Exploring the unknown

[Alexei Denkio]

Endor
Midnight
​

It was late, at least on this planet. But since he was very tired from the recent battle it was definitely symbolic of his mental state. Though he was very much not ready to go and sleep just yet, especially since he had something important to do. Having seen the Jedi in a actual fight on the battlefield now, and considering facing a Sith who nearly killed him. It was a life changing event, especially after the orbital bombardment the Sith did. Watching the base get destroyed and nearly dying on the ice world of Hoth. If not for the power that helped him get though the battle, he would never had made it though. It convinced him of what he was given. Now he just have to live up to it.

Which was why he came to Endor, he was actually given time to deal with the events of Hoth. An honestly he would love to take time away from the war, but he needed this. When he saw the Jedi he felt a sense of calm around her. Even when she fought he felt the flow of something greater coming off her. He couldn't explain it now even when he been thinking about it for so long. It just was crazy still thinking he might have this strange power.

"I just hope she would show up." Alexei was sitting in the middle of the forest, without much on him.

Not even his blaster or communicator. He was actually very proud of that, being young and spoiled he never once though of a day where he wouldn't have a day without a least one of his electronic tools. But today he swore not to even touch one, he wasn't sure why. Yet it just felt right for a man who is trying to learn some mythical stuff to be into nature or something.

Still it wasn't like he knew when the Jedi would show up, he hadn't even messaged her. Maybe testing out how the force work, or one last test to see if this was to be his future. An it wasn't just one big prank on him that one day.

@Killa Ree

 

[Nikka Toren]

An Answer to a Call
-Theme-
​

She had been spending some time on Endor now; between her chance meeting with Alexei Denkio and Samael Valorum, not to mention the silence from Ashlyna, she was very busy trying to train the young Sam with her old Clanmate Horus and keep her own fledgling clan together. She had much to do, but...

There was some time. Something tugged at her senses, not demanding... simply asking. Like a small child tugging on a skirt, it lured her from her meditation alone. It had been several days since she had felt this; the ways of Ashla were mysterious, but no more mysterious than her own conflictions.

Namely, the conflict of conviction, and the conflict of the heart. Jedi did not feel passion, but peace. But something stirred in the Force; a feeling that had haunted her since the tremor during the events of Bespin. Her life was out of the fine balance it once shared. And another sense; a looming sense of foreboding, of darkness. Much awaited the events following the Jedi Knight; many trials would be faced. Many tribulations forded... and many ties tested to near-breaking.

For once, Jedi Knight Nikka Toren was uncertain of the path that laid before her.

But nonetheless, something called her from the depths of the night, when the heat of the star of this system surrendered to this strange planet-like moon's night. She slowly came back to awareness, her levitated form slowly sinking back down to the floor. Her head tilted up; something called within the woods once more.

She slowly began to walk; it was first out one of the hangars, then past the perimeter; she nodded absently to any that seemed to call to her or ask something, but her mind was elsewhere.

It took another twenty minutes, silently padding through the quietened jungle, before her Sight found the familiar shape of someone she had not known was alive. A being that bad not changed much... was he waiting for her? In this place, where even the night held more dangers than they did most anywhere else?

She made no sound, but stood before him. As still and silent as the rest of the woods, until she spoke, with a contemplative voice.

"Alexei. If you wanted a midnight rendezvous, you should have called me on the comms. This is dangerous for one alone." Her tone was patient, calm, as she folded into a sitting position before him.

Her voice was remarkably gentle. "...What's happened since we last spoke? Much troubles you," her hands clasped before her, calmly waiting. How strange. Was this what called her from the depths of her deepest thinking? Perhaps he was stronger than she had anticipated... but these were thoughts meant to be mulled over later. Meantime, she would wait a response, the only sound that of some far-off insects letting out chittering thrums into the night air.

@Richie B.

 

[Alexei Denkio]

Surviving Hoth was no easy task but Alexei had somehow done it, though not entirely because of his own effort. He would have died several times by now if not for a timely rescue from another Rebel. It was sort of scary to think being all alone on the ice world feeling the deaths of hundreds of people from both sides as the sky rained fire. He knew some Sith made the call, as they were the ones actually in charge of the Empire. An the thought of someone also connected to the Force like himself was willing to feel the deaths and call for a orbital bombardment was rather disheartening. What caused that to happen? Wasn't the Force suppose to be a force for good?

