Almost Unwanted Gift.

[Darth Caedes]

Mid Rim;
Mytaranor Sector;
Kashyyyk;
Landing Pads.

It had happened almost exactly like he had wanted. There was an undoubted intensity in Torin's attack, though it was only a half step above what he had displayed earlier. When Nejaa's lightsaber hit the ground, those fearful eyes he flashed were nothing more than an act. He knew, without questioning anything, that Torin would never strike down a friend. Well, perhaps anyone not posing a threat. Especially not his master. He didn't flinch, and when Torin's azure blade stopped, he just straightened. A slender smile began to birth on those lips, and suddenly it looked much more innocent than before. As if he had successfully proven himself, and not anything petty. He had proven to speak truth.

"As I said, you tried, and failed."

He was of course referring to Torin's inability to actually strike Nejaa down, there was little surprise there. With a waving finger, Nejaa summoned the force to wrap and push the blade away. Certainly nothing more than a nudge, but enough to place some distance between himself and the death stick. With another glance, he looked back to his padawan, as if studying him inquisitively.

"Ah-- but that's not the point. You focus too much on me, Torin. You're focusing on me right now. My satisfaction. My orders, and how odd they are. Perhaps, instead, you might think of turning your focus inward. Studying exactly what it is you've just accomplished."

Tearing the lightsaber handle back from the floor and sending it through the air to meet his clasping palm, Nejaa hooked the weapon back into place along his belt. As he did so, he made it very visibly clear that he had another lightsaber. Another weapon which he could have used, easily, in order to defend himself. Less an expression of 'I was going easy on you,' and more 'I told you I could protect myself.' "I've asked you to take a new view on your teachings, and I trust that in time you'll understand exactly why it is I've asked this of you. Just now, you were able to best me with some ease, and all I asked was for emotion. A passion which has been denied you until now, where I ask that instead you embrace it as power."Looking to the ground and then back at the older man, they were close.

"When you learn from the academy, or from anyone teaching others as well, at the same time, they're required to breed their words for not only your ears. Over time, those teachings become diluted and less valuable. Essential, sure, and yet sometimes it can hinder more than help. What the council has seen in you is a resounding affinity for the light. I see it too, as would most of the order. Though, and perhaps in irony, that has landed you a different path-- not one, as I've told you, that many Jedi walk."

It was common for a master to spend time lecturing his or her padawan learners as it was their job to pass on their discoveries with the other. Pushing past Torin, and heading more towards the center of the room, Nejaa spun round and sat abruptly with crossed legs. As if he had spent time putting everything in place, the cloak fell around him in a gracious display. He motioned for Torin to do the same, beckoning him to the place just before himself. "Sit, sit. We'll talk."

[member="Torin Varik"]

 

[Torin Varik]

He was right. Torin had used intense focus as a method to reach his goals. Perhaps he was focusing on the wrong things. He had never spent much time focusing on himself as he didn't think it necessary to dwell on himself. He thought mostly of others - their concerns, their well-being, meeting their expectations, and their thoughts of him. It was quite incredible that this boy-- his master could reach into his mind with such ease and pull out new things to view in a different light. With each passing moment, Torin became more and more impressed with the boy. The fact that he had only used half of his power when injured during the battle was a statement all in itself.

Nejaa's words held wisdom that would take time to fully digest. Torin could listen and know their meaning but he could not fully understand until he had the opportunity to apply them. What did he mean by a different path? A path that other Jedi do not normally take? Was it only because Nejaa did not in fact choose to train Torin or was there something more?

Torin's eyes followed the boy as he moved past him to the center of the room. Torin turned to face him but didn't follow, only observed. He hadn't the slightest idea what to expect from the unpredictable boy. He didn't move until Nejaa prompted him to. With some level of caution, Torin approached and took a seat in front of him, mimicking his cross-legged position.

"I'd like to ask you about your injury. You're right leg. It seems as though it's giving you trouble. What happened?" Concern revealed itself in his voice as he spoke. For some reason it wanted to be the first question he asked.

