Hidden Foe

Jaden leaned against the shuttle's window as it made its way through Coruscant's upper skylanes. He let his gaze drift over the sprawling cityscape, rows of towering spires and bright lights reflecting in the early daylight. On one level, it was stunning an achievement worthy to be called the Capital of the republic. Each building seemed to compete with the next, rising higher until the horizon blurred into a haze of metal. But beneath his mild fascination, a slow bitterness gnawed at him. From this altitude, Coruscant felt like a symbol of democracy snd freedom, a capital world where everything shimmered with promise. People from every corner of the galaxy came seeking fortune or influence. And if you only saw these upper levels, you might believe anyone could prosper here.

But Jaden knew better.

His memory tugged him back to the lower levels, where he grew up. He remembered what it was like in those shadows. The air stank of refuse and rot, and whole districts fell into chaos whenever the power flickered. He had seen bodies slumped in alleyways, their clothes stiff with dried blood. Sometimes it was adults—shot, stabbed, or just left to waste away. Other times it was children, eyes still open and their faces still stretched in fear. He recalled stepping over small corpses during one outbreak, the young victims claimed by a fast-moving plague that turned their skin gray before shutting down their organs.

Worse still were the radiation pockets. Ancient reactors, never properly sealed, leaked toxic fumes. People unlucky enough to live nearby developed sores that spread across their skin, their hair falling out in clumps. Jaden once passed a mother clutching her infant, both covered in lesions. The mother cried soundlessly, trapped in a misery with no real cure. He couldn't bring himself to do anything but keep walking—he didn't have credits for medicine, and there was nowhere safe to take them.

Gangs ruled the deeper slums, shooting each other for the slightest reason and dragging off whoever was left alive. Slavers made deals in hidden corners, taking advantage of the misery people felt to sell their own freedom. Jaden had seen entire families vanish overnight, sometimes after a single scream that echoed through deserted corridors. In one sector, a group of mercenaries wiped out a whole block as an "example" of who was in charge. The next day, blackened walls stood where homes used to be, and the smell of burnt flesh lingered.

No one asked questions. No one trusted the authorities, because the authorities barely came down that far. The few times Jaden tried to help, he found himself facing a wave of indifference or outright hostility. Everyone was on edge. Everyone was desperate.

Now, gazing at the sparkling skyline, he felt a raw bitterness twist inside him. Up here, people sipped expensive drinks and talked about politics and fashion, as if the lower levels were a different planet. Maybe, in a way, they were.

'Such beauty built on billions of dead bodies,' he thought.

He closed his eyes, pushing the worst images to the back of his mind. Anger wouldn't fix anything. He needed to focus on why he was headed to the Jedi Temple. This was a chance to learn more about his strange connection to the Force. But the memory of those bleak corridors clung to him, like a wound that never fully healed.

Jaden snapped out of his thoughts when the pilot turned slightly, casting a quick look back and clearing his throat.

"Long flight," the pilot said in a neutral tone. "You alright back there?"

Jaden shrugged. "Yeah, just thinking."

The pilot faced forward again, tapping a control. "You know," he began, glancing back over his shoulder, "my wife caught that speech of yours from Jabiim on the Holonet. She said you really inspired everyone to fight. Nearly printed a holo-image of you to hang in our living room."

Jaden raised an eyebrow. "Speech might be generous. It was a plea at best. Didn't think many people would care."

A short chuckle slipped from the pilot, though it sounded forced. "Holonet loves a good story. You've given them one. Not every day somebody steps up like you did."

Jaden shifted in his seat. "I just did what I had to."

The pilot flicked a switch on the console. "Sure. Folks say you helped those refugees buried under the rubble in Choal. Guess they owe you their lives."

Jaden didn't respond right away, his eyes on the skyline. "Yeah," he managed, not giving much away.

Silence fell for a few beats. Then the pilot cleared his throat. "My wife's a fan, anyway. Says we need more people like you out there." He paused. "Though I hear some don't share that view."

Jaden shot him a glance. "Some?"

