Push it to the Limit

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Standing in the training grounds of the Voss temple[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Nikias was bathed in the moonlight from Voss' satellite. The entire training grounds was empty except for Nikias and it made sense considering how late it was[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]but Nikias just couldn't stand training among the others to often. He'd been failing at everything that the academy threw at him since he first joined. His ability to sense things in the force was near zero, even on planets like Korriban and Dromund Kaas he couldn't sense the dark aura the planets gave off. It often led him into more trouble than he liked, but it was something he could deal with. What the Hellyni prince couldn't handle were the children that had showed more talent in the abilities such as enhancing their bodies when he couldn't even manifest the force in such a way. Hence why he had taken to training alone and honing his abilities in the only ability he'd shown any type of competency with.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Nikias had went so far to contact one of the other jedi that was a part of the Silver Sanctum, one that seemed to specialize in the telekinetic aspects of the force. Someone who could possibly help Nikias make up for his weaknesses in the other parts of the force. Before Nikias spread across the ground were numerous rocks of varying sizes, some were the size of a coin while others were bigger than Nikias' fist. He'd been training in lifting them and as he raised his hands the rocks floated up as though caught in a turbo lift and then as Nikias spun his hand in the air the rocks entered an orbit around him. Though it was obviously wobbly and took concentration for him to keep them in line as they did so. [/SIZE]

[member="Xander Carrick"]

 

[Garza]

A telekinesis trainee had come a Jedi were vcross my desk. Alot of Jedi were versed in the force with this power. Be it simple force pushes and lifting of objects, or even some like myself who were masters of such an art form. Most forms of Telekinesis were easy to grasp. Once you learned of a Force push, you could learn how to control it to create a force wave, then a Repulse, then control items with the force, varying in size to become things you would never imagine doing. You could directly inflict upon objects the will of the force. Causing the item to fly at the speed of your force push. You could even focus opon yourself, and levitate, and once you were good enough, even fly.

It was with this power that the Jedi could do many things. If you couldn't use it, then it would be hard to claim yourself as a Jedi. One such student had contacted me about it. After a few telekinetic classes with some younglings, I headed over to the training grounds that would be emptied out a long time ago. He wanted a personal lesson. And I wanted to see how much he could do.

When coming close, I could feel the faint spark of the force. I used my powers to limit mine. Making myself nearly invisible to the force. I wanted to watch him from a distance at first. As such, I could see this young Hellyni levitate rocks in orbit around himself. He did fairly well. However, he was doing something that came easy. He was performing a task that he has likely done before. To learn you do not do something over and over, to learn is to challenge your body, your essence, your force potential to surpass your limits. If I remember right, this young man was a Prince of some planet. I forget what it was, I briefly went over the file of him. Name, [member="Nikias"]. A man wanting to become a Jedi.

And such he will be. Even now I could see the potential in him. As he was using the force to keep the rocks upright, I used some myself. Testing him before we even met. Pushing down upon the rocks. Providing resistance. And to see if he could hold it. And if so, how long could he go. The pressure was very light. Considering the rocks were already shaking, trembling as though they feared the young man.

I just hope he is up to the challenge. because I won't be easy.

[member="Nikias"],

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Slowly Nikias had begun to increase the speed of the orbit of the rocks so that twirled around him[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] but soon enough half of them felt just a tad off than they had been mere seconds ago. Half of the dozen immediately fell out of orbit and away from nikias’ waist[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] with no clue what had even happened Nikias reached out with his right hand at those that had fallen away from orbit. Out stretched the invisible hand of the force and then separating to catch the half dozen rocks that had almost hit the ground. They had started at Nikias’ waist but by the time he’d reacted and caught them they were as low as his knee. if nikias had been any slower in reaching out to catch them they would've possibly hit the ground. though it perplexed him how they had suddenly fell, even when he was most troubled or tired he hadn't dropped them.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Did I lose focus? [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Nikias thought looking down at the rocks that hung in the middle of the air around his knee[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]having to break his concentration to focus on both groups of rocks now the orbit of the one’s he’d been able to keep rotating had slowed by a fraction. Motioning his right hand as one would if summoning someone to them Nikias got the rocks back into their proper position. This time however he did not lower his right hand and instead began twirling it like he did with the other. This was to enforce his focus on the stones this time holding them in place. Over time the speed of the rocks picked up from a slow float to where they cycled around Nikias. His face wasn’t contorted in concentration except for the biting of his lip and a slight narrowing of his eyes. [/SIZE]

