Chandrila

[Garet Jax]

Garet left the meeting area and returned to his neverending training. The Serpent Lord pulled his black robes tight as he walked to the edge of the forest. He breathed deeply, allowing the pure air to fill his lungs. It had been too long since he'd been here. The Trandoshan warrior felt more at home in the wilderness than anywhere else. He sprung into the air gripping a large branch with his Iron Reaver and pulling himself up. With no help from the Force, Garet used his powerful ears and nose to catch the scent of a familiar animal. It was the same species of the bearlike creature he'd battled and defeated last time. That time the animal had been hunting Garet.

 

This time I will be the hunter.

 

Garet leapt lightly from branch to branch. He made sure he squelched the Force from influencing his actions. Garet believed it was wiser for a warrior to train his body and mind, the Force and his alchemic magic were merely supplements to those abilities. Garet followed the trail for several miles before he spotted the animal eating the freshly killed carcass of a six-legged deer like animal. Garet watched the hulking monster for sometime.

 

Killing it would be a waste. I have an unfair advantage. To truly come close to death, I must not use any of my abilities. I must steal the meat without harming the beast.

 

Garet climbed down head first his claws gripping the bark. He reached the foot of the tree before flipping over, his feet making no sound at all as they touched the earth. Garet felt the soil shift with his movements beneath his toes. Then Garet shot off on all fours as fast as he could. The animal at last caught his scent and turned swiping its giant paw at Garet. The Doshan slid feet first, feeling the claws pass inches above his forehead. He came to a stop beside the carcass. Throwing the heavy burden over his shoulder, the Doshan began to run. He could hear the larger animal crashing through the trees close behind.

 

And so the chase begins.

[Moric Thian]

A simple nod was all that escaped Moric as he finished his conversation with the Archserpent. It seemed it would be okay if Xentar were to come back. He was only with the Serpents for a brief couple of days before things changed. There was no doubt the man was curious about the Serpent ways, considering not much was learned through the course of the meeting between the two. Moric just hoped the man's arrogance would not get in the way of things.

 

The Serpent Lord made his way to the other end of the pond, breathing the deep fragrance as he went. The adrenaline rush of battle was nice to look forward to, but there was something about the beauty of trees swaying in the wind that Moric couldn't describe. It was a welcome escape from the harsh realities of the dark side. Either that or the man was just going soft.

 

Moric's hand scuffled through his pocket until he found his commlink. It didn't take him long considering there was nothing else in the crevices of his robes. He contacted Xentar's frequency and spoke the following words.

 

"Xentar, this is Moric Thian. I have received clearance to allow you passage to our planet. Just be warned, you will be watched closely in case you decide to let your arrogance get in the way of your education. At least if that is what you still desire." The Serpent then proceeded to enter in the coordinates to Chandrila, making sure Xentar knew his way there.”

[Xentar Kentam]

Emerging from the realm of hyperspace with a rumble that started faint before becoming subject to a great crescendo came a small ship. It was nondescript and unimportant. Simply put, it was just a ship. The only thing that was important about its arrival was the man that sat on board, meditating as the autopilot approached Chandrila.

 

Xentar Kentam was lost in a dream-like state. He was on Coruscant, fighting with a pillar of red energy. It moved perfectly to his command, but the driving force behind it was his own dark disposition. Terror and doubt flooded the eyes of the man he fought, a Jedi finally brought to terms with his own weakness.

 

Strength left the man with his mental weakness, then his life followed suit as Xentar brutalized him. It was a battle won through mental domination, a psychological war far more devestating than any physical injury a lightsaber could deal out.

 

For the moment, one feeling overcame the Sith Lord. Now I am encouraged to fight, but have no enemies.

 

Another enemy arose, this one even less skilled in the art of a blade. But he was mentally secure with the weak, dogmatic, narrow views of the Jedi Order. He successfully resisted Xentar's darkness with unrealistic resolve. He employed a cheap trick to take the upper hand, then proved his weakness by failing to defeat Xentar in honorable combat. He resorted to tactics frowned upon by the most base of morality...

 

Then pain. Glorious pain.

 

Xentar's eyes snapped open. He was breathing calmly, with measured, articulate breaths. He stood to find an interesting sensation. He was not wearing armor. His meditation had been deep enough for every sensation to become a reality. He had been wearing armor during that fight. Armor that could hold off a lightsaber. Armor he had been forced to create during his training.