The pilot shrugged without looking back. "Word travels. The galaxy's got a lot of... mixed opinions about heroes. Especially when they step on the wrong toes."

Jaden let out a quiet breath. He didn't want to engage too deeply. "I guess so."

"Been a rough war," the pilot said. "The galaxy's not short on enemies, or so they say."

Jaden gave a faint nod. "Seems that way."

"Anyway," the pilot continued, tapping the controls again, "we'll reach the Temple soon. If you need me to stick around, let me know. I've got time."

Jaden noted a subtle edge in the pilot's tone but chose not to dwell on it. "Sure. Thanks."

Outside the window, the Temple's tall spires came into view. Jaden rolled his shoulders and tried to center himself. The pilot watched the flight path, occasionally glancing at him in the mirror. Jaden caught the look once or twice, but he put it down to mild curiosity.

___________________________

Aubrie stood in the center of the circular chamber, shoulders tight as she gazed at the line of Jedi Masters. Master Leska and Zule stood at her sides. The High Council was present in nearly full capacity. Some members were there in person, others appeared as shimmering holograms. Mace Windu, seated near the center, looked at them with a measured stare. "We are told you wish to leave the Order. All three of you. Is that correct?"

Aubrie bowed her head. "Yes, Master Windu."

On her right, Master Leska stepped forward. She wore robes that showed signs of many battles, she had been offered new robes but she didn't want to forget what had happened, she didn't want to forget those who had been left behind. There was a light cut on her sleeve, the kind of mark that told of repeated repairs. "I speak for myself, not for the Padawans," she said. "I have served the Jedi for a long time. I have taken lives in the name of peace. I never wanted to fight. Yet the galaxy keeps demanding more soldiers from us. I can't do it anymore."

Ki-Adi-Mundi watched her with a thoughtful look. "Master Leska, the war is hard on everyone. The Jedi are stretched thin. We need voices like yours, reminding us to be compassionate. Abandoning the Order now—"

"That's exactly it," Leska interrupted, voice quiet but firm. "I can't be that voice. I'm tired of the battlefield. My spirit is worn. I want to spend the rest of my days trying to heal the damage I've done."

A few seats away, Eeth Koth leaned forward. "You speak as if the Order forced your hand," he said, sounding annoyed. "We are all under the Republic's call. Deserting now sends a poor message. It goes against what we were taught—service, commitment."

Leska fixed him with a steady gaze. "I'm not deserting. I'm acknowledging my limits. I can't keep killing. How many more do I have to cut down in the name of this war?" She paused, scanning the Council members. "I refuse to stay if staying means shedding more blood."

Silence followed her words. Then Yoda, seated at the center, shifted. "Accept we do that you are weary. A time of crisis, yes, but if made your mind is, we must hear the Padawans too." He looked at Zule. "You, Padawan Xiss. Why leave you wish?"

Zule took a shaky breath. She didn't look up, keeping her eyes on the floor. "In a time of peace, I might have become a Jedi Knight. I might have even climbed to Master someday. But we have no peace now, and I feel my anger growing each time I see more death." She glanced at the Council, eyes flicking from one Master to the next. "I'm slipping. I can sense it. If I keep fighting, I'll lose myself."

Shaak Ti's expression was gentle. "We have ways to help you, Padawan. You can step away from the front lines. You can train in seclusion, heal from the trauma. The Council does not demand every Jedi fight day after day."

Zule paused, clenching her fists. "I don't trust the Order to help me." She hesitated, then spoke again, voice firmer. "I don't trust that you can keep me safe from my own darkness. I've lost faith in your methods." Her words stirred a low ripple through the Council. Some Masters exchanged worried looks, while others seemed taken aback. Zule lowered her head, not bothering to say more.

Shaak Ti lifted a hand, quieting the faint murmurs. "We may not agree, but we must respect her feelings."

Mace Windu turned his attention to Aubrie, resting his elbows on the arms of his seat. "Padawan Wyn. You were close to Master Agen Sirrus, and I offered to take you as my own learner as we have much in common. You have much potential. You know that."

