Post by Kale Shadowsong on Jan 30, 2008 3:08:07 GMT -5
Name: Kale Shadowsong
Age: 31
Gender: Male
Race: Dematri
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 227lbs
Eye Color: Red
Hair Color: Natural - Silver, Dyed - Black
Skin Color: White
Skin tone: Pale
Tattoos: Several, including one on each shoulder and one on his chest and a large one on his back.
Scars: A slash across his chest, directly opposite his tattoo.
Piercings: None
Dress Code: Light Leather suit, red/black coloring. Utility belt, and armored gloves as well as armored shoes.
Weapons: Lightsaber, and several light weapons he crafted lie in his belt.
Faction: Dematri Empire
Rank: Lue'Zhan
Force Sesitive: Yes
Lightsaber Form: Vaapad [Single Saber] / Unorthodox, Self-Taught method [Flail Whip Saber]
Sword Form: Dematri Sword Arts
Force Powers: Lue'Zhan Master
Basic:
All
Improved:
All
Advanced:
Death Field
Force Storm
Force Insanity
Force Stop
Force Kill
Stasis Field
Dominate Mind
Force Wave
Skills: Kale's abilites are vast... He's a talented Saberman, strong with the Force and adept at controlling it, and he's also a talented engineer. He's spent alot of his life building items and weapons that aid him in battle. His most prized invention being his Lightsaber. A single blade, capable of becoming a dangerous flail. He uses this with precise skill and the grace of a reed, making him a most worthy combatant. And his control of the Force flowing through his body is completely unrivaled by any other, making control one of his better aspects.
Strengths & Weaknesses: He can build items that aid him in battle, giving him the edge and more often than not, the win. But without these items, his skill is severely limited. But since this is a problem for him, he's honed in on his Saber mastery, trying to form a combat to his crutch. He's also exceptional in dogfights, being an excellent pilot. His main weakness lies in his wife, however. Without her, he is but a simple shell.
Likes & Dislikes: His only two loves in this world are his wife and his skills. Not much else matters to him.
Ship: Nihilistic
Type: Battle Modified, Horizon-class Star Yacht
Additional Information:
Length - 55 meters
Maximum acceleration - 3,080 G
Maximum speed (atmosphere) - 1,000 km/h
Engine units - 2 ion engines
Hyperdrive rating
* Class 0.5[1]
* Backup Class 10[1]
Hyperdrive system - Military-grade hyperdrive motivator [modified by Kale]
Shielding - KDY military-grade shield generators
Hull - Armored non-reflective hull
Sensor systems - Advanced sensor suite with port and starboard visual scanners
Navigation system - Equipped
Countermeasures
* Sensor jammer
* False identification transponder
* Sensor decoys cloaking device
Armament
* Retractable CEC AG-1G laser cannon turrets with stutter-fire modification (2)
* Retractable blaster cannon (1)
* Concealed Dymek HM-8 concussion missile launchers (2)
* Standard load: 8 heavy missiles each
* Tractor beam projector (1)
Complement
Starfighter (1)
Crew
* Pilot (1)
* Co-pilot (1)
* Navigator (1)
* Astromech droid (1)
Minimum crew
* 1 pilot or 1 astromech droid
or
* 0 crew (via integrated slave circuits)
Passengers - 10
Cargo capacity - 100 metric tons
Consumables - 2 months
Other systems
* HoloNet transceiver
* Slave circuits
* Force-operated hatch release
History:
Life is only worth living when you have someone to share it with. This is what i will share with you...
I am but a simple man. Nothing more then a warrior with his love and his blade. Passion drives me and it always has.
It makes me who i am and compels me to always best myself, even against insurmountable odds. I'm an Elite warrior for the Lue'Zhan, and a proud member of the Dematri Empire. My wife and I stand side-by-side, working together in unison, completing missions that would otherwise be impossible for one man alone. She is a steadfast warrior and a more then reliable partner. She fights like she loves...gracefully and full of vigor. She's my only true love in this world...
While my story is long and filled with sub-stories of the main one alone, i will not delve into those aspects of my life. I will instead tell you of my greatest feats, and my most memorable triumphs, as well as the power of the love I've found in my wife. You may look down upon me or envy me for what i have to say. It matters not. This is not for you to enjoy...but for me to show you the life i lead, and releasing the built up memories. Every man has a story to tell. This is my turn...
Birth:
Approximately 31 years ago, i was born to Lera and Jolin Shadowsong. At that time, my family name was of little consequence, but i would see to it that that was changed. I began training with weapons at around the age of 7. I wasn't as skilled with guns like my father, but my mastery of a sword was unparalleled at my age. My mother's genes no doubt. She was able to cut down some of the best warriors with ease. A trait, i would soon develop on my own, thanks to her. Nonetheless, training was typical for the first few years. Wake up, get dressed, then train with my father or my mother, depending on who had been around.
Childhood:
It wasn't until the age of 12 that my father died and i was left with my mother who had been distraught and without much life left in her old bones. She had stopped training with me, and all together, gave up on life in general. I hadn't lost hope, and soon, there would be a way for me that would reveal itself. Thats when i met her. Rayne. She became my best friend and closest ally up until this very day. Never faltering once and always keeping me out of sticky situations. She was a warrior in training like myself, and was a perfect training partner. We went together like a match made by the Heavens. We fell in love, and soon, began a relationship that would be everlasting. My love has only grown for her since that day.
