Star Wars: Return of the Exiled

NEEVA RAGEL
This was likely one of the longest contracts the Bounty Hunter had accepted. After bringing the exiled and his grandson back to the Order, she too, like others, stayed put in order to oversee their growth and training. But for how long? She had no idea persay, however, it was a nice change of scenery.

For the time being, Neeva was donned in her mandalorian armor, like always. The hospitality the Jedi Order had given her was surprising. The work she did for them wasn't free, it was all business. While Kel Dor, a Jedi Master had taken it upon himself to train the group that were standing before him, she simply had her arms folded before her chest, standing in a corner, watching.

She noticed Morathi, and the others. One particular Zabrak was enthusiastic, or eager to spar with the Jedi Master. It was the same Zabrak who had a rather angry attitude a week before. It wasn't surprising, because like some others, he wasn't here willingly. Neeva was also tasked with making sure none of the rookies would get out of line. If anyone would attempt an escape, she would be one of those who'd bring them back, even by force.

Kel Dor and the Jedi Order had big plans for them, but much of it was unknown to Neeva as well. The red head Bounty Hunter never did trust the Order, but with time, she would get to the bottom of it, by her sheer curiosity.
 
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Aliscia Firelut

Aliscia had found her way to the initates training room. Only slightly annoying, and subsequently being annoyed by, the Temple guards. She really did not care though. She was not wearing her Jedi robes. She stuffed them in the deepest and darkest place she could find, within the confines of her room. She had a strong dislike for the Jedi robes. Aliscia much preferred the clothing she came with, which wasn't much. Her twin saber hilts hanging off the waist of her pants, she walked over to the female looking bounty hunter in the corner.

Well, she thought it was a female. Even in armor, wider hips and a flared chest tended to be the giveaway. As Aliscia approached the woman in full armor in the corner, she finally spoke. "Which one did you wrangle up and drag in here?" Flicking a thumb over her shoulder toward the fresh meat.

As for why Aliscia was in the training room watching these initiates? Well once her re-indoctrination, as she liked to call it, was finished, she might be given the chance to select a Padawan. She was doing her due diligence to check up on all the possible candidates to see if anyone stood out to her. Plus, she also, kind of, wanted to see Master Karan beat up on the fresh meat.​
 
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Collab With Nikku
The old Kel Dor chuckled, waving his hand as he used the Force to call a training saber from a nearby table into his hand before stepping into the battle circle. He motioned for the initiate to stand at the opposite end of the circle from him, speaking with an inquisitive tone.

“Not at all… Sever, correct? I suppose this will do you all well for the first lesson.”

The Jedi Master then activated the saber, a weak, light-blue blade emerging from the emitter as he raised it for all the initiates to see, speaking up.

“This, initiates, is a training saber. It is identical to a normal lightsaber, except for the fact that it has some limiters placed on it and that the kyber crystal that powers it is merely a shard. These training sabers will primarily cause stings and some first-degree burns, and will not cause any permanent damage. After a week or two, you will each be given one to use for training purposes. That and, as to be expected, each bout is ended on first contact. This is because were this lightsaber fully powered it would cause a great amount of damage.”

Raising his sleeve up to reveal a small wrist-mounted controller, the Jedi pressed a few buttons, to which the two sparring droids activated and stood up, moving to stand together at the side of the battle circle opposite of the viewers, the Kel Dor taking a relaxed position with his training in the center before speaking up.

“Whenever you are ready, initiate.”

The Zabrak waited for just a moment as he realized the old Jedi had no intention to give him a training saber. He looked around the room at the various familiar bounty hunters, particularly his personal captor before stepping into the battle circle himself. Pondering once more, he wondered what role the sparring droids would do in all of this. It wasn’t clear whether they’d be allied or against either party. The initiate kept that thought in the back of his mind as he readied himself.

Sever did a few quick stretches before he retrieved both of his vibro knives, doing a quick twirl motion with them both around his fingers; making a quick check to be sure they too were on a rather low setting as well. With that he took a slightly knee bent readied stance. “Let’s get this show started old man.” With an anxious smile the initiate wasted no time as he rushed straight towards the old Jedi; keeping tabs on the two droids. With his lack of reached compared to a proper saber, Sever planned on getting in close for a feinting slash to the face with his right knife before actually pulling it back and going low with his left for the hip area.

Narrowing his eyes, the Jedi Master could read the initiate’s attack decently well- it was to be expected from a Jedi of his experience, however. But, regardless, the old Kel Dor was impressed that the Iridonian attempted to open with a feint. To counter, the Jedi took a sweeping step to the left, allowing for his assailant’s low aim to carry him forward in order to give him a wide target. His counterattack was equally simple- a straight downwards cut to test and see if the initiate could pull himself out of this situation.

Sever watched as his feint was read and dodged with ease it seemed; admittedly he didn’t expect his first strike to work. All he had to do was knick the old man with an attack; there were rules here unlike out in the real world and Sever planned to see how well he would fare against these warriors of the Force. With a sharp twisting of his body the Zabrak parried the downwards counter slash with his left blade. He wouldn’t break the parry however as he slid his left down the length of the training saber as he closed the distance even more. With his right knife quickly flipping to a reverse grip he aimed a stab straight towards the old Kel Dor’s thigh.

