Ask Dromund Kaas Vroom-Vroom

[Varyn Atrix]

It was weird that Varyn had been partially responsible for blowing up the academy on Dromuund Kaas, and now here he was helping to instruct students in its replacement. Not that the new facilities were anywhere near as nice as the old ones with the "true replacement" still being built, but these facilities - old as they may have been - still accomplished their goal.

The room that had been converted into a dojo for training had a nice view of the surrounding city, and as usual rain and electric storms thrashed the walls outside.

Varyn had foregone his armor today and instead opted for a more simple set of robes and his lightsaber strapped to his belt. It wasn't his first time giving instruction on sabers, but it was his first time doing so in any "official" capacity on behalf of the academies. After a testing period to determine his proficiency, he had been allowed to take on several individuals for one-on-one and small group tutoring as something of a test.

Truthfully, Varyn had no idea what to expect. The Sith were a diverse bunch as he'd discovered, and he had no idea if he would get someone like himself with a passion for dueling or someone who would rather be doing something else entirely.

For his part, the saber was one of the few things that Varyn had immediately taken to. He had chosen a Form for himself that required dedicated study, and that wasn't an accident. Even as a Jedi and now as a Sith, it was one of his favorite pastimes.

There was something thrilling about knowing the expected maneuvers and then altering them to throw off one's opponent. There was something empowering about holding a saber in your hand and clearing your head through the movement of the blade.

He waited, watching out the window as speeders passed by, listening to the light plink of rain against the window.

@Apollyon

 

[Lucas Orum]

Dromuund Kaas, it was a world unlike Vandyne entirely. Lucas had difficulty adjusting to the harsh jungle world, despite having been here for several days. For his entire life, he had existed in a different sort of jungle, one made of duracrete with predators that used blasters and blades instead of teeth and claws. It was a wholly alien experience for both Lucas and Dumpster Kitty, who only stopped wailing in her carrier when she was eating or sleeping.

After days of waiting, Lucas finally knew where he would begin his training as a Sith Acolyte, Taris. The assignment had come from a rather uppity and posh looking man who had referred to himself as a Sith Crusader. He had handed the paperwork to Lucas, shown him where to sign accepting the station, and then dismissed him. As he walked away, Lucas had heard the man mutter:

“Taris, where all the half drowned Womp Rats and trash belong.”

It was a comment on the aristocratic business owners on Vandyne would have agreed with. It was a comment Lucas let bristle within him as he turned back to gaze at the man’s face. He would commit the human’s face to memory, even if the Crusader was entirely unaware of it, Lucas had a score to settle with him now. Because the massive Mirialan had a feeling that some of these “powerful Sith” would squeal and beg when caught alone in an alleyways, just like those business owners.

With calmness returning to his face, Lucas would head to his assigned transport which would ferry him to Taris and begin his training. As his paperwork was reviewed by the Imperial docking agent, bad news was delivered, due to an unusual increase in inclement weather patterns. Lucas felt something akin to laughter build up in his gut but he managed to stifle it down before asking about how long the delay would be.

Two days. Another two days on this soggy world. Lucas felt like screaming but ultimately resigned himself to his fate. He left the spaceport, returned to the city proper, and put his meager belongings back on the bunk.

Dumpster Kitty threw herself at the metal grating of the front of her cage. And so, Lucas decided to pull her free from the carrier and take her to the large circular room. It was in the remnants of the academy that had been bombed, few people had been there before and it allowed DK to stretch her legs and play. As he reached into her cage, he heard her small frame patter away and incessant hissing at his hand. When he grasped the small kitten he felt her tiny teeth lightly clamp down and her claws try to pierce his skin, the small creature made feral noises of anger and fear as he pulled her from the carrier. Then he’d sling his chainsword over a shoulder, and make his way towards what he assumed to be a training room of some kind.

Upon entering the room, he’d find out he wasn’t alone. A human stood before a large window, watching rain fall and speeders pass by. Lucas stood silent, gazing down at the man from his position in the doorway. Part of him wanted to simply back out and give the guy some space, Dumpster Kitty didn’t allow that. A feral hiss echoed into the empty room as she attacked Lucas’ hand with renewed vigor, this time managing to break skin.

“Ow!” He yelped in surprise. “Okay, okay you little shit, go play.” He grumbled.

Lucas would lean over and drop the small kitten onto the ground gently. DK would then hop sideways away from him and his viciously before running off into the room to explore and play. Lucas sucked at the tiny wound the kitten had caused, shaking his head lightly at her plucky attitude.

