Back in the Game (COMPLETE)

1.1.1

One was a human male, clad in light tan robes, and holding a teal-colored lightsaber. He had two beads on his braid, white and green. A very common combination, from what Obi-Wan knew. Healing went hand in hand with the more specialized Force abilities, things like precognition and deep meditation. In that case, it made sense why he was still in the Youngling training group. Jedi with talent in Healing were kept with the Younglings for longer because once they were accepted into the Halls of Healing, they saw battle much less frequently. Better to train them as much as possible before they were accepted by the healing Masters and all their time was spent studying. Obi-Wan knew that Youngling would not be his Padawan.

The other older Youngling was a female Togruta, who wasn't exactly wearing robes. Attire had been modified for alien species, and this child seemed to favor burgundy over the usual browns the Jedi wore. It suited her well, and it probably went better with her orange skin tones. This Youngling, Obi-Wan had noticed, hadn't yet received any correction from Shaak Ti on her lightsaber technique. He squinted, and he saw a yellow bead on her Padawan braid (or chain, since she obviously had no hair to braid). 

She certainly seems ready to study as a Padawan, Obi-Wan thought. Perhaps I should ask why she's still training with Younglings. Still, Obi-Wan also felt that this child would not be his student either, so he continued to look at all of the Younglings training, not feeling the Force connecting him to anyone of them in particular. 

Obi-Wan closed his eyes and sighed. Perhaps I'm holding too high of expectations. I can't reasonably hope to have the same connection to any of them as I felt with Anakin. He watched as Shaak Ti changed the activity, and the Younglings returned to a circle on the ground.

"I'm afraid this lesson can't go on for much longer, little ones," Shaak told them reluctantly. "I'm expected for a mission later, and I won't be able to stay. However, while we have time I'd like for you to spar against each other. I'll match you up in pairs, and you'll each have a quick bout before we end for today."

The youngest students went first. Shaak knew the Younglings well enough to match them evenly, and she also made sure to highlight their strengths for Obi-Wan's sake. She would occasionally call out suggestions, but other than that, she only interrupted them when the duel went on for longer than five minutes. 

Despite the quality display, Obi-Wan couldn't stay quite focused on the fights. He kept being reminded of his recent duel with Count Dooku, the one Anakin had lost his arm in. The Younglings dueled, one occasionally bringing down their opponent until it was time for the two oldest Younglings to duel. The human male activated his lightsaber, sighing as the Togruta girl stood opposite him. "Let's get this over with, shall we?"

"Now, Zane," Shaak reprimanded him, "You can't be attached to the past. Do not give up the mental fight so easily."

"Ahsoka always beats him, though," one of the younger students reminded her. "It's not his fault she's always training with her lightsaber."

Ahsoka, the female, looked a little smug at Zane's comment, but when the other Youngling spoke up, her face hardened. She activated her saber and held it in the reverse grip, behind her back. 

That's interesting, Obi-Wan noted. It must be why she already has a yellow bead. Most Younglings don't adopt such a lightsaber grip this young. Shaak began the fight, and Ahsoka ran towards Zane, dropping low and sweeping wide with her blade. Zane deflected the strokes, but already he was on the defensive. Oh, she's a spitfire, this one, Obi-Wan thought.

Although Ahsoka looked almost a full year younger than Zane, it was clear that she was a superior dueler. It made sense, healers were never quite the duelers that other Jedi were, but Ahsoka's skill was apparent. In a matter of seconds, she had Zane pinned against the wall with no escape. Zane surrendered, and the two deactivated their lightsabers. Shaak stood up.