Catalyst

[Aren D'Shade]

It was a few days after meeting Lan-Dai Navras that they decided to leave Dorsis together. In those days he had learned more about her than she had him. Aren hoped in time he would be as open about himself as she was to him. He lead her to where he had his ship and they climbed aboard. Making sure there was room for everybody, she took a seat and looked at him with curiosity.

"You are more well versed in the Force than I am. So where are we going?"

The Force had guided them to meet when he rescued her and still did when he offered to start her training. That had to begin and she wanted to have some idea of what was in store.

[member="Lan-Dai Navras"]

 

[Lan-Dai Navras]

Several days had passed since such a fateful meeting, on his first venture since leaving Iktotch and he had already acquired a potential padawan of his own. Leading Aren and her entourage to his fighter. Lan-Dai had his own astromech start the engines as he approached.

The cockpit hatch opened and he somersaulted neatly into the pilot's seat. There was another seat behind him, facing the rear windshield, this was the gunner's seat where Aren would take her place. Her droids could fit neatly along the sides of them in specifically designated spots for extra passengers.

"It appears we'll be going somewhere we can begin training, and equip you with the proper gear............ wherever that is."

That was all that was said as the fighter took off into the vastness of space.

 

[Aren D'Shade]

One thing Aren had learned about Lan-Dai is that he liked to somes show off his abilities. She didn't have a dream of ever being as graceful as he was, but then again she didn't think she needed to. Instead of leaping in, Aren climbed up after handing up Skeeter to him and making sure EL also got up. The other two droids could get in on their own.

"What other kind of gear am I going to need?"

Holding up her bag, it contained all the tools she needed for slicing and working on electronics.

[member="Lan-Dai Navras"]

 

[Lan-Dai Navras]

Upon their ascension into space, Lan-Dai resolved to reach out with the force to seek out where to go next. A vision suddenly became clear, a vision of two padawans in jocular banter as well as training. The Force had answered him.

"The first lesson you must assimilate is that as of this moment you are no longer what you are, or at least no longer just what you are.... You must first let go of your identity so that you may reclaim it after, if you so choose to....."

Lan-Dai paused to allow the statement to hit home as he set the coordinates for a hyperdrive jump.

"On this path you will come to know yourself as you didn't...... perhaps you may see what you are capable of, and what you aren't......... I guarantee that you will not be the same as you once were, and when you are done you will hae to choose to what degree you will reclaim who you used to be, if at all........."

Coordinates set, the jump followed suit.

"All the gear you need, you say? Not for what we'll be doing, and who you may become. You may consider the first set of gear a gift, a starter set if you will. All other elements that follow must be earned, some will be issued when you do so, while the rest will only be issued if you do so........."

Having come out of hyperspace, the entourage now found themselves in front of Ragoon VI. Touching down on the wilderness planet, the fighter had settled near the foot of a small mountain, not far from a river that poured into a cave.

"Welcome to training...."

 

[Aren D'Shade]

Aren sat in a confused silence as she listened to what Lan-Dai was saying. She wasn't worried about the gear so much now, but the first part of what he said. Where they were going was a mystery to her, but she hoped there was going to be droids she could play with. Then he addressed her question on gear and said she wouldn't be needing what she already had. To her that meant there wouldn't be any new droids for her to meet and work on. That was she had already was a set of gear. It was so confusing to her, but hopefully it would become clearer in time.

"What do you mean I am no longer what I am? I'm human and my name is Aren."

Though she had admitted there were times she wished she wasn't human. Maybe that's what he implied, that she give up the human part of her. No, that couldn't be it. He was human too.
​
"I like who I am. Same as I like who you are and my brother."

Watching the blue nebula​ of hyperspace revert back to normal stars, she looked at the planet below he had brought them to. Not a sign of technology and she let out a small groan.

"This is going to be torture."

[member="Lan-Dai Navras"]

 

[Lan-Dai Navras]

Had it been anyone else, Aren's remarks would've caused at the least a chuckle. This was not the case, and Lan-Dai Navras made no change in temperament noticeable.

"Apparently you have misinterpreted, in a way that will work to your advantage........." Lan-Dai said matter-of-factly as he searched a hidden compartment before somersaulting out of the fighter.

