First Lessons

[Forsaken Archon]

As the shuttle settled to the earth with a plume of dust, the entourage of new acolytes disembarked from the vessel. The last light of day was receding as Horuset sank below the horizon. Nerus took a deep breath of the alien air. The dryness of it stung at the new acolytes nostrils as he collected his thoughts. In less than a week, Nerus's life had changed completely. He had lost the woman he loved, killed a man, and then joined the sith. He was still shocked by what he had done, a dead twilek was not his first intention. Despite this, Nerus had discovered a new opportunity he was going to take full advantage.

Nerus was thrown from his thoughts as a Trandoshan shoved him belligerently, "Get out of the way, human!"

Nerus's rage quickly got the better of him as he regained his balance. As though he were possessed, Nerus turn and swung with intent. He felt the same strange sensation he had felt just before he blacked out killed the twilek; It was a gentle but esoteric feeling, as though he were channeling some part of himself into his very muscles. The surprised Trandoshan took the full force of the blow right to the jaw and flew sprawling. Nerus could felt wet warmth on his hands as his knuckles began to bleed. While the blow had thrown the Trandoshan off guard, the alien quickly recovered before assailing Nerus. The human blocked a punch before sharp claws slashed at his neck, covering Nerus in more of his own blood. They exchanged a few more blows before Academy staff got involved.

After a fair amount of bludgeoning by stun baton, some sith higher up eyed the restrained agitants for several minutes before speaking, "Cant let you kill each other before we know if you worms are worth anything. We could throw you two in a duelling room and let you have it out, but I think that'll have to wait. It'll be more fun once you know how to use a lightsaber. Get these dung-eating maggots out of my face."

With a flick of the mans wrist, they were raised to their feet and escorted to their rooms. Sitting in his empty dorm, Nerus brooded quietly. He had left home just to get into another fight. But that was why he was here, to become stronger so others wouldnt bother him, so they couldnt bother him. Too many had thought Nerus an easy target. The twileks death came to mind, and a pang of guilt struck him. The longer he thought of it, however, the more his guilt turned to anger. This thought process ended with one last thought: He deserved it. Nerus stared at the bare stone thoughtlessly for a moment before it occured to him there was some kind of...aura on this planet. It felt like there was a powerful and dark energy, although pervasive as Nerus had to make a concious effort to "feel" it. His mood had been dark since his arrival, but it wasnt until now that it felt like something detached from the Acolytes own thoughts.

Nerus pondered on this, before coming to the realization that maybe it was the force. Then he started to wander what exactly the force is. Is it just energy waiting to be harnessed? Is it sentient in some way? Does it decide ones destiny? These questions swam through his head as he floated into sleep.

The next morning the Acolyte woke with little idea what to do. He did the usual: bathing, shaving, and changing. Afterwards he wandered the halls looking on as others trained. There seemed to be a lot to learn, and Nerus decided he wasnt going to learn anything until he jumped in somewhere. After scouring the halls awhile longer, he found a Sith who was obviously no Acolyte considering the way he carried himself. He seemed to have little interest in anyone elses business. Nerus thought this might work to his advantage. The man would probably be straight to the point instead of having some extravagant and confusing speech.

Nerus approached the Sith, speaking deliberately, "Hi, Im a..new acolyte. Im ready to learn but dont know where to begin. You look like you could help me." The acolyte held his breath waiting for a response.

 

[Aaron Corinth]

Damion had been wondering the temple, keeping to himself, thinking of his past endeavors. He had been told a new crop of acolytes had been brought to the planet as he weaved his way through the maze of training rooms and libraries, most jam packed with the new additions. However, the rush of training usually slacked up as the weeks wore on. The excitement and intrigue of joining the sith slackened as the realization of what was expected of the new creatures set in. His mask as usual was pulled down over his face hiding any expression he may have been wearing.

The acolyte speaking abruptly interrupted his thoughts. He passed the blank cold gaze over the acolyte projecting a feeling of annoyance to him. "Well, a good start would be not approaching an individual of higher rank without respect. As for help, there are plenty of opportunities for people of your caliber to train that don't include me," he snapped.

 

[Forsaken Archon]

Nerus was drawn aback, saying words through gritted teeth, "You look like you know something. I, obviously, dont know anything. You can show me something useful."

The Acolyte stood his ground solemnly. He could learn something from the Sith, and he would prove himself today.

 

[Aaron Corinth]

Guts, the senior sith thought as the man remained in his way resolute to be trained. He sighed calling upon the force he grasped the acolyte lifting him into the air. He inverted the man and headed deeper into the temple. He called upon the force again to open a door to his left. He hurled the acolyte inside careful to avoid smashing his head against a wall or the floor before stepping inside himself.