That was a question he would hopefully find out the more he gets into this training. Though it wasn't like he knew what sort of training he would be doing or know what even training to be a Jedi means. There was still so many questions he had but a small sensation in the wind made him realize how long he had been and that she was actually right. Guess he really did have some secret power.

When she got close to him, which made him turn around to face the woman she felt just like before. Even if he couldn't truly tape into it she felt like a stone in a river, balanced and stern. Yet Alexei couldn't quiet put it but he felt something was slightly off but he didn't spend time it wasn't like her face betrayed any sense of concern or worry. So he decided to let it go, since he was here to start learning how to use the Force. Whether he became a Jedi was another matter, but if it meant he got to find a way to pay back against those that killed his family and help bring down the Empire so be it.

Mentioning the communicator Alexei was slightly surprised maybe the Jedi weren't all magic powers. There was just so much he didn't know.

"I should have but I needed some time to think alone. I was half testing to see how true your words were. If I was a part of something bigger then no doubt you would show up when I was ready. Which I guess means you weren't playing a dirty trick." His voice was steady despite the fact he was still very much shaken up by the events of Hoth.

Nearly dying wasn't a new concept for him, but the past few times were his own fault. Nearly hitting another speeder, getting into drunk fights and drinking to much sure nearly ended his life but they were his own choices. Poor as they may be. But watching giant streaks of fire coming down as if the heavens had demanded bloodshed was something else all together. He hadn't been station there long, he was just suppose to help push back against a invasion while they finished evacuating the base. Since the Rebels had recently decided to abandon the icy world.

"Hoth. It wasn't a fun assignment. Think it started when the Empire came and after getting there butts handed to them decided to call in a orbital bombardment. Sure the base was mostly empty at this point but there were a lot of soldiers that retreated into it because of the wounds they got on the front lines." Alexei body felt heavy as the words came out, the opposite effect on his mind which felt far more clear now that he spoken about it.

The Rebel sat down in front of the Jedi in a similar manner to her though it was clear he legs weren't use to the position. His head hang a bit low thinking about the whole event. How many could watch the roof collapse on them? How many survived only for the cold to get them. There wasn't a full army in the base but still many didn't make off world.

"Nikka could you tell me about the Sith? I am sure one had ordered the assault, and one was there when my family died. Is it true they use the Force like we do?" It was a silly question he was sure but he wasn't a educated man, nor did he have a lot of experience with the Force.

Alexei wasn't quiet at the point of obsession but he would be lying if he didn't admit to himself that he hated them. Not for the evil they commit galaxy wide but the effect they had to the people living in it.

@Killa Ree

 

[Nikka Toren]

She could feel all that emotional turmoil raging and roiling within him; he was so vibrant and alive with feeling, but nothing like Ashlyna, or even Sam. Both were experienced with emotion, but Alexei was different, because this was his first genuine taste of warfare. Of the horrendous catastrophe that happened at the beck and call of others. She had felt it; the cry of so many voices. It still ached in her heart; the sheer sense of loss was like a slash in the face of the Order.

She reached out, lightly touching his hands as he spoke, nodding along patiently. His words were heartfelt, but they were true. She could understand the need for time alone, for space. She recalled her first taste of real battle, of war, and how much it had rattled her in the face of her peers and their aspirations. He would feel the calm she purposefully exuded, steadying his own rattled morale; another type of healing, this patience and calmness.

He had changed much since the last they met; he was far more subdued in his expressions. But more than anything else, he wanted to know why. Why he felt this, why... about the Sith. She hesitated, considering her words. Since her experiences with the Sith were wildly different, she did not have much experience, but there were some consistencies. And her Master was very careful to tell them of all the dangers of the Dark Side.

She took a deep breath, then let it out slowly after a few beats of silence.

"Alexei."

The name was spoken gravely, with far more heaviness than the Miraluka had ever employed with her voice. She slowly removed her hands, folding them within her lap.