Ori Karan quickly released his lower hand from his hilt, grabbing the right wrist of the Iridonian before using his connection to the vibroknife as a lever, tilting his blade along it so that it hit the initiate’s shoulder before deactivating it and taking a calm stance once more, his free hand releasing the Iridonian’s wrist before clasping his chin and speaking up.

“Interesting… Jar’kai will be a strong option for you, perhaps Ataru in particular. Your heritage shows in your attempt at subterfuge, but this is your mistake- your main strike was pointed near the blade’s guard position, meaning all it takes is a flick of the wrist to deflect your blade. Does this make sense?”

All the while, Morathi stood and watched the fight, more than impressed by the performances by both individuals. Sever certainly seemed to have a good idea of what he was doing and could track a fight, but the Jedi Master was extremely skilled. Needless to say, the human initiates was certainly hoping he wouldn't have to fight the Jedi Master anytime soon, even if it was just with the training saber that he currently wielded.
 
The Zabrak felt his body tense right before the move caused the weapon to impact his shoulder. The quick burn made his body jolt before his wrist was released, staying on one knee while comforting his shoulder with one hand. “Yeah, I guess that makes sense. Lucky me, the usual punks never got around to figuring that out.” He didn’t understand what the options the old Kel Dor was saying were but figured they’d be explained at some point. He stood up and brushed himself off as he did his best to shrug off the annoying burning sensation; trying to save face after getting himself laid out for everyone to see. Least he was confident that none of the other initiates would have the nerve to step into the ring with the old man.

Taking the opportunity to rejoin the rest of the initiates after sheathing his knives, Sever took a spot next to Morathi before he looked around an realized literally everyone he'd basically somewhat socialized with on the train just watched him get beat; the bounty hunters and even the one female Jedi who'd helped him. He mentally sighed and scratched his head in frustration; speaking in a hushed tone. "Guess Jedi aren't all talk after all."
 
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The Force pervaded the Jedi temple so thoroughly that it, and the sheer number of Jedi present, made Rhett sick. He harbored no ill intent toward these particular Jedi, but the Jedi as a whole were another story. Consistently putting the galaxy under their boot like overlords with a god’s patronage.

Still, it did fill him with a peculiar kind of joy when the zabrak initiate got what he deserved. Prideful little brat.

“Ooh." Rhett cackled, clapping softly. "Go again, the both of ya! I'd give somethin' to see another spar like that." While sarcasm was a staple of Rhett's personality, he was partially genuine when he made the request. The temple and the jedi were tremendously boring, so the least they could do to assuage that boredom was give him a good show-- while fine-tuning their own skills in battle. Not that a battle was on the horizon, but it did well to always be prepared.
 
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NEEVA RAGEL
The female bounty hunter merely watched as the Zabrak was the one who challenged the Kel Dor to a fight, whereas the latter accepted. Her eyes from beneath her mandalorian helmet squinted at the thought of it. If anything, she was either impressed by the initiate, or he was about to get humiliated. However, it did not take long before someone caught her attention.

Aliscia Firelut, another exile who wasn't merely an initiate. "Hm?" Curious, she looked over her shoulder and gazed at the initiates lined up, before returning to the woman before her.

"Morathi Arvad, but he was one of the few who came in willingly with his grandfather."

Giving the woman a thorough look, she returned to the session between the Jedi Master and the Zabrak, and the latter was clearly in over his head. The result was expected, but the initiate did have the guts, but not that it was actually required of them to challenge Kel Dor.

"So what are you here for, if not to line up with them initiates?" Curious, she was wondering what purpose she had for the Order, other than just bring in exiles from across the galaxy.
 
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Aliscia Firelut

She listened to the bounty hunter woman talk and watched the fight. If it could be called a fight. It was more of a 1 sided humiliation, but Aliscia didn't jest or jeer. She remembered those days. The poor guy never had a chance. When the bounty hunter answered her question, she looked across the line of initiates and found the one being referenced.

Then the bounty hunter woman asked her a question. "I'm here judging the talent. In the off chance the council give me a padawan at some point, I want to have done my due diligence. It is something about the older ones...they are more stubborn. They don't turn into the typical Jedi drones. They can think for themselves. I like that. I want to see them now...before they train. So I can gauge them throughout and look at their improvements. So what is your name? If you wish to tell me."
 
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Morathi Arvad
The remaining initiates were paired up using their personal weapons to gain comparative measures of their abilities. Morathi himself was quite content with his vibrosword as he went about his duel with his opponent, a rather tall Arkanian male wielding a quarterstaff. His opponent was rather aggresive, forcing the Mandaloiran to keep dodging using Echani footwork until he got an opening, using a heavy series of Mandalorian-styled attacks to eventually force his opponent into submission after using his blade's pommel to make his opponent disarm. Throughout it all, the initiate had been unable to keep a flowing strategy, instead having to improvise with his attacks and defense the entire time.