Aubrie glanced away. "My place is with Jaden," she said softly.

Ki-Adi-Mundi leaned forward. "You mean the force-sensitive in question, the one facing trial? Are you sure you want to attach your future to that path? If he's found guilty—"

"He won't be," Aubrie cut in, though her voice trembled. "And even if he were, I made my choice. I have no future here. I want to stand by him."

Eeth Koth's mouth twisted in dissatisfaction. "That is foolish," he said, though he kept his tone measured. "He is an unknown. The Senate calls him a threat. You are tying your life to a man the Council itself cannot fully trust."

Aubrie's grip on her robes tightened. "He's not just a man to me. He's my friend, my teacher in ways you haven't been. My mind is made up."

A flurry of low voices started among the Council. Some argued that the war required every trained Jedi. Others questioned the logic of leaving to follow an uncertain person like Jaden. Aubrie stood still, shoulders tense. Zule and Leska remained quiet, each lost in their own thoughts.

Yoda tapped his gimer stick on the floor. The sound silenced the chamber. "Enough," he said, eyes half-lidded. "Their reasons, they have stated. Urge them we can, but keep them against their will, we cannot."

Mace Windu sighed, leaning back in his seat. "We ask you to reconsider, but if your decisions are final, the Code allows you to step away. You all realize the significance of this choice?"

Master Leska bowed her head. "I do."

Zule nodded. "I do."

Aubrie swallowed. "I do."

All three moved in unison, unclipping their lightsabers. They held them out, offering them to the Council. Leska's lightsaber bore the marks of repairs. Zule's was small, sized for her hands. Aubrie's still had a faint scratch near the emitter, a relic of the last sparring session with Jaden.

Yoda shook his head gently. "Keep them, you will. A time of war we face. Safety cannot be guaranteed. Your sabers, you may need."

"That's unusual," Eeth Koth grumbled, frowning. But Mace Windu lifted a hand.

"This is settled," Mace said, though he sounded resigned. "If Master Yoda has decided, then we accept it. They will keep their sabers in case of danger."

Ki-Adi-Mundi looked at the three. "I wish it were different. I wish we had the resources to guide you through this conflict in a way that wouldn't break your spirits."

Master Leska dipped her head in gratitude. "Thank you for everything you taught me. I will always remember the lessons, even if I can't remain part of the Order."

Zule did not speak, but bowed a second time. A quiet acceptance flowed through her posture. She looked at the Council in turn, stopping at Shaak Ti, who gave her a small, respectful nod.

Aubrie's voice shook a little as she spoke. "I'm grateful for all I've learned here. I just... can't see a future for me in the order. My path is with Jaden."

Shaak Ti's expression softened. "May you find peace in whatever path you choose."

Mace Windu glanced at Yoda. The elder Master closed his eyes for a moment, then nodded. "So decided it is. May the Force guide you, wherever your journeys take you."

Leska bowed again, turning on her heel. Zule followed at her side, though her steps wavered a bit. Aubrie lingered, eyes drifting up at the Council. For a brief second, she looked as if she wanted to speak, but she stayed silent. Then she bowed, biting her lip before leaving with the others. The chamber door slid shut behind them. A hush settled. Several Council members exchanged looks. Eeth Koth exhaled, crossing his arms. "This war has cost us more than we thought," he said.

Shaak Ti sighed, eyes still on the closed door. "They may yet return. Sometimes stepping away brings clarity."

Mace Windu glanced at Yoda. "We can only hope. For now, we should move on to the next item."

...

All three of them walked down the long corridor from the council chambers feeling a mixture of emotions. Only minutes had passed since the Council granted their departure, but it felt much longer. As they neared an intersection where a few young Padawans were sparring, Zule's pace slowed. Her breathing turned shallow, and she stared at the floor not saying a word. Leska and Aubrie noticed the shift. Aubrie reached over, touching Zule's arm gently.

"You alright?" Aubrie asked, her tone quiet.

