from that experience with plenty of bruises, aching muscles, cuts and a blooded nose. "I understand Master, I would not be working hard if I did not come away with some pain". He actually smiled, as he is prepared to take what is given to him, even though this experience may be even worse.

Théo gripped the hilt with a double hand, curled his fingers to relax. "I am ready master".

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[member="Jericho"]​

 

[Jericho]

"Some do." The warrior answered calmly holding his saber in one hand and before the young lad knew it, did a light strike onto the saver as a distraction before sweeping his foot behind the young boy's front foot to trip him up before doing a quick jab aimed for his face. The warrior moved fast as he attacked, as if on the tip of his toes despite being fair large and heavy. "Many don't." Jericho took a few steps back. "Boy, This is not Shii-cho. The double grip is meant for heavy, strong strikes." The warrior crack his neck some too loosen up. "Light and precise. Did I not mention that?" The warrior asked. "The true strength of the form utilizes quick but minimal movement. How that is applied offensively you will learn. Sooner than later. Think of his as a game of chess, never waste a move, and if you cannot find an opening. You make one." The warrior nodded when the boy spoke to him with determination, something he wanted to hear. He turned and faced him one more time. "Come at me, boy. But really thing of what you are going to do."

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

The first lesson came in the form of surprise. Even thought Théo's force awareness if good, having began training to strengthen it from the age of three, it still that split second to late in warning him of his surroundings and events within it. He hissed with pain as Jericho's saber touched his hand which cause he to quickly remove left hand while shaking it. Then he was on his back viewing the ceiling, lucky for Théo the training room floor is lightly padded and only minimal air exploded from his lungs, this is to say it did not hurt however, but he would not show the master this.

Natural instinct made Théo raised his saber to protect his face as the jab came toward him, would have hit too had not Jericho stayed the blow. Looming over his, Master Jericho gave him a deserved rebuke, before giving his instruction. Théo moved slowly to his feet, this time not taking his eyes of the master, his force senses alert and reaching for him to try and get any sign of his movement. A quick as lightning! he thought of his teacher. A game of chess, precise moves that are a presidence for several step ahead with endgame in mind. He knew he could not win, not today but that is not why he is here.

Théo had no attack form so he would wing it. Fleet of foot was a skill that Théo will learn in time but he would do his best. One natural ability that Master Jericho may not be aware of is his natural strength, Théo has Valkyri blood pounding through his veins, and with it comes an ancient physical strength beyond the average, men of Midvinter are four to five times stronger then their counterparts in the galaxy and Théo is blessed with this. Although still growing into his body, and for a child of ten, he posses the strength of one man.

Knowing he was about to end up on his back once more, Théo moved swiftly his arm loose but straight by his side and as he reached Master Jericho, the saber arched up as if to strike at his leg, but would continue long his body, the target zone was to strike the armpit. And if by some grace of the Gods of Midvinter it was to hit, Jericho would discover Théo's nature power.

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[member="Jericho"]​

 

[Jericho]

The warrior could hear the slight change in his breath, it was a quiet noise that many did not notice, as many trained or untrained made. But not many things got passed him. Every breath made, step, every move, the warrior could see almost as if he could predict his opponents next attack or gesture. Something learned from his constant training and numerous battles. The young lad held back his pain, the fact that he was winded. Good. In a real fight, the slightest weakness shown, could be the end of the fight by one with a trained eye. The warrior pulled his punch as the saber was raise in his defense.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"] eyes loomed onto the warrior, his gaze focused. Now what did the young man have in mind? What was his next move? Would he use a combination? If he was smart, he would go for a saber strike then a kick to the knee. If he was bold he would aimed to the body and then the head. No, he had only started this form and he only knew the clunky first form. His strikes would most likely rely heavily on his saber. He watched as the young lad aim low for his legs. Jericho was glad to see that the words went in one ear and stay in mind. There were too many that took lessons too lightly.