Tragedy:
At 17, my mother fell ill and passed away. I was alone in this world, and if not for Rayne, would surely have followed my parents to the grave. She gave me life and brought out the best in me, even in these dark times. I took up work at an old shuttle factory, learning how to build, operate, and modify starships. I made minimal amounts of credits, but it was enough to get me through. I also learned how to pilot starships there, and i was known around the shop for my exceptional flight skills. Some of them would make bets on whether i could race around a certain distance in a set amount of time or not. It was this greed and pleasure that they had that allowed me to reap the rewards from them.
For every bet they made against me, I'd double it, going right back. Sure, it was a risk. But this was a risk i don't regret, even today. I made a decent enough amount of money to finally pay for the things i needed to survive on my own. It helped a great deal. But these things would pale in comparison to what would happen over the course of the next few weeks, following the start of the bets. The shop owners, having watched me on several of my breaks, noticed i had been very talented with weaponry, specifically, swords. And that a lot of my skills were still untapped. I was Force Sensitive, and even i knew that. I trained with it, but not as often as i did
with my blades.
This trait would come to bring me a gift i couldn't imagine...
Glory and Honor:
It was one fateful day that an Elder who had been watching me for some time, took full notice of my swordsmanship and several of my
abilities in the Force. Having been impressed, or something else had sparked his mind, i am still not sure. But he had ordered that I was to begin training to be a part of the Lue'Zhan Elite. This was among one of the highest honors any Dematri could receive. I took the position up and held it with honor. To be trained like the great ones of our race...oh, how i was excited. Rayne, being as wonderful as she can be, stood by me every step of the way, training with me outside of my training with the Elders. They noticed her abilities too, and in turn, she was granted the honor of being trained as well. This was turning out to be a life more gifted then i could of possibly imagined.
Grueling Training:
It wasn't easy...the training they made me go through. And it lasted for a long while. I would spend my days filled with physical combat, honing my swordsmanship skills and fulfilling them with an elegant grace that was unrivaled by any others in my level. I may have not been the strongest, but i was always the most precise. Being able to gently tap my opponents in places they couldn't think of my blade getting to them, or even being able to disarm them completely, using my wit and skill to hit them just right, taking everything they had down and giving me the win.
As well as swordplay, they had me focus on Force Mastery as well. I was never the greatest at mastering the Force, but i knew just enough to get me through, and my talents were advanced as far as I could tell. Being able to use my powers in some higher tiers then
some others, but also being able to control my flow of Force entering and leaving my body. That was probably my best aspect...control. I've always had the uncanny knack to conserve my energies and release them when need be, and its lead me to survive some more intense battles along the course of my life.
Nights were spent studying, learning more about what i didn't already know. I wanted to get a full grasp on that which had eluded me up to this point. I strove to better myself, and i always have been able to succeed. I suppose its Rayne's guidance that pulls me
through, keeping me up when i'm falling down. I don't think i could've continued my training if it wasn't for her. But when not honing in on it all, i'd spend my time with Rayne. We grew closer together in that time, and would continue to hold each other up through the challenges we'd face together.
Trials:
I was 24 when my training had been completed, and i was ready to take the trails set forth by the Elders. I would have to go into a set
location, unknown to me at that point, and use all my skills to pass and recover something the Elders would place within. Only upon
recovering this artifact would i be able to call myself a Lue'Zhan Elite. I awaited patiently for the day to arrive, and when it finally
did come, i couldn't begin to even tell you how worried i was. It was intimidating to face such a large obstacle, but a kiss from my beloved Rayne would pull me back to my senses and give me the courage i needed to go on. I was led to a cave by an Elder and several witnesses, including Rayne. I was given a weapon of my choosing. I had picked up the lightsaber...from then on, it would be my companion, always at the ready.
Then the trial began...
A Test of Sight:
I stepped into a cave, and there wasn't much light for me to work with. So, upon instinct, i brought forth my lightsaber, and allowed its
green hue to illuminate the room. Once on, however, i was surprised at what i'd find. The cave had been much larger then i anticipated
walking into it, and the only way to move forward was a ledge that was far to high to reach by jumping. I began to look around for some sort of lift up on even a lever that would bring about stairs...there was nothing. It was beginning to dwell on me that i could never pass the first trail and that fear came back...that uncertainty. But i wouldn't let it take hold of me fully. I needed to push on with all i had.
I moved to the right corner of the room, noticing a crack in the wall, and gathering an idea from it. Maybe the way was not be revealed...but to be carved on one's own. I jammed my saber into the crack in the wall and started cutting out a ledge for me to climb on with. I was glad i had taken the lightsaber with me. I couldn't imagine how one could make it up with a sword or gun. So as my cut got higher, and the ledge began to take form, i was ready to make it up. Putting my saber away, i dug my fingers into the warm stone and began to shift my body off the ground and up the ledge.
