The Shadow (Kian Karr)

[Anoki Sihin]

"Hm.."

Anoki paced back and forth through the hall of the Jedi Temple without any hurry, for she was contemplating. The thing she was contemplating where she would find a master to become a padawan to. Anoki knew she was young but she believed in herself, and in the force. Anoki he heard stories of people attempting to become a Knight or Master on their own but she believed that everyone, even their enemies had to have someone to help them along the way. That's what Anoki was looking for.. Or was it?

By this time Anoki had nearly burned a hole into the ground that she paced back and forth on. A look of mild concern for the floor crossed her face before she stopped dead in her tracks. Her emotions where probably being broadcasted to anyone who was a force-user in a 2 mile radius. She breathed in and out a couple of times before opening her eyes. A calming wave swept over her and she was relaxed and in control of her emotions. Now she had to think...

"Who would be willing to take on a padawan as young as me? Who is an interesting Master? The answer hit her in the stomach like a ton of bricks just fell ontop of her. Her and her subconscious said the answer in sync. "Jedi Master Kian Karr. She sighed. "Though, how to find a shadow?


[member="Kian Karr"]

 

[Kian Karr]

Kian Karr was walking through the corridor on his way to meet with a small class of younglings when he felt the anxiety pouring out into the force. Deciding that the other class, which was being handled by several instructors, would be fine without him, Kian turned and made his way toward the source.

Kian wasn't entirely surprised to find that it was a padawan who was the source. At an academy such as this, anxiety was very often from students who were anxious about whether or not they would succeed as Jedi or receive a master, or face a Sith.

"Are you alright?" Kian asked, stepping out of the shadows behind her and clasping his hands behind his back. Kian wouldn't be surprised if he startled her, Kian had a knack for doing that and, truth be told, he rather enjoyed doing it on occasion. But the truth of it was, despite Kian's appearance, he was a bit of a softy when it came to students, especially young ones, at the academy. Kian spent much time teaching youngling classes and was affectionately known as double Kay, thanks to the influence of his apprentice Roshki Belawiiks.

[member="Anoki Sihin"]​

 

[Anoki Sihin]

Anoki jumped with a start as a voice rang out from behind her. She was caught off guard, lost in her thoughts to even search for anyone around her with the force. It was a stupid one and she was about to ask who would sneak up on her but stopped in her tracks when she turned around. Anokis' cheeks reddens slightly. Out of everyone who could startle it had to be Kian Karr. Anoki had no clue wether to be angry or joyous. Then a thought struck her, has he heard her taking to herself. About Him! Anoki was embarrassed. Then she remembered that he had asked her a question.

Quickly bowing her head she proceeded, an even bigger embarassed blush covering her face. "Yes, I'm alright. Quite Fine. Just Dandy. Jo-" She quickly stopped herself hearing as she kept rambling on about how alright she really was. "Oh god he probably thinks I'm crazy by now. He defiantly will after I ask him to become my master. How to ask him without sounding like a fool." Anoki said out loud without realizing it. So much for being a quiet person. Better just ask him straight out.


[member="Kian Karr"]

 

[Kian Karr]

Kian began to chuckle, the sound coming out of his antiox mask with static bursts. Kian didn't recognize the young girl, but he was certainly entertained by her. He remembered well the anxiety and nervousness when he first came to the Jedi....unsure if or who would select him for apprenticeship.

"I think it might be a little late for that." Kian said walking over and sitting down on a bench near the girl. "Are you aware your talking out loud?" Kian asked, chuckling once more.

"I am Kian Karr." Kian said placing a hand over his chest.

"What is your name, padawan?"

[member="Anoki Sihin"]​

 

[Anoki Sihin]

A confused look crossed the young padawans face as the older Jedi Master began to chuckle. The Kel Dor master wore an antiox mask which made all of his laughs come out in short static bursts as if he was a broken radio set on permanate rewind because it was broken. Once Anoki understood that he was laughing, she got lost. She didn't think that she did or said anything funny, though she understood when the older man continued. "I think it might be a little late for that." Huh? Anoki watched as Kian sat beside her. "Are you aware your talking out loud?" Oh.

