To be a paragon (OPEN Group Training Session. Padawans encouraged!)

[Vala Melina]

Vala listened to Master Grayson's evaluation. What does subconsciously attached mean? What she said after that made a little more sense. When she had a goal, the Force will bend to her will. Master Grayson told her to focus on what she felt when she imagined she was sparring then to see if Vala could sense were and another Padawan.

Another Padawan? Who? They were being watched? Vala felt a little nervous for a moment but then she remembered she had a task to do. Though not quite sure how she will be able to identify the Padawan without knowing their name or anything, she decided to give it a go anyway. Master Grayson said her goal was in her form so she figured the best place to start was in one. Closing her eyes, she swiftly hefted her vibrosword with both hands, held it in front of her for a moment, then reverted into a Form V: Djem So opening stance. She can feel her blood pounding through her veins as she felt something, the Force, flow through them. She lifted her blade in the air and it slowly began falling toward her intended target. Her other senses heightened while the Force guided her blade. She felt someone looking at her, a presence in the distance observing the whole thing. Her blade moved until she pointed at Padawan [member="Tugoro Taidarious"].

Vala then tried to find her Master which was surprisingly hard. You think for being a Jedi Master her Force presence would be...bigger but it was almost as if Master Grayson wasn't really there. Lifting her blade again, this time she relied on her other senses heightened by her meditative battle state. She could hear the low roar of the waterfall accompanied by the gentle trickling of the stream it emptied to. She could taste the freshness of the air, untainted by pollution or smog. She could feel a gentle breeze blow against her hard enough to be like a comforting touch. She could smell...peanut butter? And perfume that smelled like flowers, what kind she wasn't sure. That must be Master Grayson. Her blade slowly fell to the direction where the smell was coming from hoping it was the Jedi Master.

[member="Kiskla Grayson"]

 

[Kiskla Grayson-Matteo]

Kiskla wasn't sure how [member="Vala Melina"] was opening herself up to The Force, but she wasn't doing it with much receptiveness. The blade pointed parallel to the blonde master, and she frowned.

"I want you to feel my imprint in The Force, Vala. Not anything physical." The five senses everyone was born with made excellent soldiers and warriors. Kiskla was used to training an army of Force-mute men and women on Kiffu. This, however, was an entirely different exercise.

"I have a signature, just as you do and --" she left a gap for [member="Tugoro Taidarious"] to introduce himself "--does." She finished. With little concentration, Kiskla allowed more of that footprint in The Force to bleed out, the one that made Force Users stop and stare when she entered a room. At least, that had been the case when working on an alliance with the confederacy.

"Trust the Force. I promise it while guide you." She stepped toward the girl, both hands on her shoulders and gave her a quick turn around to disorient her -- making sure Vala's eyes were closed. Then, she stepped away. "One day, you're going to fight an opponent that will conceal themselves from the physical. You'll have to trust on your ultimate ally to find them. Do that now."

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

The boy remained silent as the demonstration continued, [member="Vala Melina"] having demonstrated her lightsaber skills, now moving onto her force sensing. The form known as Djem So had been shown, it having sparked an interest within the teen's mind. It was a pecurliary form, having two parts to it. Shien was the original form V, Djem So having been added ages later. He remembered reading that in a book somewhere. Watching the blade movements and focus of the other padawan, he would begin to attempt at memorizing the steps and stances displayed. Tugoro would definitely question about it in the near future. Lifting his head, he could not help but notice he was being reffered to, "Tugoro." He would say, as [member="Kiskla Grayson"] paused mid-sentence, obviously expecting expecting him to introduce himself.

 

[Vala Melina]

The Force rarely came easily to Vala. That's why she was asking for help now. Master Grayson explained that everyone had a signature and said to trust in the Force for it will guide her. The Jedi Master put her hands on her shoulders and then suddenly spun her around. Being such a scrawny girl, it was just a miracle of the Force that she somehow managed to stay upright, let along keep a hold on her sword. She then tried to steady her feet into a strong Djem So stance. Form V practitioners needed a strong stance in order to maximize power in every swing. With her feet firmly planted she instinctively got into a Form V stance, alert in case Master Grayson decided to sneak some sort of attack. She did say that sometimes her opponent will conceal themselves from the physical and trust the Force to find them.

Vala was very much disoriented but she had to find out where the Master was plotting something against her. She felt something very big near by. A generous and kind presence was nearby in the Force. It must be Master Grayson. She turned to face it, weapon at the ready for any surprises.

