Without the Darkness we would never see the Stars. [Xander]

[Coci Heavenshield]

Voss​

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Landing Pad - Silver Temple​

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In the dead of the Night​

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[member="Xander Carrick"]​

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The Vigueur Argent, a nice Ambassador-class Corvette, engines warming and humming on the landing pad, Iella's personal ship. The ground crew had readied the ship for take off and left, she will pilot tonight. Only moments ago she had sent a message to Master Carrick, asking to meet her here, no more then this in the message, he would know why.

Her cream cloak billowed behind her as she entered from the boarding ramp, only taking a brief moment to look into the night sky. The long corridor leading to the bridge look old from much use by the Silver Jedi, she liked it this way, it reminded her of their early beginnings when they very little as a group and got by with what she could provide them. In a way she missed those days, flying by the seat of her pants, as the new Order began to develop and grow. Xander was one of them, one of the early members to come and join them, and build the Order into what it is today. Still there is much to do within themselves as well as for others in the galaxy.

Eternal is the way of the Jedi.

And so, he will join her again. This time to train and she will take him off Voss to a place that will test him in more ways then one. Korriban.

As soon as he arrives they will depart, the journey will not be without instruction, Iella will commence training immediately.

 

[Garza]

Ughhhhhh Reaching over from the bed, I slapped my hand on the pad where I could hear peeping. However it didn't shut off. I slapped it a few more times trying to turn my alarm off. Must of set it wrong before I went to sleep. It was then I realized that it was not my alarm, but the datapad that was giving me the message sent from someone. Sitting up, I reached over and grabbed it. Rubbing the sleepiness out of my eyes, I realized that I had set an alarm on the datapad that would continue to go off. Basically the message was "get up off of your ass and get ready." I shrugged myself up and turned off the datapad. I zombie walked into the bathroom where I began to take a shower. Letting the hot water cascade over my body. I washed myself and started to get out and dry myself when the datapad went off again.

Now awake, I saw that it was time to leave. I sighed as I began to dry my hair. and rushing on a set of Adventure robes that would be sutable in use of saber combat as well as general wear. Nothing special about it. I then began to walk out, but stopped. I flung my hand behind me and allowed my doublebladed lightsaber to fly into my hand. Made out of electrum the almost gold looking hilt slammed into my hand and was emptied just as quick as it was placed on my belt while a secondary blue lightsaber flew to my hand as well. I kept that one in my hand as I walked out of the room.

It was silent in the Temple as I walked through the halls towards the landing pad. It was night at the current moment. And all lessons that I had scheduled for today would be held back an extra day. As well as possible time that I would have with Maya. With her being pregnant, I wanted to be near her. However, there was a time for training and learning, and a time for family. I walked through the halls with my boots almost sounding like thunder as I got closer. The door to the interior landing pad was closed, but swiftly opened with a wave of my hand. Walking out, I could see the exterior landing pad, and on it was a ship that would be waiting for me. It had only been a total of about five minutes since the message that had been sent to me from my teacher. [member="Iella E'ron"], a person who over the time that I have spent here, I trusted with my life. And in turn I hoped that she felt the same to me.

Walking up the ramp I headed into the ship. Ready for what may come. I headed for the head of the ship. I could feel her there. Ready for me to say that I was on. Making my way up, I opened the door into the semi-large cockpit. I guess it was large enough to be considered a bridge. I was not all to great on ship terms. So I would not care. "I am here. Sorry for being a tad bit late Master." Even for my rank, I was considerably young. Not even reaching my thirties yet, I knew there was still much for me to learn. Everyone could learn. And maybe later on, I could return the favor to the Grand Master. Teach her for a change.

I almost chuckled to myself. Yeah Xander keep dreaming. That will be the day Chaos becomes Order and Hell freezes over.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Xander Carrick"]

"Call me Iella please", she said without lifting her eyes of the control panel. She never had been one for the protocols of rank, there is still to much of that young smuggler girls who found her way to Tatooine and got into all kinds of mischief. Her hands moved with skill over the buttons and dials, running checks on the engines and hyperdrive. She stood to move to the navicomp and began the recalibration and set co-ordinates for Korriban.

"Can you check communications and environmental support for me please, might want to run your eye over the inertia dampers for me too please", she said throwing a smile at him, before turned and taking the pilot seat and waited for the final reports to complete.