“Sorry.” He called out finally to the man. “Didn’t mean to disturb you.” He explained. “Kittens don’t really like being carriers for too long.” He continued gesturing towards the small animal as she pounced at nothingness.

When the man turned, he would see the massive Mirialan walking towards him wearing gym shorts, a pair of running shoes, and a grey t-shirt emblazoned with the imperial symbol on it’s chest. With his chainsword still gripped in his other hand Lucas would make his way toward the man, extending his other, free hand to offer a shake.

“The name is Lucas.” He stated, a small smile appearing in his lips.

@Phoenix

 

[Varyn Atrix]

You're late, Varyn said, assuming this was the Acolyte he had come here to train. Timeliness was important to Varyn, and this was not a great start to the man's training. Wasting your superior's time was a bad way to begin, but Varyn pushed it from his mind, turning to face the acolyte before looking at... was that a cat he had brought?

Varyn didn't judge the man's choice of clothes because they were about to fight, but his eyes did drop down to... whatever that weapon was. It was just... gross and uncivilized, wasn't it?

The acolyte made his way over, extending a hand, which Varyn paused a moment before shaking. Varyn, he said, eyes not really breaking from the weapon.

We're not using that. Grab a training saber off the wall, he said, seeing the other man didn't seem to have one of his own.

What do you know about lightsabers? he asked, moving over more centrally in the room but not drawing his own weapon.

@Apollyon

 

[Lucas Orum]

Lucas’ brow furrowed for a moment in plain confusion at the man’s response. He was late? What was he late for? A thousand questions ran through Lucas’ mind, but only one reply came out.

“I am?”

The words came out before he could even think of halting them. They were tangibly mixed with both shock and surprise. But that didn’t impede the Mirialan from making his way to the man and firmly shaking his hand during their introduction.

After the extremely brief greeting, Varyn would instruct Lucas to grab a “training saber” off of the wall. Cluelessly, Lucas obeyed, leaning his chainsword at an angle against the wall before plucking the strange weapon free from it’s housing. Lucas tested the weight of the weapon, not in a manner that hinted of any dueling skill, but more akin to brute with a club. A light rocking to and fro of his wrist which was eventually accompanied by a slow downward strike at the air. During this whole display, the blade remained completely inactive.

As Lucas toyed with the inactive hilt, Dumpster Kitty decided that now was the time to strike. She hunkered down, her tiny feline tail pointed straight in the air, her eyes became saucers as she focused in her her prey. As Varyn made his way towards the center of the ring, Dumpster Kitty charged from the shadows, batted twice at the side of his boot, leapt backwards to avoid a counter offensive, and then darted back into the shadows. From her liar behind a weapons rack, Dumpster Kitty would purr contentedly another successful hunt.

Lucas was entirely oblivious to this whole encounter between his kitten and Varyn, his attention entirely focused on the hilt in his hand. He turned it over, inspecting the weapon and looking for some sort of clearly labeled “On/Off” switch, he didn’t find one. His gaze would part from the hilt as Varyn spoke to him, asking him what he knew about lightsabers.

“Well, seeing that I’ve been waiting for an Academy assignment for about two or three weeks, not much.” He replied. “Just stuff I’ve seen on the holonews, they can deflect bolts and cut through anything right?” He asked.

Then, as Lucas replied, his finger would compress the activation button and the crimson blade of the training saber would burst to life. Lucas nearly dropped the weapon in surprise at the sudden hiss of its activation, it took him a second to realize what had occurred before he released the activation button and the blade slid back into the hilt. A small smirk appeared on his face as his gaze returned to Varyn.

“Okay, that was cool.”

@Phoenix

 

[Varyn Atrix]

Yes, you were supposed to be here... he glanced at his chrono, ...seven minutes ago. 1900 sharp, remember? he said, clearly a bit annoyed that the Acolyte didn't even know when he was supposed to be showing up. Typical, he thought to himself.

He was looking at the other man, looking almost confused by the lightsaber hilt he held in his hand. By now, Varyn was starting to have some doubts about this entire thing, but before he could comment further, the cat was leaping at him, clawing at his boot.

Varyn shook his leg around, not in a way to try to kick the cat, but in that way that very much says "get off of me, what are you doing." He looked down and frowned as the cat retreated, not looking particularly amused.

Okay, yeah, something weird was going on. This guy apparently didn't know anything, which wasn't possible for a second-year academy student. Oh, and apparently he'd not even been assigned an academy yet.

You're not the student I was supposed to be giving lessons to today, then? he asked.

Without warning, the saber burst to life, and Lucas seemed shocked by the movement before turning it off again. Oh this is going to be a long lesson, he thought to himself. Well, he's not even your student, maybe you could just leave, he thought.