"I sensed it. I was... in battle myself, elsewhere, when it happened on Hoth." She recalled the fierce well of regret, despair, of grief... of hate that she could sense. It tremored in her chest from across the galaxy like a vise when she was fighting the Empire agent that tried to shoot her down. There were casualties on either side, but nonetheless their outcries had cut the sensitive Miraluka to the quick. She had healed with very minor scarring, but she and Arda were fortunate their opponents had fled as quickly as possible. Those two Empire agents would not have been so fortunate that day.

"The Sith..." she mused, nodded once with another sigh. "Yes, they do use the Force. But it is not like the Jedi," she made the distinction. Her palms opened, and she dipped her head down slightly, considering her words. "There is the Light Side of the Force... and the Dark Side," she began, carefully. "The Light is the Jedi: peace, knowledge, serenity, harmony. The Force. My people called it Ashla, a god, but the Light Side and the Dark Side are two faces of the same coin; opposite, but present. The Dark Side, which my people called Bogan, however, is passion... anger and strength is their creed. The Dark Side may seem stronger on the surface, but they err greatly; the more you fall, the more it devours your mind, corrupts your body..."

She hesitated again, then continued. "For five hundred years, the Dark Side has blanketed the Galaxy in corruption, rage, anger and despair. You've had your first real taste of its' destruction, but do not mistaken it for power. Such rage is not sustaining; hate and anger do not solve the lives lost," she cautioned kindly. If she had eyes, they would have been staring straight at his.

She knew his feelings... all too well.

"Let me tell you a story, Alexei. One that almost no one, within our Order or the Alliance knows. If you have the time... listen to my story, and perhaps you may understand. Would you want to?"

@Richie B.

 

[Alexei Denkio]

Alexei hadn't even realized the emotion the swirled inside him was becoming so intense. But when her hands placed onto his the young man couldn't help but feel the calm wash over him. It wasn't natural, even his novice self could feel that. Yet regardless of that he was glad, he could feel that it was coming off Nikka which meant she was trying to help him out. He knew his questions would have almost slam into her like a truck he wasn't holding anything back. He needed answers so once she had finished answering he would ask more.

An then she said his name, like it was something difficult to say. Maybe the questions he had ask were actually the right ones, but once she placed her hands in her lap, he realized how serious she was taking them. It brought a small amount of pride thinking he actual could think of the right questions, as he thought back on his rather lack luster schooling time. But as she began to speak and describe the feeling she had about the battle, and the Sith which caught Alexei off guard.

If the Force was split like the way she describe then why should they follow it? Was it the Force that direct the Jedi and also guide the Sith? Or was there more to it that he just wasn't fully aware of. But as she described the state of the galaxy he knew it was true, the lives of people on all worlds were slowly progressively getting worse. It was clear the Jedi needed to return but his understanding on how the Force played into it was still elementary level which bothered him. Still her wanting to tell him a story caused all his other questions to be put on halt. Whatever it was would clearly be something personal and important.

"I would be very grateful if you did tell me your story. I hope it would... well I hope it answers some of my questions." It sounded somewhat wrong of him to hope her story, whether personal or not, would answer his questions.

He was still just a student and even if he never been in a order before his small time in the Rebellion had taught him some respect for the chain of command. An she very much outranked him. For now though he listened waiting to see what her story would show.

@Killa Ree

 

[Nikka Toren]

She knew he had to be conflicted; being so close to death, yet losing so many of your companions to such an awful torment had to be devastating. But he had to focus, these emotions were going to drown him out. These many grievances would be difficult to heal; perhaps her story was the best place to start.

She took a deep breath.

"I was born the daughter of a farming family, believe it or not."

A wistful smile touched the corners of her mouth, unseen in the dark. "The oldest of three children. From a young age, I was gifted with the Sight of the future... vague dreams, flashes. My people, unlike most, are uniquely tied to the Force; we cannot see as you do. Our Sight is, for most of us, through the Force; I can sense its' Light all around." Her last words were slightly hushed, as she tilted her head. The sounds of the forests around them seemed to swell with the absence of her voice.

"...I ran away at the age of ten, afraid of what my future dreams held."

