Taking a few seconds. (Soresu Training)

[Garza]

I took a hold of my saber. And slashed down at a a proxy droid, cutting it in half. I quickly swung back around to the second droid, hidden as a Sith Apprentice, My swing to the head was blocked, and a kick sent to my stomach, I was flung back a ways, and got back to my feet in just enough time to block the over head cut. I pushed up with my hand against the "Sith" chest and he flew into the air, I gripped him with the force, and threw my saber to him.

The yellow saber impaled him through and through in the stomach. I then yanked him down, with what seemed to me as a lot of force, but was really nothing compared to the droid. he crashed down and as a third came up. I sidestepped his red saber. Lashing out my left hand I grabbed his right hand and slammed down on my knee, forcing him to let go of the red saber. Quickly I caught it and then impaled him as well.

I shut off the saber and let it drop to the floor. I called on my own saber that had now shut off and slapped into my hand with the help of the force.

I knew how to use the force, but I seemed to be only able to use simple moves. I wished that I could somehow learn another force power that way I could pass into my knighthood. And get the Imperial Knight armor that I had dreams of wearing.

Just then, my own personal proxy droid, K1-LLR walked out from the corner clapping her hands. "Good, you were effective but sloppy." I shook my head. There was no point in if I was sloppy or not. But I had learned that I needed to have a higher defense because with my battle against the two Sith knights and the apprentice, pushed me more than I would have thought.

I needed to learn a form that would help me keep the most protection that I had, seeing as I didn't have the force to help me very much, I would need a lightsaber form that could compensate for that. And there was only one that I knew of. Soresu.

@[member="Yasuo"]

 

[Atlas Kane]

Walking through the corridors of the Gardens of Roan was a weird thing. Even though this place was called the ''Gardens of Roan'', it was more like an industrial training facility, not at all like a Garden. It kind of disappointed Yasuo that the only real calm and peaceful place in the Gardens was a small room filled with plants and other vegetation atop the training facility. He should make a request for the expansion of the gardens someday, but not today.

Walking past a room he noticed the door standing open and looked inside. There was a young apprentice who was just training with a couple of droids. He was quite skilled with the Force, since he able to throw his lightsaber with the Force and use what seemed to be a Force augmented punch or push, from this angle Yasuo wasn't really able to see what exactly it was. ''Quite impressive for a Cadet. Well done.'' He said to the apprentice. He continued to move closer and ask ''From what I've seen you are very skilled when it comes to aggressive styles, but are you able to defend yourself as well?''

@[member="Xander Carrick"]

 

[Garza]

I heard a voice from the room entrance. Turning to see an Ex jedi that seemed to be familiar to me, yet I could not place the name. He noticed that I was very aggressive in my forms. With the Shien and Shii-cho forms that I knew some of, I was very aggressive. However, I kept it bottled up to use when in battle. Prefering to use my anger for a fight, rather than let it loose on someone who say, randomly enters the room with out introducing himself.

I nodded my head as I put my saber away in the fold of my vambrace of my right arm. "I have been told that before." I took a moment as I walked towards him so we wouldn't have to almost shout across the room to hear eachother.

"I know well enough to protect myself against a Sith Knight and apprentice at the same time. But during that bout..." I pulled off my bracer and folded up my sleeve to reveal the burned tissue of my arm from a disruptor pistol. I hated those things, and would maybe have to carry one of my own so I could use it to my advantage. "I got shot from a disruptor pistol. It still hurts, but not as bad when I had first got it." It had only been a week or so since the invasion.

I rolled my sleeve back down and put on the bracer over it. kind of protecting my arm. "Why sir? do you have a way for me to protect my self against things like this?"

