Let's Get Down to Business

[Sol Damerin]

If one to were to try and quantify how much better Kesh was compared to Eriadu, they would fail. Not because Kesh was an inherently better planet but because Eriadu was the absolute worst. On a scale of one to ten Eriadu rated a zero on Sol's personal scale, which meant that Kesh just by having a positive number you could attach to it, was infinitely better. Which made it a good place as any to train his new apprentice and the original. That and the original lived there so... yeah convenience.

Stepping off of Mirax's ship Sol stretches his arms over his head. Over the last few weeks, he'd gotten to know the young woman better. They'd trained daily working on strengthing her connection to The Force. They'd reached the point that she could manipulate some small objects with The Force. Progress, yay.

However, they were finally on Kesh and now they needed to locate Zesiro. He'd let her know they were arriving today and when and where. Which in no way meant she would be there. Zes had a terrible habit of not listening until he repeated whatever he said. Not all the time of course, but occasionally which was just something to be expected from the youth. Damn kids, almost ten years younger than him with no attention span. Shaking his head he steps off of the ship it was time for him to train more kids for no reason other than his terrible trait of responsibility.

 

[Zesiro]

The message sent by Sol was received and Zesiro was waiting for them when they arrived. It wasn't that she didn't listen, but much of the time didn't comprehend what was said or meant. A simple straight forward message of, 'meet here and at this time', was perfectly clear and understood.

She wore what would almost look like a simple black body suit, but if you looked close, it was separate with shirt and pants. There wasn't anything special about it, but it was form fitting. Such was her nature to show off what she possessed, even if she didn't actively flaunt or use it anymore.

Waiting at the designated location, she saw the ship come in and a few moments later, Sol stepped off. She knew another person would be joining, but nothing beyond that.

While he had been gone, Zesiro had done the exercises and practiced what he had wanted her to.

"I think I'm going to need to get a bigger place. This way you two won't be having to live in a hotel. For now though, I have an extra couch if you guys want to stay at my place."

[member="Sol Damerin"]

 

[Mirax Eygan]

Mirax took a quick look at the stranger, then back at the Fenix, then to Sol - before returning her glance to Zesiro once more. The Lorrdian would have preferred to stay on the ship, this was much certain - but it did not seem like the most practical option - at this time.

"I am Mirax, by the way," she offered a brief introduction. "How far away is your place?" the young woman asked casually, letting her gaze wash over the voluptuous blonde female, furtively appraising Zesiro in her mind. She certainly looked 'fit' and was likely well trained and thus, not to be underestimated.

This is my future instructor, Mirax thought while stealing a furtive glance to Sol, inwardly hoping that he would still continue to teach her as opportunity arose - even if it was only to take place in a rather limited and somewhat sporadic, capacity.

[member="Zesiro"] | [member="Sol Damerin"]​

 

[Sol Damerin]

Zesiro was waiting for them which was good. He quirks his lips slightly pleased to see her though he'd never admit it. He knew saying she had a listening problem was harsh. Honestly, he was fairly certain her issue was that she'd been treated as a sexual object for so long. Looked to for nothing but her looks she'd never been encouraged to develop critical thinking skills or common sense. She thought in straight lines, without making any connections between ideas. Like how she had issues understanding that her ability to move something large translated to the ability to move something smaller. In her head, the manipulation of a small object was delicate and complicated. It required a different skill set than moving the large thing when in reality it was the same skill set. Fortunately, crticial thinking was something that could be learned over time.

"Mirax, this is Zesiro. She'll be handling your physical training, she will teach you the basic katas, and she'll be your sparring partner. Once you are ready I'll teach you what I know about whichever form you settle on as your primary style. I will also be teaching both of you what I know about The Force." Explaining everything up front seemed like a good idea. His attention then settles in on Zes. "I don't think you should buy a new place. Mirax can stay with you, I'll get a hotel room. We will meet at the forest at dawn, sound good?" He looks between the two looking for confirmation.