[member="Xander Carrick"]

 

[Garza]

The young man did well. Fast reaction time. Even more so to catch them, and put them back into orbit. His face was perplexed for a moment, and he was back at it again with his orbital form of the rocks. He was doing well. However, I would have to strain his abilities some more. However, first it was time for an introduction. I let my force presence become felt, and walked forward. I wore simple training gear. I adjusted my bracers a little as I walked forward. A lightsaber hung at my belt, and a hammer on my right side.

I walked forward to meet the young man.

"Nikias, I assume? I am Xander Carrick. You contacted me about training of Telekinesis. Keep the rocks up. Let them circle you while we speak."

I looked the man over. Tall. Standing close to my height. Smaller build, but well built in terms of humans. Strong. Capable, and his eyes shone like a golden flame. His horns? if that was the correct term was of his species I assumed. However he had short white hair. not long black hair. Likely a choice he has made to make himself different from the others who he once was around. He reminded me a lot of someone I used to know. However that was long before he had turned to the dark side.

"Training you will receive. Now. I want you to keep the orbital forms around you. Take one of the rocks, and let it spin farther out from the rest. Hold it there for ten seconds, and bring it in closer to you. You will do this for every rock. And don't lose track, otherwise you will do them multiple times."

Endurance training, Mental awareness of what was happening, as well as the movement and changing of the rocks would have to be careful. Moving them too fast could upset the balance he had. Moving them too slow would do the same. Hell, extending the rock out too much, or too little could cause him to drop them.

"You won't like this son, but I am going to make you find out about muscles you didn't even know you had."

[member="Nikias"]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Even with Xander making his force presence known[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] Nikias was unable to sense him. The Hellyni had no clue the Master had begun approaching till he heard the sound of footsteps. Turning Nikias looked at the Master offering a nod of respect[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] he had even been about to let the rocks drop but with the sudden order from Master Carrick[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Nikias immediately straightened and held on to the rocks that orbited his body. "Yes I am Nikias[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] I contacted you because I heard about your talents in this aspect of the force." Nikias said nudging his head to the rocks that floated around him though now he was really using both his hands as they were held open palm up now to control the floating of the rocks. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Examining the master Nikias could tell that the being was older than him[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]and the amount of stubble on the Master's chin put Nikias' to shame. Though he continued to control the orbit of the stones as he listened to what Xander was saying. To be honest Nikias off first impressions Nikias began to think of the Master as he did his drill instructors when he'd first been preparing for battle as a teenager. Those days of rough training that had left him sore and on the ground soaked in sweat came back to him. If Xander could match such a training regimen or do worse than it Nikias was truly curious[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]and more than anxious to see the results. It would probably when he showed the most growth. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]"Well I hope it’s well worth the pain at the end of all this." Nikias said as he began his first attempt at what Xander had ordered[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]focusing on one of the larger rocks Nikias slowly let it leave the orbit of his body and this broke his focus of having one big group to having to pay attention to both. Nikias' right hand moved in slow whirling motions as he used it to focus on the ones orbiting his body. The left hand was held out palm facing the rock and as it finally broke free of the orbit though wobbly Nikias nearly dropped the rest of the dozen rocks that had circled around him as he had slowed down the orbit to dislodge the stone. Right hand tightening into a fist Nikias caught the rocks and brought them back to their original speed. Sweat beaded on his brow from the focus and after the first ten seconds was up Nikias moved to try it again keeping his attention split on the two different groups of rocks. [/SIZE]

[member="Xander Carrick"]

 

[Garza]

The young man did well. Continuing in his efforts, his skills were starting to manifest, albeit slowly. I watched as he would move the rock that he had chosen to move. it was wobbly. As well as the rest of the rocks were starting to shudder as they moved around him. I smirked a little as he continued to try. Shaking my head, I walked forward, and with the flat of my hand, held the rock in place as he would try to keep all of his rocks in orbit.