The warrior aimed down his blade to do a strike only to burn his ear only the young man's blade came up aiming for his arm. Mostly the joint under his shoulder, smart, but it left his entire body open. Knowing that he was already somewhat winded that would be the best course of action. But when the blades clashed he felt and underestimated the young boys strength, Theo had almost Jericho's natural strength but he was just a child. The warriors arm felt the full force unbraced and unready, the warrior's arm dislocated on impact and in response the warrior front kicked, digging his heel into the lads open core. With the time give he grabbed the wrist of his dislocated should and rolled it in quickly to relocate it. The warrior took in a deep breath and looked to Theo.

Such strength, this one would prove a very strong blade master one day. The lad reminded him of a warrior he fought with unnatural human strength, A sith lord by the name of Shaw. But it was only the strength they had in common, what were they exactly? Was Thurion the same way? Either way, he was going to have to intensify his own training and not let his guard down around the boy. "Good, you learn quickly. Come again. This time I will not hold back." The warrior said calmly.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

As Théo lay flat on his back from the kick to his torso, You are holding back?! I will be luck to get out of here alive, well I asked for it.

He was pleased to see that he had got one strike in that hit, this would be the only one for the days training he knew as the Master would now be aware of Théo abilities. Winded once more, Théo scrambled to his feet, his saber loosely hanging by his side as he sucked in air to his lungs. It hurt but a lesson learned to not open the body, easier said than done of course. His force awareness informed him Jericho had been injured with his strike, even though he had corrected his arm and shoulder there would still be pain and Théo will target this, use it to advantage over him if he can.

Looking Jericho over once more, Théo knew he had a height advantage over him and would have to think of a way to counter this. He nodded his understanding that he is required to strike again. Remembering the moves taught to him from the Valkyri Elder, Théo will strike and block to protect his body, before trying for the final blow. He thought about the momentum of the strike, what would be the best hit in order to get into position to strike the shoulder. I need to engage his blade, he thought.

Although he noted Jericho light foot work, it was something he was not capable of just yet, and so his approached would be heard clearly and heavy upon the floor, to counter this he would use the force. Within contact range, Théo raised his blade to strike at Jericho's left side, the saber hilt slightly raised to be able to force the hilt upward to the side to block a strike to his body, the blade keeping tight to his side with a firm grip so it would not be pushed back on him. At the same time, Théo pushed the force to his legs and leaped of the padded surface enough to have he level with Jericho's shoulder, his spare hand curled into a fist and with all his strength he thew a punch to the shoulder joint.

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[member="Jericho"]​

 

[Jericho]

Jericho was at the pinnacle of the human form, the was never a day he did not train his body whether it was mental, physical, or through the force. And he has had plenty of wounds, something like a dislocated and relocated shoulder was nothing he couldn't handle. Same could be said with the young Heavenshield, it was true, his strength was completely unnatural and left the warrior surprised but that would be the only time. The padawan gave the warrior an old lesson that he should of kept to heart, never underestimate anyone or anything based on their appearance nor their age. Given that alone, Jericho could feel that this one would prove to be a powerful blade master whether or not he would be corrupted by the dark side or killed before the full blossoming potential would be seen.

Jericho analyzed the young one, he looked at him from head to toe and listened to the breath he made. Despite such strength, the young man still had limited endurance and he barely controlled his breathing before making his making is move. The young man was focused and he was quick learner, telling from what Jericho learned about young Theo, though Jericho hadn't shown the strain from that attack; Theo may still want to make an attack of sorts to the applied area. Or would he attack low for the legs to compensate for the height difference? The warrior took in a deep breath. He could hear the clunky and heavy steps made by the young man, listened to his breathing once more, a deep breath only made attempt to catch up from being winded.

His eyes watched the movement of the young man's shoulder as he swung his blade with the misstep of his footing. His feet had betrayed him, revealing that he wanted to move foreword in a jump for a higher strike. As Theo made his leap; Jericho quickly switched saber from his left to his right hand and with a spin parried the strike. Witnessing the jab, Jericho initial reaction was to take the punch to the shoulder, in which case he could completely relocate his should and endure minor muscle pain but the possible end result could of meant fracturing his wrist. This was a form lesson and he had to teach accordingly. Rather than doing that, Jericho continue his spin, avoiding the punch all together finding his way behind Theo. Jericho grabbed Theo's robed and slammed him into the ground and deactivated his placing it on the boy's forehead. "Dead." The warrior said quietly flipping up his saber to the blunt end and hitting him hard in the forehead.