Anoki listened as Kian introduced himself. Probably just formality, all the Jedi Masters were well known in the Temple. Probably because they were the ones that had the most rumors floating around about them. "My name is Anoki Sihin. Nice to meet you." Anoki bowed her head in a formal manner such as earlier. "So I guess you already know... But would you become my Jedi master?"


[member="Kian Karr"]

 

[Kian Karr]

Something about the girl struck Kian and he smiled widely beneath his mask at her request. She'd certainly be the youngest padawan he'd taken in. Many of Kian's padawans were less traditional Jedi who had either been in the Order for years or had come to them late in life, like Kian had. But he sensed in the girl great potential.

"I think I'd like that." Kian said standing up and indicating that they should take a walk together. Kian led Anoki down the stairs and toward the gardens where they could walk and talk in the serenity of the fountains and flowers.

"Why don't we get to know each other a little better." Kian said clasping his hands behind his back as they walked.

"Tell me a little about yourself." Kian suggested.

[member="Anoki Sihin"]​

 

[Anoki Sihin]

Anokis eyes followed Kian as he stood from his spot on the bench. He made a slight jester and walked ahead. For a split second Anoki was hesitant to follow, more in shock than anything else. He had actually said yes, Anoki was a padawan finally. If Anoki had known it to be this easy to get a master, she would have asked a long time ago. Though Anoki knew she was already a padawan, she had a sinking feeling that she still had to prove herself. Not only to Kian, no Master Karr, she also had to prove to herself that she could become a great jedi.
That's when she realized Kian was already well on his way. She hustled up to him in time to hear the last words of his sentence. "-to know each other a little better."

Anoki was at a loss for words when they entered the garden. Green lush trees and roses of all different colors Red, Pink, Yellow, Purple, White, Black, and Blue. Anokis' thoughts brought her back in time to hear Kian. ""Tell me a little about yourself." Oh..

"I guess I would call myself a traditional person, adventurous. People also call me quiet, always sneaking up on others without meaning to. I find myself shy, but I tend to talk non-stop when I get going." Anoki took a breath. "I strive to be the best that I can be and push my limits of training so that I can become better than the person I was yesterday. I always let my goal be just out of reach but never out of view. My goals are towards the Sith and all evil. In my opponion, The Sith are our enemies, that is an irrefutable fact. Also no matter what Comrades come first." She sighed. "What about you, Master Kian?"

[member="Kian Karr"]

 

[Kian Karr]

Kian listened as Anoki spoke of herself briefly. It seemed she had the makings of a good Shadow, judging from the fact that she blended easily into a crowd and was less noticeable than others. There were force techniques Kian could teach to aid in stealth and hiding, but it helped if there was a natural ability to build off of.

"The Sith are certainly the focus of the Jedi Shadows." Kian said, "And, while not part of the code, the Jedi do tend to oppose them at every turn, given the harm they cause the galaxy."

"As for myself, I was born on Dorin, as are all Kel Dor. I trained among the Baran Do while I was there and eventually made my way to the Jedi." Kian said smiling. "I've been with the Jedi for more than 15 years and I've never looked back." Kian said smiling beneath his mask. "The Jedi Order is my home and I am grateful for the people I meet here."

"How long have you been among the Jedi?" Kian asked, trying to ascertain how much training the young woman had had.

[member="Anoki Sihin"]​

 

[Anoki Sihin]

Anoki listened as Kian told of his life with the Baran Do. Which she had read up on them a few times. She found that one of her best subjects was her memory and one of her most prided personality traits was that she loved to learn. Even if she had seen something only once or twice she could remember it with scary accuracy. Sometimes she tended to get a little carried away. Kian was interesting as he was a great jedi but had flaws, good ones, like he didn't flaunt his powers like some of the other Padawans and some Knights did. "You seem to have more enemies than friends, but that is only because you have the right friends." She mumbled while he was talking loud enough for him to hear if he was paying attention.