Her fingers skimmed over her arms; hidden beneath many layers, the tattoos were still raised enough to be felt. Perhaps they were still very dark; when one had no eyes, it hardly mattered. "I had a dream when as a mechanic at the age of fifteen, of a woman covered in intricate tattoos. The woman was me. I changed myself to hide. The Dark Side of the Force is alluring; you fall for its' passions, its' fears. And when you let those fears rule you, they lead to anger. That anger becomes hate. Hate, which is what the Sith use. Such rage was dangerous... it eats you alive, along with that fear. You know what I speak of," she spoke gently, lightly touching a hand over his wrist.

"When my Master found me, I had hidden myself from everyone. Anger at myself, at the galaxy, fueled me. Passion and hatred, too; for a long time, I was very lost. It has taken me a few years to calm my mind and open myself to the Light Side of the Force. And many lessons," She smiled again, bowing her head with a wry chuckle. "I was no easy student; terrified of harming others, of being useless. It took me a long time, but it was a worthy time."

"You must not hold on to these feelings, Alexei," she spoke gently. "This sensitivity to the Force is a gift; I would never claim it an easy one. It is a tool, to guide yourself to the liberation of others also in fear. And it is a willing weapon and shield." As she spoke, the forest hushed once again.

She felt it. The Light Side flowed from her palms, hummed in her veins and bones. In this moment, the nexus of this power; she lifted her head once more.

"Do you feel it? That power, that life... if you will it, it will answer your call. But first, you must learn to let go. And I will teach you how to do that, without sacrificing the memories of others."

@Richie B.

 

[Alexei Denkio]

Listening he wanted to know Nikka's story. Maybe it would help him with his own problems, both with his family and the battle of Hoth. And as the words came out, it felt like the universe responded to it as when she spoke the forest would become quiet. Which for a moment had him rather frightened, but he quickly calmed down when he realized it was most likely the Force. Still it was surprise to hear she was able to see the future. Was that actually true? Sure he could be told the Force could blow up a planet and he might actually believe it. But nothing told him that she was lying and so he believed her.

Watching her speak and as she touched his wrist he was slightly confused as why she felt the need to touch him. But considering after the death of his family he hadn't really had the pleasure of having the feeling of personal touch, of someone who cared giving him something to remind him he wasn't alone.

His own silence continue as she spoke especially when she mentioned anger. Hatred was something he kind of just dealt with as it was all he could feel during that night. It was sad, listening to her explain she left her family in fear for their own lives. Maybe if he had left... no she just told him not to think like that. Anger, passion were normal feelings but now he was being told to let them go. Something any therapist worth their salt would suggest. But that was always easier said then done, but a image of his younger sister smiling trying to encourage him to stay in school popped up.

He would try, if for nothing else but for the happy memory he had of his family. An considering it took her some time, maybe he could get over it given time.

Thinking of the Force as a weapon and a tool confused him but he listened to her, she spoke of the power of the Force. An he had to admit since he started learning his own Force sensitivity and trying to learn he had become more and more aware of the Force. Sure he couldn't quiet call on it just yet but sitting down and just spending the time to allow himself time to just breath and listen, he could feel a greater connection now with the Force. He wasn't quiet there to be able to understand all of it just yet, but he at least knew he was going on the right track.

"I am willing to learn and to let go, I can't promise to be the best student but I will never stop learning." But he had just a single question something personal and he wasn't sure if he should ask yet he felt the need to ask anyway, and it took him a minute to work up the courage to ask it.

"Did you ever returned to your family?"

@Killa Ree

 

[Nikka Toren]

She sat, letting him process everything she said. Unlike with her other Padawans, she wasn't going to push too hard, or press the matter. It was difficult, being a survivor. Especially when you would feel like you didn't deserve to survive. Or that your destiny was out of your hands. Free will was a common debate topic amongst their Order. She often felt like she had a choice to her own will, but that sometimes she had no choice. Her intuition guided her to where she needed to go.

She smiled again when he finally did speak. It was not relief, nor pride really... but she could feel the warm glow in her chest. Joy, perhaps, subdued but there. She knew it was difficult to conceive the idea of letting go; it would feel like surrender at first, like failure. To truly give up these volatile emotions was difficult; even the most learned of Jedi, the Masters, had difficulties, trials and tribulations.

She knew he had pressing questions perhaps, but that one took her off her guard for a moment, then two. She exhaled slowly, hands settling back into her lap, and she nodded.