"You have great strength. I will give you that. But brute strength can only get you so far. With form you must learn a level of grace." Jericho said calmly, rolling up his sleeve a bit to take off his training vest, wrist and leg gauntlets that were over his . "I don't have any spare training gear, so you'll have to use mine for now, but seeing as you're as strong should be able to handle these." As they dropped, the made a loud and heavy THUD! each piece weighing a ridiculous 75 pounds and the vest weighing at 125 pounds. "Now. Put these on and do 100 squat jump and after doing that bounce on your toes for the next hour. After doing so, I'll give you ten minutes to breath, then we will continue again. Every time you 'die' I will make you do this on top of another exercise. Understood?"

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He lay on the padded mat on the floor once more looking up at the ceiling and breathing hard. A hand raised up to rub the spot on his forehead now wearing a red welt after Master Jericho's hilt left it's mark. Théo pulled himself up onto his elbows and regarded the master bladesman and watched as he took off his vest and gauntlets. The thud of them as they hit the floor did not phase Théo, he knew he could lift them, but wear them would be another matter. But he would do as his master asked of him, so he stood up and placed them on as best he could.

Grace! "How does one learn to be gracefull?", this was a word he would use to describe Nina but that was innate to her, not him, so he would have to learn it somehow.

The gauntlets and vest sat uncomfortably on Théo, the weight easy enough to bear and only just adjusted enough to fit firmly around his body. Regardless he began to do his jump squats of which he would complete half before feeling fatigue. Sweat began to pour off his body as his inner core began to rise in temperature, everyone has their weaknesses and well as strengths and this was Théo's. His Valkyri blood cannot tolerate high heat, as strong as he is physically, it is heat that is his down fall.

But Théo will push himself to the limits, and so he continued on ..

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[member="Jericho"]​

 

[Jericho]

"You practice." The warrior said calmly as he sat down with his legs crossed and his head rested on his shoulder and began to hover using the force. Why he did have the young lad do something like this? The reason was, to not only only strengthen the boy but help he feel how light he really was. After this training exercise he would feel much lighter on his feet than he was use to after all he was moving with basically an additional four hundred and twenty-five pounds. Having him bounce from foot to foot made him look like he was dancing awkwardly but would allow him to understand his body little more and help him be less clunky without the extra weight.

While he continued to do this for the next hour, Jericho closed his eyes and though how he would go about the lesson, he himself with a limited knowledge of the form itself. He had his own style of fight with a mixture of Niman/Jar'kai which was basically a mixture of all the form and multiple martial arts. With most his fight, he had always been the aggressor, pressing his foes relentlessly with his higher endurance and speed while tactically attacking while exploiting the flaws and open ends of his opponents giving them zero time to breath or focus. This wasn't limited to single foes either, he trained himself enough to battle up to, maybe even more than, four opponents at once. The skill was to pinpoint the weaknesses in the teamwork.

In his style would Form II be most prominent? Foot work. Pinpointing. Parrying. Lighter strikes. From the looks of things already he was already understanding pinpointing and lighter strikes. How would he explain these things properly until he had a better understanding and developing his own preference to forms? The warrior took in a deep breath while looking over to Theo. Half way through, the young man looked gassed and overheat, but he kept going, seemingly that seemed to be his weakest trait....Endurance and foot work. Thinking of the weaknesses of the form as well, Jericho would have young Theo keep on the weights for a few more bouts then have to face off without the weights to see the difference in skill or ability.

After an hour of bouncing, Jericho's feet lightly stepped on the ground. "You be keep that weight on you." The warrior said, as he shaped earth to the similar shape as the gauntlets and vest and making them dense to the similar weight. "We will have our match again and see if you retained what I taught you thus far." The warrior said arming himself with his saber and doing the formal bow. "Come at me when you are ready."

