Shattered

[Spero Helix]

Spero had nothing.

His master had died in a shuttle crash just over a month ago. Then the bomb went off. The Jedi couldn't seem to catch a break. Spero knew he wasn't the only one left master-less. The bomb killed countless Jedi and broke the souls of many others, including his own. The Temple on Coruscant had been his home since he was four. Now, it was gone.

The confusion in the aftermath of the attack had somehow led him to the Temple on Tython. Spero didn't know what was in store for him, and part of him was fearful for his future. He was slowly overcoming his grief at his master's death, but the wounds were still prevalent. He needed help. He needed further training. Hopefully a Jedi would come along who would be able to help him.

Spero shook himself out of his thoughts. He had enough nightmares about the situation, he didn't need to dwell on it during the day as well. He resigned himself to an afternoon of meditation in the Temple's gardens. There he would wait. He was determined. Another Jedi would come along for him.

And when they did, he would be ready to learn. He would be a servant of the Force. He would be a Jedi once more.

 

[Master Maverick]

The Order was in a shambles. The Temple on Coruscant had been terrorized and the remaining Council members had not yet disclosed who the culprit was. Ayva herself had spent several days meditating on the recent turn of events. Her sorrow and growing anger threatened to cloud her judgement. However, her training as a Jedi allowed her to control herself. It was difficult, but she had been through much worse.

At least the headquarters of the Jedi were not bombed. If they would, the Jedi would surely fall apart. As such, security had tripled. The Will of the Force was destroyed only a few months ago, and now with the Temple on Coruscant gone, it seemed the Sith were attacking their will to fight in this war.

It was working.

However, not for this particular Kaminoan. She had met with Nuju Leafskipper just before his tragic death, and he had given her a task; finish a Jedi's training into Knighthood. Master Nuju knew well enough of her burden, the fact she had a number of others, but he knew of her abilities and knew that he could be trained quickly and effectively. They would need more Knight now more than ever. It was vital, and there was now, no more time to waste.

She walked the halls on the Temple on Tython. She had just finished her initial training with Kendra Dan-Dover, and now she was to get to know another Jedi. Her life was becoming ever more fast paced. While she didn't prefer it, she knew the realism of the times now and wouldn't complain about it.

She walked with a gait unfamiliar to her; it was more aggressive. Certainly faster, but not quite as refined as it should have been. Half way to the gardens, she stopped in the middle of the great hall, realizing her actions. She closed her eyes and calmed her mind. After several moments, she started to walk again at a normal pace and with her normal gait. As well, it wasn't forced.

She'd make her way to the gardens soon enough. One of her favorite places within the Temple, that was for sure, and she soon enough spotted the Togruta. "Spero Helix?" she asked in almost a whisper, but her question would be loud enough within his mind, though he more that likely wouldn't notice it as such.

She'd near him more before introducing herself. "I am Master Ayva Starfall. I was requested by the late Councilor Nuju to finish your training." Her voice was ever cool and calm, seemingly almost an attempt to lull others to sleep. As well, there was always that sing-song element to it to make it all the more enticing.

When it was confirmed that this was the young man, she sat down in front of him and was silent for a few moments and just felt him and who he was, letting her empathic abilities to work to get a feel for this, her new Apprentice.

"How are you this day?" It was seemingly a simple question, but through the force she'd impress upon him that she wanted much more than 'fine'.

 

[Spero Helix]

Master Starfall was, for lack of better words, tall. And slightly intimidating - Spero had never met a Kaminoan before. He could just sense the urgency within her. She, like the few other Jedi Masters, must be in great need. Not wanting to waste her time, Spero replied:

"To be honest, Master, I am not that well. As much as I wish to expel these feelings, my grief over my previous Master's death still plagues me. Now I am confused, alone, and slightly frightened. My Master is gone, my home is gone. I know that Jedi aren't supposed to form strong attatchments, but you must know how special such things are to someone."

Spero shook his head with slight despair.

"I want to be a Jedi, Master Starfall. Please help me rid myself of this grief and become a servant of the Force. I wish to fulfill the Force's will, whatever that may be. Even more so, I am honored to be your student."

 

[Master Maverick]

His emotions rang true within her, only augmented by his words. She could feel each and every emotion and quite a few of the reasons why for each. Her abilities had only been growing, and not just naturally. She sat down with him as she listened. There was a pause before she addressed what he said, but more-so how he felt.

