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Every Jedi possess a unique gift, an intimate connection with the Force that manifests in their own special way. Some have an extraordinary sensitivity to the emotions of others with a deep empathy that allows them to soothe pain and quell anger. Others maintain an unusual conduit to the Force's energy that gives them powerful strength and speed making them formidable in battle. And yet others possess strange extrasensory perceptions such as force echo in which they learn information about the past of an object or those who interacted with it.

Anakin Skywalker had incredible reflexes and intuition aided by the force but his gift was Mechu-Deru. He had a way of becoming one with any machine he touched, guiding it with an instinctive understanding granted by the Force. Even as a young boy on Tatooine, he had shown abilities far beyond his age, having been the only human to finish a pod race in the Boonta Eve Classic and live to tell the tale.

Mace Windu, on the other hand, was renowned for proficiency with his purple-hued lightsaber. But that was not his only talent, he was also adept at maintaining a precarious balance between the light and dark sides of the Force. Mace could channel the rage and aggression of his opponents, and reflect it back without succumbing to the dark side. This delicate balance not only required physical prowess but also extreme mental discipline. Mace had to constantly keep his emotions in check to ensure he did not falter.

A Jedi's gifts made them unique and powerful, but they also were a great responsibility that set them apart from non-force users. Anakin's connection with the force often pulled him towards attachments, deepened by the fear of loss. Mace's tight control of his emotions often made him seem cold, detached, and uncaring about the plight of others.

All of these skills paled in comparison to the Force gift that Mace possessed, the ability to recognize shatterpoints; critical moments within the Force that could affect outcomes. He could discern the pivotal moments within conflicts and the precise point of pressure required to shatter the enemy's defenses. Mace remembered the first time he had laid eyes on the young Anakin Skywalker and the shatterpoint that was created.

The boy looked at Mace with defiant, unblinking blue eyes. His small, lean frame was a testament to the hardships of his slave life on Tatooine, but there was a raw strength in the boy's gaze. A relentless surge of Force energy poured from the boy overwhelming Mace's senses. Then he felt a fracture in the Force's fabric surrounding Anakin, a shatterpoint, that held the power to alter the course of the galaxy. Skywalker's future was clouded, but Mace sensed potential danger in the boy's destiny.

Both Mace and Yoda saw the same fear and darkness clinging to the child like a cloak and felt the boy should not be trained as a Jedi. But Qui-Gon Jinn, ever the maverick, had seen something else. He saw a prophecy, a beacon of hope, and he had been willing to defy the council, to risk everything for his belief that Anakin was the Chosen One.

Qui-Gon was gone now and the task of training the boy had been thrust upon Obi-Wan's young shoulders. Unable to bear the burden alone, Mace had stepped in to assist him. He was determined to guide Anakin and somehow find a way to harness that storm of power and emotion into a proper Jedi Knight and away from the danger he foresaw.

Anakin was a special challenge and Mace couldn't help but wonder if this assignment was his test from the Force as well. He stood in the center of the training room, a stern expression on his face as he contemplated the past and awaited his newest student.

Anakin hesitantly entered Mace's private training room and bowed respectfully, his eyes fixed on the legendary Jedi Master. The two figures stared at each other as tension filled the room before Mace finally addressed Anakin with a contrite tone, acknowledging Anakin's previous accusations of neglect. "Anakin," he began, "I have not been as attentive to my role as your master as I should have been, and for that, I apologize."

Anakin could not believe what was happening and so he stood dumbfounded as Mace continued in his usual businesslike manner. "From this point forward, I will be directly overseeing your training in dueling and combat techniques."

"I'm sure you know I initially disagreed with Qui-Gon's assertion that you should be trained, and I opposed Obi-Wan's subsequent decision to mentor you. Your fears, your attachments... they concerned me. But it's clear now that my concerns, while not misplaced, were not entirely justified. Your potential is undeniable."

There was a pause as Mace gathered his thoughts, then he proceeded. "If you truly are the Chosen One, then it would be a far greater risk to leave someone of your talent and power untrained. That is why today you start with Vaapad, my personal combat style."

Anakin's eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly composed himself, determined to seize this new opportunity. "Thank you, Master Windu. I'm honored," he said with a deep bow.

Mace acknowledged Anakin with a nod of his head and then got down to business. He began by demonstrating the fluid and aggressive movements of Vaapad, his purple lightsaber swirling gracefully. Anakin watched intently, doing his best to memorize each move.

Mace explained, "Vaapad requires immense focus and a deep connection to the Force. Do not be discouraged if you struggle at first. Now, show me what you've observed."

Anakin mimicked Mace's moves as his master observed, offering minor adjustments here and there, but Anakin was a quick study and had picked up the basics fairly easily. He practiced the techniques, feeling more and more confident, adding his own flair. Convinced that his natural talent would guide him, Anakin got sloppy. Mace observed this change in Anakin's demeanor and decided to teach him a lesson.

"Anakin, while confidence is essential, arrogance can be dangerous. Vaapad requires humility and control over one's emotions."

Anakin acknowledged the instruction, but he continued to show off prompting more corrections from Mace. As the training progressed, Mace explained the intricacies of Vaapad, pushing Anakin's physical and mental capabilities to their limits. This relentless pace stoked a rising frustration within Anakin, culminating in an impulsive lunge at Mace. Yet, with deft ease, Windu intercepted and repelled the attack. He disarmed Anakin, demonstrating an awe-inspiring mastery of the Force.

Mace effortlessly deflected Anakin's assault and his easy victory humbled Anakin. This, however, only fuelled his determination to attain a similar skill and power. As he stood, panting and sweating from the intensity of the session, he looked up at Mace with fire in his eyes. "One day," he vowed, "I will surpass even you, Master Windu."

"Good. But for now, you still have much to learn. Arrogance and overconfidence lead to weakness. To master Vaapad, you must control your emotions and remain humble."

Anakin, chastened by Mace's calm demonstration, nodded and retrieved his lightsaber. He resumed his practice with newfound humility and focus. When the lesson ended, Anakin was tired but happy. "Thank you, Master Windu."

Mace offered a rare, warm smile before he bowed and left Anakin alone. As he watched his mentor depart Anakin promised himself he would continue working hard until he could not only best his master but make him proud someday.