"I did... once. They had sold the farm, and my brothers joined the Empire's military. We did not speak of wars and sides." Her smile became tinged with sadness. "My mother was not alone; she had her own family. The best we can do in this war is keep surviving for the ones that matter most; especially, however, those without voice." She faced him, then tilted her head.

"If you are willing to learn, want to begin now? Or would you rather wait?"

She had time. For another interested, willing to join... she had all the time in the galaxy.

@Richie B.

 

[Alexei Denkio]

He was beyond glad to see that Nikka did answer his question, he could have seen her getting upset with that sort of question. But that wasn't the class, clearly she was willing to help him and isn't afraid of telling him some personal history. An hearing how her family somewhat broke apart made him realize how normal Nikka was. It never accorded to them that Jedi really were just people. With their own problems and unique personality like he notice how many of the Jedi he met were all different from one another. Like how Quolon very chill and outgoing, and Konan was a bit more stern. Still they were all people.

Maybe that was what he was missing that it was just people. It was such a strange concept people who were just people, and yet they been given power to do so much. Either the Force had trusted them with something so great and yet he could see how many failed that trust. The Sith who were given the Force just like the Jedi, yet they burned down houses with families in it. What kind of universe was that?

There was much he wanted to learn, and ask about the universe, the Force, the Jedi and how can one try and fix the galaxy they find themselves in. It was a lot he needed no wanted to learn as he didn't need much but a chance to fix things. He wanted to know the best way to do that though. An he felt that Nikka was a path to that knowledge.

"I want to start now. Sure it is late on this world and I only just got back from Hoth but I need to know more. I understand there is a lot that I will need to catch up on before I can do anything like you and the rest of the Jedi. Not that I am comparing myself is just understanding I am behind and to better defend myself in a dangerous galaxy getting closer to your level is a good idea." Alexei took a deep breath and letting out a loud sigh, getting a small headache from all the thoughts that raged inside his head.

Standing up and beginning to stretch Alexei felt a bit awkward thinking of the crazy methods Jedis had to do to learn of the Force. Something that still felt so big and hard to understand. Still he was committed this was his future something he wanted. Which wasn't something he thought of seeking a future outside of revenge, maybe it had something to do with it but in this small moment nothing else mattered then finding his place in the galaxy. An now that he seems to have found it, the feeling he got from it was amazing.

"So how does one even use or let the Force guide you or whatever." Alexei said finishing his stretching and looking away from Nikka has his right hand scratched at his cheek, trying his best to hide his embarrassment in his lack of knowledge.

It wasn't usually for him to be like this, usually he didn't care he wasn't the smartest in the room. But a drive or something inside him wanted him to succeed and be good at this. Yet he was still so new and it felt embarrassing to not know something that it seemed to simple for or natural for so many he already met.

@Killa Ree

 

[Nikka Toren]

She wasn't surprised that he wanted to start right away. He was a young man of action; one of the better charms of the Rebels, perhaps, but as a Jedi it would take time, hard effort and patience. Something not all were gifted with. She certainly wasn't in the beginning... anxious to make a difference, to do extraordinary things in the name of the Force and the Order. She had mellowed, perhaps, but it wasn't a comforting thought.

She stood up as he did, but slowly, taking time to plant her feet on the ground, hands laced together before her. It seemed that he was anxious to be strong and prepared more readily than most of his peers; though commendable, was perhaps not the best way to pursue things. But... it seemed like power was his gain. She paused before speaking.

"Alexei. Being one with the Force, though strengthening, does not make me any less susceptible to death or extreme danger. In fact, my position is very dangerous indeed; having strength within my ties to the Force means also that those that wish to destroy the order may also destroy me." There was a thought; briefly, her mind lingered on Zeven, and she softly cleared her throat. "Your strongest armor will be calmness, clarity and focus both in the hall and in the battlefield. Your weapons are not just to use the Force to destroy others, but protect those that need it, and bring justice to the galaxy."

She smiled at his questions, then crossed her arms. "You must learn first to listen, my Padawan. Yes, that will be your title; you will not yet be considered a Jedi until you have endured some challenges, some difficulties. Embrace what you have always tried to suppress, feel it not with your heart," one hand curled over her chest, where her heart beat, "or with your mind. Use your senses. Your intuition. When these feelings come to the surface, what do you feel? What do you sense?"