Well he's not here and you are, so are you interested in learning something? he asked before even having really given it much more thought.

@Apollyon

 

[Lucas Orum]

Lucas was entirely focused on the hilt of then training saber when Varyn spoke next. It took him a moment to peel his fascination from the chrome weapon and register that Vayrn had even spoken to him. But once it clicked, Lucas looked down at Varyn, his head slightly tilted to one side at his question. Lucas gave him a playful and rueful smirk before shaking his head in response.

“Afraid not boss.” Was his simple reply before he accidentally hit the activation switch and it burst to life.

The dimly lit room was suddenly awash in a crimson glow. Lucas was fascination transformed almost instantly into absolute wonder the blade. Lucas’ silently mouthed a single word in absolute amazement. Wow. His eyes immediately left the red blade and turned to Varyn after the man spoke.

“You can teach me to use this?” He asked, his words dripped with both hunger and excitement.

@Phoenix

 

[Varyn Atrix]

As Varyn watched Lucas turn on his saber, he was reminded of the first time he had held one for himself. It was captivating and fascinating. Scary but empowering. A whole mix of emotions that could be amazing and overwhelming.

That's the idea, he said, taking a step back from the Acolyte to give them both space he lit his own saber, holding it in his hand with much greater comfort that showed he'd spent countless hours practicing.

He reached over and pressed a button, ensuring it was set to its practice setting before taking up a position.

Lightsabers aren't like normal weapons, you have to bond with your saber. The heart of the saber is the kyber crystal, a living stone with its own connection to the Force, he said. It will resist or amplify your power, which is why when you use it you have to be centered, he said, thinking of all the times that this very saber had resisted him and how - over his time with the Sith - it had become much more a part of him. He had changed.

@Apollyon

 

[Lucas Orum]

A wave of emotions crashed over Lucas as his gaze returned to the lightsaber in his hand. He had an opportunity to learn how to fight with something as beautiful as this? Excitement tinged with anxiety rippled through him before he returned his gaze to Varyn.

“Wait, you’re telling me this weapon is ALIVE?” He asked in disbelief. “You know how that sounds right?” He continued.

Lucas would gaze at Varyn with a look of genuine confusion. He wasn’t mocking the man and part of him didn’t doubt what he was saying, yet the rational part of his mind screamed in protest. How could a crystal, much less a weapon be alive?

“Wait, slow down.“ Lucas stated as Varyn started explaining how a kyber crystal could behave his connection to the Force “You said that I have to bond with a lightsaber. Explain how I do that please?” He asked slowly as he raised the crimson blade up to gaze at it. “And how do I fight with this thing?” He asked finally.

@Phoenix

 

[Varyn Atrix]

Varyn nodded as he questioned that it was alive. Yes, the kyber is alive and has its own connection to the Force. That's why Sith crystals are red, they've been subjected to the Dark Side, he said.

Well, the ideal way to bond with your crystal is to meditate over it. But because you're borrowing one and don't have your own yet, you won't have that luxury, he said. Not that you couldn't use a saber without doing that, of course, but it was... different.

Focus your energy. You know how to touch the Force? he said, realizing suddenly that if the kid only had two weeks of experience he may barely have learned that yet.

Funnel it through yourself and through the blade. It's an extension of yourself, he said, raising his own blade up in front of him.

You'll be taught Shii-Cho first, the first Form of lightsaber combat. It's a bit clunky compared to the others, but it gives a good starting point because it gets you familiar with the basics and it gets you comfortable with the having a saber in your hand, he said.

He held his blade in place and waited for Lucas to do the same. He moved several times with several simple motions, waiting for Lucas to copy him.

@Apollyon

 

[Lucas Orum]

Lucas listened intently to what Varyn said, he clung to the lessons that the man so easily passed to him. His mind tried to contextualize the concept of a living crystal that he could bond with. The only thing his mind could truly conjure forth was the image of Dumpster Kitty and his own relationship. A small smirk of pseudo understanding appeared on his lips as he nodded along with Varyn's lesson, when his impromptu teacher asked if he knew how to touch the Force, Lucas' smirk turned into a grin.

The Mirialan reached out his free hand and concentrated. The hilt of another training saber began to vibrate gently at first and rapidly built to a violent rattle before it was ripped from the housing and into his hand. Lucas sighed from the effort, placed the hilt on the floor, giving it a gentle kick towards the edge of the room, and returned his attention to Varyn before he replied.

"Yeah, it was the only reason I was useful back on Vandyne." He replied with an air of pride tinging his voice.

