Private A Knight's Valor

[Valor the Forsaken]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

Valor was returned to the New Jedi Order's main temple, his presence an anomaly among the serene and orderly halls. The room he was deposited in was still of good structure and standing, a somber calm contrast to the chaotic journey that had brought him here. It had been a long and exhausting ordeal, and Valor was given time to rest.

Knight Vuto had ventured far and wide, tracking the Echani lab-bred brat all the way to Jutrand to whisk him away from the scholarly halls of the Sith. It was astonishing the lengths he went to, what lengths he could go to, to secure the snow skinned youth. Misplaced and wild, forsaken but not forgotten, it seemed.

That evening, Valor did not stir. He slept well into the length of the midday sun overhead, where he lay. His dreams were a mixture of memories and forebodings of his tumultuous path that had led him back to the Order. The room was quiet, save for the gentle hum of the temple's life-support systems and the distant echoes of the day to day business with in the damaged temple.

Dust motes dance in the golden beams of sunlight, creating a somber atmosphere. Valor, resting on a simple yet comfortable bed, is a picture of exhaustion and vulnerability. His white hair contrasts sharply with the dark sheets.

As the midday sun climbed higher, casting long shadows and bathing the room in a warm glow. It seemed he would not be rising so soon to greet what life lay ahead as night mares plagued his sleeping mind.

 

[Ko Vuto]

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Location: NJO Temple
Objective: Do Stuff
Tag: Valor the Forsaken

Knock Knock Knock…

Ko’s fist collided with the door to Valor’s dorm a few times. He wasn’t sure if the teen was sleeping, relaxing, training, or just simply brooding. But Ko had an activity planned for them. A simple lesson that he felt was important for every Jedi to learn and know. Ko also wanted to discuss a few things with the teen.

He already made a few preparations. But he didn’t need to do much at all really. Just find a room where they could be a bit bombastic and not worry about causing consequential damage to the already roughed up temple. But I also found somewhere that the threat of the temple collapsing on them wasn’t possible. So the planning that Ko had to do was just to find that kind of goldilocks zone. Currently though Ko had a few things in his hands. Stuff to give to Valor.​

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[Valor the Forsaken]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

Valor rolled out of bed, his sandals scuffing against the floor as he trudged toward the door. The nightgown he wore, a reminder of his capture, hung loosely on his frame. His eyes were half-closed, a groggy look clouding his vision, and his long hair, tangled and unkempt, fell in disarray over his shoulders.

A yawn escaped his lips, and he raised a hand to cover his mouth, a futile attempt to stifle it. He blinked several times, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep that clung stubbornly to his mind. As he reached the door and pulled it open, he squinted against the light from the hallway, the brightness jarring against his tired eyes.

"Yeah?" he mumbled, his voice rough with lingering fatigue. He peered through the doorway, his vision slowly focusing on the figure standing before him, waiting for a response.

 

[Ko Vuto]

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Location: NJO Temple
Objective: Do Stuff
Tag: Valor the Forsaken

Once Valor opened the door and addressed him Ko handed the teen what was in his hand. A simple pair of dark brown and standard Jedi robes. “Good afternoon and here you go, new clothes for you. I got something planned, I think you’ll enjoy it. But put these on first.” Ko simply said. He really did think that Valor would like what he had planned. Thinking it would be a nice way for the teen to possibly physically vent some of his current frustrations and temper.

“Oh and be careful about sleeping too much during the day. It can mess with your sleep schedule.” Ko advised, warning the teen about good sleep hygiene.​

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[Valor the Forsaken]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

Valor accepted the clothing and stepped back into the dorm, leaving the door open to allow Ko to come inside if he wished.

"What... do you have planned?" he asked, setting the clothing down on the table. He stepped out of the sandals he was wearing and began picking through the clothing, holding up each article to examine it. "It looks complicated... I'm not sure where all the ties go," he murmured, furrowing his brow.

"I'm... gonna go wash up first. Feel free to sit down, I suppose," he added, sounding uncertain.

It didn't take him long to put the new clothing away and get cleaned up. However, he struggled with tying some of the bits and when he stepped out, not everything was tied correctly, nor did he have his outer belt secured. He set the untied parts down and brushed out his damp hair, setting the brush aside.

"How do I... tie this?" he asked, holding up the loose ends and looking at Ko with a mixture of confusion and mild embarrassment.