"The rock you choose to move, it will begin at my hand. Move it out of the circle and bring it back into the circle of your orbital path before touching my hand. Otherwise.."

I used my force suddenly and forcefully, pulled all of his rocks to the ground.

"You will start over from the beginning."

A challenge is something to overcome. A challenge is something that tests the very limits of who you are, and how much you are capable of doing. Fighting literally in hell was a challenge for me. And as such, I wanted to prepare this young man, to fight in his own version of hell if necessary.

"Now, start again."

[member="Nikias"]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Nikias thought he was beginning to get the hang of it and after the first few times Nikias had gotten the hang of it and was finding the exercise easier as it divided his attention. Though he heard Xander approaching Nikias didn't draw his attention away from the rocks. He'd already gotten the gist that the training he'd asked for wouldn't be easy. What Nikias was facing already he thought was Xander going hard on him... Just how wrong he had been. Feeling the rock that he had held out of the orbit stop its rotation Nikias raised a brow. He hadn't been about to drop it so just what had he done wrong to draw Xander's attention. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Trying to move the rock Nikias noticed it wouldn't budge at first and listened to what Xander had to say about the training. Adding in the extra restriction was perfectly fine with Nikias[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] and he didn't mind it at all. But what Xander did next caused Nikias to freeze as a surge of anger welled up in him. The dozen rocks Nikias had been holding up fell straight to the ground with a loud clack rolling across the arena. His gold eyes hardened and if looks could kill Nikias' would've been shooting lasers from his eyes as he looked at Xander. The point had been made before but what he had did was going to a whole other level. Fist tightening Nikias thought of taking a swing at the Master but thought better of it. Not only would he get beat but it would probably get him in trouble with the other Masters as well. "Fine." He said voice even and cold as ice.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Looking around the arena to see where the rocks had scattered to Nikias reached out with his hand pulling them in his direction a few at a time. Hovering through the air all the dozen slowly built up to a ball before Nikias and one by one they floated away from the ball and began circling him. This time it was much easier to do it as all he wanted was to do was prove Xander wrong and he could feel his jaw hurting from how tightly clamped it was. Extending one out from his orbit Nikias would let it begin its own rotation but the moment he felt a disturbance or pull on it he'd aim to push it into Xander's face but make it stop short and bring it back to the orbit as a distraction.[/SIZE]

[member="Xander Carrick"]

 

[Garza]

The young man was mad. Furious even that I had made his stones fall to the ground. He was not happy at all that I made him start over. That was the point. If you were going to start over, you would start over from the beginning. You would refresh what you were doing. Learn to grab and obtain that balance again and again if need be. The force was not just about levitating items when focusing upon them. It was about doing the entire process. Finding the item, focusing upon it, grabbing it. taking it, and then moving it to your desire.

The same was with lightsabers. If you wanted to become fluid within a stance, you would have to practice getting into the stance, and staying there. Not just staying in the stance for long periods of time. I had become a master duelist not because of my strength or speed. But because of my ability to switch between multiple forms of lightsaber combat mid swing, or even go from a Soresu stance, to using Djem-so movements. As such you needed to be with the force.

This young man would soon learn that he needed to be able to adapt to any situation should the need arise, and chance his "stance" accordingly. If that meant making him angry in the process, then so be it. The young man began the process like I had told him too. Making one rock move from within the circle, and moving back before it could touch my hand. After he had done this with all of the dozen rocks he had, I let my hand drop.

"Now do two at a time. However, they cannot be next to one another. They have to be three stones away from each other."

