Private Head In the Clouds

[Cyran Vaas]

​

Location: Bespin, Cloud City
Tag: Braze Kai'el

“Well that’s good to hear. Otherwise you’ll get lazy and rely on the Force too much… I assume at least. I don’t know, all that mystic nonsense isn’t my expertise.” Cyran explained, admitting that he knew next to nothing about The Force and what it took to properly use it. But then again he’d always had an aversion to The Force. Part of him even pitied the young student for sadly being caught up in its eldritch lunacy.

He listened as Braze continued to explain some of what they’ve been up to and what their Jedi Mentor often tasked him with. Also trying to convey that they were a quick learner and wouldn’t be too much of an undertaking for him. Cyran could only hope that that was true. But hearing Braze talk as if they’re not like their Jedi peers made Cyran chuckle some under his helmet. “So what you’re telling me is that you don’t have a life and aren’t any fun to be around? Sounds like I do have my work cut out for me.” Then again they seemed young, he shouldn’t expect Braze to be a well rounded and interesting individual.

Hearing Braze continue to express their dedication to following his teachings and tasks, the bounty hunter thought for a moment on how he might be able to utilize such an uncritical student. The Rose did need a new coat of paint after all.

. . .​

Eventually he lead Braze back to his ship, The Rose. An old lightfighter, clearly corellian in origin and design. The most notable thing about the ship was it’s distinct pink paint job across most of its hull. Although the color was more pale and less vibrant than it used to be. Clearly weathered from use and plenty of planetary reentries. Scuttling around the ship were a few droids. Mostly old DUM-Series pit droids and rickety astromech droids with a narrow trapezoid-esque head.

Cyran turned to Braze and spoke. “Okay, first things first, I need to see if you are even worth training. After all Teras Kasi is an unarmed martial art, so you're little 'gun-fu' early ain't gonna cut it.” He then pointed to one of the DUM-Series droids, who looked really rusty. “This little guy is in need of some maintenance. They’ve gotten rusty as you can see and should get folded up so I can take them to a repairman in the future. I want you to give them a good, solid punch to their lens so it toggles them to fold up. You can’t hold back though since the rust has made it pretty stiff. Understood?” The bounty hunter asked. If Braze had wimpy little noodle arms that couldn’t accomplish this simple task then he’d be a lot more reluctant to train him. Meanwhile the old rusty pit droid looked at the two of them nervously. Clearly worried over the prospect of being punched and would likely try to avoid making contact with Braze.​

 

[Braze Kai'el]

TAGS: Cyran Vaas

Braze moved closer, his curiosity piqued as he sought a better view of the droid. He turned to Cyran, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Ya' know, they're considered people now, right? We really shouldn't be treating them so terri—" His words were abruptly cut off as the situation rapidly shifted.

In a fluid motion, Braze transitioned from a stance of casual observation to one of decisive action. With a swift and precise palm strike, he delivered a forceful blow, intending to push through his target. The strength behind the strike was significant, enough to wind an opponent quite fiercely.

 

[Cyran Vaas]

Location: Bespin, Cloud City
Tag: Braze Kai'el

Cyran rolled his eyes under his helmet as Braze began to get all preachy with him before suddenly cutting himself off and palm striking the rusty droid. Watching as the small pit droid fell back onto the ground harshly before quickly collapsing and folding in on itself for easier storage and transport.

“Well you’re stronger than you look, I’ll give you that.” Cyran said as one of the other pit-droids ran over to pick up their rusty compatriot to take back on his ship. The brought his gloved hands up to his dark helmet before pulling it off his head. Revealing his pink features and vibrant blue hair. Looking down at Braze he spoke. “I suppose you can call me Sensei Vaas now that you’re starting your journey with Teras Kasi. Before we get started bringing you up to speed, why don’t you tell me what you know about the martial art, and why you’re choosing it now over others. What about Teras Kasi speaks to you as opposed to something like Zama-Shiwo, Tae-Jitsu, or even Bakuuni Hand?” He understood what Braze had told him earlier. But wanted to know why he sought to learn Teras Kasi now. Plus people interested in the martial art generally seek out ‘real’ and established dojo instead of some lone practitioner.

 

[Braze Kai'el]

TAGS: Cyran Vaas

Braze quirked a snowy white brow as he saw the vibrant colorations Cyran had to offer and tilted his head.
"I don't plan on exclusively using one form over the others. I've already pursued instruction in styles like Echani Martial Arts, Zama-Shiwo, and Tae-Jitsu," Braze began, his voice firm with fiery conviction. "As I mentioned before, my goal is to master my own body. To achieve mastery over myself, both body, mind, and soul. I've been taught that predictability is a fighter's greatest weakness, and I've come to recognize the need to expand my horizons."
He paused for a moment, ensuring his sincerity was clear. "I want to learn skills that I can rely on without the Force," Braze insisted, his determination evident in his tone. "Teras Kasi, to me, represents a discipline that transcends the reliance on external powers. It's about honing one's innate abilities and instincts. That's why I'm here, seeking to learn from you. I imagine you use practical application of such skills and can offer me better instruction this way."

 

[Cyran Vaas]

Location: Bespin, Cloud City
Tag: Braze Kai'el

Cyran could predict that Braze wasn’t going to exclusively commit himself to Teras Kasi. “Well it’s nice to see that the youth among you wizard types are eager to grow beyond the crutch of your superpowers.” Clearly the bounty hunter could respect that aspect of Braze’s goals, as someone who was always weary of the lovecraftian horror of The Force even now. His innate talents as a zeltron allowed him to know that Braze was being honest with how determined they were. Sensing the boy's emotions rather easily.

“It’s true, I often make use of the less metaphysical aspects of martial art. Partly because of how I was trained and the lessons my own master taught me. So trust me, you won’t find a better mandalorian when it comes to hand to hand combat.” He said with a confident grin, his statement was hyperbolic. But he did view many of his kind could often be a little too tech oriented in how they fought.

“Now, since this is all still pretty new for me. I’m gonna need to get things properly situated to be a Sensei. Like I said I’m between jobs, and getting my ships ion cannons fixed up for a anti-piracy gig with the Mantis Syndicate. So I can’t really pass on any lessons for now…” As Cyran looked up at his pink ship he thought for a moment. “Actually I guess I can pass on at least one little nugget of wisdom.” He added before his blue eyes shifted down to Braze. “Anyone can learn Teras Kasi, that’s what my master always believed in and is the reason I’m so familiar with the art myself. Now please tell me that you got a round trip ticket here to Bespin so I don’t need to deliver you back to Coruscant?”​

 

[Braze Kai'el]

TAGS: Cyran Vaas

Braze's expression shifted to a frown upon hearing Cyran's words. He understood the limitations of the situation but couldn't help feeling a tinge of disappointment. However, he quickly composed himself, realizing the importance of staying connected for future opportunities. "Okay," he responded, a note of acceptance in his voice.

Eager to ensure a line of communication remained open, Braze insisted on exchanging com link information with Cyran. "Don't worry about me. I have my own small ship to get back home," he offered reassuringly. He pulled out his com link, displaying a readiness to adapt and a sense of independence that was characteristic of him.