 

[Ko Vuto]

​

Location: NJO Temple
Objective: Do Stuff
Tag: Valor the Forsaken

Ko stepped into the room with them. Since he’d been wearing these kinds of robes for almost his entire life Ko never thought that wearing them could be complicated. “Oh I didn’t really think about that, if you want to wear simply just the tunic is fine enough. I've done that sometimes if I didn’t feel like throwing everything one for whatever reason.” The Kel Dor explained to the teen.

Given that he was blind he had a bit of trouble discerning exactly what Valor did wrong. “Hmm, well the outer part isn’t really a robe, it’s more so a tabard, and this part is supposed to go over your waist, under where you’d normally put your belt. Like mine.” Ko further explained, pointing at his own attire as an example. “There’s also different ways people like to style their robes as well. Many don’t even like to wear the traditional garbs anymore. For some reason.

“As for what I have planned is a little training exercise about the nature of using The Force. One of the most crucial things every adept must understand, and also we can lay out a few ground rules for you as well.” ​

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[Valor the Forsaken]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

Valor shifted, his eyes following Ko's precise movements as he demonstrated how to adjust the unfamiliar clothing. Mimicking Ko's actions, Valor tugged at the fabric, trying to arrange it into some semblance of order. After a few awkward adjustments and frustrated sighs, he decided it was... well, good enough, even if it didn't sit quite right on his frame.

"I already know how to use the Force," Valor said, his voice edged with impatience and a touch of defensiveness. He glanced down at the attire, then back at Ko. "Maybe people don't wear these because they're not attractive..." he added, his tone matter-of-fact. He tugged at a loose sleeve, frowning at his reflection. The clothing felt foreign, almost like a costume, and he couldn't help but think it looked out of place on him.

 

[Ko Vuto]

​

Location: NJO Temple
Objective: Do Stuff
Tag: Valor the Forsaken

“I’m not teaching how to use the Force. Just to give you a more complete understanding of it and your relationship with it.” Ko replied to Valor, choosing to ignore their later statement about the clothes they wore. Pulling up his sword cane he rested it on his shoulder.

“Now follow me.” He said before turning to exit the room and lead Valor further into the temple, choosing to go to a spot that was under considerable disrepair. “Also let me share some codes of conduct while you’ll be training under me. I’m still new to all this so bare with me okay. Firstly you’ll address me as Master Vuto, second no sneaking out on missions or whatever without my permission. Thirdly, eat plenty of food and get plenty of rest. Lastly, no picking fights with other padawans. More will be added as I think of them. So expect me to amend these in the future.”

Ko felt like that was good enough for now as he led the teen. Soon enough the pair reached the room he was looking for. It was rather empty. Having been clear out before the Dark Empire’s invasion. A bit of rubble littered it and there was a large hole in the ceiling that exposed the room to sunlight.

“I think this room should serve us well for today now-” Before he could finish speaking there was a sudden interruption. A loud croak could echo through the room as a modest sized amphibian hopped up onto a piece of rubble. The albino oggdo-boggdo looked at the pair with a trio of red beady eyes before rubbing its face with its arm. “Oh I almost forgot, she’ll be keeping us company too. Figured you two could reconnect.” Ko said as he reached into one of the pouches on his belt. Pulling out a sizable piece of jerky before casually tossing it towards the amphibian. Not even glancing towards it before its long tongue shot up to catch the piece and quickly eating it. “I gotta ask what did you do while you were together? She’d been awfully chatty ever since.”​

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[Valor the Forsaken]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

"I bullied a Sith who was obsessed with time," Valor offered simply, glancing around the room. "What if I don't want to follow the rules because they're lame?" he asked, amusement dancing in his eyes. He didn't think Ko was much older than he was. Valor's knowledge of the Jedi was limited to what his father and former master had taught him, both of whom were significantly older and notoriously cranky, with little patience for foolishness.

He and Ace had an interesting relationship.

"She talks quite a bit, yes," Valor remarked, looking at the red, beady eyes with a frown.

 

[Ko Vuto]

​

Location: NJO Temple
Objective: Do Stuff
Tag: Valor the Forsaken

Ko was skeptical about the teens' claim about bullying a Sith. Wanting to believe that if Valor had bullied them like he said, then surely they must not have been a Sith. “Hmm, I suppose I’ll need to think of some repercussions and consequences then if you break the rules. Maybe we’ll take more trips to Ukatis to learn more about plant surge since you seemed to enjoy it so much the last time.” Ko teased. “But as of now these are pretty straight forward rules. Only a dunce should really be capable of breaking them.” He added, making a point to have it sound foolish to even be able to break the rules he set out. Perhaps the rules were lame, but he felt it would be lamer to break them.

