I woke floating in a bacta tank. I was confused and wondered how and why I was here, but I decided to look around and gather my bearings.
Right now, I was confused, and I was doing my best not to panic.
As I looked around, I noticed monitors and what looked like Jedi reading my vitals. I saw a Jedi speaking to Master Plo. It was a Togruta. I believe she was Healer Vela. The first person I met when I woke up in this world.
Did I really push my body to the point they had to put me in here? When I looked around the room, I saw Depa was in the tank next to mine. She was still unconscious, good, she's okay. I could see the outer Coruscant sky through the temple's window as well. It was nighttime from what I could tell.
That was when Plo and Vela noticed me awake. Within a few minutes, they took me out of the tank and gave me some warm tea to sip on.
"What happened?" I asked. "Why are we back in the Jedi temple?"
Plo and Vela looked at each other with a knowing look. But Vela chose to speak.
"Padawan Cain. You were in critical condition."
My eyes widened in surprise at the statement. I was in critical condition? I mean, yeah, I fought Depa for three days straight, from what Mace said. I guess the Force can only support my body doing so much for so long. But to be in that bad of shape is crazy to hear.
"Was I really that bad, and how long have I been in the bacta tank?"
Vela nodded. "Yes. Not only was every muscle fiber in your body torn in some way. But you were severely dehydrated, malnourished, and more. You were no different than how you were when you were first brought to the temple, but this time it's much worse. I still don't know how you manage to recover so quickly. It may be your unique biology or your high affinity in the Force. Maybe both."
"You were only in the bacta tank for barely two days now, since arriving back at the temple."
Oh yeah, I can see why they are concerned now. All of those things are bad, and the fact that I am moving now, let alone awake, is really amazing if not a miracle. Wait, she said, I first came to the temple in a similar way? What does that mean?
"It's more than just that, Cain," Plo spoke up.
He then placed a hand on my shoulder. Like he was gonna break some bad news.
"Cain, you nearly died... No, the accurate phrase is that you did die, but the Force revived you, at least that's what I believe."
I sat there my eyes widening from the pure shock of that statement. My mind was trying to process what Master Plo said. But its didn't make sense to me.
"Master... What do you mean I died and then the Force revived me?"
Plo had a sad expression on his face and told me the events that happened once I collapsed.
Apparently, when I collapsed from exhaustion, my body started to seize. That's when Anakin and the others immediately noticed something the masters didn't. My heart had stopped. Then they broke into a panic to revive me. The masters watched momentarily in confusion until Seris said with panic in her voice and tears in her face.
"His heart has stopped."
When the Masters heard that, they moved with precision and extreme focus. Plo would check my pulse, and when he could tell I was not breathing and had no pulse. He used a small burst of electric judgment to shock my heart to start beating again.
Fay would focus on using Force healing on me. She'd use that to make sure my brain and other organs didn't deteriorate from the lack of oxygen and blood flow.
Mace and Obi-Wan rushed Depa to the ship after finding her to be unconscious from exhaustion. Obi-Wan readied the ship while Mace secured Depa in the med bay.
Within minutes, I was brought to the ship. Both Master Fay and Plo were still doing their best to revive me. But nothing had seemed to work. Seris was holding back her tears, trying to figure out a way to help.
Anakin was in shock from feeling powerless in this situation. Derren looked through the ship's medical journals on what could be done, but found nothing with their limited resources.
It was bad. Even though we had jumped into hyperspace within minutes. We were at least three days away from Coruscant. By day two, the masters were tired, but pushed themselves to hold on. That was when Seris had an idea. She told Anakin to try and reach out to me in the Force to heal me. At the exact moment, reports from the temple said that Barriss had started to meditate out of nowhere. She was saying I was in trouble, and she was gonna send me her strength.
Anakin didn't know Force heal but trusted Seris in the moment. Her eyes burned with the conviction of saying.
"We can save him, and Anakin, you are the key to it."
Anakin trusted Seris, then placed his hands on my body and focused the Force through himself to me. Master Fay was helping him to find the feeling he needed to have to use Force Heal on me.
Anakin and I both began to glow our unique auras. When Anakin opened his eyes, they were no longer blue but a silvery white. I then opened my eyes. They glowed like two golden suns.
The ship was then filled with a bright light and an incredible presence in the Force.
It was so powerful that it could be felt back at the temple. After a moment of that, my body was stabilized, I was breathing somewhat normally, and my heart was beating.
"Cain, I believed you might have touched too much of the Force than your body was ready for. Your body couldn't handle the raw power, and it quite literally destroyed you." Plo said.
I can't believe what I am hearing. I actually overdosed on the Force... The Force. It was so powerful that I destroyed my body and killed myself.