@Yasuo

 

[Atlas Kane]

Once Yasuo was able to see the apprentice's face he realized it was someone quite familiar. He had met this young man on several occasions and after a couple of moments he remembered the name of this young apprentice. Then the apprentice, Xander, told him about his run-ins with some Sith and what they had left him with. It seemed the apprentice had gotten himself into some quite dangerous situations since the last time they met, his scar was evidence of that. Then Xander asked him if he knew of something that could help him during battle. Yasuo thought about it for a moment and then answered ''You don't need to call me 'Sir', I don't like formalities. Just call me Yasuo and to answer your question, yes, I do know of something that might help you. The thing I'm talking about the third Form of Lightsaber Combat, Soresu. Do you already know something about this Form or should I tell you about it?''

@[member="Xander Carrick"]

 

[Garza]

The man spoke of not calling him sir. Even though he was a Higher rank that of I. I nodded my head as he told me of the Form Soresu. I nodded my head as I was about to speak, only to have K interrupt. "He is obsessed in finding a teacher that knows Soresu. He met a Jedi Flint Dexen, but He had to leave unexpectedly." I closed my eyes and shook my head.

"Thank you K, Yes, I know about the form and how it has a very high defense tactic, I want to learn, but have not found anyone."

I looked back to the Jedi as I spoke to him about what I wanted.

@[member="Yasuo"]

 

[Atlas Kane]

''Then you have found just the right person. I actually know Soresu, I use it very often during battles and it has probably saved my life a couple of times already.'' He said. It was true, during the invasion on Ossus Yasuo had used the techniques he had learned from his former Jedi Master to survive the fight. He thanked her for that a lot and he wanted to pass on that knowledge so that more people could defend themselves. ''By the way, who's that droid over there and what's it's purpose?'' He said, after noticing the droid interrupt. The young Jedi Knight had already trained with many droids, but none were like this one. This one seemed to have a mind of its own, unlike most of the training droids.

@[member="Xander Carrick"]

 

[Garza]

I smiled as the man happened to know Soresu. That changed my entire life now. I needed to learn this form so I could protect myself more often. I tried to limit my emotions to just a smile as he did so. "If you could teach me, I would be in your debt." No I was not making a life debt, but I would atleast owe him something. Anything really.

His question of K made me smile. I turned to her and motioned her forwards. "K, or the full name of K1-LLR, is a Proxy training droid that is programmed to be my mentor and companion. My parents left her to me when they died so someone could watch over me." K walked up to the man and acted like a human in rights. Extending her right servo to him in a handshake. "Xander calls me K so people dont have to use my name that resembles Killer."

I shook my head and would let the man speak rather than talking more. I tried to hold my tongue to the best of my ability.

@[member="Yasuo"]

 

[Atlas Kane]

Yasuo extended his hand in return and shook the hand of the droid. The droid was quite unique. Yasuo had seen droids before, but none were so ... independent like K. ''Nice to meet you, K.'' He then turned back to Xander. ''Of course I would teach you, I don't want you to be injured or even worse, killed, just because you didn't have a way of properly defending yourself against blasters and Lightsabers. Also, you won't owe me anything. If you continue on living, that would be payment enough.'' He said. ''So then, let us first learn how to assume the correct Soresu opening stance when facing an enemy.'' Then he placed his feet far apart, activated his lightsaber, held it up, pointed it forward and extended his hand with his palm open and his fingers spread. ''Try to stand like this.'' He told the young apprentice. ''Once you do this I will correct your stance and then we can move on to defensive and offensive techniques of Soresu.''

Spoiler

@[member="Xander Carrick"]

 

[Garza]

K nodded her head to the Jedi Knight and took her leave. Placing a hand on my shoulder she left without another word letting me train alone with the man, Yasuo. I took out my lightsaber as the man was talking to me about the stance. I didn't activate my lightsaber. But I took the stance of my feet shoulder width apart. left hand out with an open palm facing up, probably so if I needed to use the force my hand was already out. My right hand off to my side about head level, and with the emitter of my lightsaber facing towards my empty hand, "like this?"

