Faction [Jedi] - The Cutting Edge of Clumsiness: Sword Skills for the Brave (and Foolish)

[Matthew of Valendale]

// Jedi welcome to interact - No Post order go crazy.

TAGS: Jackie Rosso Roten ​

Matthew stood in the center of a training room within the newly refurbished temple on Coruscant.

It had been a full week since he had given both Jackie Rosso and Roten their credits, setting them on assignments that tested their resourcefulness and decision-making. Today was the day he expected to hear their reports. Over breakfast, he had left clear instructions for them to meet him in this particular training hall, bringing along any weapons they fancied. The directions were explicit: they were to provide a verbal account of their findings, return the credits, and be prepared for a practical lesson.

Uncharacteristically, Matthew had not joined them at the breakfast table that morning, a fact that may have sparked curiosity or unease. His absence had been deliberate—a subtle reminder that not all lessons began in predictable ways. The instructions he had left hinted at today's focus: the basics of combat. They had been asked to bring any weapons they had with them along with the credits.

He stood with his arms crossed, a few select items laid out on a nearby bench. The items weren't much—a mix of simple training tools and gear designed to emphasize fundamental techniques. Matthew's gaze occasionally drifted to the doorway, his mind already considering how he would adapt the lesson to each student's strengths and weaknesses. Today would not just be about wielding weapons; it would be about understanding their purpose and how to wield them responsibly.

As he waited, Matthew allowed himself a small, thoughtful smile. The reports of their feelings and thoughts about what they had experienced given such responsibilities with the credits would tell him far more about his students than any sparring session could.

 

[Roten]

Coruscant Jedi Temple
Tags: Matthew of Valendale , Jackie Rosso

"Uh... hey boss?"

Roten wandered into the training hall, his bag of credits slung over his shoulder. He hadn't spent a credit, not even the ones allocated to being spent. He had done nothing during that time aside from defend his new-found horde like a dragon, paranoid that something terrible may happen to it. This was a test after all, and he wasn't eager to lose his livelihood. It was better to not learn what the consequences of losing that money were, he decided.

Still, things were strange. Matthew hadn't joined them for breakfast. It was uncharacteristic of him. He seemingly had been here, in the dojo this whole time here on Coruscant. His large kunai were attached to the back of his belt, as Matthew had insisted they bring weapons.

"Brought my weapons like you said... Something wrong?" he asked. "You weren't at breakfast..."

A pause.

"You mad cause Pinky lost his cash?"

His fur bristled with anticipation. Maybe that was it. Jackie had failed the test and he was upset. Maybe they had both failed and he had really been supposed to keep Jackie in line as well as himself.

He couldn't help but be cautious.

 

[Jackie Rosso]

Location: Jedi Temple
Tags: Matthew of Valendale | Roten

---

“Yeah you’d know all about the state of my credits wouldn’t you, pirate?” Jackie said as he came in from behind, his hands in his pockets along with the sack of credits. His eyes narrowed critically at the mouthy fuzz-ball. The pink-boy looked over at their master and saw what they seemed to have readied for them.

Jackie’s palms began to sweat some as he thought about what to do or say next. Knowing for sure that Matthew was gonna wanna hear about their experience or at least expect that all the credits would be on him. Sadly they weren’t, and now Jackie wasn’t sure what to do next. He wasn’t confident he could spin things in a way that would be helpful for him. Jedi were psychics and mind readers. No use in trying to lie Jackie presumed.

As he approached Jackie’s blues eyes glanced away from their master. “S-Sorry Mr Matthew… let me just say that I messed up your lesson. Not all the credits are with me. Some of them actually did get lost. But I didn’t spend them though, I ain’t no fink you hear.” Jackie said, being honest but not really sharing the whole story. Just what was relevant to the credits he had with him now. “Most of it is still on me, and I put all my allowance into trying to cover the missing credits. But it still ain’t all there.” The Zeltron explained, lowering his gaze some. Knowing that Roten was likely going to be pleased with his screw up.​

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Roten Jackie Rosso ​

Matthew moved to collect the credits form each of them and counted them out easily using the force to manipulate them for ease of counting before returning them to a small stacks atop a table he had other items set out upon.

"Everything is fine, Roten; Though I am pleased to know my presence was missed this morning. " Matthew assured in a gentle tone. He listened to Jackie as the young student spoke up first, his words tinged with a mix of guilt and apprehension. Matthew's sharp gaze moved between the two, studying their reactions carefully. He had certainly chosen an interesting pair to teach; both of them seemed somewhat terrified of his judgment in one way or another.

This was something he'd need to work on, he decided. Fear of failure was a hurdle, but fear of honest communication? That was a barrier he could not allow to remain.

