Star Wars: The Age of Peace

The Academy's training grounds––as usual after a group of Padawans created their own sabers––were filled with activity once again. Almost all of them were present and practicing their techniques, enjoying it to the fullest. Colorful blades were swinging through the air with different Jedi Forms clashing against each other, honing their wielders' senses and bringing them closer to their perfect form. Among them, probably the most well-known duelist pair was Kael and Vila, whose usual intense sparring sessions continued to draw the attention of others... though this attention was on the way of turning into something unwanted.

Iowi Mer'tak watched from the sidelines, his calm, serene-looking eyes following the Force-guided movements of the two younger Padawans. Even though he thought the two were a possible danger to the Order, he acknowledged the fact that they were talented. Both of them. But also, because of their talent, they are just as dangerous. Hopefully, the Masters will see it, too, and after he makes sure they reveal their darkness, they will be led back to the fold of proper Jedi. He could feel they would be a strong addition to the Order... And also a dangerous enemy.

Reinforcing his decision to nip this possible issue of two powerful Dark Jedi in the bud, a small smile played on his lips, but it was one of determination rather than the joy of doing what he must do. Around him stood his group of followers, including Aren Drelis and Lira Syndal. The two had already begun their subtle campaign, planting seeds of doubt among the other Padawans. Today, they were simply here to continue doing so, making sure Kael loses his advantage of manipulating his impressionable companions.

"They're good," Lira said quietly, nodding toward Kael and Vila as their sparring session concluded, ending in... a draw. "Too good for Padawans who've only just built their lightsabers."

"That's because they established a harmonical Force-loop between themselves. Against each other, they are moving only via the Force; conscious decisions don't hamper their bodies. That's why it looks like they are fighting like masters. Well, more precisely, it wasn't built by the two... only by Kael. I think the girl is already stuck in his web, and there is no proof strong enough that would change her mind about the boy." Iowi replied, his tone calm and measured. "That is a fate the others must avoid."

"Are you sure?" she asked, looking at Iowi, who gently nodded his head. Iowi watched for a bit longer, letting himself feel the two and how their connection in battle dissolved before finally leaving.

Later that day, when Vila and Kael were both away, meditating and catching up on their different studies, Iowi's group approached several Padawans scattered across the training fields. Their first stop was a batch of students who were still practicing basic drills with training sabers, those Padawans who were yet to be taken away to their first trial. Surprisingly, they were now under the helpful guidance of Jalo Vreek, who, after receiving so much help from Kael, decided to follow his example and try to help others just the same. The green-skinned Rodian was just as enthusiastic as always, his voice carrying encouragement and hopefully teasing the others, making them push themselves to the limit. He was making sure they wouldn't get disheartened if they failed. He knew exactly how that felt.

"Good, good! Keep your stance low, and don't forget to keep your blade angled for deflection," Jalo exclaimed, demonstrating a move with his green lightsaber. The younger Padawans mirrored his motions, their focus on his body, copying his movements from Form I.

"Jalo," Iowi called out, his voice warm. "Mind if we join you?"

"Oh! No, not at all!" Jalo turned, his wide eyes lighting up. "Of course! The more, the merrier, especially if such experienced seniors are willing to help us out!"

Iowi smiled at him, and with a wave of his hand, his group stepped in, offering guidance to everyone personally and demonstrating the techniques of Shi Cho, coming from multiple years of training. Their presence was greatly welcomed, and their advice, delivered with a learned mix of authority and encouragement, quickly earned the younger Padawans' attention. Even Jalo was amazed at how much better they were. It was no wonder. They have been Padawans for a much longer time than he was.

"You've been training with Kael and Vila, haven't you?" Iowi asked Jalo casually as they helped a Padawan correct her grip.

"Yeah! They're great," the rodian boy replied without hesitation. "Kael's got this way of reading you in a duel like he knows your next move. And Vila's just a force of nature. Sparring with them has made me better! Though... I don't think I will catch up to them any time soon, ahaha!"

"Interesting," Iowi said, his tone thoughtful. "You don't find it… unusual?"

"What do you mean?" Jalo's forehead creased, hearing his question and suddenly feeling that something was off.

"Kael's ability to 'read' people. It's not exactly typical. And Vila's aggression… don't you think it's a little… risky? We are Jedi, after all. We are not warriors but peacekeepers."

"You can't keep the peace without stepping up. Evil won't back down if you only ask nicely." Jalo said firmly. "And... Kael's just attuned to the Force, like all of us. He is simply better at it. And Vila... She is passionate, not reckless. Okay... maybe a bit reckless. But not aggressive like you are trying to insinuate here. They're good friends and great Jedi in the making."

