Round 2: Jedi Tournament Xeraic V Yumi

[Coren Starchaser]

And it had been a few days, just enough for holos to be reviewed, give the Jedi time to heal, and rest up, revitalize themselves. For those who were wanting to continue on with the tournament, there were more matches lined up. And for others, some had to travel out and others were coming back, the training and sparring grounds were open to all. And with so many missions going on for the Jedi, it was easy to get lost in the lines.

The nice thing about the Praxeum that Ember Farseer helped to establish, was that there wasn’t quite a denomination. Jedi from all over had come to train here, learn from one of the instructors, or another, or help network with another group of Jedi who were leaning in the way they wanted.

Today, the Jedi were back at it. The spar had the same rules, general simple garb, and training weapons of the Jedi’s own choosing, as long as they were of the melee designation, no Jedi popping in with ranged weapons. Occuring in one of the many indoor sparring rooms, the Jedi were greeted by a Sentinel to introduce the rules and combatants. They were also there to call points and assist if there was a dispute.

It was unlikely, because it was the Jed, but it made most feel better.

Round 2 of the Jedi Dueling Tournament [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] v [member="Sky'ito Yumi"]

 

[Sky'ito Yumi]

Of all the people she could have gone up against she was paired with Yuroic of all people, a person who was far older and known to be a better fighter then herself. The other match she was in was close enough as is, the knight she fought having some fancy tricks up his sleeve but in the end she won due to her quicker reaction times, recent training in Echani martial arts and general racial stamina and tank hit taking.

This time, she could not rely on such skills as fully, though not knowing a whole lot about Yuroic it was a common fact that the man was a hardened fight, having seen many battles. No doubt he would be able to predict certain attacks and moves along with ways to counter them, that only being made more challenging by the fact he was a master. One could easily assume his knowledge of the force was far greater then her own, in both physical and mental capacity.

Even she would not back down, regardless of if she won such a chance to spar with one of the orders most accomplished masters was a reward in itself. As with her last fight Sukai stood in the ring, Boken in hand awaiting the other Jedi, her traditional robes having not changed for the last bout either, stained with a little blood along with the odd cut and crumple from stray strikes. Could she have washed them? yes, but the marks showed her worth in the last match, by the end of the tournament she would expect it to have many marks hopefully making the robe a memorable piece to have on one of the mansions walls.

 

[WelshPsych]

Yuroic never underestimated an opponent. His path had crossed with Sky'ito in brief moments but he knew her sibling Tanaski better. The family of Yumi were not to bs underestimated by their small stature or thin frames. He had started to learn their language and culture, it was a dream of his to learn as many languages as he, humanly, could. Never be better than a droid but he be capable to speak to a vast majority of people. Yuroic grasped another bostaff, doubting it was the same from his previous bout with an Echani, a lesson he was not going to forget. It was not often a person could match an Echani in combat but his battle experience helped him a long way, as did his neverending pursuit to perfect his combat skills.

Yuroic noted the boken and smiled, his staff was something that Sky'ito would bs familiar with. "Give it all you can Sky'ito. That's all I ask, we're both Jedi Knights here, I think you have a chance to win so don't doubt yourself." He could sense the doubt in the younger Knight. He was older and had more practical experience, Sky'ito had youth, agility and the ability to surprise him with her people's ways. He twirled his staff then took a defensive position. Inhaling deeply, he steeled himself for the fight. Picturing his actions and where he wanted to guide the fight to its conclusion.

[member="Sky'ito Yumi"]

 

[Sky'ito Yumi]

Sukai kept her eye on Yuroic as he approach, the man going for a quarterstaff, the same weapon her last opponent held, this would certainly be an interesting duel. "Knights?... um yes I will", she was sure Yuroic was a master at this point, regardless it gave her more confidence in that matter, but still the experience between the two was still present, she'd need to use her non Jedi skills to match the mans age and own mastery.

As the two approached she took the mans words to heart, placing the wooden blade down be her side, suing her left hand like a sheath, wile having her right hand hover just over the hilt. Iaijutsu would be her go to style for this duel, the quick strikes and surprise would hopefully be to her advantage, it would also be useful in counterattacking any moves by the Jedi master. "Ready when you are, or would you prefer me to make the first move Yuroic"? She asked, giving a small bow before taking the stance once again.

