Rocketblaze

Service droids were now finished with the standard maintenance protocol on the Blazetail. Additionally, all requested items had been loaded into the cargo bay. Rocketblaze emerged from the compound, called Vivi to him, and strolled by the crazy man who incorrectly assumed that his fire trick was scary. "Given your inability to select a proper verb phrase to convey your intended meaning, I'll assume that you could use a little help. Here's a tip: The guys here are all doing their own thing, so you may run into some resistance that could destroy you. I'm off to explore the galaxy. Be careful and have a nice day." The Archserpent knew that he could be reached by commlink at any moment, and he was leaving in light of the relative inactivity of his students. Boarding his ship, Rocketblaze cleared the planetary influences of Chandrila without disruption.

"Cody, it would be my pleasure to start your journey into the ways of the Force. You shall be my Apprentice, occasionally training under the guidance of others when applicable. I have high expectations for your future with us, as I feel you are capable of greatness... I'm going to prepare a training room for us. You can attempt to locate me based on the aura which I naturally emanate or by way of the security system. Join me when you are ready for a minor workout." The Archserpent disappeared from the visual realm, only reappearing once he had left the dining hall. He continued toward the training facilities. -------------------------------------------- Vivi squeaked at Xentar, hopping frantically about in the grass. She paused for a moment. Looking at the tree, the squall then lowered her eyes to the ground, forward onto the pine cone, then finally onto the grass. She traveled a short distance away from the tree and plopped down on the grass to rest. From this vantage point Vivi could easily observe the Serpent who was succeeding in keeping her entertained.

Vivi assessed Xentar's work, eventually coming to sit upon the spot where he had buried the pine cone. She let out a quick squeak, her way of indicating the end of lesson one. As a reward, the squall brushed her head over the side of his boot for a brief moment. Then it was back to business. Vivi hopped to a nearby pine tree and let out a loud squeak to signal the start of lesson two. She went to the base of the tree and rolled out a pine cone along the ground to the farthest reaches of its branches. Leaving it sit, she hopped around playfully while waiting to see what Xentar would do with it.

Vivi cut down a small bit of grass. She placed some of the grass over the pine cone which sat on Xentar's boot. Suddenly she let out a harsh squeal, knocking the grass and pine cone to the ground. She then gathered up grass again, this time laying it down on Xentar's other boot. When she had formed a base, Vivi picked up the pine cone. She squeaked to affirm that Xentar was watching, then placed the pine cone atop the grass. The squall once again faced the sea of grass and awaited a reaction.

Rocketblaze saw no reason to hide things from the newcomer. If necessary, the Archserpent and Garet could overpower him if things took a turn for the worse. With such an assessment made, RB responded. "The Serpent Order is the product of my efforts to bring freedom to all who would have it. We are a collection of Force users who harness what is commonly referred to as the 'Dark Side' of the Force. While most creatures become Sith in this way, we are different. Sith are prone to letting their emotions rule them, giving free reign to whatever power they can summon... Serpents are more controlled in confrontation. Using the same degree of discipline practiced by the Jedi, we apply a great deal of self control when we summon power through the Force. We allow our emotions to fuel us, but never to overtake us. We assert command over these feelings and rise above the abilities one finds in the strict adherence to the ways of the Jedi and Sith." Giving a moment for Cody to absorb all that was said, the Archserpent realized that a minor proof was in order. It would be unfair to claim that they were Force users without showing it to be true, given the nature of the newcomer's quest for completion. Rocketblaze reached out his hand above the table, motioning toward two apples. With a flick of his wrist, they rose to eye level in front of Cody. The apples spun about each other in a furious whirlpool of nothingness, the only physical indication for their behavior seen as one rotating finger on the Archserpent's hand. Suddenly, a large mellon flew up to the center of the invisible whirlpool. It stayed still as more apples collected around it, swirling now in all directions about the center at blurring speed. From behind his back a twisted, wicked dagger was hurled at an unnatural velocity toward the active mass of fruit. Within a second the pieces of fruit rested motionless on the table, each split in half. Cody would find no spray of the fruit on his body, for the cuts were too fast for any juice to escape before they impacted the table. Having never looked up from his meal, the Archserpent could been seen placing the wicked dagger of Ar-Pharazon back in its resting place. He took up his fork once again and continued. "If you have interest in achieving the benefits of my Serpent Order, then there will be a place here for you... If you would rather not, then we are able to send you on your way unharmed. The choice is yours Cody Canceno. What do you desire?" ---------------------------------------------------------- Still watching through the eyes of Vivi Rocketblaze observed Xentar's progress. The riddles of the Squall were now beginning to unfold. She dug at the dirt Xentar had just placed over the pine cone, pulling it up from the ground. She again placed it on his boot, then pawed at the ground. Making a slight squeak to convey her insistence that Xentar had not yet completed this challenge, Vivi hopped behind him and faced the lush fields of Chandrila.