 

A second realization snapped into focus--he had no lightsaber. His weapon, that which had once been his pride, was no longer hanging on his belt.

 

He must have lost them both on Coruscant, stolen by the man who indubiously still believed he had won a victory that day.

 

But these material things were unnecessary. Xentar Kentam had no use for weapons or defenses. The only thing he needed was the Dark Side of the Force, and the Serpent Order would be able to accompany the desire to fight without a lightsaber. They had other ways, better ways to fight. Xentar had experienced it firsthand.

 

Landing his small ship on Chandrila's surface, Kentam departed and began to seek out the nearest Serpent Lord.

[Kirana Sunrider]

Completing her rising meditation, Kira sank back down to the ground. She stood up and looked around the area. What she needed to do was to tinker with her saber. The best place to do that would be within her room. She only needed to exchange crystals.

 

The breeze lifted her silver hair, creating a halo effect as she walked along. The sun was warm on her face, the day perfect. She still didn't know what they wanted her to do, no one seemed to want to approach her. Kira didn't know if that was a good thing or bad.

 

Entering her room, she slipped her saber out of her secret pocket, also taking out the silver crystal she had gotten from Ilum. She had another crystal still within the folds of her clothing, carefully wrapped up against her skin in another special pocket. She adjusted the crystal within her saber, having had adjusted it to add another when she had been on her own ship. Now she inserted the second crystal, placing the silver one within the confines of the hilt. Everything fitted perfect and she tested it through the force making sure the minute adjustments were set securely.

 

Igniting the blade, she smiled as the silver blade pulsed to life. It was no longer purely azul, only a very slight tint of it amongst the silver. She shut it down again, placing the hilt back into the secreted pocket. Now what to do?

 

She decided to head back to the dining hall, feeling the slight pangs of hunger stir. Entering she headed over to gather up a meal, taking it back to a table and seating herself where she could see who came and went from the hall. She sipped at the water before starting on her meal.

[Rocketblaze]

Rocketblaze heard Xentar's ship land. He stood up on the dock, extending his presence when doing so. Once sure that the Sith Lord would have felt him, the Archserpent motioned him over.

[Lord Ar-Pharazon]

Wrong Thread, sorry.

[Xentar Kentam]

Xentar felt a notion through the Force and turned to head to match its call. There he saw a Serpent Lord, perhaps the Archserpent himself, beckoning to him. Without hesitation, Kentam altered his course to head directly for the one that would be inducting him into the order.

 

The Sith Lord arrived quickly, for the walk was not far. As he neared Rocketblaze, he bowed, but said nothing.

[Kirana Sunrider]

Finishing her meal, Kira stood, took her dishes to the cleaning receptical and left the dining hall. While this... forced vacation was somewhat relaxing, she needed something to do. She didn't even know how long she would be here for, feeling that she was needed elsewhere.

 

Once again she began to wander around the compound, wondering what to do with her time. Entering a training room she brought out her saber from it's confines, igniting the blade and activating several remotes she found in a crate. She would sink herself into the lightside energies and practice her skills, keeping herself in tune with the Lightside of the Force, and maintaining her own fitness at the same time.

 

She had no idea if any of them would approach her to learn about the Light... had no idea how long she would be kept here for. She hadn't yet been able to find out about the defenses of the planet, so didn't know if she could safely call her own ship so as to leave... didn't know if she would be able to leave...

[Garet Jax]

Garet sat perched on a tree several minutes later, consuming his lunch, stolen from the forest creature. He had a preference for raw meat, but felt a twinge of guilt that his meal was scavenged.

 

I should have returned the carcass and hunted myself. My laziness won out.

 

The bear-like beast hadn't been nearly as fast as he remembered, and the Doshan had escaped with ease. He wouldn't find much of a challenge in that department any longer. Garet took it as a good sign he had reattained his skills and in fact, improved them. Finished, he leisurely made his way back to the Serpent lair. Garet moved through the base, and into the training area. He heard the whirring of a lightsaber, and stopped by one of the rooms to check the source. The Trandoshan warrior could see Kirana within. He silently walked in and watched her movements.

