For a year, we were like preschoolers. In general, I thought they recruited younglings from infancy, not letting them start to appreciate their Homeland. And this is relatively true. Sometimes Jedi really come only for infants, but sometimes they take older children. Even in our groups, there were those who had been in the Temple since infancy. The key word is "children." Adult men and women, of any race, are almost never recruited, even if they are discovered. It's too difficult to change an adult's established worldview. Yoda spoke for a reason about the incredible possibilities of a child's mind. If you ask an adult if they can lift a heavy weight, they will say they can't, and cite gravity as an example. Children will not be categorical. Especially gifted children.
Even the weakest, in potential, master Force techniques quite quickly... At least, it seemed so to me. I didn't waste a minute on anything superfluous, either downloading or sitting in the Archives, where materials for study were gradually opened to us. While we didn't have swords, and we only engaged in initial material study and similar initial physical education, I personally paid attention to the techniques presented in the Archives. Gradually, I gained information about Altus-sopor🔸Altus-sopor – a control ability that allowed an adept to concentrate maximally on the Force. In a state of deep immersion, the adept could merge with the Force so much that they became invisible to others. Those who immersed themselves too deeply remained in the Force forever. In this case, the ability was called transitioning into another form of the Force., this is how the techniques I was developing are called – sensory perception, as well as concealment in the Force. Next, what appeared was Curato-salva🔸Curato-salva – a group of abilities related to self-healing. With their help, adepts could cope with hunger and thirst, increase endurance, heal wounds, recover from illnesses, eliminate poisons in the blood, and even prolong their lives. The most talented adepts even dealt with mortal wounds, and those who dreamed of immortality managed to extend their lives for more than a decade., when we were learning first aid. This group of techniques is used for medical assistance, I would also include Crucitorn in it, because, according to the description, there are techniques in this group that will help increase the pain threshold. And finally, the third thing that surprised me to the depths of my soul, because I considered this technique "more adult" – Tutaminis🔸Tutaminis – a general term used to denote Force techniques related to energy absorption. All abilities associated with Tutaminis are based on the idea that an adept can absorb potentially dangerous energy with the help of the Force and then completely dissipate it. Mastery of self-defense included the ability to surround oneself with an energy field that absorbed the energy of incoming attacks. The adept became invulnerable to a wide range of negative effects until they removed the field or became too tired to maintain it.. It turns out there are many levels within Tutaminis itself. We had to master the primary base...
Gradually, over the course of a year, Roan began to introduce self-defense training for us. Despite the rather difficult meditations for some, which were conducted five times a day, and other classes added by Shiala, the day the first self-defense lesson arrived was quite noisy. As expected, Cin Drallig was the loudest. He had already gathered a company of equally odious boys around him, loud and "supposedly strong." And they played the role of brawlers. At least, he often provoked fights and even fought a couple of times. Of course, after the teacher, they gave him a real scolding, explaining that we are all family and it's not right to hit your brother on the nose, even if that brother is a hairy Wookiee and doesn't look like you at all. In any case, such training is more interesting for children than listening to dry facts about Jedi from Shiala Donita. Although, for me, as a connoisseur of canon, the achievements of some individuals who are glorified here seem not so significant. But the first self-defense training disappointed the young Jedi... Roan simply brought another knight, and they had a hand-to-hand fight, while we could only watch. I turned it into another training session for myself, concentrating and trying to predict the blows of the two knights, who put on a real dance, not a battle. And I was relatively successful, though not very. And in addition, I felt that this was not the full speed at which they could move.
"The basis of combat in situations where you don't have a lightsaber is to use your advantages and the opponent's weaknesses," Roan explained. "Look at Knight Jorla," he nodded towards his opponent. "Assess his body, his movements, listen to the Force. Whoever understands the opponent's advantage and disadvantage has already won. That's the point, younglings. Those who fight simply because they want to fight," he glanced at Cin Drallig, and both groups were present, "will never win. They can defeat one opponent, a second, a third, but someday they will meet someone who approaches the battle using not only instincts but also reason... That's what distinguishes us from animals; we are rational and can use a certain system even in battle that can lead us to victory. Now we will begin practicing basic movements. Later, we will study the main weak points on the bodies of different races. And remember – a Jedi does not seek to kill. We are peacemakers, not mad cutthroats..."
