Jedi Mind Tricks (PM for invite)

[Vexander Graves]

--- Meditation Garden ---​

-- Jedi Temple --​

Calmness, serenity, silence... the things that were cherished the most during meditations. But speaking frankly, those were the things that Vexander Graves cherished the most when he was alone...

It has been quite some time since he first joined the Order, when he decided that it was time to leave his days as a military marksman with a sniper rifle in hand, and a patrol droid as his companion; the lonely days and nights where he was tasked just to wait for a target to complete his mission with complete stealth... since that day, his relationship with others changed, perhaps not to the degree that others usually achieved, but he was now more open to discuss things with others... he even managed to start the training of an apprentice, and he managed to talk to him to a normal level... not showing any ackwarness or shyness.

Truth be told, he still had to learn a lot about social interactions, he still did lame jokes in innappropiate times, and he still had that military voice that was straight to the point and sometimes too blunt or formal for all the occasions. But he was moving towards a positive side at least.

Still, regardless of the fact that he was improving, he wanted to rest just for today, enjoy the nature and peaceful side that brought the Force in the Meditation Gardens of the Jedi Temple. The place that allowed him happiness and joy... and eventhough he always had those visions of an unknown life with unknown sentients... and some others not that unknown anymore; he was learning to go on and look at them as something to achieve, he was learning to get into terms with his demons and to focus all he felt into a single goal that was in his mind: to become a tool for the Order... a beacon of light against the dark... even if it mean staying in the shadows and being a mystery to others...

 

[The Ethelwulf]

The Force worked in mysterious ways... sometimes you do not know what it means or what is the purpose... but it always had a goal...

With a flash, the figure of a dark hodded man with a white mask showed in front of @[member="Vexander Graves"] ... the figure could only be seen by the corellian Knight... but it was as alive as any other Jedi around Vex.

"I know you... but do you know me?"

The dark figure seemed like a Sith, still he was in the Jedi Temple and completely undetected... in fact, he wasn't supposed to be there... he couldn't be there.

"Look for me in your visions... and you'll understand Vex"

With the blink of an eye, like in a flash... the hodded figure dissappeared completely from the gardens and the Jedi Temple...

 

[Vexander Graves]

@[member="The Cyan Blade"]

Fear... that was his first reaction, panic soon followed... the young man began to look around him trying to understand the meaning of this. No Jedi would be able to do such thing in front of him... true, there were others with vast experience in Force Concealment techniques; but to do that in front of him, someone who was trained like him... and especially THAT robbed figure... impossible.

The words that came from the figure... his presence there... everything was a huge bad omen... still, his appearance and dissapearance from the Gardens of the Temple was just oblivious to everyone...

Vexander didn't know how to react to the situation, he didn't even believe his eyes and what just happened. "Look for him?" what could it mean? was this some sort of prank from the Force? How could it even pull pranks?

For the time being, for a couple of minutes, Vexander just stood there thinking and trying to get a hold on himself... in a state of shock and despair... the first time someone would notice a change of expression in his face.

 

[Arrol Balloch]

@[member="Vexander Graves"]


It had been some time since he had come to these gardens, or the Jedi Temple for that matter, in fact the last time was when he surprised a small group of Jedi Padawans in the Library as they went about learning and researching Force Concealment. He smiled at this rememberance as they all ventured off to the Silent Desert with him. However, on this day, the force spoke to him of a need to come here, a message whispering to him of a known Jedi that might be in need of assistance.

A strong surge through the force of heightened emotions made his head turn to the right, he sensed the man now brimming with a fear and confusion. As he sensed him Arrol identified him immediately, it is the same young man he had just thought on. He approached not visible to him .. at the moment, however he would be able to sense the presence of the Ghost. His brow knitted on seeing his face, open for all to read when looked upon.

Speaking to him through Telepathy as to not alarm him further, Young one what is the matter? as the words ended .. Arrol connected to the man's mind's eye to reveal his Ghostly appearance. The blue shimmer only meters away in front of the man.

 

[Nasika Serizawa]

The meditation garden. A place Nasika had been meaning to visit for some time after coming to the temple but, much to her surprise, had never actually come around to it. She'd only ever seen it from the higher levels of the temple or simply heard about it but never had been there herself. Given her free time, and her need to let her leg more rest before going off into battle again, it was a nice change of pace for the padawan.

Her knee had been injured in a fight with a warrior woman who branded a double saber and two separate blades. Even with her own training saber Nasika managed to hold her own against her for a long time in battle. Eventually it closed at a draw and both had their scars to carry from that battle. It had been at least a week since then and, thanks to the Jedi healers, Nasika's wounds were healed but her leg still needed time to recuperate.

