Entering The Killiks Hive

~~~(POV: Nathan Opal)~~~

~~~(Location: The Wild Mountains, Alderaan)~~~

SCORPIO lands the ship with no issues, and the exit to the ship hisses as it comes down. SCORPIO leads the way out, and Nella stands at my side. She's nervous, and I also sense fear in her. Now would be a good time for some guidance, but I'm not like most teachers.

Fear is a natural emotion, and to deny it is to deny survival. Fear exists to warn us of danger, threats that we perceive. To ignore it or discard it will lead to death. It's one of the reasons Sith are stronger than Jedi.

Nella and I eventually take the lead, and SCORPIO follows behind. Killiks already guard the entrance to the Hive, and they see us approaching.

"I can sense your fear, Nella. The Jedi teach that fear is something Force-Sensitives shouldn't have. But I believe differently. I can sense your fear, but don't let it control you. Harness and guide it."

She looks at me and nods her head, but I can sense the uncertainty in her. That'll go away the more she's exposed to fighting and The Force. But my attention turns to The Killiks ahead at the entrance.

My lightsaber flights from my belt and into my hand. The yellow blade ignites in its unique sound. The Killiks draw their weapons and point them at us. And blaster bolts are sent our way. I stand in front of Nella and send the bolts back the way they came.

But I'm purposefully not hitting the Killiks, and they're starting to look confused. I look to Nella, and she understands. Her hand grabs the Training Saber off her back, and she rushes toward them. I make sure that the bolts don't hit her using The Force.

Recklessly charging in like that is a rookie mistake, but I wanted to see how she'd approach the situation. And she decided a direct approach was more necessary.

"UGH!"

She kills one of the Killiks, but she's slapped away by the other. Before she can recover, the bug points its blaster at her. I move one finger and adjust the tip of the barrel to where it'd miss. The bolt hits next to her head, and that makes her spring up and kill the bug.

"Are you sure someone lacking any talent with a Lightsaber should be helping you with this?"

Another one of SCORPIO's layered questions. It's to gain insight into why I accepted Nella. Other than being my Cousin and showing promise in The Force. To SCORPIO, taking on a student like Nella wouldn't be a good move.

She's lacking in any formal combat training. She has no experience in the field and lacks what most natural warriors have. An environment to shape them. The best fighters in the galaxy grew up in harsh conditions.

Nella has never seen outside Alderaan. She's taking deep breaths and regaining composure. That's something I'm liking about my student. She's in control of her emotions. But she uses them too.

"SCORPIO, you'll never understand The Force. People born with the ability to use it are already superior to other people. And if they have the guidance, they'll grow powerful in a short amount of time. I wouldn't doubt Nella becomes more skilled than you in a year or so."

That's under my teachings, of course. I'm going to impart my Lightsaber style to her, after teaching her the basics of all 7 forms.

I walk up to Nella, and SCORPIO is behind me. She looks up from where she's taking deep breaths. Sweat on her brow is starting to come through in areas of her padawan garb. I'll have to give her an exercise regiment and adjust her diet.

While The Force is capable of many incredible things, some who haven't had any formal training in it, like Nella, will be quickly exhausted.

"Looks like you're going to be exercising more often. But we'll handle that later. I want you to stay close to me. I'll be taking care of most of the enemies, but I'll leave a few for you. You need to learn how to hold and swing that Training Saber."

She already knows that I'll make sure she doesn't hurt herself. But this is a good chance for her to get used to the idea of using a bladed weapon without any discipline or Training. It could taint the potential choices she'll have for a set form.

Even after I teach her what I know, she'll eventually come up with her own style. Most accomplished Masters do, and I'm getting excited to see where she'll end up.