Not bothering to explain himself further for the time being, the Emerallian padawan stood and awaited his new ward.

"It is time to receive your care package, Aren................... The first step towards both losing and finding yourself...."

Taking in the vista of the tropical and rocky environment, Lan-Dai took a deep breath as he sensed the discomfort building within his companion. This place had now taken on a greater significance and purpose in Aren's training .

 

[Aren D'Shade]

He may have spoken in a matter of fact tone, but he got a slightly dirty look from Aren. When he was mid-flip, she stuck her tongue out at him like a kid would, but climbed out of the ship. Skeeter perched on her shoulder, the two mobile droids got down on their own and EL followed Aren soon after.

Once they were down on the ground, Aren put Skeeter in the care of EL and turned to Lan-Dai. Any hint she had just stuck her tongue out was gone and she was listening to what he had to say.

"A care package..."

Giving him an odd look, she had no idea what he meant.

[member="Lan-Dai Navras"]

 

[Lan-Dai Navras]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Calculating their precise position and already plotting out training techniques and areas, Lan-Dai simply took out from inside his cape a utility belt extremely similar to his own, though Aren had yet to look upon his. The belt had only a few spots taken, and plenty of empty space. While the overall of the belt was banta leather for comfort, much like that of the Jedi, the actual strap was made of duraplast and resembled the typ of utility belt worn by stormtroopers or mandalorians. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Attached to the belt, there were a Hush-98 Commlink, an A99 Aquata Breather, A Grappling Spike Launcher alongside a fibercord grappling hook, a Glowrod, A set of Electrobinoculars, and 6 Food Capsules. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]"This is your care package. This belt should be treated like a friend, as should the items it stores. Within you will find several items and gear that you will definitely need for any situation that you may fall upon. As you will notice, there is plenty of space on the belt for additions, which you alone are responsible for. While you are free to customize the belt and its contents to your personal specifications, there are several crucial items that must be earned, and will be awarded accordingly after doing so....."[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]With these words, Lan-Dai extended the belt to Aren as he contemplated what their time training together would be like.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]"Take some time to yourself, take in the environment while I scout the terrain for potential training sites.."[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]With that he turned to see what the immediate radius had in store for them, and how best to make use of the place and time alotted. [/SIZE]

 

[Aren D'Shade]

She listened to what Lan-Dai said the care package and belt he was holding and extended to her. Accepting it, Aren turned it through her hands as she looked at the various items it held and tried it on for size. Once it was adjusted to fit her, she had it on over her shirt to get at the various items it contained. He then told her to take a bit of time for herself and look around while he did the same.

An idea dawned on her and she nodded with a smile. Whether he saw or felt what she did, she would do exactly as he requested though. Sending Red up into the sky, she communicated with him as he flew around and did his job of reconnaissance. Sitting on the ground, she did take in the environment in her own way. It might not be exactly the way he wanted her to, but this method might also help him.

As Red flew around, she riffled through her bag to find what she thought of her most important tools and stuck them on her belt. Once she got that done, Aren waited for both Red and Lan-Dai to return.

[member="Lan-Dai Navras"]

 

[Lan-Dai Navras]

Taking to his task, Lan-Dai Navras began to hike the terrain. The immediate path he was on seemed at a glance perfect for sprinting, as well as for training Ataru. Somersaulting up a mountaionous hill that now stood in his way, Lan-Dai came face to face with a deep enough waterfall that poured into a cavernous lagoon that seemed to have a network of caverns and subterranean lakes connect to it. The circular structure closed off the waterfall from external view, and there were several stone pillars of varying heights that protruded the crystalline lagoon below.

Taking in both the beauty and the potential of this spot, Lan-Dai was overwhelmed once more with the vision he had seen on the fighter. He was now standng in the exact place where the 2 padawans were training and tried to outdo each other. The training in this specific location would have possibly the greatest meaning, Lan-Dai pondered as he jumped across the pillars to see what lay on the other side.

Making his way downwards after crossing over, the tropical landmass that lay before him became almost open ground yet with tall trees close enough to create an understory below. Lan-Dai nodded appovingly, as this place would serve well as an arena. Looking up at the various trees that covered the sky above, Lan-Dai took note of the types of fruit that they gave, as this would be their primary source of sustenance during their stay.

