Refuge Interrupted

[Tugoro Taidarious]

The two began their exercise, Tugoro making sure that his attacks were matched evenly with [member='Ar'ekk']'s speed. The different shades of blue clashed repeatedly, just as they had years previously within Yutan's Jedi temple. The struggle within his old apprentice was apparent, but Tugoro was confident that he would be able to control it in time. It was not his place to say whether or not Ar'ekk should utilize the dark side, but he at least wanted to prepare him for what laid ahead.

Continuous use of such dark power was indeed a trap, one that left the user wanting more after each dose. To resist the great power offered to him, Ar'ekk would have to achieve peace of mind. Only then, could he look at his situation with a balanced and refined Jedi eye. As their sparring exercise continued, Tugoro would gradually increase the intensity in which he moved, forcing Ar'ekk to apply what he had been taught. "Move constantly, but stand your ground.

Close your eyes to the storm, even when within it." Complete focus regardless of the surroundings was also important to keep in mind, just as the constant transitions of the saber were. Attempting to lock their blades in place, Tugoro would strike out with his free hand, attempting to land a punch on the young man. Physical dodges were also important, as one could not always rely on their lightsaber.

 

[Arekk]

The Padawan managed to gain focus once [member="Tugoro Taidarious"] backed off briefly. His eyes closed slowly, tuning himself with the Force and everything sorrounding it. The light had won over the dark, his mind was peaceful and his body felt serene. The vicious feeling of using the dark side during battle was very attracting but it was his own decision to stand ground and make that feeling fade away. Ar'ekk was capable of such action and he knew it.

The lightsaber he was holding beamed strongly as if it was in tune with its user, showing off a fair amount of energy and power. The young Jedi moved it around, looking at his old mentor and trying to figure out his next move during this skirmish. He nodded to every instruction given, trying to perfect the style of battle being taught. In one sudden movement, Tugoro launched an unexpected punch to his persona which made him react just in time to avoid being hit full-on in the face. A smirk broadened in his face like if it was saying "That was too close."

Ar'ekk adopted a much more defensive style this time, adjusting himself to the battle and using the very same style that was being taught to him right now. It was time to stop the agressiveness and see how well he could perform using Soresu.

Would he succeed? It was time to know.

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

Tugoro had provided [member='Ar'ekk'] with the information to perform Soresu to some degree, and now it was up to the young Jedi to apply it. Tugoro did not expect him to execute the maneuvers flawlessly on his first go, but he was showing much promise thus far. "Do not meet your opponent head on, instead redirect their efforts until opportunity presents itself." The fist he had sent forward soared briefly passed its target before retracting, returning itself to the hilt of the Jedi's saber.

Now with a two handed grip, Tugoro would shift into an extremely offensive stance, bringing his arms around his body as he swung his weapon in a powerful sweep, that rose from his feet and towards the sky, aiming to brutally cleave off the apprentice's hand with the sheer force. If he were to block, he would find it difficult to do so against the immense strength Tugoro had output. As long as Ar'ekk understood what he had been hearing the entire time, he would know how to handle the situation.

 

[Arekk]

Ar'ekk took a few steps back before being struck by [member="Tugoro Taidarious"], dodging the incoming attack and swinging back to him only once to maximize his energy. The retreat allowed him to keep up a constant blade-movement to build up momentum and minimize energy-expenditure.

The Padawan focused on a more strong defensive technique to essentially outlast his master and wait until he began making mistakes due to frustration or fatigue, before taking advantage of these lapses and countering. He utilized tight moves, consisting of subtle dodges and efficient parries during this duel as he held the blade back in a one-handed grip, angled forwards with the left arm held parallel, the off-hand held up in a challenge and his dominant foot was positioned back as he waited for Tugoro's next move.

"This is more difficult than I thought, master." he said with a big grin on his face. The lightsaber's blue plasma beamed near his face, which allowed to show the continous struggle between the light and the dark in Ar'ekk's eyes.

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

Still with a firm two-handed grip, Tugoro would pull his lightsaber up from the strike he had performed, holding it steady in front of his body. Ar'ekk now had a solid understanding of Soresu, as his counter could have killed any lesser combatant. Their blades collided momentarily, parting as the apprentice continued to step backwards. "Of course it is. You'll be pleased to know you learn fast," the brown haired Jedi commented, watching as Ar'ekk fell into the traditional form three stance.

Lowering his blade, Tugoro would deactivate it, clipping it upon his belt before bowing towards Ar'ekk. Their sparring match had gone well in Tugoro's opinion, for Ar'ekk displayed a degree of control and restraint over himself. It would probably take some time to master the Center of Being stance, though he had a feeling that his apprentice would be fine regardless. "There is only so much I can teach you, Ar'ekk. What else do you wish to learn?" Tugoro questioned, figuring their training was going to last for awhile.

