Star Wars Roleplay: Chaos

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Through Passion I Gain Strength

:: HERO of KORRIBAN ::
The sun rose over the dilapidated courtyard, ruined by time and nature. What once stood as a proud courtyard now served as a reminder of the way time ravaged even the strongest of stone. Xander sat among the rubble, the marble floor now reduced to pebble and gravel. He remembered every detail of the floor as if he had seen it just yesterday, another reminder of the years the force had stolen from him. He still had not discerned the purpose behind it, just that everything that had once been his was now gone.

Xander’s perch was not a mere waste of time however. The noble waiter for one who was to be a student, a girl of potential. Her abilities had been made known to her younger than when Xander had discovered his, and he offered guidance, not unlike what he received. His methods were learned from his master before him, a kiffar Vizios had secretly loved, though his infatuation had remained for his red huntress, both taken from him.

His aura reached out, searching for the young female. He pulled her toward him, guiding her through the maze of rubble through the force. This was her first test. Would she recognize the pull and find him? Xander made nothing easy for those he taught, and this one would not receive special treatment because of her innocence or ignorance. Xander would purge both from her, fashion her into a true Sith.

Xander reached out to her mind.

“Come to me…”

[member="Alm"]​
 
It was not a smooth transition, rather a stumble from nomadic mountain life into a galaxy of technology and abilities she couldn’t even dream of. Though the Force was not unknown to their people, their customs were more traditional and very low-tech. Only a few months at Manas’s high tech capital served as her preamble, an introduction into the ways of technological advancement.

Like any youth she was adaptable and embraced the idea of change, no matter how foreign or frightening it seemed. At least that’s what she said now, but Alm wanted to go into this with positive thoughts. Being away from the only home she’d ever known was strange enough. The first thing she’d noticed offworld was how much shorter most near-humans looked compared to her own people. Not even fully grown yet, her height stood on par or even topped many of the men she had seen.

She lingered near the edge of the ruins, crossing both arms and grasping them with either hand. Alm was informed to seek a Master for training here, yet she could not find him. Was she supposed to wait for him or search? The girl didn’t want to do anything wrong. She’d heard of apprentices being punished in horrific ways or being killed for insubordination. Alm just wanted to learn.

Her mind shifted as if it were made of cloth and something was tugging at a few threads. Her body stilled and her arms fell to her sides as she concentrated on the sensation and what it may have been. Ah. Though a novice, her people had trained her in use of the Force to create fire and shift the winds. Basic necessities required basic training which was all she had, and she was here to expand on that. Recognizing the tug, her eyes tilted over to the expanse of the ruins and lingered there.

-

It had taken some time, but the Nasvalo had managed to navigate the maze of eroded stone. A figure was perched among the rubble and her mind centered on him.

Lips parting, she did her best to communicate with him. She’d picked up some Basic during her time in Sel and still felt awkward when she spoke it.

“You…master?”

[member="Darth Vizios"]
 
:: HERO of KORRIBAN ::
Before long Xander felt her presence wandering about the ruins, and coming closer. He smirked as his back remained turned to her. The sound of her feet crunching on the gravel pulled him up to his full height. As he turned to view her, Xander was curiously surprised that she stood nearly as tall as he did. While she appeared to be human, he mused she must be something more. He canted his in a nod to answer her question.

“This remains to be seen. Today we will determine that answer.”

Xander motioned for her to come forward so he could look her over more closely. He did this with every student to determine what their strengths could be, how to teach certain skills based on form and shape. The assassin in him made him desire to form not only skill, but body to use as a weapon as well.

For his own part Xander wore his hunting attire.[/color] The leather breastplate was the only possession he had, aside from his lightsabers, from his past, and with no throne to call his own, the noble no longer dressed as though he were. As he rounded her and faced her again, Xander nodded once more.

“Have you learned anything yet? Do you know what it means to be Sith?”

His questions lingered in the air. The words were spoken with a tone that commanded both respect and answer. Xander spoke in no other way unless his intentions were of something of a different nature. When he wanted something from people he could be deceitfully charming, but today he failed to see the need. His clear blue gaze simply looked upon her until she could manage the answers he sought.