"Fair enough." Iowi smiled faintly but didn't press further, knowing it would be counterproductive. "It's always good to have faith in your friends."

With that, he quickly dropped the issue and offered some tips and help to Jalo, who readily accepted them and thanked him right before the group of Iowi decided it was time to leave.

"Jalo's seems to be infected too." As they moved on, Lira leaned in to whisper, "He won't be easy to snap out of it."

"We don't need to convince everyone," Iowi replied. "We just need enough to start them on the road of questioning Kael's influence. But you can now see what I meant. People falling into Kael's manipulation don't even notice it."

Their next stop was a group of Padawans working on advanced sequences. They were part of the Order for almost as long as Iowi, arriving with or right after him. Among them were Miren Kal, a human with a knack for precision with both the saber and a blaster, and Thala Vryn, a Togruta known for her acute intuition. Iowi approached them with a friendly demeanor, offering tips and engaging in light conversation as equals.

"You've both come a long way since we started," Iowi said, watching their practice. "Your control and focus are impressive."

"You could say that." Miren grinned, wiping sweat from her brow. "But thanks, Iowi. It's all about discipline, right?"

"Exactly," Iowi agreed. "Discipline is what separates us from those who lose their way. It's why we must always strive for balance."

"I already know what you want to say." Thala nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Like that twi'lek girl, yes? One of your men found me about the last batch of Padawans."

"You can't say you didn't notice. You are also one of those who always keep an eye out for the newcomers to help them gather their bearings."

"..." Thala remained silent at first before finally sighing, "She's strong, but… sometimes I wonder if she lets her emotions take over a bit too much. But I don't think she is a danger to anyone, only to herself."

"It's a fair observation," Iowi spoke carefully. "Passion can be a strength, but unchecked, it can lead to mistakes. And the other one, Kael… well, he's skilled, but have you noticed how he always seems to have the upper hand? It's almost like he's anticipating your thoughts."

"We have yet to fight with them as they are younger." Miren's brow furrowed, looking at Iowi. "But, now that you mention it… But!" She corrected himself, shaking his head, "That is not enough, Iowi. Our gifts are ours to utilize. It does not mean we are nefarious if we rely on our natural attunement to the Force."

"Perhaps," Iowi spoke, his tone neutral. "But it also could build up a personality that will start using it in every occasion, not only in battle but in conversation. He could later on want to sway everything to happen in a way he thinks it should. The Force is powerful, but it's not meant to be used to control others."

The two Padawans exchanged glances, doubt flickering in their eyes. Iowi's words made sense, but not enough for the two to personally join in whatever Iowi was planning to do. But... it was enough to cause the younger Padawans' piers to start paying closer attention to Kael and Vila.

By the end of the day, Iowi and his group had engaged with nearly every Padawan in the training fields. Each interaction was short, blending genuine advice with subtle implications about Kael and Vila. Nobody within Iowi's clique ever accused them outright; they only suggested, nudged, and left room for interpretation.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Iowi gathered his closest friends in a secluded meditation room within the temple. They sat in a circle, their expressions a mix of satisfaction and anticipation. With so many eyes turning onto the two dangerous Padawans, everyone should start noticing what Iowi felt the first time he walked past Kael.

"Today was a success," Iowi began, his voice hiding his satisfaction behind a calm facade. "We've put them into the spotlight, and now everyone will be more alert and less likely to fall under the boy's influence."

"What if Kael or Vila notices?" Aren asked, his arms crossed. "They're not oblivious. Heh, Kael, for sure, will pick up on it."

"It doesn't matter," Iowi replied. "We're not lying. We're simply encouraging others to see the truth for themselves. If Kael and Vila have nothing to hide, then there's nothing to worry about. But if they do…"

"The others will no longer be blind to it," Lira finished, a determined glint in her eyes.

"Exactly." Iowi nodded. "If I am right, when that happens, and Kael no longer can manipulate them, he will show his true colors... and start using his powers in a way that will be obvious. The Masters will have no choice but to act when the evidence is clear. This isn't about undermining them. It's about protecting the Order."

The group fell silent, feeling that Iowi was right. In their minds, they were not doing anything wrong. They were studying to be the guardians of the future Galaxy. Of the Jedi's future. They believed they were doing what was right, even if it meant walking a precarious line. They had to expose those who could be the next group of Dark Jedi or, worse, the next Darth.

For Iowi, his path was clear since he got his yellow lightsaber. He was to be the protector of the Grandmaster's vision for the Jedi. He will protect the Order with his life and do anything to make sure the Jedi will never fall. Not again. Not on his watch.