In that moment, my body filled with fear. I felt so scared. I didn't know what to do after hearing this. Not to mention what I saw in the void world.
"Cain how do you feel?" Plo asked me, his hand still on my shoulder. "I know this is a lot to take in."
I sat there, confused about what to say. I died again.... Like, I really died again. Does that mean if I use Force Resonance again or touch too much of the Force, I could die? But how much is too much?
I looked at my hands as they were shaking. I felt the tears well up in my eyes. The moment I felt like I was making progress, this happened. I feel so scared. If I dive that deep in the Force again, would I die?
That's when I heard the sound like footsteps coming into the room. Right as I looked up with tears forming in my eyes. I was grabbed from behind and held tight. It was Barriss and Seris. Then Anakin and Derren came and grabbed onto me as well.
They all held me in a warm and tight embrace.
"Cain, it's alright, and you're gonna be alright, I promise," Seris said, with her eyes burning with a strong conviction. But I could see a small tear form up in them.
"Please don't scare us like that again. I don't know what we would do if we lost you," Barriss said with worry in her eyes.
They were both holding me tight. This really surprised me. I didn't expect this open display of affection from them, let alone Seris.
Then Anakin and Derren put an arm on my shoulder.
"Cain, glad you're okay. You had us worried like crazy." Anakin said with a smile.
"I'm glad you made it. This order isn't the same without you." Derren said.
Right then, in that moment, I felt a warm presence cover me in a healing embrace through the Force. It was my bond with the others. I could feel how they felt, and they could feel me as well.
"Cain," Anakin spoke. You're not alone with this. I know it must have been scary, but we are your friends. So please learn to lean on us, and let us help you.
Damn, Anakin is always so cool in moments like these.
But I can tell how you feel deep down in the Force. He was scared and worried about me like crazy. But he can tell how scared I was and put on a brave front to make sure I was okay.
Seris's feelings are radiating off of her. I can tell she was really scared, but showed so much conviction to make sure I was okay.
One of these days, I will have to address her feelings. I'm not blind to them; it just feels wrong that I am an adult in a teen's body, and I have known her since she was a child. It's pretty much grooming, no matter how you look at it. It's not like I don't like her, but this whole dating in a new life is complicated.
I just decided for myself when I was younger to wait until I was an adult to start thinking about love or dating. Since I've been worried about more pressing matters since I got to this world. Hopefully, by the time I am in my twenties, this stuff will become easier to navigate.
I smiled, looking up at everyone.
"Thanks, guys, you really are the best friends a guy could have," I said with a wide smile on my face, and I embraced everyone back tightly.
That's when master Plo stepped up and placed a hand on my shoulder. "You may also rely on me as well as my padawan. I am here to instruct and guide you.
I then felt a soft hand press gently on my back. "I looked back to see Master Fay with a small smile on her face. "You can rely on me as well, Padawan. I may not be your master, but I will support you regardless."
In the doorway, I then saw Mace appear. He was standing there proudly and gave me a nod. I knew what that meant.
Later that night, I sat alone beneath a stone archway. I closed my eyes to meditate and reconnect with the Force. After a few minutes, I felt a very familiar sensation. It was scary at first, but then I let go of that fear and embraced the feeling.
The Force began swirling softly around me like a flowing river of warm embrace.
It was good to let go of that fear. I now expect the fact that if I die using the Force to protect others, I will die happily. I should just make a habit of not doing it during training. I thought, chuckling at myself.
I then began to focus on my plans I needed to address.
I know now I can bring some masters and other Jedi into my fold. I know Master Fay can now be trusted. But I know Mace will fight my ideals. He loves the Republic and cannot see how blind he is to that fact. Hopefully, I can change his mind in the future to serve the people of the galaxy and not the ones in power.
I could create a sect of the Corelia Jedi to look over the politics of the Galaxy so the order can stay informed on all the little things. But I still need to meet the Corelia Jedi officials. Then make sure Mace won't be blinded to the Republic's shortcomings or corruption. If I can do that, he would be perfect to watch over and destroy corruption before it takes root. Quinlan Vos would also be perfect for that role.
But that brings another realization to mind. One that I have long accepted but dreaded thinking about. That is, no matter how much I want my new order or Alliance Government I want to last. It too shall fall and eventually crumble. It's a natural process of life. Where it is too slow corruption, and it's no longer recognizable. The extinction of all life in the galaxy it governs. Or because it was overthrown.
The reasons are endless, and they can happen at any time. Either in a few hundred or a thousand years. Change will come, I hope when it does, it's the change of evolution and not regression. So, while I am alive, I will do my best to leave this universe better than how I found it.
Maybe if more long-lived species, especially non-human ones, led the galaxy. Maybe the same mistakes won't be made so easily, Cause enough people have seen how it was before and refuse to let it happen again.
