Legacy of the Shadow of the Jedi | REMAKE |

15. Practice

|| Location: Corusca Sector, Coruscant system , Coruscant||

|| Timeline: 89 BBY ||

The cool, recycled air of the Jedi Temple's training arena was a sharp contrast to the sweltering heat of Dantooine. As I squared off with another Jedi Knight, I felt the familiar hum of my lightsaber, its blue blade casting a glow that illuminated the polished floor and my opponent's determined face. We were engaged in a friendly duel, a test of skill and reflexes, but I couldn't shake the lingering thoughts from my recent mission.

My opponent, a tall and agile human named Jarek, advanced with a series of quick, precise strikes. I met each attack with the deliberate, controlled defense of Soresu. My mind wandered back to Dantooine, to the ambush and the revelation about the Trade Federation's involvement. The memory of the Trandoshan's fear, the shadows of the Neimoidian—these were distractions I had to push aside.

Jarek's saber whirred towards me, and I parried with ease, though my mind was elsewhere. I was grateful for the distraction of the duel, but I needed to be fully present. I shifted into a more aggressive stance, the principles of Form 5 Djem So coming to the forefront of my movements. I deliberately left myself slightly open, a calculated risk to draw Jarek in. He took the bait, pushing forward with renewed enthusiasm.

The clash of our sabers echoed through the arena. I felt a rush of focus as I allowed myself to be momentarily distracted, watching Jarek's reactions. It was a tactic that had served me well, making my opponent overconfident and vulnerable to my counterattacks.

In the heat of our combat, I noticed Jarek's slight hesitation. He was trying to gauge my next move, his confidence wavering. It was then that I saw an opportunity. With a sudden shift in my stance, I unleashed a series of powerful strikes, each one aimed to overwhelm rather than to injure. Jarek struggled to keep up, his defenses pushed to the limit. The power behind my blows drove him back, his earlier confidence replaced by a determined resolve to keep up.

The duel felt both immediate and timeless. Each move, each counter, was a moment in itself, but the entire exchange seemed to flow seamlessly, stretching out in a way that made it hard to pin down the exact passage of time. Jarek's eyes widened as my final strike broke through his defenses, forcing him to stagger back, breathless and surprised.

We both stepped back, our lightsabers deactivating with a hiss. I took a deep breath, shaking off the remnants of the combat mindset. My reflection on Dantooine lingered, a stark contrast to the physical exertion of the duel. The confrontation there had been a reminder of how deep the shadows of influence could reach.

Jarek wiped sweat from his brow, grinning despite his defeat. "Nice moves, Kodo. I didn't expect you to come back so strong."

"Thanks, Jarek," I replied, trying to muster a smile. "It's all part of the practice."

He raised an eyebrow, catching the distant look in my eyes. "Something on your mind?"

I hesitated, considering how much to share. "Just reflecting on some recent events. It's been a challenging few months."

Jarek nodded, understanding without needing specifics. "Well, if you need to talk or anything, you know where to find me."

I appreciated his offer, but I needed time to sort through my thoughts alone. "I might take you up on that. Thanks, Jarek."

As he walked off, I stood in the center of the arena, the echoes of our duel fading into the background. The Jedi Temple's serene surroundings were a stark contrast to the conflicts that had unfolded. The weight of the Trade Federation's machinations and the political intrigues on Dantooine lingered in my mind. My role as a Jedi was to face these challenges with composure and strength, but the complexity of the galaxy's political landscape was a persistent reminder of the delicate balance we strove to maintain.