[member="Mirax Eygan"] | [member="Zesiro"]

 

[Zesiro]

Looking the other woman up and down closely, Zesiro could see she was pretty much as attractive as she was herself. That was a part of herself she had stopped trying to think about and didn't focus on it anymore. Didn't mean that her looks had gone away and that she didn't noticed them in others.

"Nice to see you again, Master. I see your trip was productive."

Watching and listening to what her role was going to be, she was pleased he felt confident enough in her own skills to start passing them on to somebody else.

"Pleased to meet you, Mirax. As he already stated, I'm Zesiro. My place is in town so not far from here. The practice area is further away than here."

Turning to Sol again, Zesiro nodded.

"We will see you in the morning. Let's get you settled in and in time we can figure out better sleeping arrangements."

[member="Sol Damerin"] [member="Mirax Eygan"]

 

[Mirax Eygan]

Zesiro's place was not far, as the woman herself pointed out. Casting a furtive glance about, Mirax attempted to gauge the presence of a speeder - if there was none, then it meant the blonde beauty crossed the distance on foot. That alone was encouraging, Mirax thought. I could make it back to and fro without them noticing? She cast one final look to her ship before emitting an acknowledging nod.

"I see. The practice area - that would be for the physical aspects of the training?" she wondered aloud, realizing just then that her question-comment might be perceived as puerile. Just then, Zesiro turned and spoke to Sol - and her words were a not-so-subtle farewell which made Mirax shiver a little. So she would be left alone with this stranger, overnight - and the idea of it did not comfort her at all. She had just gotten used to one unfamiliar person - Sol - and now she would be doing so, with another.

Well, there was nothing for it. Sol would take his leave, undoubtedly all too eager to rid himself of Mirax' presence. It must have been a great relief to him that his apprentice was willing to take Mirax under her wing - it would leave the man to pursue the training of a pupil that actually suited him better.

Pushing away a sour wave of regret, Mirax watched with a deadpan face as the two exchanged farewells - then turned to follow Zesiro in the direction of their future lodging.

[member="Zesiro"] | [member="Sol Damerin"]​

 

[Sol Damerin]

"See you in the morning kids." Sol says just the faintest ghost of a grin on his features before he turns away. Assuming Zesiro and Mirax did what he intended then his first apprentice would wake Mirax up early for a run before leading her to the training clearing. Sol would be there already sitting at the center of the circle he'd made weeks ago. Hopefully, the two had gotten along well last night, neither trying to kill the other in their sleep.

It should be noted that had he been aware of Mirax's thoughts, he would have agreed that they were puerile. For starters, he'd explicitly stated he'd still be training her in The Force, which was a daily training regime. He was only having Zesiro handle physical training, following someone else on a run was hardly turning her loose. He'd also be overseeing the basic Kata training which was just the very basics of lightsaber combat. Which would help polish Zesiro's skills since she could see her own weaknesses reflected in the novice and improve her overall technique, this would talk a day maybe two total since Mirax only had to learn seven katas and find the one she liked most. After that, Sol would be personally training Mirax in the advanced Katas unless she to settled on Ateru. So in short, he'd still be training Mirax.

When they arrive he'd be sitting in lotus position meditating slowly. Without opening his eyes he'd ask. "Have you done your morning exercises?"

[member="Mirax Eygan"] | [member="Zesiro"]

 

[Zesiro]

Deciding to get a better started with this second apprentice, Zesiro did not display any sort of hostility, aggression or jealousy at the presence of Mirax. The longing glance the other woman sent to the ship wasn't missed.

"Ah it is better to get a full night of sleep and not wander between the two locations. Trust me on this. The practice area is just that. Where both physical and force training happen. I'm a little surprised we haven't drawn any attention."

It was almost as if Zesiro could read the thought Mirax had about returning to the ship when she was asleep.
​
"C'mon, Mriax I don't bite, won't hurt you and there's dinner at my place if you're hungry."

Knowing it would take time for both of them to get to know each other, Zesiro did not expect miracles to happen overnight. Either they would get along or they would be rivals. Not having a friend on this world though, she hoped they would be friends in time.