"I wish to apologize, I do not mean to rush you. Please, do not feel that we are on any kind of schedule. My time with you is with only you and we shall have days in which I will teach you what you need to and wish to know. However, this also means I will be away for extended periods. I will give you plenty to do in that time, so you will not be bored. If you are, that can be readily fixed." She paused, simply for effect, before she continued.

"I will not tell you that emotions are to be suppressed and done away with. Indeed, emotions are what make us all the more powerful. However, as I am certain you have learned, this can easily lead to the Dark Side. You must be mindful of your thoughts. Know that all things happen for a reason. Your Master's death is tragic, as is when any Jedi dies. However this is simply their physical being. They indeed still exist.

Miss him, remember him for all your days, but do not dwell on it. Let the tragedy make you stronger and help push you to become all you can be. Know that I am being far from heartless. I am more than certain that he would have wanted you to keep pushing to be all that he knows you can be. Even though, now, he can't help you physically, your memory of him will only make you stronger.

Always be mindful; do not seek revenge, do not be angry, and do not fear death. There is a time for grief and mourning, but it will pass. Your journey as a Jedi will allow you to see this and move past it.

I will guide you and teach you all that I know, but only you can choose to learn it. Such emotions and thoughts will only hinder this.

The Jedi Temple on Coruscant was home to many, but you must realize that you are quite lucky that you did not die, that you are still here to fight for the survival of our Order and to spread peace and harmony throughout the galaxy. This is what it means to be a Jedi. Do not despair, the Jedi are far from destroyed and that was just one of the many places you will form such attachments with.

Indeed, you should know that I taught a class in the Temple just a day before. I went to Empress Teta because after that class I had a break and I hadn't been to the Sage Halls in quite some time. This was purely by chance that I was not in the Temple at that time. I could very well dwell upon the fact that I survived simply because of a random choice I made while hundreds had to die, and feel guilt and despair upon this.

However, this would be far from productive. I can only assume that it was not my time to go, that the force pulled me off-planet to safety. As well, it would not do well to simply mourn their passing. I am certain that they would want us to rebuild and defend the Alliance from the threat of the Sith. We must not seek revenge if it is simply to get back at our enemy. We should avenge the fallen, but not give into such emotions that would come with it. We should not seek power simply to destroy our enemies. This will only lead to the Dark Side, and now, more than ever, you must be wary of this." Again there was another pause. She realized where she was going and stopped herself.

"I do not mean to frighten you with such talk, I am merely telling you the situation of the galaxy. Know that I will teach you and be by your side as you grow into the Jedi I sense that you can become." With that, she was done addressing what he feared.

Now it was time to address his request.

"To help you gain some peace of mind; meditate with me." With that, she closed her eyes and dropped her face and waited for him to do whatever he did to ready himself for such an exercise.

"Now, calm your thoughts and feelings. Let them go. Allow the force to flow through you and take with them your thoughts and feelings. Do not dwell upon them and do not force them to leave, for this will tighten your grip on them and make it ever harder for you to clear you mind." She would pause for an extended period. She had already reached this state and was sensing his own progress so she'd know when to continue, or what to say in order to help him more.

"Allow your thoughts and feelings to flow on the waves of the force and leave your mind. Focus only on the peace, calm and lightness you feel when this happens. Focus only on the force itself; do not dwell upon what it is doing within your mind or where it is going. Simple be..." Her voice grew more quiet as she continued, but simply switched from her physical voice to her mental one as she spoke directly to his mind. He would hardly notice it, except for the additional echoes of such as it bounced off the walls of his consciousness.

 

[Spero Helix]

Master Starfall's words echoed in his mind as almost painfully truthful. Of course, as he wanted to examine them, he was being asked to meditate. He stuffed her wisdom into the folds of him mind and opened himself to the Force.

As the Force began to flow through him, Spero was rejuvinated. He welcomed the comfort like the embrace of an old friend. He wondered if Ye-Jor-Veldis was with him now.

He mentally, and perhaps even physically, shook his head. He had lost concentration. The Force had receded, but Spero knew how to get it back. He tried to calm his mind, all thoughts settling down like sediment on a smooth lakefront.