Taking a Force sprint forward, Lan-Dai heard mildly a body of water two thirds of a mile ahead. Upon reaching the spot, he found himself looking over a pristinely preserved natural hot spring constantly fed from a small side waterfall which more than likely was connected to the lagoon and its networks.

Seeing what he needed to see for now, Lan-Dai turned, taking his time in walking back to his apprentice.

 

[Aren D'Shade]

The girl was not one familiar with nature and wouldn't know the first thing about living in the wilds. She was far too reliant on her companions and technology, but Aren didn't think of it.

However, even if she had no real formal training, she did meditate in her own way. As Red flew around above, she sat on the ground and watched what he saw through their connection. What she thought of as a natural connection and not something she used consciously was totally done with her will. It's just nobody had told her this.

Sam was small and climbed up the tree nearby. Beeping down at her, he also told her what he saw in the tree. The various nests and animals there. EL stayed guard over her and kept an eye on Skeeter while she connected with her droids. Loosing track of time, she had no idea how long this had taken, but opening her eyes, she smiled at her companions and requested Red to return.

Rummaging around in her bag, Aren realized she was hungry and brought out two nutrition bars to snack on while waiting for Lan-Dai to return.

[member="Lan-Dai Navras"]

 

[Lan-Dai Navras]

The place was inviting, and its potential was undeniable. At first Lan-Dai was walking back towards his fighter and towards Aren, but then decided to take a training run himself as he found the trail he had taken too good to waste. Taking a sprint, Lan-Dai began to take leaps and somersaults across the understory before once again reaching the hollowed out hill with the waterfall and pillars. Jumping and flipping across each pillar back and forth for a full 10 minutes, the Emerallian felt his adrenaline pumping and his muscles feeling the workout, it was to him a welcome feeling.

Taking a long somersault back towards the direction from which he first came, Lan-Dai landed neatly and relaxed his lungs and muscles as he began to once again walk towards his new apprentice. Seeing her sitting as she ate a ration bar, he simply reached her position as he unbuckled his cloak without touching it, and sent it flying across so that it landed inside the open hatch of the cockpit.

He said nothing as of yet, as he would wait for her to finish her snack.

 

[Aren D'Shade]

The girl was not listening to her music like she would have in the past and instead listened to the nature around her. Turning her head and looking at Lan-Dai when he returned, Aren held out the other bar for him.

"Would you like one too? I took this one for you in case you returned before I finished mine."

Her droid companions and Skeeter all rested on the ground nearby. EL looked up and gave him a small wave before returning her gaze to her master.
​
"I'll admit something. Here I am totally lost. It is so disconnected. Why did we come here?"

[member="Lan-Dai Navras"]

 

[Lan-Dai Navras]

Breathing deeply, Lan-Dai took some relief in no longer having the cloak around him in the warm planet weather. His robes and armor now fully visible before Aren, every single weapon and secret in his close aresenal shared. Looking down at her he said nothing as he used a small Force pull to call the ration bar to him as he nodded to the droid that waved at him.

"Thank you.......... though we shall not have to worry about sustenance while we're here, the planet itself will provide..."

Calmly biting into his bar, a breeze blew past as he continued.

"Are you? Disconnected you say? Then this place has already begun to serve its purpose.......... It is the perfect place to train, for now..........."

Lan-Dai paused only to take another bite.

"We are here to begin your training, this planet is ideal due to the fact that one can disconnect and escape the noise and haste of most places...."

 

[Aren D'Shade]

If looks could actually cause some sort of damage, Lan-Dai would have been feeling rather chilled. It wasn't that Aren was mad at him or anything, but certainly wasn't very happy with the lack of technology and people around her. When he said they wouldn't be short on food, it was a relief, but she still finished eating her ration bar.

With his clock off now, if she had been one to be observant, she would have learned a great deal about him. As it was though, she just felt like a lost child and wanted to go home. He said this place was starting to serve its purpose and would be a perfect training place. That brought a roll of her eyes and a sigh.

"But that noise is all I've known. I'm not used to it being so...quiet."