“I still need to think of a name for her. I don’t think calling her Toad forever would be that great. Also I never properly thanked you for saving her earlier. Perhaps this could be your reward.” Ko then turned his back to Valor for a moment as he took a step back, bringing his cane down and drawing a line across the dusty ground. Than he stepped back to where he was standing before Valor a moment earlier.

“Okay, your task is simple. Push me back over the line I just made. You can do so however you like. Whatever you need to do to get me past that line, do it. I’ll try and resist.” The Kel Dor explained in a rather straightforward manner. This exercise was a bit experimental, but he viewed it to be an extension of an exercise he did once before with Braze. Once more he had a bit of trickery in store to make the lesson more impactful. But right now Valor just had to push him back across the line a few feet behind him.​

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[Valor the Forsaken]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

"I'm not interested in playing with plants," Valor declared, squinting at the pale toad. "You could call her Fat Toad," he added simply.

As Ko drew a line in the dusty ground and explained the task, Valor's eyes followed the motion with a growing sense of impatience. His brows knitted together, trying to understand the purpose of the exercise. When Ko finished his explanation, Valor didn't hesitate.

He watched Ko's actions with the line, his brows knitting together in confusion. Without hesitation, he raised a hand and, with a mere inkling of a thought, tried to shove Ko back. The force behind the gesture was anything but gentle. Despite the minimal movement, the power of his intention was clear—Valor was a man who did things hard, fast, and with a certain intensity. Gentle was not in his repertoire.

He raised his hand, focusing his thoughts on the task. There was no hesitation, no doubt in his mind. With a sudden, forceful push of his thoughts, he directed all his energy towards moving Ko back. The intensity of his focus was palpable, the air around him seeming to vibrate with the sheer power of his will. Valor's movements were minimal, almost imperceptible, but the impact was unmistakable. The force of his effort was anything but gentle, demonstrating a raw, unrefined power that was characteristic of his approach to everything.

 

[Ko Vuto]

​

Location: NJO Temple
Objective: Do Stuff
Tag: Valor the Forsaken

The Kel Dor didn’t put up much resistance. Creating a thin bubble around him through The Force to tank and disperse much of the teen’s Force Push. He stumbled back harshly rather easily, getting knocked past the line that he created along the floor behind him. His torso leaning back as if he was about to tumble over. Until Ko snapped his cane back behind him to support his body and pushed himself back up into a standing position.

“Nice work Valor, you're certainly talented. Your ability is raw and honest.” Ko said, the lack of any build up to conjure such a rough force push was promising. It communicated to Ko a lot of potential if Valor took the time and effort to hone their talent so they could be more efficient and mindful, and to hopefully move away from using their passions and ego to summon the strength to harness The Force. “I worry that too many in this Order rely on their emotions to get things done with The Force. It’s simpler, more direct, but can come at a great cost if you rely on that too much. It’ll become a crutch, or worse.”

Ko then stepped back to where he was just before getting pushed back. With his cane he drew another line behind him, this time much closer, practically hugging his heels. Then he rested his cane up on his shoulder casually and spoke. “Now do it again...” There was a hint of a challenge. Now Ko took a much more lax posture and made it look as though it should be easier for him to be pushed back. If Valor could do it before, then surely he can now when the line he drew was even closer than before. But Ko would be steadfast in making sure he wouldn’t give the teen an inch this time…​

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[Valor the Forsaken]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

Valor looked rather pleased with himself after he'd sent Ko over the line. His smile faded into a frown as he listened to what Ko said, followed by the challenge. His white brows knitted together, watching Ko intently. He didn't understand the demand for a second performance when he had complied the first time.

Once more, he flicked his hand up, expecting the same result. To his surprise, Ko didn't budge. Shifting his stance, Valor moved his hand in a more deliberate gesture, this time channeling the force with greater intensity. The power surged twelvefold, pressing against Ko with invisible might. Yet, Ko remained unmoved.

Valor's frustration grew. His eyes narrowed, and a cold determination set in. With a sharp movement, he raised his hand, tearing the earth from beneath Ko's feet. The ground trembled and rose, uprooted by Valor's will, lifting Ko along with it. The effort felt almost effortless, as if his thoughts alone commanded the very elements.

 

[Ko Vuto]

​

Location: NJO Temple
Objective: Do Stuff
Tag: Valor the Forsaken

Ko kept his ground. Summoning invisible half circular shields over his body to defend against Valor’s increasing pressure. He felt he felt like things were going well for now and as he planned. Until Valor switched up their approach. Which was actually rather commendable in its own way. But was subverting the lesson he had in store.