He felt the Force begin to return. By now, he was only half-listening to Master Starfall's words, but he could still hear her in his mind. He let the Force fill every cell, starting with his core and spreading to the tips of his fingers. The Force warmed him. He basked in its vastness, its glory. Master Starfall's words rang truer than they had before - Spero had not thought that possible. She truly was a Jedi Master, not just by title, but as servant of the Force. Spero was barely conscious of a smile spreading across his lips for the first time in months. There was hope left for him, for the Jedi, and for the galaxy.

 

[Master Maverick]

His thoughts intermingled with her own, and when he smiled, so did she. However, along with his happiness, she felt her own for the reason that he felt at peace and was succeeding in the exercise.

"Wonderful." She spoke physically, but it would seem far off and distant, both in hearing it as well as it seeming she was distant, for she was.

There was an extended pause, but after the silence that enveloped them for such a time, this seemed as mere moments.

Her eyes wouldn't open, but she would ask, "What is it you wish to become; as a Jedi?"

 

[Spero Helix]

Spero thought for a moment. That was one thing Ye-Jor-Veldis really hadn't covered. Spero's previous master had been well-rounded - Spero had just followed along. Now, Master Starfall was giving him a choice.

He could focus on the Force and become the ultimate servant - fulfilling the Force's will to the highest degree. Or he could master his skills with a lightsaber. No one would be able to stand up to him. Spero deliberated.

"I actually haven't given that much thought, Master Starfall. I think what I would truly love, though, is learning of the Force. I want to be one with the Force. I do wish to be capable with a lightsaber - I want to learn Ataru and I already adore the grace and flow of Makashi - but I believe the Force is my true calling. My previous Master introduced me to Battle Meditation, which, at best, I am mediocre at, and I fell in love with being so close to the Force, letting it flow through me. It makes me feel at home. I think that is where my heart lies."

As soon as Spero spoke the words, he knew he had made the right choice. He wanted to be skilled in lightsaber combat, yes, but he wanted to be able to use the Force to avoid combat if at all possible. Only by mastering the ways of the Force would he be able to accomplish such feats. As his thoughts progressed, Spero felt a sudden warmth glow into his heart. The Force was with him.

"Master, the Force agrees with my decision. I do not know what the Force has in store for me, but I do know that this is the right path to take."

Spero paused. One misgiving still plagued him...

"Master, I am unsure about one thing. All I have known is fighting. I've never used the Force in combat before - not directly against my foe, that is. Will using the Force in such a way lead me to the Dark Side? Will I become corrupt as I use the Force to dominate my opponents in combat? I've seen the things a Dark Jedi can do, and I know what my master was capable of. Is it possible to use the Force with such power - with the palpable intent of stopping, harming, or possibly killing someone - without being drawn into the maw of the Dark Side?"

 

[Master Maverick]

She nodded at his deliberation and answer. A smile would signify her joy that she had given him the choice she never had, and that he got to choose what his heart, and the Force desired.

They were very similar in this aspect. While Ayva was matched by few in the use of a Lightsaber, she was also quite skilled with the force. Of course, over years Spero would surpass her in this, but this was to be expected and encouraged.

The emotions in his questions were far more daunting than the questions themselves. However, she was able to focus on the words and answer them without much interference of his fear.

There was a slight pause, but she would begin in earnest with her answer.

"You will fall to the Dark Side only if it entices you to do so. The techniques I will show you inherently draw upon the Light Side, so no temptation will be there. However, as I have learned but recently, the only thing that can keep you from falling to the Dark Side is yourself.

You own will is all that can save you from the pervasive power of the Dark Side.

That said, the use of the force against others in such a way is not inherently Dark or evil. When you use it, as you said, to dominate your opponents, then this mindset is quite dangerous for, if left unchecked, it can very much lead you down that path. That is why we, as Jedi, use the force in defense and protection of others. Our goal is never to beat an opponent, but to protect others and ourselves.

How best to do this is greatly dependent upon the situation. Indeed, there may well be a chance that, in your life, you will be forced to kill another or watch the death of hundreds if not thousands because of your inaction. This must be considered carefully and you must be clear and calm of mind in such a situation.

In your training I will teach you such techniques. However, they are far from easy to learn, never mind master. However, I sense you are more than capable of such, especially with the path you wish to take.