The Kel Dor approached them as they finished, scratching at the bottom of his mask before speaking up, his sleeves entering into his robes as he took on that famous, sage-like stance the Jedi Masters were known for. "You have done well, you too. For you, Morathi... I suggest Form Six, Niman. For you, K'natu, Form Five, Djem So specifially." Once he was done speaking to them and the initiates had rejoined their fellows, he snapped as the two sparring droids activated and clambered to their original positions in the battle circle before addressing the entire group.

"I should like you all to remember what I have told you- we shall discuss what those phrases when we reconvene shortly. For now, all of you should take a quick break amongst yourselves and discuss what you're anticipating. As soon as we resume, I shall began passing out training sabers for use during the remainder of today's lesson and we shall beginning learning the utmost basic form of lightsaber combat, known as Shii-Cho. For now, however, enjoy a bried respite while I attend to council matters. Please ensure you have returned to their facility by approximately twenty minutes from now."

With that said, the Kel Dor immediately found himself approach by one of the more senior Jedi Knight who was watching the whole thing as the initiates had some time to kill.
 
Sever Hakras
After Sever gave Rhett a much deserved dirty look he returned his focus to watching the other initiates have at one another with the old Jedi giving his pointers here and there. In truth the young Zabrak was anxious, a clear tell as he'd been tapping his heel against the floor repeatedly. He hated standing around and doing nothing more than most things as he tried to draw parallels between how people we sparring and what forms the Kel Dor was recommending to them. Djem So seems to be recommended to rather large and physically strong people while Niman seemed to be suggested to the more well rounded like Morathi. But the one he cared about learning was Ataru and that seemed to be paired with the most aggressively fighting initiates. Though he didn't seem to notice anyone else told that Jar'kai would be of use to them so he didn't have much to go on. That is until he realized out of those he watched he had been the only one who sparred with two weapons. It was an assumption of course it was something.

It wasn't long after they were given their short recess that Sever spied that one Jedi woman again; the one with hair as white as snow. He took notice of the two saber hilts in her possession. Without wasting another moment the Zabrak abruptly made his way over to the woman and stopped just in front of her, almost hovering due to the height difference of the two. He didn't care that she knew his name yet he didn't know hers for he planned to get straight to the point. With a steely gaze he asked her bluntly..."What is Jar'kai?" Not caring much in regards to the current conversation he cared more about being a step above the rest. If he was gonna be stuck here he might as well make use of the experience.

@Boba Fit
 
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Aliscia Firelut

Her conversation with the female bounty hunter was interrupted by Sever. He seemed to be the feisty one of this bunch, a trait she liked. Aliscia bowed slightly to the Bounty Hunter before speaking. "If you will excuse me. I will see you around." She said to the woman before turning to look up at Sever. A hint of a mischievous smile on her face, looked up at the Zabrak and met his gaze as she took hold of her lightsabers.

Turning away from him, she walked to an open space in the room without saying a word to Sever yet. After adjusting her lightsabers to their lowest power setting where they would essentially be in training mode, she activated them. They came to life with a slight screech then a dull hum as the pure white blades were stabilized. The blades, coincidentally matching her hair. Gripping the hilts in a normal way, not a reverse grip, she began a short but intense Kata. It started with a slow, deliberate, and very basic, Jar'Kai technique. Then she deftly and almost instantaneously switched into a very quick, agile, and aggressive version of Ataru. Using force assisted movements, she struck, parried, flipped, and kicked. As Alicia landed from the last movement, she let go of her shoto blade, and flipped her hand, grabbing it in a reverse grip. It happened in almost the blink of an eye, all while she was moving her body into the starting position for Niman. The white haired Jedi then showed off the more conservative form of Niman, before she halted her body movements, and the white blades of her lightsabers disappeared.

Looking like she barely broke a sweat, she walked up to Sever. The whole Kata lasting about 45 seconds. 15 seconds for the basic Jar'Kai techniques at the beginning, 15 seconds of Ataru formed Jar'Kai, and 15 seconds of Niman. "That is Jar'Kai. With Ataru and Niman. Jar'Kai is the foundation...its the essentials of dual bladed combat. Once the essentials are mastered, a skilled dualist can apply the basics of any of the 6 lightsaber forms to Jar'Kai. Depending on strengths and weaknesses of themselves and their opponent."

@BlueFlameNikku @Akashi
 
"You can call me Neeva" Introducing herself to the young woman before her.

"I did not realize that exiles who return to the Order would be given a padawan that easily." The eyes beneath her helment squinted, wondering if she made a deal with the Order or if that is usually how things work for the lot of them.

"Not a problem." They were, however, quick to part ways when the white haired woman left for the Zabrak. Speaking to him, Neeva returned to her observation. Looking at the others, but now, in particular to the Zabrak who was being given some more information. There wasn't much more for the Bounty Hunter to do at this moment.

All she could do was to watch over the exiles and see how they would grow. Depending on how long her own contract with the Order is, she may do something else in the meantime.
 
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Sever Hakras

The initiate watched on in complete silence as the woman went about her demonstration. He refused to blink throughout the display as his eyes were fixed upon her every motion; storing them away within his memory. He analyzed everything from the angle of her wrists to the movement of each step. It didn't take him long to realize there were some movements she was doing that he couldn't replicate even on his best day and certainly not at that rate of speed. Once it was all said and done he listened to her brief explanation though his eyes seemed fixated upon the spot she had been demonstrating as if the young man was watching a terminal screen. As she finished the Zabrak nodded slowly before he made his way to the same open area of the room.