The rocky floor beneath him began to crack around him some before he was lifted up and pushed back with it. The piece of floor he fell back with cracked and crumbled under his feet. “Hmm, that’s not exactly what I had in mind. But it’s good that you showed some creative initiative. You found yourself before an insurmountable obstacle so I changed your approach to overcoming it.” Ko explained as he took a step back before casually kicking the crumbled stone he was lifted with back towards where it came from. Using his own earth shaping along with it to have it seamlessly mold back into the floor as if it had never been damaged by Valor in the first place.

A moment later the albino toad let out another croak before hopping down from the rock that she sat upon. “Tell me Valor, how did it feel? When you push me before versus how the second attempt as well as what you did at the end. Also how did you feel when you performed such actions.” Ko asked, wanting to hear Valor explain their state of mind so far. He also would like to understand how Valor viewed The Force. Did they see it spiritually, or just as their own personal tractor beam? The Kel Dor also wasn't sure if this was an improvement how he used to do this lesson.​

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[Braze]

....

 

[Valor the Forsaken]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

Valor's desire to outshine and eclipse Braze adds an intense layer to his response. His ambition drives him, and the idea of surpassing someone like Braze fuels his frustration and determination.

"Creative initiative? That wasn't some clever tactic. I just pushed harder because nothing else seemed to work. I don't see the point in these exercises, Ko. I'm not here to explore the Force like it's some mystical thing; I just want to get stronger. That's all that matters to me right now.

I'm not here to learn patience or finesse—I'm here to prove that I'm stronger, better. Braze might have had his time, but I'll be the one they remember. I'll surpass him, eclipse him. I don't need a deeper connection to the Force; I need power, pure and simple."

Valor's voice was laced with bitterness and resolve, his competitive spirit shining through as he aimed not to meet the expectations set before him, but to shatter them entirely.

 

[Ko Vuto]

​

Location: NJO Temple
Objective: Do Stuff
Tag: Valor the Forsaken

“I’d beg to differ Valor…” Ko replied bluntly. “You were struggling to achieve the task before you. So you moved the goal post, almost quite literally.” Viewing obstacles like that could prove very helpful for Jedi, especially in the face of danger. Not feeling boxed in and that nothing had to be a foregone conclusion.

He listened more to Valor explaining what it was that he desired. To be stronger and better than Braze. “Power is a rather vague word. It manifests in many ways. It sounds more to me like what you want is destructive power, lethality.” Ko telekinetically pulled a large piece of rubble to himself behind him before sitting atop it before he continued to speak. “Jedi like myself aren’t that powerful ourselves, as individuals. At least in a raw “might makes right” sense of power. Instead it comes from our connections and our allies. The Force is my ally and it is a powerful ally. When you tried to push me and I wouldn’t budge, you weren’t just pushing my physical mass, you were also pushing against all the energy that was afforded to me then by The Force and my connection to it at that moment.” Ko hoped that the teen was taking in his words. The tone he used was calm. He wasn’t trying to sound like he was talking down to Valor. They were far to old to treat like a youngling. Which almost means that the Kel Dor expected more from them.

“The kind of power you talk about only comes from deepening your connection to The Force. Even a Sith must rely on their connection even if it’s not a particularly harmonious connection. If you’re looking to increase your power while pushing aside your connection to The Force. Then perhaps we should go to a gym and pump iron instead…” ​

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[Valor the Forsaken]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

Valor crossed his arms over his chest, his posture defensive but his gaze fixed on Ko as he listened intently. The usually restless energy that surrounded him seemed to quiet, replaced by a contemplative stillness. His mind churned with the words being spoken, each one hitting a different chord within him, stirring thoughts and emotions he hadn't fully confronted before.

As Ko spoke about the nature of power and its connection to the Force, Valor's initial irritation began to wane. He had always seen power as something to be seized, something physical and undeniable—like the strength in his arms or the force of his will. Yet, here was Ko, calmly suggesting that true power wasn't about dominance or brute force, but about connection and balance.

A part of him bristled at the idea, wanting to reject it outright. How could power come from something as intangible as connection? Wasn't it always the strongest who survived, who imposed their will on the world around them? But another part of him, a quieter part, couldn't entirely dismiss Ko's words. He had felt it before—the way the Force had ebbed and flowed, had guided him without him even realizing it. The way Braze seemed to move with it so effortlessly, as if it was an extension of himself.