"The Sith are certainly the focus of the Jedi Shadows." He was the Shadow Master. A reason that Anoki had wanted Kian was because him with the Shadows. Ever since learning about them she wanted to be one. Though this was A main reason it was not THE reason, she really believed he was a great teacher.

"The Baran Do were the Kel Dors version of a Jedi right? But instead of using the force for force powers they used the force to highten their senses and become something like seers, right?" Anoki finally said after he had finished his sentence, she really loved testing her knowledge even if it might be slightly annoying after awhile. "Sorry... about that Master."

"I was born on Cadinth but got moved to an orphanage and lived for awhile before I was shipped off to be found by a Jedi to train. I was found 8 years ago and found out I was force sensitive. It's the only life I've known and I'd have it no other way if you threatened me." Anoki smiled, sinethibg she hadn't done and actually meant in some time.

[member="Kian Karr"]

 

[Kian Karr]

"Not quite," Kian said, referring to the Baran Do, "The Sages are not militant like the Jedi....nor do they serve the government unless specifically requested." Kian said. The Sages had once been a vital part of Kel Dor culture and saved countless lives through the use of the force to predict the dangerous storms that often ravished Dorin, but it had been many, many generations since they were considered anything other than a bunch of monks.

"And you have nothing to be sorry about." Kian said matter-of-factly. "You are entitled to ask any questions you'd like." Kian said, smiling beneath his mask and pouring warmth into the force. "If I am to be a decent instructor for you, I expect you to ask questions. Not everything I say to you will always make sense and may need clarifying."

"Now," Kian said continuing their lessurely pace, "Why don't you tell me more about what you've learned among the Jedi so far and what you wish to learn more of?"

[member="Anoki Sihin"]​

 

[Anoki Sihin]

O...

Anoki was surprised, that was the first time anyone had openly told her something was wrong with her information. They always tried to sidestep it, probably thinking she was a girl who would freak out at being told she was wrong. Well she wouldn't, and it felt nice to be told she was wrong. But kind of sad aswell, she got used to thinking thy she was a know it all. Maybe it was making her arrogant, Kian could possibly help her not with her fighting but with her own problems af fear as well. The upside to this was she now knew the truth as to the Kel Dors, directly from one.


The news about being able to ask questions realived Anoki. She was a fairly shy person and hated asking questions for fear that she would look like a fool. Maybe she could teach Kian some things and he teach her some things. Helping each other. Like a fami- No. She didn't have a family, she was abandoned at birth by her father. Her mother had no choice in the matter but he could of at least supported Anoki. But then again she wouldn't be here if he had.

Then Anoki realized Kian was talking again. "Hm.. I've never had a Jedi Master to train with before, so only Basic Lightsaber Combat and Force use, Shii-Cho. Though, before you took me in, I had planned to start teaching myself Shien/Djem So. Which is the main style I feel I would exceed in." She thought about something for a moment, letting that set in before she talked again. "Master, if you don't mind me asking about your family and your fears?" A sad look crossed her face before she admitted, "Im afraid of having a family, or people I call family... I was abandoned at birth and nothing compared to that. I don't want to be hurt again." A smile lit up her face again, a fake one but she tried. She broke her own heart. She knew an 8 year old shouldn't be saying that but it was true, even if she knew not having a real family was what got her here. "Atleast I have my jedi friends!"

[member="Kian Karr"]

 

[Kian Karr]

Kian was glad to hear that Anoki believed that Shien and Djem So would be the forms she wished to learn. Kian himself was a practitioner of Shien and Djem So, though his personal preference was for Shien. Kian, of course, would teach Anoki any form she wished and review the other with her. Then she brought up family, and Kian could sense that it was a topic that bothered the girl.

His family and fears?

Kian's wife and child had died, prompting him to leave Dorin and, after a time, come to the Jedi Order, but this was a secret that Kian didn't share lightly and only a small number of people currently knew the truth. While the relationship between padawan and master was an important one, Kian hadn't told his former student Varus Shatterstar until he had progressed to Jedi Knight and was easily on his way to Jedi Master.