 

[Arekk]

Ar'ekk returned the gesture at [member="Tugoro Taidarious"], bowing before him as soon as the lightsaber rested on his belt. The sweat kept coming down on his forehead noticeably, even more after the exhausting training with his master. The Padawan took a moment to ponder and catch his breath, showcasing a side grin at Tugoro.

"I think we could use a little rest, master. I'm exhausted."

His eyes followed the face of Tugoro, expecting some sort of approval to his request. This reunion brought back memories, some of nostalgia and others of pain. It was a soothing feeling to be back to the early teachings just like in Yutan.


Both of them were ready to whatever came next.

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

It wasn't such a bad idea. The day had not ended just yet for many of the settlements, including the one [member='Ar'ekk'] had arrived from. "Let's go find that repulsorlift, then." The man spoke, a new idea forming within his mind as he began to walk. Along the path and down a slope of the island, the duo would eventually arrive at the shore, where the hovering raft Ar'ekk had taken was waiting.

Stepping on to the metallic surface, Tugoro would look down at the elevated control panel, pressing a few buttons as the raft began to move. They traveled upon the water ways for some time, islands looming on each side as the Jedi observed the scenery. Soon they arrived on a shoreline familiar to Ar'ekk, which was not far away from the settlement he had protected. The green robe Tugoro wore would drag along the grassy ground, as he and his apprentice passed by the villagers who had come to call this place home.

After a few minutes of walking, they came upon a small open structure, that had a few tables within, and a counter at the far end. Behind the counter was an old man, who waved the two over with a friendly smile. "Jedi Ar'ekk, and a friend! Come and take a seat, you eat on the house tonight," he spoke enthusiastically, obviously having heard of the young one's adventure. "I get tired of eating fish all the time, so I opened a lil' restaurant. 'Course, we got limited ingredients that mostly come from rations, but its better than fish all the time! We got nerf cubes, minced nerf stew, and aurebesh soup," The man explained, not giving the two much of a choice. "What'll it be, son?" He asked Ar'ekk.

 

[Arekk]

Ar'ekk followed his master's steps all the way to the small restaurant located in the central part of the village he had helped to investigate since day one. It's been a while since he had been staying amongst the community so it was relatively easy to realize that everyone knew about his adventures and the rumours started to spread. The duo took a seat after being welcomed by the owner of the building in the warmest of ways, as if the young apprentice was family. Voices whispering could be heard as they took a seat, eyes gazing upon them and briefly turning away as smiles and frowns developed on the faces of those secretly talking.

The menu that they had been offered was really poor for most people's standards but ever since Ar'ekk put foot in the village, he had embraced the culture and the food. "I will have the aurebesh soup, please."

His eyes laid upon his master's, exchanging glances with an interrogatory feeling in the air.

[member="Tugoro Taidarious"]

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

Not all within the settlement had good things to say about Jedi, some blaming them for the wars, while others toted them as heroes. One of the reasons Tugoro had tried not to reveal himself, though it seemed that would be futile for the time being. "I'll have the nerf stew," Tugoro replied, after [member='Ar'ekk'] had made his own order. The man looked to his apprentice, briefly shrugging as he noted the concern in his eye.

Once the chef returned with the meals and left, Tugoro decided to speak. The restaurant, if it could be called that, was hardly big, and not many people sat within. The Jedi was not worried about others eavesdropping, though their own senses were far more tuned to these things. "Don't let it bother you. We will eat, and be on our way. It's about time we left this planet, I think."

 

[Arekk]

A sense of relief invaded Ar'ekk at the immediate mention of leaving. He had his enough share of moments and stories in his forsaken place and was already in the mood of leaving. The aurebesh soup was hot and it burned his tongue, making the signature gesture when someone is hurt. The mask that covered the injured part of his face was laying on the table during the meal and the scars revealed much more than before.
"About time we left. I've had enough of this place, master."

The chatter in the background became louder by the time they spent there. It was getting too crowded for their own comfort.

[member="Tugoro Taidarious"]

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

Tugoro frowned, his face scrunching slightly as he gave [member='Ar'ekk'] a look of disapproval. "Already, you're letting what I've taught slip from your mind," he remarked, placing his spoon back into the bowl before him. He wondered if it had been like that on Yutan as well, all those years ago. Perhaps it was due to his own disappearance, it was possible that Ar'ekk did not trust him.

"Though we are all living beings here, you must know Jedi will be treated differently. It is a dark time for our order, and I now see we must persevere no matter what." The force had begun to shift, Tugoro had felt it deep within his meditation earlier that month. While those that fought for the light still remained, it was clear to him that the dark side clouded more than it ever had in the past. The recent events that had taken place were some sort of sign, not that Ar'ekk needed to know about that. "Cheedo has a ship. I don't know where we'd go."