[member="Nejaa Niynx"]

 

[Darth Caedes]

Mid Rim;
Mytaranor Sector;
Kashyyyk;
Landing Pads.

"Ha! I thought you'd ask something different. So, you see, it is you and I both that could stand for getting to know the other, uhmm?"

His smile was friendly enough, and he once again touched the floor, knocking it twice as if in search of a thought he was just... haviiinng-- ah! "My knee!" He exclaimed with a bit more volume than intended. Barely widened eyes showed that he might perhaps have been just as surprised, but it was quickly neutralized. "Before I came to Kashyyyk, I was on Mygeeto," he nodded to Torin with body language speaking 'you know where Mygeeto is, right?' Arguably, Torin would nod back in confirmation, and Nejaa continued.

"That's where I encountered the Sith we're now after, uh, to put it... bluntly."

Making sure to keep as much eye contact as possible, but often failing to sustain long endeavors, Nejaa's voice carried strong enough, always giving ample reasoning for his 'distractions.'

"He's a very powerful man Torin, more powerful than much anything I've encountered thus far. You have to understand that my concern for your well being is not ill placed in these matters. Before my leave of this planet, what would have been... uuuuuhhhhh... two standard weeks ago, the council called me back to session and announced that I'd have company."

His smile back at Torin was brief, but didn't interrupt the story much. The words were falling into place so well, better than even he had expected. He felt relaxed. In control. It felt incredible.

"I could have argued about it, and was at first very uncomfortable with the request, as I had intended to follow this sith alone-- out of fear for the lives of others I'd bring along in place of my solidarity. Though, already I have learned, or, discovered why exactly you'll be of benefit in... our approach."

Bam. The perfect ending, and everything capped together nicely. Leaning back, and exhaling what little breath speaking had not already used, he watched Torin for a response, studying him in yet another attempted prediction. Though, in the time i'd take for Torin to reply, more than likely, he'd have come up with close to nothing-- if it was much like the previous encounters.

[member="Torin Varik"]

 

[Torin Varik]

Attentive eyes watched the boy as his story unraveled. Interest painted the pilot's expression with each reveal. He patiently awaited his turn to speak, taking it all in and gathering more questions. An occasional nod thrown in here and there, then a charming smile at the end. "If I was in your position, I would have felt the same." He referred of course to Nejaa's initial reaction to the Council's reveal of his new padawan. His voice was gentle and playful, ensuring that there were no hard feelings toward Nejaa's opposition to Torin's accompaniment. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. His hands were now used to further his speech, beginning with a bobbing point. "I'd like to know more about this powerful Sith you encountered on Mygeeto." Subtle excitement urged his inquiry. "As well as how you plan to proceed with this approach you speak of. How is my involvement, specifically, going to be of benefit to the situation?"

[member="Nejaa Niynx"]

 

[Darth Caedes]

Mid Rim;
Mytaranor Sector;
Kashyyyk;
Landing Pads.

By now, he was feeling more comfortable. At least in terms of his relationship with the padawan before him. Certainly not his position on the hard wood flooring, causing him to adjust when speaking, seemingly putting more focus on the position-shift than towards what he was saying.

"In truth, I don't know an awful lot about Asterion. He's employed by the Empire of the Hand, though he's allegiance there seems shaky enough-- sith are self serving creatures and while they wield great power, they are never truly loyal to anyone else..."

Checking back with Torin's gaze, he smiled, and shrugged a bit sheepishly. "And uh, not reeaally, no, haven't really come up with much of an approach." A crooked smile in which there was little eye contact, but when he did come back to a more present state his tone also sounded more grounded. "Mygeeto is where we'll start, though I doubt we'll find him lurking there still. Even so, there may yet be something we can learn from the planet. And, as it may be, there are a few things you can learn there," he paused, perhaps thinking without verbalizing anything and then spitting out at another point. Pushing from the ground with one hand so as to compensate for the harmed leg, Nejaa arose and gave the non verbal command for Torin to follow. He was done just talking for now.