I was going to split his focus. Making him change how he was going to accomplish this task of making sure each stone was three away from the second one that would be moving as well. All the while. I once again grabbed onto the rocks, only I didn't throw them. I prohibited them from moving in any direction. Likely as he would expect them to be thrown, and not to become a stationary target.

"You will find, life is not fair, and will never put you in a situation where you will start with the advantage. If you react accordingly you can flip the coin, but you will almost never begin with the ball in your court. Now. Begin."

I was once a child. I was once a young man like him. I knew how he felt. I knew he likely wanted to bash my face in. However, he may try. He will not succeed. The passing of years can do a great and many things to you. It can provide you knowledge, wisdom, and strength that Nikias would only understand after he has passed into the years. As of this moment, I was preparing him for what may happen, so he will be better suited to meet the situations where I may have failed.

[member="Nikias"],

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]The lessons continued with Nikias having to finish up the complete orbit along with controlling one rock separately from the group each time. At first he'd found it difficult due to having to split his attention between them. For Nikias moving one thing or gripping it and throwing it wasn't hard at all[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]but once his attention required him to be focused on more than one object at once things became a lot harder for him. However progressively throughout the first set Nikias got better at dealing with it as he was becoming more aware of how each stone felt and where it was in his own telekinetic grip. Over time Nikias didn't even have to look at the rocks orbiting him as their weight and movement had become natural enough that he could do it paying with minimal amount of attention. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Looking up as the dozen was completed Nikias was relieved that Xander's hand had fell[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]he took it as a sign that he'd done alright. Now more used to the movements Nikias focused on Xander's words able to look at the master this time while leaving the bare minimum of attention on the rocks orbiting his body. "Do they have to be exactly three rocks apart?" Nikias asked this time a concerning look. While he was getting used to dividing his attention having to control every fourth rock would require him being incredibly precise. If Xander had said just any two Nikias could've probably picked rocks on polar opposite sides of each other and it would've been easier. The fact that a definite position had been given made things more difficult. Biting his bottom lip Nikias prepared to do the exercise till he felt all his own stones stop being held still by a grip more powerful than his own. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Glaring daggers at Xander[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] Nikias had to bite back the retort that had almost escaped his lips. "What did I do wrong now?" Nikias asked through gritted teeth. Though soon enough Xander decided to coach Nikias on how life wasn't fair. "I know life isn't fair. Do you not see me? I know how it’s not fair more than most." Nikias growled waiting for the master to release the rocks for him to start the second exercise. Now driven by not only his anger at the Master[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] but at the memories of his torture Nikias was glad that he still had an impenetrable mind like other Hellyni. It took a few seconds for Nikias to orientate his thinking to every fourth rock but once he did they moved away from his body. As he was able to keep the orbit of the other rocks going without too much trouble Nikias could focus more of his thoughts on the two rocks. [/SIZE]

[member="Xander Carrick"]

 

[Garza]

Oh was he getting angrier and angrier by the minute. I could see how badly he wanted to fight back. I smiled, and released my grip upon the rocks that floated. Instead of doing anything. I took a step back and decided to throw the ball into the man's side of the court.

"I have read your file son. I know that. However, have you had to control yourself when the love of your life was taken from you? When she could have been corrupted to the dark side? Would you have been able to control yourself and master the fact, that your children could be hurt at any moment without your say so? Tell me son. Do you take me for a fool?"

I smiled and shook my head. Resting my hand upon his shoulder and was very calmly speaking to him.

"I hold the rocks you wish to move as a resistance. Your job is to overcome this resistance. That is what life is all about. Finding and overcoming the challenges that are placed before you. I am not making this hard for you just because I want you to endure pain. I make this hard to train you. To prepare you for what lies in wait ahead."

I bowed my head for a moment and removed my hand from his shoulder. Deciding to continue speaking.

"I had a friend near and dear to my heart. He was always troubled with his past and how he had failed when he shouldn't have. You are having the same problem. You focus too much upon the past to see clearly. I know what happened when you were captured. I know why you are different. Life will be harsh on people. Mother nature will present challenges to you. If you overcome them, then you will see yourself become stronger. However, if you cannot, she will leave you to rot."