Once there Sever drew his two vibro knives and stood there in silence; rather unusual behavior that those around him wouldn't be expecting he was sure. He wanted to make use of the lesson that he'd unexpectedly been given while it was still fresh in his mind. He took one slow deep breath and then another as he pictured the woman standing before him with sabers at the ready. He readied himself as his imaginary opponent began the fake spar. He knew he couldn't copy what that woman had showed him but he could adapt and utilize from it what he was capable of. The Zabrak would appear to defend off quick strikes being sent his way with his knives. Within only a few seconds of this he was already sweating, however, he'd suddenly stop out of nowhere; his imaginary sparring partner had struck his shoulder. With little warning the young male pressed his vibro blade against his shoulder for just a moment causing a slight burn; a quick grunt following. In his life pain had always been a useful motivator and now was no different. These bantha could sit on they're asses like the old man told them while Sever would rather take matters into his own hands whenever possible.

Within moments he was back at it for another few rounds; giving himself a slight burn each time he would have been hit. Although as he replayed his combat scenario over and over again, not matter how much faster he'd get he couldn't keep up with what he knew likely wasn't even the Jedi's top speed. He would be panting now from the intense short bursts. Once he'd finished his fifth attempt the Zabrak finally sat down to rest, his arms outstretched with his chest rising and lowering from his heavy breathing. Now he had something to really work with and reflect upon. The old Kel Dor had been pretty stingy with his lesson but with the white haired Jedi's assistance Sever really had something to bite into now. Sitting there Sever turned his head to face the helpful Jedi, smirking despite his exhaustion as he took in breaths between his words. "Hey...what's your...name anyways?"

@Boba Fit
 
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Aliscia Firelut

Sever had watched her kata intensely. He then took the spot she had occupied and went about his own training. Aliscia could tell he was trying to fight her....well, an imaginary version of her. She even saw him hit himself with the knives to imitate a strike against him. Sever had a desire to learn and the determination to back that up. He had earned her respect....no....he had commanded her respect. Not letting her see anything else. She liked this initiate.

He finally finished and he was tired. Took him long enough to finally ask her name. "Aliscia Firelut. You can call me Ali though. Your thirst for knowledge is admirable. I do not mean to chide, but you need to be careful and slow down. The proper foundations must be built first. Without proper training, you will develop bad habits. Then, all that effort will have had the opposite effect, as bad habits are harder to break. A house built on a strong foundation has a higher likelihood of standing through trials and tribulations, then a house built on a weak foundation. Take that determination, and apply it to perfecting the basics you are about to learn. They are tried and true. I learned the same way."

She unclipped the shoto saber and used the force to float it toward him. Setting it next to him, she assumed a dueling stance. She took her other saber in her own hands and activated it. Both sabers are still on training mode. "Stand up. Take the lightsaber. Assume the position. Do the basics. Don't think of it as a fight. Think of it as a dance. Effortless, graceful, and fluid. Like this." She did a very simple kata that had the foundations of bladed combat. Not even any specific lightsaber forms, as this was the foundation. After demonstrating a few times, she stopped, and deactivated her saber. So she could watch Sever.

@BlueFlameNikku
 
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Morathi & Carn Arvad
"So, this is the new meat, eh?"

The Force swelled around the old Jedi Knight as he stepped into the room. Any bounty hunter could tell that his poise was not unlike the great warriors of Mandalore, the sort who would travel to Dxun and bring back the ears of three great zakkeg beasts. He was hardened from experience, his lightsaber, though cared for lovingly, was covered with marks and scorches that came with experience. Popping his knuckles, the old Mandalorian quickly found his grandson amidst the initiates, patting his shoulder and speaking calmly to him.

"My old robes look good on you, boy. How did they treat you over the last week?"

"Not too bad, Grandpa. Mostly processing and an introduction to the Jedi tenets. Nothing you didn't teach me on Kashyyyk."

The old man laughed for a second, speaking up afterwards. "Well, then, why don't we ensure you're still up to snuff!"

"Sounds like a plan to me!"

With some hearty chuckling following, the pair soon walked over by the battle circle. Carn used the Force to pull his lightsaber from his belt, igniting his lightsaber as the rare orange blade hummed in the air while Morathi drew his blade. Taking similar ready stances, the pair charged at each other as they engaged in a level of sparring that was notably higher than those done earlier. The old Jedi Knight was extremely aggressive in his defense, while initiate kept up a stalwart defenses. It was an example of the harsher realities of lightsaber combat, where there was a burning fuel that mandated survival as opposed to a near-rhythmic dance. Sparks flew as it was evident that the pair knew each other's strengths and weaknessed fairly well, while also serving as a warning not to mess with the elder Jedi Knights. In reality, Carn wouldn't be allowed to have Morathi as his apprentice. Instead, he would use the reactions to their duel to determine who he might choose to be his padawan in the coming days. Either way,the duel would eventually end as the two stowed away their weapons, chatting as if they hadn't just been fighting as the Jedi Master soon began to return to the training area, the lesson set to resume soon as the Kel Dor was currently preoccupied in speaking to a few other senior Jedi.
 