Said a person who definitely knows Sai Cha, literally meaning "to cut off a head," Sai Tok, literally meaning "body in half," and Mou Kei, which cuts off all limbs from an opponent in a couple of moves (Anakin in the future will not lie, the technique is effective)... Something is making me cynical lately... Or is it the overlay of my knowledge of canon onto what I'm being taught in the Order?
After all, from the signing of the Ryloth Accords until the Clone Wars, the Order was in a deep decline, from which Luke Skywalker was able to pull it out. And that's if we take Luke from the expanded universe. Because in the "new Disney canon," I wouldn't call that bum Luke Skywalker. It's just not the same character we all met after watching the fourth episode. Not the same person who ended the war in the sixth episode. I hope I'll still have the expanded universe, not the crap they invented in Disney. I don't deny that some of their characters were successful, but most were not. Although it's foolish to discuss the new canon now; its main setting is everything after the sixth episode. I wish I could live to the end of the third and survive it.
"Flaingstar," Lancestfield's thunderous voice sounded behind me, "don't get distracted."
Oh right, we started practicing movements, which we didn't finish until evening. Stumbling into our improvised barracks "half-dead" had become a habit for us. It seems we are all more or less strong, relative to our peers, but it's not very noticeable in training. We still reach the level of "let me die"...
Days turned into days, and I entered the insane pace of my training. Despite the other younglings, the same Feemor, Drallig, and other rational beings, distancing myself from them all as much as possible, I spent my days training, meditating, and studying the Force. Special attention was given to learning Force control. As I realized long ago, I must be able to do the same things with and without the Force. Eating in the Temple can only be done one way – correctly. There is no buffet or fast food here, so whether you like it or not, you will be given an ideal balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and the daily training will do the rest.
A year later, as Shiala Donita had promised, we were assigned to clans. The distribution itself looked clumsy. Since it was not done according to our wishes, but according to what the teachers decided. For some, a year, and for others, more – they observed, studied our relationships, character, and as a result, offered each person what was more convenient. Although, no, not quite... They sorted it out themselves as they pleased. Otherwise, how to explain the fact that I was shoved into the Hawk-bat clan? Why was I shoved into a clan with that noisy Drallig?
"I see you have questions," when everyone dispersed after the first clan meeting, and I remained in the classroom, Leyla Dott approached me.
Leyla Dott. Leyla was a tall woman, human, with golden hair and piercing blue eyes. She was quite beautiful and attractive. She wore two lightsabers on her belt, clearly Jar'Kai.
"I don't think the clan suits me," I remarked.
"And what criteria," Leyla sat next to me. The woman's voice was soft and kind. "Do you think exist at all?"
"Character? Abilities?"
"What kind of abilities and characters can small children have, hmm?" the knight asked me. "You are smarter than your peers, even the gifted ones, that's immediately visible. This has formed a weakness in you. You only use your mind, not using your senses and the Force."
"Are these the criteria for joining the Hawk-bat clan?" I asked. Dooku himself trained here at one time... Or rather, not that long ago.
"You didn't understand anything," the woman shook her head, looking at me sadly with her blue eyes. "Children do not have a set character or abilities. Children have predispositions, and this is what mentors determine when assigning you to clans. For example, there is the Bear Clan, where reckless younglings are sent who have a clear talent for becoming Jedi defenders. Their path is the study of fencing and constant combat. Or the Katarn clan, their path, on the contrary, is concealment and stealth... And I feel curiosity. You don't fit the Katarn clan, otherwise you would be there now."
"But why do I fit the Hawk-bat clan? In what way is the criterion of my suitability expressed?"