I used the force and grabbed a hold of the lightsaber on the man's belt. It flew to my hand. I inspected it for a second before extending it out to him.

"This weapon is not just a tool. it is a symbol of what you stand for. To become a warrior, a fighter, a force user, a Jedi..... you need to find something that will push you past your limits. For me, it is my family. They are my strength. I love them because I have made a connection with someone that can never be broken. You, need to find that connection. It does not matter what it is, or where it came from, or how you discovered it. You, as a Jedi, as a Warrior, as a Prince, and most importantly, as yourself, need to find something to believe in, to push yourself and to provide a rock, a foundation for you to stand upon."

I willed the force to let the lightsaber hang in front of him. Ready to take it should he choose.

"Your training, is not about becoming better with the force. It is about finding something within yourself, finding that foundation to build your strength upon. Otherwise, you will crumble, you will fall, and you will perish. Is that understood?"

My voice had been calm through the entire time I had been speaking. Not rude. Not evil. Not cruel. In fact, I sounded almost happy. Almost as though I was raising the bar for this man to pull himself up upon.

"You have been through a lot. And that is why I expect more from you than others. Now, shall we continue this lesson, or do you want to back down?"

[member="Nikias"]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Being barraged by Xander's questions was the last thing on the young Hellyni's mind. He didn't think that the Master knew anything about him and as the questions came Nikias bit his lip looking away from the master not answering them. In all honesty Nikias didn't know how he would handle such a situation if it had arisen and he had to deal with it. Nikias probably would've been at a complete loss for what to do and he could acknowledge that. He was at a loss with only his brother's death weighing on his shoulders. Adding others to the list would leave Nikias helpless[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]he'd probably end up turning to the darkside himself. While he didn't want to it was still a possibility as every day he still had to fight the voices in his mind. The voice that urged him to kill those in his way[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]and return to make all those involved in his brother’s death pay. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]The foreign weight on his shoulder drew Nikias out of his deep thoughts and looking up at the Master[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Nikias understood where he was coming from. Though a part of Nikias still rebelled at the thought of being left to rot. He knew he was mortal[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]and that death could take him just as easily as anybody else in the galaxy. That didn't mean he'd let it nor let it hinder him. He'd come this far off his willpower alone[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] and he was sure he could go further. I will not be left behind to rot. Even if mother nature leaves me behind I will continue on in one way or another even if it means going against nature itself. Nikias thought to himself but nodded his head to the master not offering any questions to the statement. There were to many things left for Nikias to do[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] and death was not on that list nor would he consider it an option anytime soon.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Feeling the lightsaber lifted from his body Nikias watched Xander examine and explain the meaning behind the weapon. "Yes I know what I fight for." Nikias said claiming the weapon in his right hand and clipping it back to his belt. Nikias fought not only for the throne but for the people of the Makrosian kingdom. For the entire HEllyni species and to end the war between the City-states. With a new surge of confidence and a stubborn will Nikias met Xander's challenge. "I don't back down from anything." Nikias said and as he did so he summoned the rocks back to his grip to return to the training. [/SIZE]

[member="Xander Carrick"]

 

[Garza]

"Good. Keep that mentality and you will be fine."

Once again, the young lad gathered up his rocks, and proceeded to do as I told him to. I had to wonder, what pushed him now, that he didn't have before? was it just because I gave him a good come to Jesus moment, or was it because I gave him something to look for. Something to find within himself. Regardless, as the young man would continue on his job I had set before him, I walked around him as I spoke.

"Use what you have found, and gather up your loins. Push it all together and use it as your source of power. Your foundation. Build on it. Even if the foundation changes, you will still have something to build upon. Should it be friendship, Family, Honor, heritage, or even Love itself, use that to your advantage. Fight back even when the odds are against you."