Matthew's attention shifted back to Roten, his ears perking slightly as the young one made a jab at Jackie. He was surprised to hear Roten being critical of his companion, though the tension between them was hardly unexpected given the circumstances.

"It is unbecoming of a Jedi to tear down their ally," Matthew said, his voice firm but not unkind. "Your strength lies not only in your individual skills but in how you support and uplift one another. Roten, you protected the credits with vigilance, and Jackie, you took risks that showed initiative—even if it didn't turn out as you hoped. Both of you have lessons to learn, but you will learn them together. Now, let's focus on what's ahead."

Matthew stated simply turning his attention to Jackie.

"Can you please explain to me what happened? Why did you not come tell me sooner?" He asked and gave him some time to answer before looking to Roten.

"Roten," Matthew begins evenly, his voice carrying a weight that's far from angry but also far from pleased. "I see you brought the credits back, all of them. Untouched." He steps forward, gesturing to the bag. "Tell me—what was your reasoning for not using them? What held you back?"

 

[Roten]

Coruscant Jedi Temple
Tags: Matthew of Valendale , Jackie Rosso

"I see you brought the credits back, all of them. Untouched." He steps forward, gesturing to the bag. "Tell me—what was your reasoning for not using them? What held you back?"

"Th-that's... that's what you told me to do, boss..." Roten stated, his voice wavering and his posture shrinking. "I-I was told to hold it and make sure I saved it... I was just... I was just following orders..."

Had he missed a step? The anxiety crept in so violently that he all but forgot the presence of Jackie. It was like he was staring down the old geezer all over again. He was certain he had gotten everything right, followed each word to meticulous detail Save it, save it save it... That was what the emphasis was on. Roten had to keep it safe. What reasoning did he have to give? Sure, it had been to keep himself in good graces, but the task had been fulfilled.

So why was Matthew upset?

The Bursantian furrowed his brows, his ears flattening defensively.

"I didn't make any mistakes," he mumbled. "W-why are you looking at me like that?"

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Roten ​

Matthew's expression softened as he listened to Roten's wavering explanation. His tone shifted to one of gentle curiosity, designed to draw the young student out rather than chastise him.

"You didn't spend the portion I told you to save, and you did very well with that. I'm proud of you for following those instructions," Matthew began, offering an encouraging nod. "But if you remember, I also gave you a smaller portion that you were permitted to spend."

He leaned forward slightly, his voice lighter, almost inviting. "So, tell me, why didn't you spend any of that? I'm not upset; I'm curious. I want to understand what you were thinking and what drove your decision. What made you hold back completely?"

Matthew's gaze was steady but without judgment, a deliberate attempt to make Roten feel safe enough to share his reasoning. This wasn't supposed to be about pointing out flaws—it was about finding insight into Roten's mindset and understanding what made him tick.

"This lesson was meant to teach you the value of credits," Matthew continued after a pause. "How to spend them wisely and how to resist the urge to spend recklessly, even when you have plenty. You've done something many individuals find difficult to achieve, and for that, you should be very proud of your performance."

His words were sincere, emphasizing the importance of the accomplishment while framing it as a foundation to build upon. "Learning isn't only knowing when to hold back. It's also about knowing when to act. There's a balance, and finding it will serve you well in the future."

 

[Roten]

Coruscant Jedi Temple
Tags: Matthew of Valendale , Jackie Rosso

Roten shut his eyes and let out a weak exhale, trying to straighten his posture. It didn't really work that well.

"I don't know..." Roten muttered. "I just... I couldn't... I."

The Bursantian gritted his teeth, his fur standing on end. What did he even feel right now? Angry? Terrified? Why was Matthew so calm? It was illogical, even, the degree of calm that always exuded from his man. How was he even supposed to meet the standards of someone so high above him, perfect in every feasible way.

"I can't... I can't fail," he stated, his face stone-like. "I don't have anything... I just... There has to be a catch. You wouldn't have given so much money to me if it wasn't to pit me against him. It can't be this mundane, I refuse to believe that everything is exactly as it appears... I-it doesn't... I can't..."

But there he was. No lecture, no yelling, no threats... What was he supposed to do? This wasn't familiar at all. How was he supposed to function without a purpose to function for. Where was the struggle? Why was he even here?

His head hurt.

"I don't know what you want from me," the former Pirate admitted, his tone picking back up. "I can't read you, follow your logic, discern what makes you tick, figure out what you gain from all of this. E-everything I've anticipated has completely fallen apart. I just- I need you to be logical! People with power use it! That's nature, isn't it!? I have to prove that I'm better than Jackie so that you keep me around!" Then a pause... "But then you're... y-you're weird. A-and you don't... you don't do anything... And it's all... it's all in my head..."