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Aching pain began to set in his limbs, his thigh began to burn only to be replaced with more as he stopped the jump squats and entered into balancing on his toes. The exercise making him hotter and he was becoming light headed and in fear of tumbling to the floor. At this moment Théo closed his eyes trying his best to pull on all his reserve to sustain the exercise and not fall, when the image of his father entered his mind, he could see him working the antler of his lightsaber, carving the Valkyri runes into the bone with deliberate strokes and care and so Théo focused on this image. With each cut of the carving blade, the gentle curl of the white bone Théo heart rate dropped and steadied as he went into a meditation.

It is finished, when you say it's finished ...

His father's words entered his mind. The training was not over yet and Théo opened his eyes and the exercise was completed. Although tired, he had his determination back. Everything is about persistence, patience and practice as Master Jericho said. He drew in the force to enter his body and strength his legs and arms even more and pushed away the thoughts of the heat, no distractions and he was able to take the weight of the vest and gauntlets with ease.

Théo walked toward Master Jericho and saluted once more. Standing facing him, Théo side stepped to the left and as he did his first strike targeted Jericho's right leg the white blade coming in from the right to strike his inner thigh, pulling the blade back after a strike would be made Théo pushed his weight to his left leg and kicked out with the right toward Master Jericho's right knee to make contacted with the side of it in a jabbing strike. Théo transferred his saber to the left hand and swung the blade to cut across Jericho's back as he pivoted right on both feet.

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[member="Jericho"]​

 

[Jericho]

Was this his true determination showing his will and need to become a great blade master or was this just desperate instinct made from exhaustion from the sheering burn of the exercise? The warrior looked into eyes of the future bladesmen, their eyes locked as they bowed and Jericho could see and feel an aura outside the force around the young man. From that he could tell, it was both determination and desperation, whether the young man realized it or not. Though the word desperation is usually seen as negative, Jericho saw it as needed to learn, to understand. Those who are desperate and meek only know one way from where they were and that was up. Those that are desperate thrive to grow from where they are by any means necessary and combine that with powerful determination made a most dangerous foe.

Few understood the warriors thinking and even fewer agreed but this was his way.

By now most would have been exhausted to the brink to just passing out but Theo held strong with his white blade in hand ready for battle. The warrior almost grinned, he was showing the determination of the late Emily Kao his first padawan but showing the smarts not to be foolhardy, well as of yet. This was suppose to be only a lesson but the warrior was start enjoy himself, though he did not show it. The young eased himself with the force and keep his body going despite everything and not only that he pulled an impressive combination. It's been a short lesson but he was already learning so much even going as far as mimcking what he saw the warrior do. The warrior took breaths as he move to resist and fight back back.

The warrior's movements remained minimal as he watch the young boy move. Despite the complicated and swift movements even with the heavy gear, this was what Makashi was made for. Jericho moved his blade to parry but that was of no consequence as Theo feint the attack and move to kick at his right leg, Jericho merely took the blow shin to shin, though Theo had the strength as did Jericho. Even if he didn't had the earth around his leg; the warrior's bone was that equal to a sharpened blade, if anything the earth cushion the block. Watching the exchange of hand with his trained eye, raise his arm over head and did a backward block. With Theo low and Jericho towering height, the warrior raise his hand and hit the boy over his head with the slightest turn of his huge body. The worst damage would he a bump on the back of the head and face on padded floor, last thing he needed to hear was Coci or Thurion yelling at him about a severe concession.

"Dead." Jericho said as he sat on the back of the young Theo. The warrior sat up and took a few steps away and as he did the warrior explained. "Though you movement was much better than before and the use of combination was splendidly done for someone who just learned and came from that intense regiment. But there was some you missed. Some one always does in a game of chess before making the next move." Jericho faced the floored boy. "Analyze foe more intently, padawan. Every, single, thing. From head to toe, their possible reach from to length and point of their saber. Like you last move, had you stay low with your attack continuing on my leg, you more than likely would have scored another point as you did my shoulder. Now get up and think and go through the regiment again and if you can handle it we will go again."