@[member="Yasuo"]

 

[Atlas Kane]

''Exaclty.'' It was good to see that the boy was a quick learner. There were still one or two very small details which were a bit off, but those would go away once the apprentice trains this stance a bit. ''Ok, next up is the main defensive technique of Soresu.'' He said ''You know of the six zones, right?'' He said pointing at his head. ''The head is the first zone, the second is your upper right torso, the second is your upper right torso, the third your upper left torso, the fourth is your back, the fifth your lower right torso and the sixth is your lower left torso. Those zones are important when utilizing Soresu, since blaster fire is usually concentrated, you have to learn how to protect every single zone as effectively as possible.'' He said while pointing at the zones during his explanation. ''For the first maneuver you will have to use your shoulder as the source of strength behind your motions. This is very common among the Soresu techniques and is rather unique among the seven Forms.'' After so much explanation he finally started demonstrating the technique. He utilized his shoulders and his waist to make his Lightsaber rotate and form a circle of protection. ''Try to follow along.''

@[member="Xander Carrick"]

 

[Garza]

Speaking of the zones that were of the body, I nodded my head to let him know that I was soaking this all in. I felt like a sponge taking in so much water. I kept my saber off so if I swung the wrong way or if we were to get to close that I or he would not accidentally not stab one another.

He then began to show me, while explaining about the use of the shoulders and waist, Of getting a range that reached almost three hundred and sixty degrees around him. it showed the entire area in which he could defend himself with. And with this a user of this forum would have to be quick and nimble, yet use small movements to preform each block, or parry.

Following his movements with some ease, I looked like a mirror to the man. preforming the twisting motion with my hips, shoulders, and the movements of my arms. Not saying a word as to allow him to give me more information on this art of warfare.

@[member="Yasuo"]

 

[Atlas Kane]

Yauso continued his motions. He had already trained these many, many times and he had often used them during real combat. It was nice to see that Xander was learning so quickly. He was already much better than Yasuo was when he first started training Soresu. Xander had talent, Yauso could see that, but he would still have to work on his technique. ''Continue on your own, I will try to look for flaws in your technique.'' He deactivated his Lightsaber and started pacing around Xander, eyeing his moves. ''You're good. Keep training and you'll be a great Soresu practitioner one day.'' He paused for a couple of seconds before continuing ''Do you know the philosophy behind Soresu?'' To Yasuo the Philosophy behind a Form was as important as the bladework.

@[member="Xander Carrick"]

 

[Garza]

I continued to do the motions as the Knight walked around me. Giving me a compliment on how I was doing well. I stayed silent in case he wanted to give me more instruction. I would not interrupt the man as he spoke. One it would be rude, and two, I didn't know if he was the kind to punish someone because the stopped him from speaking. Even then, he asked me the question of the Philosphy of the Saber form.

i thought about it for a moment as I continued the movements. Being a Fast learner was something that I may could be known for. I mean I was well versed in Shien and used it against both lightsaber and blaster combat as a defensive tactic. Now that I was learning Soresu, It would be the one that I could fall back on should I need the utmost protection from lightsaber, force, or blaster attacks. Even as I moved I spoke. "Make small movements in defense. use less energy to block even the most strongest attacks."

Really I was just going fom what I had heard about the art of Soresu. Hearing that Obi-wan, An old Jedi Master had been the top of his class in this art. Literally fighting a being with four sabers and won. being able to do that, If I were to encounter the same or even more weapons against me. then I could defend my self.

