The smooth breeze tickled my hanging Lekku as I stepped out from the ancient Jedi temple. It was good to be back on Tython, The beautiful planet had been a home for me during my early training and I had always admired the amazing scenery that the planet had to offer. Secrets and mysteries also littered the old planet, making the perfect place for inspirational training.
I recently had heard word that my trials were fast approaching and the nerves started to kick in. Mostly, it was because of not-knowing what will happen. However, my master had soothed most of my unease. He said that I'd pass the knowledge part of the test with flying colours, and in his opinion this was the most important section of a Jedi's test. But I was worried about combat. My technique in combat was more orientated to protecting allies and was a lot more focused on a defensive style. This had served me well in the many tiring battles I had participated in, but would have little use in a one versus one duel.
After thinking more and more on the problem, I decided to look for help. I wanted to prove that I was combat worthy, as what is a Jedi who cannot hold his own against one enemy? Thinking how to best approach the matter, and be careful so that I would not embarrass myself further, I settled on asking a few of my fellow students and friends.
So, after finally gaining the confidence to speak of my problem, I asked Padawan Elod-Hora and Hopeful Rikochet. They both had great combat skills and would understand my situation. It was also helpful that both of them had different fighting styles. Padawan Elod was more defensive, using the force as an ally and weapon, enabling to control powerful telekinetic abilites. Hopeful Rikochet on the otherhand, had a more traditional and offensive approach. Focusing on lightsaber combat to deal devastating attacks with grace and strength.
To my relief, they agreed to help me and took a positive attitude to improving my combat skills as well as theirs. So a location and time was organised, bringing me to Tython. We found an appropriate place to train, outside the temple on a tatami. We prepared and they suggested tactics and tips to start me on.
The first few duels were to allow me to practice my different abilites and work on combinations. After hours of training, I seemed to have strengthened my skill and confidence, so it was the time to put what I learned to the test.
It was a hard, tiring few hours. I lost duel after duel, battle after battle. However, no matter how many times I lost, how many times I made mistakes, my friends were still there encouraging me onwards and always suggesting how to improve.
After training hard once more, I started another duel with Padawan Elod-Hora. We lengthened the distance between us and bowed. Elod activated his strong force shield. I bent my knees, preparing to leap as fast as my remaining energy would allow me to.
5...We stared at each other...
4...Rikochet and Balion straightened up, watching intently.
3...We ignited our lightsabers. His a magnificent magenta , mine a glistening green.
2...I took a deep breath.
1...the duel began.
I leapt with graceful speed at Elod, catching him off-guard and causing him to pause for a few seconds. Before he recovered I summoned the force to unleash a force push at Elod, causing him to fly backwards. I lept at him again but Elod was on his feet quicker than I thought. Using the force, Elod confused my mind. Causing me to stand defenceless for sometime. Elod then started throwing chunks of hard earth at me using his telekinetic abilites.
I soon recovered and started my attack again. Slashing here and there, dodging a volley of pebbles and kicking Elod, forcing him backwards.
He used the force to create a wave of power, sending me flying back.
At such a distance I was vulnerable. So I had to act quick. I threw my shimmering lightsaber at a tired looking Elod to distract him. Once it returned to my sweating hand I leapt once more at Elod. We exchanged a few more powerful attacks, neither of us able to get an advantage over the other...
My pulse was racing. Sweat dropped from my heated face. My arms trembled with fatigue from all the training I had done. I looked at Elod. He seemed to be less tired than me, but all the intense training they had done had took its toll on him. We stared at each for a few more seconds, figuring out how best to defeat each other. Elod once again started channeling a stream of pebbles and rocks at me. Those this did not hurt me too much, but it was extremely annoying as well as it slowing my movement. So in return I used the hilt of my lightsaber to hit Elod, temporarily disorienting him. I followed up with another force push and swiftly lept at him again. This time his defensive force shield had not been cast, so my leap was much harder for Elod to deflect and endure. Elod quickly decided to sent a few chunks on earth at me again whilst I used the force to trap and hold Elod in place. Whilst concentrating on holding this attack, I started to execute on of my more damaging attacks that I had in my arsenal. Just before it was to hit, Elod conceded the duel.
I momentarily stood there, shocked and ecstatic that I had finally had a victory. Elod made a tired looking bow at me and congratulated my success. I bowed in return, thanking him. Though I had gained confidence, I still had much to work on and one victory would not prove I was ready. So yet again, I trained with Rikochet and Elod. Practicing, strengthening and improving combat skills and techniques.
More duels followed that one. Some I won, some lost. My loses however, outweighed my victories. But with each success I gained confidence and spirit. As the day came to an end and a beautiful orange sunset appeared over the huge, distant mountains of Tython, we decided that was enough for one day. I thanked Hopeful Rikochet and Padawan Elod-Hora for training with me and bowed farewell to Hopeful Balion. And with that I departed to the long trip back to the forefront of the war...
It was a fun few hours and well spent. Thank you once again Padawan Elod and Hopeful Rikochet. Now I just need to improve my gear.