"My mother was a proud, though poor Kel Dor back on Dorin." Kian said, telling about part of his family, but not bringing up his wife and son. "She was very proud to see me join the Baran Do and I visited her often. But she was a sickly woman and died when I was a teenager." Kian said sadly, though he had come to terms with the loss some time ago. "Once she had died, I had no family left on Dorin and left to join the Jedi." Kian said, not telling the whole truth.

"As for my fears...." Kian said, thinking on it for a moment. "I suppose my greatest fear is failure. Failure to protect the galaxy from the Sith. Failure to protect my students. Failure to perform my duties to the fullest."

"But in fearing something, we can not allow it to control us." Kian said glancing at the little girl. "Fear can be overcome!" Kian said, sternly.

[member="Anoki Sihin"]​

 

[Anoki Sihin]

Anoki knew that Kian was a practitioner of one of the 7 Forms but she didn't know which. She figured that Djem So was perfect for her because she could give hard, powerful strikes despite being so young and small. She actually felt her small sized allowed her attacks to be powerful. Eventually she was going to ask him to teach her Ataru, utilizing her small size and ability to be fast in making attacks that required fast-pacing and quick-thinking.

About his family... Anoki had never had a mother or even a father. The closest person to a mother or father to her was Mari Pendak, the orphanage where she lived. She figured that if someone close to you that you've known for a long time it might just be more devastating then not knowing them. So he was a Baran Do until his mother died. I wonder when that was. As for his fears she could relate. She knew there was no way that she could have faced somethings that Kian had. But she knew she hated when someone ahe knew was hurt or failing at her training.
The next thing Kian said made Anoki sure she choose the right master. "But in fearing something, we can not allow it to control us. Fear can be overcome!" Anokis' purple eyes turned steely in seriousness. Something told Anoki that they would be able to have hilarity moments when it would be funny and then moments where they could slightly understand each other and be serious.

"Master, I will never allow fear to control me. You have my promise." She took her right hand and held up her index and second finger and placed them over her lips. As if she was sealing her promise. A smirk formed across her face. "This is a sign of promise. It seals your word and if you break the deal you may never be trusted again, Atleast not by me. It is also a sign to identify each other." She was about to turn to look at the scenery when she remembered some thing she wanted to ask him. "Master, is there anything else you wanted to know?"

 

[Kian Karr]

"I'd actually like to know a little more about what prompted you to ask me for become your master." Kian said, wanting to get a better understanding of the path the young girl wished to walk. Many who sought him out did so specifically because he could aid them in developing their skills on the path of a Jedi Shadow, though that wasn't a necessity. His most promising student, Varus Shatterstar, was not a Jedi Shadow, although he did work closely with them on occasion.

"I'd also like to know where you would like to begin your training?" Kian asked. "Force abilities, lightsaber combat, something else." Kian said as they walked through a clearing and came to a more open, training area. Kian's intentions were to begin then and there, assuming the girl had no objections.

[member="Anoki Sihin"]​

 

[Anoki Sihin]

What made her seek him out? Anoki hadn't really thought of it much. One woul be lead o believe it was because he was a good teacher. Though she always had supposed she would make a good Jedi Shadow. They were the stealth-type Jedi, and despite what Kian may think, she was fairly quiet and she could be silent no only with her noises but her small stature also lead her to be a silent in movements. " I want to make my way into becoming a Jedi Shadow. Learning right from the Master seemed like a good way to go. Your last Padawan is a Master now right? So maybe you can have one Shadow Padawan become master then a regular Padawan become Master. Until you get more padawans."

As Kian moved from one beautiful area to the next Anoki followed keeping pace. Once she saw that they were in a training area she knew his next question before he asked it. She let him finish and was about to speak before a stupid thought crossed her mind. " I'd like to start with force training, if you don't mind."