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He gritted his teeth and the back of his head smarted with pain and his face pressed the the padded surface of the floor once more, it still hurt regardless of this. After Master Jericho had got off him, Théo rolled on his back and looked up into the ceiling. Every single word Jericho spoke made sense, he had missed much in his thinking and paid for it now. This lesson was always going to be a 'kicking' but Théo had already learned a great deal and it would stay with him forever. He would not help but smile at his Master's praise but that soon vanished when it dawned on him that more squat jumps and toes balancing was about to begin.

Pulling himself off the floor, Théo began the regiment of exercises and immediately drew upon his mediation to get through it else he would fail. It was just that little bit easier this time, his muscles had adjusted slightly to the extra pressure to his body, but it still hurt, the burning returned but his determination burned hotter. Théo is a ball of sweat, he could feel the moisture from his body running in rivulets down the back of his neck, across his chest and arm, a gentle breeze able to enter the room from the garden assisted in cooling him down.

Once the exercises were completed, Théo turned to face Master Jericho and saluted. From behind the white blade that blazoned in front of his face in salute, Théo grinned to his master and spoke boldly. "It is finished, when I say it's finished". His father's words that will become his mantra.

Théo moved forward at a even pace, his lightsaber lunged forward point directed at Jericho's torso. He knew he was in range of Jericho's reach being an adult with longer arms, but still Jericho would have to block the saber. Just before the tip of the blade would hit, Théo dropped into a crouch and pivoted on the balls of this feet, his blade aching as his body turned strike directed toward Jericho's ankle on the right. To avoid being hit on the back of the head or the center of his back, Théo dropped to the floor and with the use of the force her rolled out of reach and sprung back to his feet and back into ready stance. His sapphire blue eyes, mirror images of his father's stared fixed into Master Jericho's waiting....

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[member="Jericho"]​

 

[Jericho]

The young man was tired body covered in dripping sweat from the training and yet he continued to push on and on. It was impressive that he was able to even push on for this long, just how much endurance and determination did he really have? Jericho continued to watch him as he did the regiment asked of him and wanted to keep on fighting. Theo looked no older than his own twins and yet here he was contending still, it made the warrior wonder what level his own children were at. Were they impressive as young Theo here? He wanted to see for himself just how they would measure up. Seeing the young Padawans progress thus far though, it seemed that the bar was set up rather high. The warrior let out a soft sigh, hopefully Lily was taking her studies seriously.

In this thought he looked to the young man as his bow and lunged at Jericho swiftly aiming for the torso. Jericho moved to block but Theo shifted and aimed for Jericho's legs and Jericho did something some one would have never expected a giant of a man would do. Something so seemingly odd that an armored and earth man would do. He jumped. The warrior jumped up elegantly his knees raised high letting Theo make his defensive move and lightly landed on his toes. The warrior did nothing else aside from this and lock his dark brown eyes with the young man. Looked at the boys nose, watching it flare with his breathing, heavy with each bated breath.

Determination or not, he would last much long at the rate he was going. The warrior raise his hand and the force instructions were to revitalize the lad. "Enough for today. You have done well. Train on your own, remember what you did and practice those movements. Visualize everything and every opponent that you might face big or small. Keep the gear and train in it, I will test you again in a months time. Understand?"


[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

As soon as his master called it a day, Theo extinguished his white blade and allowed his arm to drop to his side. His master knew he would be at the end of his energy, only with one more effort in him before he would collapse to the floor. He did feel light, on his feet as well as light headed, but what was more exciting to Theo was he had come along way in such as short time. He is battered and bruised and aching all over but he has never felt so alive. With pressure off, his breathing slowed, his heart rate lessened and he cool down.

He could not help but smile at the words giving him praise for a great job, and was even more pleased when Master Jericho had summon him in one month from now. And now he had some great to look forward too.

"Yes my master, I will practice and thank you for the loan of the equipment", Theo bowed deep, almost stumbling forward as he did and a small chuckle escaped his lips. " May the force be with you".

Theo left the training room and his master to his own devices, and headed for the Silver Temple. It was only now he would show signs of pain and he groaned with each foot fall on the pathway.

​

Master [member="Jericho"]​

​

The End.​