[member="Lan-Dai Navras"]

 

[Lan-Dai Navras]

Already he sensed the uneasiness in her, a necessary tribulation in order to get through to her.

"That noise, as you put it, is a hindrance.............." Lan-Dai said matter-of-factly, unyielding at her gestures and overall demeanor. "Here you can learn to focus yourself, your thoughts, your being..........."

Originally he had intended to set up camp and begin fresh the next day, but this called for more direct measures.

"Follow me..................." that was all he said as he finished his own ration bar.

Walking towards the hill that lead to the waterfall and pillars, Lan-Dai instantly knew what lesson No. 1 would be.............. a lesson much needed.

 

[Aren D'Shade]

"That noise is the life of the people, Lan-Dai. I don't see how it is a hinderance."

Her brow furrowed slightl​y as she considered what else he said. About focusing on herself, her thoughts and being. It was confusing to her, but she wanted to understand. Standing up when he requested her to follow him, she adjusted her bag quickly and fell into step with him.

Turning back just a moment, she motioned for her droids to remain in the field. Skeeter though would perch on her shoulder and not want to get left behind. He was a curious creature and wanted to go with her everywhere.

"It is pretty here."

[member="Lan-Dai Navras"]

 

[Lan-Dai Navras]

"And at times, that noise can be a hinderance....................... you will discover soon enough.........."

Lan-Dai began his climb towards the first location he discovered as Aren followed suit. Once he reached the peak overlooking the waterfall and pillars, he waited for his apprentice to arrive.

When Aren caught up, he only waited for about 4 seconds before he started.

"Observe............" This was all he got out before jumping into a series of somersaults and flips as he almost danced his way around the pillars in a display of acrobatics and parkour. From landing on one leg, to landing and the launching from a perfect handstand, it was quite the display of skill, mastery, and devoted training.

Landing once more in front of Aren, Lan-Dai did not in the slightest seem out of breath.

"Your turn................." Lan-Dai said stoically.

Waiting for her to make an attempt, he suddenly stopped her in her tracks......

"But first, you forgot something........................."

With those words, Lan-Dai used the Force to open her bag and draw out her headphones. Setting them to the highest volume available, he placed them on her, then motioned for her to begin.......

 

[Aren D'Shade]

Letting out a sigh at what Lan-Dai said about her discovering the noise she was used to being a hindrance. Aren followed him and stopped at the top next to him. He hardly gave her any time to catch her breath before he told her to watch him. Luckily he didn't require her to move and she watched him as he danced his way through a natural obstacle course that had been provided.

Landing back in the spot he had started from he informed her it was her turn. Taking Skeeter off her shoulder, she would hand him to Lan-Dai to hold and took a single step before he stopped her. Opening her bag with the Force, he took out her headphones and put them on her ears.

She let out a growl at the volume and turned it down to a setting she liked. After that adjustment was made, she turned around to look at the course in front of her. Since she wasn't trained to dance around like was, she would have to take this slower. Catching the rhythm of the song that was playing, Aren allowed the music to fill her.

Not fully without grace, Aren started to jump across the rocks and landed with some awkwardness at the pillars, but made it across fine. The way back was done a little quicker, but nowhere near what he had done. Just as she was about to leap the last bit of distance, the song ended and she slipped falling face first into the water.

[member="Lan-Dai Navras"]

 

[Lan-Dai Navras]

Taking Skeeter and perching the small creature on his shoulder, Lan-Dai stood and watched as Aren began her first lesson, all while awaiting the inevitable.

Seeing that she had lowered the volume, Lan-Dai was tempted to raise it back in the midst of her leaps, but decided against it just as quickly. His anticipation slowly turned to admiration as he saw her make it across. Perhaps not as controlled as he, but she was making it none the less. Suddenly his newfound admiration rescinded as Aren lost her balance and fell into the lagoon.

Giving a slight sigh, all he did was wait until she surfaced. Once he saw her, Lan-Dai drew his S-5 and fired his grappling hook at the nearest solid surface to her. Motioning for Aren to grab the hook itself, Lan-Dai waited for Aren to pull it out before activating the rewind mechanism on the blaster to pull her back.