((OOC: I put the names in bold to give some extra separation to this post and make it easier to find where each character is addressed by Rocketblaze. I'll also be posting Vivi's actions within the context of normal posts, making the transition from RB to Vivi as seamless as possible. If any of this is objectionable, please let me know via PM.)) The Archserpent was satisfied to hear that familiar tone. Sensing a great deal of anger from Garet, RB sought to use that fury for constructive purposes. "I have already seen to it that Xentar will be shown the proper path. There is little more you could teach him, as his body will not perform the same as yours... and he is not in need of a lesson in pain." Rocketblaze smiled as the words passed his lips. It was always a joy to watch Garet fight, but for now other matters were to take precedence. From his pocket the Archserpent produced a holoprojector. He placed it on the table and expressed his will. "I would rather have you begin work on this concept. The data you will find in this Imagecaster shows the development of a very special bullet for a slugthrower. Any progress you can make in the forge would be appreciated, but there is no reason why you should not see to yourself first. You know the Compound well and are free to employ any of its services, as it has always been." There were parting words which could be said by Garet, but Rocketblaze was now concerned primarily with the final speaker. He looked up at Cody, realizing that the events in the dining hall were potentially overwhelming to him. "Once again I must apologize to you. As I explained, things are a bit out of sorts with this being my return. Is there anything I can get for you?" At the same time, RB was splitting his focus. He had calculated that Xentar should have reached the outside world by the time he had finished speaking. Taking a look through the Squall's eyes, the Archserpent saw Vivi looking up at the man who had just placed her on the ground. She sniffed the air before hopping a short distance away. Upon her return, she set a pine cone atop his foot. Moving to a patch of barren dirt, Vivi pawed at the ground.

Rocketblaze was able to see exactly what Xentar's problem was. It was not his fault, as it came from a flaw in the system. "That was good. After the remark I made, you must have felt a surge of emotion. As you were able to keep that completely in check, you have shown that you are indeed on your way to mastery of the Serpent ways. However, your ability in the Force is not able to mask your inability to express genuine emotion." The Archserpent looked up from his plate. If Xentar had feathers, RB was sure they'd be puffed out to their very ends. This did not seem to be Xentar's natural way. "The time I've been gone is irrelevant, because only the actions which fill that time are of merit. I have ascended beyond using the Force, out of the reach of kings and gods. If you can figure out what I mean by that, I'll reward you well." Rocketblaze softened his expression. It appeared that Xentar had come far, yet he still had things to learn. Things that could only be taught by the founder of such ways, or so it would seem. "Never forget that the Serpent way is my way. It is not a democracy, and there is no change to be found unless it comes from me. You alone stayed to practice what you knew of my teachings, awaiting something to spark you onward. That spark is here, sitting before you. Your training is incomplete, Xentar, but to no fault of your own. If you truly desire the benefits which the Serpent Order provides, take Vivi outside and play. There is much to be learned from a hopping Squall. However, if you feel yourself to be a true master, then you may choose your own path." Rocketblaze gave another piece of Muja fruit to Vivi before nudging her off his lap toward Xentar. The Archserpent resumed his meal, ready for the next conversation to begin.