Today it was in it's better moods so she used it to help by getting to the gardens. When she arrived she could already sense a great deal of the force around the area. This place was truly well connected with it and she could feel it with every breath. Yet as she sensed it she also began to sense the presence of someone else. A Jedi, likely a knight. Walking towards the source she found it: @[member="Vexander Graves"]. She could see he was in some mediation or something as such and walked up to him.

"Greetings, Jedi Master." she said, trying to get his attention.

@[member="Arrol Balloch"] (I wasn't sure if only Vexander could see you or not so I didn't mention lol) @[member="The Cyan Blade"]

 

[Vexander Graves]

A known feeling, a presence; similar to the one @[member="The Cyan Blade"] did just a few minute or two ago... but at the same time different... it was hard to tell, Vex's perception of the etherworld and the plane of the living was confused at hte moment... he was confused.

Nevertheless, the Force Ghost that appeared in front of him was a calmning presence, a beacon of light from the beyond that reminded him the joyful moment when he received guidance in his quest... some might see it as impossible but for the Knight, the appearance of @[member="Arrol Balloch"] was more possible and probable than the appearance of the dark figure.

Bowing without thinking in who could see him or if they could see Arrol, the young man telepathically paid his respects "Master Balloch... such a pleasure to see you once again... I am... concerned..."

But his link to Arrol was briefly interrupted by the voice of a young girl. Looking to the direction where the voice was coming, Vex noticed what seemed to be a young Padawan, a pantoran if he was not mistaken. The young lady with big eyes greeted him as a Jedi Master...

"I am not a Master little one..." said with a small bow of his head "...but hello there." the Knight's demeanor quickly changed and he concealed his state of mind changing to his serious and militaristic demeanor "Knight Vexader Graves at your service..." said while he waited for a moment, without knowing if she could see Arrol or not "...who might you be?"

@[member="Nasika Serizawa"]

 

[Nasika Serizawa]

Hearing he was not a master Nasika gave an little laugh at her mistake before he introduced himself. "Forgive me, sir." she said with a little bow of her head. "I always though Jedi superiors were just referred to as master. Once you reach a knight rank, if I am correct. But my name is Nasika. Nasika Serizawa."

Nasika had a bit more of a perky tone when meeting this jedi knight. He was a little less gruff and stern as her master Sarge, or as he wanted her to call him "Preacher", so she expected him as such a more hospitable and less serious type. At least when it came to mediation and all. She did notice, as she'd come over, that Vexander seemed to be speaking with someone yet, as far as Nasika could see, no one else was around. She didn't exactly want to question a Jedi knight why he was talking to himself but she did keep it in mind.

@[member="Vexander Graves"] @[member="Arrol Balloch"] @[member="The Cyan Blade"]

 

[Arrol Balloch]

@[member="Vexander Graves"] @[member="Nasika Serizawa"] @[member="The Cyan Blade"]


I sense your ... concern Vexander.. what has caused this?, however it was more akin to fear .. he replied bowing back to the Jedi Knight. However, the force told him of the approach of another and Arrol at this point, would not question further unless Vexander wished to pursue it more .. he would be happy to give as much guidance as he is capable. Through the force he sense the young one .. a female Pantoran, as she neared and he turned toward her.

A slight smile on his face as she seemed to be curious about who Vexander might be speaking to, he could sense it in her mind. Arrol pushed out through the force toward the girl, his force aura expanding until it lightly touched her's .. she would feel a thing at this point, until he .. through his aura, would removed just the small amount of her's .. enough that she would not miss, and incorporate it into his. The connect made.

Arrol opened his thoughts to her and in so doing he would become visible to her now. Standing near Vexander's side.

 

[Vexander Graves]

The girl was definetely a new padawan, she had a bit of a confusion on the title of Master within the Jedi Order and the difference between the mentor that instructed the padawan who would serve as his or her master. A mistake that was quite common...

With a slight grin on his face, Vexander proceeded to grin slightly shaking his thoughts and fear like a Jedi would do, but regardless of his physical appearance or demeanor, the feelings remained like a stain in his Force Presence that perhaps they would both notice... it was too obvious even if he tried to hide it.

"Well, Lady Serizawa... the term master amoung Knights is reserved to the one who is your teacher and instructor... but not to other Knights. At least until they earn their status as Jedi Master." Usually, he would let the subject go, but his time in the military and his constant desire to seek the truth forced him to provide explanations when someone was misguided and when he could provide insight on the situation.