However, the instructions to channel his energies into the blade was a foreign concept to him. His brow furrowed as his focus turned to the hilt of the training saber and it's burning blade. His mind reached out for the Force, it was more difficult to call upon this time, especially when he was trying to utilize it in such an unfamiliar manner. When utilizing more basic powers, such as pushing or pulling small objects with his mind, Lucas found it far easier to grasp the ethereal power. However, now it was like grasping at smoke, it just barely slipped through his fingers and beyond his grasp.

"Is there a trick I can use to do that?" He asked absent mindedly before ultimately giving up on the endeavor, at least temporarily.

His focus returned to the lesson as Varyn described the first form of lightsaber combat to him, Shii Cho. Lucas watched as Varyn took on the ready stance for the form and began a basic sequence of the form. The more experience swordsman set a slow and easy pace for Lucas to replicate and after watching his tutor complete the sequence two more times, Lucas began to emulate the movements. It was extremely rough in his first time through the sequence and he found the weightlessness of the weapon to be foreign and odd in his hand. However, after another three cycles through the form, Lucas was beginning to grasp this novice sequence.

"You said Shii Cho was the first form, what are the others?" He asked in genuine curiosity as he continued to practice the sequence.

@Phoenix

 

[Varyn Atrix]

Varyn didn't look overly impressed by the man's grip of another saber hilt. It wasn't that he was trying to be rude, but it was just.. mundane to him now. It was hard to remember those days of early awe that he had when he had first joined the Jedi. It felt like a lifetime ago.

He also had no idea what the Acolyte was talking about with Vandyne, but that was fine, he supposed. How did one focus the energy into the saber? He never really thought about it, he just... did it.

If you're focused and centered, it will happen naturally, he settled for saying. He watched as Lucas went through the same motions that Varyn had just given him, and though the first one was rough, it got better as he continued onward.

Good, he said. Ready up, he instructed before throwing several cuts at the acolyte. He would find that if he followed the motions, they would perfectly block every strike that Varyn threw. If he didn't... well, it would be a sting and a burn but no permanent damage done.

Form I focuses on strikes all at either 45 or 90 degree angles with attacking and defending strikes being basically identical in form if different in function, he said.

There are seven forms in total, he answered the question. Form II is largely dueling focused, III is defensive focused, IV, V, and VII are offensive focused, and VI is a bit of a hybrid of many of the others, he said.

The Forms are an art in their own way. A manifestation of who we are, so deciding which to use may require some self-reflection. So the question is: who are you?

@Apollyon

 

[Lucas Orum]

Lucas listened to what Varyn had to say, if he was focused and centered it would just…happen? It was a concept or explanation that didn’t make much sense to him. However, Lucas opted to not further question his impromptu instructor on the matter and instead continued practicing the motions of the sequence as Varyn spoke and watched.

Suddenly, Varyn gave an instructor’s universal signal to stop. Lucas halted the sequence almost immediately and lowered the training saber. He wasn’t quite sure what would happen next but he felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety well up in his chest. It was then that Varyn made the next part of the lesson clear as he took a position in front of him and gave the order to “ready up”. The series of cuts came in fast and Lucas fell into the sequence he had been taught, figuring that this was a test to see how he had done.

Almost all of the sequence was successfully completed, except for the last maneuver. Lucas was a hair to slow in bringing the training saber around to intercept Varyn’s oncoming blade. He was rewarded by a jolt of pain and sizzle of lightly scorched flesh, it shocked Lucas and he gasped through clenched teeth in response. Varyn began explaining how Shi-Cho worked and the concerted behind it’s blade-work, the mechanical efficiency with how it both defended and went on the offensive. Lucas listened intently as he furiously rubbed his reddened bicep that had taken the blow.

Varyn moved forward in the lesson, lightly explaining the other forms to Lucas and for his part, Lucas listened intently. Finally, once Varyn had described the different forms, he asked Lucas which one he felt best described him. It caused Lucas to pause, he hadn’t really thought of a fighting style representing him. However as he thought more on his life, working as muscle for a spice family, even joining the Sith, they were all moves to increase his station. His whole life had been an aggressive upwards battle to survive, and one he powered through. That was why Lucas believed his preferred combat style should represent, durability, strength, perseverance. But he wasn’t sure how that translated into lightsaber forms.

“My whole life has been defined by my ability to take a hit and to hit back.” He explained briefly. “I’d say that perseverance, strength, and durability are what defines me.” He continued. “What do you think fits that the best?” He asked in genuine curiosity.

@Phoenix