The Lars homestead sat nestled against Tython's rugged valley landscape a simple stone and clay construction that spoke of honest work and humble beginnings, yet somehow radiating a warmth that transcended its modest appearance. The structure had been carefully built after their relocation from Tatooine, maintaining the familiar architecture that made it feel like home while adapting to Tython's harsher climate. Thick walls kept out the cold winds that swept down from the mountains, and small windows with heavy shutters protected against the occasional storms that rolled across the plains.
As evening settled over the valley, warm light spilled from those windows, glowlamps casting a golden glow that made the homestead look like a beacon in the gathering dusk. Inside, the air was thick with the savory aroma of home-cooked food. Bantha stew simmering in a large ceramic pot, roasted vegetables glistening with moisture and seasoning, fresh bread still warm from the oven, and the subtle fragrance of herbal tea steeping in clay cups.
I sat at the worn wooden table with Anakin to my right and Obi-Wan to my left, feeling strangely out of place and perfectly at home all at once. The table itself was simple but sturdy, scarred with years of use, each mark telling a story of family meals and quiet conversations. Ceramic bowls steamed before us, filled with thick stew that made my mouth water despite the nervous energy thrumming through my veins.
Shmi Skywalker moved through the kitchen with quiet grace, her movements economical and practiced. She was thinner than I'd expected from the holos, her face lined with years of hardship, but there was a light in her eyes now that hadn't been there on Tatooine, the light of freedom, of safety, of having her son within reach again. Her simple dress was clean and well-maintained, her hair pulled back in a practical bun, and every gesture she made carried a mother's love.
Beru Lars helped her, younger and more energetic, her blonde hair catching the lamplight as she moved between the kitchen and the table. She carried a platter of roasted vegetables, tubers from Tython's valleys, seasoned with herbs that Owen had been cultivating, and set it down with a smile that welcomed us as family rather than strangers.
Cliegg Lars sat at the head of the table, his weathered face creased with contentment. He watched his wife and stepson with obvious pride, his eyes crinkling at the corners when Anakin jumped up to help Shmi carry the heavy pot to the table.
Owen sat across from me, curiosity evident in his expression as he studied the three Jedi at his family's table. He was close to my age, maybe a year or two older, with the solid build of someone who'd spent his life working the land. His hands were calloused, his posture practical, but there was intelligence in his eyes, a sharp awareness that took in everything without seeming to stare.
"Anakin, your mother talks about you every day," Cliegg said as Shmi ladled stew into bowls, his voice warm with genuine affection. "She knew no matter where you were, you were out there shining like a star."
Anakin's face lit up with a smile so bright it could have powered the homestead's lights. Through the Force, I felt the surge of pure joy radiating from him, uncomplicated happiness that was rare for someone who carried as much weight as he did. He helped his mother with everything, carrying plates, refilling cups, talking animatedly about fixing up C-3PO to make him more helpful around the farm.
"I could reprogram his behavioral matrix," Anakin was saying, gesturing enthusiastically with a piece of bread. "Make him better at understanding agricultural terminology and moisture vaporator maintenance. He's got the processing power, he just needs the right software updates."
Cliegg chuckled, the sound deep and genuine. "That would be something. The protocol droid who can actually help with the harvest."
Shmi placed a gentle hand on Anakin's shoulder as she set down the last bowl. "Obi-Wan," she said, her voice soft but carrying clearly in the warm space. "I am sorry to hear about Qui-Gon. I thank you for still looking after Anakin all these years."
Obi-Wan's expression shifted. "It was truly my honor, Shmi. Qui-Gon believed in Anakin, and so do I. He would be proud of the man your son is becoming."
The words hung in the air for a moment, weighted with memory and loss. Anakin's smile didn't fade, but it softened. I could feel through our bond how much those words meant to him, validation from the master who'd taken him on despite the Council's doubts.
Shmi turned her warm gaze on me, and I felt suddenly exposed, like she could see right through whatever masks I wore, straight to the truth beneath. "It's wonderful to meet you, Cain, I thank you for looking after Anakin all these years. You truly are a wonderful friend, and I am glad he has you in his life."
Before I could respond, Anakin placed a hand on my shoulder, his voice carrying a note of pride that made my chest tighten. "He's more than that, Mom. Cain has been there by my side since day one. When everyone judged me, he had my back. He's taught me so many things and never judged me, he only encouraged me to hold to my memory and love for you. And now he's the reason we're united again. Like Obi-Wan, Cain is a brother to me now and always."
I was honestly caught speechless. I'd always looked up to Anakin, he is the Chosen One after all. I'd never seen myself on the same level as him, never even imagined he might see me as an equal. But for him to say that, to declare it so openly in front of his mother and his family, meant more than he could possibly know.
I smiled, trying to cover the emotion threatening to overwhelm me, and placed my arm on Anakin's shoulder as well. "Well, what can I say? Someone has to keep the mighty Oh Chosen One out of trouble."
"Oh really, Mr. Force prodigy?" Anakin responded with a smirk, his eyes dancing with mischief. "Who's gonna back you up when you get in over your head?"
I grinned. "Seris will. Compared to both of us, she'll resolve the problem without needing to fight and then lecture us about it for an hour."