 

She leaves herself too open on the left flank when she spins. It's because she relies too much on the Force. She seems overly reliant on her lightsaber as well. You have to have enough skill to fight without it, lightsabers are fragile. The lightsaber should not be the weapon, the warrior's whole body should. I didn't expect much better out of a Jedi I suppose.

 

The Serpent Lord continued to mentally critique Kirana.

[Kirana Sunrider]

Kira was aware of his approach, choosing to complete her set task before shutting down her saber to face him. She'd found the remotes not programmed to be challenging enough in this instant, having had the life of a soldier before she had become a Jedi. She'd stuck only to Form III here, not combining her other form with it for her exercise which limited her movements. She deflected the last bolt back to the remote before flicking the switch that extinguished her blade.

 

She slipped the saber back into her pocket, looking up at the Doshan... Garet she recalled Rocketblaze having introducing him as. Being as she hadn't been expecting to be taken from Ilum in such a manner, she had only placed her saber on her person, not her usual garb for battle. She supposed her looks made it deceiving on what she was capable of, though the last sith she had fought had been Exodus in what seemed so long ago. These all seemed different as she had wandered the halls of their compound.

 

"Garet? Is there something you wanted?"

[Rocketblaze]

Rocketblaze flashed forward as Xentar lowered his frame. The act of respect was appreciated, but also served as an opening for Rocketblaze to test the man before him. The Archserpent threw Xentar into the lake below, affixing his hand to Xentar's neck as he fell. Rocketblaze was now crouched down on the dock, drowning the Sith that had come to his home. The testing had begun.

[Xentar Kentam]

Xentar had a split second of appreciation--he had been caught plainly off-guard, flatfooted and at unawares. The display was one he could only respect, for few could catch a Sith Lord offguard. As soon as he touched the water, his thoughts snapped into sharp focus--the water was freezing.

 

His reflex was to call on the Dark Side, and call upon it he did. With a motion that appeared to be lost to reckless abandon, Xentar focused a large fist of Force energy and smashed it into Rocketblaze's chest, breaking the man's grip on his throat and sending him flying through the air, the blast lifting off his feet at a perfect forty-five degree angle.

 

Despite the burning of his eyes due to the murky nature of the water he was submerged in, Xentar called on the Force again to launch himself out of the dark prison he had been forced into. He levitated briefly--for about a second, no longer, and ended up on his feet on the dock, cloak soaked through, increasing its weight threefold.

 

The Sith Lord watched as Rocketblaze gained control of his flight and landed. He crouched into a defensive stance, but had no lightsaber. The Dark Side collected around him like a growing storm. He knew no elemental powers--even he was not powerful enough to summon the elements just yet--but he would be able to fight nonetheless. He prepared to create a Force shield to block the Serpent's next attack--if he was going to try and hurt the man, he would have to do it with his fists.

[Garet Jax]

The Doshan looked upon Kirana with no small measure of disgust. He moved forward, and leaned against the door frame. Garet's dislike for the Jedi was not rooted in personal experience, but a dislike for almost all Force-users in general, save his Master and perhaps Tashkri because of their experiences together. Garet saw most Force-users squandor their gifts, and it bothered him a great deal. However, he believed the Jedi were among the worst offenders in this respect, so that had a special place on his list.

 

"I thought we were supposed to be learning from each other Jedi. Am I not free to watch without you bothering me?"

 

Garet had a distinctly sarcastic tone to his voice when he spoke these words.

 

"But if you must know, I wanted to watch how a Jedi trains for combat. I wanted to see if I could learn a bit. Imagine my disappointment."

 

Garet had no intention of trying to harm Kirana, he would obey his Master. But he saw no issue with bothering the woman. After all, she was supposed to be convincing him of the glories of the light side.

[Moric Thian]

The forest was dark, sending shadows in angles that would deceive even the most perceptive of eyes. Various sounds in the background emanated from who knows what, creating a rather underlying harmony matching with the eerie feel of the overall environment. Each step he took seemed to bring a cascading parade of noise as twig after twig shattered under his heavy footfalls. The Serpent could move silently if he really felt the need, but he was trying to draw out the beasts within.