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Sever Hakras

"Ali it is then. No offense but I ain't use to taking the slow road to most things, but even I know when to make exceptions." He'd respond with a smirk. Sever would swear he'd never really understand why people had to beat around the bush so much when explaining things. The old geezers in particular usually did it the most. The zabrak had always been brash and to the point just like his father...and arguably like his mother. He sat up just in time to watch the lightsaber handle float down next to him. The whole idea of the Force was still more or less bizarre to the young male. Even stranger...he didn't feel uneasy when around those utilizing the Force. The only thing that made him uneasy was the presence he could feel from certain Jedi within this place. The feeling being akin to a chill running up the zabrak's spine; like a primitive warning system of sorts. Sever felt this way and some when Morathi's apparent old man entered the room. Why is this place filled with old kriffing monsters!!!

He cautiously stood, picking up the shoto saber as he did before carefully activating the weapon as it hummed to life. It was strange; the weapon was familiar yet not familiar. It felt and weighed about the same as one of his knives and yet...something was off as he held the lightsaber in his hand. Refocusing himself, Sever studied the much more simplistic demonstration. With relative ease the initiate began copying the movements he was shown with surprising accuracy. It was easy enough that Sever was able to pay some attention to Morathi's spar with his grandpa. It looked like the guy was holding back during his earlier spar with the Arkanian.

Once the pair had noticeably stopped sparring Sever stopped his own practicing and turned to look over at the mandalorian with a prideful expression. "Hey Morathi, if you ever hold back against me like you did with the arkanian I'll never forgive you." The Iridonian's pride would be more hurt than anything if he knew someone wasn't taking him seriously, especially in a fight. The guy was obviously ahead of the rest of the initiates in the room. So why was he even amongst them? Why wouldn't they already have him somewhere else in this place if he had already been taught so much? A bunch of questions Sever was sure he wouldn't get answered. Instead of dwindling upon them he returned to the simple instructive series of movements Ali had demonstrated; speeding up as he went once he got the movements down. With the slower pace and simplicity the zabrak was no longer sweating as he got into his rhythm; displaying his species' surplus of endurance.

@Boba Fit @AceSorcerer
 
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Aliscia Firelut

The Arkanian offshoot Jedi exile, well former exile, was watching Sever run through the basic katas with rapt attention. It appeared as though Sever was in good physical condition, which really helped in lightsaber training. Once the muscles started getting tired, mistakes would be made. The user would develop bad habits as shortcuts to try and reach the same end goal. That is often, how many fall in battle. Fatigue starts to set in, and poor decisions are made. In that specific regard, Sever had a very good starting point. Aliscia was about to walk over and move on to the next thing she wanted to show the zabrak, but at that point another initiate had begun to spar. She decided to go ahead and watch the duel before moving in to continue working with Sever.

The duel was intense and Aliscia was not dissapointed. It was painfully obvious that the old Jedi had been training the young man in the ways of lightsaber combat. That initiate was clearly very far ahead of a large number of the others. Helps having a Jedi grandfather and being a Mandalorian I guess. As soon as the duel was over she turned her attention back to Sever and was ready to really see if he could apply the skills. Learning and performing Katas was one thing, but actually applying it to a fight against an opponent was something else all together.

She walked up to Sever and took up a position opposite of him. "Good. Now, the next step. I'm your opponent. We can only use the same general movements. You defend, then attack and it follows that pattern." She activated her saber and the white blade extended with a hiss. Aliscia had an advantage in weapons, as she was using her regular sized saber, while she gave Sever the smaller Shoto saber. Both sabers were still on training mode, so it would just hurt a bit when struck. Without even waiting for Sever to ask a question, or say "go", she attacked.

@BlueFlameNikku
 
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Boba Fit & BlueFlameNikku collab
Aliscia & Sever

Sever had turned to Aliscia with a puzzled expression; not having expected this demonstration training to escalate so quickly. Perhaps Morathi sparing with his old man pushed the female Jedi in that direction. Before he could hardly catch his bearings she had already moved in without warning. This would startle the zabrak only slightly as he was used to being jumped on the street, however, the speed she displayed was far superior than that of any common group of thugs. With instinctual flicks and swipes Sever began defending against the arkanian's swift assault with the shoto saber. His defensive technique would begin to slip as he found trouble keeping up with Ali. Instead of cutting any shortcuts the crafty zabrak decided to play by his own rules. He retrieved one of his vibro knives to be used in his free hand to assist with blocking the rapid incoming basic strikes. He continued to only use the same general movements just instead of only doing so with one hand he was doing them with either hand.

Once it was his turn to go onto the offensive he tried his best to match her speed while retaining the fluidity Ali had been stressing. He desperately held himself back from relying on his prior knowledge of fighting; understanding that these Jedi wouldn't fall for any cheap tricks.

It was not entirely unexpected for Sever to grab a knife to use, but it would be of no help to him in this situation. Aliscia was attacking one side at a time and it was not practical for Sever to be able to reach across his body to block. Ali fluidly and rather easily blocked his attacks and came in quick and hard. Stepping forward she swung in fast towards the side where Sever was holding her own saber.