 

[Arekk]

His expression changed drastically after being told off by his master. It was clear enough that he was in the wrong so he apologized.

"I'm sorry, master Tugoro."

The bowl of soup remained untouched given that the young Padawan did not feel hungry that evening. His mind was elsewhere as it's always been for some time. An occasional glance at Tugoro would indicate that Ar'ekk felt somewhat uncomfortable under his presence after all these years missing. It'd take some time to get used to having his old mentor around but he'd get around that idea again.

"I do not have a set path ahead of me. I go where the Force wills it."

Ar'ekk picked up his mask and put it on as the signature hissing of the mask's breather came to effect. His eyes were focused on the exit door as he played with the soup.

[member="Tugoro Taidarious"]

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

Having brought a can of food from his hut, Tugoro would place it upon the table, standing up as he motioned for [member='Ar'ekk'] to follow. Many in the settlement did not trade with credits, and so goods such as food were often accepted, not to mention needed. Stepping out, the duo made their way through the village, walking all the way to the other end, where Cheedo was seen just exiting his own hut. "Ah, Tugoro," the Rodian spoke, having met the Jedi weeks before. They were sort of friends, though Cheedo was as cautious and distant as ever. He had worked under the employment of a Hutt as a chef in the past, and so he found it hard to trust those around him.

"Let me guess, you need to use my ship again. I wonder if you will show up this time." Cheedo didn't sound excited by the idea, after Tugoro had completely blown off their plans for departure the first time. He had encountered an assassin from his days as a Padawan, but he wasn't about to tell that to Cheedo. "Everything will go smoothly this time. I've got another passenger, though." The Rodian looked to Ar'ekk, hesitating for a moment, before giving the young man a swift nod. "Fine. But you both get your own food, the ship doesn't have many consumables left." Finally, he was leaving Sanctuary.

Tugoro had spent a long time on the planet, and though he didn't exactly regret, he was glad to get out into space again. Cheedo would lead the two out of the settlement, further along the island, away from all of the people. Climbing down a brief rock wall, the three would land upon the sandy shoreline, continuing on the path around the island. Soon, they would see that the side of the rock face had been carved out, just big enough for the Wild Bantha to be set down in a shallow pool of water. "Should work just fine. I've kept up with her maintenance, so we can make it to that space station." Tugoro knew the place, it was very close, just inside Silver Jedi territory. The loading ramp on the front of the rugged ship would lower, allowing the group to enter. Looking to Ar'ekk, Tugoro would question him. "Ready?"

 

[Arekk]

"Ready as always, master." he replied with complete assurance. The journey would be very tiring for everyone so he hoped to get some rest during the trip. It's been weeks without being able to conciliate the sleep he much wanted to have as nightmares invaded his mind every night, images of loved ones suffering eternally.

The ship's interior felt cold as he walked in and settled down his belongings on one side of the spacecraft. It was the first time in months that he'd be in someplace else rather than Sanctuary. Finally, it was time to leave.


[member="Tugoro Taidarious"]

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

The ship hadn't been powered up in sometime, and so it was natural for it to feel cold, having been stored underground for long periods at a time. Once the trio had made their way up the loading ramp, Cheedo quickly climbed up the ladder well, onto the second level which was the control deck. Picking up the bag of belongings [member='Ar'ekk'] had set down, Tugoro would continue through the main deck, passing the ladder and making a turn into one of the four small cabins that were available. "Make yourself comfortable, could be a long trip," the Jedi spoke, stepping into his own quarters where he began to organize things.

The bulky freighter began to hum as the engines powered up, sitting for a few moments as to see if the systems would hold. Cheedo's voice could be heard over the intercom, as he began to speak to the duo below. "Get familiar with the ship, though we probably won't run into trouble, never hurts to be prepared." The speakers then shut off, as the Rodian began to ease the Wild Bantha out of the cave, bringing it up slowly before punching down on the accelerator. Staying low, the ship maneuvered its way between islands, casting waves of water in its wake as it picked up speed.

Eventually it pulled up, rumbling violently as it broke through the atmosphere. Soon they were in space, and sailing smooth as the hyperdrive engines started to warm up. Tugoro had taken a seat in the lounge area, standing up now that he wouldn't be flung across the cabin. Climbing down the nearest ladder well, Cheedo nodded to the duo, before pointing towards the other wells that were in sight.

"They all lead to escape pods and turrets, so be prepared. So, what's the objective? Same as last time?" Tugoro nodded in response, before speaking. "I just need a few parts, and I can get the Aleph up and running." Cheedo folded his arms over his torso, looking upon the Jedi with annoyance. "You have no credits, that much I know. How are we supposed to get these parts?" Tugoro was stumped there, not really having thought his plan through."Any ideas?"