"You say you know nothing. That will change today," Damion spoke somewhat muffled by the mask.

The room he had thrown the acolyte into was 10M by 20M with pillars lining two sides with a big open area for plenty of room to practice. He grasped the acolyte again forcing him to a standing position. "Stand up, Acolyte, you need to pay attention. This training just might save your life. Now, I see you don't have a lightsaber," he said noting the absence of a hilt upon the man's waist.

He summoned the yellow bladed jedi's lightsaber he had confiscated years ago from its customary place at the rear of his belt and tossed it to the man. "This is for your use today. Steal it or mess it up and it will cost your life," the sith added.

"Now, my name is Damion, I am a crusader amongst the order. What is your name boy and tell me, what do you want to learn," he asked crossing his arms behind his back.

 

[Forsaken Archon]

A feeling of weightlessness struck Nerus as the elder Sith lifted him up with ease. Panic turned to anger as he was dangled upside down and thrown through a doorway. The Acolyte smashed onto his back with a solid thud, rolling once before coming to a stop. He groaned and pushed himself up to a sitting position as the Sith spoke.

"You say you know nothing. That will change today," The masked man said.

Nerus figured he had been right, this man was pretty straightforward. He just hadnt expected to be thrown across a room because of it. Rage was boiling inside the Acolyte, but he knew he better try not to do anything stupid. He was still unable to hold back from glaring at his new instructor. His mood wasnt helped any as he was coerced to his feet. Nerus nodded as the masked Sith told him to pay attention and tossed him a lightsaber. Nerus ignored the threat as he held no desire for some dead Jedi's weapon. At least he intends to actually teach me something! Nerus's anger receded slightly, and he imagined this was how most Sith were going to be. Besides, this was a better reception than he had recieved so far.

The senior Sith stated openly, "Now, my name is Damion. I am a Crusader amongst the order. What is your name boy and tell me, what do want to learn?"

Nerus sighed. Finally, he was getting somewhere. With that said he didnt know where his training should begin. He took a brief second to think, deciding the two most recent things he had experienced wouldnt be a bad start.

Nerus spoke confidently, "I am Nerus. I want to learn how to use a lightsaber, and how to throw people around with the force."

The last words caused a shiver of anger to run through Nerus as he waited for another brilliant display of compassion by his new instructor.

 

[Aaron Corinth]

He could see the anger in the man's eyes as he was thrown around like a rag doll bringing a slight smile to his face. Damion stared at the man, eyes hidden by the lenses, as he answered. Maybe it will be worth training this one, Damion thought. "Lightsaber training eh? Well, I can't say that I'm surprised, every Acolyte needs to learn and should learn. Now, the best way to learn is in action. The form that I use is Form V Djem So. As for telekinesis, throw people around with the force, as you say that I can do," Damion told the other man.

"Now, defend yourself," he told the man.

He rolled forward igniting one of the crimson lightsabers in mid roll and swung laterally aimed for the man's right side waist high. He chose not to use force speed or even to use his full strength, as the last thing he needed was a dead acolyte on his hands. Following the strike he aimed for an upward diagonal aimed at the man's left hip. The attacks should have been easily blockable and if he did indeed block, then maybe, just maybe he could teach the hard-headed acolyte something of use.

 

[Forsaken Archon]

The Crusader's advance nearly caught Nerus off-guard as Damion came out of the roll swinging. The Acolyte had had the sense to ignite the blade in his left hand with a sharp crackle, although his defense was awkward at best. Gripping the saber in one hand, he swung the "point" of the blade down towards the ground and in Damions direction so that the yellow saber was near vertical. Nerus had no sense of form and his motions had no fluidity...but he was alive as the two blades connected with a piercing electric thwack. However, the Acolyte didnt account for the force of the Crusaders swing and nearly lopped his own leg off in an exagerated arc. Now Nerus's blade was at about chest height, meaning the Acolyte simply had to bring his blade down to stop his instructors upward swing. Nerus still barely managed to parry the blow, but both hands were firmly wrapped around the hilt and the saber shifted little.

Nerus had been running on instinct for his frantic resistance. This brief lull in combat gave Nerus time to remind himself that a Sith's power came from his emotion. With this in mind and a roar leaving his lungs, the Acolyte brought the blade high over head and swung down cutting from Damions left shoulder to his right hip. Nerus attempted to channel every ounce of rage he held in himself. His skin tingled slightly as Nerus tried to exercise whatever force power lay dormant in him. The attack left him vulnerable, but he swung with all the ferocity he could muster.

