I woke up from my sleep to see the light of the morning sky shining into the temple. Three years's passed since then. I just turned nine, a few months ago.
Over the past few years, I have spent my free time doing a lot. One was writing a novel. Six, to be exact. I recreated Frank Herbert's Dune series from memory, with a few adjustments. On my datapad, I submitted a synopsis with the first ten chapters on the holonet.
I submitted under the name Dawnstar. A Coruscant publishing company reached out to me through messages. They are asking me to meet with them to discuss officially publishing my book. I told them I would only do meetings through messages and that I wanted them to send a contract. And once I review and negotiate the terms for my payment, royalties, and merchandising. Then I will give the rest of the books I wrote.
Soon after that. I received an email from the publisher. Once I made adjustments to the contract, we went back and forth with negotiations. I signed the contract and sent them the full novel for book one. Within six months, the book sold millions of copies. Coruscant and Mandalore, especially. Loved the book. I heard Tatooine has bought a few copies as well. My publisher says it gives the people, especially the children. Giving them some hope or dreams of being Paul Atreides, and leading their people against the Hutt's and other crime organizations.
I had my publisher set me up a financial account and place all my earnings. Over the years, I released the other two books a good amount of time apart from each other. This helped build my assets significantly.
When I had time, Seris and I sparred with Serra Keto. Serra would show me and Seris training us in Jar'Kai, techniques. Through this, I noticed Seris opened up more. Well, to me anyway. She was still very reserved and an overachiever. But in our small group, I felt like she was more of her truer self.
Sometimes Derren and I will spar with each other. Master Plo Koon would come and observe us sometimes. He never said anything. There would be times between my spars with everyone. When I had a similar feeling, of being able to predict and read my opponents' techniques and moves before they make them. I had a similar feeling that I could stop and break their form. But I never dove deep into that feeling. I just kept it to reading the rhythm of the duel and my opponent.
Sometimes I would go with Barriss to the meditation gardens. There we saw Master Fay in her usual spot in the Garden. Barriss asked if we could join her, and Fay said. "This garden is for all those who seek to embrace the force and learn from it in peace. So do not let me stop you two." She said in an almost angelic tone. As Barriss and I sat by Fay under a tree, we began to meditate. After some time, I managed to enter the black void realm, with the shimmering star-like lights around me.
I noticed my golden shimmering light was closer to me than before. Its shadowy dark hue still surrounded it. When I focused on the lights around me, I noticed two shimmering lights by each other. One blue as a sapphire, and the other was white with a golden hue. When I looked beneath them, I saw Derren at the blue one. His light flickered so strongly that it was beautiful. Then, next to him, under the white one was Seris. Her light looked magical, like it wasn't something of this world.
Then I noticed something right behind me. I turned around and I saw something so beautiful that it was hard to describe. A right shimmering light, no one should be called a star. The light was bright and had fluctuating colors of white, yellow, and blue. The presence of the light felt alive and almost like it was divine. When I looked closer to the inside, I saw Master Fay. She was meditating, and then she opened her eyes. They glowed faintly like there were cosmic stars behind them. Then she looked towards me in that void realm.
That made me exit my trance. My mind is racing on what just happened. I opened my eyes slightly, trying to peek at Master Fay. She was already looking at me with a calm, peaceful smile. She then closed her eyes and returned to her meditation. Does she know about the realm?
After that happened, I tried to ask Fay about what I saw. But she never answered my questions, and just told me to keep looking inward and to the Force for my answers. Then tell her what I find. Only then will she answer my questions. I was tired of these Jedi, especially the long-lived ones and their mystic wisdom. I would appreciate it if one of them were more straightforward.
Then I remembered Anakin should be coming to the order soon. I need to prepare because, when he gets here, that's when things get serious. I need to ensure he doesn't feel isolated or alone. I need to make plans and moves to ensure his mother lives. That was one of his main catalysts, which contributed to his fall to the dark side.
I can't really do anything about him like Padme, but Sidious is another problem. In more ways than one, from Dooku, the Senate, and the clone army. Let me get through today's training session first, and focus on that stuff later.
Later that day, soft sunlight streamed down through the open skylight of the training room. Derren, Seris, and I circled each other, with our training sabers in our hand's ready to begin our training duel.