[member="Yuroic Xeraic"]

 

[WelshPsych]

While he was honoured by the telling signs that Sky thought of him as a Jedi Master, facts were he was only a Knight. His recent antics would not have gained him any favours with the Order. Most members were against using spice, attacking fellow Jedi and tampering with your memories. However those days were behind him and for now, Yuroic wanted to focus on the future. One step forward. He was just here to see how well his skills were in comparison to other Jedi. Feeling the wood in the staff, Yuroic felt the Force flow through the both of them. While he wasn't attempting to use it, feeling the Force was elating in its own way.

There was a clear measured sense of calm pouring from him. Yuroic wasn't the broody, angry type he had been, he was calm and cheerful most of the time. Sky asked if she should attack first or should he. A smirk crossed his face, "deciding that ruins an element of surprise, does it not?" He asked in a teasing manner as he studied the young Knight's stance. It was not one he recognised as a Jedi stance, making him all too wary of her people's fighting style. His upbringing didn't give him such luxuries, it was more stab people in dark alleys, sadly the arena had no dark alleys for him to try that.

Twirling his bostaff, Yuroic thought on what style of attack he wanted to do. It was harder not knowing how Sky's attacks were going to be but he guessed there would be precision and from spectating position, elegance. Which was just frustrating, he had to do better research on them. Then it clicked, Form II was dueling and elegance, something that could match Sky's style. Dropping into Makashi, Yuroic studied Sky and poised to attack. Then did. Striking at her side and arms. Attempts to knock the wind out and make the arms weak so they could how her weapon.

[member="Sky'ito Yumi"]

 

[Sky'ito Yumi]

Sukai kept a calm look about herself breathing in and out in a steady rythem, trying to not show any weakness when facing the green robed man while remaining focused but not to tense. The commont from her fellow knight earned a small chuckle but was not without it's own reply. "Perhaps but this is a proper sanctioned duel between two comrades it is only polite to ask before hand". "That and is is honorable to ask first before making a strike, I am not like my brother who will jump down ontop of you from a two story building and slide a knife into your neck". She retorted giving a smirk to the man as the officially began the duel.

As the side strike came Sukai put her stance into use, quickly swiping towards the incoming blow with her wooden sword, not aiming to block but bat away or the least halt the incoming attack. If he mark proved true she would quickly retract the blade back into her hand sheath before making her own attack, going for a wide swing towards Yuroic's legs in hop of getting the man off balance. If the move was not as successful as she though Sukai would put both hands to the blade as they locked together from the strike, trying tor slide the dulled blade along the pole arms and towards the knights hands.

[member="Yuroic Xeraic"]

 

[WelshPsych]

Yuroic smirked as Sky gave her retort. It was fair to give politeness and respect during a friendly duel. Though, this was a competition to seek the best Jedi fighter. Yuroic's intents were to win within the rules, he was hopeful to prove his worth. To have somrthing to show for the decade-plus long training that he had put in. His blade was matched with a block from Sky, it was a strong block that Yuroic respected. His attack was met with a well timed block, she held firm in her position. Yuroic was then on the defensive, Sky attempted to attack in response, aiming for his legs and hands.

Sliding back, Yuroic created space between them. Alllwing the swipe at his legs to fall short. The jab at his hands was deflected with the intent of sending her blade upwards. This would leave her lower body vulnerable. His grip on the staff tightened as he sent a short, sharp jab to her abdomen. Another attempt at winding his opponent.

[member="Sky'ito Yumi"]

 

[Sky'ito Yumi]

The doge was not something totally unexpected on her end, in the event of being out maneuvered and unable to make a proper counter attack simply stepping out of the way to avoid being hurt was viable. And since solid blades did not lock like a light saber there was not repercussion from pulling away. As her blade was pushed up Sukai decided to go with the flow, pushing her body from the ground, diving to the side of Yuroic's jab.

As her body came in contact with the ground she did a quick leg sword sweep, just in case the other knight attempted to advance and take advantage of such a position. Standing back up her pose once again returned to it's original position, Sukai keeping a careful eye on her opponent, giving a small smile, this would be an interesting fight.

Being back to square one one she decided to make the first move, rushing forwards, only when within blade range did she strike, slashing her blade in an upward swipe trying to hit his quater staff out of the way.