Roten didn't know what was happening to him. Was he crying? Something liquid was spilling out of his eyes. He didn't know what that was supposed to mean. Roten had never cried. This was wrong.

"Is something wrong with me?"

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Roten
​

Matthew was quiet as he listened to Roten speak, not interrupting and allowing him to get everything out of his system. He moved closer and placed a gentle hand atop Roten's head, offering a soft, affectionate pet.

"There's nothing wrong with you," he assured in a gentle tone. "You're just experiencing changes, and that can be overwhelming and hard to accept or adjust to. But I never said you two couldn't work together," he added softly.

"The only thing I expect from you," Matthew continued, "is that you try your best to be the best version of yourself that you can be. Do you understand?" His voice remained kind as he moved to pull Roten into a comforting hug.

"And you don't have to worry. You can stay as long as you like. I know I told you you're free to leave after a year, but that doesn't mean I want you to go... or that you have to. " Matthew said, his tone warm and reassuring, making it clear that Roten's presence was valued. "It's okay to feel.... It's okay to let it out. " Matthew added gently. He moved to take out a kerchief and offered it to the little fuzz ball.

 

[Jackie Rosso]

Location: Jedi Temple
Tags: Matthew of Valendale | Roten

---

That all seemed like a bit much to Jackie. Listening to Roten exposes some of his own insecurities to their Master. Now understanding more about the unique roots of Roten’s competitiveness. Jackie’s eyes narrowed as he listened to Matthew’s words that should provide comfort. But made Jackie feel a bit more guarded. Especially now while feeling the emotional mess that Roten was. Even as he tried his best to discard his empathic gifts as a zeltron.

He felt rather awkward standing off to the side. Not sure when he should finally answer Matthew’s question. But while their Master was still in a compassionate mood Jackie would try to begin to explain what happened.

“Umm, well to answer your question Master about the missing credits. Back on Veridia I kinda went for, like, a walk. Past the boundaries of the temple. And uh, another Padwan found me to try and get me back to the temple. While we were out we um…” Jackie realized there was no real way to sugar coat what occurred. “We were attacked, but some guy with swords. In the chaos I used the sack you gave me as a sort of improvised weapon and it broke. So I lost some of the credits because of it.” Jackie explained, offering a brief summary of what had occurred. “B-But I really tried to gather them all back up.” He said looking up at Matthew trying to save face my telling him that he tried to correct his mistake by losing some of the credits. His eyes lowered and he muttered. “So the fuzz-ball is right after all, I did lose some of it…” It was also clear that Jackie seemed more shaken up about loosing the credits than getting into a fight. ​

 

[Roten]

Coruscant Jedi Temple
Tags: Matthew of Valendale , Jackie Rosso

“So the fuzz-ball is right after all, I did lose some of it…”

"Sh-shut up, greaseball," Roten hissed, his forehead against Matthew's shoulder. "You did the right thing, even if you have worms in your head... That's more than I can say."

All of this felt so alien. The Bursantian couldn't bring himself to accept the handkerchief Matthew offered, instead opting to wick the tears away by hand and then dry his face on his shirt. He didn't shy away from the hug, though. No, he was in a state far too delirious to oppose this compassionate state.

Why did he have to be such a coward? Was his own self preservation really all he cared about? He wasn't anything more than a selfish freak. A monster. No wonder he had been so good at taking lives. It was easier than losing his own.

"I don't want to leave..." Roten muttered.

He couldn't leave. Not after everything he'd been through.

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Roten Jackie Rosso ​

Matthew looked at Jackie, absorbing everything he had said. He let out a slow breath, his expression firm but not unkind.

"I see... So, you deliberately disobeyed me," he began, his tone measured. "Fortunately, you lived to tell the tale. But you should have come to me about this sooner. Your life is far more valuable than any amount of credits. "

He offered Roten a few more affectionate pats before gently releasing him from the hug, his voice softening as he continued.

"Rules are put in place for a reason," Matthew said, addressing both of them. "Often, the main goal is to keep people safe—whether it's protecting you, others, or something important. That's why I expect you both to understand that when an adult gives you a rule, it's not meant to be needlessly cruel or limiting. It's to protect your well-being and the well-being of others."

He paused, his gaze steady as he emphasized his next point. "Veridian temple is kept secret for a reason. You could have been followed back to the temple by someone dangerous, someone who wishes to harm the people living there. The galaxy is full of all kinds of nasties—I know each of you has experienced this firsthand. Not everyone is so lucky to understand that, and I want to keep you both safe...