My ledge stopped about five feet away from my target however, and this led me to thinking again. But i took into consideration the Force i had within me, and i pushed off the ledge, sending my body upwards and kicking off the wall, using the might of the Force to propel me through the air, landing safely atop the platform. I turned around, the darkness beginning to take its toll on my eyes, i lit my saber up once more, lighting the way. There wasn't much but a door, partially opened and the hand of a skeleton lay outside it. I could imagine what would be next for me...
Courageous Blades:
I stepped through the door, kicking aside the hand and pushing back the rest of the body that lay in the way for the door opening fully. Once in, however, the door closed on me. Knowing this wasn't to be any easy challenge, i took a step back. The darkness was becoming too thick for even my lightsaber to reveal a way ahead. This was getting to be more challenging then I'd predicted. I took one step forward...but that was to be my only one. My leg was grabbed and i was brought down suddenly, landing on my back and losing my breath when another lightsaber ignited and came slashing through the air at my head followed by a blood curdling scream.
If not for my quick reflexes, i would have been killed. I brought my own saber up to combat the oncoming blade, and they connected in a flurry of sparks. The heat from my blade was bearing down on me and i needed to gain the upper hand somehow. Thinking on a wim, i pushed my blade up, trying to reveal where my assailant was striking from, and just how i could work with his positioning. I got a look at his face...or a mask, rather...and he was standing above me from what i could tell, his legs parted over my fallen body. Taking this into account, i brought my knees up to my chest, and pushed both of my legs up against his sides, then hooking him with my feet, i pulled down with my legs, bringing him down to the ground and at my mercy now. He was stunned and i took the opportunity to bring myself back to my feet and jam my blade into his chest simultaneously. The scream following would forever be a reminder of how difficult it had been to obtain my position. His body faded into nothingness, and not a minute after, the room i was in had lit up, revealing a large empty chamber. Taking my blade out of the ground, i brought it forward, guiding me though this next area.
I didn't have to wait for the challenge to come to my mind, as it revealed itself right away. Several warriors came from nowhere. They had a variety of weapons. Vibroblades, Revolvers, and my worst fear, Lightsabers. I began to turn my body around and around, surveying all that was around me. I had few options and i was completely circled by these warriors. My only option left was to fight. I lunged forward, making sure to give them the first hit and not let them get a shot off on myself if i could avoid it. My saber swung wide and true, taking out several warriors from their knees, slicing them clean off and getting rid of their movement all together. But the rest of them took this as an opening and came at me, flying from every direction. I had barely any time to get up and regain my stance and i was forced to improvise. Several swordsman got in the way of the gunmen, allowing me the cover from their blasters while i dealt with the swords. The vibroblades could collide with my lightsaber, but they weren't enough to take me on as i cut down their wielders with ease.
The swordsmen were becoming a nuisance at how many there were and i was beginning to tire. I knew i had to end this quick. Driving into the deep pockets of my powers, i called upon the Force to grant me the strength needed to pass this test. But i wanted to make it painful on them and beneficial to myself. I let one of my palms aim in front of me, then called upon the power of my Death Field, draining the life out of these warriors, sucking all they had from them and giving it to myself, healing my minor cuts and bruises, and giving me the bit of strength needed to push onward. The Death Field had been strong enough to eliminate all the opposition but one. A gunman, who had been out of range of my attack stood tall, and had his blaster aimed at me with deadly precision. He fired...
All i could remember was bringing my saber up to block the shot, but i didn't have enough time to and my blade went to high. The blast hit the hilt of my saber, causing it to explode and fling me back onto the ground. The gunman had begun to think i was dead i assume, because he didn't fire. He put his gun up and stood there, watching me. I couldn't waste much time and now my only weapon had been destroyed. Or had it...? I had another weapon...a test weapon I hadn't used yet, and to possibly try it out now would have to do. I kicked my legs up and brought my upper body up to my full height, standing ready as i reached into my utility belt and revealed another hilt. I grabbed it and brought forth the blade just as quick as the gunman got his gun back into position. He fired his shot and my red, glowing blade countered it with ease, sending it back at his head and killing him on impact. Like the others before him, his body faded into nothingness. I wondered what this was about, but put it beside my thoughts. I had to find a way out of this room. i turned my back to the entrance and looked for the exit...it wasn't hard to find. The door lay open and ready for me to enter it. I held my blade forward, glad it was functional, and stepped into the next room.
Chaotic Energies:
The next room was lit and empty, i felt it safe to sheath my weapon. The red glow that came from my lightsaber subsided, and i put it back in the holster on my utility belt. I stepped forward a bit more eased about the challenges, though i knew that i had only come so far...the rest would get harder. I examined the room I was in. It seemed simple enough, with not much to worry about at all. The was a large circular indenture in the ground in the middle however, and i began to wonder what this would lead to. So, acting upon instinct, i readied myself, then stood in the center of the indenture, waiting for something occur. Nothing. This had baffled me. What was it about this challenge that was eluding my senses? Possibly the environment hid something? Or maybe i had to activate that which was underneath my boots? The possibilities were endless and i knew time was of the essence. I began to tap into my energies to reveal what i could not see with my blind eye. The Force would guide me.