 

Moric turned behind a tree and noticed a small clearing next to a pond. Several creatures were taking drinks, lapping in whatever they could. There was about four in all, each creature almost as big as the Serpent Lord himslef. They stood on all fours, their claws sharper than any manmade object. The hides laced on the back of the animals were covered with hair, no doubt there to protect from the cold. The carnivorous teeth hanging from each mouth seemed sharp enough to bit through any armor.

 

The human among the beats stood behind the tree, letting its shadows mask his presence. It seemed he had found what he was looking for, yet he didn't expect quite four. His initial instinct was to charge into the swirling mass of carnivorous destruction with lightsaber ablaze; yet the logistical aspect of the Serpent lifestyle immediately batted those instincts aside. The blind use of one's anger and hatred was almost as bad as not using them at all.

 

The Serpent Lord inched his head around the tree, weighing his options carefully. With a small flick of his wrist, he invaded the mind of the closest beast to the tree that was providing him cover. Moric had never tried anything like this before, and now would be a good time to start.

 

"The others are dangerous; they are plotting to kill you. You must destroy them." The words escaped Moric's mind in plane basic, yet the Force carried them into a dialect that the animal could understand. Its subtle manipulation implanted itself into the skull of the creature, penetrating its thick hide as easily as a knife through butter.

 

The animal's scouring teeth reflected what little sunlight that broke through the canopies. Its massive jaws bounced to the beast next to him, tearing into its flesh. The second animal howled in pain. If an animal could express the pain and heartbreak of betrayal, then that was the closest thing to it. The second beast pounced on the first, with the help of the third and fourth. Superior numbers were their greatest ally as they brought the rebel down, scourging the pond below with its blood.

 

With one down, Moric broke his cover. Stepping out into the clearing, he placed both hands above his head. Small beads of burning flame pierced the sky, forming a ring glowing from atop the Serpent's palms. The three others attacked basic instincts identifying the Serpent as hostile. They shot towards the human, using primal bursts of speed. Their approaching jaws seemed to call for blood.

[Kirana Sunrider]

Kira calmly took in his appearance, ignoring his sarcasm. Hmmm bit of a smartass... typical... Most males she had come across were, regardless of their affiliation.

 

"You say we're supposed to be learning from each other. How about you put your money where your mouth is ... you up for a practice sparring match...?"

 

It would be better than the remotes and being against a 'live' opponant was always a better work out. If he took her up on it, it would prove an interesting experience she was sure. Kira had no intention of ... converting anyone, believing in free will. She had been asked to come here, brought here in actual fact, she hadn't sought them out. She had been the one 'found'.

[Garet Jax]

Garet grinned widely showing his Doshan fangs. He had no intention of fighting when he came here. But giving this Jedi a dose of reality was very enticing. Garet did not have desire to disappoint Rocketblaze, though.

 

I cannot disobey my Master. But as long as I keep control and this doesn't get ugly, he shouldn't mind.

 

Garet wasn't sure how a Sith and Jedi could practice duel without getting too rough. The Doshan, however, knew his sense of loyalty would overcome his tendency to go for the kill. He hoped Kirana could keep herself in check as well.

 

"Alright Jedi. If you think you're up to it."

 

The Doshan pulled his double-bladed lightsaber from his belt, each end coming to life. He used the Force to calm him and keep his mind clear. This was an unusual tactic for a Sith, but Garet relied on his reflexes, not Force induced fits of rage.

[Tashkri]

Remaining at the table after everyone left, Tashkri had pulled out one of his knives and was scratching a symbol into the table.

 

I'm not sure what Rocketblaze is playing at. I guess that if I learn what 'skills' she has, then I can be use that information to defeat Jedi in the future. However, she's going to have to die sometime, or else we're going to tear away her memories of having been here. I'd better take advantage of her before Garet slips and does anything stupid.

 

Tucking the knife away, Tash held his hand over the carving for a moment, calling forth flame to embed the image into the table, marking his place for the rest of eternity.

 

Walking away, the only occupant remaining at the table was a serpent, intertwined within itself, with flames erupting from in between the fangs.

[Kirana Sunrider]

Kira's hilt found it's way back into her hand, the silver blade igniting, noticing that her opponant had a double blade. She would be interested to see if that was where the similarities ended or not with regards to her last opponant. Kira had never ended the life of anyone she'd duelled against, that would be obvious with regards to her demeanour. It wasn't that she wasn't capable of it, it was more that she didn't believe in taking lives unnecessarily... even those of her enemy.

