For the next couple weeks, Nathan and Ahsoka found themselves training together at almost every opportunity, sparring where they could, eating and even meditating together. Their trust was truly strong, and their equal ability levels helped to keep one another in check.
However, this day was different. Ahsoka had been sent off to the Citadel prison, in an attempt to free Commander Tarkin and another Jedi inmate, who both carried essential information about the Seperatists. Because of this, Nathan found himself increasingly bored, unable to entertain himself as he could before he met Ahsoka.
Nathan found himself wandering, almost aimlessly about the Temple, imagining being able to go out and take part in a mission like Ahsoka, or Anakin, or Master Windu. He wanted nothing more.
As he took a left past the training dojo, he heard the clashing of two lightsabers from within. Overcome with curiosity, the young padawan opened the door slowly. Inside was Caleb, who was sparring with his ginger Jedi friend, Cal Kestis. It seemed their friendship had also been greatly improving, similar to Nathan and Ahsoka's.
"Come on then, Cal." Caleb teased, dropping his blue saber to his side.
Cal glared at him, before launching himself towards the slightly taller Jedi padawan. Being only 11 years old, he was still extremely new to using a lightsaber at all, never mind in practice. However, he was clearly strong in the force, as this particular leap showed. As he was above Caleb, he tried to swing his blue blade downwards at him, but it was parried by the older padawan. Cal was unable to find his footing, and Nathan and Caleb both watched on as the younger padawan crashed into the floor, emitting a thudding noise around the dojo. His blue blade immediately retracted, and Caleb rushed over to him, to check if he was okay. Seeing the incident from afar, Nathan also made his way over to the two, with a sense of worry about him. He could see from where he was stood watching, that the impact would hurt badly.
"Are you okay, Cal?" Caleb asked, with a groan of pain being his only response to work with.
"Take him to the medical bay." Nathan ordered from behind them, which made Caleb jump.
"Woah, Nathan, I didn't se-"
"Now, Caleb." Nathan ordered. He was more concerned for Cal's wellbeing than any accidental jumpscares.
"Will you help me?" The boy asked, attempting to lift his friend, to no avail.
Taking Cal to the medical bay was no easy feat, but Nathan's built frame allowed for him to carry his friend's friend towards the bay, without any accidents. Once there, Caleb was able to contact Master Tapal, the Lasat Jedi, and Cal's master. During this, Nathan sat with Cal, making sure he was okay.
"Do I know you?" Cal asked.
"No." Nathan chuckled, glancing at a few of the bruises forming on Cal's arm. "I am a friend of Caleb's."
"Thank you for helping." Cal replied, smiling gingerly at the teenage padawan. He was going to be fine, it was just a harsh landing.
Just as they were beginning to complete the assessments required to allow Cal to leave, Master Tapal burst into the room, with a look on his face, which drove fear into all three of the boys, including Nathan.
"What is the meaning of this?" Tapal demanded, arms crossed, and frowning at each of the boys in turn.
"Well, uh, me and Cal were sparring and uhh, well he trie-"
"Cal was just on the unfortunate end of a risky move, Master." Nathan said calmly, not allowing Tapal to intimidate him.
"And he is safe?" Tapal inquired.
"Yes, he will be fine. I promise no harm will come to him."
"I see." The Lasat finished, glaring at Nathan slowly. "Are you not Master Ti's padawan?"
"Yes, Master."
Master Tapal gave Nathan a long look, before speaking.
"I have heard many good things about you. However, I advise you to keep a level head. I appreciate you looking after my padawan, Tynan."
He bowed his head, leaving through the door he had just burst through. The three boys sighed in relief, especially Caleb.
"Thank you, Nathan."
"Don't mention it, Caleb. That's what friends are for." Nathan replied, smiling at little Caleb.
* * *
Soon after the ship landed back on Coruscant from the Citadel excavation, Ahsoka went off almost immediately to find Nathan, to tell him all about it. She almost skipped around the Temple, looking for her friend, and she nearly ran into him headfirst as he was exiting the medical bay.
"Woah!" Nathan exclaimed, in both surprise and happiness, as well as relief. He knew the dangers of the mission Ahsoka had been sent on, and he was relieved to see she was okay.
"Nathan!" Ahsoka cried, launching herself at the shocked Jedi. She embraced him, much to Nathan's surprise. However, he was not against it, and returned the hug.
After a little pause, she pulled away, going as red as her orange complexion allowed her to.
"Sorry, I was just so excited to see you, to tell you all about the mission." She explained, still a little ashamed.
"You're allowed to show emotion, Ahsoka." Nathan replied.
"Yeah, I know, but-"
"Explain your mission now, and ask me out later, okay?" Nathan chuckled.
Ahsoka nudged him gently, scowling at his use of her words, and she couldn't help but find it more than funny.
"Come on then, let's go to the canteen. I'm starving." Ahsoka responded, and they both made their way to the cafeteria, to talk all about Ahsoka's Citadel rescue mission.
YOU ARE READING
STAR WARS: CONFLICTED
ActionThis is my Star Wars Story, set in the Clone Wars time period, about a young Padawan named Nathan Tynan, who was born in 37 BBY. He was the apprentice to the Togruta Jedi Master, Shaak Ti, and he often spent his free time training with her or, when...