 

[Aaron Corinth]

The younger man was clumsy barely knocking his half powered blade away. He would have to step back and take it from the top, teaching the man the basics of lightsaber combat. He sighed and thought, the level of acolytes these days. However, he was about to completely discount the boy when he felt the rage and emotion welling up inside and a bellow as the yellow blade arced out in a downward diagonal aimed for his left shoulder. He raised his crimson blade, the crackle of the two blades meeting a welcome sound. The boy was stronger than he had anticipated, but he still had much to learn.

He disengaged taking a step back to speak. "Strength, power, and fury are important to the sith. However, when you lose sight of yourself and put your entire being at risk for one attack, it is foolish. Observe," he said placing the blade in the position he had blocked from earlier while simultaneously drawing his second blade a slashing laterally at an invisible enemy.

"Now, you see, your blade is tied up and without knowledge of the force you are as good as dead. Emotion is important, but it must be kept in check with enough rage channeled through to keep the bond strong but enough that your sense can overpower it. It appears this is the first time you have ever used a lightsaber, let me explain. The lightsaber is typically a one handed weapon, although two handed variants are out there and when needing increased strength and control two hands can be used as you did. It is light, yet strong, basically able to cut through metal, stone, and organics with ease. The blade needs finesse and the basis of Form V is counter attack and endurance. You allow yourself to be attacked and counter with powerful merciless blows, or if you decide to take the offensive powerful overhand and slashes are preferred. It is important to keep your endurance as the moment a weakness is found, the form falls apart. You must stay diligent..." he broke off and with a burst of speed darted to the other man drawing the blade downward towards his left shoulder, pushing all his strength and momentum into it.

Utilizing the existing momentum he again rolled past the younger man. However, before he could counter-attack, Damion grasped the man with the force securing him where he was standing to the floor. "Now, take a moment, calm yourself and reach out. close your eyes and feel the force. It is all around us and in everything. It is like a vast field of energy and we are its channelers. Can you feel my presence? The energy clings to me as if excited and eager to be used. He ignited a fireball in his open palm pulling more of the energy towards him. Can you see the difference as the force is being used. Do you feel the energy leaving the mass that is my body, but being replenished by the plentiful energy around us? This is the first step, learning what the force is. The next lesson is utilizing it," he finished.

He released his hold on the other man's feet and as if concentrating he held the hand that had moments ago been holding a fireball and closed it. A crashing sound could be heard and three blocks flew from the other end of the room to land behind him. One small block, one massive block, and one block just between them. "Do you feel the energy within the blocks? Do you feel the energy around the blocks? The easiest form to follow in utilizing the force is a push. So, focus on the energy around the block as well as the energy around and within you. Force it to work together and send it in the horizontal direction away from us. Start with the small block," he finished stepping to the side to keep an eye on the younger man as well as the blocks.

 

[Forsaken Archon]

As Damion stepped back, Nerus realized how arrogant he had been to think he could just jump in and keep up with the other Sith without any sort of studying beforehand. The Acolyte would have to learn fast. He planned on visiting the Archives soon.

Nerus listened and watched carefully as Damion lectured, paraphrashing it in his mind for later reference: Focus your rage but stay in control; lightsaber cuts through just about anything; Form V is about counter attack and endurance; powerful strikes are used on the offense; stay diligent.

Then the Crusader rushed passed Nerus before holding the Acolyte in place. Irritated, he struggled to no avail. He did as instructed, however. He closed his eyes and reached out, trying to feel something. Relaxing, the Acolyte could slowly feel the energy inside himself. It then felt as though energy was rushing across his skin. As his sense broadened he felt the energy around him, including what he thought was Damions energy. It was far more powerful than his own. Suddenly, the energy flowed like water into the Acolytes instructors body and up through his palm, before welling into a concentrated ball which seemed to give off residual heat.

Nerus was in awe as he opened his eyes. Sure enough, a ball of fire was in the Crusaders hand. The Acolyte felt a pressure rise disipate from his body as his instructor released him. He felt Damions focus shift, three blocks groaning as they began to slide out of place. They swooshed through the air before floating to the ground near the two Sith. After Damion finished his final instructions, Nerus took a deep breath and widened his senses. He tried to focus his energy on the block and push with the force. It didnt move. He tried concentrating harder. It still didnt move. Nerus grew cross quickly. He could feel the energy in the room start to channel through his body. Imagining himself as a sort of generator, he absorbed the energy before exerting it at the block. The block sailed across the room before tumbling and crashing into a pillar with a crack. Smirking, Nerus looked to Damion for approval.