@[member="Yasuo"]

 

[Atlas Kane]

The Knight stopped in front of the apprentice after he was finished looking for flaws. Xander's response was correct, but not what the Knight had been asking for. ''You're right, but there is also another aspect to Soresu. Soresu is not just a Form of Lightsaber combat, it is an expression of peaceful conflict resolution. The most well versed users of Soresu try to resolve conflicts without having to harm anyone. They try to be non-aggressive, only responding defensively to aggression, preferring to defend themselves from attacks, rather than attacking the enemy. Another thing they often do is trying to ''become the eye of the storm around them'', as the books put it. That means that the people who use Soresu usually only rely on self-defense, shielding themselves from everything that is happening around them and waiting out their opponents until they get exhausted and make mistakes. That is when the Soresu user usually strikes using an offensive Soresu technique. Speaking of offensive techniques, I think you practiced the defensive one enough for now, let's move on to the offensive one.'' The Jedi Knight reactivated his blade. He then placed his feet and arms in the same positions as he had when he explained the first technique. ''The offensive technique is more of a sweeping movement. You still want to try to let the movement flow and you need to try to make big movements, so that you'll be able to possibly deflect shots and at the same time attack your enemies.'' With that said, the Jedi started making large sweeping movements just as he had explained.

@[member="Xander Carrick"]

 

[Garza]

The Imperial Knight spoke to me. Continuing the speech about the form being that I needed to be the center of the storm. Just like a huricane, I needed to be the eye of the storm. Calm while everything else is loud and dangerous. As with the following of his instructions, I began the second series of forms that I was instructed. I mimicked the movements of the Ronin. Trying my best to do so. And what I could come from, I almost did it exactly.

It was not that hard to learn. Being that I had already two other forms that I knew of. Shi-do and Shien. This was just applying some of the other large sweeping movements that were used in either of the two other forms, into this one. However, this was more controlled to a point. Being that it would be more so used for defence rather than attack.

The fire would now learn how to heal, instead of burn as some would say. I was the fire. Aggressive and rash, learning how to become the eye of the storm. and calm. I was a Fire learning to be calm and heal.

(OOC: sorry I didn't get a notification for this?)
@[member="Yasuo"]

 

[Atlas Kane]

The young cadet was a very quick learner. Where Yasuo had to work for a couple weeks just to improve his motions, the young cadet named Xander had already learned it pretty well. That ability impressed the Ex-Jedi Knight. It was good to see that there were talented people among the Cadets. It meant that the Fel Imperium would get a great new generation of Knights who would be able to defend their Imperium to the best of their abilities.

But for now, enough of the dreaming about the future, for now the Knight had to focus on the task at hand, teaching the Cadet more about Soresu, even though Yasuo doubted he could teach him much more. The Cadet would have to learn the rest through experience and training, but at least the Knight was able to set the foundation for what would hopefully become a great Soresu practitioner.

The Knight stopped his motions and started going around the Cadet once again, looking for more flaws, most of which were, again, only minor and could be overcome by simple practice. After a couple minutes the Knight said ''That's enough, you're pretty good at this. Keep up the good work and you'll be a great Soresu practitioner in no-time.'' Then he thought about what to do next. The best thing would probably be some fighting experience. ''How about you test out your new found skills on a training droid?'' Without await the Cadet's response he moved over to a row of droids and activated one, which then stomped over to Xander and entered a ready stance. It would await the Cadet's moves and respond accordingly. ''Try the aggressive technique first.''

@[member="Xander Carrick"]

 

[Garza]

I moved in the same motions as the man. I had to learn now or I would die. This Galaxy was about survival of the fittest, and to not accept that I would lose. I had to jump in with both feet and over my head or not jump at all. I continued the motions until I was told to stop, seeing that this man had some admiration for me, possibly respect as his wording of becoming a practitioner. It brought a smile to my face.

I was then instructed to battle with a training droid. I let my saber shut off for a moment as the droid dropped into the pad in front of me. I closed my eyes and let myself become calm. Easing my breath before my next move.

And all at once I moved. Lightsaber that flared to life with the yellow hue of the sun at noon, and my body leaping forwards with an overhead slash in one arm. My face barren of emotion as I came down upon the droid, Using wide arcs as an attack. And suddenly I had the notion to swing over head, Like a Herder from tatooine catching Bantha with rope, I slung my saber around as I walked forwards at it, Barely able to block or parry the attacks I sent at it.

