AN: KXR does NOT own Star Wars!
Hello dear readers! How's your holiday been? Due to the holidays updates may be scattered but Updates will be weekly most like on Fir, Sat, or Sun. Now I've had a request for longer chapters which I hope to fulfill, but I'd like to know how long you guys actually want the chapters. So after the chapter leave a review of word count that you wish to see, and I'll see if I can accommodate.
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Trials and Tribulations; Chapter 12: Trial of Skill
It had been four years since Zaaron had started his apprenticeship under Master Tao Kahn, and now at the age of eighteen Zaaron was to begin his trials into Knighthood. In the Jedi academy of Illum Zaaron stood in the center of the dueling ring with a training saber in his hand. Over the course of four years and excruciating training that would make even the strongest commando shudder with fear Zaaron had gained a body of pure muscle. Master Tao Kahn was a relentless task master, but also smart and wise in his methods, he allowed Zaaron two days rest from training, and made sure that Zaaron was taken care of properly to ensure Zaaron's safety while training. In Zaaron's days off however Master Kahn taught him in the ways of the force, and how to infuse it with his being, giving him even greater speed, agility, reflexes and strength.
However when Zaaron was not under the tutelage of Master Kahn, he was under the instruction of Revan and Scourge. Both would flood his mind when he slept feeding him knowledge of the Light and Dark side of the Force, ever expending his view.
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In the center of the dueling ring Master Kahn gave Zaaron his parting words before he began the first trial.
"Your opponent will be a Knight that has been recently appointed. Although with your training he shouldn't be much of a challenge." Master Kahn said as he and Zaaron viewed his opponent.
Patting Zaaron on the shoulder master Kahn stepped ring side. As Zaaron and the young Knight faced off on either sides of the ring, both eagerly waited for Master Kahn to give the signal to start.
"Go!" Master Kahn yelled.
Springing off the ground both jumped at each other with the force augmenting their leaps. Meeting in the center of the ring Zaaron tucked his legs into his chest and kicked them out as his feet met his opponent's chest. Dropping to the floor Zaaron drew his training saber awaiting the coming onslaught. Rising up the Knight activated his blue lightsaber and ran at Zaaron. When he was within range the knight expelled a wave of the force across the ground hoping to trip Zaaron, but instead Zaaron used the force to increase his weight and was able to stand his ground. Both in striking distance the two began to trade blows with their sabers. Sparks flew as the clashed, but Zaaron knew it would be a standstill. On the next strike Zaaron stepped forward and elbowed his opponent in the jaw, as the Knight staggered back Zaaron took another step and delivered a flying elbow to the same point of impact.
Just as Zaaron was about to deliver another blow the Knight jumped out of the rings borders. Confused Zaaron halted until he sensed another opponent coming from behind. Rolling out of the way Zaaron faced his new opponent.
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In a cave of Illum Zaaron trained his combat forms against a training droid under the watchful eye of Master Kahn. Zaaron fell on his back after receiving a blow from the droid. Pausing the droid simulator Master Kahn addressed Zaaron.
"What is the one thing all sentient beings must do to sustain life?" Master Kahn asked.
Zaaron shrugged his shoulders in response.
"Breath Zaaron. All life breathes. It is the conduit in which the force bestows it essence upon us. And with the force within us it grants power. In short breath is life, so breathe and give life and power into your actions.
In another lessons Zaaron faces not one but two droids. As Master Kahn watched Zaaron quickly fatigue under their attacks he paused the program to lecture him again.
"Control your breath Zaaron. It gives you energy, when faced with multiple opponents conserve your energy for the one who lasts the longest shall be victorious."
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Zaaron was facing his fourth opponent when he suddenly fell to the ground. Standing back up Zaaron faced his opponent when he suddenly fell again. On the ground floor Zaaron saw the tiles across the floor shifting! Waiting for the tiles to stop Zaaron stood back up. Facing his opponent Zaaron opened his awareness. As Zaaron and his opponent clashed yet again he sensed the tiles beginning to shift. Zaaron jumped into the air to avoid stumbling over the tiles. His opponent how ever did not do so, swinging at where Zaaron had once been the Knight stumbled forward falling on his face as he tried to correct his folly. Taking the advantage Zaaron pressed his blade to the back of his opponent's neck signaling his defeat.