 

[Aaron Corinth]

The acolyte seemed to be absorbing the information that he had thrown at him. It took a special individual to understand the information in the rapid fire way in which he was pouring through. However, he could feel the younger man's force presence extend and brush against his own and the look of somewhat surprise on his face with the flames in which he had created. Damion watched carefully as the younger man attempted to move the block. He seemed to be failing, by not utilizing the force. He was about to intervene when he felt the anger well up in the boy and the energy forced towards the block. It sailed into a pillar with a loud crack. The smirk was only met with the cold gaze of the mask. "Well, you succeeded in moving the small block, why didn't you choose the largest first? or perhaps the medium? With the force the size of the object is of no consequence. With the right amount of focus and power you could move the entire academy with the force with just as much ease as that little block. Now, before we move on, the other two blocks need to be with the other," Damion spoke pointing to where the boy had thrown the first block.

He allowed the boy a bit of time to perform what he asked before adding in more information. "Alright, so you understand the basics of a push, weak but it can always be improved. Now, you need to understand the pull. They are the most fundamental powers and the basics for almost every power that the sith are capable of learning. Reach out with the force and feel the energy within and around the blocks and will the force towards you. However, be diligent in control as one of those blocks smacking in to you probably wouldn't feel very good," Damion added with a slight chuckle.

His arms crossed behind his back he demonstrated the power. He grasped the three blocks at the same time and willed them forward sliding on the stone floor reaching almost even with the boy before he sent them back to where they started. "Now, show me you can do it," Damion added walking up beside the boy.

 

[Forsaken Archon]

Nerus was disappointed by his instructors response. The Crusader seemed to be devoid of any positive feedback. Now irate, Nerus threw the largest block with enough force to practically shatter the whole pillar. Stay in control, Nerus reminded himself as he moved the last block fairly easily and with increasing precision. Damion gave more instructions. As the Crusader finished, The Acolyte was surprised the man could manage a joke. At least he has some sense of humor, Nerus mused with a single haha.

Despite Damions warning, Nerus still managed to be thrown from his feet as the smallest block took out his legs. The Acolyte hadnt accounted for the effort required to stop an object while using a force pull when he had thrown the blocks across the room. He didnt realize his mistake until it was too late, although he managed to slow the blocks momentum. Standing up and brushing himself off, Nerus prepared himself for his second attempt. He moved the medium block in front of himself, and then the largest.

"There: simple as that," Nerus said bluntly.

 

[Aaron Corinth]

The block taking the boy's feet out was somewhat expected as almost every acolyte he had instructed had faced a similar fate. He said or did nothing as the boy brushed himself off and performed the tasks he was asked. "Well, you are impressive," he told the boy as he finished moving around the blocks.

It was clear he was not necessarily happy with the instruction as the frustration rolled from the young man. "Now, let's eliminate some of that frustration," he told the boy as his crimson blade came to life with a snap-hiss. "Remember what I have told you, if you plan to use form V, you have to start now," he added stepping back and waving for the boy to come at him, "Now hit me."

 

[Forsaken Archon]

Nerus didnt know if the compliment was serious or if it was sarcasm. He pretended it was sincere. As his instructor activated his blade, the Acolyte did the same. He leapt at his opponent, putting anger behind his diagonal strike to Damions right shoulder. He swung aggressively, but not wildly as he had done before. The Acolyte swung again, this time a horizontal slash from right to left to the thighs. He also kept his distance, stepping away in anticipation of a counter attack.

 

[Aaron Corinth]

The younger man attacked putting his strength and power into the diagonal strike. His own blade matched the incoming strike with a hiss. His strength overcoming the acolyte's. However, he did notice a certain amount of control in the strike and the follow up strike was unexpected but done well swinging towards his thigh. He brought his own blade down powerfully on to the other blade knocking it down and harmlessly away from his flesh. The acolyte concluded by stepping away, but steps were not enough to stop a counter attack.

Utilizing the force to boost his strength and speed he stepped forward swinging a lateral strike powerfully towards the younger man's ribs. Anticipating a block or parry he followed the blow up with a powerful knee aimed directly for the acolyte's gut. Damion stepped back himself holding his blade diagonally awaiting what the acolyte would come up with next.

 

[Forsaken Archon]

Damions counter attack was powerful, but not unexpected. Nerus swung his own blade at full tilt. The sabers connected yet again. The Acolytes defenses were shaken by the ferocity. The Crusader aimed a knee at his gut, causing the boy to roll to his opponents right as his hip was struck. Despite this the Acolyte managed to roll away, before throwing a wave of concentrated energy at his instructor, attempting to knock the man off guard. The Acolyte finished with an overhead slash, swinging hard at the Crusader. As he swung, Nerus's balance was affected by his sore hip.