[member="Kiskla Grayson"] [member="Tugoro Taidarious"]

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

Tython's enviroment was very beautiful, a spectacular thing to see first hand. It offered many distractions to the boy's mind, as he continued to focus on the Padawan and Master training, only a few metres ahead of him. Glancing around, Tugoro could tell that most people at the training site were rather busy, either training an individual or half-way through training a large group. Thinking about his current position, it would dawn on him that his appearance would probably be rather rude, late arrivals being an unpleasant thing in human concept. Having not been raised with other humanoids like himself, the Wookie-boy felt it rather uncomfortable as he stood around, watching quietly in hopes someone would approach him. The Djem So demonstration was something that the young padawan would keep in his mind as he observed the continued force sensing, before a sudden beeping noise distracted him.
This would most likely prove to be rude as well, his arm lifting to glance at the wrist-communicator he wore around his arm. Turning from the group quietly, he would leave.

 

[Kiskla Grayson-Matteo]

Whoever said third time’s the charm must have overlooked the second time.
Kiskla could feel the swell within the Padawan, and was greatly pleased when the tip of [member="Vala Melina"]’s weapon indicated her position.

“Good.” Said Kiskla, as if someone had just handed her toast. It was a habit of hers, not to over compliment her students — but still give enough approval for them know that the master was proud. At least, a little. “You felt it that time.” The blonde continued, keeping her hands folded in front of her.

“Do you think you can feel it enough now, to push that boulder into the water?” She pointed behind Vala, and through the Padawans to where the teenager had come from. There was a thick mass sitting on the grassy sidelines of the water. That was to be Vala’s target; but she’d have to feel through all the Padawans first.

Her light eyes fell on [member="Tugoro Taidarious"] as he shifted his weight to leave. “Perhaps you’d like to try as well, Tugoro; to telekinetically strike that stone.”

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

The boy would stop dead in his tracks as his name was called, his padawan robes continuing to waver in the breeze. Turning on his heel, a confused grin would lay upon the boy's face as he headed back towards [member="Kiskla Grayson"]. The task that had been asked of him was confusing, he didn't really understand what she meant. "What?" He would ask, not sure how he would push such a boulder. "No, can't." He stated, shaking his head.

 

[Vala Melina]

When Master Grayson spoke Vala allowed her eyes to open. Though her stance remained neutral, the Jedi Master's words were those of approval. Vala also tried to remain neutral but she couldn't help but crack a small smile from the praise. Then [member="Kiskla Grayson"] asked Vala if she felt it enough to strike a rock. The Jedi Master pointed past the Padawan and indicated the target. The young girl turned to see a group of Padawans. She moved around on her toes trying to get a better view of what her target was. It was kind of comical to watch her do it.

When Master Grayson asked the other Padawan if he wanted to join them Vala turned to watch. The Padawan turned and looked a little confused then stated that he can't. Now it was Vala's turn to look confused. "Why?" she asked him.

It was a simple question but powerful. What prevented him from doing so? Such a feat was was normal for an average Jedi. Granted Vala wasn't the average Jedi and they were both Padawans but it was definitely possible.

[member="Tugoro Taidarious"]

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

The young teenager would shrug as he listened to [member="Vala Melina"]'s question. The answer was obvious to the boy, he just didn't really want to say it. Though, it had to be known sooner or later, seeing as he was at a training site. Looking around, before averting his attention to @Kiskla Gray, he would speak. "Don't know how."

 

[Vala Melina]

After a moment Vala caught herself staring and quickly adverted her gaze. The scrawny Jedi Padawan was so used to being passed over and forgotten by most that she forgot there were those who never had the opportunity to learn or even set foot inside the Jedi Temple until now. She blushed from embarrassment and guilt. "I'm...I'm sorry," she said with sincerity.

Then she perked up a little when she had an idea. "Maybe we can teach you?" she said, looking to [member="Kiskla Grayson"] then back to [member="Tugoro Taidarious"], "I'm not the greatest when it comes to the Force but I know some basics and maybe I can help you learn. That's why we're here after all, to learn. That is if you're okay with that."

Though her delivery was a little timid, she was willing to help Tugoro out. She won't let him get passed up when he needed help like she did at the Enclave.

[member="Tugoro Taidarious"] [member="Kiskla Grayson"]

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

A large, joyful grin would spread across the boy's face as he began to step forward, stopping as he stood beside [member="Vala Melina"]. The boy's padawan robes would waver in the light breeze as he moved, the metallic saber handle at his belt dangling slightly. "Sounds good." Tugoro would speak, rather quickly, his voice sounding bland once more. Assuming that the padawan would be teaching him, his focus remained on her, the boy's emerald eyes looking from side to side before concentrating. He looked nervous, almost suspicious.

 

[Vala Melina]

Tugoro's sudden enthusiasm startled the sheepish Padawan, forcing her to take a few steps back. No one has ever been so happy to be with Vala, let alone learn from her. She also noticed the handle of a lightsaber hanging from his belt. He had a lightsaber? This boy was going to learn from her when she didn't even have one herself? What good can she do? It was overwhelming. He also seemed a little suspicious of her. Why? Because she didn't have a lightsaber? Did he come to the same conclusion?