 

Kira breathed in deeply of the fresh air, letting her body relax and the Force flow through her, letting it guide her movements. She wouldn't rely on it, having known that it could lead to problems, but she would listen to it's advice. She could feel that they had an audience already, wondering why, then realising that they would be more likely to want to learn how to kill rather than how to make peace with the "opposing side". These were not interested in peace, only in ways to defeat. Well, there was nothing she could do about that, the Lightside was her ally and that was all she would trust in. That she couldn't yet leave here... She stilled her mind, preparing herself against her opponant, letting go off all distractions, while being aware of everything around her.

 

She breathed out, looking at him.

 

"I'm up to it. Your move."

[Garet Jax]

Garet smiled even wider at Kirana's response. She was much more calculating than he had anticipated. She obviously wanted him to make the first move. Garet preferred being on the defensive when a duel began. Any duelist with half a brain preferred to feel out the opponent. But she would find out he could come up with some clever offenses if necessary. Kirana would not easily be able to determine Garet's style. He followed no pattern.

 

Doshans aren't the smartest creatures in the galaxy. But we know how to fight.

 

Garet's left hand held the upper half of his lightsaber, his Iron Reaver arm held the lower half. He circled the Jedi, Kirana moving with him, always keeping her face toward the Serpent. Her eyes revealed that she was very experienced in these sorts of fights. That did not intimidate the Doshan in the least. Garet worked out his battle plan quickly. He would show her that even though he wasn't allowed to kill Kirana, that didn't mean this wasn't going to be painful. The Serpent Lord attacked at last, and spun his blades in a windmill attack. In rapid succession he struck with each end of his blade. The air crackled as her silver weapon blocked each his attacks.

 

She's good with the saber. But a real warrior doesn't just fight with the sword.

 

Garet attacked again, and locked his upper blade with her silver saber. The Doshan could feel the power surrounding Kirana. She was gifted with a powerful connection to the Force, much greater than Garet's. He wasn't surprised, Garet's Force connection was average for a Force-user, maybe even a little lower. As he felt her aura, Garet faltered for a moment. Grinding his teeth, he quickly surged back against her, using his Doshan strength. His metallic Iron Reaver helped him gain even more leverage, as he forced Kirana to slide backward ever so slowly. Garet knew this maneuver could be easily countered by any Jedi. Brute strength would not win duels.

 

No doubt she thinks me a common Doshan thug and a weak Sith. Time to show her the truth.

 

Garet disengaged without warning, dropping to the ground, falling straight backward. He finally focused on the dark side, bringing forth his anger and hate against those who would squandor their force abilities. Jedi like Kirana were the embodiment of these pseudo-warriors. Garet's Iron Reaver hit the floor. The Doshan's feet rose off the ground, and Garet balanced on his one hand. His boot kicked upward striking the Jedi on the chin. The Force increased the speed of his attack, and Kirana had a bloody mouth in less than five seconds. Then the Doshan was on his feet again, his blades whirring toward Kirana. Garet was well trained and well disciplined. He may not be the strongest in Force ability, but the Sith and Jedi he'd slain were a testament to his dueling prowess.

[Rocketblaze]

OOC:

My car was totaled recently, so dealing with that has kept me busy. I won't be away from Jnet, but I might not be posting every single day.

 

The planet is a moderate temperature, so the water would never be freezing. Also, the lake is described multiple times in the thread as having crystal clear water.

 

IC:

Rocketblaze landed clean. He was in no mood to shout, so he reached out through the Force to command the wind. In the next moment there was a funnel cloud over the water. The swirling wind picked up Xentar, bringing him to the Archserpent. When over land, Xentar was set down.

 

"You're too dependent on the Force and you let it influence your actions. In order for you to become a Serpent, you must be broken of you Sith tendencies by me... only me. If you'd rather rejoin the Sith Order, you're free to get out of here. I'll be inside whenever you're ready to talk."

 

Rocketblaze patted the Sith Lord on the shoulder as he walked past, moving for the inside of the compound.

[Kirana Sunrider]

Never underestimate an enemy...

 

Kira tasted metallic copper as she was kicked in the jaw. By the time he was upright again, she had refocused, her blade clashing with his once more.