"The force works in mysterious ways, Torin, as I'm sure you already understand. In taking you as a padawan, I've learned the potential teamwork plays in the Jedi's role. Your presence against the sith may very well tip the scales in our favor.

Turning to face the landing pads, although visually obscured by numerous walls by this time, Nejaa started to walk at a leisurely gate.

"I wanted to battle with you so as to understand your merit with a lightsaber. I'm impressed, you're surely sturdy enough. I wanted to understand what kind of passion you held, though I fear your current style is unable to translate that passion properly... have you heard of the style called Vaapad?"

[member="Torin Varik"]

 

[Torin Varik]

Torin watched the boy's eyes as they danced around. His quirky personality began revealing itself with every word. But it seemed as though he was interested now. Interested in what was to become of their mission and interested to see how Torin would benefit it. However, every question Torin asked was met with riddled and unsatisfactory answers. Some statements even struck some uncomfortable nerves. Torin narrowed his eyes as he commented about the Sith's shaky allegiance to the Empire of the Hand. Perhaps it was because he questioned how his master would have such knowledge of such details or perhaps it was just simply curiosity.

Torin looked confused when the boy suddenly stood and walked away. Unexpectedly and in the middle of the conversation. He leaped up, grabbed his helmet and pilot coat, and followed after him with a jogging gate. A furrowed eyebrow would react to Nejaa's speak of passion as if it were something that needed to be harnessed and used, not translated into serenity and focus as Torin had been taught before. It was an odd thing for a Jedi to promote. Especially a knight as apparently traditional as Nejaa - at least in appearance. Torin definitely could stand to get to know his master better.

A swell of appreciation painted a smile. "Thank you, Master. I'm glad to hear that my skill is trusted to accompany yours." As lightsaber training was something Torin had spent much of his time with, he had acquired an impressive amount of experience and knowledge. However, this Vaapad was something he had never heard of. He reflected on the foreign, unpredictable, almost acrobatic movements Nejaa sported during their spar.
"But no, I've never heard of that one. I chose to focus primarily on training in the ways of Ataru. It seemed to resonate with me more than the more defensive forms. But I have to say, Nejaa, I'm also quite impressed with your knowledge of Soresu." He gifted an almost bashful glance to his master accompanied be a charming smile. "I've never seen anyone transition between styles with such ease." Even with his long strides, Torin needed to move fast to keep up with the anxious boy. "Is this Vaapad something you've learned to use yourself?"

[member="Nejaa Niynx"]

 

[Darth Caedes]

Mid Rim;
Mytaranor Sector;
Kashyyyk;
Landing Pads.

"--Emmm, yes, it's not a style the Jedi would boast of; Vaapad."

There was a small bit of snip in his tone and he didn't look back to Torin when he spoke, instead hiding his face forward in the direction he was moving. "Vaapad is a rare lightsaber style, contradictory to that which Jedi often teach; though it is a Jedi style. It's not well known," he motioned a hand in a sloppy way, as if to suggest that this conversation alone proved that much, "and only practiced by few-- in fact, I've only known one Jedi to come to a level of mastery with the style." His voice trailed off a bit, but this time he did look back at Torin.

"My previous master, Darron Wraith."

It was a name anyone from the order would recognize, and a name which came with great levels of respect. He had been renown for his sword skills, as well as his overall prowess in combat. A member of the high council, and a previous grandmaster of the order, he was riddled with lore story.

"See, the Jedi stray away from anything chaotic, automatically viewing it as negative or unwanted, in an effort to avoid corruption and a sway towards dark side emotions. Master Darron taught me otherwise, explaining the intrinsic value of balance between both of the sides. A balance of dark and light, and thus Vaapad was born. An adaptation of the Juyo form, though far more raw and unpredictable, and far more complex. Much more loose, and yet infinitely more refined..."

