[center][b]Master Kasari and Arren Kae Coruscant[/b][/center] Xeviiy was right to distrust the man’s words, indeed he had murdered a young girl before the Jedi had even shown up to the scene. The man was ready to kill, a cold-blooded fighter who favored credits over lives. It’s just a job, there’s nothing personal to it. Arren Kae wondered if Xeviiy had actually been analyzing, observing, and thinking about the situation. So, the padawan wasn’t a complete fool. That was good, it was a start. She never said it, but Arren could see the flow of the force on every single student and master she came to meet. The screams of the future were laid upon them, imprinted, she could hear the cries of the dead. Many Jedi were destined for a fall, or perhaps death, or even something more. Xeviiy was among them that had a critical part to play; she could sense it. She could also sense the swirls within Master Kasari, and Moryr the Cathar who had entered the room. Interlocked paths, but where do they lead? Time will tell. Still, none had sent her into such a shock as the first time she met her own padawan Aria. The energy was overwhelming, and destiny was split. One way, or another. Remarkable how Xeviiy and Aria were quite similar, both had to learn what it meant to do what needs to be done. Emotion was crucial, the desire for peace virtuous, but some things are not white or black. Decisions must be made. Kasari had made one just now, listening to Moryr it seemed the knight was in need of an ear. “If you don’t wish to talk about it right here with others listening, we can speak alone. Whatever troubles you, I am open to helping you in any way I can. It will remain private, as well.” Kasari sometimes left out things with regards to Xeviiy in her training. Not all conversations were meant to be heard or shared, how else was trust to be maintained between a master and apprentice? Some might disagree, but not every single practitioner of the force taught the same way. Arren Kae being the prime example. When Xeviiy moved in to smash his damaged ribs with the hilt of her saber, the moment had come. The mercenary was no ordinary opponent, no simple soldier. There had truly been many death matches scribbled onto his sword with the blood of his foes. He took his opponents seriously, and a Jedi was one who read an opponent. He had left an opening on purpose. His hand suddenly swept out, now one-handedly holding the heavy blade with impressive skill. The man’s hand came smashing down towards Xeviiy’s lightsaber hilt to force her blade away and send her off balance. If successful, he had his opening. He could turn his sword and strike with a potentially lethal blow. The one drawback was he had to open himself up for a killing blow as well, and only a killing blow. “Strike.” Kasari quietly muttered to herself. “Strike now, Xeviiy.” Almost imploring her to do so. [center][b]Anna Sparvic Coruscant[/b][/center] A shocked expression came over Anna’s face, and she opened her mouth speaking more freely than she ever had. “You? You were a Jedi padawan? I-I don’t believe it!” She said, mouth wide open, as a smile began to creep onto her face; her brilliant grin coming on as she was ready to laugh. “Well somehow I’m not surprised it didn’t work out. Jedi are practitioners of patience and being able to sit still, no wonder you failed.” Anna laughed before slamming a palm to close her mouth. “… Sir! I would be honored to be shown around the temple.” She corrected herself, trying to show restraint and proper respect for a commanding officer. “So, can you do anything with the force? Is there anything left over from the teachings you had acquired?” Anna asked. Continuing on as they got to the Jedi Temple stairway. Her eyes watched in open wonder of the beautifully structured temple. It was simply incredible, the biggest wonder on all of Coruscant. Nothing was as beautiful as the sun beaming off the silver steel. She had no idea what the House of Thousand Fountains looked like, otherwise she’d be corrected. As the two came up the steps near the gate, two Jedi Knights came out and intercepted them. One was human with auburn hair that burned bright in the sun, and her gaze seemed equally fierce. The other was a blue-skinned Zabrak with a few chipped horns on his head. “Leon Athos? We’ve been expecting you. I’m afraid you may have to be delayed for a few moments.” She turned to the Zabrak. “Pardon Serra’s rudeness,” He said referring to Serra Jade. “I am Jedi Knight Zao Kel-Urn. This is Serra Jade.” Serra rolled her eyes. “Ignore my stuffy companion. Anyway, we’re here on council business—“ “We’ve been instructed to take you to the Jedi Council. There are urgent matters that must be taken care of. Information has reached the Jedi that is of major importance to the Republic.” “Major importance? What is it?” Anna asked. “That is what we said.” Serra dripped sarcasm. “And that’s also why we’ve been asked to lead you to the council. So you can, well, find out.” An elbow smashed into Serra’s side. “Ah! What?” She glared over at Zao. “Please, follow us.” Zao turned and grabbed Serra by the hand to pull her along. Serra slapped his hand away and went striding along, walking ahead of them all with purpose. Anna glanced over to Leon. She whispered to him. “Any idea what this is about?” [center][b]Aria Blair and Alek Garrus Dantooine[/b][/center] The taunts had the precise effect Ken had intended. Alek had a volatile temperament, easy to anger. That was the reason his master had sent him to Zhar and Datooine. A place of quiet and farmland where the padawan would be forced to learn the values of patience, and that skill with power alone did not win every battle. Alek let out a loud cry of anger, exerting himself to a higher degree. His swings were more dangerous, and more powerful. They could scare and overpower a frightened and inexperienced fighter but his footwork deteriorated in sacrifice. “Impressive, isn’t he?” Zhar asked. “I don’t know if there’s a more powerful Jedi in terms of striking ability in all the Order.” Aria admitted, though there was more to this. “But that’s not all, is it?” “This fight is over. He’s sacrificed his footwork, and in moments Ken will find the opening he needs to end the duel.” “Hmm…” Zhar said no more, but simply nodded. All while Alek’s strikes grew ever so relentless, until the inevitable began to occur. He began to tire, and his footwork suffered an even greater price. More openings began to expose themselves. “There.” Aria remarked quietly to Zhar. An opening revealed itself. The opening, the moment in a duel where victor and defeated showed itself.