[member="Yuroic Xeraic"]

 

[WelshPsych]

His staff met her sweep, deflecting it back as he took time to measure her defenses with a keen eye. Twirling his staff in his hands making a blur as she moved back to her original position. He smirked as he spotted her small smile. "Learning some new things huh? Or just enjoying yourself?" Yuroic commented as he waited for her next move. It was certainly nice to see something different, outside of the Lightsaber Forms that Yuroic based all his knowledge on. He held his staff tightly, watching her closely.

The next attack was aiming to hit high with a swipe, moving his hands apart, the middle of his staff blocked the attack. His body behind the block to keep it strong. From there, his arms thrusted forward and aimed for her chest, the blow an attempt to knock her back. After that, Yuroic followed up with a firm jab to her stomach. It was a similar technique that a Sith had used on a Jedi many centuries ago. Lightsaber fights were infrequent but skilled back then Yuroic thought.

[member="Sky'ito Yumi"]

 

[Sky'ito Yumi]

"Learning a few things, certainly, having fun, maybe, though I am not sure weather it is actual enjoyment of the feeling of adrenaline , that sense of being alive it certainly exhilarating". Such a reason for it being such a core aspect of her culture, fighting was just so heart racing, nothing could quite compare to it, especially hand to hand combat, it was the pinical in fighting. "Still I believe that you yourself are not without and lessons, I can tell my style of fighting is new to you, and we have only just touched the surface on what I know". Not that she would show him everything, best keep her more specialized styles secret for now, unless it was needed.

As he blade came in she looked on as the but came towards her chest... bouncy. The push forced her back but not without the chance to counter, Sukai raising her right leg, thrusting her foot out to block the incoming jab, herself twisting on the spot, whipping her wooden sword around, aiming for the Jeid knights shoulder. It was a spinning move that she had, surprising learnt from her own 'Padawan', attacks that seemed unsafe but when going were hard to block due to shear momentum. Still there was not guarantee it would work.

 

[WelshPsych]

Yuroic nodded his head as he listened to Sky'ito. "Fair points. Though it can be both adrenaline and excitement. One does not exclude the other I find." Yuroic smirked as she noted his unfamiliarity with her combat style. "I must admit, I am not familiar with that style, but then that is the same for speaking your language even though I am one of the few linguists in the SJO in terms of alien languages. Also, not seen a bow like you guys have till your brother brought one to my bow lessons." Yuroic commented on as he watched as she defended his attack and thought about how he wanted to approach things next, all out attack was proving futile, he needed to shift style quickly.

Opportunity came when Sky'ito went for a somewhat reckless attack, jumping in the air with a backwards somersault, Yuroic landed firmly dodging the attack. His eyes stared down his opponent. He decided to switch to Ataru. Jumping forward, Yuroic kicked towards Sky's head, flipping around as he moved with quick reflexes. His attacks somewhat dispersed with occasional flips or leaps around the arena as he created distance and shorten it. He was hoping the confusion of these movements would create an opening.

[member="Sky'ito Yumi"]

 

[Sky'ito Yumi]

This match seemed to carry quite a lot of batter, funny that is was a duel that brought out conversation between the two, and not a simple sit down and 'get to know one another'. "Well I would not expect you to know Riben-Jin language, our people are far removed, even further into the former unknown regions then the Chiss, that is only added by the fact only in the last few decades have our people actually left the planet from self imposed isolation" That and the fact space flight with hyper drive capabilities was a relatively new invention for the Jin, compared to the rest of the galaxy. "Bow? bow, oh you mean a Yumi, yes it is almost identical to most bows, but shaped differently, if you ever want to talk more in depth about my culture I'm always available". She replied taking a small step back as the fight continued on.

The coming attack was quite the unexpected change of pace, a fast foot coming to her face, making a short but painful contact with her face as Yuroic changed to Ataru, a style she was quite proficient in. The first attack caught her off guard but she was more then prepared for the coming onslaught and flurry like strikes the aggressive style. Shifting into a defensive stance her put her own custom style into use, one she called Ken Kōgeki O Tomeru. In a sense an aggressive style of form 3 made to counter Ataru users to hit back with just as fast and stylish blocking attacks and strike back if possible. As the other knight began his onslaught Sukai started her own, matching the kicks and short strikes with her blade, wielding it with two hands, keeping back until he performed a flip, then rushing forwards to deliver a sharp jab at his hip.

