Chapter 19

The Jedi Temple loomed before Kaedan Dorn as he and Master Windu returned from their mission in Coruscant's underbelly. The spires, once a symbol of hope and justice, now seemed to mock him with their pristine facade. The young Padawan's mind churned with conflicting emotions, the events of the past few days weighing heavily on his conscience.

As they descended from their transport, Windu noticed his apprentice's troubled expression. "Something on your mind, Padawan?"

Kaedan hesitated, unsure how to voice his concerns. "Master, I... I'm struggling with what we saw down there. The poverty, the desperation. And our role in it all."

Windu's brow furrowed as they walked through the Temple's grand halls. "Explain."

"We're supposed to be peacekeepers, but what does that really mean?" Kaedan's words tumbled out in a rush. "We stopped those men in the cantina, but we didn't address the root causes that led them to such actions. And the spice trade - we disrupted one operation, but there are countless others. Are we really making a difference, or just putting bandages on gaping wounds?"

The Jedi Master was silent for a long moment, considering his apprentice's words. "The complexities of galactic peacekeeping are not easily resolved, Kaedan. We do what we can, where we can. But you're right to question. A Jedi must always examine the broader implications of their actions."

Their conversation was interrupted by a familiar voice calling out, "Kaedan! Master Windu!"

Anakin Skywalker jogged towards them, a grin spreading across his face. "I heard you two were back. How was the mission?"

Kaedan managed a small smile, pushing aside his darker thoughts. "It was... educational," he replied, exchanging a knowing look with his Master.

Windu nodded to both Padawans. "I have a report to file with the Council. Kaedan, take some time to reflect on our discussion. We'll resume training tomorrow."

As the Jedi Master strode away, Anakin turned to his friend with excitement dancing in his eyes. "So, now that you're free, how about that sparring match we've been talking about? I've been dying to see these new moves you've been working on."

Kaedan felt a spark of enthusiasm ignite within him. A friendly duel might be just what he needed to clear his head. "You're on, Skywalker. Let's see if you can keep up."

The two Padawans made their way to one of the Temple's training dojos, their banter echoing off the ancient walls. As they entered, they found the space already occupied by a familiar figure.

"Master Kenobi," Kaedan said, bowing respectfully.

Obi-Wan smiled warmly at the two boys. "Ah, Kaedan, Anakin. Come to get some practice in, have you?"

Anakin nodded enthusiastically. "We were hoping to use the dojo for a sparring match, Master. Would you mind observing? Maybe offer some pointers?"

The little shit wanted to show off, Kaedan just shook his head. Shameless. Anakin couldn't even hide his smirk.

"I'd be delighted," Obi-Wan replied, moving to the side of the room. "It's always instructive to watch young talent at work."

As Kaedan and Anakin took their positions at the center of the dojo, a palpable energy filled the air. Both boys ignited their training sabers, the low hum of the blades adding to the tension.

Anakin twirled his saber in a flashy display. "Ready to see how a real Padawan fights, Dorn?"

Kaedan smirked, settling into his unique reverse-grip stance. "Bring it on, 'Chosen One'."

In a blur of motion, Anakin launched forward, his blade arcing towards Kaedan's left side. But Kaedan was ready, his reversed saber coming up to parry the blow with ease. The clash of their blades sent sparks flying, illuminating their determined faces.

Obi-Wan watched with growing amazement as the duel unfolded. Anakin's aggressive style, a mix of Form V Djem So and his own improvisations, was met at every turn by Kaedan's unorthodox defense.

The younger Padawan's reverse grip lent an unpredictability to his movements that seemed to confound even Anakin's natural talent.

As the match progressed, both boys began to tap deeper into the Force. Anakin's strikes grew faster, more powerful, fueled by his incredible connection to the cosmic energy. But Kaedan... Kaedan moved with a fluidity that seemed almost prescient, as if he could anticipate Anakin's moves before they happened.

Sweat beaded on both their brows as they danced across the dojo floor, sabers clashing in a mesmerizing display of skill and power. Anakin's face was a mask of concentration, a hint of frustration creeping into his expression as he failed to break through Kaedan's defenses.

Suddenly, Kaedan saw an opening. In a move that combined elements of Vaapad with his own unique style, he spun low, his reversed blade sweeping Anakin's feet out from under him. The Chosen One hit the mat with a thud, his saber clattering away.

For a moment, silence reigned in the dojo. Then, Anakin let out a breathless laugh. "Force, Kaedan. Where did you learn to fight like that?"

Kaedan deactivated his saber, offering a hand to help Anakin up. "I had a good teacher," he said with a grin, thinking of Master Windu's rigorous training. It's only been 2 weeks with Mace. The miracles of good teaching are simply unmatched.

Obi-Wan approached, his expression a mixture of awe and concern. "That was... most impressive, Kaedan. I've never seen someone your age move like that. The way you anticipated Anakin's attacks... it was almost as if..."

"I just trusted in the force, remember?" Kaedan finished, a hint of nervousness creeping into his voice. He knew he had to be careful. His knowledge from his past life, combined with his growing Force abilities, could raise dangerous questions if he wasn't cautious.

Anakin clapped Kaedan on the shoulder, his earlier frustration replaced by genuine admiration. "However you did it, it was amazing. We definitely need to spar more often. Maybe you can teach me some of those moves?"

'Yeah, when I'm sure you won't kill us all. Until then, no...' Kaedan thought, it wasn't a pleasant reality. But reality isn't obligated or bound to mortal concepts.

As the three of them left the dojo, discussing the finer points of the match, Kaedan felt a weight lift from his shoulders. The moral complexities of their peacekeeping role still troubled him, but here, in the simple joy of friendly competition and camaraderie, he found a moment of peace.

Little did he know that this sparring match had set wheels in motion that would have far-reaching consequences. Obi-Wan's observations would soon reach the ears of the Jedi Council, adding to the growing mystery surrounding young Kaedan Dorn. But a growing sense of pride in Mace Windu.

In the shadows, unseen and unfelt, the dark presence of Darth Sidious had been delighted. Why? Another scheme was in session.