Aria Blair
Dantooine
Under his seemingly blank expression, Zhar was pleased. He wasn’t one to normally duel his own students until they were ready, so having them face a well-trained Knight was an exceedingly excellent option. Just from this one duel, the rate of Aria and Alek’s learning could excel far beyond most other padawans. He could see the discomfort in Aria’s face, no matter how much calm she could exude. Ken’s offensive style had taken her off guard, and forced her into choosing an attacking style. Adapt, learn, become what one must in order to achieve victory. A true lightsaber battle between soldier, mercenary, sith, jedi… The hard truth was a battle was usually to the death. Being in tune with the sword was synonymous with being in tune with oneself and the energy of the Force.
The force push worked. Aria was lifted off of her feet and thrown back near the wall. Her switch to Ataru was successful, but only for a momentary period of time. Caught in the panic, the constant attack of Ken… Aria felt the first stirrings of something inside of her. Something different, but not quite foreign. She fought against battles and duels, yet she loved the Echani rituals. At every turn, she contradicted her nature. And now, as the padawan managed to get herself up onto her feet and in a quick defensive position.
Aria felt thrilled. The rush of battle coursed through her veins and a sudden pouring of force surrounded her in waves. She switched into Juyo. Zhar cracked a smile. In response to Ken, Aria delivered a force push of surprising power and leapt back into battle with him. With controlled anger, unleashing her emotions, she breathed in the thrill of dueling with Ken as if it were second nature. Her golden yellow saber flashed and thrummed with life. Her own saber strokes falling down with her building fire.
“Ahhhhh!!” She screamed out.
Anna Sparvic
Coruscant
Anna had more than a few things to say to the padawan. She kept her mouth sealed, and thoughts to herself while Leon bantered with her and talked with the council. It was more than just what Leon assumed her worry was for. Anna may not have seen war, but she was an adult. This padawan was young, not a knight, not a master; and she was about to be thrust into a mission in which no one knew exactly what might happen. Her worries, stress, and frustration festered; but with a deep breath she allowed herself to simmer. Perhaps Leon was right, and perhaps Xeviiy was right. Jedi could do incredible things, why should this padawan be so different in her capabilities of protecting herself?
It seemed Atris had read the lieutenant’s mind. “Don’t burden yourself with too much worry, Lieutenant. The force is strong and will protect Xeviiy. We don’t intend for her to be within the line of fire. She may prove a surprise to you.” Anna nodded and looked over at the eager, fiery padawan. Despite Atris’ words, Anna couldn’t fully agree. The nature of a fire fight, the nature of a war, is unpredictable. Meaning to do or not do something makes no difference – That’s what she learned with chasing criminals in the underbelly of Coruscant. Anything that can go wrong, will, so prepare accordingly.
Kavar put his hands together. “Then, I believe this meeting is concluded. I support the idea that Xeviiy should accompany you both back to Republic Headquarters. A Jedi’s mind should not only be wrapped up in the words of our archives, but from experience. You’re free to join them, Xeviiy.” Kavar stood from his seat, and so did the rest of the council signifying the end of their deliberations.
Anna glanced over at Xeviiy. “I didn’t mean any offense to you, earlier. Considering our mission, there are a lot of priorities to be concerned about. I’ve put criminals behind bars, but a war mission is a whole different animal from what I’ve read. Leon would probably know more about scouting missions than I do.”
Kale Jerikko
Dantooine
Kale twirled his saber around in circles, walking into the dueling ring. They were right next door to the other room where Aria and Ken were fighting. Sounds of lightsaber crackling seeped through the walls. With a press of the switch, the blue plasma sang. The beam burning vibrantly in the air as he looked over Markus with a grin.
“It’s been a long time.”
Too long, far too long. Nineteen years since Kale and Markus had last stepped into the ring together for a sparring match. He had never quite lived up to the level of Markus and Lonna, but Kale was a tricky fighter with plenty of deceptions at his disposal. A smart duelist who could be lethal if taken lightly. Nineteen years could only make him better.
“Sabers only, for old time’s sake. Pure swordsmanship skill only. I can’t think of anything better.”