Valor's gaze dropped to the ground, a frown creasing his brow. "So you're saying I'm missing the point," he muttered, more to himself than to Ko. The admission was reluctant, his pride still grappling with the idea. "I thought if I was strong enough, nothing else would matter. But you're telling me... it's about something more?" He looked back at Ko, searching for something in the Kel Dor's expression that might confirm or deny the gnawing uncertainty in his chest.

There was a long pause before he spoke again, his voice quieter this time, almost reflective. "I don't want to just... pump iron... I want to be more than just... muscle." The admission felt raw, like pulling a bandage off a wound that had barely begun to heal. "But if this power you're talking about comes from connections, then what does that mean for someone like me? Someone who's always been... alone?"

The question hung in the air, heavy with the weight of Valor's unspoken fears and doubts. For the first time, it wasn't just about being stronger than Braze or proving himself—Valor was beginning to see that his journey might be about something much deeper, something that scared him far more than any battle ever could.

 

[Ko Vuto]

​

Location: NJO Temple
Objective: Do Stuff
Tag: Valor the Forsaken

Ko was getting the sense that his words were sinking in for Valor. He still wasn’t entirely sure what the teen’s issue was with Braze. What their connection was and why he felt so strongly about the padawan. But more so Ko wasn’t willing to entertain these competitive feelings that Valor had towards the boy.

“Correct, the relationship between power and The Force is more nuanced than some might think. Especially in the many ways in which power can be manifested. Also understand that there’s nothing really wrong about having a competitive spirit. It’s important to have something that drives you. But you can find a healthier reason to strive to improve yourself. Otherwise I predict the victory you’ve seemed eager to achieve will be rather hollow.” Ko was being a bit careful as to not actually name drop Braze. This wasn’t about them, this was about Valor.

He listened closely more to what Valor had to say, about not wanting to just be muscle. “I suppose it’s about time someone actually told you what The Force is. So listen closely Valor. It’s much more than just your own personal tractor beam. It’s more than just psychokinesis. It’s an omniscient energy field that permeates across all things in the universe. Like gravity or electromagnetism.” The Kel Dor explained before trying to answer the teens' questions. “I want you to think of it that way, for now. To understand that while even “alone” as you say, you are still a part of The Force’s boundless interconnectivity. That you are connected to the Force just as gravity connects you to the ground you stand atop now.” This was a fairly simple explanation. But it was just to give Valor a very basic and fundamental understanding of The Force. He wasn’t trying to overwhelm the teen. They had to start by understanding that The Force was as present as all the other fundamental forces of the universe. A solid foundation from which they could build off from.​

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[Valor the Forsaken]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

Valor's frustration deepened as he recounted his past, the weight of his experiences pressing down on him. He stopped pacing, facing Ko with a conflicted expression.

"I wasn't trained like the others," Valor began, his voice steady but edged with a raw intensity. "I wasn't a Padawan learning in a temple. I was created, shaped in a lab to be a Force-sensitive warrior. They didn't teach me the Force as something to be understood or respected. They taught me to wield it like a weapon, but always with limits, always with chains."

His hands clenched into fists as he continued, the memories surfacing like wounds that had never healed. "They'd put me through trials, exercises that felt more like experiments. They'd push me to move objects with the Force, to manipulate my surroundings, but they never let me unleash my full potential. 'Hold back,' they'd say. 'The Force is dangerous if you let it control you.' It was like they wanted me to be powerful, but only in the way they could control."

Valor's voice grew more intense. "And then there were the lessons about emotions. They'd tell me to suppress them, to bury any feelings that could cloud my judgment. 'Emotions are a weakness,' they'd say. 'They make you vulnerable to the Force's influence.' But how can you use the Force without feeling it? Without letting it become a part of you?"

He shook his head. "They showed me visions, flashes of possible futures, but instead of helping me understand them, they told me to ignore them. 'The future is fluid,' they'd say. 'Trusting in visions will lead you to ruin.' It was like they were trying to keep me blind, to stop me from seeing too much."

Valor's voice softened, the anger giving way to a sense of weariness. "I was made to be a weapon, but they were afraid of what I could become if I fully embraced the Force. They kept me on a leash, making sure I was strong enough to fight but not strong enough to break free."

He looked at Ko, his eyes filled with a deep, unresolved conflict. "So when you talk about the Force as this boundless energy, this connection that ties everything together… I want to believe that. I want to believe there's more to the Force than the fear and control I've been taught. But how can I, when everything I've learned tells me that the Force is something to be feared, something that can turn against you if you're not careful?"

Valor's gaze hardened. "I need to know if the Force is something I can trust, or if it's just another tool they used to keep me in line. I need to find out if there's more to me than just being a weapon."