Bladework & Bravado

[Connor Harrison]

Silver Jedi Training Ground: Ruins Simulation Arena

Silver Jedi Temple, Voss ​

One of the small training arenas outside of the Silver Jedi temple, the Ruins were sand-stone, harkening back to Orders of the past. Three tiers, separated by steps and pillars and walkways, the simulation arena was one of a few created to allow the Jedi and Rangers to train and teach in a number of locations.

Connor Harrison stood alone in the sandy arena looking up and the well designed structure. It wasn't large, but it was big enough to lose yourself in during simulated battle or self-discovery of your ability.

Dressed in his combat trousers and black vest, this was the usual training attire Connor wore when wanting to push himself again and again. A training saber was held in his right hand. While he didn't need one over his own, it was still something that would reduce the chance of losing a limb if your mind slipped...or your footing.

He'd already had young Dagos show him his worth in training here, and now at the request of Master Sin - Heavenshield, he was waiting for another to give some tips and training to.


[member="To'pau Namman"]

 

[To'pau Namman]

Silver Jedi Training Ground: Ruins Simulation Arena

Silver Jedi Temple, Voss​

To'pau strode, or rather slithered into the training arena. His Master had instructed him to arrive here and to be on time. He couldn't help but admire the environment that had been chosen for them to train, and though it was only meant for simulated combat; To'pau couldn't help but wonder what secrets these supposed ruins might hold for him.

His eyes fell upon the man who would be instructing him today. 'Master Heavenshield made sure to stress that I give my utmost respect to this new instructor. She obviously holds him in a very high regard. And if she does so, he is obviously worthy of her respect. I will be sure to represent her well today.'

The man was dressed in black combat gear, which was a stark contrast to the plain and worn out Jedi Robes that the Hyslarian wore. He simply couldn't bear to be without them and he would learn to live with the problems that would undoubtedly make themselves apparent once combat training started.

To'pau Namman: To'pau bowed respectfully as he moved to greet the man that would be instructing him for today. "I am ready to begin our training Master."

[member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor saw the unusual figure of the Hysalrian come into the ruins. He had never come across one before, and it was interesting to see how they moved, how they carried themselves. So much for a simple two feet, two arm training session. This would be a test on himself, too.

With a nod, Connor walked over to meet him.

”First – no Master here. Connor will do. I never really abide by that title…unless my Padawan uses it, but please, rank is nothing while we train. I want you to relax and don’t feel any pressure.”

He smiled and walked beside the youth.

I’ve not had the pleasure of getting to know you really, young one. Tell me your name, and a little about yourself – mostly, what is it you want to achieve from serving with the Silver Jedi. What are your dreams, your aspirations?”

First rule of combat; always understand your opponent.


[member="To'pau Namman"]

 

[To'pau Namman]

Connor Harrison: "First – no Master here. Connor will do. I never really abide by that title…unless my Padawan uses it, but please, rank is nothing while we train. I want you to relax and don’t feel any pressure. I’ve not had the pleasure of getting to know you really, young one. Tell me your name, and a little about yourself – mostly, what is it you want to achieve from serving with the Silver Jedi. What are your dreams, your aspirations?"

To'pau Namman: "Well Ma-" To'pau caught himself before the word fully came out, and with a little smile; corrected himself. "Well Connor. My name is To'pau Namman. As for a little about myself? I want to make a difference in the galaxy. As someone whose felt hopelessness and frustration before, I've dedicated my life to a higher purpose. I will do whatever I can to serve the light side of the force, and I want to make peoples lives better."

After considering his words for several seconds, To'pau decided that he was satisfied him. As he watched the Master and his instructor for the day his hands began to fiddle around; one hand hovering toward his training saber with an extremely long hilt. Almost as if it was made for two crystals; yet there was obviously only one.

To'pau Namman: After several seconds passed, a thought popped into To'paus mind and he couldn't help but voice it. "Erm...Sir? Might I ask, if it is not to presemptuos of me. Why did you decide to join the Silver Jedi? And how long have you been apart of this wonderful organization?"

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

A standard reply from the Padawan, but one full of honesty and good intent. He smiled again.

”Sir? Please – I’m your equal here. Connor.”

He looked over as To’pau asked his question.

”Good question, and I don’t know if I can answer it to make sense. Well, I feel I was brought to the Silver Jedi when I felt a calling through the Force of our late Grandmaster, Iella E’ron. She was a remarkable lady; a strong warrior and a good friend. She and the Silver Jedi were on a recon mission and I was simply wandering the galaxy, a little lost and unsure of where to take myself.”

He looked up and indicated around them with his hand.

”I followed this lure of the Force to the planet where Iella and the Silver Jedi were, and made myself know and was given a chance to be something good and strong to serve the Light, and here I am today with you, doing exactly the same thing. And I’ve been here for a good 8 years now…I think.”

Connor raises his eyebrows slightly.

”8 years. Crikey.”

He laughed to himself.

”Ok young one – what do you want to learn; combat I hear? Offensive or defensive.”

[member="To'pau Namman"]

 

[To'pau Namman]

Connor Harrison: "Ok young one – what do you want to learn; combat I hear? Offensive or defensive."

To'pau Namman: To'pau considered this question for a second, before deciding on what he wanted to learn for today. "Well sir, I would like to focus on my offensive techniques, but what I want doesn't really matter. I am unsure though at what level my Lightsaber skill currently is. Could we have a small spar? I'm sure you could tell me what I need to focus on after a few minutes and it would probably be more accurate then any idea I could come up with."

As he finished speaking, To'pau took another look around the area in which they were supposed to be fighting. His inquisitive eyes probed all over the arena looking for places which he could use to his advantage. 'This is definitely rather exciting. I can't believe I am about to lock sabers with an actual Jedi Master!'