[member="Alm"]​
 
Alm paused as the Sith Lord spoke, marveling for a moment at the sheer…mystery that surrounded him. Coming from a tribe of hunter-gatherers, the clothing he wore was not unique to her in its practicality, but her people respected the Force and used it as a part of their everyday duties. None of them had this sort of otherworldly presence that she’d felt around Sith Lords, none of them had been trained beyond the necessities.

“Not Alm master.” She placed a hand to her chest as she sought to clarify. “Sith master. L..ord. Sith Lord.” Stumbling through the words, Alm didn’t mean to offend. Basic was a tricky language for her at first and now she didn’t even have the comfort of her native tongue to fall back on.

The young woman took a step or two forward when she was beckoned, noting with a bit of surprise that she was a hair taller than the man. He looked young too—not much younger than her, in his early or mid twenties if she had to place him. Could such a young looking man truly be a Master of the Force? Things continued to surprise her.

She inhaled slowly, scrunching a brow as she tried to choose and place the words she knew to convey what she wanted to say. Alm could understand Basic just fine as long as the words weren’t too flowery or fast. “I know…small. Making fire.” Fingers brushed the palm of her hand as they curled inwards, though nothing ignited. She was used to making small fires to keep warm and cook food, conserving energy for other tasks.

A pause lingered between her parted lips as she considered his second question with honesty.

“No.”

[member="Darth Vizios"]
 
:: HERO of KORRIBAN ::
Xander nodded at Alm's reply. Her basic was broken, but at least he understood what she said. "Yes, I am. Darth Vizios. Do not fear offending me with your words. Basic is difficult to grasp and follows none of its own rules," he stated simply. Her lack of language would never offend him. Disrespect would however, and it was clear that was not her intention.

As she heard him it was a shock to find her so young and taller than he. Xander was intrigued by her, her species. She apparels human to him in every way, but her height was above that of even an average human male. That alone would give her an advantage as a warrior, if she would learn what it truly meant to be among those who used the dark side. Xander found her face to be pretty, albeit young, another weapon which could be hers later if she wished it for herself.

His eyes widened at the mention of fire. It was a skill not many harnessed so young in their training. Xander personally noted that she would be a natural to learn how to control and shape the elements. She would learn whatever she wanted of those from him.

"Show me... I wish to see it," he said with a genuine curiosity. "My philosophical drivel can wait..."

[member="Alm"]​
 
Alm nodded slowly, somewhat relieved at his apparent patience with her speech. She understood the basics of Basic and would hopefully come to master the language over time.

She stiffened slightly when he asked for her to demonstrate her ability, suddenly feeling even more self conscious than before. From a young age she’d been taught tales of countless battles fought by her ancestors and the hell that could be unleashed with unchecked power. Some legends said that Manas used to be a lush and beautiful planet, rich in resources until a great battled scorched over half of it. The Force was to be used minimally out of fear and respect for their way of life.

Extending a hand out in front of her, the girl’s face creased in concentration as a few sparks danced in her palm. A few moments more and they gave birth to a healthy flame that flickered and shifted from side to side.

“Lean fire for cook, warm.” Her explanation was somewhat strained as she sought to keep the flame burning and her diction understandable. “No fight. Is danger for all.”

[member="Darth Vizios"]
 
:: HERO of KORRIBAN ::
Body language was something which transcended every culture. Xander could read Alm's perfectly. She did not like the fact he anted her to show him the fire, but did so regardless.

"Good..." he said as she did as instructed. It would go well for her if she learned that even if she disagreed she should do as asked. Her training depended on the ability to follow instructions even if she found the idea less than desirable. Xander never abused his authority as a teacher, unlike some Sith. His goal was to produce a powerful student, a weapon, and ally. Sith naturally did not trust each other, which is why he would make Alm into someone he could trust, and show himself someone she could trust. Her survival depended on it.

Xander did shake his head at her explanation though. He disagreed. Taking the fire into his control he grinned. "It is only dangerous if you can't control it. If you can then it is a weapon and tool like anything else." As he spoke the flame grew taller, though its base stayed the same. Vizios worked the flame until it was nearly nine feet into the air, a pillar of fire that swirled though never once broke its boundary. "This is yours to control, to bend to your will. Sith believe in passion, strength, power, victory, freedom! That only comes when you learn to harness and control. Use your passion, but do not let it control you or consume you. Like this flame it is a deadly thing, dangerous when it is unruly. Rule your passion, and you will be a danger to only those you wish to see you as such."