[member="Yuroic Xeraic"]

 

[WelshPsych]

Nodding his head, Sky'ito seemed to state it would have been hard for him to learn anything about them. However, he was always eager to learn new things about different races. "I appreciate the offer and might take you on that some time." It was nice to always learn about new cultures and language, if he could learn about the Riben-Jin combat style, that would be very interesting in his mind. Yuroic studied as Sky'ito seemed to adjust well to his switch to Ataru style. Yuroic could have laughed, it seemed that he had switched to a style that Sky knew well. She had switched into a more aggressive defensive stance, it was making it difficult to adjust to this style but he coped well with the defensive stance of Sky. He deflected the strike to his hip with his staff.


"Seems I used a style you knew well. Well done, few people use Ataru well so to be able to block it is impressive." Yuroic commented as he paused and focused on what to do next. Rushing forward, Yuroic switched once again, this time to Makashi. Using the duel based combat style, his staff twirling around as he struck high and low at Sky'ito. His staff moving with speed that wasn't Force improved but just expert skill in the style he was very familiar with.

[member="Sky'ito Yumi"]

 

[Sky'ito Yumi]

"Perhaps we can sit down later today and talk, but for now we should return t0 our bout". Who knew, this little interaction could lead to an actual friendship, would be among the first she could officially count in the silver Jedi. The fight dragged on for a bit longer, each trading blows quite well, such may have been different if she was using a saber staff analog, that was the weapon she had used when learning form 2. One final clash and the two broke off, Sukai keeping her defensive stance as Yuroic began to talk once more.

"Thank you for the compliment, it is a custom style that combines Atru and form 3 together, it was the first form I learnt and I figured why not expand on it in my own way". "If I had my saber staff I'd be a much harder adversary, but alas I chose a more simple route in today's spar". She gave a small while relaxing back into a deference stance, not knowing what to expect next from the other Jedi Knight, being caught one again off guard by Yuroics sudden change in skill, this time not ones she had faced much before. The two pronged follow up attack was hard to read, once more the man striking her on the leg, a stinging pain rising up her side, form 2 was hard to deal with, but she could always overwhelm such a style hopfully.

Pressing the attack she employed her own flurry of attacks, feints and rapid strike, trying to break through the refined form 2 style, making jabs at the mans arms and trying to upset his form.

[member="Yuroic Xeraic"]

 

[WelshPsych]

Chuckling deeply as he poised himself for the duel. Talking and fighting was always something that Yuroic enjoyed doing, it ended up being distracting for opponents or bring out an interesting discussions with them. "Well, fighting and talking is a tactic. Can make your opponents hesitate and make a mistake when they are trying to fight you at the same time." Yuroic stated as he inhaled deeply. Sky'ito stated that she had gone more basic with her choice in weapon and that she would have been more difficult with a weapon like his. It was curious that she was going easy on him in a way, it was disappointing but it was the choice she went with, perhaps less to go easy on him and more challenging herself was likely the case.

"This staff is normally something I don't use as often as my other weapons, I am pushing myself with this." While Yuroic was still very skilled with the staff, he normally uses a single blade or two blades. Sky'ito went hard with attacks trying to make it hard for Yuroic to attack back, this would overwhelm some, but Yuroic kept calm and focused on dodging and blocking all the attacks bar a couple of hits to his arms. However, Yuroic waited and watched before he could see an opening. Once there was a chance, Yuroic jabbed his staff at her stomach then moved in for several flurry strikes and a sweep of her leg.

[member="Sky'ito Yumi"]

 

[Sky'ito Yumi]

Yes the whole talk to distract while talking, she had been exposed to such many times before, her mother using such a tactic against a Sith Lord on Datooine, proving successful. Still she herself was not ideal at the tactic, slightly viewing it as a dis-honorable practice in a fight, but perhaps it would be worth getting some experience in it, she couldn't always rely on her opponent to be a fair fighter. "Seems we are both using weapon that are not our main, though I will admit I do plan to become just as good with a single blade as I am with a saber staff, this match has been quite the practice to help me refine my skills". With talks on who used what weapons the fight continued, Yuroic showing his greater years in combat as the man continued to block and doge her strikes, once more the man choosing an opening to exploit, but this time she was guarding her stomach, twisting herself slightly to let the blade not push her back. Not that id didn't hit, but she could afford to take a blow, in retaliation she went for a below strike aimed at the mans jaw, not a very ideal way to fight but it seemed like the only chance for her to put in a proper hit that could do some damage.