But that doesn't mean long-lived species aren't capable of making the same mistakes or suffering complacency. Just look at Yoda, he is long-lived but barely active. Well, not in the way that matters.
That reminds me, the entity I saw when I was in my astral form. Was that the Great Shaper?
The Great Shaper is from supernatural encounters series. The series was created to introduce more lore into Star Wars. It was a fan project that, at some point, got approved and was going to be added to the official canon. Even though some things contradict the original lore, George Lucas still approved it. But when Disney bought Lucasfilm and the Star Wars IP, it was a no-go. But it was still accepted for the most part in Legends lore.
I don't really remember much about it. Outside YouTube videos, and what I read on the official website page. But besides that, I don't know what else I could have possibly seen. That thing is supposed to be from a race of celestial beings who are responsible for creating and populating the universe.
That makes me wonder even more. What is the Force really? And if the Great Shaper exists, that means all the other higher beings and nightmarish entities exist, too. That is a scary thought.
All of this just makes me think. Is the Force the beginning of a large world we mortals haven't even begun to understand? What if it's just the training wheels to see if we are worthy of something greater? To see if our ancestors were ready to be given more power and ascend to greater heights, but they failed. Will, that was the idea I got from Supernatural Encounters.
I wonder if there is an even greater power than the Force. Or maybe we have barely even begun to understand anything in this galaxy. I should definitely research the Lost Force technology that created things like the Star Forge, and more. What if instead of traveling through hyperspace with ships. Could we teleport a planet to planet? That would be amazing.
I then centered myself and returned to the present, and I opened my eyes.
I'm thinking too much. I can't possibly understand how deep things go. I can't even understand the Void world I enter into, and what it even is. Mother Talzin still won't tell me about it.
Anyway. I should start making my moves now. Plo, Fay, Talzin, the Bendu. The outer Rim planets. Noctis will start to call meetings and introduce people. This way, I can build alliances with people who think similarly. That also means the cloning facility needs to be halted as soon as possible.
Not to mention stopping Dooku, or redeeming him if possible. But even as I am now, I know I couldn't win in a duel against him. I might last a good minute more against him than Anakin did in the movie, if I'm lucky. But my strength in the Force doesn't change the fact that this man is one of the best duelists of this era.
So I need to grow stronger, not just with a blade but in the Force and experience. Bo-Katan was right, I need to face stronger opponents who can push me past my limits.
The next day, Cain stood before Master Fay and Master Plo Koon in a private chamber. He bowed low, respectfully.
"I wish to study holocrons from the restricted section," I said. "From Jedi such as Bastila Shan. Nomi Sunrider, and Tarre Vizsla if he had one."
Plo's eyes narrowed behind his mask. "You realize this is a big ask. You nearly died not just a few days ago, but now you want knowledge on the Force. Especially powerful knowledge the council has deemed dangerous, Cain." Plo said.
I knew this was a hard ask, but I need knowledge in order to help me grow stronger. Many of these figures walked… unconventional paths. Bastila, in her later years, changed her views on the Force and having attachments. It was close to how Nomi viewed things. But the Jedi Order Council rejected these ideas.
Tarre Vizsla was a leader of a culture of people who always fought. Sometimes for power, or conquest, others for survival. But he was never seen in a bad light. From what I can tell by the way the Jedi and Mandalorians see him. He was respected for his strength as much as his wisdom in the Force and leadership.
"I do," I said. "That's why I'm asking to study them only under your supervision. You may test me however you choose. But I believe understanding their choices will help me make my own. What they did right and what they failed to do. It will help me become that which I need to be."
Fay looked to Plo.
"And what is it you want to become Padawan?" Fay asked.
"I want to be worthy of my name, and a force for great change and growth in the galaxy."
Plo Koon turned to me. "What do you mean be being worthy of your name, when you don't know it. And why a force of great change. What are you trying to accomplish, Cain?"
I bowed deeply. "I have been hiding a secret from you, Master. When I was on mandalore, I did discover my ancestry, among other things. My full name is Cain Vizsla, and I am a child of the former Leader of House Vizsla. Selene Vizsla. One of the founders and leaders of the True Mandalorians before they became the Death Watch. I am also a descendant of the Jedi Mandalorian Tarre Vizsla. "
Plo rubbed his chin. "Ahh, I can see why you hid your lineage. That must be quite a heavy burden to bear."
Fay nodded. "Indeed. You could be seen as a political piece to help Mandalorians who don't support the Duchess's pacifist movement. Even overthrowing it and sending Mandalore into another civil war."
Wow, she was spot on. I guess when you're as long lived as she is, you start to recognize patterns in societies.