Rocketblaze was in the middle of a succulent bite of nerf tenderloin. It was unfortunate for the transgressor that it was this particular event which had been interrupted, for nerf tenderloin was was the Archserpent's favorite. He looked up at Cody. "Just a moment, if you'd be so kind." A turn of his head revealed that Xentar was the architect of words who pulled him from his meal. This was no surprise, as the man before him was not one to observe manners of refinement. The sudden appearance of such a man brought up a reaction in RB that had not surfaced in quite some time. "Hahahahahahaha! ... Oh, I'm sorry. Whew! ... Just a second... Ok, ok... I'm alright." Composing himself was one of the most difficult trials he had ever faced. The Archserpent considered for a moment that he'd rather be forced into fighting the cyborg form of Kakuto Ryu again, but immediately thought the better of it. Realizing the severity of that hypothetical situation brought him back to the issue at hand. "Xentar, you came to me as a Sith Lord with all the physical ability you'd ever need. I left you in the capable hands of Garet and Moric, yet you still possess little more direction than this man who's just landed." Rocketblaze indicated that he spoke of Cody, who had indeed just arrived on Chandrila. It baffled him that his former apprentice was still unversed in the ways of the Serpent Order. "Still, you've asked me a question. It's only fair that I answer it... I never left, Xentar. I've been on Chandrila all along. My ship remains taken care of, yet unmoved. I have prepared a new personal chamber, yet none have noticed. The very pinnacle of understanding in the ways of the Force has been attained by the man sitting here trying to enjoy some nerf tenderloin... Yet you come in here with spite in your voice. You know nothing of what I've achieved in my time away from the Serpents; nothing of what I can do. Let me ask you, Xentar, what is it which makes you worthy to express such disrespect? Do you think yourself to be my equal? My superior, perhaps? What did Moric teach you that makes you any more of a Serpent than the Sith you were when I so easily broke your neck?" Contempt laced his tone, inside and out. The Archserpent turned back to his food. It would be a shame to let the fine meal cool. He addressed Xentar once more before resuming his meal. "Go ahead and reply whenever you feel like it. I'm listening... Or maybe I'm not. Either way, I'm not so sure you care." Rocketblaze once again enjoyed a sweet marinade that had been slathered over the delicacy in his mouth. Resuming the meal seemed to soothe RB. He once again looked at Cody. "Please don't let this disrupt your meal. Feel free to speak whenever you're comfortable." So the Archserpent continued to eat, ready to receive the words of both Xentar and Cody. Unsurprisingly, Vivi jumped up and settled in his lap. Rocketblaze immediately turned to Garet. "Don't kill this little Squall. I know you're a hunter of much more challenging game, and I honestly don't intend to insult your abilities by implying that you would hunt a Squall. However, this Squall and I have an understanding. I've named her Vivi and find her to bring endless entertainment. While I don't expect you to feel the same, I simply ask that you don't harm her." Now the Archserpent was entrenched in a conversation spanning three fronts. Diverting his attention to Vivi, he fed her a bit of Muja fruit. Rocketblaze once again took up his fork and awaited the verbal barrage which was to come.