She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and released it, breathing out all of her anxiety and worry. She offered, he accepted. She was going to help him with telekinesis, even if she wasn't the best at it herself. She opened her eyes with newly lit determination. "Uh, alright. I gotta warn you though, I'm not the best at this," she said before she continued, "There are many different methods, ways, and approaches to do telekinesis, at least from what I read. I find that the best way to do any sort of telekinesis is to pick something you want to move, focus on it, and try and feel it through the Force. So pick something and try to feel it through the Force."

[member="Tugoro Taidarious"] [member="Kiskla Grayson"]

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

"Feel through the force.." He spoke quietly, his hand lifting to caress his chin as he thought deeply. Indeed, he was happy that [member="Vala Melina"] would be teaching him, not caring or actually noticing her sheepish attitude. Shaking his head, he would say, "Don't care," listening as she said she wasn't good. "Confidence is good." He would continue, giving her an encouraging thumbs up. Watching the girls eyes, he would notice her looking at the saber handle he had obtained, aftering fighting off the Sith Zabrak Maleus. He had just returned from Alderaan, looking rather dirtied, burnt, and beat. However, that did not stop him from acting normal, not really caring what others might think. Remaining quiet, he would nod along with her words as she explained how to use telekinesis. "Okay." He would say, proceeding to take a seat on the ground. Tugoro hadn't actually ever manipulated the force to his will, only having it guide him subconciously in dire situations. Perhaps that was how he was able to survive amongst the Wookies, however that did not matter.

The teen's eyes would slowly lower, closing to block out all physical sight. His mind would descend into a deep concentration, attempting to tap into and feel the force energy that surrounded him. It was plentiful, floating everywhere in the air, and even in his body. As he continued to meditate, the more his spiritual eyes opened, becoming enlightened by the mystical power the Jedi and Sith wielded. Opening his eyes, a look of realization would spread across his face, his attention being directed to the sky. It was as if he was looking at some godly being. "You first."
[member="Kiskla Grayson"]

 

[Vala Melina]

Vala watched as Tugoro sat on the ground and did as instructed. He closed his eyes and seemed to be concentrating on something. This guy was powerful, Vala could feel it as he tapped into the Force. After awhile he seemed to come to some sort of realization then opened his eyes. He then said, "You first."

She was going to have to do it eventually. He needed a demonstration after all. "Alright," Vala said, more to herself than Tugoro. She put her hands together in front of her and closed her eyes. She took in a breath and breathed out all of her insecurities and worry as she cleared her mind. She then tried to stretch her feelings beyond herself as she attempted to tap into the Force. She could sense Tugoro and Master Grayson, their presence brilliant in the Force. It was almost as if she could 'see' them, even with her eyes closed. While still closed, she turned to the direction the Jedi Master indicated earlier and indeed there were a group of Padawans in front of her, all shining differently telling of different people living different lives. However her goal wasn't them, it was a boulder by the river.

Vala tried to 'see' past them and as her focus shifted so did what she saw. She managed to see through all of the Padawans and saw the outlines of rocks and the beach, spotting the life of animals flowing in the river. That was closer. She then concentrated on the large boulder next to the river. "I find that if you incorporate some sort of movement it helps. When you get really good you don't even need to move, just think it, but I'm nowhere near that good," she said, "You concentrate on what you are trying to move and...well...try and move it."

She realized it wasn't a very great explanation but she thought it would be better to see than explain. Concentrating on the boulder, she brought a fist back then punched forward. There was some sand that flew in the air but the boulder didn't move very far, a few inches max. Though her shoulders drooped for a moment at her failure, she took a stronger, more determined stance. "Remember it's not about size or difficulty. I remember reading somewhere that long ago a Jedi Master barely as tall as my knee lifted a full blown X Wing. It's about will and belief."

Taking her own advice, Vala concentrated on the boulder again but this time she believed. She was going to move that boulder. She will succeed! Using what bit of will power she had, her fist exploded forward. This time puffs of sand lifted into the air and the boulder lifted in the air just a bit as if some powerful being flicked it. It landed with a small splash into the river. The Jedi Padawan drew herself together with her hands pressed in front of her and she let out a breath. She finally opened her eyes and saw her success.

[member="Tugoro Taidarious"] [member="Kiskla Grayson"]

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

While watching quietly, the boy would lift up to his feet, listening to [member="Vala Melina"] carefully. The female padawan continued to speak, attempting to offer a helpful explanation to the boy in hopes to aid him in his attempt. Her words were vague, somewhat confusing, though Tugoro did understand a bit. Now he really understood, having felt the force. The boy's eyes would widen as the boulder in the distance began to budge, moving only slightly.

