|| Uninvited || An Anakin Skywalker Story

Chapter Forty Six

Hello, my loves! 

Despite the chaos of December, I couldn't not update. Hope you all enjoy it :)

Let me know what you think & if you have any theories. I love to know what you all are thinking!

Thanks again for all the love and support. Ya'll are the best. 

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Kels's POV

"Hmm...that's got to be new." I said softly, tilting my head to the side to further assess the sight that had caught my attention.

Rala propped herself up on her elbows and followed my gaze. We were taking our midday break from the chaos of the kitchen in one of the temple's larger gardens. It was typical to find us lounging in the lush grass, sprawled out on a blanket chatting over a cup of iced Chandrilan tea. 

What wasn't typical, was the large group of recently appointed padawan learners who appeared on the lawn across from us. Their Jedi masters circled them as they went through a series of fluid combat movements. It vaguely reminded me of the many times Anakin would watch me go through a similar sequence of punches, slips and rolls during our midnight training room sessions.

However, the padawan learners executed each movement with an inherent grace and precision that was unique to only those who can wield the force. They moved in a collective unit that had them appearing more like a militia than aspiring keepers of the peace.

Despite being on the outskirts of temple happenings, I had been able to witness what typical padawan training looks like over the years, especially when they were so young. It usually consisted of history lessons, mediation methodology, defensive lightsaber skills, and strengthening their direct channel to the force. This display of combat drilling felt oddly militant and brute. Very different from the peaceful, introspective approach I usually saw masters take with their young apprentices.

But then again...I am sure there are many things happening in this temple I am not privy to.

"Looks like they're practicing for something?" Rala mumbled, her eyes narrowing slightly in thought.

"Yeah...but for what?" I asked, pulling gently at the grass that tickled my fingers.

You yourself said we should be prepared for an attack on the temple.

Anakin's words to Obi-Wan resurfaced in my mind. At the time he had said it so casually, an excuse as to why he had been caught training me. But I couldn't help but wonder if there was a deeper, more ominous truth to his statement.

A subtle chill prickled down my spine and the grass ripped from its roots in my now clenched hand.

"Who knows? Maybe they're doing something for Fete Week." She said indifferently, sitting up and plucking a piece off grass from her shirt.

The midyear celebrations were coming up, so Rala's theory wasn't too far off base. Letting out a deep exhale, I let go of my anxious line of thinking. There was no safer place than the Jedi temple.

"Yeah, you're probably right." I mumbled, turning to my friend with a forced smile.

"When will you learn that I typically tend to be right." She said with a cheeky grin, throwing a piece of grass at me. "Just like I was about those guys the other night."

I let out a dramatic groan that morphed into a chuckle as I rolled my eyes.

Rala had convinced me to go out after work to a cantina around the corner from Dex's a few nights ago on my birthday. It was supposed to only be a quick drink which evolved into multiple. With each drink, our group grew. Blake showed up after our second drink, and then Fellan after our third.