With a clap of his hands the flame dissipated and was snuffed out entirely. His pristine blue eyes look into the dark orbs of the young woman before him.

"Do you understand, my dear?"

[member="Alm"]​
 
Alm watched with wide eyes as Xander took the flame from her and into his own control. Of the lessons she’d been taught, literally taking someone else’s fire was never touched on. Her people’s knowledge of the Force was rudimentary, but they knew enough to understand that uncontrolled power could be disastrous. That had come from experience.

The girl found herself taking a step back as the flame flickered higher, growing to an extent which she’d rarely seen. “Control,” She murmured, anxious and excited at the prospect of learning to wield power.

Then all at once, the flame dispersed into the air at Xander’s will and Alm realized she’d been holding her breath for the last few seconds. She exhaled audibly, mulling over the Sith Lord’s words for another few moments. Her face said that she was unsure. “Freedom…no laws?” Laws were essential to survival as she’d been taught, whether they come from a government or the head of your tribe. Rules were in place to keep you safe.

“On Manas, old story of battle. Many fire, no control. Fire to…land, make many deserts.”

Conflict danced in her eyes. She loved her people, her homeland and their way of life. It was everything she’d ever known and made up her identity. But the rapidly modernizing galaxy played on her youthful desire for adventure and to be something different than what she’d known. It was terrifying but enticing all the same.


[member="Darth Vizios"]
 
:: HERO of KORRIBAN ::
"I didn't say no laws... you understand the concept of slavery?"

Xander did not wait for an explanation. The question was rhetorical as near every society understood the concept.

"Everyone is a slave to something. There are chains which hold us back from realizing our potential. The power we seek is the power to break free from the bondage which holds us captive."

The story of the battle intrigued Xander. It was clear the story was used to caution her on the use of her skill and power. Perhaps it was meant to keep her from pursuing the potential she had. This made Xander curious as to how powerful she could become if such fear was removed. There was no reason to fear power. Captivity was to be feared. Never realizing what one could do in life was meant to be feared. Power was meant to be controlled, wielded. He would not see her held captive by something which could be so easily avoided.

"I am offering control... but first you must break free of the fear of what could happen," he said as he stepped closer to her. "The past does not dictate the future. It is unwritten, fluid, hard to grasp, even for those of us who can discern it. You make a choice today that leads to tomorrow. What I can tell you is that if you do not lot learn the control I offer, then your gift will always be a danger not only to others, but to yourself."

Xander smirked thinking he had found the key to unlocking the first of her shackles.

"Do you wish to be afraid of yourself for the rest of your life?"

[member="Alm"]​
 
Rules had a steady place in Nasvali society. In a tribal live, everyone had their role and was expected to follow it. Life depended on everyone doing what they were supposed to do and not deviating much from the norm. In the more modern areas like the desert, things were becoming different. Universities were erected, children left home to work and study elsewhere, enrich their lives and claim them for their own. This caused great strain on a traditionalist culture that was struggling to welcome modern ways. Alm had come from a conservative group in the mountains, having stolen off in the middle of the night to avoid confrontation. Her situation was not unique in that regard.

She watched Xander as he drew closer, brow furrowing and shoulders instinctively stiffening.


"Do you wish to be afraid of yourself for the rest of your life?"
“No.” She answered perhaps a little too forcefully. “Not wanting afraid. In Manas, all people following old rules. Stay with family, not go away. I wanting more.” She spoke with fervence, and though her words were broken and oddly space it was clear that this was a decision she’d not made lightly. Life with the tribe was restrictive but predictable, but Alm was naive and brave enough to take risks in a brave new world.

"Want to becoming strong, learn many things. Also, talk better." Her face flushed a little bit at admitting her skills in Basic were poor, though she found the language coming easier to her the more she interacted with fluent speakers.

[member="Darth Vizios"]
 
:: HERO of KORRIBAN ::
"Anger... desire... passion, I can feel it. Seize it. Grab it. Make it tangible."