That said," Matthew added, his tone firm but fair, "you shouldn't follow rules blindly. If you think something I've told you is unjust, come to me. I'll explain it to you. But remember this: you should always do your due diligence before deciding to break a rule. Understand why it exists, consider the consequences, and then act wisely."

He reached out, ruffling Roten's hair with a gentle smile. "Now then," he said with finality, "I don't want to hear you two tearing each other down anymore. You're brothers in arms now. I expect you to respect yourselves and one another."

Matthew folded his arms, his expression softening further as he shifted to a more practical tone. "The goal of this exercise was to teach you both the importance of credits—how to manage them and not spend recklessly, even when you have plenty. And you both succeeded."

He stepped back and reached retrieving what currency they had left. "I'll return what remains to each of you, and you can do with it as you like. But here's my advice:

Allocate 50% of your income to essentials—things like food, shelter, and transportation. Use 30% for discretionary spending—hobbies, entertainment, the things you enjoy. And put 20% toward savings or repaying debts—prepare for the future. Remember this as you move forward, not just with credits but with the choices you make in life."

He looked down to Roten and smiled. " You don't have to. I'm glad you want to stay. "

 

[Jackie Rosso]

Location: Jedi Temple
Tags: Matthew of Valendale | Roten

---

Jackie didn’t think he had worms in his head. But before he could protest such claims he heard Matthew address him and his faults.

“Y-Yes… I did. I just uh…” Jackie felt a little embarrassed to admit it. “I wanted to see more of the forests around the temple. You’ve seen where I’m from it’s a trash heap. So I wanted to see what was beyond the more controlled, uh, atmosphere of the temple.” Jackie admitted. Explaining part of what compelled him to break the rule. “I didn’t know that the temple was a secret.” Matthew’s words made what happened to him make more sense. Why their attacker seemed interested in hurting both him and Braze.

The zeltron teen listened more as their master explained why rules should be understood, and when it can be warranted to break them. Also that he and Roten shouldn’t always be going at each other's throats with insults. There seemed to be a lot that Matthew wanted to impart of them, which made sense given the moment.

Jackie also didn’t think that he really succeeded in the exercise. But he supposed that there was a difference with losing money as opposed to spending it. Afterall you wouldn’t call someone who got mugged a reckless spender because their credits were stolen?

“Huh, wait you really mean to say we get to keep the credits?” Jackie asked, clearly shocked after Matthew gave a simple recommendation on how to budget the credits.​

 

[Roten]

Coruscant Jedi Temple
Tags: Matthew of Valendale , Jackie Rosso

Roten slowly let himself move away from Matthew. The money was there's to use? That seemed...

No, he needed to stop doubting everything around him. There wasn't anything wrong. No tricks, no secret agendas, no competition. It was all in his head. The Bursantian took a deep breath, clearing his mind. Maybe it was just the way he was raised. Pirates weren't exactly stable people. Spend so long around murderers and cowards and you forget that there are other kinds of people in the galaxy. Roten had to come to terms with the fact that he was in a different place now.

One he probably didn't deserve.

"Is... that all for today?" Roten asked. "You did ask us to bring our weapons..."

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Roten Jackie Rosso ​

"Jackie... in the future, if there's something you want to do but a reason you can't, come talk to me first instead of running off, okay?" Matthew said, his tone even but firm. He nodded, reaffirming that, yes, it was meant for them to keep and use as they saw fit.

To Roten's question, Matthew simply smiled and shook his head.

"We're not done yet. I want to teach you both some basics about sword fighting."

His gaze settled on Roten. "You wield some pretty big weapons... Blades, in general, are personal weapons—far more than blasters or guns. Those let you keep your distance, remove yourself from the fight. But when you're up close, pressing a blade into someone's space, into their body—that's intimate. It's immediate. There's no detachment in that kind of combat."

Matthew let the thought hang for a moment before asking, "So why, Roten? Why did you choose those blades as your weapons? Was there a reason?"

As he spoke, he moved toward Jackie, offering them a rather ornate-looking scepter. By all accounts, it was Matthew's Sun Sword—functionally no different from a lightsaber, though its craftsmanship carried an air of regal distinction.

 

[Jackie Rosso]

Location: Jedi Temple
Tags: Matthew of Valendale | Roten

---

“Uh yeah, understood, Master.” Jackie answered back. Agreeing to remember to reach out to Matthew the next time he considers going against the rules like that. A moment later Jackie was reminded of why they were actually here. Not just to conclude their financial lesson. They were here to train for combat. ‘Better late than never’ Jackie internally noted to himself. Much like Roten he wasn’t ignorant to combat and fighting. Just never really trained. Whacking a security droid over the dome with a plasteel pipe while riding a speeder wasn’t what Jackie would consider much of a martial art.