My now heightened vision was allowing me to scout the room with greater understanding. The indenture i stood in had been surrounded by four unique pillars on each corner, and in the center of the indenture, underneath my feet which i had now moved read, "Talent with a saber can only bring you so far, but talent with the Force grants you endless potential, we know your powers and sense your strength, but you must be the one to allow these pillars energy to open the way." Energy to open the way? My message wasn't clear at that point, and i sat down, thinking of ways to energize this room. The Force was obvious, but what could i use that was at my disposal to give life to that which had none?
This was eluding me much more easily then the sight had done. My head spun for what seemed like an eternity before an idea came about. Force Lightning. Its pure, raw energy and was capable of fueling this room, I was sure. I called upon my sight again to see the pillars that had surrounded me. While they were unique, each one had the same orb atop it. I took the initiative and aimed for one, letting the energy flow from my fingertips, it struck the orb, and much to my surprise, the orb had lit up, revealing the pillar to me without the use of Force Sensitive sight. I took this as the right thing to do and began to light the other three with the energies of the Force. Soon, all four were lit and i stood triumphant. I had believed the challenge been beaten and began to step off the indenture in the flooring...but i was gravely mistaken. The indenture lit up as well, and a barrier formed around the pillars, trapping me in and not allowing escape. I spun around on my heel, looking for some hopeless sign of light that would guide me out. But i did not receive that light...only pain. The lightning i had filled the orbs with came crashing down upon me, soaking into my body and burning the flesh. I could feel it for no more then a moment before shock had stricken me, and then all i had to let me know i was still alive was the scent of burning flesh.
The screams helped as well...but only as a reassurance factor...
Last Chance at Honor:
I gritted my teeth, holding back all the screams i was pushing to let out. I began to focus under the immense pain of the shock waves. I had little energy to expend now it all relied on one last desperate attempt to free myself. I clenched my fists, then let out a roar as i shoved the Force energies from me and back out into the world. It flowed from me unnaturally, combating the shock waves with a violent clash and giving me a small glimmer of hope. I pushed out more and more, pouring everything i had into the fight. The Force flew from me and had pushed the lightning all the way back into the pillars, destroying them and releasing the hold they had on me. The lightning ceased, and i let go of all the power i'd expelled. I was weak...almost to weak to push onward. But a higher calling would hold me through.
I got up to my feet and staggered. I remember the smell of the skin still burning, and the feelings returning to me...the pain of having it cool down after being heated at that intensity. It was almost unbearable, and the only thing i had to go on was the thoughts of making it...pleasing my people, myself, and most importantly, my love, Rayne. I hadn't noticed it till just now, but another door had revealed itself, the exit to this room. I wasted no time in limping over to it. I reached down weakly to grab my lightsaber, ready to fight anything that was going to come my way, then, i stepped through the door and into the next room. The room where all my hard work would come to
reward me.
Gifts of the Lue'Zhan:
The room was rather small, and unlike the rest of this cave, was lit by two candle on the wall that glowed a light blue in color. Underneath the candles was a pedestal, and atop that lay a pendant. I walked over to it, putting my lightsaber away, and standing next to it, starring for a long moment...an eternity it would seem...
I recognized the pendant. It had belonged to my mother long ago. She had used to show me the picture inside whenever i was sad in my younger days. It would bring a smile to my face every single time. Like the one i had now. A light tear rolled along my cheek, as thoughts of my mother came into my mind, and a gentle hand slipped atop the pendant, picking it up and holding in front of me. I reached out with my other hand, reaching to open the pendant...i wanted to see my mother's face again. It had been so long. My thumb gently eased it open, but there was no picture. No, instead i had found a little key. I realized quickly enough the Elders knew this was to be used and the pendant retrieved. So, closing the pendant, i slipped it into my utility belt, and turned around, moving out the door, and back into the temple.
I walked for ages it would seem, trying to find my way out of this temple and find a path back to my friends and my beloved. I remembered the way i had came, but everything seemed longer now. It all seemed like a long, endless trek without the battles and obstacles blocking my path. I began to dwell on thoughts of Rayne to keep me occupied. Anything to rid my mind of the worry that something big was coming to eat me alive. That was the last thing i needed. Some pissed off Rancor to be my final challenge. But as luck would see to it, the thoughts of Rayne kept me occupied as i reached the spot where my trials had began. I jumped down from the ledge and landed onto the hard ground with and easy grace, almost like
a feather.
I found a door, with a keyhole, and i knew right away what to do. I pulled the pendant out from my belt, opened it, and took out the key. I held it in front of me for a moment, thinking back on all i had just overcome. Then, i took a deep breath, and placed the key into the lock. The door clicked, then opened. I saw the sunlight...
A Title Worthy Warrior:
I stepped out into the sunlight, and felt the stare of several onlookers as they noticed my exit. Murmuring spurred within their circle, then without much time for me to react, a eruption of cheers came from them all but the Elders. Rayne had run over to me, jumping into a long hug that i felt comfort in. The Elders silenced everyone, then walked over to me. One of them held their hand out. I let Rayne go to reach into my belt, and i pulled out the pendant, holding it in my hand, starring at it for a long moment. Then, i handed it over to the Elder, who was now pleased. I had passed. I was now a Lue'Zhan Elite. I would forever be known as one of the greats of my people, and the Shadowsong name would not be overlooked while i still drew breath. I was now complete...