 

[Arekk]

Ar'ekk had removed the mask due to feeling excruciating pain from the wounds. He held it in his hands, pondering heavily and seeming disconnected from his sorroundings. As he heard the Rodian speak to Tugoro, he regained the focus needed and joined the conversation.

"Nar Shaddaa is an excellent place to do business, especially for spacecraft parts. But as we all know, it's not very friendly." the Padawan concluded, having been in the planet controlled by the Hutts a long time ago with Master Rasu Gan's apprentice Celiana doing the same task.

The pain continued to ache and this didn't seem to let the young one to concentrate so he stood up and walked around, getting familiarized with the Wild Bantha.

[member="Tugoro Taidarious"]

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

Tugoro's eyes widened at [member='Ar'ekk']'s suggestion, for the Jedi Master himself had quite the history on the city planet of Nar Shaddaa. Many of his greatest adventures as a youth had taken place their, and he couldn't help but slowly smile at the prospect of returning.

"That's reasonable. We'd have a greater chance of getting what we need, that's for sure," Cheedo spoke, nodding in approval of the apprentice's idea. "Still farther than the space station, but our hyperdrive will take us there. I'll go reset the coordinates." The Rodian then turned away from the two Jedi, climbing up the ladder and onto the control deck. After a few moments, a brief burst of energy was heard and felt, as the freighter jumped into hyperspace.

"You've been there, then?" Tugoro questioned, slightly sensing the familiarity Ar'ekk had with the planet. "I should have shown you before, there is an old Jedi Enclave there, from the Republic order. 'The Dark Man', they called him. He was a Jedi Knight who operated on Nar Shaddaa, one of my masters for a brief time. He was something else. I suppose we could continue our training, for the time being. Perhaps another saber form?"

 

[Arekk]

Ar'ekk turned around to face [member="Tugoro Taidarious"] as he nodded. Nar Shaddaa was known to be in control of several Hutt cartel lords and most of the citizens were bounty hunters and criminals. If they were to go in search of parts for the Aleph, they'd have to get in contact with people who will most certainly require them to do something in exchange.

"I have, master. Let's say I travelled to that planet for the same reason we're going now. That place is not welcoming to unsuspected people, ingenuity will get you killed. We'll probably have to pull a favor from someone first to get what we require for the ship since we don't have any credits." the apprentice concluded. He was well aware of the dangers that Nar Shaddaa provided, especially the Red Light Sector.

As time went by, the "Smuggler's Moon" was visible from the cockpit of the Wild Bantha. Once the authorization to land was granted, the ship made its way to one of the many docking bays available in the city, the nearest one being in the Promenade.

​

"We're here."

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

The hum of the Wild Bantha's engines began to die down, as it gently set itself upon the designated landing pad. The entertainment promenade was not a part of Nar Shaddaa that Tugoro had been to frequently, and he was honestly surprised that they had been cleared for landing. Cheedo slid down through the ladder well, pressing a button on a console near the main ramp, causing it to lower onto the metallic surface below. "I've got a few friends here, luckily I won't have to pay. Come on," the Rodian spoke, waving towards the duo as he walked down the ramp.

The catwalk before them was stretched out from the spaceport, the landing pad looming high above the lower levels of the planet. Speeder traffic was overwhelmingly loud, irritating Tugoro's sense of hearing after months of peaceful silence. At the other end of the catwalk was a terminal, used by the customs officers who were approaching, to verify and approve of those who desired entry. In this case, they seemed to be personnel hired by the Hutts, as a Weequay in a standard uniform approached the trio. Cheedo was the first to be questioned, providing verification of his ownership of the freighter, and his identity before being searched.

"And these two?" The officer questioned, looking to Tugoro and [member='Ar'ekk'] before glancing back to the Rodian. "They are friends, nothing to worry about," Cheedo replied, desperately hoping they had not brought their lightsabers with them. "Everyone gets searched. Legs wide, and lift your arms." The Weequay instructed, moving towards Ar'ekk in hopes of discovering anything that may have been illegal or overly dangerous.

 

[Arekk]

Ar'ekk had a sudden change of emotions when the Weequay approached the duo to conduct the respective search. His eyes exchanged glances with [member="Tugoro Taidarious"] then went back with the customs officer. Before he could say anything, the Padawan made use of an ancient yet effective force power called "mind trick", that only seemed to work on weak minded individuals.

"We're clean and you'll let us pass freely. Everything checks out accordingly." he said, making a gesture with his fingers and with the hope that it worked otherwise they would be in big trouble.

It was certain that the Smuggler's Moon was under a heavy scrutinization and nobody would make the trio's life any easier once they were deep in the heart of this criminal planet.

The first obstacle was to go through this checkpoint. Will they make it?