A Squall peered upon a peculiar scene. Some fool was brazenly casting aside a peaceful newcomer while battling for control over his own abilities. Another was calling himself the Archserpent, and still others were nowhere to be found. Surely they were in the Compound, as the Squall had watched them come and go from that place many times before. Still, today was a special day for the Squall. This was the first time her friend was able to fully bond with her, hearing and seeing all that she was privy to observe. As she nibbled a seed which had rested at her feet only a moment ago, the roar of a ship blasting off startled the little Squall. She turned in mid jump, landing to frantic feet carrying her off in the direction of her friend. What she didn't know was that her friend was already headed in her direction. He came into sight after emerging from behind a rock formation which sat near the Compound. A familiar whistle was all she needed to know that it was him, and indeed she got that whistle. Leaping with all her might, the Squall landed in his arms. Luckily for the Squall, she had landed in the arms of Rocketblaze, one of the most able bodies in all of the known galaxy. RB hoisted the little Squall onto his right shoulder. She sat comfortably as he approached Cody Canceno. "I have no idea who that was. Please accept my apologies and welcome on behalf of the planet Chandrila. I'm Rocketblaze, but you can feel free to call me 'RB.' The little Squall on my shoulder is Vivi." He reached up and pet Vivi's long ears. She shifted slightly before settling her eyes on Cody. "This is my establishment and inside are my students. I've been away for awhile, attending to some personal business. It seems that in my absence, issues have developed which require my attention. Please follow me." Making his way into the Compound, Rocketblaze made his first stop the communication room. Activating the PA, he declared to all: "This is Rocketblaze. My observations have led me to understand that Moric has assumed command while I have been gone. I appreciate this gesture and will now reclaim the title 'Archserpent.' Any who challenge this may feel free to approach me. All Serpents present and loyal to me are to report in over comm. If you have ascended in rank, it is imperative that you seek me out." RB then escorted Cody to the dining hall. They sat down to a meal which had been in the works for nearly an hour, thanks to the wrist link wrapped around the Archserpent's arm. He had sent the command in anticipation of sharing a return feast with old friends, but it had become a meal of welcoming instead. Vivi took to hopping around under the table as Rocketblaze addressed the newcomer. "So, what's your name and what can I do for you?"

Assumption had fooled Xentar. While Xentar was assuming that the crack was in his favor, it was actually a signal to take evasive action. Rocketblaze was mentally beyond this standard attempt at defense and pushed forward with renewed power, moving his fist toward Xentar's torso as he opposed the resistance. In the seconds following the 'wall of Force' trick, Xentar found himself on the ground as a victim of a hefty blow. "You're doing well, but you don't get it just yet. You fight well, but still don't command the Force. Try to think of it this way: The Force is dynamic; always shifting. When you concentrate the Force, don't stop it. The more movement you put into your efforts, the more powerful their effects will be. To get a slightly different perspective, seek out Garet Jax. He could find a way to kill a rancor with a wampa hair, so I'm sure he can give you some insight on your style. When you feel that you've learned enough, seek me out and we can finish your training." RB then departed from the training room, intent on relaxing his body while working his mind.

Rocketblaze appreciated Xentar's efforts with the Force, but decided that it had to be snuffed. Feeling into the essence of the Force, beyond bounds of the mind, Rocketblaze untied the ribbons of energy that had him restrained. Effortlessly he flew up and away from Xentar, landing softly a few meters back. "Put the Force into your combination attacks. Instead of using it as a weapon, use it as a shield. Here... I'll show you." Tossing aside his blade, Rocketblaze centered his focus on the man in front of him. His muscles began to swell, the bulging cells adding to his primal strength. The Archserpent began breathing heavily as he advanced in a simple walk toward his opponent. Using only himself, RB threw out his first punch. As Xentar went to block, Rocketblaze tapped his power and accelerated the blow as it was happening. Through this mastery of the Force he was able to catch Xentar's arm behind the light claw and toss an open palm blow into the near side ribs before his apprentice was fully aware of what had happened. Following it up with his opposing knee into Xentar's midsection to double him over, he then took down the larger man by striking the back of his neck with the elbow of the same arm that started the combo. As Xentar dropped, Rocketblaze took the light claw from his hand and dropped it straight to the ground. The Force suddenly swept his apprentice off the floor into his extended arm, resulting in a shot to the lower back. No sooner than he rested on the ground for a second time, the newest Serpent was grappled at the leg and tossed across the room. "Control! Catch yourself!" The Archserpent only hoped that Xentar could catch himself and rebound with the appropriate controlled passion that he had displayed in this round of fighting. For the moment, RB kicked aside the light claw and caught his breath.