 

So that's the way he wants to play this huh...

 

She spat some blood as she cleared her mouth of the metallic taste. Her eyes watching his every move, looking for an opening as she danced back from him, not even pausing before going on the offensive, her blade a flurry of silver streaks, the ozone stinging the air as their blades clashed.

 

She danced back again, testing him, watching him, gathering the Force to her to speed her own movements. The Mirialan automatically had her mental shields in place, her gaze drilling into the Doshan's eyes. She had gathered the Force not only for speed, but now let loose a blast sending the Doshan backwards, if only a few paces. It wasn't half as powerful as she was capable of, just to keep him guessing if that was what she could do or if she could do more. She followed it with another move, a short sprint, diving over him, her blade clashing with the top section of his double hilt as she landed lightly on the ground behind him. Before he could spin around she had launched herself at him again, this time feet first as she kicked him, her boots colliding with the center of his back.

 

Again she landed lightly, her blade at the ready as she warily observed him. She was ready for anything and still had quite a few secrets up her proverbial sleeves”¦

[Xentar Kentam]

OOC: Forgive me if I don't read the thread before I post.

 

IC:

Xentar was left alone, still dripping. He did not move for a few minutes, only stopped and reflected. He had been told that he was too dependant on the Force, something that was quite literally a new concept to him. He knew that one could not rely entirely on the Force--he had kept himself physically impressive and strong in order to be able to back up the Force with skill, but now he had no lightsaber.

 

How could this Serpent Lord judge him based off of one brief fight in which he had no weapon other than the Force? Had the man expected him to strike him with his fists when he himself had been armed with a lightsaber? Perhaps these questions would be answered in time, but they never would be unless Xentar pursued this man's offer. He had come to Chandrila to join the Serpent Order, and join them he would, even if he had to completely change his philosophy regarding the Dark Side.

 

It had been said that he had let the Force influence his actions...it had been said as if that were a negative quality. Every time he followed the Force's call or called upon it to serve him, he grew more powerful. Power was what he ultimately was after, though he would have to see what the Serpents required of him to achieve it their way. They were wielders of the Dark Side, almost sorcerors in most respects.

 

The Sith Lord--or, perhaps, former Sith Lord--moved off towards the compound in Rocketblaze's footprints, intent on learning more.

[Rocketblaze]

Rocketblaze made his way to the private dining table and entered his meal options into the data screen next to him. Droids began scurrying about in the kitchen, soon to emerge with the hot meal he'd selected. The Archserpent once again fell into his thoughts, feeling the Serpent Order around him. They were healing from the chaos battle and their minds would soon solidify back into security. Until they were whole, he would focus on Xentar, who he expected to join him in the very near future.

[Garet Jax]

Garet's spine painfully absorbed the impact of her boot. He fell forward into a roll, coming to his feet again and spinning to face Kirana. His face was emotionless now, though it would hard to for a non-Doshan to read his face anyway. Garet obviously had been outmaneuvered in that last exchange, and he was displeased. The Jedi had not even been using her full strength. She was attempting to embarass him, or so Garet believed. He had to admire her agility. It seemed to be one of her strongest skills. But there were ways around that. A battle plan formed in his mind.

 

She's better than I convinced myself, but still not quite good enough.

 

 

Garet's red eyes stared right back at Kirana's, as he advanced. He gripped his hilt firmly in the metal claws of his Iron Reaver. Garet blindly swung his blade toward her head. Kirana easily dodged the sloppy maneuver of course. Garet attacked again, swinging the red saber toward her midsection, and again Kirana sidestepped the attack. He feigned frustration as he growled at the Jedi.

 

A Doshan is quick to anger, surely she knows that.

 

But Garet's anger was not real. He did not feel he'd yet lost control of this battle, he was still enjoying himself.

 

It's time to show her one of my tricks.

 

Garet prepared to attack for a third time, but this time the attack was different. The Doshan did not swing his blade, but merely held it out in front of him. His metallic wrist began to rotate faster and faster as he ran with enhanced speed toward Kirana, much faster than his last two weak attacks. His wrist was soon spinning with such speed it seemed as if a solid red circle was surrounding his hand. Garet's blades elongated even further as one of Garet's metal claws pressed a button on the cylinder. The double bladed lightsaber was a whirring wall of death in front of the Jedi. Garet gathered his Force strength, recalling the Jedi's precision kick to his back. It had almost been a mockery of his abilities, or at least that's what Garet told himself to stir his rage.