However, again, the main factor in your question is one's will; you must become the Light you wish to serve. Only then will you be truly unbreakable." It was a rather deep, almost dangerous topic to be talking about, and she didn't wish to say any more on the subject. He was young and inexperienced. He would learn with time and she would explain as his training progressed.

There was a pause of silence as she moved from one topic to the next.

"Enough of such things. I will explain more later. For now I would like to see what you are capable of with the Force." The morning was turning into midday and it was time to get some work done.

While she was quite fond of simple conversation, she knew that he wanted to get things accomplished and would oblige this. As well, she was eager to see what this one was capable of. As of yet, she had yet to have an Apprentice that was exceptional in the use of the Force. She held no assumptions, but did hold a few guesses.

 

[Spero Helix]

Spero hardly knew where to begin. He felt as if he had learned so much under his previous master... A new thought occured to him: What if he wasn't strong enough? What if he wasn't satisfactory? Would Master Starfall leave him?

No.

A Jedi Master would never leave an eager learner. Besides, all Spero had to do is trust in the Force, let it guide him, and he would succeed. The thought warmed him. He reached back into his mind, trying to decide what technique to display to his new Master first. Ahh, yes. He could start with Force Heal. But how? He had no wounds to speak of at this moment. That was easily fixable. He could slice himself open with a rock easily enough. But would Master Starfall approve of that? Spero doubted it, but he couldn't see another option.

"Master, I will first display my skill with healing."

Before she could reply, Spero dropped to his knees, grabbed a jagged rock lying next to him, and drew it forcefully across his bare arm. A thin line of blood appeared, Spero didn't make a sound. He refused to look up at his master, afraid a look of disapproval would be etched into her features. Instead, he immediately sank into meditation. He let the Force fill him, but, this time, he guided it. He directed the Force to his would and then focused it. Almost instantly, the small amount of blood-flow stopped and the would began to scab. As rapidly, the scab grew old and began to peel off. As it faded away, a faint scar was left in its place. Even that started fading as Spero pulled himself out of his trance.

Spero cleared his throat. "Next, I will show you my apptitude with Force Empathy."

Spero, still kneeling on the slightly moist Tythonian soil, immediately welcomed the Force back to him. He thought about directing its power to his master, but then decided he really didn't want to know what Master Starfall was thinking at this moment. Instead, he focused on a nearby Manka Cat. The animals feelings instantly filled Spero's mind. Fear for its cubs. Anger at its mate for being killed. Hunger - it hadn't fed for hours. Spero became so absorbed in the animal's thoughts, he felt the desire to rise and hunt or destroy what had killed his - or its - mate. Spero shook his head and broke his connection with the Manka Cat.

"Master, the cat feared for her cubs and her livelyhood. She was angered at her mate's recent downfall and sought revenge. She was also terribly ravenous. But, of course, you probably know all that already."

Spero cleared his throat again, all too aware of the Kaminoan's gaze.

"Next, I will use Force Sense to detect the life around us."

Spero called on the Force again, basking in its warmth as it returned with no delay. He spread out his feelings, sending the Force in all directions, searching for life. And oh did he find it. Life was all around him. The Force was in everything from the smallest blade of grass to the tallest tree the eye could see to the masses of Jedi in the Temple. The Living Force surrounded Spero, calling him to it. He let the Force guide him, he examined the small grasshopper not two feet from him, he could feel the presence of an uxibeast almost half a kilometer away. The minds of the Jedi nearby were a wellspring of the Force. They overpowered him and he recoiled.

Spero blinked rapidly. "Uh, I, uh, sensed the life all around me. The Force surrounds us, manifesting itself in all living things. Master, I will now show you my skill with Telekinesis."

Spero rose. He spread his arms wide, welcoming the Force back to him. He closed his eyes and let it fill his entire being. After he felt its presence from the tip of his montrals to the bottoms of his feet, he reached out in all directions. He found a grouping of stones roughly five feet away. He focused. The largest rock shifted. It shuddered a bit and then lifted away from the others. Spero bit his lip. The remaining three rocks all dislodged from their places. They each began to float off the ground. Spero felt a bead of sweat roll down his cheek. All four rocks dipped slightly. Spero strained, and felt the boulders rise back until they were all ten feet off the grassy surface of Tython. Spero smiled, knowing he could now do whatever he pleased with them. He began to rotate them. They spun quickly, until they were practically a blur. He lifted them higher, higher until the sun could shine upon them and make the minerals held within glisten. Spero spread them apart, each one spinning around itself, until they were each a dozen feet apart. Then, he brought them speeding back to each other, not slowing until they were about to collide. They connected with a tiny clap of sound. Spero let them drift back to their resting places.