Rocketblaze caught the two bladed across his own before dropping down to avoid the fist directed at his head. In the same motion he linked a sweep. Xentar was able to clear the move, but could not avoid the upward motion of the Archserpent's hilt that followed. "Be careful not to overextend yourself." Moving forward, Rocketblaze initiated blade to blade contact once again with an overhead slash.

The compound's central computer entered alert status at the sudden landing and departure of a vessel. Rocketblaze called the Force forward, suddenly rushing it through his body to impact Xentar. The blow forced his apprentice forward and himself backward. "Hold... I'm glad that you've got the knack of bent light manipulation. The hard stuff comes after this, but I need to check this out. Come along." Making his way to the command station, Rocketblaze was curious as to what could have happened. He checked the events logged by the computer to find that a ship had landed with clearance, a signal was directed to it, and then it suddenly cleared the planet. Entering a complex code on his wrist link, the Archserpent spoke over the PA. "Everybody pay attention. We're going under. Brace yourselves and hope that this compound we've built holds up to its intended design." Looking at his apprentice, RB had a serious look to accompany his tone. "I have confidence in what is about to happen, but the ride might be rough. Be prepared." The Blazetail emerged from its parked state and softly landed on the top of the compound. Locking into position as a dome covered the ship, it fired all thrusters at full power. While the ship did not move, the energy it spent was collected within the dome. The underwater turbine whirred at incredible speed as the docks disengaged from the edge of the compound, followed in turn by the outer circle of rooms. Then the central shaft shifted, bringing the core of the compound down into the depths of the lake. When it neared the bottom the Serpent facility suddenly shifted horizontally. It crossed a selective shield membrane, being received by a vast shell of impregnable durability. All the days that Rocketblaze had spent underwater had paid off when the core was securely sealed. His secret work that had taken place long ago was now a functional reality. While the Serpents had not designed an apparent defense for their home, Rocketblaze had been hiding one all along. Now safely sitting deep in the crust of Chandrila, Rocketblaze decided to continue with Xentar's training. "Nothing else can be done for now. There's more to be seen, but this place needs time to collect all the appropriate energy. While it does so, we'll use the one remaining training room. I'm sure that the others will come to find out what's happening, but we can at least train until then." Advancing a short walk into the training room, the Archserpent went to a trunk of weaponry that was not present in the other location. He took a dual-bladed lightclaw, tossing it over to Xentar. "Put that on and advance against my lightsaber, adjusting your attacks to compensate for the lack of range. Try to make your attacks even more brutally powerful than they already are, but keep in mind that I will have the ability to control the distance at which we fight." Rocketblaze was happy to keep his mind from worrying over the potential danger that the galaxy posed against the Serpent Order. It was nice to enjoy the progress of Xentar into a more alive and aware being. So he nodded at his apprentice, indicating for them to begin when he was comfortable with the lightclaw.

The house computer system of the Serpent Compound sent a smart response to the hailing. "You may land and enter the compound. Please wait inside the primary entryway until somebody comes for your. Hostile acts will be met with force."

Rocketblaze became aware of Xentar's method after taking the second hit. Logically, the only way to defeat the Force was to use the Force. Thus, being the type of man that he is, the Archserpent took to the floor in a roll to put some distance between himself and Xentar. "Now it gets harder." Harnessing the true Dark Arts, Rocketblaze was able to produce the lasting effect of invisibility over his body. Spectromacy was not something he had practiced much, but he would remain unseen for long enough. In the moments after leaving the realm of physical sight, he softly moved around the room while speaking. "I cannot be seen by any means. All radiant energy is passing through my body. I will now slip away from the Force. Your task is to find your focus, which I see most strongly lies in your pain, then use it to summon whatever power you feel will locate me." As he said he would, the Archserpent severed his apparent connection to the Force, leaving him with no prominent Force signature. Rocketblaze was doing the same thing that the ancient Serpent Order had done to preserve themselves when endangered. He only hoped that Xentar could now enter the same realm of the Force as the Serpents, enabling him to access powers that would awe and inspire his ambition.