Vexander for a moment felt that @[member="Arrol Balloch"] was expanding his presence through the Force to a point where the ones present would notice him in his full splendor, a phenomenon not usually seen by all sentient beings... using once again the telepathic link, the young Jedi decided to talk to Arrol for a brief moment without actually knowing if he could expand on the sensitive subject I'll... I'll need to meditate first Master Balloch...

Shifting his attention towards the young pantoran, Vex proceeded the conversation in a casual and informal manner "Have you come to feel the refreshing air of the gardens?"

@[member="Nasika Serizawa"]

 

[Nasika Serizawa]

Hearing him explain how the rank titles were done she nodded and said "Oh, I see. My mistake then." After that she listened to him ask about her being in the gardens to which she answered "Oh yes. I have been in the Temple for over a month now, and yet I never actually had the time to..."

Before she could finish, Nasika began feeling something odd with the force in this area. Something otherworldly was making itself known and Nasika could tell it was close. She looked around before something began to appear in her vision, a ghostly form. When it became more and more clear and Nasika could now see the spectral manifestation in front of her she gasped before walking towards @[member="Vexander Graves"] for safety. She had no idea what it was, but she knew it wasn't alive or fully real by the looks of it.

"Sir, look!" she pointed behind him to the ghost. "Wh....what is it?"

@[member="Arrol Balloch"]

 

[Vexander Graves]

@[member="Nasika Serizawa"] @[member="Arrol Balloch"]

Vexander truly smiled at the young Jedi, seeing that she was quite new in the Order she was not familiar with Force Ghosts at all. The view was quite interesting, he has not seen someone meeting a Force Ghost for the first time since quite a long... in fact he didn't even remembered his reaction at the first time he saw Arrol

"This is our friend, Arrol Balloch. An ancient Jedi Master with the unique connection to the Force that allows him to come back from the death to guide us..." Vex waited a bit for what he considered now a friend and a mentor, he waited for him to speak further since for some reason, the young girl hesitated and the Knight could sense it a bit through the Force...

 

[Arrol Balloch]

@[member="Nasika Serizawa"] @[member="Vexander Graves"]


Arrol raised his ghostly hand to his chin, using his thumb and fingers he stroked and pulled down on his beard .. as he received the message from the young man. He would allow him this moment to gather himself as clearly something had unsettled him. As you wish Vexander.

Ah! the youngling can sense him through the force and has the ability to see him, this makes things so much easier ... however his head snapped around as she pointed he looked to see what had frightened her .. a with a sense of fear asked what it was...

Oh! he does forget this sometimes. Well at least she did not scream like the last one, what was something.

He looked to young girl and bowed as Vexander introduce him. "At your service youngling", he smiled and chuckled. His voice now hear by her ...

 

[Nasika Serizawa]

Nasika was still a bit shocked by the appearance of a Force Ghost. But then seeing how "human" he was and how Vexander wasn't afraid made her a little calm, but still nervous. She'd heard rumors of these things, of the spirits that returned to the force being so strong that they were able to keep their consciousness and return to the physical realm. But to see such a thing for herself was incredible to say the least.

She gave a little bow when @[member="Arrol Balloch"] did and said "He-Hello....."

@[member="Vexander Graves"]

 

[Arrol Balloch]

@[member="Nasika Serizawa"] @[member="Vexander Graves"]

"Now youngling as the introductions are complete, shall we take a walk?", he looked into the sky .. it is a fine day indeed. "The gardens lay before us to explore, and set our minds to rest", he looked toward Vexander. Arrol always.. always has a hidden purpose to everything he does. He placed his hands behind his back and rested one in other and strolled off.

His presence in the force shimmering in the sun light, making him appear slightly milky through the blue. 'You know .. I used to come here, in times when I needed to reflect on all things we Jedi have to do. All our purposes, no matter what are .. are constantly tested by the ever present dark side of force. We fight it everyday do we not?", he laughed a little now... "How often would you hear a Sith say .. "I constantly fight the light side of force" .. hmmm? never really. But we do, it is ever present because we are not without fault. It is harder to be a Jedi".


"Sometimes, this test from the dark side manifests in many different ways, through temptations .. loss of things we hold dear not just people but principles .. ", he turned to look direction to Vexander, "... through vision that need to be interpreted". Arrol had felt the stain on him not only that, Arrol felt the fracture presence in the force .. of another. After all, Arrol is the force.

 

[Vexander Graves]

Wise... extremely wise... no wonder why the Former Master had enough power to kept his conciousness while he passed why to join the Force. He didn't even have to talk to the Jedi to almost hit the nail... almost because there were things that he knew he could only witness through the visions... visions that only presented themselves to Vexander.