She tilted her head slightly, smiling. Just from posture alone he was embarrassed; perhaps there was one more thing he needed to hear. She extended out her left palm to lightly tap and press his shoulder, a warm but firm grasp. "I was roughly your age when I first begun my training as well; do not worry, Alexei, you will have much to learn and I will be there to teach you."

She took a deep breath, then released.

"We begin by learning how to let go. Ready?"

@Richie B.

 

[Alexei Denkio]

He listened to her as she standup and began to lecture him. Something was different this time it felt less like a session and more a reminder. A warning even. But he felt maybe it might have been worded better but it became clear at the end when she mentioned what his ties with the Force are meant to do. They weren't weapons to destroy even considering it a weapon is the wrong idea. It was more a tool, one which he decides what its use is. It could be a weapon but it wasn't inherently one, rather it became what the user desires of it. Does that mean the Force could be both a guiding force and also a neutral force in the galaxy? Such a duality was way over his head. Having apparent desire to guide generally meant a design and desire which would mean the Force had a will. Yet if he was understanding correctly with what she mentioned that it was also just there a fact of life without a will to it.

He clearly needed to ask more questions. But still when she crossed her arms it felt like the conversation shift. Clearly she didn't want to stay long on the matter. Plus the new thing she brought up about how he wasn't a Jedi yet, not until he did a few tests or whatever kind of excited him. Cause it meant he was actually given a chance to go down this path that could lead him into the order so long he stuck to it. Plus titles were cool, sure he hated them when he was younger with his life on Alderaan having been dictated by what title you had, but this felt different. Like something he actually earned and had to work for rather then birth. Sure not everyone could become a Jedi but only those who dedicated their lives to the path could do it. But a little warm from the Kyber crystal in his pocket reminded him humility was what he needed. This was a duty not a honor. Though it could be confused as such he was taking a duty that required he dedicate himself to something bigger which meant he was but a part of it. He wasn't the Jedi but a Jedi. Well not even a Jedi yet. But as he was somewhat lost with a internal monologue with himself he remembered she asked him a question, and after a few seconds of her staring at him he answered.

"I am ready to learn. But I most ask do you mean let go of my..." He looked down to the ground then back at his new teacher, and it only took him a second to continue.

"My past and those feelings or you talking like metaphysical letting go of thinking and let my body just go?" A somewhat goofy smile formed on his face, he was trying to understand and hoping he was getting it right.

He wasn't a religious man nor a spiritual one, but heck sounds like he was going to need to open up to the new fact of life. He was following this life like it was a religion and for some reason despite everything he had experience he was comforted in knowing Nikka would be there to help him though it.

@Killa Ree

 

[Nikka Toren]

Despite the stern external shell she tried to keep up as the role of mentor; she offered another unseen smile in the dark, however, raising a brow. "Very cute of you to ask. But letting go means... not letting your emotions rule your head. Your cause. Stop trying to hold on to free will; the Force will be your guide. Trust in it, and you will never be lost. As a Jedi, you must learn to trust this intuition."

She chuckled, the sound faint.

"It will take some getting used to. Believe it or not, I was once a mechanic. My biggest belief was survival of the fittest."

@Richie B.

 

[Alexei Denkio]

At this point he could be sure that his words most be entertaining her to hear. As he considered how many times she had already chuckled in his presence. Being someone laughed at wasn't new to him as in his youth when he was starting to become a trouble maker, it was first meant to be funny and get attention. As he lacked that from his father the one man he wanted it from. But he was going to need to let it go, at least he had to try.

It was a big thing to ask though in his mind, cut off your feelings and just trusting a feeling from your gut. Or intuition which was still such a vague idea, when would he knew it was the Force he was listening to and not just his own desires and wants. From what it sounded like he was going to need to just have blind faith. Which wasn't something he was use to or really understood. He would definitely need to ask more about it.

"I can definitely believe you were once a mechanic." He was once a hooligan, and now here he was becoming a Jedi and was a soldier fighting the Sith, having weird pasts seemed to be something Jedi just had.

"So I will be giving up free will to become a Jedi? Think I might be having a difficult time understanding what you are trying to say." As things continue he knew there was a lot that needed up in understanding, about the Force and the trusting in his gut.