"Tell me, what is your view of the dark side", she asked as if entering into small talk. A vast topic of course and the two of them could spend the rest of their natural lives in this discussion but she needed to get his views which ever way he deems to tell her. "What experience have of it?, and I don't mean fighting Sith or dark siders", she asked more of him. She wanted to know if he had every experienced this darkness on a personal level.

 

[Garza]

I thought I was the only one who preferred not to be called master? Though my excuse was because of my younger age of not even thirty. Hers? I had no clue on. Despite that, I didn't speak as she continued Asking me to check communications and the environment support systems that were with the ship. Moving over to the co-pilot seat, I looked over to the right. looking for anything about the systems. I sat down when I found an answer of the communications. Pressing a few buttons to bring up the environmental systems on the screen, it showed that everything was in check. All while Iella had asked me what I thought on the Dark Side of the force.

I smiled and chuckled lightly. Even when the matter of the subject was not to be taken as such. "Well, I had to deal with a lot of it when I was an apprentice with the Imperial Knights. They would put us in situations where we had to experience the addictive side of the force on a daily basis. And then from there, train us not to use it. So to answer your question, I have felt it. I have experienced it." I clicked a few buttons and smiled, "Ran through systems check and looks like everything is fine. Can you check oxygen systems as well as the Alternate gravity systems?" I took a second to send information with a few clicks of a button to the other systems to check if anything was wrong when I got a little bar showing me the progress, I continued with the question she gave me.

"I was actually taught by a Sith once. I didn't know he was one until he began to use the Dark Side of the force. At first I thought it was okay and just another tool. Almost like using either a blaster pistol or a slugthrower. However I was wrong." I leaned back in the chair watching the bar move from the left to the right checking everything it was only going to be a few more seconds. "As you well know, I also had to deal with it when.... When Maya fell. It was hard trying not to follow her, or to be lured to the dark side when I talked to a sith about what happened to her. However I kept my strength up and continued to push on to try and get everything straightened out. What I learned from that is while the Dark Side can do things that are powerful and could be beneficial, There are more reasons not to join because it warps the mind and body. I watched as a friend of mine was warped by it. I want to keep myself as I am. Therefore, I don't use the Dark Side."

[member="Iella E'ron"],

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Xander Carrick"]

Although Iella did not know all of Xander's history, she knew of what he spoke. Yes he had faced the darkness of recent times and only served to stand by these people and pull them back to the best of his ability. He had spoken clearly and honestly, she did not need her force senses to tell this. He is wise for one as young as he which would only prove that one day he will be great. She knew she had made the correct choice to train him.

"I shall", was her answer to him and she leaned over to check the oxygen and alternate gravity systems. Everything was in readiness for them to leave Voss. "I am taking you to Korriban, Xander. I hear the sands change colour at sunset this time of the year", she grinned as she looked at him and gave him a look of apology for such a bad joke.

She pushed the ship forward and up, Iella is a great pilot but those that have never flown with her quickly realise she treats all ships like her star fighter, regardless of their class. The ships engines strained as they were asked to do something not designed of them. However, the ship held true and strong and her smile widened. "I love Corellian ships", said the die hard Corellian woman.

As they moved to orbit, she turned back to Xander. "Now tell me what you think of the light side .. do you consider it weak in comparison to the dark side?", it always perplexed Iella that most people believe this to be true, when nothing could be further from it.

 

[Garza]

After she had checked the systems, I looked at my own to see that they were functioning correctly, and that we were ready for takeoff. I sat back a little in the chair letting the single bladed saber hilt rest in my lap. Taking in the knowledge of how she would be taking me to Korriban. The homeworld of the Sith species. It was also where deserts raged and even places that were still covered in the shadow of the dark side. All set into place by Sith Lords and ladies who did not think of the consequences for their actions.

I smiled lightly at the joke. Saying that the sands were nice this time of the year. Almost as though they changed annually. However, I knew that here we would be training under an influence of the Dark side to combat both the shade within ourselves as well as in the area around us. Possibly. light comment was made about loving corellian ships. I couldn't deny they had their ups and downs. However, I did not own one so I could not say if they were the best or the worst for me. Avoiding that comment I stayed silent by looking at the systems as Iella took us up into the air.

Once reaching close to the climax of the atmosphere, she turned to face me, asking me a second question to go off of her last one. Asking what I thought of the Light side of the force. or if I would consider it inferior to the Dark side. I shook my head in response, "No. I believe that the Light side is stronger. For one to obtain a very high spiritual ground within the Light side of the force, One needs to resist the temptations of falling or slipping away constantly. The trek is almost like climbing up a mountain with a 40 kilogram bag on your back."