When he would block or parry, she would then immediately swing down towards his legs.

She knew once he got into the rhythm, Sever wouldn't be able to keep up with her speed. Her transition from defense to attack was incredibly fluid and quick.

Things weren't going well for the zabrak as he could feel himself gradually becoming overwhelmed by Ali's speed and tempo. Her current way of attack mostly negating Sever's use of two weapons. He found himself backing up for more quickly than he was while advancing during his attacks.

As she came at him once more Sever steeled himself; her attacks were faster and harder than before. He could swear he would be struck any moment, not being able to keep this up.

After blocking one of her strikes Sever watched in almost slow motion as he saw her weapon swing down towards his legs; a strike he wasn't prepared for. This was it, he was gonna get nailed for sure. It was at that moment that something came over the young man. An odd attaching feeling of sorts, it wanted to move his body and so it did. The zabrak found himself suddenly doing a one legged front flip over Ali's white lightsaber.

For that split second he could feel some much. Before he could only feel something in the older individuals but as he flipped he could feel everyone in the that room. By the time he landed the maneuver the feeling was gone and Sever was at a loss for words. The sudden spike of the Force within him overwhelmed him as he simply stood there and forgot where he was for a good second.

As soon as Sever used the force, Aliscia knew what happened. The young initiate didn't know how to mask the force yet, so everyone in the room who knew how to sense it, probably felt it. It wasn't massive, but it was there. Truth be told, Aliscia knew exactly what she was doing, which was why she was not surprised at such things. She was doing this...extracurricular training....with the young initiate for multiple reasons even though the Jedi Masters would probably not approve of her current methods...or giving an initiate a fully operational lightsaber that could kill someone with a twist of the power knob. Not that she really cared....she was used to being in "Trouble" and appearing before the Council of Reconciliation. Anyway, her reasons for teach Sever were:

  1. His desire to learn was high, and it made Aliscia want to help him. Plus, he had come to her looking or knowledge.
  2. Aliscia wanted to test how adept the initiate was at picking up new things.
  3. She wanted to try and literally push him to the point where he subconsciously had to use the force. Aliscia suspected Sever had never consciously known how to use it, and this was another test to satisfy her own curiosity.
Even though Sever was shocked at what had just happened, Aliscia never stopped and gawked. As soon as Sever flipped over her, she began a roundhouse kick that she placed firmly in his midsection. It had some reinforcement from her own force abilities to it. Not enough to hurt him, but enough to put his ass on the training room floor and effectively end the lesson.

As he hit the deck, she smirked and deactivated her saber. Stepping up to him, she offered her hand to help him up while saying. "Congratulations, Sever. You just used the force."

In his daze Sever felt the sudden impact of the kick against his body. He let out a quick grunt of pain as the blow knocked him to the smooth floor with a short squeak. It felt like he'd just gotten struck by some bruiser with a durasteel pipe and yet it was in fact a kick from a fairly smaller individual than himself. It didn't take a genius to understand that wasn't normal and without the obvious sight of any cybernetics that left the unknown capabilities of the force to blame.

When he turned to face the offered hand and congratulatory words the zabrak smirked just as she was as he accepted the helping hand and rose to his feet after having stowed his vibro knife. "Thanks, it felt...weird." He then turned the still activated lightsaber in his hand as he deactivated it. After observing multiple individuals turn the devices on and off it wasn't hard to understand the basic operations of the weapon. He casually handed it back to her with no fuss as he continued on. "It was like an instinctual auto pilot. Something wanted me to do something and I just...let it."
 
Out on Coruscant
It had been two months since the initiates had arrived on the planet, and in that time Morathi and Sever’s education had been expedited given their age. The group had already developed a strong foundation in the first lightsaber form, Shii-Cho, and each initiate was now striving to become closer to the Force. After some time, the Jedi Council decided it was time for these older initiates to be split into small groups- typically pairs and trios- and sent on their first assignments. As such, each initiate was given a small stipend of a few hundred credits and sent along their way to buy supplies from some of the vendors near the Jedi Temple.

Changing from his initiate robes to some of his more comfortable clothing he had worn on Kashyyyk- including a rather rugged and tattered tan cloak- Morathi had gotten some of the odd, silver objects from the elder Jedi and looked at them quizzically. He had never actually seen these strange rectangles for, especially given that on Kashyyyk he had primarily bartered for everything by hunting animals in the Shadowlands, especially by skinning kinrath pelts or picking some of the flora that was harder for the wookies to reach. Still, he pulled out one of the credit ingots handed to him since the initiates hadn’t been given credit chips and jogged up to the Zabrak, showing it to him.

“Sever, you know how the Core Worlds work. Do you know what this little silver… stick is for?”

Sever couldn’t be more happy to not only be out of that temple but also back in his casual clothes consisting of his cool colored hoodie and worn out pants; even if it was only temporary. He’d surprisingly been enjoying the lightsaber training over the past couple of months. It was the whole connecting with the Force part that he was struggling with. Attempting to not let such thoughts distract him, Sever continued onwards alongside Morathi with his hands casually tucked into the pockets of his hoodie. It would continue to be a real coincidence that he kept getting tied in with Morathi though the Zabrak didn’t mind it. It was better than having to constantly deal with new people.