Xander smiled as he could feel the power eminate from the yong woman. She wanted more than what her people could give her. This was the beginning of everything Xander could show her. The want for more had her doing what tradition told her was not allowed. Alm had broken into a world she knew nothing of because she wanted to. The smile widened as he thought of what it meant to be Sith.

"Sith take what they want, so if you want more take more."

Pointing to the stone wall ahead, Xander picked up a rock and where he had just pointed launched it until it struck the wall and passed through it leaving a hole. His demonstration of power served only one purpose, to show Alm what she could achieve herself. He turned to her and pointed at the wall again. "This time you do it, and do not fail."

Xander stood back and crossed his arms.

"If you succeed I will teach you language as well..."

[member="Alm"]​
 
Alm watched the Sith Lord carefully as he picked up a rock, still a little tense around him. It was only natural given the tales she’d heard of Acolytes being beaten within an inch of their lives for a small misdemeanor or even for no good reason. She’d also heard that they all weren’t like that, and considering that she hadn’t been electrocuted yet, Alm held out hope that he’d be fair in the face of failure.

Picking up a stone, she weighed it in her hand for a few moments before honing in on the hole Xander had made as if to try and gauge the thickness of the wall. Though old and decrepit, it was still quite thick.

What Vizios did likely not know was that Alm’s race—though human in appearance and strangely tall—had a few specific traits. Coming from the subset of people living in the mountains, Alm was an Uulvalo with enhanced strength. No use of the Force was involved as all of her people, Force sensitive or not shared the same trait.

Brow creasing in concentration, the girl hurled the stone at the wall. It hit and left a sizeable dent, cracks spiraling out from the point of contact but did not come close to breaking.

Alm frowned.

[member="Darth Vizios"]
 
:: HERO of KORRIBAN ::
Xander canted his head and watched as the woman made an assessment of the wall. He was curious as to what she was thinking. Perhaps there was something about her, he species, he was about to learn. Maybe Alm was about to learn something about herself. The second was likely the case. That is what the lessons were for. Xander did not teach so that his students gained skill alone, but knowledge of oneself was the most important goal. His master had done the same thing with him, albeit her methods were a bit more harsh than his were.

Blue eyes watched as Alm hurled the stone at the wall. Denting such a thick stone was an impressive feat of strength, and Xander was impressed, though his face did not show it. Her lack of obedience was... disappointing.

"You disobeyed, so you failed," Xander stated with a flash of red anger in his eyes. A larger boulder was lifted through the force and launched at the wall. "What is worse, you thought you could complete the task in your own strength. Through passion you gain strength, through strength you gain power, through power you gain victory, through victory your chains are broken. The FORCE shall set you free. If you could do what I ask in your own power then why did you leave your planet. If you will not do what I say... and do as I do, there is nothing I can teach you."

His eyes looked at the wall, then to a boulder he knew she would not be able to lift on her own.

"That boulder," he pointed to it, "use it to destroy that wall... you will not move from here until you can. Sense it, connect to it, then use it."

[member="Alm"]​
 
The words disobey and failure sounded so harsh in Basic—but maybe that was just coming from Xander. The last thing Alm wanted to do was to be seen as disobedient, so she was understandably scared and a little confused in the moment. Her lips parted to speak, but she couldn’t find the words to put what she wanted to say in place—she hadn’t meant to disobey! It wasn’t as if she had refused to do the task, right?

Her body tensed on instinct, preparing for the blow or whatever would serve as punishment but none came. Instead, the Sith Lord had telekinetically lifted a boulder and sent it hurtling towards the wall. Alm fidgeted as it crashed into the crumbling slabs of duracrete, this time finding some string of words to explain herself.

“You ask, I do…not easy.” Her voice trailed, unsure if speaking was wise or not. Swallowing thickly, the Nasvali realized that she was literally stuck between a rock and a Sith Lord. She eyed the boulder, turning fully towards it before sizing it up. Telekinetics was something she’d never been taught so the task before her was somewhat of a mountain to climb.

Bracing herself with both hands forward, palms flat, the girl closed her eyes and attempted to extend her presence to the large rock. Though she tried, she could not yet encompass an object so large and heavy. The boulder didn’t even shudder.

“I cannot…” She whispered, brow furrowing in a mix of concentration and frustration.

[member="Darth Vizios"]
 

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