Continues on to Pg.2...
Age: 31
Gender: Male
Race: Dematri
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 227lbs
Eye Color: Red
Hair Color: Natural - Silver, Dyed - Black
Skin Color: White
Skin tone: Pale
Tattoos: Several, including one on each shoulder and one on his chest and a large one on his back.
Scars: A slash across his chest, directly opposite his tattoo.
Piercings: None
Dress Code: Light Leather suit, red/black coloring. Utility belt, and armored gloves as well as armored shoes.
Weapons: Lightsaber, and several light weapons he crafted lie in his belt.
Faction: Dematri Empire
Rank: Lue'Zhan
Force Sesitive: Yes
Lightsaber Form: Vaapad [Single Saber] / Unorthodox, Self-Taught method [Flail Whip Saber]
Sword Form: Dematri Sword Arts
Force Powers: Lue'Zhan Master
Basic:
All
Improved:
All
Advanced:
Death Field
Force Storm
Force Insanity
Force Stop
Force Kill
Stasis Field
Dominate Mind
Force Wave
Skills: Kale's abilites are vast... He's a talented Saberman, strong with the Force and adept at controlling it, and he's also a talented engineer. He's spent alot of his life building items and weapons that aid him in battle. His most prized invention being his Lightsaber. A single blade, capable of becoming a dangerous flail. He uses this with precise skill and the grace of a reed, making him a most worthy combatant. And his control of the Force flowing through his body is completely unrivaled by any other, making control one of his better aspects.
Strengths & Weaknesses: He can build items that aid him in battle, giving him the edge and more often than not, the win. But without these items, his skill is severely limited. But since this is a problem for him, he's honed in on his Saber mastery, trying to form a combat to his crutch. He's also exceptional in dogfights, being an excellent pilot. His main weakness lies in his wife, however. Without her, he is but a simple shell.
Likes & Dislikes: His only two loves in this world are his wife and his skills. Not much else matters to him.
Ship: Nihilistic
Type: Battle Modified, Horizon-class Star Yacht
Additional Information:
Length - 55 meters
Maximum acceleration - 3,080 G
Maximum speed (atmosphere) - 1,000 km/h
Engine units - 2 ion engines
Hyperdrive rating
* Class 0.5[1]
* Backup Class 10[1]
Hyperdrive system - Military-grade hyperdrive motivator [modified by Kale]
Shielding - KDY military-grade shield generators
Hull - Armored non-reflective hull
Sensor systems - Advanced sensor suite with port and starboard visual scanners
Navigation system - Equipped
Countermeasures
* Sensor jammer
* False identification transponder
* Sensor decoys cloaking device
Armament
* Retractable CEC AG-1G laser cannon turrets with stutter-fire modification (2)
* Retractable blaster cannon (1)
* Concealed Dymek HM-8 concussion missile launchers (2)
* Standard load: 8 heavy missiles each
* Tractor beam projector (1)
Complement
Starfighter (1)
Crew
* Pilot (1)
* Co-pilot (1)
* Navigator (1)
* Astromech droid (1)
Minimum crew
* 1 pilot or 1 astromech droid
or
* 0 crew (via integrated slave circuits)
Passengers - 10
Cargo capacity - 100 metric tons
Consumables - 2 months
Other systems
* HoloNet transceiver
* Slave circuits
* Force-operated hatch release
History:
Life is only worth living when you have someone to share it with. This is what i will share with you...
I am but a simple man. Nothing more then a warrior with his love and his blade. Passion drives me and it always has.
It makes me who i am and compels me to always best myself, even against insurmountable odds. I'm an Elite warrior for the Lue'Zhan, and a proud member of the Dematri Empire. My wife and I stand side-by-side, working together in unison, completing missions that would otherwise be impossible for one man alone. She is a steadfast warrior and a more then reliable partner. She fights like she loves...gracefully and full of vigor. She's my only true love in this world...
While my story is long and filled with sub-stories of the main one alone, i will not delve into those aspects of my life. I will instead tell you of my greatest feats, and my most memorable triumphs, as well as the power of the love I've found in my wife. You may look down upon me or envy me for what i have to say. It matters not. This is not for you to enjoy...but for me to show you the life i lead, and releasing the built up memories. Every man has a story to tell. This is my turn...
Birth:
Approximately 31 years ago, i was born to Lera and Jolin Shadowsong. At that time, my family name was of little consequence, but i would see to it that that was changed. I began training with weapons at around the age of 7. I wasn't as skilled with guns like my father, but my mastery of a sword was unparalleled at my age. My mother's genes no doubt. She was able to cut down some of the best warriors with ease. A trait, i would soon develop on my own, thanks to her. Nonetheless, training was typical for the first few years. Wake up, get dressed, then train with my father or my mother, depending on who had been around.
Childhood:
It wasn't until the age of 12 that my father died and i was left with my mother who had been distraught and without much life left in her old bones. She had stopped training with me, and all together, gave up on life in general. I hadn't lost hope, and soon, there would be a way for me that would reveal itself. Thats when i met her. Rayne. She became my best friend and closest ally up until this very day. Never faltering once and always keeping me out of sticky situations. She was a warrior in training like myself, and was a perfect training partner. We went together like a match made by the Heavens. We fell in love, and soon, began a relationship that would be everlasting. My love has only grown for her since that day.