Spero opened his eyes, smiled, and wiped the sweat from his face. "Now, I'm going to show you my skill with Force Jump."

Without warning, Spero launched himself into the air. He used the Force to give his legs power, to provide extra spring. He flew ten yards into the air, and came barreling down. He landed, bending his knees to absorb the shock, and then catapulted himself back up. He let the Force give him more height than he had ever reached before. He stretched, reaching twenty yards at the tips of his fingers. Overjoyed, he let the Force cushion his descent. He landed easily, bending his knees only slightly to absorb the impact.

"Force Speed is next, Master Starfall. I'm going to dash around the Jedi Temple and come back to this spot."

Spero took a deep breath, nodded, and took off. He allowed the Force to flow through him, rejuvinating his muscles faster than they could tire. He didn't know how fast he was running, he only knew the Force. His surroundings flew by, he let the Force guide him. He felt completely free. The wind whipped at his face and tore at his robes, but he didn't stop. He pushed himself. He directed the Force, using its power to run faster. He could feel his acceleration. The soil beneath his feet swilred with each footstep. Before he knew it, his master was directly in front of him. Spero stopped, nearly loosing his balance as he used the Force to root his feet in place. He breathed heavily for a moment and smiled.

"My previous master introduced me to Battle Meditation as well. I am barely mediocre at this skill, so I will do my best."

Spero drew a deep breath, filling himself with the Force simultaneously. He sat down and crossed his legs. He reached into the Force, willing it to flow through him. He felt it spread out around him, creating a blanket over the area. He then began to pour in emotion. For the angered and volitile, he poured peace and calming thoughts. For the Jedi and already-peace-loving, he sent out happiness, rejuvination, and hope. For good measure, he sought out a particularly angered Manka Cat. In it, he swirled hoplessness and took away its will to fight. He did exactly as he would do to an enemy in the midst of a battle. As Spero was doing all this, he could feel sweat pour from his body. He hoped that his skill was enough that the people under his meditation could feel at least small perks in emotion. After keeping this up for a few minutes, Spero hoped his master had felt his efforts enough. He broke his concentration and waited, savoring the Force's embrace for just a moment longer.

Spero stood. "Master, the last two techniques I could show you are Force Stun and Mind Trick. I don't know if you wish me to display these as they would involve finding a living target."

Spero waited, hoping desperately that Master Starfall would be pleased with his efforts, but also hoping to hear her words of constructive criticism. He wanted to excell and knew he would do so only by accepting her guidance.

 

[Master Maverick]

Impassive? Perhaps. However, she was watching intently and mentally noting his abilities. These were, much to her joy, more than impressive.

His healing was superb; he was more able than many of his peers, she knew. His empathy, while not at her level, was impressive in its own right. His Sense was pervasive, deep and wide. The telekinesis was good, the control he showed was more than satisfactory. The control he had over his body was, while not masterful, well on its way. The battle meditation he displayed was well felt by herself, though that was more because of her empathy, but she could sense the Manka Cat's change in thought.

When he proposed stun and mind trick, abilities that she herself knew as well, she raised her hand slightly in a motion to infer that this wasn't needed. "No, you have more than proven you abilities. I am sure I shall see your skills in these soon enough."

There was a pause for a moment, as she thought, her mind racing.

"The only advice I would give to you is to be mindful of your emotions. They hinder you greatly.

Indeed, your doubt leeches power from you. Doubt is your inability to believe you are capable of something. As such, you are not and will not be able to succeed. As well, doubt leads to and is fear. This clouds your mind as well as your connection to the Force, weakening you further."

That was the end of her commentary, but she was clearly not finished. A thought was forming in her mind, and would take a few moments before she would voice it.

"I have a proposition; would you be willing and interested to learn and develop with me a technique known as Force Light?" She would seem distant, but the idea was still forming in her mind, as well as the method in which to do this, even as she spoke.

 

[Spero Helix]

Spero took in his master's comments. Doubt. Hm. Could that really be what was holding him back from achieving true oneness with the Force? If so, Spero would do whatever it took to move passed his doubt. He vowed on that.