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Nodding as he listened, Connor took his training saber and twirled it around in his palm.

”Ok. Not a problem – I focus more on Soresu, but I also believe when you are locked in combat, sometimes the Force is the greatest form of all. Let it guide you, but make sure you control it. Feel, don’t think. Use your instincts to survive and get the upper-hand.”

He activated the muted green blade and took a few steps back.

”Offensive. Come at me – but don’t see me as a Jedi Master. Don’t be afraid of hurting me – this is what the training sabers are for. See me a threat, a hostile standing between you and your fellow Jedi. Take me down to save them, but do NOT act out of irrational rage or blind anger. Make sure your head is clear.”

Connor raised his blade and smiled.

”And this IS training with a different sort of Master than you probably never have experienced, so expect the unexpected, but have fun also - don’t become a robot.”

[member="To'pau Namman"]

 

[To'pau Namman]

To'pau allowed a smile to escape him as well. He would be sure to try and impress this Jedi Master in some way or another. To'pau closed his eyes, and called upon the force to help aide him in combat. He felt a new found strength surge through his limbs, and he gripped his unorthodox Lightsaber with all four hands. The hilt of the Lightsaber had been unusually elongated to make room for all four of his hands so that he could strike even more quickly and more powerfully.

Without making a sound, To'pau rushed towards Conor. His body moved swiftly like a snake on water, and the powerful muscles in his "tail" propelled him forward. To'pau had his blade raised high up above his head.

​

As he approached Connor he would attempt to slam it downwards using the strength in all four of his limbs, as well as the burst of energy that the force had given him. Regardless whether or not his strike succeeded or not, To'pau would bring his blade back, ready for any counterattack that might be delivered from Connor.

​

The movements that To'pau executed were near perfect. To perfect. As if they had been choreographed for hours on end in the Jedi temple training room. Much of To'pau's knowledge came from books on the various Lightsaber forms. This was both a strength and a weakness that could possibly be exploited.

[member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

The speed of the Padawan took Connor by surprise, and forced him back on his feet a number of steps to gauge the attack, which was swift and strong, coming down overhead with great force.

Connor jolted back, not having to block the attack as it passed down before him, and straight into a defensive posture. The Master looked on with a bemused grin.

”Somebody has been studying well.”

Not one for playing fair, Connor side stepped right, keeping a mischievous glint in his eye and brought up his right arm to twist the blade around to meet the Padawans before stopping, throwing his left arm out, palm out, to emit a surge of Force energy to hopefully knock him off balance and shake him up a little.

[member="To'pau Namman"]

 

[To'pau Namman]

To'pau's eyes followed Connor as he moved around him. His Lightsaber swung sideways to intercept the blow that Connor had sent towards him. Their two blades locked together, and To'pau redoubled his efforts as he tried to press his advantage. So naturally, once Connor emitted a small blast of force power, To'pau was caught by surprise.

Breaking off his blade from Connors, he blinked furiously several times as he attempted to reorient himself. 'Foolish. I should have paid better attention to my opponent.' He took a deep breath to calm himself and approached Connor slowly. His Lightsaber was raised, ready to attack or defend at a moments notice. One he got within range, To'pau struck.

Using his superior reach due to his Lightsabers elongated hilt, To'pau sent a sideways swipe aimed towards Connors ribs. While he did this, he brought his lower body around and attempted to sweep Connors legs out from under him, or at least trip him up. Regardless whether or not his first attack succeeded, To'pau would continue forward. Launching a quick series of blows meant to punish Connor for blocking them.

They would be sent towards him with nearly twice the strength of a normal human man due to his extra appendages. While he attacked, he left his body open for the most part. His plan was to create such pressure that his opponent would be unable to attack. Despite this, he knew that he was up against a far more experienced opponent and that this could back fire on him rather heavily.

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor smiled and pushed on his heel to help counter the attacks coming thick and fast, not having time to watch his footing as he always made others do. The swipe came and Connor stumbled back, forcing himself to turn and stumble to make distance between the two in order to avoid what would be a fatal blow.

The Padawan was quick – unrelenting, and Connor blocked fast and hard.

Time for another test of awareness.

As their blades locked, Connor breathing hard, he waved his left hand and brought up a handful of rock form the ground to their right. They flew across to To’pau as if someone had thrown them from the side as a desperate distraction.

[member="To'pau Namman"]

 

[To'pau Namman]

As the two Jedi locked blades, To'paus heart was beating at a million miles per hour. Not from the physical exertion the fight was causing but due to the excitement that he felt inside. He mentally reminded himself over and over again to stay calm, to allow the force to guide him. 'Breathe. Breathe. You almost have him. Through the force will you persevere.'

This would prove to be his undoing. So concentrated on the fight, he paid little attention to the things around him. As their blades locked again, To'pau noticed Conor was breathing hard. Redoubling his efforts, his own breaths coming out in ragged gasps he didn't even notice the large rock formation which had been sent racing towards him.

Blindsided by the rock, it slammed straight into his skull. His eyes flashed before he collapsed. His Lightsaber clattered from his hand and it was sent rolling down and away from him. He vaguely heard the sound of its Durasteel casing slamming down onto the ground that was far below them. Immediately realizing that it had fallen to far away for him to summon through Telekinesis To'pau opted for a different option.

He turned and tried to force push Connor backwards. His mind was scattered, and the push would be weak. But if he managed to even make him take a single step backwards; To'pau's tail which had come sweeping for Connors legs once again would trip him up and he would fall. If this attempt proved successful, To'pau would proceed to jump onto Connor and pin him down with his weight.

[member="Connor Harrison"]