Vaesella (Anakin Skywalker X OC Fanfiction)

CHAPTER SIXTEEN- Training and straining

"Close, just---just swing your shoulder more." I smiled, standing beside a youngling and showing him how to swing a wooden staff, one similar in shape to a lightsaber but much safer for teens in training. My right hand rests on his shoulder while the other hovers beneath his wrists, moving him into the correct position in basic form 1.

The young chiss nodded and did as instructed, swinging the stick forward with a bit more force, his red eyes narrowed at an imaginary foe.

I watched as he practiced the technique, making sure he didn't lose his focus. I was surprised to see him picking up on the technique so quickly.

"Good form." I said, approvingly.

The young chiss looked at me and nodded, a smile on his face.

He swung the stick with even more force, this time adding another kick into the swing. He was very fast with his movements and I could tell he had a lot of potential. Choduya'al'uhen, or as everyone usually calls him---Aalu---was one of my best learners. I was always happy when Master Windu allowed me to instruct the fourteen year old boy.

As I observed his technique, I saw a glimpse of the force flowing through him. It filled me with both wonder and admiration, and I couldn't help but feel proud of him.

"Do you think you're ready to try it with a lightsaber?" I inquired, trying to hold back my excitement.

"Don't tease me, Master Nanite." He smirked, tossing his stick in the air and catching it as he took a few steps back. Seeming proud of himself and his progress. We both knew he was a couple months away from getting one of his own, a lightsaber worthy of his work.

I scoffed, letting out a small chuckle, "I am not teasing, youngling. I am simply testing you." I replied. "How can you be so cocky when you haven't even earned the rank yet?"

"When I become a Padawan, I plan on being the best." He swore, proclaiming his future success by calling out in confidence. I admired that about the boy, true as can be told, "Are you a Jedi Knight yet?"

I smiled, "Surely it can't be too far off."

"I suppose not, but it still has to be earned." I pointed out. "One cannot simply be a Knight without the proper training." I continued, getting into my teacher mode.

"You are right about one thing though. You certainly are a youngling with much potential." That was the truth, I was certain he'd make one hell of a Knight one day. "Just don't let your confidence get to you, okay? A Jedi Knight doesn't just swing swords and throw force pushes. He also has a lot of wisdom and patience."

"Yes, Master."

Despite me not being an actual Jedi master, the younglings often referred to anyone of higher rank as their master. Seeing as they know more about the actual position and importance of being a Jedi. It was more of a respect thing than a demeaning of order.

I smiled as the young chiss responded. It seemed I had made a good impression on him.

"Now, we're going to work on your defense. Your offense is great, but you need to also learn how to block it properly."

I motioned for him to attack me. He smirked and obliged, throwing a forceful kick at me. I shifted my feet into a wide stance, using the force to block the blow and send him tumbling to the ground.

"No sloppy movements. You must be precise at all times." I admitted.

The young chiss quickly got back up, wiping the dust from his pants before looking over at me. He looked determined, as if he had something to prove.

"I am not sloppy." he said stubbornly.

I laughed softly and shook my head. "We'll see about that, Lulu." I smirked, reaching out and ruffling his midnight black hair, something I'd done ever since I met him when he was brought to the temple. He was the most adorable toddler I'd ever seen. Now he was a blossoming young teen.

The boy smiled reluctantly as I ruffled his hair.

"Just because you're my instructor doesn't mean you can ruffle my hair." he said.

Of course I couldn't help but chuckle at the remark. The young chiss was always so stubborn, even back when he was a child, "Just focus on your technique." I said, attempting to move the conversation back to the lesson.

The young chiss rolled his eyes and swung his weapon towards you once more, aiming for your arm. You easily blocked the attack and then pushed him away with The Force.

He stumbled back and quickly regained his footing. His eyes narrowed, and he shot a glare at you, "You know I'm a kid, right?"

"Training like a kid is how you die young." I said wisely, knowing unlike other kids who didn't like the conversation of death, Aalu could comprehend much more advanced topics.

The young chiss rolled his eyes again, but I could tell despite his apparent annoyance at me, he also was enjoying this training session.

"But why do you have to be so rough? There's no need to knock me onto the ground." he said.

I chuckled. For some reason, this boy always brought a smile to my face despite his constant attitude. I knew he was just playing, and couldn't help but enjoy the playful banter. I used the force to lift him off the hand.

The young chiss gave an annoyed look as I lifted him up using the force. He brushed himself off and fixed his appearance.

"You didn't have to do that, you know. I could have gotten back up all by myself." He said in a sarcastic tone, though I could tell he was joking.

"I know you could. That's why I don't always do it." I said with a little smirk.

Aalu rolled his eyes again. We both knew it was just a show of pride. He was well aware that I could have easily defeated him if I really wanted to. Instead, I always held back enough to make the lessons challenging. It wasn't very often that I had someone with such potential as Aalu.

Master Windu who was helping a Twi boy, looked over at me and Lulu before calling out, "Vaesella, Master Yoda has requested you to join him in the council room! You're excused." He said politely, his mood having lightened tremendously since being around the younglings.

I smirked at Master Windu's comment, knowing that my young chiss learner would be happy having a break from my teaching.

"Go ahead, Lulu. Have some fun while you can," I said, giving him a little push out toward the other younglings.

As soon as Master Windu's back was turned, I rolled my eyes.

"Can you believe it? That kid is only getting more and more headstrong," I said under my breath, shaking my head.

Windu chuffed, "Tough coming from you."

I rolled my eyes again, knowing that Master Windu had just given me a dig.

"You're right," I said with a little laugh, "I may be the last person that should be talking about self-control or patience." I admitted, "But I've come a long way since I was first assigned as Aalu's instructor. I learned quickly that he doesn't respond well to being coddled." I walked backwards out the door, "Bye kids!"

"Bye Vaesella!"

I smirked as I heard the young chiss call out my name from behind me. He had gained a lot of self-confidence, although he certainly still had a lot of room to grow in other ways.

As I stepped out of the room and into the long hallway, it felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I breathed in deeply, taking in the calm energy of the temple hall.

Training with the kids was always interesting.

My thoughts turned to the council room. I followed Master Windu's instructions and headed towards the great room where the Jedi council resided. It was my first time stepping into this room, and I made sure to walk with purpose and poise.

The room itself was a small oval shaped chamber, featuring the seats of each council member around an oval shaped table. All the seats were empty, except for one that was reserved for Master Yoda.

"Greetings, Vaesella." He mused, "Long day, it seems."