Next thought. Force Light. Spero had heard of that. He had crossed the title in one of his many trips to the Archives while on Coruscant. He didn't know what it was though.

"Of course, Master. I am more than willing to learn any technique you see fit to teach me. The more, the better, in fact."

Spero smiled. He hadn't smiled this much in such a little amount of time since Ye-Jor-Veldis had died. Master Starfall was clearly having a positive influence on him in just the limited time they had spent together already. Spero was glad. He knew the Force, and his old master, did not want him to dwell on the grief that had plagued him. Spero hoped that he could continue to keep it at bay. Spero pledged to throw himself into his studies, learning everything about the Force the greatest teachers could show him. When Spero returned his gaze to the Kaminoan before him, he felt... ready.

 

[Master Maverick]

A plan of training, at least this ability, had come to her mind and she looked at him more fully now. Just looked at him. He was a light, much like herself, along with another of her Padawans. However, this one and his previous one couldn't be more different. While Sebastian couldn't lift a pebble with the force, this one had no problem lifting 4 boulders as though they were pebbles.

"I am glad. I sense your success in this ability quite well. However, because of the nature of the ability, we shall wait on that for now, as it requires much concentration and focus. Above all, it requires unwavering Light; fear and doubt must be purged from your mind. You will succeed in this soon enough, Spero." There was a pause once again as she considered the next portion of their training.

"I remember reading that you are a practitioner of Makashi, but that you had expressed interest in Ataru. I would have you know that I have mastered the prior form, and, to be blunt, dislike the second. However, as I think about it, they compliment each other quite nicely, I would think.

If you wish, I can further your training in Makashi, as well as get a good base of knowledge and skill for you in Ataru. However, you may have to seek out another for further training in that Form. I have a few Knights in mind that I could introduce you to.

Of course, this is only if that is acceptable to you." There was a pause as she waited for the 'of course' that she knew was coming.

After such, she would rise from her position, towering above the short shrubs and grasses around them. However, even she was dwarfed by the enormous trees that surrounded them. She certainly didn't mind the feeling. Indeed, she felt more comfortable here.

"I would like to spar with you, if you feel up for it. I wish to see your abilities. The choice of arena is yours; we may do so out here, with these obstacles and difficult terrain, or we may find ourselves a training room. Which do you desire?" A smile lit her face, beaming out at the Togruta, her dress seeming to glow at a beam of light that pierced the canopy and struck her.

 

[Spero Helix]

Lightsaber training. Spero had been relatively talented in such fields, but it wasn't what he was truly meant to pursue. He loved Makashi, it was easily his most comfortable form. He felt at home with the way it flowed, just like the currents of the Force. It spoke to him in that way. He felt Ataru would compliment that flow nicely. Seeking out another teacher wouldn't be too difficult as long as Master Starfall could point him in the right direction.

Spero's thoughts turned.

Spar with Master Starfall? Was she crazy? He would be destroyed! There was no point in dueling with a master, much less one who had mastered countless forms and techniques.

But who was he to argue? She was the master, after all. She must have something in mind that Spero couldn't comprehend at the moment.

"Master, there is no way I could even hope to defeat you whether we are inside or out. I guess inside, for now. I must ask, though, what are the requirements of this duel? Solely lightsaber? Or will Force powers come into play? Also, how will being soundly defeated help me grow?"

 

[Master Maverick]

She chuckled as she rose in preparation for their move.

"You are not to defeat me. If you could, then you would not be a Padawan still, Spero.

As I said, I wish to see what you are capable of. While I would normally have you simply demonstrate, or pit you against training droids, I have not done my exercises for today, and I have been restless as of late." She laughed at the way she sounded, it was light and airy, but joyful would be the word that came to mind to most.

"Again, your doubt hinders you. Indeed, you have already lost and we have not drawn blades yet." She let that sink in for a moment before getting back on topic.

She started walking at a slower pace than her usual, but would be normal to your average human. "The requirements are for you to last as long as you can against me. Your ultimate goal should be to be able to best me in combat." again, there was a pause so he could understand this and allow it to settle in his mind.

"The parameters of this spar will be to strictly use your lightsaber. I have already seen your capabilities with the force and that would, thus, be redundant. You may use it to speed up your movements and strengthen you body, but nothing more."