[member="Kian Karr"]

 

[Kian Karr]

"That is correct," Kian said, smiling proudly behind his mask. Varus had been his only padawan to date to make it to Knighthood and recently, after his exceptional service to the Republic, he had been promoted to Master. "Master Shatterstar was my finest student to date and has gone on to do some great things." Kian said turning and glancing at Anoki.

"I see the same sort of potential in you that I'd seen in him." Kian added, not wanting the girl to think that his rise was some unobtainable goal.

"Force training huh?" Kian asked, and nodded approvingly. "Very good. Let us start with how all training should start." Kian said walking to the center of the mat and kneeling down. "Allow the force to flow through you, and find your focus and your center."

"Allow it to wash over you."

[member="Anoki Sihin"]

 

[Anoki Sihin]

Anoki grinned at the praise, she assumed that Masters didn't give out praise lightly. Everyone who wasn't new to the academy knew Varus has slight anger. So if he became a Master he can control it well enough so maybe he could help her with her shyness among other trainings as well. " Master, Would you be against me training my lightsaber combat with Master Varus?" Was it okay she wasn't telling him the real reason she wanted to talk to Master Shatterstar? Of course is was lightsaber combat but her emotions would probably get the better of her one day and a she wanted to be ready to control them.

Anoki followed Kian as he went to the center of the mat. She went to the left side and lined herself up with him. Getting down on her knees she followed her masters words. Closing her eyes her purple orbs disappeared behind her eyelids. Anoki breathed in through her nose and out through her nose in slow steady breathes. She reached down within herself and pulled forth the force from within. Thoughts of protecting her friends entered Anokis mins as a spark ignited within her. Suddenly Anoki felt the force settle over her body. "
What now Master?"

[member="Kian Karr"]

 

[Kian Karr]

"Of course you can train with Varus." Kian said smiling. "You are free to train with any Jedi of the Order, you don't need my permission." Kian said, his voice full of warmth. Closing his eyes he stretched out with the force, sensing the calm washing over his student.

"There are several rocks surrounding us." Kian said glancing towards the rocks sitting off to the side. Each rock was larger than the next. "I want you to start with the smallest and lift it into the air using the force."

"Feel the rock in the force, feel its connection to the world around it, and then visualize it lifting into the air."

[member="Anoki Sihin"]

 

[Anoki Sihin]

Anoki was happy should could train with anyone. She didn't want to focus on one specific area. She wanted to know much more outside of the force. Technology like AI interested her and computers too. She also needed to find someone who could tell her about all the different planets and the species. Maybe a study partner. "Despite Master not seeming like the type to study, he probably knows some people who would be willing to help me with things outside of the Force." Anoki said, as if she was talking aloud without realizing it, but she knew perfectly well what she had said.

Back to training, Anoko closed her eyes again and felt around her with the force. She could sense the plants and rocks that were around the training grounds. Anoki knew they were alive but they were really alive. She felt around for the smallest rock she could find and sense. It was about 2 in by 2 in, it looked like a smoothed down skipping stone. She imagined it hovering above the ground before it floated over infront if her, an arms length away. She used a little force to keep the rock floating off the ground while making sure she was able to use the force for something else. "I heard Master Kian was hard on his students." Said Anoki on purpose.

[member="Kian Karr"]

 

[Kian Karr]

Kian chuckled at Anoki's words and shook his head. He hardly thought he was hard on his students. It was true that he expected a great deal from them, but that was only because he took on students who showed a great deal of potential.

"I have expectations." Kian said knodding, "But I've yet to have a student let me down." Kian said proudly, thinking back over the students he'd trained over the years. Some had made it to Knighthood and even Master, while others had left the Order while still padawans.

Kian watched as Anoki lifted a small stone into the air and hovered it in the air in front of her. Kian grabbed a larger rock in the force and brought it over, setting it down in front of her and indicating that she should lift that one next. "Lift that as well, but keep the other in the air." Kian instructed. This exercise was to test his students control of her abilities and her patience.

"What is the first line of the Jedi Code?" Kian asked as Anoki proceeded, "And what does it mean?"

[member="Anoki Sihin"]​