Tragedy:
At 17, my mother fell ill and passed away. I was alone in this world, and if not for Rayne, would surely have followed my parents to the grave. She gave me life and brought out the best in me, even in these dark times. I took up work at an old shuttle factory, learning how to build, operate, and modify starships. I made minimal amounts of credits, but it was enough to get me through. I also learned how to pilot starships there, and i was known around the shop for my exceptional flight skills. Some of them would make bets on whether i could race around a certain distance in a set amount of time or not. It was this greed and pleasure that they had that allowed me to reap the rewards from them.
For every bet they made against me, I'd double it, going right back. Sure, it was a risk. But this was a risk i don't regret, even today. I made a decent enough amount of money to finally pay for the things i needed to survive on my own. It helped a great deal. But these things would pale in comparison to what would happen over the course of the next few weeks, following the start of the bets. The shop owners, having watched me on several of my breaks, noticed i had been very talented with weaponry, specifically, swords. And that a lot of my skills were still untapped. I was Force Sensitive, and even i knew that. I trained with it, but not as often as i did
with my blades.
This trait would come to bring me a gift i couldn't imagine...
Glory and Honor:
It was one fateful day that an Elder who had been watching me for some time, took full notice of my swordsmanship and several of my
abilities in the Force. Having been impressed, or something else had sparked his mind, i am still not sure. But he had ordered that I was to begin training to be a part of the Lue'Zhan Elite. This was among one of the highest honors any Dematri could receive. I took the position up and held it with honor. To be trained like the great ones of our race...oh, how i was excited. Rayne, being as wonderful as she can be, stood by me every step of the way, training with me outside of my training with the Elders. They noticed her abilities too, and in turn, she was granted the honor of being trained as well. This was turning out to be a life more gifted then i could of possibly imagined.
Grueling Training:
It wasn't easy...the training they made me go through. And it lasted for a long while. I would spend my days filled with physical combat, honing my swordsmanship skills and fulfilling them with an elegant grace that was unrivaled by any others in my level. I may have not been the strongest, but i was always the most precise. Being able to gently tap my opponents in places they couldn't think of my blade getting to them, or even being able to disarm them completely, using my wit and skill to hit them just right, taking everything they had down and giving me the win.
As well as swordplay, they had me focus on Force Mastery as well. I was never the greatest at mastering the Force, but i knew just enough to get me through, and my talents were advanced as far as I could tell. Being able to use my powers in some higher tiers then
some others, but also being able to control my flow of Force entering and leaving my body. That was probably my best aspect...control. I've always had the uncanny knack to conserve my energies and release them when need be, and its lead me to survive some more intense battles along the course of my life.
Nights were spent studying, learning more about what i didn't already know. I wanted to get a full grasp on that which had eluded me up to this point. I strove to better myself, and i always have been able to succeed. I suppose its Rayne's guidance that pulls me
through, keeping me up when i'm falling down. I don't think i could've continued my training if it wasn't for her. But when not honing in on it all, i'd spend my time with Rayne. We grew closer together in that time, and would continue to hold each other up through the challenges we'd face together.
Trials:
I was 24 when my training had been completed, and i was ready to take the trails set forth by the Elders. I would have to go into a set
location, unknown to me at that point, and use all my skills to pass and recover something the Elders would place within. Only upon
recovering this artifact would i be able to call myself a Lue'Zhan Elite. I awaited patiently for the day to arrive, and when it finally
did come, i couldn't begin to even tell you how worried i was. It was intimidating to face such a large obstacle, but a kiss from my beloved Rayne would pull me back to my senses and give me the courage i needed to go on. I was led to a cave by an Elder and several witnesses, including Rayne. I was given a weapon of my choosing. I had picked up the lightsaber...from then on, it would be my companion, always at the ready.
Then the trial began...
A Test of Sight:
I stepped into a cave, and there wasn't much light for me to work with. So, upon instinct, i brought forth my lightsaber, and allowed its
green hue to illuminate the room. Once on, however, i was surprised at what i'd find. The cave had been much larger then i anticipated
walking into it, and the only way to move forward was a ledge that was far to high to reach by jumping. I began to look around for some sort of lift up on even a lever that would bring about stairs...there was nothing. It was beginning to dwell on me that i could never pass the first trail and that fear came back...that uncertainty. But i wouldn't let it take hold of me fully. I needed to push on with all i had.
I moved to the right corner of the room, noticing a crack in the wall, and gathering an idea from it. Maybe the way was not be revealed...but to be carved on one's own. I jammed my saber into the crack in the wall and started cutting out a ledge for me to climb on with. I was glad i had taken the lightsaber with me. I couldn't imagine how one could make it up with a sword or gun. So as my cut got higher, and the ledge began to take form, i was ready to make it up. Putting my saber away, i dug my fingers into the warm stone and began to shift my body off the ground and up the ledge.
