King Slayer
[ Veridian Jedi Academy Codex ][Planet of Veridia Codex ][Jedi Academy About Page]
//Open to any and all Jedi
The modular training room at the Veridian Temple buzzed with the hum of saber set to training mode. The chamber that was chosen for this lesson was one designed specifically for advanced lightsaber training, featured smooth, saber-resistant walls and a high ceiling, allowing for dynamic combat. The floor was marked with a faint grid to aid in positioning drills, and the lighting was bright but neutral, leaving no shadows for missteps, and mirrors lined one wall. Aether stood at the center, his durasteel form casting an imposing figure, while instructors Jasper Kai'el and Jonyna Si stood nearby as they observed the gathering.
Other advanced students whispered among themselves, each equipped with lightsabers set to training mode. Aether raised a hand, silencing the room with a single gesture. His voice resonated with an even, mechanical tone.
"Welcome to today's saber studies class. This is not an ordinary session. You are all here because you have demonstrated exceptional skill and commitment. Today, we will discuss—and practice—something unconventional: Tràkata." He paused, allowing the word to settle in the air like a blade held aloft.
"As some of you may know, Tràkata is a technique of deception, one that manipulates the unique properties of the lightsaber: its ability to ignite and extinguish at will. It is not a form, not a style, but a tool—a tool born of desperation, used to bypass an opponent's guard or create openings where none exist."
"Tràkata," Aether began, his voice calm , "is not about strength. It is about control—of yourself and your opponent. Deceive. Disable. Dominate. These are its pillars."
He paused, allowing the room to absorb his words before continuing. "You all know the importance of your lightsaber. It is more than just a weapon—it is a symbol of your connection to the Force, your discipline, and your role as Jedi. And yet," his glowing optics swept over the room, "there are moments when the unconventional becomes necessary. Tràkata is one such tool. Understand, though—it is not a style to be relied upon. It is a technique, born of necessity, often viewed with suspicion. Why?"
He gestured to the students. "Tell me—why would the Jedi Order hesitate to embrace something so clever, so effective?"
Evelyn's hand rose after a brief hesitation, her silver hair catching the neutral light as she sat upright with a thoughtful expression. Her blue eyes, sharp with insight, locked onto Aether's glowing optics. When he gestured for her to speak, her voice was steady, though tinged with a hint of self-doubt she quickly pushed aside.
"Because it challenges the Jedi philosophy," she said. "Tràkata relies on deception, which can blur the line between defense and aggression. The Jedi Code teaches us to act with clarity and purpose, not trickery. Using a technique like this could lead to overconfidence—or worse, temptation toward exploiting its manipulative nature. It's can be effective, but... it walks a fine line."
Aether tilted his head slightly, the soft whir of his internal mechanisms audible in the silent room. "An astute observation, Padawan Evelyn. The Jedi Code does indeed caution us against methods that may compromise our integrity or intent. And yet…" He paced slowly, his metallic steps echoing across the chamber, "…there is wisdom in understanding such tools. To deny knowledge of something because it is uncomfortable—or because it challenges us—is to leave oneself vulnerable."
Aether's optics lingered on Evelyn as he gave a faint nod of approval. "Tràkata does challenge the Jedi philosophy, as it teeters on the edge of deception. But the Code, though our guide, is not the only reason the Order hesitates." He scanned the rest of the class, his mechanical voice steady and deliberate. "Why else, do you think, would such a technique be met with resistance?"
The room fell into a brief silence, students exchanging uncertain glances. Aether's metallic frame remained still, his presence urging them to think deeper.
Finally, another voice broke the quiet. "Because it's dangerous," Braze ventured. "Deactivating your saber mid-combat is a calculated risk. If you misjudge the timing, you could leave yourself open to a counterattack—or even lose control of the fight entirely."
Aether inclined his head toward the Echani youth. "Precisely. Tràkata is a gamble—not only against your opponent but against your own skill. It demands precision, awareness, and anticipation. A single misstep can turn it into your undoing."
He scanned the students, his optics glowing. "A deactivated saber tests your wits, your ability to read your opponent, and your timing. Its brilliance lies in its paradox: to gain control, you must first let go."
He paused, his gaze sweeping the group again. Aether's optics glowed brighter as he addressed the group. "Tràkata is a gamble, demanding precision, awareness, and timing. One mistake—an early deactivation or misjudged distance—leaves you exposed."
He gestured to the rack of sabers. "It's most effective for double-bladed saber users and Jar'Kai practitioners. A double-bladed saber maintains defense when one blade is deactivated. Jar'Kai users can deactivate one blade while the other counters."
Picking up a hilt, Aether demonstrated. "Unbalancing Block with a double-bladed saber lets you destabilize an opponent without exposing yourself. Jar'Kai offers similar options—one blade feints while the other defends."
He placed the saber back and faced the students. "Single-blade users can employ Tràkata but must rely entirely on timing. Choose your weapons and practice integrating Tràkata into dual-bladed or Jar'Kai techniques. Focus on control and discipline. Do we have any questions at this time?"
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