Seris moved first. She was fast and direct, testing my reflexes with fast feints before switching to Derren with a backstep slash. Derren parried and spun, catching my attack in advance. I didn't press my attack. I chose to match the pace of the two, analyzing and watching for a perfect opening. If it took too long, I would make an opening, no matter how slim my chance for victory was.
My blade dipped low, redirecting Seris's strike, with a follow-up and tapping Derren's elbow. Causing his attack to be redirected. Then Derren ended up on the defensive as Seris and I focused our attacks on him. Derren used form three to deflect and parry all our strikes. I felt like I was fighting a future Obi-Wan. No matter how strong or fast our strikes were, Derren stopped them all.
I'm happy he really improved over the years. It was like I was fighting an impenetrable shield. Then Derren broke what little momentum and Seris had with our attacks, and sent us moving back with a parry counter strike. Then in an instant, he went after Seris. His strikes were powerful and fast, but Seris was faster. She moved elegantly as she dodged and redirected his strikes away from her.
Barriss and Serra were watching us in awe. "They are all improving so much," Serra said. " Derren has a strong foundation in form three." Barriss nodded. "It was his worst form not too long ago, but Seris and Cain have been helping him to build a solid foundation in the form. Then Derren made his worst form one of his best. Too bad he doesn't think so.
Then Serra observed Seris more closely. "She is more fluid in her duels than ever. I swear it's like I am watching a fairy with a sword dance."
"I agree," Barriss said. "Seris has always been talented, but over these past few years, she has been more open and welcoming. It translates into her techniques, especially when she is dueling Cain. She probably sees him as a good friend and rival." Then Serra stared at Cain and Saris, with a questioning expression on her face.
In the coming weeks, rumors had spread around the temple, Master Qui-Gon Jin was bringing a slave boy from Tatooine. With a high Midichlorian count. I knew who it was, and I had to get ready for the fallout that was about to happen. I managed to run into Master Jin along with Obi-Wan Kenobi and the young Anakin Skywalker. Just leaving a meeting with the council.
"Master Jin, can you please spare me a moment of your time?" Qui-Gon saw me as he was leaving and turned towards me. "Youngling Cain, it is nice to meet you in person. I heard a lot of great things about it. This is Anakin, like you, he has a high Midichlorian count."
Qui-Gon said, gesturing to Anakin. "Hello," Anakin said. "Hello, Anakin, my name is Cain, it's nice to meet you." Now that I think about it, I never actually knew my M count. Everyone always said my mine was bigger than Yoda's. I honestly didn't care. Whenever I heard Midichlorian count, I thought of power level like in Dragon Balls, and to me, they were absolutely irrelevant.
"Youngling, what is it you need to talk to me about? Can it not wait until I return from a mission to Naboo?" I know, and I'm trying to save your life and the lives of millions of people if I can keep you alive to raise Anakin.
"Master Jin, I had a force vision about you." Qui-Gon's eyes open widely in surprise. "Tell me, young one, what did you see?"
"I saw you getting cut down, master Jin, by a man with the yellow eyes of a Sith." Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, eyes open wide with surprise. Obi-Wan had more of a skeptical look on his face. "That is a bold claim to make, young one. Have you told the council about this?"
"No, Padawan Kenobi, I haven't." Not like the council would listen to me anyway if I did tell them. Then Kenobi spoke again. "Exactly, youngling. You should not go around speaking of visions from the Force involving others. Especially without informing the council. They have warned us to be wary of visions from the Force."
Sometimes I forget how much of a stick in the mud Obi-Wan was before he took over Anakin's. Somehow, the stress of raising Anakin over the years helped loosen the stick up his ass. I ignore him and focus back on Qui-Gon. That's when Qui-Gon spoke.
"Obi-Wan, you shouldn't ignore vision from the Force, but I do agree you shouldn't blindly follow them either. Cain, did you see anything else?"
I thought carefully of what to tell him next. If Qui-Gon lives, so much can change, but I won't know how much my future knowledge will matter at that point. I know he will be the father figure Anakin needed. I need to say something that can help him survive.