My ledge stopped about five feet away from my target however, and this led me to thinking again. But i took into consideration the Force i had within me, and i pushed off the ledge, sending my body upwards and kicking off the wall, using the might of the Force to propel me through the air, landing safely atop the platform. I turned around, the darkness beginning to take its toll on my eyes, i lit my saber up once more, lighting the way. There wasn't much but a door, partially opened and the hand of a skeleton lay outside it. I could imagine what would be next for me...
Courageous Blades:
I stepped through the door, kicking aside the hand and pushing back the rest of the body that lay in the way for the door opening fully. Once in, however, the door closed on me. Knowing this wasn't to be any easy challenge, i took a step back. The darkness was becoming too thick for even my lightsaber to reveal a way ahead. This was getting to be more challenging then I'd predicted. I took one step forward...but that was to be my only one. My leg was grabbed and i was brought down suddenly, landing on my back and losing my breath when another lightsaber ignited and came slashing through the air at my head followed by a blood curdling scream.
If not for my quick reflexes, i would have been killed. I brought my own saber up to combat the oncoming blade, and they connected in a flurry of sparks. The heat from my blade was bearing down on me and i needed to gain the upper hand somehow. Thinking on a wim, i pushed my blade up, trying to reveal where my assailant was striking from, and just how i could work with his positioning. I got a look at his face...or a mask, rather...and he was standing above me from what i could tell, his legs parted over my fallen body. Taking this into account, i brought my knees up to my chest, and pushed both of my legs up against his sides, then hooking him with my feet, i pulled down with my legs, bringing him down to the ground and at my mercy now. He was stunned and i took the opportunity to bring myself back to my feet and jam my blade into his chest simultaneously. The scream following would forever be a reminder of how difficult it had been to obtain my position. His body faded into nothingness, and not a minute after, the room i was in had lit up, revealing a large empty chamber. Taking my blade out of the ground, i brought it forward, guiding me though this next area.
I didn't have to wait for the challenge to come to my mind, as it revealed itself right away. Several warriors came from nowhere. They had a variety of weapons. Vibroblades, Revolvers, and my worst fear, Lightsabers. I began to turn my body around and around, surveying all that was around me. I had few options and i was completely circled by these warriors. My only option left was to fight. I lunged forward, making sure to give them the first hit and not let them get a shot off on myself if i could avoid it. My saber swung wide and true, taking out several warriors from their knees, slicing them clean off and getting rid of their movement all together. But the rest of them took this as an opening and came at me, flying from every direction. I had barely any time to get up and regain my stance and i was forced to improvise. Several swordsman got in the way of the gunmen, allowing me the cover from their blasters while i dealt with the swords. The vibroblades could collide with my lightsaber, but they weren't enough to take me on as i cut down their wielders with ease.
The swordsmen were becoming a nuisance at how many there were and i was beginning to tire. I knew i had to end this quick. Driving into the deep pockets of my powers, i called upon the Force to grant me the strength needed to pass this test. But i wanted to make it painful on them and beneficial to myself. I let one of my palms aim in front of me, then called upon the power of my Death Field, draining the life out of these warriors, sucking all they had from them and giving it to myself, healing my minor cuts and bruises, and giving me the bit of strength needed to push onward. The Death Field had been strong enough to eliminate all the opposition but one. A gunman, who had been out of range of my attack stood tall, and had his blaster aimed at me with deadly precision. He fired...
All i could remember was bringing my saber up to block the shot, but i didn't have enough time to and my blade went to high. The blast hit the hilt of my saber, causing it to explode and fling me back onto the ground. The gunman had begun to think i was dead i assume, because he didn't fire. He put his gun up and stood there, watching me. I couldn't waste much time and now my only weapon had been destroyed. Or had it...? I had another weapon...a test weapon I hadn't used yet, and to possibly try it out now would have to do. I kicked my legs up and brought my upper body up to my full height, standing ready as i reached into my utility belt and revealed another hilt. I grabbed it and brought forth the blade just as quick as the gunman got his gun back into position. He fired his shot and my red, glowing blade countered it with ease, sending it back at his head and killing him on impact. Like the others before him, his body faded into nothingness. I wondered what this was about, but put it beside my thoughts. I had to find a way out of this room. i turned my back to the entrance and looked for the exit...it wasn't hard to find. The door lay open and ready for me to enter it. I held my blade forward, glad it was functional, and stepped into the next room.
Chaotic Energies:
The next room was lit and empty, i felt it safe to sheath my weapon. The red glow that came from my lightsaber subsided, and i put it back in the holster on my utility belt. I stepped forward a bit more eased about the challenges, though i knew that i had only come so far...the rest would get harder. I examined the room I was in. It seemed simple enough, with not much to worry about at all. The was a large circular indenture in the ground in the middle however, and i began to wonder what this would lead to. So, acting upon instinct, i readied myself, then stood in the center of the indenture, waiting for something occur. Nothing. This had baffled me. What was it about this challenge that was eluding my senses? Possibly the environment hid something? Or maybe i had to activate that which was underneath my boots? The possibilities were endless and i knew time was of the essence. I began to tap into my energies to reveal what i could not see with my blind eye. The Force would guide me.
