章 10: Chapter 10
The Jedi Temple's training grounds buzzed with activity under the midday Coruscant sun. Amidst the sea of younglings, Kaedan Dorn stood out not just for his exceptional skill, but for the air of maturity that seemed at odds with his youthful appearance.
As Kaedan moved through a complex series of forms, his movements were precise and efficient, devoid of the exuberance typical of his peers. Objects orbited around him in perfect synchronization, responding to his will with a control that spoke of years of practice – practice that, in reality, he'd never had in this life.
From the sidelines, Masters Cin Drallig and Tera Sinube watched with growing concern.
"Have you ever seen anything like this?" Drallig murmured, his eyes never leaving Kaedan.
Sinube looked on thoughtfully. "Not in all my years," he replied. "The boy's progress is... unprecedented."
As if to emphasize their point, Kaedan suddenly leapt into a backflip, his saber cutting a perfect arc through the air as he landed. The orbiting objects never faltered in their paths.
"It's not just his saber skills," Drallig continued. "His connection to the Force, his ability to manipulate it - it's growing at a rate I've never seen before."
Sinube nodded gravely. "The Council is right to be concerned. This level of ability, combined with his... unconventional ideas... it's unprecedented. Such rapid growth, without proper guidance..."
"Could be dangerous," Drallig finished. "I know. But what can we do? He's still too young to be taken as a Padawan, and yet his skills are already surpassing many of our senior Padawans."
Their conversation was interrupted as Kaedan completed his routine, the objects gently settling to the ground around him. As he caught sight of the Masters' worried expressions. A flicker of frustration crossed his face, quickly masked by a polite smile.
"Was there something wrong with my form, Masters?" he asked, his tone carefully neutral.
Drallig hesitated before responding. "No, Kaedan. Your form was... exceptional. Perhaps we could discuss your progress in private?"
Kaedan nodded, unsurprised. As he followed Drallig off the training grounds, his mind raced with the implications of this attention. He knew he was progressing faster than should be possible, but the alternative – deliberately holding back – felt dishonest and potentially dangerous given what he knew of the future. Nothing would stop him...
_____________________
Across the Temple, in one of the many meditation gardens, Anakin Skywalker sat cross-legged beside his master, Obi-Wan Kenobi. They had been working on focusing exercises, but Anakin's mind kept wandering.
"Master," Anakin said, breaking the silence, "do you think I could train with the younglings again sometime soon?"
Obi-Wan opened one eye, regarding his Padawan curiously. "Oh? I thought you found those classes a bit... beneath your skills."
Anakin shifted uncomfortably. "Well, most of them, yes. But there's this one youngling, Kaedan Dorn. There's something different about him. He doesn't just accept things like the other younglings. He questions, he challenges. It's... refreshing."
"Ah, yes. Young Kaedan," Obi-Wan mused, both eyes open now. "He's caused quite a stir among the Masters lately. His progress is remarkable."
"Really?" Anakin leaned forward, his interest piqued. "How remarkable?"
Obi-Wan stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Let's just say he's drawing a lot of attention. But remember, Anakin, each Jedi's path is unique. It's not a competition."
Anakin nodded, but Obi-Wan could sense the wheels turning in his Padawan's mind. Before he could address it, however, a chime from his communicator interrupted them.
"It seems the Council requires my presence," Obi-Wan said, rising to his feet. "Why don't you take some time to practice your katas? We'll resume our lesson later."
As Obi-Wan departed, Anakin found himself drawn towards the training grounds. He told himself it was just to observe, to see this remarkable progress for himself. But deep down, he knew he was hoping to catch a glimpse of his friend Kaedan Dorn.
There, he found Kaedan sitting alone, a pensive expression on his face that seemed out of place on one so young.
"Heavy thoughts?" Anakin asked, approaching with a grin.
Kaedan looked up, his expression shifting to one of genuine pleasure. "Anakin. Good to see you. Just... contemplating the complexities of Jedi philosophy."
Anakin chuckled as he sat down. "You know, most kids your age are more interested in lightsaber techniques than philosophy."
A smile played on Kaedan's lips. "My age, we're the same age.", he continued. "I've never been accused of being typical, at least not until recently."
"That's for sure," Anakin agreed. "I hear you're progressing faster than anyone's ever seen. The Masters must be thrilled."
Kaedan's smile faded slightly. "I wouldn't say faster than anyone's ever seen, but thrilled might not be the word I'd use. Concerned, perhaps. Suspicious, definitely."
Anakin's expression grew serious. "I know what that's like. To have all eyes on you, expecting... something. It's not easy."
"No, it's not," Kaedan agreed, his voice carrying a weight of understanding that caught Anakin off guard. "But we play the hand we're dealt, right?"
Anakin nodded slowly, studying Kaedan with newfound interest. "You know, sometimes I forget we're the same age. You talk like... well, like someone older."
Kaedan tensed slightly, then forced himself to relax. "I suppose I've always been a bit of an old soul. But tell me, how's your training going? Still finding the patience lectures tiresome?"
As they fell into easy conversation, neither noticed Master Yoda observing from afar. The ancient Jedi's eyes narrowed as he watched the interaction, sensing the unusual dynamic between the two.
Yoda had long sensed something different about Kaedan – a presence in the Force that spoke of hidden depths and knowledge beyond his years. Now, seeing him with Anakin, those suspicions crystallized into certainty. This was no ordinary youngling, and his influence on the Chosen One could change the course of everything. What? Only time would tell.
As night fell over the Temple, Yoda made his way to the Council chambers, his mind heavy with the weight of decisions to come. The future, always in motion, seemed to be shifting more rapidly than ever before.
In their respective quarters that night, both Kaedan and Anakin found sleep elusive. Kaedan grappled with the burden of his knowledge and the increasing difficulty of maintaining his sanity. While not taking action. Anakin, for his part, found his thoughts returning again and again to his conversations with Kaedan, sensing a kindred spirit in the enigmatic youngling.
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