Zule didn't respond at first. She kept blinking, swallowing hard. Her shoulders trembled. At one point, she placed a hand on the wall, as if needing support. Leska stopped with her, a concerned look on her face.

Aubrie glanced between them. "You need a moment?" she asked Zule.

Zule nodded, not lifting her eyes. Her breaths came in quick bursts, her chest rising and falling too fast. Leska gave her a steady arm to lean on, guiding her away from the center of the corridor. The three found a small alcove near a window. Zule leaned against the wall, gaze unfocused.

"I'm... sorry," Zule managed, her voice hushed. "I can't... I don't know..." She closed her eyes, trying to regain control.

"It's fine," Leska said gently, placing a comforting hand on Zule's shoulder. "This is a big step, but it's over now."

Zule pressed her palm over her face. A shaky exhale escaped her lips. "I've... this is all I've known. The Order. I don't know how to be anything else."

Aubrie stood on Zule's other side. "You're not alone," she said. "We're figuring this out together."

Zule lifted her head a fraction, revealing eyes filled with a mix of fear and uncertainty. "It feels like... nothing is certain anymore. What if I can't make it out there?" She paused, breathing fast. "What if I do something I regret? I left because I was afraid of what I might become."

Leska squeezed her shoulder. "Take it one day at a time. We'll keep an eye on each other for now."

Aubrie nodded. "You can come with me. I'll be with Jaden eventually, and we'll figure out something. You don't have to roam the galaxy alone."

Zule let out a shuddering breath, fighting to steady herself. She curled her fingers, as though trying to hold back more trembling. "I need time to think," she whispered.

Aubrie offered a small, understanding nod. "Alright. No rush."

Leska looked at Zule. "We can head out of the Temple. If you want to find a quiet spot, we can do that. Or we can get a short transport out of here now."

Zule shut her eyes for a moment, trying to calm her breathing. She moved one hand to her lightsaber hilt, feeling the familiar weight there. That simple act seemed to anchor her. Then she nodded once, not looking up. "Let's... go somewhere else. Just... away from these halls."

___________________________

Jaden walked up the long steps outside the Jedi Temple, noticing how little evidence remained from the recent attack. The entrance looked clean, and the stone walls appeared untouched. He remembered the smoke and rubble he had seen only days before, the ship that hqd attacked them had made a huge mess of the area. The air felt crisp in the early light, and several droids moved across the plaza, scanning for any debris that might have been missed. Jaden thought it was impressive how quickly the Jedi had repaired everything. He took in a slow breath, trying to focus on why he had come. Master Fay wanted him here, though he was not entirely sure why. At the top of the steps, two Temple Guards in tan robes blocked his way. They wore helmets that hid their faces, and each held a long weapon set with an emitter at one end. One guard stepped forward. "State your purpose," he said, voice short and direct.

Jaden halted, hands at his sides. "I'm here to see Master Fay. She told me to come to the Temple."

The guard did not relax. "We have received no notification of your arrival. Leave and return another time."

Jaden drew a short breath, trying to stay calm. "Please contact her. I'm not looking for trouble."

The guard lifted his weapon, a slight hum sounding from the emitter. "Leave," he ordered. "You are not cleared."

Jaden felt his muscles tense. He had come alone, hoping for a calm meeting, but the guards were clearly ready to force him away. He raised his hands, speaking in a level tone. "I don't want trouble," he said. "I have no weapons. Look, just contact Master Fay." The second guard circled around, cutting off any escape route. Jaden saw no choice. When the guard lunged forward, he twisted aside, narrowly avoiding the staff's stun tip. He caught the shaft and tried to push it away, but the guard yanked it free and swung again. Jaden ducked, adrenaline rising. A second strike came fast. Jaden jumped back, letting the emitter spark against the ground. Meanwhile, the other guard moved in with a short blade that glowed at the edge. Jaden dropped low, sweeping his leg out to knock the guard off balance. That guard stumbled, but recovered quickly, preparing another strike.