"Master Jin, I say you should believe in the Force, and fight for Anakin." I didn't know what I could say to help Qui-Gon survive. Then Qui-Gon nodded. "I understand, thank you, Cain. We must go now, but I will take what you said to heart. May the Force be with you."
I bowed in a gesture of respect. "May the Force be with you as well, Master Jin, Padawan Kenobi, and you as well, Anakin." The three then left the temple, and over the next few days, a lot happened. The rumors came back that Qui-Gon died along with the Sith. Or as I knew him, Darth Maul. I was frustrated. I wish I could have done more to save Qui-Gon, but apparently, the order did accept Anakin, and Obi-Wan became a Jedi knight. Just like in the original timeline.
Over the next few weeks, I saw Anakin in the introductory classes. I could feel the sadness flowing off him. The kid left his mom in slavery and lost the only person who believed in him. So I did what I could.
Anakin was in the sparring chamber practicing his saber form. He was gifted indeed; he moved with such speed and grace. He made it look so easy. "Hello, Anakin." Anakin stopped mid-swig with his practice saber, looking at me. "Hello, you're Cain, right?"
I nodded. "I'm glad you remember me, yes, I am Cain. I met you when you and Master Jin went to the temple. I heard what happened, and I am sorry for yours and Kenobi's loss."
"Thank you, you're one of the only people besides Master Yadall who has said anything to me about that. Everyone else looks at me weirdly. Some said I was too old to be accepted. Others say I'm too emotional cause I have a connection to my mother."
Of course they did. The Jedi here especially the children, don't have empathy. "Don't worry about them, Anakin, not everyone is like them," I said confidently. "People talk, especially about things they don't know. I learned to do what I think is right. Even if everyone else doesn't agree."
Anakin looked at me with curiosity. "Won't you get in trouble, and won't they kick you out?" Anakin asked. I smiled. " If helping others from slaves, the poor, and those who can't defend themselves is wrong, then I don't want to be right. Or in this order." I said confidently.
Then I noticed Barriss, Derren, and Seris enter the training room. "Listen, Anakin, don't let this order fit you into a box. I know you don't like how they treat you. Trust me, they're not perfect. Especially when you're in a class of younglings who are younger than you. Please be patient. My friends and I will help you."
"How will you help me?" Anakin asked.
"We will help you study the basics," Seris said, then she continued. "I know it must be frustrating, but those lessons can be helpful. And if you're anything like Cain, you will outpace that class within a month." Seris smiled, looking at me.
Derren put a hand on his shoulder. "Until you get moved to our age group, we will help you with your saber forms and force technique training, and how things are in the temple. As well as how to break the rules without getting caught. Just don't tell Seris she is a bit of an ice princess, and likes to follow the rules until Cain breaks them." Seris came from behind and put Derren in a reverse chokehold and brought him to the ground.
Barriss came up next to Anakin. As he looked at the two play-fighting. "I know it will be boring, but you will have us to keep you company. So don't think you're alone, Anakin." Barriss said softly.
Anakin was clearly surprised by the friendly atmosphere. Then he looked back at Cain. "Why are you doing all this? You don't even know me?
I smiled. "Because Anakin, I want to be your friend, simple as that. And my friends are your friends, so if you have a problem, come to us, we will help you." I swear I will save you from falling, Anakin.
"Thanks, Cain, I appreciate that. Would you mind helping with my saber form?" I grabbed a practice saber from the side and ignited it. "Of course, Anakin, we can start whenever you're ready.
A month later, Anakin was brought to our age group for training. A lot of younglings in the class were not happy to say the least. But the month we spent with Anakin helped to make those stares and rumors bounce off him. He bowed to Master Cin Dralleg, who was guiding us through saber instruction.
Mind you, Anakin is still a nine-year-old kid, so his self-control is not perfect. Whispers moved like wind through the Initiates, watching close and far.
"That's the slave boy from Tatooine."
"I heard He's the Chosen One".
"Really him? Not Cain?"
"Isn't he too old to be accepted for training?"
I stood upright, lowering my saber. My eyes locked onto Anakin as we started our drills. I felt it was not just the raw strength, but something heavy behind Anakin's stillness. Pain wrapped in pride. A heart already preparing to wall itself off. I knew one month I would have to pay attention.