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In the training ring Zaaron practiced his forms with expert precision, but was suddenly interrupted as the tile he stood on quickly shifted. Stumbling forward Zaaron righted himself and looked around to see the tiles still. Continuing his forms Zaaron was yet again interrupted by a shifting tile, but this time his suspicion was confirmed as he saw the shifting tiles.
"You must keep a keen sense to the world around you, for it as much your opponent as a Sith. In turn it is also as much you ally as Cander is."
With a steadying breath Zaaron began his form keeping his senses open to detect the shifting tiles. For the majority of his forms Zaaron had not sensed the tiles shifting, and was about to let his guard down as he felt the tiles suddenly shift! Using the force Zaaron flowed with the tiles effortlessly allowing himself to continue his forms throughout the shifting tiles.
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Zaaron had easily adapted to the shifting tiles, and was able to conserve his energy throughout out his multiple opponents, but no one said that was the only threats he would face. While Zaaron faced off against his seventh opponent he saw a red lightsaber fly towards his head! Kicking his opponent back Zaaron slashed at the saber and watched it disperse to realize it was only a hologram. Turning Zaaron was punched in the face, by a very real Sith Lord! Facing his eighth opponent Zaaron charged with an overhead strike followed by a swipe to the legs. Zaaron continued to assault the Sith lord, but his attention focus was broken by images of multiple Sith Lords and flying lightsabers, coupled with a very real opponent. Zaaron had nearly met defeat until he expelled a massive blast of energy giving him time to collect his focus. Closing his eyes Zaaron saw through the force. In the Force's eye he saw bundles of energy in the silhouettes of figures. Focusing on the silhouette charging at him Zaaron resumed the battle. Seeing every attack as if his eyes were open Zaaron defeated his opponent.
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Zaaron practiced his open hand combos on the training mannequin when suddenly he saw a lightsaber flying in his direction! Zaaron ducked to avoid it, but rose back up when he heard no point of contact. Zaaron saw a vibro blade flying in his direction, but made no effort to move. This would prove unwise as the blade grazed his bicep creating a large gash that was spilling blood! Grabbing his arm Zaaron saw another blade coming at him Zaaron dodged it only to see it disperse once it made contact with the opposite wall.
Zaaron looked on in confusion until he heard Master Kahn's voice behind him.
"Sense for the energy projecting the object. Both Jedi and Sith must use the force to propel their weapon, allow the force to give you vision of what's real and what's not."
Several blades then flew out at Zaaron after Master Kahn spoke and Zaaron was able to dodge to two real from the seven total.
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After defeating his most recent opponent Zaaron reclaimed his lost breath within a few deep breaths, but his senses were alerted when all of the flowing energy in the room stop. Turning around Zaaron saw Master Tao Kahn at the ring's opposing edge with his lightsaber drawn. Discarding his training saber Zaaron and Master Kahn both walked to meet each other in the ring's center. When Zaaron was in range Master Kahn swung his lightsaber horizontally aiming for Zaaron's head. Ducking Zaaron covered his head and dropped levels, stepping in he elbowed Master Kahn in the solar plex causing him to stumble back. Charging in Zaaron caught Master Kahn's arm and pulled it to his back as he faced forward. With Master Kahn's blade arm extended Zaaron began to attack pressure points within the hand with his free hand. As Master Kahn dropped the saber Zaaron mule kicked him away and assumed a fighting stance. With a smirk master Kahn took his own stance. As Master Kahn charged in Zaaron delivered a spinning kick to his head, but Master Kahn avoided the blow by leaning back but was not prepared for the leg to come straight down upon his chest!
Knocked to the ground and out of breath Master Kahn was mounted by Zaaron who began to deliver punches to his face, forcing his arms to block, taking the arm Zaaron swung his legs and hips in and positioned the arm to break but yielded as Master Kahn tapped his leg.
Standing up Master and Apprentice faced each other extending their hands to show respect Master Kahn and Zaaron both had huge smiles on their face.
"Let none doubt your skill Zaaron for you have passed your first trial!"
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AN: Thank you all for reading Trials and Tribulations! I hope this chapter was satisfactory, and that you enjoyed. I know the word count is still low, but it's a small improvement, again leave a review and until next time!-KXR