Nothing matters more than purpose.

[Kenrath]

Vengeance stood in one of the training rooms observing a group of new Acolytes training with one of the saber instructors. While he already had one apprentice he was always on the look out for a second. The sword being what he felt most at home with it was natural for him to be around the saber training classes observing.

This one was covering the basics of Juyo it seems. It was a form Vengeance knew but not one he used very often. It was too draining for extended combat. He walked the edge of the room until he noticed [member="Vaulkhar"] and another acolyte at it hard and heavy. He stopped watching them a little more closely ignoring the rest of the room for now.

These two out of all the others seemed to be excelling at the sword.

 

[Vaulkhar]

Vaulkhar blocked out the world about him as he danced about his opponent. Each slash was sporadic, but simultaneously the movements were measured, no wasted movement. Together, he and the other acolyte clashed against one another in a display of skill over the others within the class. As the bout continued, others within the class including the instructor, turned to watch the spectacle of the flowing combat. Vaulkhar stepped inward, his right foot sliding forwards into the guard of his opponent, bringing him close enough to land a powerful elbow to the rib cage. The opponent grunted in pain, immediately pulling back and throwing an awkward slash, purely to ward away the advancing form of Vaulkhar. But that moment of foolishness was all the blind acolyte required.

Surging forward in a sudden rush, his saber flashes upwards. The blow knocks the slashing weapon up and out, allowing for a follow up from the Bastard child, which was taken with a grin. He stepped forward once more, slamming his knee into the groin of his opponent, before slamming the hilt of his saber into the enemy acolyte's temple. The acolyte drops to the floor, similarly to a rock. The others within the room simply look upon Vaulkhar in a mixture of surprised and even jealousy at the skill.

Turning away from the downed opponent, Vaulkhar's blind gaze simply moves away from those within. Upon sensing Vengeance, his drifting gaze stops upon the Sith Knight.

What power.... Who is this?

Vaulkhar does not move away, instead continuing to blindly stare at Vengeance through his blindfold.

[member="Vengeance"]

 

[Kenrath]

Vengeance watched the end of the duel. It did not escape him the rest of the class had stopped. It happened more often than not when training got out of hand.

Vengeance looked over at the Instructor taking a half step forward. When the instructor nodded Vengeance stepped towards the two Acolytes. But unlike the other students he didn't congratulate the victor. He moved past [member="Vaulkhar"] helping his fallen opponent to his feet.

"Come on." "On your feet." "Go to the med center and get checked out." "Tomorrow is a new day and a new opportunity."

It was only after that did he turn to Vaulkhar.

"What is your name Acolyte?"

His voice was even with no hint of malice in his voice but it was not very congratulatory either.

 

[Vaulkhar]

Vaulkhar remained silent over the course of [member="Vengeance"] aiding the fallen acolyte. It was rather surprising no one else decided to aid him, as they were all classmates. But in the long run, he cared not for his fellow acolytes during the point of training and practice. They were simply there to beat upon one another, until the strongest emerges. And that will forever be the case with the Sith, or so he at least believes. Shaking his head after the moment of contemplation, he turns in time just to hear Vengeance ask for his name.

"I am Vaulkhar."

Upon stating his name, he offered a nod of respect to the Sith Knight. Though he could not see him, he could feel the force radiating off of his body, more so than anyone else in the room. Vaulkhar was drawn to the power like a ship within a storm, searching for the lighthouse hiding upon the horizon. He continued to study him, making use of all his sense, save for sight of course.

"Forgive me if I sound rude, but what is it you want with me, sir? Rarely will anyone within the Sith approach a young blind man, or so it has appeared since I've begun my training as an acolyte."

 

[Kenrath]

Vengeance cocked his head to the side.

"Who said I am here for you?"

He smirked.

"Does a Knight of the Sith need permission to observe Acolytes during their training?"

He held a hand out to stop him as the instructor stepped forward to address [member="Vaulkhar"] shaking his head. it was a loaded question to be sure but he wanted to hear the answer the Acolyte gave. While there was no wrong answer there was also no correct answer. It was a matter of philosophy going to the core feelings more and more Acolytes seem to have. This illusion of grandeur that made them special.

It amused Vengeance to no end. Most likely because it was foreign to him.

 

[Vaulkhar]

"At no point did I claim you were here for me. It's common for Instructors and Knights alike to find their way into these classes. Some watch for sport, others nostalgia. My claim was made because you addressed me directly. It is not common for a member of the Sith to waste time on idle conversation. So if you want my name, I'm sure there is purpose."

Vaulkhar pauses after a moment of speaking. He raises his right hand up and gently scratches at the right side of his jaw, keeping his gaze upon [member="Vengeance"]. The young man's voice did not falter during his speech, and it is filled with a sense of calm. For whatever reason, the acolyte felt comfortable within the presence of the much more powerful Sith. Where others would likely lose their cool, Vaulkhar was stoic. It brought many questions to the mind of the acolyte, and very few answers. Shaking his head, mostly to himself, he continued speaking.

"It can always be punishment for blatantly beating an opponent who was unable to defend themselves at the end of the match. Though, I doubt I'd be punished for proving myself the better combatant."

 

[Kenrath]

Vengeance chuckled.