 

Do not use lethal force. Do not succumb to your instincts.

 

With that thought, Garet's held his deadly blade out to the left. His powerful haunches sprung him into the air. The Doshan used the Force to spin his own body just as his blade was spinning. His leap had purposefully not been very high and the tornado attack headed straight for Kirana's eyes.

[Xentar Kentam]

Xentar followed the Serpent Master into a private dining room. He was still a little more than damp, but no longer dripping outright. It was a little uncomfortable, but he gave no outward indication that he was in discomfort and had strong mental blocks up to further keep his feelings to himself.

 

The smell of baking food wafted in from the doorway, and hunger also made itself apparent to Kentam, but he hid that just as well. He remained focused on the task at hand, not letting his mind drift to his whims of physical dependencies and comforts.

 

He sat down across from Rocketblaze and waited in silence.

[Kirana Sunrider]

Seeing his next move, Kira again gathered the force, watching his blade spinning faster and faster until it formed a crimson wall in front of him as he sped towards her through the air. She sprang upwards in a blur of movement, catching hold of the rafter of the training room, shutting off her saber to clip it back to her belt before calling one of the remotes to her. The remote hit the palm of her outstretched hand, Kira pausing only for a moment before launching it towards the very center of his ”˜wall', intending on shutting down the hilt for a moment at least.

 

She had not gone unscathed by the movement, the smell of burnt leather reaching her nostrils where his blade had caught her boot. Kira didn't feel pain so surmised it must of just gotten the leather footwear. She spared but a moment to check her boot, seeing that it hadn't quite gone through, though if she had left it any longer before springing upwards, his blade would have cut into her foot.

 

Close call”¦ ok ”¦ next move”¦

 

She observed as his momentum took him past where she had been, the Jedi Knight dropping back down lightly behind him, her saber once again in her hand, the silver blade springing forth. She could feel his controlled anger, that he hadn't yet lost his temper as the average Doshan did. This one had the control and she would not underestimate him.

 

As an added distraction, Kira activated the other two remotes she had been using, sending them towards Garet”¦ something else for him to be concerned about. She wasn't above using any means available to her. She prepared herself for his next attack, knowing it would come and gathering the light energies towards her again. She would ready herself for another move of her own, not only one to stay on the defensive, but one that would spring to the offensive if the need arose.

[Rocketblaze]

Before eating, he took a moment to look up at Xentar.

 

"You're trying too hard... The very act of hiding something makes you apparent, and any moron could deduce that you're uncomfortably wet and probably in need of a meal."

 

Tapping the screen, the Archserpent entered a drink order.

 

"If you're going to become a Serpent, you need to be practical. The structure of the Sith is very inefficient. One needs a degree of freedom to perform to the best of his or her abilites."

 

A droid handed off the drink to Rocketblaze, who took it in slowly. The cool liquid was a welcome change to his throat.

 

"Ah, good stuff... So yeah, go get situated and then come on back for something to eat. You can use the room next to mine, it's down that hall on the left."

 

RB pointed down one of the corridors that could be seen from the table.

 

"My door has my name on it. The room just past it will be yours. If I'm not here when you get back, I'll be around."

 

He took a moment to savor the smell of roasted muscular tissue. It was an awesome sensation to the hungry body.

 

"Oh, one more thing. I've got more ability than you think I do, so relax a bit and trust me... Maybe try trusting me enough to speak freely. But for now, just get settled in. I'll see you in a bit."

 

The Archserpent began eating, a move that was needed. He'd been too long without food and noticed himself eating faster than he should. Still, he didn't care. The droids could make more.

[Xentar Kentam]

Xentar raised an eyebrow, beginning to understand Rocketblaze's comment about overusing the Force. He had guarded himself with the Force to keep the Archserpent from sensing his discomfort and hunger, but the Serpent hadn't needed the Force to make a simply deduction and ascertain the truth.