Jaden decided he had to hold them off without hurting them. He stepped into the next blow, grabbing the guard's wrist and forcing the arm aside. The guard responded with a sharp elbow that clipped Jaden's shoulder. He winced. His mind raced. If he fought too hard, he risked harming them or causing a bigger scene. He gritted his teeth, shifting his weight and pulling the guard's arm into a lock, enough to keep the blade away. Behind him, the first guard rushed forward again. Jaden let go of the lock, spun, and blocked the staff with both arms, feeling the impact rattle his bones. He pushed back, and for a moment, the guard lost footing.

Before the guards could press further, a soft but clear voice cut through the tension. "Stand down," it said. All eyes turned to see Master Fay emerging from the Temple entrance. Her expression was calm, and she walked straight toward them. The guards froze, stepping back at once. Fay looked at each guard, then at Jaden. "He is here at my request. I would have preferred a less forceful greeting, please forgive me Jaden I forgot to clear your arrival with temple security." The guards lowered their weapons, though they did not speak, and Master Fay gave them a slight nod. "Thank you, though next time please do not let personal bias determine your course of action," she said, dismissing them. Jaden exhaled, rolling his shoulder where the elbow had struck him. He gave Master Fay a quick nod of thanks. She returned a small dip of her head, then guided him past the guards into the Temple's main corridor.

Inside, tall columns framed a wide passage. Overhead lights shone on polished floors, and Jedi moved in small clusters or alone. Jaden saw glances from some Knights, though most stayed focused on their tasks. A faint hum of conversation filled the space, mixed with the steps of passersby. Master Fay led him forward. Jaden fell into stride beside her. After a quiet moment, he spoke. "Padmé said you told her to send me here right away. She said it was urgent."

Fay glanced at him. "I told her it was important, not urgent. I do want to speak to you, but I also promised to show you the Temple. So we have some time before we speak of what I asked you here for."

Jaden exhaled, still feeling a trace of tension from the scuffle with the guards. "Alright, I'll follow your lead," he said, not pressing for details yet.

They passed a large archway on the left, revealing a training hall where a Knight instructed a group of younglings in basic footwork. Fay paused to point inside. "That is where newer initiates learn fundamental lightsaber stances. The Temple invests a great deal of time ensuring each student gains a solid grasp of form before they attempt real duels."

Jaden nodded, watching the children's slashing with their training sabers. He thought of his own training while satele had guided him through the forms he doubted that it would've been as efficient as this, though from whay he could see they were going through the kata's for Form I. "They look pretty simplistic," he commented, voice low.

Fay offered a small smile. "It might seem simple now, but these basics shape a Jedi's entire journey with a lightsaber."

They continued past another set of doors guarded by two Knights. Fay slowed as they reached it. "Those are the deeper Archives," she explained, turning her head to him. "The restricted sections. We have no need to go in there today, nor do I think we'll gain permission."

"I understand," Jaden said. "Aubrie mentioned the Jedi have vast records on everything from planets to the Force."

Fay nodded. "Indeed, but we'll save that for another time."

They moved on, ascending a wide staircase that led to a new wing of the Temple. Droids went by, carrying storage crates. A Knight greeted Fay with a brief bow, then kept walking. Jaden felt more eyes on him, though not as hostile as before. It seemed he'd done well in convincing the Jedi he wasn't a Sith Lord. 'Now I just need to convince everyone else,' he thought with a chuckle.

Soon they entered a chamber used for advanced lightsaber training. Jaden recognized it from a past visit, though it was less crowded now. At the center, two figures sparred: Anakin Skywalker and Master Cindrig. Jaden had met Anakin on Jabiim, though he spent most of that time in a makeshift cell, and from what he remembered Anakin wasn't his biggest fan. Master Cindrig was the one who escorted him to the temple after he arrived on Coruscant, apart from that he didn't know much about him. Their sabers hummed and flashed in quick slashes. Jaden stepped closer with Fay, watching the duel in silence.