"The fact that the Hawk-bat clan is a clan whose students study every facet thoroughly. We have no pronounced specialization. Strength, fencing, droid building, hand-to-hand combat, politics and diplomacy, knowledge – it doesn't matter what you specialize in or what your abilities are, you must be passionate about it. Yes, other clans study everything else, we focus on what you have a talent for and only that. Clans reflect the style and methods of studying disciplines by their students. Not only what they focus on, but how they study it. You can study whatever you're comfortable with in our clan, but the essence is different: what we study, we are passionate about. For example, not long ago, Ian Dooku, one of the renowned knights of the Order, was in the clan. He is a recognized master of Makashi, one of the forms of fencing, or me, Leyla Dott. There is no Jedi Knight better than me at knowing droids. That's what sets us apart from other clans. Perhaps by studying several aspects at once, we can become, like everyone else, versatile, but in our clan, the opposite applies…"
"There's no logic in that, Master," I shook my head. "I study many things…"
"No," Leyla replied, "you study only one thing – the Force. Yes, it is multifaceted. Yes, it contains many techniques, but the way you study it… It's as if you were ungifted and then suddenly became so," damn, I'm really giving myself away here. "Shi'ala spoke of you, you are literally obsessed with the Force and all the techniques related to it. And the way you study sensory perception and foresight even interested Master Yoda. You dedicate yourself entirely to the discipline you are interested in, which is why you caught my attention. Just like Cin Drallig, who is passionate about combat…"
"So, the main criterion of our clan is stubbornness in learning…"
"The right direction," Leyla Dott twisted her mouth into a semblance of a smile, "But you shouldn't be interested in that. And do you know why? It's not that important. What's important is not why I chose you, like the other sentient beings in the clan, what's important now is to continue your training. Maintain the same determination, and you will become a truly great Jedi…"
"Uh-huh," I nodded.
"And now, go to your clan group's quarters, this day is declared a holiday…"
"I'd rather train in the Force, teacher," I said, heading for the exit of the classroom.
"You prove that you were assigned correctly, even now," Leyla's voice was heard as I left the classroom.
The schedule changed drastically after I and the others joined the clan. The study of the Force was scheduled for the morning. It was taught, by my observation, by Jedi Consulars, at least they were initially. First, they made us repeat all the techniques we were supposed to master "superficially." Not everyone succeeded, though I excelled. Besides me, from my generation, they accepted into the clan: Cin Drallig, Gol – this guy was from the Wookiee race, and almost no one understood his speech, but he understood us perfectly, a friendly bunch of three girls: the Twi'lek Rela, the Togruta Maru, and the Tolothian Vers, these girls were always whispering and gossiping, loving to discuss everyone and everything, Fimor, to my surprise, was sent with me, the latter considered me his friend, but I was in no hurry to consider Fimor himself as such. Friends often betray, I learned that from the start, so to speak. So, out of our entire group, I tried not to interact with anyone, completely immersing myself in the study of the techniques that interested me.
And there were results. For example, I can navigate a completely dark room with my eyes closed, almost without concentrating, in real-time. But what worried me most was foresight. I developed this ability relentlessly: in simple conversation, during hand-to-hand combat classes, even in the mess hall – I tried to foresee absolutely everything that would happen to me, around me. The first difficulty in mastering foresight was the inability to separate the future from the present. This is what I encountered during my first duel. Roan paired me with Fimor, and he almost beat me. Fimor was a much weaker fighter than me, both physically and in speed, but my foresight almost helped him win – and the problem was that I started using it without learning to separate the present from the future, so I acted too early, making myself a laughingstock. For example, I struck an empty space where Fimor wasn't, making a pointless dodge…
Oh, I still remember how my face turned red with shame, I looked too much like a clown then. Fimor, you know, still remembers my efforts. Six months have passed since then, I diligently studied foresight and learned how to separate the present from the future, so that visions of the future wouldn't make my body react incorrectly and prematurely.
But the most important event for all of us was receiving a lightsaber. A training lightsaber, for now. There were many such lightsabers in the Jedi Temple; killing someone with them is a non-trivial task. The most the ice-white blade could do was slightly burn the skin, reminding the negligent user that they weren't holding a toy… Humane, however, a real lightsaber, if misused, as Leyla Dott informed us, could kill its owner in a dozen different ways.
"First and foremost," Leyla Dott lectured during our lightsaber training, "are the forms of fencing, younglings. How many forms of fencing are there?"
"Seven," I answered, raising my hand, for which I received a hateful look from our "future greatest duelist in the history of the Galaxy," that is, Cin Drallig. "Shii-Cho, Makashi, Soresu, Ataru, Shien/Djem So, Niman, and Juyo."
"Of course," Leyla smiled, "that's right. Each form of fencing has its own peculiarities. Its own philosophy. For example, Shii-Cho is the first form, standard, basic, peaceful. It is a reflection of our philosophy – disarming the opponent. Remember, younglings, Jedi do not seek to kill. If you are forced to ignite your lightsaber – that is already a defeat… Unfortunately," she activated her weapon, and the blade flared up in a rich yellow color in response, "a Jedi does not always face conditions that favor diplomacy. Seven forms, and first we will study the first form – Shii-Cho. This is the foundation that every Jedi knows. After mastering this form with dignity, you will choose any of the other FOUR forms to study…"
"But teacher," Rela's voice, a green-skinned Twi'lek, was heard, "aren't there seven forms? If you subtract one from seven, you get six. Why specifically four then?"