I made my arm an incline to show what I was meaning, yes I am a very visual person. "The path is steep. Steep enough that without the extra weight, when you take a step forward, you slide back a half of a step. The Light side is a foundation. A rock that is stronger and will not move. Preventing you from sliding down, and easing your step. As well, if others join you in the cause of climbing up the mountain, you all can share the same load. helping one another to reach the top."

I smiled faintly, continuing with my thesis. "No. The Light side is not weaker. The Dark side is easy to fall into. You simply do not act in the correct way. You don't think about the consequences of your actions. For the Light, it is just the opposite. By enduring to the end, you become more powerful than any other force user, because you have prevailed over the temptations of living in the darkness."

[member="Iella E'ron"],

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Xander Carrick"]

As Xander finished is words, Iella punched the ship into hyperspace for Korriban. The streaming blue tunnel easy seen from the cockpit windown now filled her eyes, something she constantly enjoys the sight of. For a moment she let it take her mind, before turning to Xander with a smile.

"I like your attitude very much", she said simply, as she had passed the first part of her test. Much understanding is required for this as well as self control, not solely with the use of the force and the alignment but on a more personal level, a level head if you will. Xander has the understanding and the strength to fulfill his desires and wants as Jedi, and you must have them in order to achieve the want to protect and bring justice for those less fortunate.

She turned the pilot chair around so she was directly opposite him. "You are a master bladesmen and are aware of what is required for Vaapad. You will need to 'use' the 'darkness' within you, you must summon the want to kill or rather the thrill of the fight and more so. Do you accept this?".

A quick looked at the navicomp told her they would soon be in Korriban, the damned planet.

 

[Garza]

I paid attention to the woman. Commenting on my attitude of the force. Really that was on the spot thinking of the force. yet it was true in my heart. Something that would not change about me. She continued. Making notice of my skills with weapons, I already knew that to use Vaapad, I would have to use the inner darkness not survival, or the thrill of a fight, but the darker aspect. The idea of purposefully killing someone. The only time that I have used emotions like that was when I fight the Sith. Their plans and values are ones that are not to be trusted. I kill only when necessary, and when it is the last solution. Vaapad, is in the use of killing someone right off from the getgo.

Nodding my head to her, "Yes. I accept the terms placed before me." There was no sugar in my voice. nothing to coat it in to ease it on the way down.

[member="Iella E'ron"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Xander Carrick"]

Time had past. Through the viewing port of the cockpit they would see Korriban. Orange and sickly to the eyes. Already Iella could feel the presence of darkness, the Republic would be hard pressed to clean this planet .. if at all. And no doubt there would still be hidden pockets of Sith refusing to leave, but rather would stay and fight till the death. Korriban is largely left unguarded by the Republic, being so far from their main base and besides they have other issues to deal with. To much .. to soon, it was truly happened. To caught up in greed for territory and arrogance over peoples that did not really require their presence. Iella is not without guilt in this phase of the Republic's growth, she had been there and on the council, but what she did do was recognise the errors where they did not.. do not still.


Pushing the ship forward and into descent, Iella finally landed on the surface of Korriban. Although she had been here before this would be vastly different. They are a few miles from the Valley of the Dark Lords, and in the middle of what could only be described as desert. The boarding ramp hit the surface with a echoing thud.

"Shall we?", she simply asked. "Ready yourself for training as will I". With that she left Xander to himself and made her way to her quarters to prepare and set her mind for the training.

 

[Garza]

Setting the ship down, I could feel a tingle in my spine as the dark side was apparent. The feeling of eyes watching us in the distance came to me as though we were being stalked as prey. Controlling myself against the urge to shudder or to randomly look out the view port to try and find where these eyes were coming from, was very hard to say the least. It was when the ship started to naturally turn off after the use that it was put through, I could feel a warm draft enter the cabin as Iella left to go and prepare herself for the training. She told me to do the same.

Really I was already prepared physically. Mentally however? Not so much. I held the single bladed lightsaber in my hand as she left. I stayed seated. Only closing my eyes and allowing the grip on the hilt lessen. In the past I had the innate ability to see into the future. Small tidbits that really were not filled with information. Things such as me walking hand in hand with Maya when it had only been a few weeks after we met. And even smaller things where I would be sitting on the ledge of a cliff face. Staring out into the desert that lay before me.