[member="Yuroic Xeraic"]

 

[WelshPsych]

It was clear that this match was a lot more even in matching that Sky'ito had initially believed. While he was able to keep ahead in defence and ensure that as few as possible blows could be landed on him, Sky'ito was still keeping him on his toes. He chuckled as Sky pointed out that they were both using weapons they weren't well practised in. "Well, makes things more interesting going forward. Also, more practice is always good to achieve, even in a competition." His strike to her stomach was stopped from being a more powerful hit so he needed to rethink on the way he wanted to go forward. While he was in thought Sky went for a strike to his jaw. If it had landed, it would have done some serious damage, however he redirected the strike away with a strong block from his staff. Smirking, he looked over to her, "trying to hit my jaw to get me to stop talking huh?" Yuroic joked in an amused tone as he worked on his attack back.

His strikes were fast and precise aims to her knees, ankles and elbows. Hitting the joints to make it harder for her to move with speed and keep her grip on her weapon. Slowing her down was the main aim as it would open Sky up for plenty more strikes that would end the duel.

[member="Sky'ito Yumi"]

 

[Sky'ito Yumi]

Sukai gave a small shrug, "well it was a move I used once before in a spar that won me a match, but if it keeps you silent for the time being that is just and added bonus", also since a strike to the head would have somewhat dazed the man. She drew back from the block, not wanting to be close range to a man who was much taller then her, only to once again be at the end of another Ataru onrush, his attacks being akin to bee stings, each strike he managed to land just striking, with not enough force to outright hurt her but leaving behind enough pain that it was starting to build up.

In but a minute her joints were sore and throbbing, they each felt like a bee sting but what may come as a surprised was the fact nothing happened, her skin looked to change no bit, Sukai just smiling back at the other Jedi. "Those strikes may work on someone else but it won't on me, you are just tiring yourself out", such small bite like attacks were almost instantly healed by her regeneration, it was like light rain against a hot metal plate, the droplets just evaporated before it could leave and moisture.

Taking hold of his unsuccessful tactics Sukai launched her own offensive winding up and delivering powerful blows, not giving much regard for her bodys health or if she left herself open for a counter, using parts of form one to try and land a decisive blow against Yuroic's body.

[member="Yuroic Xeraic"]

 

[WelshPsych]

Yuroic smirked then gave a mock hurt look on his face. "I think my company is delightful thank you very much!" He protested in a joking tone. He watched as he saw his plan starting to work but then was puzzled when he noticed that Sky'ito seemed overly unfazed by his strikes. It was weird but then when she appeared to be completely normal, Yuroic shook his head, her words concreted his suspicions. "Ah, regenerative powers. A tad unfair but nothing you can do about it I guess." Yuroic knew he needed to adjust his style to land harder and stronger strikes to end this duel.

It was then that Sky'ito went for a reckless, outrageous attack. It was something that surprised Yuroic in the fact she had previously been so guarded and smart in her attacks. Yuroic dodged to the side and let the attack miss him, he struck back at her stomach and back of her head hard. His attacks were not as gentle as he had beforehand, they were now serious blows that could do serious damage to others.

[member="Sky'ito Yumi"]

 

[Sky'ito Yumi]

She just rolled her eyes at the comment on company, seemed Yuroic could do nothing but joke, certainly an interesting way to go about life. She kept her focus on the fight not wanting to slip up now with an advantage at hand, one that could falter at any moment depending on her next moves. "Tad unfair"? perhaps but that is war, nothing is fare", she replied before launching her attacks, at the very least her sudden forceful strikes were unexpected, but once again the other knights age and battle experience proved to be to much, once again being hit, quite hard.

The crash into her stomach knocked the wind out from the Jedi her guard dropping, leaving room fro Yuroic to finish things the knock to her head dropping Sukai to the floor, vision blurred for a second due to the impact. "Argh, that was a solid blow".

[member="Yuroic Xeraic"]