"Hmm?" Leyla looked at her questioningly. "They didn't explain to you?"
Actually, they did, but someone was slacking off in class.
"Niman, the sixth form, is the form of diplomats, it combines the basic features of the previous forms, but to understand it, you need to study at least the basics of the previous forms. As for Juyo – this form is not studied by Jedi, because it is a form created by the Sith. By adepts of the Dark Side of the Force, no one in this Temple will teach you it, and moreover, it is considered lost, vanished into oblivion, like the Sith Order – rather no than yes, but some Jedi Shadows and Jedi Guardians certainly know elements of this form, it's not like Windu created his Vaapad from scratch. – And now, in brief, about the other forms. Makashi. This is a form of precise and calculated movements, created for lightsaber combat. Highly recommended for those who can precisely control their bodies. Soresu – the path of defense, this form would be ideal if not for a couple of nuances. You must have a disciplined mind, and also be able to anticipate your opponents' movements to use it. Ataru, my favorite form," Leyla smiled, "is suitable for those who want to make agility and speed their primary weapon. Shien/Djem So… So many Wookiees have been in our Order, and all of them," she paused, her gaze falling on Gol, "used this form. The form is created for physically strong sentient beings," I noticed out of the corner of my eye that Cin nodded to himself. I see. "Niman – I would recommend studying it when you have mastered two forms before it. Well, and now, I will show you the classic stances of Shii-Cho, and explain how to transition from one position to another. Activate your lightsabers."
I glanced at the simple hilt. It contained no frills and was made as simple as possible, only to teach the user how to wield a lightsaber. The red button to launch the lightsaber seemed to beg to be pressed.
"Of course," Leyla's voice was heard, "forms are not everything. You will also have to pass an exam with me on the construction of a lightsaber. An exam on assembling and disassembling your weapon. And now, press the button…"
With a pleasant hum, a white blade emerged directly from the channel.
"Oops," Vers's squeak was heard, as she accidentally singed something.
"Be careful," Leyla said, slightly coldly, drilling Vers with her gaze, "if this were a combat saber, you would already be dead."
"Sorry," Vers mumbled, lowering her head, under Cin's contemptuous snort.
"So, remember. As I said, I will teach you the basics. Then I will help you choose a style, and then you will attend fencing classes with Knight Roan," not that crazy jock again. Fimor sighed heavily. He couldn't stand Roan because Roan had been rough on Fimor.
She began to show us different poses, as well as perform swings, transitioning from one stance to another. It seems this will be quite difficult. I will have to pay attention not only to the Force but also to fencing, otherwise, I won't get very far. No matter what anyone says, a lightsaber is a rather versatile and practical weapon. It can be used to deflect blaster bolts and send a squad of enemies to meet their Gods. The Force is not a panacea, and neither is a lightsaber, for that matter. But you have to master it, which I will do. After all, I know perfectly well what exactly to study. Fortunately, I have knowledge of the canon, which I gleaned from comics, books, films, series, and, forgive me, "Elven Tankist"🔹Author's note – a very good YouTuber who talks about many nuances of the Star Wars universe. For example, he has a great video about economics, which I rewatch (I'm still not immune to mistakes) again and again), from Wookieepedia.
"Phew," we stumbled back into our room after training, our clothes sticking to our bodies. What had we been doing? Controlling a saber whose weight was only in the hilt, trying to make it move correctly. It's very difficult, even though many think that you are gifted and you can automatically cut everyone down with a lightsaber. Nonsense, honestly.
"And we still have evening meditation," I reminded the guys when I saw Fimor collapse on the bed, showing with his whole demeanor that even the Death Star wouldn't bother him now.
"Meditation?" Drallig asked. "Anything but that!"
"Ugh…" Gol grumbled.
"You know, I didn't understand anything," I remarked, addressing Gol, "And why can't you speak the common tongue."
"Waa, ugh," Gol mumbled, slightly menacingly. Well, of course, I can try to probe his emotions. Practice empathy.
Wookiees are quite straightforward in expressing their emotions, so it's quite convenient to practice empathy this way.
"Only Flyingstar can smile before training," Fimor remarked.
Yes, training. If I want to survive, I should keep training.