The air hummed with energy as Asa stood across from Varan in the training ring he had set up near the edge of the Spirewood. A canopy of towering trees offered dappled sunlight that played over the clearing, and the faint chirping of birds provided a tranquil backdrop—though the tension between teacher and student suggested anything but peace.
Varan's amber lightsaber emitted a steady glow, its warm hue a sharp contrast to Asa's green blade. Her posture was confident, feet slightly apart, as she mirrored his movements. Varan, his expression calm but focused, offered no concessions despite her youth.
"Your stance is solid," Varan said as he circled her. "But Form III isn't just about defense. It's about being unyielding—like a mountain. Show me."
Asa adjusted her grip, tightening her focus as Varan struck with a rapid series of feints and slashes. She countered smoothly, her blade moving like a shield. The green energy hummed with precision as she parried each attack, her footwork carrying her in controlled arcs around the ring.
"You're improving," Varan remarked, stepping back. "But remember, you can't stay on the defensive forever. Sometimes, the best way to protect yourself is to act decisively."
He switched his stance, adopting the aggressive posture of Djem So, the fifth form. His strikes came heavier, more deliberate, forcing Asa to adapt quickly. She deflected each blow, the green blade sparking against his amber one, but the force of his attacks pushed her back.
"Focus, Asa. Strength doesn't always mean brute force—it's control."
Breathing hard, Asa shifted tactics. Her green blade moved faster now, weaving in tighter patterns as she transitioned to the more precise movements of Form II, Makashi. Varan's strikes became harder to predict, and Asa felt a flicker of frustration. But she channeled it into determination, aiming her counters with greater accuracy.
"Better," Varan said, his voice carrying a rare note of pride. "Makashi suits you, just don't let it make you overconfident."
Asa gave a wry smile. "You mean like you did just now?"
She darted forward with a swift riposte that Varan barely sidestepped. The movement was a gamble, and he saw it, countering with a sidelong sweep that forced her to leap back. She landed with a stumble, her green blade dipping for a moment before steadying again.
"Confidence is earned," Varan said, lowering his lightsaber slightly. "And while you're well on your way, you're not there yet."
They disengaged for a moment, pacing the ring. The hum of their blades filled the air, and Asa took the opportunity to catch her breath.
"Varan," she said after a pause, her tone more serious. "How come you always seem to hold back when you're fighting?"
Varan's gaze softened, and he deactivated his lightsaber. "Because every battle has a cost, Asa. Sometimes, you have to hold back to preserve what truly matters."
He stepped closer, gesturing for her to lower her weapon as well. "The forms you're drawn to—Makashi, Soresu, and Djem So—they represent balance. Precision, defense, and strength. Learn to weave them together, and you'll be a formidable Jedi."
Asa nodded, absorbing his words. But she couldn't resist a grin as she reignited her lightsaber. "One more round?"
Varan chuckled, stepping back into a ready stance. "Only if you're prepared to lose again."
This time, as their blades clashed, there was something different in Asa's movements—more fluidity, more confidence. She wasn't just mimicking; she was starting to understand. The green and amber blades danced through the clearing, their light a testament to teacher and student growing together.