Small talk was made through the rest of day, a bed was made and dinner eaten. The next morning, Zesiro attempted to wake Mirax up for the walk to the practice area to meet Sol at. She would drag her off the couch if needed to get her moving.

"Rise and shine, sleepy head. Need to get moving to meet Sol."

Having taken care of her​ exercises, Zesiro was ready for the day.

[member="Sol Damerin"] [member="Mirax Eygan"]

 

[Mirax Eygan]

Mirax lifted her hand in a slight wave to Sol, unable to stop herself from smiling. His presence put her somewhat more at ease, as she was still getting used to Zesiro. She found the beautiful blonde quite intimidating even if Zesiro was friendly and encouraging. No longer in a hospital setting where she would be at her most secure, Mirax felt a little bit like a fish out of water among these two Force users. Hopefully, with a lot of time and a fair bit of patience, her insecurity would turn into self-confidence, especially if she was successful in her studies.

One could only hope.

At any rate, Zesiro was true to her word. Having arrived at her place the night before, the young woman shared her food and made friendly conversation with her guest. Eventually, Mirax found herself warming (albeit slowly) to Zesiro and thought that perhaps the two could become friends in the near future. As long as the Lorrdian stopped inserting her foot into her gaping mouth, that is. And so the rest of the day (and night) flew by.

The sun was already above the horizon when Zesiro came to wake her up. Mirax did not waste time, making herself ready in a few minutes. "I'm ready to go when you are," she smiled lightly, wondering with muted excitement just what the rest of the day, would bring.

​

[member="Sol Damerin"] | [member="Zesiro"]​

 

[Sol Damerin]

Well, they are both here and uninjured more than I could have hoped for. That is Sol's first wry thought when the two women show up on time. They even seemed relatively alert and awake hopefully thanks to an early morning run, calisthenics routine, stretching, and shower. Which would be the best way to keep both their bodies in fighting shape. Strength wasn't terribly important when it came to lightsaber combat far better to have endurance and flexibility.

Producing one of his shoto sabers he tinkers with the settings on the side. It was a dual phase so he could increase the length and change the setting to training. It hadn't always been that way but he'd rebuilt the hilt in his off time so that they could have two training sabers available. Once it is set to training mode he hands it to Mirax, Zes being free to use her own. "Alright Zes, I trust that you've kept up your practice of the basic katas while I was gone?" She better have, he'd been clear on that point.

"I want you to go through them one at a time with Mirax. I'll observe and step in if you mess anything up. It's a classic teaching tool, make the old student teach the basics to the new one. Should help you find any flaws in your forms as well as learn the basics. It should take most of the morning and afternoon to get her to a practice on her own level with all seven basic katas." Turning to Mirax he addresses her. "Once you know the basics of all seven forms it is up to you to practice them everyday. Understanding the fundamentals of each form will help you identify them if you are ever in a fight. Knowing how your opponent fights can be an excellent advantage. Additionally knowing aspects of every style will help you adapt your chosen style in the future."

He pauses and lets that all sink in. "Once you've got the basics down you are going to figure out which form you prefer and in the next few days, I'll show you what I know of it. I won't need an answer until tomorrow so don't rush but don't consider for too long either. After lightsaber training we will meditate together and that will be it for today's lesson. Tomorrow we will settle into our regular routine which will be Lightsaber training in the morning and Force training in the afternoon. Questions?" He waits long enough to hear if they have any and if they don't he shoes at them to indicate they should begin.

[member="Zesiro"] | @Mirax Eygan

 

[Zesiro]

"Let's get going then."

Zesiro had already been up for at least an hour so was ready to leave when she woke up Mirax. Handing her a food bar to have at least something to eat for the morning, she knew there weren't going to be many breaks until lunchtime. Hoping Sol would remember it was his turn, she didn't bring any extra food with her.

The walk was a little further than the one from the previous night, but she didn't slow down at all and when they arrived, she was ready. The small clearing was still in order as she had been there almost daily to keep it up. Listening to what Sol said, Zesiro nodded and took her saber off her belt. The blade was still red since she had yet to either go shopping for a new one or left the planet to search for another.

"Yes, Master. If she has questions, I'll hope you can answer the ones I don't know."