"Yes but you did ask what I wanted with you?"

He smirked.

"Do you believe you deserve punishment for your actions?" "I asked your name because I wanted to know who I am speaking to."


"However since we are on the topic." "Why did you press the attack after disarming your opponent?" "Even further were you truly the better combatant or was your opponent just not up to the task?"

Vengeance wandered the room looking at each of the other Acolytes before stopping at the Instructor and requesting the room. Each of the Acolytes save [member="Vaulkhar"] were escorted from the room leaving the two of them alone in it.

 

[Vaulkhar]

At the questioning, the acolyte began to ponder what was asked of him, his attention leaving [member="Vengeance"] momentarily.

"It is my personal belief that to be a skilled combatant, one must always be up to the task. From what I've gathered during my time here, the One Sith is not raising or training those who are not up to the task of battle. He was very skilled, and put up a valiant fight. But in the end, he was defeated. Whether it be through superior skill, or simply outsmarting him, I personally believe it matters not. I bested him."

Vaulkhar speaks as the others are escorted out. Though he does not move his head to follow their actions, it is clear by his posture and body language he is paying special attention to the departure of the class. As the final student steps out, Vaulkhar slumps his shoulder's lightly, releasing a deep breath. The young man was clearly tired, the Juyo style too much for him during drawn out battles.

"As for your first question; no. I do not deserve punishment for defeating my sparring partner."

The young blind man pauses once more, considering one of the Knight's other questions in greater depth. Why had he further pressed his attack?

"I am not sure why I pressed the attack... I suppose it could of been to prove to them that my blindness is not a handicap. Maybe it was simply to show them I was the superior combatant. Though, I have a question for you. What is your name, Knight?"

 

[Kenrath]

Vengeance chuckled.

"Beating an unarmed man senseless does not make you a superior combatant." "However your actions are not entirely unreasonable." "A lot of Acolytes take it to that extreme every day."

Vengeance smiled.

"My name is Vengeance." "The biggest issue with the choices you made are in an extended conflict you would be largely useless." "You are tired, within the next few minutes sore, and most importantly unable to continue fighting." "Juyo is a nice form and one i am familiar with but rarely use." "I tend to use Makashi more than anything." "It is less draining and if used properly just as deadly."

Vengeance sat down making himself comfortable.

"Now to the heart of the matter Vaulkhar." "Why are you here?" "And I don;t mean in this room, or any this academy." "I mean why the Sith." "What do you hope to gain?"

[member="Vaulkhar"]

 

[Vaulkhar]

Dodging around his question momentarily, Vaulkhar began to speak.

"It's not a matter of beating him senseless to prove myself over him. More so, proving myself to those watching. Less people will bother me with the idea I cannot defend myself. With that being said, you are right about the style and the reasoning behind the issue of continuing the conflict. It was the only form offered to me by who raised me. I'd be more than interested in learning other styles."

Vaulkhar pauses momentarily, nodding after a moment.

"Answers, that is what I desire. I learned my father was a Sith Lord. I care not for him personally. Do not seek his acceptance, his power, and least of all his love. Instead, I wish to learn what drives him to do what he does. And anything I learn along the way, is more than accepted. I've found things I like around here, so I want to stick around."

[member="Vengeance"]

 

[Kenrath]

Vengeance chuckled.

"There are no answers here [member="Vaulkhar"] Sith do what they do for more reasons than there are things to do."

He shrugged.

"Perhaps it was a one night stand." "Perhaps it was part of a mission?" "Or perhaps he was just bored."

He changed the subject.

"There are seven forms." "Different people like different forms for various reasons." "I use form II myself for the flexibility and the fact it is about the least draining on the forms from what I can tell."

 

[Vaulkhar]

Vaulkhar nods along as [member="Vengeance"] speaks, simply listening to the man. His mastery over the Force Sight has increased greatly in the time he has been with the Sith. His studies with the Academy only furthered his knowledge of the Force, and the world became much clearer to him with each passing day. Though it was nothing in comparison to true sight, details of the world were becoming more and more clear to the Acolyte. No longer requiring Juyo in combat, it was time to move forward and learn more.

"What is the name of said form? Is it something you can teach me? As I gain more control over my Force Sight, it becomes easier to wield this lightsaber in battle, and no longer do I require such wild movements as used in Juyo."

 

[Kenrath]

He nodded to [member="Vaulkhar"] with a smile.

"Makashi and yes I can teach it." "It is not much different then some of the very things you were doing in your duel with the other acolyte." "I can't tell you how many times I have thrown a knee, elbow, or smash the hilt of my saber into somebodies face."

He chuckled.

"Those little tidbits can actually be applied to any form and in some cases should be."

He stood with a smile.

"Come find me later and I can teach you what I know." "Or you can see if one of the other Knights or Lords would be more suited to your particular style." "It is up to you."

 

[Vaulkhar]

"I would gladly learn Makashi from you [member="Vengeance"]. When we both have the time, I will seek you out. Many thanks for speaking with me and offering me this chance. It is very much appreciated."

Offering a short bow, Vaulkhar soon straightens and turns away. Striding off after a moment, a grin spreads along his face. He had finally found a master, one who could improve his lightsaber technique.