He wanted to know what she was talking about, this was all new for him. An even in the shadow of the night it was clear he was bubbling with questions. Nikka could probably even sense his excitement with the Force, and despite him knowing he needed to control his emotions it was difficult. He wasn't given a strong upbringing to instill discipline and control, even though that was what he needed now. But knowing all his own flaws he wasn't going to give up, because this was something with a purpose. An that is something he had been searching for most of his life.

@Killa Ree

 

[Nikka Toren]

She grinned at his believing her; most didn't. They saw the Knight dedicated to her cause, devoted to the will of the Force and of those that needed help. But she still was just a simple mechanic at the heart of things. She just knew when to speak, and how to speak... when to step up, and when to retreat.

But being a teacher, a mentor? This was new.

She paused, then held up her palms. The ground around them began to tremble, ever so slightly. Like a shiver from a great behemoth. "Have you ever had a moment in your life where you had a feeling to do something different... despite rational thinking otherwise?" she inquired lightly. "Or found that some people were more easily swayed by what you wanted than others?"

The shivering subsided, but her hands remained. "The Force binds every living thing, Alexei. It's what guides us when times are dark, it's a connection between yourself and the galaxy around you. But the Light Side of the Force is not guided by will or ego; you are a conduit. In time, you will feel it wherever you go, it will strengthen you and give you gifts that those not sensitive could only dream of. But to use it, you must still your mind first. The first lesson I have for you will perhaps be your hardest one."

There was a smile, but then it vanished. Her fingers knitting together, her posture tall and straight. Calm.

"You must first learn to be still, and focus. Are you ready?"

@Richie B.

 

[Alexei Denkio]

He might have just been seeing things but it looked like she seemed happy when he mentioned believing her. Or maybe it was the Force telling him. It was hard to tell though, but still he was happy to feel her being open with him. It made things easier on him thinking that if she who was a mechanic and had no transferable skills could do it why couldn't he? So as she began to speak on those odd feelings he got when something just pulled and drag him into doing something stupid. It was strange did all Jedi before joining the order have the same experiences as him.

But what scared him was the ground as it trembled. Sure it was a short and quiet thing but he could feel it in his feet, as if the world reacted to her speaking. He did noticed her palms going up the same time as the trembling and had a strong guess the two were connected. Still remembering when she said that power wasn't the purpose of the Jedi made him think why she would do something like that. But he didn't understand the Force as well as she did.

Though the weight of what she said almost made him sit down. Did the Force actually influenced everyone or bind or whatever she said. Maybe he needed a second to truly grasp everything? Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath in, something his mother would tell him when he got upset. His father was a busy man who wasn't able to provide him the one thing he needed, a stern grip to show him a path. So his only source of learning discipline was the simple breathing exercise, and in that second with his eyes closed while she spoke. He felt his panic mind became somewhat still, opening his eyes again though he realized how when things went wrong and he used the technique to calm himself things usually worked out. Perhaps it was just chance but with what Nikka has explained chance wasn't a real thing.

"Sure we should probably start with that." He didn't know why but if he was going to follow his intuition, the young man got onto his knees and lay his hands on his knees.

Continuing his breathing exercise, and closing his eyes he wasn't quiet sure what he was suppose to focus on. Though a image of the Kyber crystal seemed to almost appear in his mind. A light glow came from it and as he continued his slow deep breath's the image of the Kyber crystal became more clear, more focused. On it stretched images of happy times and periods of his life he rather forget. Yet in his state of mind it didn't cause him as much grieve as before, not that he wasn't resisting the urge to pull out and hide away from those experiences. It felt like if he did then he would only be running away from his own problems.

But remained in his meditative state, waiting for something but he wasn't quiet sure what it was.

@Killa Ree

 

[Nikka Toren]

She had a habit of simply tossing him into deep waters, she knew. But best to shock him now, and let him learn really what he was stepping into, than to step into it by degrees and take a long time. They didn't have the luxury of a long time. In fact, their time together was very limited at best. The galaxy was too difficult for the old ways of Padawans always following their masters; she would train him in all the ways she had been trained, and she knew he was a smart, capable man.

He would learn, and adapt. She could feel it already. It was a lot to take in and understand, she knew, but it would be something to be worked through with her by his side, however long she could be.