Unfortunately Darron had not taught him the style's specific moves, or an extensive amount of the lightsaber techniques, though he had picked up what he had been taught well, and expanded to the best of his ability. "You see, if one is to understand the force in its entirety, they cannot focus only on one set of teachings-- as Darron told me. Taught me." Of course, his versions of the forbidden style were a far cry from that of the Jedi master he spoke of, though perhaps he would deny such things unless asked directly.

"Your choice of Ataru is a choice of aggression, whether or not you view it as such. You wield a power in your style, padawan, a power not easily found or replaced. It would be well suited for something with more force behind it-- more force than even the Ataru can hope to accomplish, though not nearly as one dimensional. More than just cumbersome attacks and wide strikes..."

The two continued over the tree house built planet, making their way back to the landing pads where the black beauty of Nejaa's Stolen Pride lay in rest. The ebony metals shone with a recently cleaned glean, taking up most of the landing pad with its considerable size. Each feature was primed, and in perfect condition, even despite the action it had seen over its long, mechanical life.

"In our pursuit of this Sith, we'll be required to move under stealth. My ship will have to do for the both of us, though your own craft will be kept here in safety. Objections?"

[member="Torin Varik"]

 

[Torin Varik]

Suddenly Nejaa became exponentially more interesting. Anyone who trained beneath Master Darron Wraith was bound to be extraordinary. Torin's eyes widened and for some reason his body slowed to a sudden halt. "...Darron Wraith? You trained under Master Darron Wraith?" He couldn't be serious. But he was. Torin was unaware Mater Darron ever trained a padawan. But he was only lost in disbelief for a moment. He quickly jogged to catch up with Nejaa's swift movement once again. He couldn't organize the thousands of questions that swirled in his mind in time before Nejaa continued to speak.

Torin knew of Juyo but very little. And never once had he heard of this rare adaptation that utilized both the light and dark side of the force. In fact, he even didn't know it was possible to do that. A subtle concoction of worry, curiosity, and excitement blended in the padawan's stomach as Nejaa implied how it would greatly improve Torin's aggressive form. Could it really wise to toy with the dark side like that? Would the council advise such a thing? If it would have been so apparently beneficial for Torin, why had he not learned about it before? Let alone known anything about it at all? Perhaps this offering of information was the will of the force presenting him with an opportunity to become an even better Jedi.

They soon reached the landing bay where Nejaa's ship sat, in all its glory. It was mesmerizing. Torin's eyes relished in the magnificent sight. It was even more striking than he remembered it to be. It was cloaked in dark colors - black and crimson red - but possessed with pristine shine. A much larger a ship than he was used to but no less intriguing. The shape and feel was so old world yet it looked like new. The signature round cockpit and folding wings. Fully equip with what looked like four--no six solar ionization cannons, stealthily tucked away and only noticeable to a trained eye. Skillfully crafted durasteel created an intimidating and aerodynamic shape. What he was would do to take a look at its engine.

Nejaa's voice snapped him back to reality and his head whipped to look at his master. He hesitated before he answered. "Not at all." Excitement decorated his tone. Unable to take his eyes off the stunning creation for too long, he turned to stare again. "In fact, I'm glad to see that she's still yours." He peeled his eyes away once again. "Do you think... I could fly it? To Mygeeto, I mean." He asked almost as a child would ask for a toy they saw in a toy store. "It's just... I've never flown one before. I mean, I've most certainly flown ships that are similar, larger than this one even, so there's no need to worry." Despite his enthusiasm when it came to discovering new ships, there was a certain hesitation in his voice when addressing this one in particular. Its origin and general aura reeked of the dark side. However, there was no denying the superior craftsmanship of the timeless ship.

Torin's com suddenly buzzed to life with a message from the Temple. "Padawan Torin Varik, Jedi Knight Nejaa Niynx, the council requests a final attendance in the council room." The Ace glanced at his master to observe what he thought of that idea. "Thank you, Master. We'll be there shortly."

[Closed]​

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[member="Nejaa Niynx"]