 

[Aaron Corinth]

The wave of energy hurled at Damion was weak but enough to stop his forward momentum and push him back a step. Damion sighed. "If you're going to use the force, USE THE FRACKIN FORCE," he barked at the acolyte.

He finished speaking in time to bat the incoming blow to the side allowing the attack to continue. However, Damion concentrated his own push, gathering the necessary energy from the environment and hurled a wall of it towards the acolyte. It would be next to impossible for the acolyte to avoid the push, but he hoped he had sense enough not to let the blow kill him. He deactivated his blade and watched the acolyte carefully.

 

[Forsaken Archon]

Nerus could sense that Damion was preparing for an attack and readied himself to stop it. Even with the block, the Acolyte was still blasted backwards. Landing with a thud, he rolled several times. He forced himself to his feet, hurt but enraged. Nerus sprinted at the Crusader. The Acolyte tried channeling the force to increase his speed. He leapt at his opponent, swinging overhead. Immediately after, he stabs at Damions stomach before swinging laterally. Nerus stepped back, sore and weary of his instructors blows.

 

[Aaron Corinth]

Damion could feel the anger brewing in the boy as the blow blasted him backwards. He smiled from behind the mask, it was good, it would show him if the boy could make it with the sith. He sprinted directly at Damion, the force pouring into him increasing his speed. He leaped towards him swinging in an overhead blow. He raised his blade matching the boy's strength. The next stab, Damion barely managed to knock to the side as it singed his robes and the final strike met his blade with equal ferocity. The boy stepped back breathing heavily.

Damion glanced down at the signed part of his robe. "You know, this was one of my favorite robes," he said coolly.

He deactivated his blade and squatted where he could clearly see the acolyte's face before speaking, "You have done well. Now, tell me, is there anything else you feel you must learn?"

 

[Forsaken Archon]

Nerus was quite pleased with himself, having nicked his instructor's robes. It was a step in what would be a long and gruelling path. The Acolyte would learn, though. He was also pleased with Damions compliment. Nerus gave the man credit; he was ruthless, but had brought the best ou of the Acolyte. Nerus took a moment to recover his stamina as Damion addressed him. The question was one the boy had to ponder for a moment. He had learned how to survive, but Nerus had yet to understand the tenets they dedicated their lives to as Sith.

"I know the Sith embrace passion because it makes you stronger. Today, I learned you have to control your emotions or they can make you vulnerable and weak. And the Force," Nerus stated with enthusiasm, "it alone has changed me completely from the weaker man I had been. I want to understand the Force, and I want to better understand our philosophy. I learned the Sith Code shortly before coming to the Academy. I contemplated these words, and it raised some questions. To start, passion is what drives us, and it is the key to power. But isnt our ambition and passion as much a weakness as a strength? At every turn our lust will threaten to consume us. Not to mention the more power one has, the more vulnerable they are in many respects. I mean the attainment of power ends somewhere. You will succumb to your desires eventually wont you? How do you control yourself when the things you desire start to come before you and threaten to make you a target for your enemies?"

 

[Aaron Corinth]

Damion looked at the boy as he spoke of philosophical problems that he had not even thought of before. He thought a few moments before replying, "Well, you are correct, letting your emotions control you will destroy you. Ambition and passion are what drive you to want more power which from my understanding is the basis of passion being a part of the code. Lust can consume you, but only if you allow it to. Have you not noticed that most sith do not have mates or anyone that that truly care about. Every person is a stepping stone to more power. At the end of the day power and your desire for it overcome any care you may have for the weaknesses. As for vulnerability and a limit in power, take a look at the Empress, she is probably the most powerful force user in the galaxy and there is definitely no vulnerability within her from what I have seen, she holds everyone in the same regard as being beneath her. Even the Dark Lord she looks down upon and would care little if something were to happen to him. A limit in power, as I'm sure you have heard if not seen, she single-handedly destroyed Coruscant, I don't know how much more power she could attain yet she holds her place."

He glanced to the younger man somewhat impressed that he knew the code so well and had the gall to ask such questions. "Now, let me ask you. You are a new member amongst the sith ranks. What do you hope to achieve? Will you let a woman stand in the way of the power you hope for? What position do you want to hold before death or leaving the sith? In the end, it falls to you to decide whether you will push forward to your goal or be swayed by your emotions. For everything in life is a choice, it my not seem that way at times, but it is truth. What have you ever done in life that was not a choice? Some are more difficult than others, but each is a challenge for the person to overcome," he told the man.