However, unlike now, They had just come to me. Shown as though my brain knew what was happening before my body even experienced it. This time I wanted to try and see if I could see into the future. Anything would have been nice. Well maybe. It depends on what it was. Still sitting in the chair, I was slightly reclined as I focused myself inwards. Trying to reimagine the past instances and what I felt. maybe one of them was the key to unlocking this. I could begin to feel myself pulling inward as though Ashlan was a vacuum trying to incorporate me into itself.

I continued to do this as I waited for Iella to return and for when the lesson on Lightsaber combat, as well as the combat against the killing instinct to begin.

[member="Iella E'ron"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Korriban​

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She adjusted her last piece of her armour and wrapped her cloak around her shoulders. Leaving her quarters, Iella existed the ship to find Xander already waiting for her. The heat of the planet burning her skin, the darkside presence sickening to the stomach. She had felt it before this day, her third visit here and none of them without trouble. Although they are in Republic space, the planet remains forgotten in a sense and no doubt they would have to keep vigilant. I hate this place...

"There is one more thing Xander. As you are aware Vaapad is a restricted form to teach others, I will only continue if you promise not to teach anyone without permission from myself. I was taught by Master Darren Wraith, who entrusted me with passing the form onto a worthy Jedi. I choose you. You will now carry a promise to keep this knowledge guarded and when the time comes for you to consider teaching it, please be mindful of your choice".

Iella did not look at Xander but walked directly ahead toward the outcrop in the stone valley. Her mind is prepared, her force senses reaching out through the landscape and her boots leave prints in the dust. They will not go far and they will begin.

 

[Garza]

Waiting outside the ship for my teacher, I had my lightsaber in my hand. The purple blade had not been activated and was being flipped up in the air to only be caught after turning a few times. As I waited, I tried to get as many flips as I could. The most I got was seven. Anymore than that, and I would have dropped it. it was a few minutes after when I finally got 8 spins in the air that Iella came out. Speaking to me about the restriction of learning Vaapad, as well as teaching the lightsaber form to others.

Nodding my head, I heard the name of the former Battlemaster of the Republic Darron Wrath. I nodded my head again as I was asked, more so commanded that if I were to teach any other, it would have to be with her permission. "Yes ma'am. I completely understand the reasoning behind your requirements."

Grabbing onto my saber, I clipped it onto my belt. Waiting for us to continue.

[member="Iella E'ron"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Xander Carrick"]

Only a few more paces did she take before coming to a halt. Her eyes looked around the environment in which they stood, nothing but a sickly orange dust and rocks. An abrupt wind swirled around them now, not there before they arrived, as if Korriban was inspecting the intruders, it made her shiver somewhat however the location perfect for their endeavour.

She turned back to Xander, her eyes fixed on him and her face dropped of all expression. She would not say a word, Iella never really did in fighting, even in war, much preferring to unnerve her opponents with cold silence. Her hand reached for her saber, the one and only saber she has carried through her life as a Jedi. She never wanted to adjust it, or strengthen it or do anything, it is perfect for her, from the day she made it. Inside her saber coupled with the focusing crystal is the pearl of the Krayt dragon, a female white dragon she had slain on Tatooine so long ago now. She thought about that day, as the dragon lay dying and she recited the poem of the ancient Tusken and she would do so again in her mind.

From the womb of the krayt, be blessed with rebirth. You are her killer and her child, a greater dragon than she! Pull from her belly your prize, and her apology.

The spirit of the white dragon not only blessed Iella but entered her, its want for the kill imbued with any form of presence of the dark side. Her white blade, The White Dragon, sings its glory and hungry of the dark side, as her white blade ignited and began it's familiar hum and pulses. She walks around him now, her eyes penetrating his, and she stalked. This is no set form, but a Way. She would wait until he was prepared.

 

[Garza]

It was with a eerie stare that I could look at the Jedi Master. Even while I stood just a few inches above her, and probably had more body mass, I would not underestimate her. She knew Vaapad. A very physically demanding form of Lightsaber combat. Holding my saber, We started to circle around one another. Her white lightsaber blade activated. And with mine, the purple blade snapped to life. The hum felt good as the slight vibration in my hand. Almost calming me. However that is not what I wanted.

The saber in a backhanded grip, I held the saber off to my side. Letting the blade poke the air behind me. My teacher was calm. Usually she was up all happy and almost jumpy at trying to move about and do something, much like myself. However now, she was calm. Having a tranquil fury that would scare anyone who dared try to break her.

Really, I was not scared. More like terrified on what this woman could do if her emotions were so in check suddenly. I waited for her. Not even daring to strike at her first. Because I knew, she was not the one leaving with bruises.

[member="Iella E'ron"]