Anakin launched a flurry of strikes, each one angled to test Cindrig's defense. Cindrig blocked or diverted them, keeping his stance firm. Jaden remembered Cindrig's calm demeanor right now it seemed to match his fighting style as he was mainly defensive but did counter quite frequently. Anakin tried to feint high then swing low, but Cindrig twisted away, replying with a fluid counter that nearly tagged Anakin's shoulder. Anakin grunted and moved to the side, repositioning. They clashed again, sabers sending sparks.

Jaden glanced at Fay. "They're both good," he said under his breath.

Fay gave a slight nod. "Anakin specialises in a more aggressive form, while Master Cindrig relies on timing and precision."

Anakin lunged forward, hoping to catch Cindrig off balance. Cindrig dropped into a sidestep, hooking Anakin's blade to the side and tapping Anakin's arm in one swift motion. Anakin froze, acknowledging the point. He exhaled, deactivating his lightsaber. Cindrig did the same, then the two began discussing the exchange in low voices that Jaden couldn't hear. From their gestures, he guessed Cindrig was pointing out where Anakin had left an opening.

Fay touched Jaden's arm, guiding him out of the chamber. "We shouldn't disturb them," she said quietly. "I mainly wanted to show you where advanced training takes place. Let's move on."

They walked through another corridor, narrower and less crowded. Jaden saw a few decorative banners on the walls, each bearing Jedi symbols. Eventually, they arrived at a simple doorway that opened into a garden within the Temple. Jaden paused at the threshold, struck by the rush of green that met his eyes. The area had tall trees, each with broad leaves providing shade. Flowering bushes ran along the edges of a stone walkway. A small fountain trickled in one corner, adding the gentle sound of water to the ambiance. Sunlight streamed down from an open skylight above, illuminating patches of grass and plants. The air smelled fresh, carrying hints of earth and blooming petals.

Jaden stepped forward, letting the calm atmosphere settle around him. He had spent most of his life in Coruscant's undercity, where vegetation was nonexistent. Seeing so much greenery in one place felt startling and peaceful at the same time. He touched the petals of a bright red flower, marveling at its softness. He had wanted to see things like this for so long, it's what urged him to leave Coruscant in the first place, and while he'd managed to see some beauty of nature on Jabiim, the memories felt marred by the war.

Fay stopped beside him, hands folded. "We keep these gardens in many parts of the Temple," she said. "They remind us of life. The Force flows through all living things, and even a single plant can remind us of that."

Jaden nodded, eyes roaming over the scene. "I never had the chance to see anything like this. It feels... good."

Fay's smile was gentle. "The Jedi encourage harmony with nature, though it's not always easy on a planet like Coruscant. Still, we do what we can. Would you like to sit by the fountain for a moment? We can discuss why I asked you here." Jaden turned his gaze to the small water feature. The sound of the water lapping against the stone edges brought a sense of calm he had not felt in some time. He nodded, following her to a low bench beside the fountain. The water sparkled under the light from above.

Master Fay slipped onto the bench beside Jaden, shifting closer than he expected. She slid one leg over so that she was facing him fully, then gestured for him to do the same. He hesitated but complied, turning himself around until they were seated across from each other.

She rested her palms on her knees, her gaze steady. "There are many mysteries surrounding you," she said. "I want to understand them better. You may not think it matters, but it does. Your case is... unique."

Jaden shrugged, not really seeing why his background was of such concern. "Alright," he replied. "What do you want to know?"

Master Fay sat up a bit. "Anything unusual about your body, for starters. Anything that sets you apart from normal humans. Also, when did you first use the Force? Those details can provide hints."

He rubbed his chin, considering the question. "I don't know much about myself," he admitted. "But there is something about my blood. It's black. Maybe it means I'm a hybrid, part something else. I'm not sure."

She blinked, showing clear surprise at that. "Black blood is quite rare," she said slowly. "There are very few species that have it. Fewer still that could produce offspring with humans."

Jaden nodded. "Yeah. I don't really have any memories about my parents, so I can't confirm what they were." He paused, thinking back. "I'm more durable than most humans, too. Once, I fell multiple levels in the undercity and survived. I broke a lot of bones, but I didn't die."