When he asked if either of them had any further questions, she shook her head and waited for Mirax. Depending on she did, Zesiro would either continue to wait until she was ready or take a ready stance in which to start teaching her the basic katas.

[member="Sol Damerin"] [member="Mirax Eygan"]

 

[Mirax Eygan]

Seven basic katas ...

Mirax nodded, attempting to absorb the information from Sol as quickly as she had absorbed the energy bar Zesiro had given her on the way here. Looking up at the man, she cringed a little on the inside as her mouth formed the biggest question on her mind, thus far:

"Will I be practicing with an actual lightsaber or some kind of a substitute weapon?"

She would rather not touch a lightsaber (even a training one) until she was confident in being able to handle it without rendering herself harm. Hearing him mention meditation as an ending to the session gave Mirax a slight peace of mind, given that Sol had taught her some of it before, and she enjoyed the tranquility of mind it brought her.

Standing in the glade now, opposite of Zesiro, she looked up at the beautiful woman and canted her head. "I suppose I am as ready as I will ever be." Truth be told, Mirax lacked the proper melee weapon to counter Zesiro's red-bladed lightsaber, but hopefully Sol had something she could borrow, in the meantime . . .

[member="Sol Damerin"] | [member="Zesiro"]​

 

[Sol Damerin]

Sol looks down at the saber he'd already offered her, then at Mirax, then at the saber again. "Yes, you are practicing the katas with an actual saber. It's set to training mode you'll be fine." He makes a pushing motion at her indicating she should take it. It was possible to practice with something other than the training saber, it was just impractical. Lightsabers had a very particular heft and weight so while you could use a wooden blade to practice, it just meant you learned bad habits you'd have to unlearn later.

[member="Mirax Eygan"]

 

[Mirax Eygan]

"Oh, so I get to keep this one, for now - to train with. Alright," the Lorrdian replied, wondering just how badly she could screw up with this weapon - even in training mode. Taking it from him, Mirax weighed the hilt in her hand cautiously, as if she were handling a piece of fragile china. "With respect to these katas . . . anything specific about them I should be aware of?" The young woman wanted to gain a deeper understanding of these exercises before she was made to do them. Her thumb gently moved over the lightsaber's activation switch but did not depress it just yet - waiting for the instructions, to follow.

[member="Sol Damerin"]

 

[Zesiro]

Watching the exchange between Sol and Mirax, Zesiro stood there patiently. She had gotten out of her ready stance while this went on and waited until Mirax was ready to begin. The question was best answered by Sol since she really didn't fully know the answer, but would give her opinion.

"The katas are designed as the base work to start from. Each Form has a sets and the more you learn, the more familiar you will become with it. You'll learn each of the basic katas from me and then decide which you feel is best for you. Master Sol will then teach you the more specific aspects of which ever you pick."

Very simple and straight forward to her, she hoped the other woman would understand what she meant. With a small smile, Zesiro thought of them working together in the future. While she certainly was no expert on combat, for now, she had a one up on Mirax and would use it to her advantage when she could.

[member="Mirax Eygan"] [member="Sol Damerin"]

 

[Sol Damerin]

"There are seven basic lightsaber forms. Shii-cho, which is the most basic form it is wild and formless emphasizing the basic principals of lightsaber combat. Makashi, which is a specialized dueling form best against other lightsaber wielding combatants. Soresu, a defensive form focused on economy of movement to deflect, dodge, or defend against incoming attacks. Ataru, an offensive form focus on using mobility to overwhelm a single target. Djem So or Shien which is an evolution on Soresu with a focus on turning your defense into offense through counter attacks. Niman, which is a blend of the previous forms with no real strengths or weaknesses and emphasizes using The Force with your blade. Finally, there is Vapaad or Juyo, a highly aggressive form focused on bold risky maneuvers and faith in The Force to guide you."

Moving over he settles down letting Mirax absorb the information. "The katas, as Zes noted are a basic series of exercises for each form. The foundation from which a deeper understanding can eventually grow. Now stop stalling and start doing." He'd figured out that she was nervous about this and that she was asking questions to buy some more time. But that wouldn't work with Sol. He wasn't impatient but he didn't have time for her to work up her nerves. She wanted to learn so she should be learning not worrying about what she was doing.