The rest of the journey was silent, for the most part at least. If he had any questions, random or not, she would answer them.

They would reach a rectangular room with rounded corners. The ceiling was 40 feet above them, and from the middle, the farther side was 40 feet away, the closer 25 feet. Otherwise it was completely empty save for a medical bench over in a corner.

She moved to the center, going to her left to declare the side she'd be starting on. She'd turn on her heels, the white of the dress flowing as a whirlpool, with the hints of light blue giving color to the otherwise plain garment.

Physically grasping and unclipping the longer hilt from her left hip with her right hand, she brought it over to her right side in line with her body. There she would activate Star Rise, the 5 foot viridian blade showing more silver than green, a metaphor for the Light within herself.

She would flick it with her wrist in front of her face, then perform a traditional Makashi flourish, creating an 'X' in the air before bringing it down at a 45 degree angle between herself and the Togruta. There she would wait for his go.

"Begin when you are ready." She meant that she would allow him to have the first attack.

 

[Spero Helix]

Spero silently cursed himself. Of course. That doubt wouldn't leave him easily. He wondered what it would take to finally rid himself of the doubt. Did it remain from his grief? Was his grief even truly gone? Or was it just held at bay by the new sense of direction and purpose he had been given?

Spero pushed the thoughts to the side. Right now, he had to focus on putting everything he had into the coming duel. Spero watched his master prepare herself and gulped. She was clearly in her element here.

He trodded to the other end of the rectangular room, sliding out of his brown robes as he went. He tossed the cumbersome material into the corner of the room and flattened out his tunic and pants.

From his belt, Spero unclipped two lightsabers. He hefted them momentarily, relishing how right they felt in his palms. With a grim smile, he pressed their ignitor buttons simultaneously. Purple blades, glorious as a thousand suns, flashed into life. Their slight hum reassured Spero with its familiarity. He quickly flicked them into training mode, a nice trick his previous master had built in for Spero so he could always use his father's old lightsabers. Spero twirled them a bit, more for show than any real purpose. He then dropped into a slightly altered Makashi ready stance. One saber was held almost horizontally, level with his nose, tip pointed at Master Starfall. The other was held perpendicular to his body, ready to block any incoming blows.

Spero resisted the urge to gulp. He bounced lightly on the balls of his feet, wondering how best to engage the Kaminoan. Well, one could only know by trying.

Without warning, Spero twirled himself into the air. He propelled himself across the room, lightsabers winding behind him, ready to strike. He likened himself to a tornado of glowing purple blades. He neared his master and flashed his sabers forward to strike.

 

[Master Maverick]

How interesting. Yet, how unfortunate at the same time. She could teach him her form of Jar'kai Makashi, but he wished to focus on Force powers. However, this would be an excellent chance to see his abilities with the form. Perhaps, if he was decent enough, she could still do this.

Though, she was a bit particular about her favored form.

Almost constantly in a calm and focused state of mind, it took little to initiate her skills with precognition. She used them every time she drew her lightsaber. While she didn't even necessarily need to, she didn't want to be surprised and wanted to test all those she sparred with.

The theatrics of his first move were... superfluous. She simply watched as he floated in the air and descended upon her. She didn't move until it was, seemingly, too late. At the last possible moment, she strafed backwards, completely dodging the first slash. She'd then bring her blade up block the second strike. Her strength would, more than likely, surprise him as she was naught but a twig. however, her muscles were dense, and therefore didn't show as prominently as humans' or other species'.

With a flick of her wrist, after a moment when the momentum had stopped, she flicked her wrist to push his blade out of the lock. With impressive speed (though not nearly as fast as she could go) she then flicked her blade up to his, then, open chest as she took a step back. Her longer-than-average blades, coupled with her longer-than-average arm span, allowed her a reach unknown to most.

This, she knew, was a double-edged blade as, even though her reach was impressive, her inner circle was vulnerable to exploitation. If spent too long too close to her body, she would likely get tangled up in herself. She had worked countless ours on improving this, however her natural body would not yield in this as it did with the control of her body. It seemed that no matter her control, she still would never be able to effectively defend her inner circle.

She had developed techniques in order to minimize the opportunities and time one could spend in this area, but as all techniques, there were ways around it.

