[Disclaimer: I still don't own Star Wars. I do this for my own pleasure and don't make any credits, Imperial or Republic.] **************************************************************************** ******************************************************************

Kylea's lightsaber comes to life with a snap-hiss and she has to block a series of blows directed at her head before she can formulate a strategy. Tori's strategy appears to be honest and brutal. No deceptions involved. Just beat Kylea until she resembles a rancor. Kylea has to think of something fast.

She pursues her thoughts inwardly, letting the Force guide her actions, using minimal movement to block every attack. Kylea decides to play defensive for a while. Letting Tori believe she is tiring, losing focus.

Expectedly, Tori falls into her trap. She believes she is getting stronger and drawing strength on Kylea's "weakness". But more importantly, Tori thinks she is winning. As Kylea makes a sloppy parry Tori taunted, "Getting tired, Maloy'at?"

Kylea winces as Tori's lightsaber slightly singes her tunic. Through crossed lightsabers she replies, "Not at all," and smiles. Tori's dark eyebrows narrow but she wears her self assuredness like a cloak. Surely Kylea knows who will be the victor of this match.

The young Jedi now attempts a different technique. Kylea now delves deeper into the Force, holding onto it, letting it guide her. As if she is a child gripping on to her father's strong hand. She holds onto that well of energy, taking all it can spare.

As Tori brings down blow after blow the Padawan had to change her tactics. Because now, every time she brings her lightsaber down to meet Kylea's, Kylea is no longer there. Kylea begins, not to continue parrying, but to not even be in her opponent's blades path.

There is a lull in the fight and Kylea gets her bearings back. Tori's gaze is harsh but Kylea, despite Tori's tall stature, holds her own.

Tori, in her frustration, begins to realize that a vicious attack will not win this fight. She slowly calms herself and reigns in her reckless side. That isn't to say she is going to go easy on Kylea, she would just continue to battle in a calmer manner.

Tori whirls her saber in an arc and slices at Kylea. Kylea moves to block the cut but Tori dips her lightsaber beneath hers. Kylea then dances back so all Tori meets is air.

Tori closes and lunges at Kylea. The apprentice is ready though, and parries her blade high, ducking her head and whirling around in a circle. Tori laughs at Kylea's awkward spin. Again and again they rein blows with bone-jarring impact. Kylea retreats, giving up a step or two.

Both apprentices are weary and know the battle has to end one way or another. Kylea is sweating profusely and the sweat stings her eyes so she can barely see. She has to depend more and more on the Force.

They are both dimly aware of their audience growing and growing. Many are watching this grandiose display of young Jedi talent. Even some of their peers are watching in admiration. Even Ferus.

As Kylea concentrates her calmness grows. Blow after blow. Parry, thrust, attack, counter attack. Another blow batters Kylea's blue-white blade and the force of it brings Kylea to her knees. Tori comes with her saber and makes to point it at Kylea's throat, giving her the winning point. With a flick of her thumb, Kylea kills her blade in final defiance and darts forward.

Overbalanced because her weapon meets no resistance, Tori falls to the ground. With Force enhanced reflexes Kylea directs her blade to Tori's neck. Giving the swift ending that both of them needed.

Kylea deactivates her lightsaber, hooks it to her belt and grins. She has done it. She has won. Tori gets to her feet and half-heartedly shakes hands with Kylea and goes off in search of her master before Instructor Tachi could congratulate them both on their performance.

"You fought well, Kylea," a masculine voice observes from behind her. Kylea turns to view the person speaking.

She gives a short bow and said, "Thank you for your kind words, Master Kenobi."

"No thanks required," Obi-wan's eyes light with remembrance, perhaps recalling his time as an apprentice at the temple. "I believe that with each trial you face you will emerge stronger and I hope I will one day see you as a Jedi Knight." He then smiles in regret, as if he'd like to talk some more. "I must go."

Kylea smiles inside as Master Kenobi departs. A Knight thought she had fought well. Maybe he was impressed with her skill. Maybe he was looking for a Padawan. Oh, how she would be honored to be Obi-wan's apprentice. He is wise and powerful, if a little by the books. The young girl continues to smile as she slumps into a nearby hover couch, her taxed muscles needing a rest from the exertion.

Minutes later, a young boy approaches her. He has sandy blond hair cropped short in the style of human males. His eyes are what caught her eye though. Bright, inquisitive blue eyes. As Kylea stands he offers his hand in greeting.

She shakes it. "Hello. I'm Anakin Skywalker," he smirks, "You must be Kylea Maloy'at."

Kylea is taken back by his recognition of her. She knows Anakin only by reputation. "Have we met?"

He shakes his head. "No. But you're the talk of class today. And I figured that anyone that powerful was worth knowing."

Kylea found herself frowning uncertainly. Anyone that powerful is worth knowing? Where did this Anakin get his programming done?

"Anakin, it wasn't power that helped me to defeat Tori it was the"---

"The Force, I know," he interrupts, "but the Force is the most powerful tool out there. That is how you overwhelm your enemies."

"Who taught you that? Surely, not you're Master?"

"Obi-wan?" Anakin looked as if he was trying to restrain a laugh. "No. I learned that from my own experiences."

Kylea's heart sunk. She had forgotten that Master Kenobi already had an apprentice! And the famous Anakin Skywalker at that! When was she going to learn? Pushing aside her disappointment she focused on what he had last said.

"How much experience can a 14 year old Padawan Learner have, Anakin?" She said this with a skeptical grin.

Anakin's features were now solemnly composed. "Enough," he says, "Sometimes more than enough." Anakin then leaves quickly, leaving a surprised and confused Kylea in his wake. *****************************************************

So, how was my first ever lightsaber match? I hope it wasn't too bad. Tell me what you think.