I could feel a slight smirk on my face as I spoke. Trying to give this man more encouragement. Hopefully it would work. Because I could see a lot of myself in this young man. I was at one point, so weak within the force, I could barely perform a force push. I could barely lift my lightsaber off of the ground. Yet here I am, 30 years later with the power of the gods at my disposal. Years of hard work, dedication, and the will to fight on have turned me into who I am today.

And as sure as hell, this man would become something even more powerful, and meaningful than he thought possible. He will become something..... something more.

[member="Nikias"]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Drawing on the force Nikias found it easier to draw on now that he was driven by his ambitions and his passions. By his raw emotions[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]for the love of his family. For his passion to stop the war on his home world[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] and to ensure that no other Hellyni had to suffer what he had. As the rocks were now back in his control Nikias didn't even have to use two hands to control the orbit of the rocks around his waist. He did it with one upraised hand and his eyes were focused on every fourth rock. Wrapped in the invisible grip the rocks would leave the orbit and spin in place before moving back in to join their brethren[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] and the further in that Nikias went in it the easier it became to split his attention between the orbit of the group and the two separate rocks that had been forced to leave the group.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]While many jedi probably would've opposed Nikias using his emotions he could feel them charging him as the raw force energy within himself surged. Before he'd only been drawing on his knowledge of telekinesis with nothing behind it besides thoughts of using it. Now packed with his emotions things were much easier[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] and clearer for Nikias. How much the rocks weighed[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] their position in terms to his body and the speed at which they moved. Every now and again he'd see Xander cross his vision as the master offered encouragement in what Nikias did. It all felt so right drawing on his emotions causing Nikias' thoughts to slowly drift away while his subconscious seemed to continue the task. How could the jedi code preach there was no passion when it was apparent how they fed oneself. It didn't make sense from Nikias' eyes[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] and coming from a hedonistic species it was at odds with his nature as a warrior and a Hellyni. Something that he'd have to meditate on more deeply in the future.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]As the exercise ended Nikias drew the rocks into each other forming them into a giant ball where they were all tightly pressed together though it was mishapen due to the variety of sizes. [/SIZE]

[member="Xander Carrick"]

 

[Vora Kaar]

Clapping sounds could be heard from across the yard. Slightly within the shadow of an overhand, I stood. I had watched from a distance the two men work together. My father training a man who was much older than I was, but somehow had less force potential than I did. I was curious about this, and because Maya, My mother, had sent me to see why father had not returned for supper. Walking forward in my rather regal looking attire, I moved to place my left hand on the hilt of the sword on my hip. It pushed on the grip, and nothing more. No advances in attacking, or anything of the sort.

I walked forwards and shook my head. "Mother has been waiting for you."

I only wondered how the large man was going to take this.

[member="Nikias"], [member="Xander Carrick"],

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt][member="Zephyr Carrick"] [member="Xander Carrick"] [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Nikias heard the footsteps before the young man’s voice and turning to look at who else would possibly be up that late at night he found a young boy with blue eyes[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]and a matching set of eyes. Mother? Nikias thought looking back at Xander and then once again at the young boy. He could barely spot a resemblance between the two if there was one at all. Especially considering the lad didn't have the build of Xander[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]though certainly had the height. Taking a step back so as to not be in the way of the parent and child Nik stood off to the side. He honestly didn't have too much to say to them[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] as the training for him and Xander had been coming to an end anyways. Though he'd stay behind to continue and practice using telekinesis more.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]"If you have some place to be,[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] I don't mind at all. Thank you for the lessons master Xander." Nikias said inclining his head to the telekinetic master. It had been a good lesson in helping Nikias with one of the few things he struggled with in telekinesis and that was multitasking. Lifting a single individual up wasn't bad, nor focusing on any one or two targets but once the number started increasing from there was when things had begun to get tougher. [/SIZE]

 

[Garza]

As my new apprentice was beginning to finish his task set before him, I watched as the other rocks came into forming one mass in front of him. However, I could feel the force signature of my son come closer and closer. I prepared to yell at him when I could hear the clapping coming from behind me. Turning around, his words hit me. Realizing that I had been late. I rolled my eyes much like a teen would to their mother, and then as my apprentice spoke up about it being okay for me to leave, I shook my head.