Not a second before Sever was about to ask what the first thing on their shopping list was Morathi asked a question that the Zabrak thought he’d never hear someone ask him. He looked at Morathi with a puzzled expression as if he didn’t believe he was serious.

“You...you are messing with me right?”

After a few awkward seconds, it was clear the Mandalorian hadn’t a clue.

“You’ve gotta be…”

He was clearly at a loss for words. Sever then pulled out one of the credit ingots he was given.

“This is a credit ingot, it is one of the main ways people on core worlds purchase whatever the heck they want. Think of it as a fixed amount of value is represented by each stick. They are kinda preferred by...well...more opportunistic businesses cause they are less traceable than other types of currency.”

Now Sever was concerned with what else Morathi didn’t know about core worlds; even the simple stuff and not to mention the shady stuff. He sighed before returning his credit ingot to his pocket.

“For now just..don’t wander off and if someone bumps into you, be sure to check your pockets to make sure you’ve still got everything. We aren’t in the lower levels so things shouldn’t be too shady but the upper-level pickpockets will sniff out a non-Core Worlder like you in no time.”

Morathi stood perplexed for a moment as he tried to fully comprehend what he had just been told, looking to the Zabrak before gazing at the credit ingot for a moment before speaking up once more.

“Wait, so you don’t have to prepare kinrath pelts to trade for parts? You just use these little… ‘credits’ instead?”

Sever calmly looked back at his partner. Just how wild was this guy raised?

“No...you definitely don’t need to do any skinning or trading. Well...for the most part anyways. Anyways, yeah you just you those little credits. Here, watch me buy the first thing that’s on the list when we get there, ok?”

“Sure.” Morathi shrugged slightly as the pair continued on down the various shops in the temple district. For the most part, the items on their list were standard fare- rations, spare shuttle parts, etc- with some room for the initiates to purchase their own, individual supplies. Morathi himself wasn’t too sure what to go with regarding his own personal supplies as his vibrosword was well-hidden beneath his cloak. If nothing else, he didn’t expect to actually use it while the Jedi Temple was overhead. The Mandalorian himself had been used to scavenging and making everything last for a while, which is why he had been adamant about keeping his old datapad, although he wasn’t averse to using the comlink he had been given.

In considering the last two month period Sever appreciated the day as it felt rather normal for him. Walking the streets going from shop to shop to get the things he needed for the next few days. The sounds and sights of the planet-sized city were welcoming, unlike the dark skulker lower levels he’d gotten used to. The vendors were rather pleasant as he exchanged credit ingots for supplies; making sure to do so slower than usual to Morathi could have an easier time getting the idea.

Unlike before however, Sever had more than just his vibro-knives on him. He’d managed to sneak the training saber he’d been using during training out of the temple. He was rather surprised none of the guards or masters noticed as he half expected one of them to just somehow know what he’d done. The cylinder felt rather odd tucked inside his hoodie but it didn’t way much thankfully. Pulling out his own datapad Sever checked their list of things to get that remained.

“Are we missing anything?”

Morathi scratched at the stubble on his chin- he figured that he should shave before he left, but he didn’t think it was too pertinent. Looking around to some of the flashing signs, he fixated his eyes on one of the signs as one of the shops as the last thing he could think of was caught up in his mind as he glanced over to the Zabrak.

“I think all we have left to get are some security spikes- the tech shop right over there should have some. After that, we should be fine to head to the temple.”

Walking through an automatic sliding door, the duo was welcomed by a tall, young adult Iktochi male with scarred horns as a welcoming tenor echoed throughout the store. “Welcome to Korach and Sons’ Tech Shop! Let me know if there’s anything you need.”

The human soon walked over, looking at some of the droids. Morathi himself had little experience with droids, taking a look at some of the droid that laid dormant against the various charging cells that were installed into the main wall. One droid, in particular, caught his attention- a blue-grey little utility droid with a strange, circular head. There were some old signs of scorch marks and some telltale marks of since-repaired dents in the frame, but otherwise, the droid seemed lightly used. Almost like new, in fact.

Morathi picked up the droid’s information card from the charging platform while Sever was browsing elsewhere in the shop, curious.

“Let’s see… ‘TC4-Z0: prototype model utility droid. Manufacturing year unknown. Last memory wipe: performed before acquirement. Asking price: 150 credits.’ Now that I think about it, I always wanted a droid… maybe this little guy could be useful.”

“Security spikes huh; I wonder if this shop’ll have the same models I’ve used before.” Upon entering the shop Sever casually responded to the Iktochi. “I’ve got an idea of what we need to get but thanks.” It didn’t take long for the mischievous trainee to find some security spikes. He took his time to make sure he picked out the better models that were decently priced as he was well aware that a good condition security spike was more valuable than the best blaster pistol at times.

Soon after Sever strolled over with his hands casually placed behind his head, meeting back up with Morathi as he was inspecting the droid. Without a doubt given the information or rather lack thereof Sever expected the droid to had been stolen and resold at some point. “The droids got character I’ll give it that. I wouldn’t buy em but hey, I never needed a droid and it's your credits man.”

