There was a tangible buzz of excitement in the Force. Anakin Skywalker had taken over one of the larger training rooms. A piece of flimsy posted near the doorway stated that he was holding auditions for a sparring partner for the Talent Show.

It didn't take long for a crowd of curious Jedi to form, filling up the observation area on the side of the room. There were hopeful Knights and ambitious Padawans, each convinced that a partnership with the fearless Skywalker was a sure ticket to First Place.

They each fought their hardest, calling on the Force to sharpen their reflexes. Anakin defeated them all, one after another, barely even breaking a sweat. Jedi after Jedi was disarmed and, after a courteous bow, slunk off to the benches around the edge of the room to catch their breath and rub their sore muscles.

Word of what was happening spread through the Temple like a spark in a dry field. Many Jedi had heard the fantastic stories of young Skywalker's exploits and realized that this was the perfect chance to see if he really was as good as his reputation claimed.

Jedi of all species and all ranks, many fresh from combat deployments against the Separatists, came to challenge Anakin. But one after another, their attacks were too predictable or their defensive parries a fraction too slow, and they were soundly defeated.

Quinlan Vos was the first one to give Anakin a run for his money. They fought in a flurry of slashes and blocks, their sabers humming and sparking against each other. Anakin started to feel a glimmer of hope that he had found a suitable replacement for Obi-Wan, but it turned out that Quinlan was still recovering from a nasty blaster wound to his left arm and after one misjudged swing, Anakin deftly knocked his saber from his loosened grip.

After fighting upwards of thirty Jedi, with hardly any breaks between bouts, Anakin was growing tired. He wasn't about to admit as much but, when one of the Masters supervising a group of star struck Initiates who had come to watch suggested that they call it a night, Anakin agreed.

Auditions began again in earnest the next morning, the last day before the Talent Show.

One of Anakin's best traits was his ability to adapt under pressure. So time and again he managed to outmaneuver, outthink, wear down, or simply overpower each challenger. After a few hours of this, Jedi started to face him in groups or two or even three. There were some impressive bouts but ultimately Anakin came out on top each time.

The highlight of the day was Kit Fisto. Always ready for a friendly challenge, Master Fisto led a lively round. He moved with a fluidity and grace that often masked the power of his attacks. After a rough start, Anakin was able to recall training with the older Jedi during his early Padawan days and, sinking more deeply into the Force, began to anticipate his moves.

Anakin kicked out, forcing Kit to block the strike with his forearm. Sensing his opening, Anakin freighted a wide slashing attack but at the last second instead jabbed his blade forwards, the glowing tip held a fraction away from Kit's chest.

The Nautalan Jedi's face registered surprise then a more solemn respect. He deactivated his saber and Anakin followed suite.

"Well done. You have grown a lot the last few years, Skywalker," Kit said, bowing deeply.

"Thank you, Master," Anakin replied.

"I will let you know when I make my decision," he added, but Kit had a feeling that the young man was only being polite. It was clear he was out of the running.

Word began to spread that Anakin Skywalker was taking on the whole Temple. Gossip and speculation flitted through the hallways, the classrooms, and even in the Council Chamber.

Some less generous Jedi wondered about a rift between the usually inseparable Kenobi/Skywalker duo, dismissing Anakin as a hot headed show-off. One rumor said that the whole thing, the Cafeteria argument, the auditions, and Obi-Wan's mystery talent, were merely a rouse and Kenobi and Skywalker were going to come out with something more spectacular than ever.

After several hours of fighting, despite the boost to his ego at besting so many talented Jedi, Anakin was feeling disappointed that he hadn't found a single person to be his partner for the show.

He needed someone who could challenge him and compliment him at the same time. Someone who was evenly matched to his unique fighting style. Someone who was Obi-Wan.

No. Anakin shook that thought away. He glanced about the room, looking for his next challenger, when his stomach growled. It was well past lunch time.

Anakin sat alone in the cafeteria, eating slowly. Maybe he was being too harsh. Maybe he should just choose someone already. But nobody was the right match. If he wanted to beat Obi-Wan, whatever Obi-Wan was planning on doing, he had to have the right match.

His thoughts were interrupted by someone setting their tray down across from him.

A deep voice said, "I have a proposition for you."