Jackie took the hilt from Matthew. It too looked fancy and ornate. Reminding him a lot of the pink Braze had handed him when they were attacked. Subconsciously planting the idea that Jackie himself would likely need to do the same whenever he could get around to crafting his own saber. That it would be appropriate to make it overly ornate, even ostentatious. After his poor handling of this kind of weapon before his confidence, even for training today, wasn’t very high.​

 

[Roten]

Coruscant
Tags: Jackie Rosso , Matthew of Valendale

"You wield some pretty big weapons... Blades, in general, are personal weapons—far more than blasters or guns. Those let you keep your distance, remove yourself from the fight. But when you're up close, pressing a blade into someone's space, into their body—that's intimate. It's immediate. There's no detachment in that kind of combat."

"Combat is a very personal thing, isn't it?" Roten asked. "It's a culmination of two lives coming to a head. Every battle can be a final trial. Removing yourself from a fight is... honorless? Cowardly? I don't really know how to describe it, but there's no struggle in detachment. What's the point in even training then?"

Roten shrugged, twirling one of his large kunai in his finger.

"I didn't choose my blades," the Bursantian noted. "I forged'em. Learned how to imbue them with the Force from that old geezer. He wasn't really happy. Wasn't dark enough for him."

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Jackie Rosso Roten ​

Matthew watched Jackie take the hilt, noting the hesitation in his grip, the way his fingers curled around it with uncertainty. The young man was thinking too much—second-guessing himself before the fight had even begun.

He turned his gaze to Roten, listening to the Bursantian's musings on combat, on the personal nature of battle. A smirk ghosted over Matthew's lips, a mixture of amusement and quiet approval.

"There's truth in that," Matthew admitted. "Blades leave no room for detachment. They force you into the moment, make you accountable for every strike. Every movement is a choice, deliberate, personal." He let the words settle, before adding, "But not every fight is a trial. And not every battle is about honor.

Fights are messy, unfair, and rarely go the way you think they will. You don't get to dictate the terms—your enemy does. What you can control is your readiness. How well you move. How well you think while you move."

Matthew turned his attention back to Jackie, his tone leveling out, sharpening. "You're overthinking it. This isn't about what the saber looks like, or how it feels in your hand. It's about making it an extension of yourself. If you hesitate, if you let doubt take root, the fight's already over." He activated one of his own sabers, the golden blade humming to life. "So let's see what you've got. Stop thinking. Start fighting. Come."

He took a step back, raising his saber into a ready stance, his eyes locked on Jackie, waiting to see if the kid would rise to the challenge—or fold under it.

 

[Jackie Rosso]

Location: Jedi Temple
Tags: Matthew of Valendale | Roten

---

How could Jackie not overthink a fight? They were so high stakes and nerve wracking. Plus it didn’t help that Matthew handed him an art piece instead of a weapon. As his master told him to fight, Jackie's body shook. He wasn’t scared of Matthew. He didn’t think he was gonna be harmed in retaliation. He just didn’t wanna embarrass himself. Like how he believed he did back on Veridia. Doubt had already crept into his being. “Um… O-Okay…”

But there was something that he could latch onto in the moment. That being Matthew himself and how he might be feeling at the moment. But there wasn’t much for Jackie to subconsciously read. Like a blank slate for Jackie to express himself without being pressured one way or another.

Taking a deep breath Jackie held the hilt firmly with two hands and activated it. Ignited whatever colored blade would spring fourth from the emitter. Then he came to his Master. Swinging the saber is more akin to a blunt instrument than a blade. His moves were painfully telegraphed. But the zeltron teen was intuitively going after more vulnerable spots. Not just trying to strike at Matthew’s center of mass but his arms and hands. Knowing that a disabling attack was just as devastating as a killing blow. At least he didn’t have tunnel vision and was keeping an open mind for targets to hit.​

 

[Roten]

Coruscant
Tags: Jackie Rosso , Matthew of Valendale

Roten bit his tongue while Jackie began swinging.

He needed to just let the Zeltron fight his own battles and figure it out on his own. When he did get overly worried about what Jackie was doing problems occurred. His form wasn't good, but that was to be expected. He hadn't seen as much battle, generally speaking. Even so, Matthew's words were really lingering in the Bursantian's brain.

He was supposed to be improving himself, right? Making himself into a better person. That meant having respect for the effort of others. And Roten very much did want to tell Jackie about all the openings he was leaving.

But he didn't. He couldn't.

He shouldn't.