Fay's eyebrows rose. "That fall sounds lethal for an ordinary person. Perhaps the Force intervened without your knowledge."

He shook his head. "At that time, it would've been impossible. My connection was blocked somehow."

She frowned. "What did you say?"

He let out a quiet sigh, remembering how confusing it all was. "After the fall, I had nearly every bone in my body shattered. It was bad. That's when I discovered I could use the Force, through... means I'm not willing to detail. After finding o it I could use it I realized I had something like a block on me. I had to burst through it to even tap into the Force."

Master Fay's normally calm face shifted to a look of horror. She sat there, staring at him. He tilted his head, concerned. "Master Fay, are you alright?" he asked.

She blinked a few times, finally tightening her grip on his hand. "I'm fine," she said, though her voice shook a bit. "But I fear the suspicions I had might be worse than I thought."

He raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

She inhaled, glancing at his hand as if trying to steady herself. "Blocking someone's connection to the Force is an act of cruelty. The records say most Jedi subjected to that condition would lose their sanity within months."

Jaden nodded, not appearing too fazed. "I heard that somewhere before. I guess I didn't have access to the Force at all while the block was in place, so I never felt that loss."

Fay studied his expression. "Jaden, I don't think you grasp the seriousness. I spoke with Aubrie about you. She said you're observant, that you catch details others overlook. Yet you're overlooking the worst part of this."

He tensed. "Which is?"

She let out a breath and met his eyes. "Who placed that block on you?" she asked.

Jaden fell silent. He stared at the ground for a moment, thinking back to what little he knew of his childhood. His memory was full of gaps, and any time he tried to recall his earliest years, he found almost nothing. Perhaps that was linked to the block. The idea unsettled him, but he also had no answers. He glanced up at Fay.

"I don't know," he said quietly. "Maybe whoever... had me when I was small. I can't remember."

Fay's posture remained tense, worry evident in her face. "We need to investigate further," she said. "There must be more clues. Someone with enough power to seal your connection to the Force is not a casual foe."

Jaden absorbed that information. It felt like one more piece of a large puzzle he'd been ignoring. In a way, he was used to not knowing his origins. Yet hearing Fay speak about it made the mystery more immediate. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I guess... I never cared enough to dig deeper. I've just been trying to survive since I can remember."

She nodded, releasing his hand and placing her palm on the bench. "I understand. But the stakes are high. If that person is still out there, and if they discover you've broken the block, they might seek you out. This is more than a curiosity. It could be a danger to you and those around you."

Jaden frowned. "That's not good."

Master Fay paused, looking down at the ground for a moment before turning back to Jaden. There was a hint of hesitation in her eyes. "Jaden, there could be more than just a block. Whoever placed it might have done other things to you. If you're willing, we can examine you in detail and see if there's evidence of further tampering."

Jaden folded his arms, not entirely sure how to react. "You mean... a medical exam?" he asked.

She gave a slight nod. "We have ways to scan a person through the Force. We can also do standard medical tests if needed. You're a unique case, and I want to help, but only if you agree."

He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, glancing at the garden's entrance. He thought about the few medical encounters he'd had in the lower levels, which were usually rough affairs. He also considered that if the Jedi found something invasive or troubling, it might become another reason for them to fear him. Still, he trusted Master Fay more than the rest of the Order so far.

"You really think there's a chance something else was done?" he asked.

Fay let out a quiet breath. "I cannot be certain, but blocking someone's connection to the Force is rarely done by itself. Often, it is one part of a greater plan. If they intended to keep you alive and hidden, there could be other measures in place."

He felt his chest tighten. "I guess it wouldn't hurt to check, right?"

(AN: So Zule and Aubrie have left the order. I say them specifically cause they will be joining Jaden when he leaves and likely will join his new order. Next chapter we will finally look into the other things Palpatine has done to our poor boy. Cause I mean. Did any of you ever find the sum of Jadens ambition being living in a forest. Sounds weird right. Like someone didn't want a powerful force user being a threat. Anyway we are gonna be hearing some more from the villain of this arc. Hope you enjoyed the chapter.)

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