As we finished our drills and got into sparring duels, I took a breath and stepped forward to Anakin. "Ignore them, they know nothing."
Anakin nodded. "I know, it doesn't make it any easier to." Then Seris approached. "I understand why they are upset." That made Anakin look at Seris with a frustrated look. "Are you saying they are right about me?"
Seris put her hands behind her back like an elven scholar ready to preach knowledge. "Anakin, look at it from their point of view. This random slave boy comes to the temple and takes the spot of Cain as the chosen one. He is someone whom everyone likes and who has been here for years. While you came here way past the age the council allows for training."
Then Anakin spoke. "So you're saying that because I took Cain's spot as the Chosen One, that's why everyone is skeptical of me?"
Seris nodded her head. "No, it's because to them you are a great change. And people do like change. So, to them, you represent change that they have been told to abstain from for generations. You did nothing wrong. The deck was stacked against you to begin with."
Wow, I'm surprised she explained it so well and simply. Look at Seris, she is growing. No, if only she could take that stick out of her but and make more friends, then things would be perfect. "She's right, Anakin," I said. "Don't worry about the little things, just work hard and shine brightly by being you. If people want to talk, then let them talk. You're with us now, and we let our actions do the talking."
Anakin smiled, "Thanks, guys."
That afternoon, Anakin and I went through the Temple Library. I sat him down and taught him the history of the Qel-Droma brothers. Anakin absorbed everything. From their feats to their falls and the part of the story I knew the Order left out. I hoped that my lesson about brotherhood and relying on others would help to plant the right seeds.
Later that month. Serra Keto ran a four-person duel with me, Anakin, Seris, and Derren. Anakin moved for someone who barely held a training saber a month ago. His Shii-Cho was sharp, fast, and strong. He kept up with my novice Jar'Kai nicely. Every strike I made, he parried and deflected, not perfectly, but the more we fought, the better he was getting. Seris and Derren were going strike for strike. Parrying and countering each other's strikes. You could tell they were hyper-focused.
Then Anakin switched to Makashi. The funny thing was, he barely learned that saber form a week ago, but here he was trying to push me back. I switched to Makashi as well and matched his pace. Every strike and parry we threw at each other was deflected.
The caution most have at facing a duel-wielding opponent, Anakin didn't even flinch. He treated it like a challenge to overcome. Good, I thought, let's see how hard I can push him. I started to speed up or tempo, and struck harder and faster. Arm, chest, leg, were all the areas I aimed for. He barely blocked and parried my strikes, but he was still keeping up, if barely.
That's when it happened, I felt a surge of power in the Force, but it wasn't just me, it was the others as well. Anakin, Seris, and Derren, all of us felt powerful, and we moved differently. Seris and Derren started to move in blurs, and they launched attacks at me and Anakin. That's when I entered that flow state again. I moved my body into position as I saw Derren's attack before it landed on me, and I redirected it towards Seris, as she was sending a flurry of attacks to Anakin.
Seris, who moved like a graceful angel with a blade, dodged Anakin's counterattacks like it was nothing. Then, without looking at me, she maneuvered out of the way of my strike like she was dancing in the air. That's when Derren went for Anakin. Anakin's strikes were fast, raw, but strong. Derren's were the same but with more refinement in them.
As Anakin's strikes were continuous, Derren's Soresu defense held strong. He blocked and parried every strike that Anakin threw at him. Unlike with me and Seris, Dereen held on longer and didn't give up. He added counterstrikes, which pushed Anakin to adapt to Derren's Defense or be overwhelmed. Seris and I went strike for strike, Parry for Parry, and counter for counter. We both wanted to see whose Jar'Kai was better. The four of us did this for who knows how long. And who cares, we were having fun testing and pushing ourselves.
In the quiet corridors above the sparring floors, Master Fay stood beside Master Plo Koon, overlooking the chamber from a wide observation balcony.
"He pushes others to grow," Fay said.
"Yes," Plo replied. "He has a way of gathering others to him."
"He is not meant for the old Order, that is clear," Fay murmured.
"…No, he is not," Plo said quietly. " But maybe he can save it by doing what we were too scared to do."
"Only the Force knows," Fay said. Plo nodded. " Then may the force be with him and with us all."