"But," Plo said. "I sense that there is more to this story than just hiding your last name and your family history. Padawan Cain, please trust me. Plo placed a hand gently on my shoulder.
Plo's right. He is the closest thing I've had to a father these past few years. He has taught me so much while never restricting me. He's given me the room to grow while guiding me. I don't know how many times he has been patient with me.
Fay has been like an aunt to me. She shows support in small ways. But she never contradicts me; if anything, she always has my back. Whether I know it or not.
"Okay masters please sit. I have much to tell you."
I then told them everything. Me being from another world. How I grew up reading and watching the stories in this Universe and their life's. My Force ability, and the void world. Me writing books to make money. Creating a secret persona and slowly building influence with senators around the galaxy.
The future events I was trying to change. From Anakin, The republic and the future conflicts. The clone army, and the galactic civil war. Order 66, the invasion of the Yuuzhan Vong. The reemergence of the Sith species and empire.
I even told them about my dealing with Bo-katan and Death Watch, and Mother Talzin. I told them about my plans for the clone army and starting my own Order and Galactic Alliance. I mentioned why we went to Tython and my plans for it. The thing I ended off with was the fact that a Sith from the Darth Bane line has infiltrated the republic senate. I didn't say it was Palpatine just incase they didn't believe me. And since I have no proof. But I told them how most of the civil war conflict and clone army are the Sith's doing.
The two just listened to everything without interrupting me once.
"This is everything Master's. I am sorry for hiding so much from you, for so long"
Fay just looked to Plo, who had a calm stoic expression.
Then Plo stood up and walked towards me.
My heart was beating quickly from the anxiety of the situation. I don't know if Plo will believe me or report me to the council and have expelled from the order.
When Plo got to me. I closed my eyes out of fear. But then I felt Plo bring me in for a warm embrace.
Wait. what's is going on?
I then saw Plo had removed his glasses, and look at me with his eyes. His large black eyes were staring at me, with so much emotion. But what they showed was concern and compassion.
"Cain, I am so sorry you went through some much for so long with such a heavy weight on your shoulders. Especially with no one to turn to."
Wait he believes me? Just like that?
"Master you don't doubt me?"
Plo shook his head. "No I believe you. It makes so much sense when you look at it. You were so mature for a four year old. Very unnaturally so. You had and no fear of being misunderstood or disliked for not fitting in with the orders ways or teachings. You only ever embraced others and guided them to be their best version. You were never afraid to challenge authority, but you did it in a smart way, like an adult."
Wow when he put's it like that, I really suck at pretending to be a kid. But then again I really hated being a child again and being powerless. Even though it was worth it to become stronger and learning to use the Force, and a lightsaber.
"Cain this is a lot to accept, but there is one thing I am for sure of." Plo said.
"What is that master?"
"You were placed in this galaxy to be part of a greater change for good. The Force chose you. Not in the way it chose Anakin. It chose him to bring balance to it, but you were chosen to bring balance in a way never seen before. I believe you were chosen to bring balance to the people who create that it."
"Wait master, what are you saying?"
"Cain you were meant to bring balance to the people of the galaxy which will help bring balance to the Force."
"I agree Cain. You only need to look at the signs. You help bring balance to the Jedi order who you believe have lost their way. You help everyone regardless of politics, species or believes. You bring everyone into your embrace. And through this people slowly start to follow you." Fay said.
"But why believe me? I go against everything I was taught. I have next to no evidence on most of what I said. So why choose to believe me, and not kick me out out of the order?"
I said with tears forming in my eyes.
I don't understand why. Why would they believe me, a random nobody spouting nonsense?"
"Cain we felt the order lost it's way a long time ago, and you helped awaken us to this. You chose from the beginning not to be trapped in this cycle, and you did it with your own skill and will. I believe in you just like the Force and your friends believe in you as well." Plo said.
Fay then spoke. "I know it is hard to believe, but Cain, I not only believe you, I believe in you and your dream. And I would be honored if you allow me to walk this path with you, and help you achieve it."
In that moment my walls came down. The years of acting and forcing myself to be strong. It all broke in the one moment. I dropped to my knees and cried. I cried for the first time in my new life. And I had my two parental figures watching me and guiding me through this emotional process. It felt needed and nice.
After a few minutes, I then fell asleep in my masters arms.
"It seems he finally has let go of the burden somewhat that he was holding onto. He must be exhausted." Plo said picking Cain up in his arms with ease.
"Rest well our young Padawan. For when you wake next, we shall help you achieve your dreams. But today, have nothing but the sweetest of dreams." Plo said.
"An may the Force protect you in your dreams." Fay said as she kissed Cain on his Forehead.
As for me, I slept soundly for the first time in years. Knowing I was no longer alone, and I have so many people who supported and loved me.