And before the droid could block another swing from over head, I suddenly switched direction to lop off its left and unarmed hand, followed quickly by it's right. and attempting to stab at it, I shut off my saber before the blade touched. creating the effect as though the blade was being pushed back into the saber hilt as it neared the droids chest cavity.

Taking a step back I looked behind me by a few feet to look at the man's reaction.

@[member="Yasuo"]

 

[Atlas Kane]

Wow. That boy knew how to use Soresu. He was a very quick learner and Yasuo was happy about that. He loved to see young people succeed at training something. It always reminded him of his own training, when he was still a Padawan under the guidance of a Jedi Master.

''That was quite impressive. I especially liked the motion at the end. It's also good that you didn't destroy the droid completely, since that would've just been a waste of resources. I'll tell someone to pick up the droid and reattach his arms later on.'' He said to the young Cadet. ''Okay, now that you have proven you are capable of using the offensive technique, let's see how you hold up with the defensive.'' Another Droid sprung to life. It stomped towards the apprentice with a training saber in hand. ''Draw your Lightsaber when you're ready. It will attack you as soon as your Lightsaber activates, so be ready.'' He explained. Then the droid was just standing around, waiting for the Cadet to activate his Lightsaber.

@[member="Xander Carrick"]

 

[Garza]

I nodded my head as he spoke to me. Complimenting on my work in the offensive portion of training. With earlier forms of Shien, The purpose of the form was to be in complete control of the fight. and to get that, you had to move fast, and powerful strikes. Simple transitions like this can be done through all of the forms. I knew that much about all of them. Which allowed me to learn at a much faster rate than that of any other Cadet my age, or hell, my size.

I nodded my head once more as his second droid came out to attack me. but only when i activated my lightsaber. I smiled. Turning to the droid duplicate, I got into the standard stance, Right arm up and I smiled, Speaking outloud to my self, "Eye of the Storm." I then activated my lightsaber.

Almost as though I flipped a switch, the droids head shot up at me. Then drew its own twin lightsabers. I smiled as it rushed me. Taking a step back as it swung at me across my chest level, I stayed in about the same stance, only flipped. The second saber lashed out, and with a simple flick of my wrist, the saber was smacked away from me. quickly the droid came down with a twin strike, only when I came with both hands on the grip of my lightsaber, I blocked the twin blades of white energy. My hands shook from the impact, being only 16, i was rather weak, but I had the force on my side. I increased my speed, and almost in a second everything slowed down. The left blade came away from my own, and then slammed harder against mine. Trying to batter me down. Only I wouldn't let it. twisting my saber I caused us to stand side by side.

Our shoulders slammed into one another, and I would have a bruise on me after this. I left my right hand release my grip of the yellow lightsaber, and grabbing the droids head, I pushed up to face away from me. The saber lock prevented him from fighting back with his own hands, and if he let go of the saber, to do just that, Then I would have two weapons. Instead the droids arms came up to let it's height break out of the saber lock. Slamming its head to my own, I was bashed backwards. But that gave me just the room I needed.

With the separation between us, I brought my saber up with still fuzzy vision. I allowed my force powers to sense where the droid was. More so sending out a signal like Sonar, I could "hear" where the droid was. My senses kicked in, hearing the increaing hum of the twin lightsabers rushing at me. My saber came up and blocked the twin strike once more. Deciding to try it again, We were once more shoulder to shoulder, But as the droid was coming up to get out of the saber lock, The yellow saber suddenly lashed out forcing to bring the sabers past the droids reach over it's head. and with a twist of my body and wrist, I decapitated the droid. it's head fell to the ground, while the body was staying still, just for a second as the sabers dropped followed by the husk of metal for the body.

I turned my saber off and rubbed my temple with my left hand. trying to get the fuzziness out of my eyes. "You mean like that?"

@[member="Hayato"]