As if spurned on by the Zabrak’s retort, the utility droid’s ocular sensor began to slowly warm up as the contraption whirred to life. A few confused beeps and boops later, the droid seemed to adjust its sensors as it turned to address the two organics standing before it.

“Bzzt blip beep woooo. Click, bzzzt.”

Morathi looked to Sever, then glanced back at the droid before scratching at his stubble and speaking with a hesitant voice. “I think he said something along the lines of not insulting him or else you’d be getting… shocked?”

“It said what now?” The Zabrak asked quickly. “This bucket of bolts better not zap me if it knows what's good for ‘em.” Sever leaned down slightly towards the droid with an annoyed look. “Listen, it ain’t my problem whether Morathi here decides to purchase you or not. I already wiped my hands clean so don’t get pissed at me.”

The droid immediate released its shock arm, releasing a few harmless arcs of electricity as it whistled something annoyedly, which made Morathi almost burst into laughter as he raised his hands for the attention of the clerk.

“I’ll take this little TC4 unit.”

“Very good choice, sir! We’ll throw in some basic droid maintenance tools, as a bonus to your purchase.”

After a toolkit was now in Morathi’s hands, the restraining bolt was released from the droid after all the credits were counted, the grey-blue machine whistling excitedly as its toroidal head spun around.

“We’ll need a shorter name to call you by. TC4-Z0. Zee-zero…. Zero? How about ‘Zero?’ Do you like that, little buddy?”

“Beep dwoo!” The droid let out an excited whistle before looking to Sever and making an odd beep- some kind of robotic attempt at blowing a raspberry, perhaps? Either way, its cyan blue primary photoceptor lit up with glee as it beeped quickly and randomly, Morathi barely getting every other word due to his lack of proper experience with droid binary as he looked between the droid and the Zabrak before clearing his throat,

“Yeah, I guess? We should probably get to the shuttle bay soon, anyway.”

There was never a time in Sever’s life that he was more annoyed that he didn’t understand a single shred of droid binary. He, of course, paid for the security spikes right after Morathi finished his purchase though it seemed the droid wasn’t done with him yet. “Yeah yeah, keep it up droid.” Sever smacked his left fist on top of the droid, enough to rattle it a little. “We got more than what we needed for sure; yeah let’s head back before they start sending search parties. Now that I think of it Zero really might be a fitting name for ‘em.”

The droid gave some sputtering about as they soon made their way to their assigned shuttle bay, in which they would find the two mercenaries awaiting them along with a senior Jedi to oversee the whole affair. Their mission, specifically, would be revealed whenever they got into hyperspace.

As they approached, the droid whistled softly, making a point to Morathi. "Wait, you know how to fly this thing?"

"Bzzzt boop bip dwoo! Reet deet boop."

"That's amazing! I didn't know a little droid like you could do all that. What else can you do?"

"Bloop bip."

"Not telling all your secrets?"

"Bleep!"

"...I have no idea what you just said."

"Thweep..."

"I need to learn more binary."

Regardless, their travel kits had already been moved on the shuttle as the droid and the Mandalorian began to enter the shuttle as the humanoid looked around with a great fascination- due to how old he was, he didn't quite remember he had been on a small ship like this. He touched some of the various consoles and datapads, greatly curious, if nothing else. At the moment, he was simply excited just to take off and begin a new adventure in his life as a Jedi.
 
Aliscia Firelut

She had been called in by the council for a new mission and even then, the council did not give out very much information. Essentially, it was a chaperone mission. The more juicy bits of the mission would come when they were away in space, heading to a set of coordinates. Aliscia would still just be a chaperone though, as the initiates she was overseeing would be doing to main basis of the mission. As the former Jedi exile trudged through the temple towards the shuttle bay, with her small bag of extra clothing and general hygiene products, she grumbled. "First mission back, and I get to play initiate babysitter."

She made her way to the shuttle and meandered up the ramp to the interior. Finding the crew cabin, she deposited her bag on the bed, then went back out to wait on the initiates to arrive. The council had called this a mission....but Aliscia doubted it. They wouldn't send initiates on a mission without weapons. It was all a bit...odd to the white haired Jedi. She didn't like the idea that the bounty hunters and herself would have to protect the initiates. After loosing a sigh, she decided that she would wait until they received the briefing in flight, before passing this particular judgement on the council.​
 
Sever Hakras

Upon reaching the shuttle ramp the zabrak stopped after taking a single step up. While Morathi seemed to enthusiastically go on ahead Sever turned back to face the expanse of Corusant. It had just occurred to the initiate that he'd never been off world before. Feeling uncertain and nervous he turned back around and made his way into the ship. He knew he'd be back soon; maybe even sneak a drink at Beb's bar when he did.

Some familiar faces were waiting aboard already; some more pleasing to see than others. Doing his best to ignore Rhett, Sever also got settled in to await further instructions. He was happy to see Ali would be coming along though she on the other hand clearly seemed less than pleased. It was rather obvious that two bounty hunter and an actual Jedi tagging along with two initiates was gonna be tedious escort work for them. Sever didn't have much of a guess as to what they would even been sent to go do. Maybe it's gonna be some more errand running; just off world.