My now heightened vision was allowing me to scout the room with greater understanding. The indenture i stood in had been surrounded by four unique pillars on each corner, and in the center of the indenture, underneath my feet which i had now moved read, "Talent with a saber can only bring you so far, but talent with the Force grants you endless potential, we know your powers and sense your strength, but you must be the one to allow these pillars energy to open the way." Energy to open the way? My message wasn't clear at that point, and i sat down, thinking of ways to energize this room. The Force was obvious, but what could i use that was at my disposal to give life to that which had none?
This was eluding me much more easily then the sight had done. My head spun for what seemed like an eternity before an idea came about. Force Lightning. Its pure, raw energy and was capable of fueling this room, I was sure. I called upon my sight again to see the pillars that had surrounded me. While they were unique, each one had the same orb atop it. I took the initiative and aimed for one, letting the energy flow from my fingertips, it struck the orb, and much to my surprise, the orb had lit up, revealing the pillar to me without the use of Force Sensitive sight. I took this as the right thing to do and began to light the other three with the energies of the Force. Soon, all four were lit and i stood triumphant. I had believed the challenge been beaten and began to step off the indenture in the flooring...but i was gravely mistaken. The indenture lit up as well, and a barrier formed around the pillars, trapping me in and not allowing escape. I spun around on my heel, looking for some hopeless sign of light that would guide me out. But i did not receive that light...only pain. The lightning i had filled the orbs with came crashing down upon me, soaking into my body and burning the flesh. I could feel it for no more then a moment before shock had stricken me, and then all i had to let me know i was still alive was the scent of burning flesh.
The screams helped as well...but only as a reassurance factor...
Last Chance at Honor:
I gritted my teeth, holding back all the screams i was pushing to let out. I began to focus under the immense pain of the shock waves. I had little energy to expend now it all relied on one last desperate attempt to free myself. I clenched my fists, then let out a roar as i shoved the Force energies from me and back out into the world. It flowed from me unnaturally, combating the shock waves with a violent clash and giving me a small glimmer of hope. I pushed out more and more, pouring everything i had into the fight. The Force flew from me and had pushed the lightning all the way back into the pillars, destroying them and releasing the hold they had on me. The lightning ceased, and i let go of all the power i'd expelled. I was weak...almost to weak to push onward. But a higher calling would hold me through.
I got up to my feet and staggered. I remember the smell of the skin still burning, and the feelings returning to me...the pain of having it cool down after being heated at that intensity. It was almost unbearable, and the only thing i had to go on was the thoughts of making it...pleasing my people, myself, and most importantly, my love, Rayne. I hadn't noticed it till just now, but another door had revealed itself, the exit to this room. I wasted no time in limping over to it. I reached down weakly to grab my lightsaber, ready to fight anything that was going to come my way, then, i stepped through the door and into the next room. The room where all my hard work would come to
reward me.
Gifts of the Lue'Zhan:
The room was rather small, and unlike the rest of this cave, was lit by two candle on the wall that glowed a light blue in color. Underneath the candles was a pedestal, and atop that lay a pendant. I walked over to it, putting my lightsaber away, and standing next to it, starring for a long moment...an eternity it would seem...
I recognized the pendant. It had belonged to my mother long ago. She had used to show me the picture inside whenever i was sad in my younger days. It would bring a smile to my face every single time. Like the one i had now. A light tear rolled along my cheek, as thoughts of my mother came into my mind, and a gentle hand slipped atop the pendant, picking it up and holding in front of me. I reached out with my other hand, reaching to open the pendant...i wanted to see my mother's face again. It had been so long. My thumb gently eased it open, but there was no picture. No, instead i had found a little key. I realized quickly enough the Elders knew this was to be used and the pendant retrieved. So, closing the pendant, i slipped it into my utility belt, and turned around, moving out the door, and back into the temple.
I walked for ages it would seem, trying to find my way out of this temple and find a path back to my friends and my beloved. I remembered the way i had came, but everything seemed longer now. It all seemed like a long, endless trek without the battles and obstacles blocking my path. I began to dwell on thoughts of Rayne to keep me occupied. Anything to rid my mind of the worry that something big was coming to eat me alive. That was the last thing i needed. Some pissed off Rancor to be my final challenge. But as luck would see to it, the thoughts of Rayne kept me occupied as i reached the spot where my trials had began. I jumped down from the ledge and landed onto the hard ground with and easy grace, almost like
a feather.
I found a door, with a keyhole, and i knew right away what to do. I pulled the pendant out from my belt, opened it, and took out the key. I held it in front of me for a moment, thinking back on all i had just overcome. Then, i took a deep breath, and placed the key into the lock. The door clicked, then opened. I saw the sunlight...
A Title Worthy Warrior:
I stepped out into the sunlight, and felt the stare of several onlookers as they noticed my exit. Murmuring spurred within their circle, then without much time for me to react, a eruption of cheers came from them all but the Elders. Rayne had run over to me, jumping into a long hug that i felt comfort in. The Elders silenced everyone, then walked over to me. One of them held their hand out. I let Rayne go to reach into my belt, and i pulled out the pendant, holding it in my hand, starring at it for a long moment. Then, i handed it over to the Elder, who was now pleased. I had passed. I was now a Lue'Zhan Elite. I would forever be known as one of the greats of my people, and the Shadowsong name would not be overlooked while i still drew breath. I was now complete...
Continues on to Pg.2...