It was an interesting sight, an incredible feat he also desired to acccomplish. "Wow!" He would say, before hesitating, watching as Vala moved her arm forward once more to manipulate the force. The large rock would rise, shooting into the air to fall onto the ground, with a rather loud thud. She was right, it was not about size or difficultly, only confidence. Now that he thought of it, he remembered some stories of a jedi master that aided the wookies once. "Okay, my turn." He would state, taking a single step forward, standing on his tippy-toes in order to get a better look at the rock that was far off. The other padawans that trained in a group obstructed his view slightly, forcing him to turn to the force. Closing his eyes, Tugoro would begin to concentrate, his mind slipping into a meditative trance. The boy's own force energy would extend, sweeping across the landscape as a sensor to pick up all life-forms in the area.

The group of padawans were indeed apparent, their force signatures being recognized as a light, peaceful glow. More than that, he could feel the grass, the creatures in the dirt, and even the ones in the stream. Through them he his mind, allowing his force power to project, and wrap around the boulder that had been lifted. As he concentrated, the boy used his imagination to paint pictures in his mind, not of lifting the boulder physically but with his mind, where nothing was impossible. Having absolute confidence, the boy would harness the force around the rock, grabbing it tightly in an attempt to lift it into the air, letting it float forward gently.

 

[Vala Melina]

Vala was happy that her success inspired Tugoro. She stepped back as she let him attempt to lift the boulder. He tried to get a good visual on it before he entered a meditative trance. Though Vala wasn't strong in the Force so she wasn't able to feel what he was doing. She can however see the results of his efforts. He concentrated and Vala saw boulder rise out of the water and a couple of feet into the air. A silent gasp of amazement struck her for a moment but them fell into a proud smile. She watched as the boulder floated around a little, high enough to see over the other Padawans. "Keep concentrating and open your eyes," Vala said.

He had to see the fruits of his triumph.

Tugoro Taidarious Kiskla Grayson

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

The dark veil of Tugoro's eyelids would part, allowing rays of heat and color to overwhelm his senses as he opened himself to the physical world once more. His head slowly turned to look at [member="Vala Melina"], a large grin upon his youthful face. It was rather smug, though one could tell that he was genuinely happy. "Thanks." He said, as he diverted his attention to the boulder that had begun to float higher and higher into the air. He had lost his control on it for a second, having distracted himself with conversation. Lifting his arm, the boy's hand would open, aiming it's palm directly at the rock that had begun to approach the group.

He would project his force energy forward, allowing it to seep into the air and force that surrounded all of them, creating a telekinesis grasp around the large rock. Drawing his hand closer to his body, the rock would do the same, coming closer to the trio, eventually floating over the group of padawans that had been in the way. Waving his hand downwards violently, he would make the boulder come crashing down in front of him, putting a moderate dent in the rock, and ground. "Awesome."

 

[Kiskla Grayson-Matteo]

When the once nervous Padawan, [member="Vala Melina"], had taken initiative to answer the other, Kiskla took both a metaphorical and physical step back. Seeking answers from a master was not uncommon, but to have two learners explore their own abilities together, and develop them beyond the instruction of someone who had experience was a whole new venture in itself.

With silent observance, Kiskla marvelled at the spectacle between Vala and [member="Tugoro Taidarious"] as they pushed the limits of innovation with their own ethereal hands. It took a while, and a but of discussion between the two of them before the water quite some distance away was polluted with a new rock at the hand of the teenage girl. Then, with somewhat of a more destructive nature, another game pounding into the ground, just missing their three pairs of toes.

"You managed to pick that up quite quickly for not knowing how." She addressed to Tugoro, while resting a light hand on Vala's shoulder "Helps to have a good teacher." Vala's nervousness seemed to have slipped away for the time being, which was to the ultimate benefit of the newcomer.

"This is only the beginning. Telekinesis is one of the most malleable tools of The Force, and you can explore it's hand in several ways. I encourage you to keep practicing this, at least an hour a day, until you can lift things three times the size of those boulders -- and once you do that, continue to push yourself."

Spoiler

Sorry for the tremendous wait, guys!

 

[Vala Melina]

Vala instinctively took a few steps back when the boulder fell in front of them. She thought about what just happened. She actually taught someone something. And was successful. Vala allowed herself to feel a rare emotion: pride. Not the type of pride that forces people to flaunt and do rash things. It was the pride of a job well done, of doing something right. She smiled at Tugoro's success.

The hand on Vala's shoulder made her jump slightly. She almost forgot Master Grayson was there. She gave praise to both of them, causing Vala to blush slightly. She listened to her council then she nodded in agreement. "Yes Master Grayson," Vala acknowledged.

Suddenly her com link went off. Vala excused herself as she listened to the message. When it was finished she turned to Master Grayson and Tugoro. "I have to go," she said, "Thank you Master Grayson. It's been a pleasure meeting you Tugoro."

She gave a curt little bow before disappearing into the Temple.

Tugoro Taidarious Kiskla Grayson