[member="Mirax Eygan"] | [member="Zesiro"]

 

[Mirax Eygan]

Mirax shrugged inwardly. She was not stalling? She had no idea what to do. However, the best thing for now seemed to be simply mirroring Zesiro's movements. So the young woman shut her mouth as she shut down her whirlwind of thoughts - focusing solely on the katas she was about to learn. Sol had mentioned that Shii-Cho was the first and most basic form, and so Mirax hoped Zesiro would begin by showing her the moves of that one.

Standing at rest position, the Lorrdian watched her opponent, ready to accept (and hopefully apply), Zesiro's instructions.


[member="Sol Damerin"] | [member="Zesiro"]

 

[Zesiro]

With as much patience Sol had shown to Zesiro when he started showing her the katas, she did the same thing to Mirax. When she saw a gaping error in a stance or the way she moved, she would correct it either by repeating the move or actually adjusting Mirax physically. A few times she would verbally point out the mistake and wait until it was correct. There was no dobut in her own mind that even she was making mistakes, but knew Sol would correct her if she was wrong.

Keeping the pace to that of Mirax, she fell into the rhythm quite easily and the basic katas came naturally to her.

She would keep going until Sol called a halt for lunch.

[member="Mirax Eygan"] [member="Sol Damerin"]

 

[Sol Damerin]

Zes's form was good, it showed that she'd been practicing as diligently as he'd instructed her to. She wasn't perfect though and knowing how to do something and being able to explain it were often two very different things. So while he mostly allowed her to teach Mirax in peace he would occasionally move in to correct them on one thing or another. The speed with which they moved through the basic katas would depend a lot on Mirax. Learning the basic moves was relatively easy, though of course mastering them took time, that didn't mean Mirax who had no training would be able to learn all seven katas in a day. She seemed smart and memorizing the steps was, in his estimation, within her abilities. Still, as lunch rolled around he'd take stock and adjust plans as need be as he pulls out water and food for his two apprentices calling for a halt.


[member="Mirax Eygan"] | [member="Zesiro"]

 

[Mirax Eygan]

Blowing away a stubborn strand of hair that threatened to disrupt her vision, Mirax pressed the activation button on the training saber and tried not to cringe as a bright blade erupted forth with a signature 'snap-hiss'. Her gaze quietly drifted to Zesiro, taking in the woman's posture, breathing and finally, movement. Beginning at rest position, she wold step to the left, weapon held in a low block. Stepping forward, she would attempt to mimic the execution of an overhead strike. Then, her right foot would take a step behind, causing the young woman to face in the opposite direction while her training weapon remained held in a low block. She continued to mirror everything she saw the blonde do - as she saw it - ignoring Sol for the moment, or her entire concentration would go to hell.


Step forward, execute overhead strike.

Step out to mid-line; execute a sweeping shoulder strike to the left.

Step forward; execute a sweeping shoulder strike to the right.

Step forward; execute a sweeping shoulder strike to the left (downward chop).

Swing left leg around counterclockwise; weapon held in a low block.

Step forward; execute an overhead strike.

Right leg steps behind to face the opposite direction; weapon held in a low block.

Step forward; execute overhead strike. Left foot steps out to mid-line; execute a sweeping shoulder strike to the left.

On her final step forward, Mirax executed another sweeping shoulder strike to the right, the swung her right left behind and turned to face right of her original starting position. Her weapon held in a low block she took one more step - seeing Zesiro finish off her movements with an overhead strike - before her left leg stepped back to a resting position.

So this is Shii-Cho? Mirax thought as she began the kata all over again - its repetitive movements beginning to slowly . . . sink into her head. She would try the others later; for now her hands were full - literally. Before she realized it, lunch time was rolling around and Sol was calling for them to take a break. Good thing, too - her hands were starting to get numb, Mirax thought - and grinned.

[member="Sol Damerin"] | @Zesiro ​