"Close your eyes... focus on your breathing."

Her voice was low, hypnotic with its' calm tones. She slowly settled before him again, taking a deep breath of her own. "Focus on your breath. Soon, you will see as I do."

There was a smile in that tone, but it was still a lulling, soothing tone. One she had used to comfort wounded rebels and traumatized Jedi hopefuls. "Feel your breath in your lungs; it helps you live. Visualize it within your mind, this breath. Now let go... again. Deep breath in..." She settled lower into the earth.

If he focused... he would See as she would.

And then, would he understand how her Sight worked within the Force... and all this teaching of the Light would make more sense.

It was a start, at least.

@Richie B.

 

[Alexei Denkio]

Time, yes time was a luxury few had in the galaxy. An that was going to be a problem especially since he still was going to need time to fully adjust into this life while also having to deal with the Sith and the war. Right now there was so much for him to learn and to learn it all would be difficult but with a person who seemed as dedicated as Nikka to this cause teaching him then he could do it. Right now though he first needed to have a foundation.

When she told him to close his eyes, he did. Taking a slow breath as he listened to her which wasn't difficult with nothing out in the quiet woods of Endor. With just the two of them here there was little to distract him and could feel the two would be alone for some time though he wasn't sure why. It wasn't instant but a wave of calm slammed into him as he felt something deep within him start to grow. As he continue to hear her speak the stronger the warmth in his chest, it wasn't heat but it was a sensation that he couldn't quiet describe. It made him feel the breeze against his cheeks in more detail, hearing the sounds of soft natural noises clearer.

He couldn't understand how it was possible but the more he relaxed his breathing the more his senses became stronger. It was as if his mind could start seeing the world without his sight. Feeling the ebb and flow of the nature that they found themselves in. Though he had a feeling it didn't matter if they were in a city or desert world, the feeling of life being around them and a sense of a hidden energy that connected things would still be there. The feeling felt natural like he knew this feeling for quiet a while but could never actually grasp it. His mind extended without him even needing to do anything as if something else guided his moments, and helped point to where his thoughts should head to. It wasn't a hand that directed him but like a road that he could chose to walk on, it was his choice but it was already paved.

Believing in destiny was a bit big for him but it felt like the closest word in his vocabulary that he had that fit. He could see the silent bird fly above them as if he knew it was already going to do it. Sure it didn't understand its own actions but it had a path the same as him that lead it. Then a image of his family and flame came into his mind, an anger and pain quickly warped the image in his mind. It came out of no where but everything almost looked dark red even though his eyes weren't looking at anything. While as all the sensations and feelings slammed into his head, he quickly opened his eyes with shock. Almost falling backwards he caught himself as his breathing became quick and unsteady.

He wasn't sweating but his mind needed to close it off for a moment. This was so much for both himself and his mind to take in, as he wanted to do more and learn more. Yet his mind also had to take sometime to absorb all the information.

"That was... wow." He tried to steady his breathing and maybe in the past it would have taken a while, yet now it was so easy.

Sure his past still in his mind but the new feeling in his chest almost left like it was healing his past. Which didn't make sense or worked out in his head but the feeling wanted him to accept it. To accept the past and let it go.

"So was that the Force?" Looking at Nikka though not in the eyes because of the lack of eyes, but it would be clear he was both shaken yet also excited and ready.

@Killa Ree

 

[Nikka Toren]

She let out a slow exhale, palms settled on her knees at his soft exclamation. She bowed her head slightly, her voice slightly hushed, calm and gentle. "Yes. What you caught a fleeting glimpse of... that Light. That feeling. That is how I see things. All is connected. And even painful, terrible thoughts can break it. The Force is your gift now, Alexei. You've been so afraid to use it, but it's your time to work with it, grow with it. Learn with it."

She slowly stood, and held out a hand to him. A smile touched on her lips, just as the faintest edge of dawn began touching the trees, an errant breeze tussling with stray strands of dark hair and the edges of her duster. Her entire demeanor shifted from one of calmness to one of acceptance, poise. She tilted her face to him, the smile radiant.

"Are you prepared? Join me as my student, and I will teach you all that I know."

Today was a new day... one full of possibilities as master and student.

He was ready.

@Richie B.
/End Thread