During the whole walk, the Knight remained silent, reflecting in the words and clearing his mind, trying to regain his focus and to calm the huge flood of thoughts that stormed his mind and his very being. The presence of @[member="The Cyan Blade"] just a moment ago was not something that he could take lightly...

The words were directed practically to him, but the Force Ghost extended his experience for everyone to notice that the darkside was a powerful and seductive power that would place traps, temptations that would lure them to it's grasp if they allowed it.

"What you say is the truth Master Balloch..." Looking back at the young pantoran, Vex decided to check if she understood. "...have yo studied anything about the darkside Miss Serizawa?"

@[member="Arrol Balloch"] @[member="Nasika Serizawa"]

 

[Nasika Serizawa]

As Nasika walked with both the physical Jedi and the spiritual one, standing in-between them no less, she felt so out of place in a sense. Here she was just a padawan and yet she was being exposed to something she would think only Knights or the highest of Jedi Masters would know of. It was a bit exhilarating as she thought about it. Regardless she listened as @[member="Arrol Balloch"] went on to explain the ways of the dark side and such before @[member="Vexander Graves"] had asked her if she knew anything about it.

"To be fair, masters, I have only studied what I have read in the books and contemplated in meditation." she began to explain. "I know it is a dangerous thing that can corrupt people if they let it rule them. I for one would never want to be near any form of dark side tactics or techniques. It's all so.....evil."

 

[Arrol Balloch]

@[member="Nasika Serizawa"] @[member="Vexander Graves"]


"It is interesting that you both refer to forming an awareness of the dark side as a study, something you read about", he looked to them both as they continued to walk. "I want you both to consider the idea that your awareness of the dark side start much much earlier then your studying of it, that your fight against it began well before you both even became Jedi".

"Now I know you are both are aware that a Sith for example draw their strength from hate and passions of emotions, greed and lust for power, which is directed to give them their abilities .. to the best of their abilities. Tell me now, from where do you both draw your stengths?".

"Ah! a log... I have not sat on one of those in .... years", he walked over to a fall log, old from a tree that had died and regained a purpose even in death, to provide a home for small creatures and somewhere for Arrol to sit, which he did.

 

[Vexander Graves]

@[member="Nasika Serizawa"] @[member="Arrol Balloch"]

The Knight began to ponder on the idea... the possibility of having a taint of the darkside before even training as a Jedi could be there... his hatred towards his dad and even the distrust on his visions since a young age.

Nevertheless, as a marksman, Vexander managed to develop and work on his patience and calm demeanor in order to perform his work with his sniper rifle... in order to be as relaxed as possible to have the deadly accuracy that was also like a signature.

Stroking his heard while he looked at the pantoran apprentice, Vex considered the idea for a moment... he drew his power from those two feelings, but he usually covered his true feelings... but in the end, patience and calmness prevailed within him. So that was not it...

"Well, I believe that even though the feelings might draw you closer to the darkside... you might be influenced by other external factors... and things that you have never seen or felt before... For that reason, I do not see the Darkside as a subject to study and instead a thing to battle directly if needed... to erradicate it..." for that reason he was troubled... that was his mission as a Jedi, but if there was part of the darkside within him...

 

[Nasika Serizawa]

Listening between the two, Nasika pondered herself as well. She did think back to a point where, after finding out she was a force user among her family, ideas of wanting revenge on some of them and those that did her wrong in the pasts did spark. But, being a more deep minded person that she was, she knew, morally, it wasn't the right thing to do. But in some other cases where people would feel the same she could see why they'd turn to the dark side. So, in a sense, it was true that the dark side was in everyone. But wasn't that the way of the force? That dark and light were within everyone?

In any case she finally answered with "I do not know, Vexander. I think by studying it we know it's nature. That way we learn how to beat it, how to negate it, how to avoid it. Things like that. But that's strictly for everyone. Just those who want to find the proper answers. The ones that benefit the Jedi Order."

@[member="Vexander Graves"] @[member="Arrol Balloch"]

 

[Vexander Graves]

@[member="Arrol Balloch"] @[member="Nasika Serizawa"]

The Knight raised his eyebrow, the comments from the pantoran apprentice had a point... however, perhaps it was his military nature and his desire to always act in the face of danger, but his point of view was different.

"Well Miss Serizawa..." said with a smile, he didn't want her to feel like he was lecturing her; he was not her master afterall, but the corellian did know that he had to share his view. "...do you think that someone would be called a doctor if he studies for years but never practises his profession? What would you think if he goes to become a merchant?"

He waited patiently for the answer, mostly to see if she could get the meaning of what he thought: to act is what makes a difference, and with the darkside was no different.