 

It appeared, the Sith Lord mused, that this was a very different environment than that of the Sith temple. Rather than a constant reverence towards those of more experience and higher rank and a fear to speak truthfully lest someone be offended, the Serpents were encouraged to speak their mind and trust those around them...Xentar would have a hard time teaching himself to trust others, but it could conceivably happen.

 

He didn't need to put up a false shield of strength and dark passion. He would be encouraged to react naturally with a scenario as it came into play, not relying fully on the Force for every action and decision, but relying on himself and the other Serpents. His own intuition would be pronounced here, if his deductions based on Rocketblaze's instructions were correct.

 

Standing and bowing, though he suddenly wasn't sure if that was customary here, Xentar turned and left, making his way through the complex and past Rocketblaze's personal room, entering the one beyond it, a small, modest room with the most simple of facilities. It would be enough to clean up and change into the Serpent robe that was waiting off to the side.

[Garet Jax]

Garet's metallic wrist stopped rotating as Kirana dodged his move. The Jedi was fast and thus become increasingly annoying. He pulled out of his spinning attack, landing firmly on the training room floor. All that and he'd barely scratched her. Garet was disappointed, his maneuver looked cool, but it wasn't as effective as he'd hoped. Suddendly, the Serpent Lord could feel one of her remotes head towards him. Garet pulled a roundhouse, shattering the small device into pieces. He was about to leap after Kirana, but he could sense she was moving again.

 

What am I fighting, a spider monkey?

 

"Throwing things at people is a cheap maneuver Jedi, this is a lightsaber duel."

 

His words were merely a distraction. Garet did not care what tactics the Jedi used, in the end the result would be the same. He turned as she landed behind him. Her entire attack had taken less than a few seconds. Her speed was indeed excellent. With two swipes of his saber, Garet cut down the other two remotes. He backflipped to avoid the fall of her silver blade, its end catching his back causing a long painful burn across his skin. Luckily it was only the tip of the weapon or he'd be missing a spinal column right now. Garet focused his attention on the burn allowing the pain to fuel his anger.

 

I am restrained because I can't kill her. Surely she knows if this was a duel to the death, she'd be in the next world right now.

 

Garet struck back clashing sabers with Kirana. His wrist rotated knocking her blade aside. He struck the end of his red saber forward, like a spear, aiming for Kirana's shoulder. But her speed impressed him again, recovering fast enough to swipe aside his blade with her own. Her arm had been a blur, her Force ability was amazing to behold. Their sabers dueled furiously for several moments, neither gaining an advantage.

 

Be patient.

 

Garet had to struggle to keep himself from throwing down his saber and going for her throat. It would be a quick end to the Doshan. His rage was powerful when controlled, but suicidal when he let it get out of hand. Garet stuck to his plan, contemplating his next move as they fought. At last, Garet locked sabers with Kirana. His red eyes stared into her own.

 

"You cannot win a contest of strength Jedi."

 

He emphasized this point by thrusting her saber to the floor, and holding it there with his own. His Iron Reaver tightly gripped his weapon. He was able to hold Kirana's saber down with one hand, even though she held hers with both. His other free arm swiped its Doshan claws across her cheek. Three deep gashes stretched across the Jedi's face. Garet licked the blood off.

 

"Not bad Jedi, but what are you going to do now? Couldn't I have cut your throat right there? If you were a Sith or better yet a Serpent, you would be able to convert that pain into strength, and my claws never would have touched you. Why don't you give a try right now? I've drawn your blood, and insulted you. Surely you must be angry?"

 

Sparks flew into the air as Garet's saber pushed Kirana's further into the floor.

[Kirana Sunrider]

((OOC: Kira hadn't moved to attack him again when she leapt back down - she was in a defensive posture again, waiting to see what your move would be... ))

 

She had sank into the light energies of the Force, letting it guide and speed her movements. She'd not even realized she had swiped his back until he came at her with his anger riled up.

 

Uh-oh”¦ that can't be good”¦

 

As their blades locked again, the tip of her's being forced to the floor with a twist of his wrist, she called on the Force to give her more strength, for without it, she wouldn't stand a chance against his Doshan strength. Her face stung from his claws, Kira turning her face slightly away as he licked the bloodied wound he had caused.

 

Ewww did he have to do that?

 

”œIf you're trying to romance me in some weird mating ritual kiss, sorry I'm not into Doshan's.”