"I have a better idea."

I used the force to pull my son's lightsaber from his belt. It almost flashed into my hands with how hard I had pulled on it. Activating it, I saw the crisp yellow blade that I had once used when I was an apprentice. Smiling, I threw him the saber.

"Zeph, You wanted to train right? Then we will. Only you will have a little competition. "

Turning to Nikias, I smiled and inclined my head towards him. Seeing if he was up for being a little bit of a Rival to my son, and both of their training styles.

[member="Nikias"], [member="Zephyr Carrick"],

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Nikias had been preparing to train on his own[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]but at the mention of a better idea it slightly caught his interest making the young hellyni look over to Xander. He had no clue at first what the old man was planning but it didn't take long to figure out. "Well as long as he's up for it I'm more than ready for a competition." Nikias said rolling his shoulders then quickly followed by his neck that popped loudly. They'd been at the training for quite a while but he still had enough in him for a duel if need be. Looking up at the sky Nikias took note of how much time had initially passed during his time training with Xander and figured there was plenty of time left for them to get whatever Xander had planned done before the other occupants of the temple woke up.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Looking at the yellow lightsaber Nikias took stock of the weapon looking for any designs and such that could possibly give Xander's son an advantage over him if the competition involved combat. Reaching to his waist Nikias opened the pack that he had kept the rocks in originally and began funneling them into it till it swelled like a full balloon on the edge of busting. He'd probably have to collect more later to add to his training since he'd been able to do the exercises with a dozen. [/SIZE]

[member="Xander Carrick"] [member="Zephyr Carrick"]

 

[Vora Kaar]

I rolled my eyes. Apparently we were going to be going against each other. As for what we would be doing, I felt like it might have something to do with Telekinesis considering my father was a Master at it, as well as just now teaching another student in it. My father had taken my lightsaber. Examining it as though his old weapon was still his. Tossing it back to me, I plucked it out of the air with my right hand, and then clipped it back onto my belt. The apprentice was fine with this. And even started to crack his neck and knuckles.

I rolled my eyes as he may have tried to look tough. Cracking knuckles did nothing other than release pockets of air from between your fingers. Walking closer, I stood about the same distance from my father as I did with the apprentice Nikias.

"Alright, so what are we going to be doing?"

I waited for a moment as my father thought this over. He then smiled. Reaching out, he gathered roughly six stones from the area. All ranging in size. placing them down in a line directly between us.

"Have you ever played a game as a child called dodgeball? Well, grab the rock, and throw it at the other student. With only using telekinesis. However, to prevent yourself from getting hit, you cannot dodge. You must catch the thrown rock at you, and either drop it, or throw it back. You may only have two rocks in your possession at a time."

"Begin."

[member="Nikias"]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt][member="Zephyr Carrick"][/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]The rolling of Zephyr's eyes was not missed by Nikias but he paid little attention to it. The rolling of eyes was a habit that he saw many young demonstrate as well as the old when annoyed by something. Nikias only agree due to it being extra training for him to most likely put to use in the future. Standing opposite Xander's son Nikias listened to the brief explanation of the game. "I have never had such a game on my homeworld." He said being honest. The childhood on Hora was more focused on raising children to be intellectuals and warriors than on them having a truly fun childhood. "But I do understand the game." Nikias said watching the six rocks carefully[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] due to them all varying in size that meant that some would be better serving as a mere distraction from the larger picture.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Looking back up at Zephyr[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] Nikias offered the young man a smile. Though whether it was friendly or a competitive one was known only to Nikias. Not to long after Xander finished listing out the rest of the rules did Nikias react pointing at Zephyr with his index and middle finger. Following his motion[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]the center rock which was as large as Nikias' fist flew at Zephyr and behind it following a tiny stone. Approaching the jedi they'd suddenly break off with the bigger one changing direction aimed for his knee and the smaller aimed for his shoulder. If there was one thing Nikias knew it was how to improvise and create strategies on the fly. [/SIZE]