Even with her strike against, him. Even as she performed it, her mind raced through the possible escapes and blocks he could do. He just had to choose which one. Even so, she had a counter for the multiple defenses against this. Such came with the practice and knowledge she had gained over the years. Her precognition helped too.

 

[Spero Helix]

As Spero's blades were batted aside, he concetrated on landing. He met the floor with his feet and slid roughly three feet away from Master Starfall. He whirled around, now especially thankful he didn't have his cumbersome robes. He whipped his sabers around as well, expecting a retaliation from his master.

Whatever attack he had been expecting, he didn't find it. She still stood, seemingly waiting for him to continue. Strange.

Spero reassessed the situation. Her blade had an unusually long reach, so he had to be cautious how he approached her. Could that also present a weakness? Spero didn't know. He had never fought an opponent with such an impressive armspan before. He would have to test and poke around.

Deciding on a simple move to test how far his master was willing to go, he spun forward, keeping one saber close to his body. The other he kept extended, in a good position to slice his master's abnormally thin neck. He knew she would be skilled enough to avoid the assault, he just wanted to know how she would retailate once he was within her reach. Spero lashed forward, executing his move with ease.

 

[Master Maverick]

Her saber at the ready, the pause was a bit longer than she would have hoped. Under normal circumstances she would have attacked readily, however this was but a training and the purpose of which was to gauge his abilities, not beat him senseless.

In response to his first spinning slash, all she did was avoid the attack, not allowing him in range. As well, she moved to her right, opposite his spin. With the second one, which would come sooner due to where she was moving, she brought up her blade, griping the hilt with both hands, and blocked the slash at her neck.

When his blade passed hers, as she allowed it to, not excessively hindering his momentum, she brought down her blade at him, striking at first his left shoulder before moving into a slash at his chest, going from left shoulder to opposite hip. Even so she was moving back and to her right, keeping well aware of the room around her, both of their positions and the distance between them. As she was, she was near the edge of his range and wanted to keep it that way.

After the slash she would strafe quickly to her left further, trying to get around him to strike the back of his right shoulder. This attack actually doing anything depended greatly upon how he defended against her previous strikes as well as moved to defend against her current position, or even if he allowed her to get around him as such.

 

[Spero Helix]

Spero was forced to use both of his sabers to ward off his master's speedy attacks. She was fast - much faster than Spero had expected.

Spero launched himself backwards and caught his breath in mid-air. He didn't know if his master approved of him using the Force to escape whatever blow she had planned, but he needed to get out of her reach. Landing safely three feet from Master Starfall, he immediately used a Force-enhanced burst of speed to charge the elderly Kaminoan. He let loose a series of quick cuts and slices - some aimed to her upper body and neck, others to her legs.

Spero figured she would block all of these strikes, but he was merely using these moves to attempt to get closer to her. If he could get to a point where her long limbs had difficulty reaching him, he may be able to find an advantage.

All Spero had to do was react to how she deflected his flurry of attacks. He fully expected to be able to take a side-step closer with every renewed assault.

 

[Master Maverick]

Good; the control he had over his body during a free run transferred easily to a fight. Some had trouble with that, but he had either practiced it or was naturally gifted. Either way, it upped the ante.

When he jumped away, she collected herself and waited for the charge that she knew was coming; if not by her precognition, then his demeanor. Even so, he obliged and she would maneuver her blade effortlessly. Each movement of her arms was deliberate and planned. She moved her feet as she backed away from him but continued to go around his left side. At this point, her back was to the back right corner of the room (when facing in from the entrance).

She would continue, moving to the door as her feet sped as she stepped lightly, maneuvering her position to dodge or parry the incoming attacks. Sometimes she had to do both at the same time. It was quite interesting, and she was enjoying herself. She made sure to stay just barely inside his range to allow him and urge him to attack her but not so close as to tangle her up.

At times the blocks were simply redirects, allowing his blade to slide down hers but keep its momentum. However, the last few ones she crashed her blade against his in order to disrupt his movements. In a quick series of them, she swept her blade over from her left to right, bring his right blade over in front of him as he came down with his left handed blade to strike her head. To this she turned and moved to the side, dodging it, even with her dress flowing behind her.

With his left hand crossing over in front of his body, she took this opportunity to counter, circling her blade to attack his left shoulder even as she stepped back and around him slightly with a 3 foot stride.