The whole table erupted in laughter filled the small homestead with warmth. Obi-Wan chuckled, shaking his head at our banter. Owen grinned, clearly enjoying the dynamic between the three Jedi, while Beru covered her mouth to hide her smile. Shmi's eyes glistened with happiness, seeing her son so comfortable, so loved, so completely himself.
As the laughter died down and we began eating, the stew which was incredible. It was rich and savory with perfectly tender meat. Then Obi-Wan asked the question I'd been expecting. "Cain, how did you get Shmi and the Lars family here? Along with all the other settlers? Tython is dangerous, and coordinating that kind of evacuation and relocation would require significant resources and connections. Not to mention navigation the hyperspace routes"
I took a sip of tea, letting the hot liquid warm me from the inside, and met his gaze with what I hoped was a confident smile. "Why, it's elementary, my dear Knight Kenobi. I have some very deep connections all over the galaxy through my books. I used the help of some good people who were very costly to navigate the hyperpsace routes and map them. With the help of Noctis, I reached people in places the Republic has forgotten, people who want to break away from the corruption of their worlds or systems and start over. I sent sent people for them and offered them a chance to be part of something new. I also reached out to the Jedi Agricultural Corps."
Obi-Wan's eyes widened in surprise, his spoon pausing halfway to his mouth. "But why the Agricultural Corps? Are you trying to fill the ranks with Jedi who failed their training?"
My eyes narrow slightly, not in anger but in intensity. "Not necessarily, Obi-Wan. I heard a story once that if not for Master Jinn, you yourself would have been sent to the AgriCorps yourself, but look at you now, your an amazing Jedi , one of the few who embody a form of it. So the way I see it the Jedi's method of teaching isn't perfect. Some students need different approaches, different instructors for their own paths, and the most important thing, time to explore all those things. You're one of the few cases that prove some students just need the right master."
Obi-Wan sat there looking at his bowl, his expression thoughtful and perhaps a bit uncomfortable. The truth of my words had struck home and he knew better than anyone how close he'd come to a very different life. " Thank you for those kind words Padawan Cain. You might be onto something there, but how many have responded to your message?"
I brought my tea to my lips, speaking just before taking a sip. "Just around one thousand."
"One thousand?" Obi-Wan's voice rose slightly, genuine shock breaking through his usual composure. "Cain, we aren't nearly prepared for that many people. The Temple isn't even close to be restored and expanded. Not to mention the merchants and settlers haven't established a proper town yet. We're also still getting reports of dangerous weather and hostile wildlife so we need establish proper security procedures for Tython, orbital and for the temple. Not to mention we don't have nearly enough qualified instructors to train all of them."
"I know that very much, Knight Kenobi," I said, setting down my cup carefully. "But not everyone will be in the Order in the same capacity. Some will be part of research and development, learning to create Force-imbued technology and artifacts like the Jedi of old. It would be nice to know how to make a holocron again, or lightsaber-resistant materials. Others will focus on medical arts and sciences, or advanced combat techniques. But the most important thing, in my opinion, is learning control."
"Control?" Obi-Wan asked, his brow furrowing.
"Yes, learning to feel our emotions and navigate and understand them without being consumed by them. I don't know if you've noticed, Obi-Wan, but in this galaxy's history when a Force-sensitive falls or loses control or whatever you want to call it, the whole galaxy suffers."
"Cain, I think you're being too hard on the Jedi," Obi-Wan said, his tone defensive. "The Sith...."
"The Sith were originally an alien species that kept to their sector of the galaxy for the most part," I interrupted, unable to stop myself now that I'd started. "They were one of the few civilizations, not even advanced, mind you, to hold off the Rakatan Empire. And let's not forget that the ones who taught them how to use the Force and helped evolve their species were fallen Jedi. Every major conflict in the galaxy is, more often than not, caused by a Force-wielder losing their way."
Before I could continue down that path, Anakin placed a hand on my shoulder, his presence in the Force calm and grounding. "Calm down, Cain. Obi-Wan is just concerned, that's all. I believe he doesn't want you to take on more work than you can handle."
I breathed slowly, centering myself, feeling the tension drain from my shoulders. "Yeah, you're right. Obi-Wan, I can sit down with you another time and discuss the logistics of everything. Master Fay and Master Plo will be leaving for a few days. They won't return until the day of the meeting with the senators from around the galaxy."
Obi-Wan nodded, his expression softening. "I would like that, Cain. I may not agree with everything you're proposing, but I can see you've thought deeply about these issues. And perhaps... perhaps there is wisdom in questioning traditions that haven't served us as well as they should."
The rest of the meal passed in comfortable conversation—Owen asking about life at the Jedi Temple, Beru wanting to know about Coruscant, Cliegg sharing stories about establishing the farm on Tython's challenging terrain. Shmi mostly listened, her eyes moving between her son and his friends, a small smile playing at her lips. I could feel through the Force how content she was, how this simple meal represented everything she'd dreamed of during those long years of slavery—her son free, happy, surrounded by people who cared about him.
As we finished eating and helped clear the table, Anakin insisting on washing dishes despite his mother's protests. I then felt a deep sense of peace settle over me. This was what I was fighting for. Not some grand political schemes or military victories, but moments like this. A boy free to be with his family, and become the his best self, without being made to fit in a box that would limit him. Free to enjoy simple joys in life, a warm home full of parental love.
But even as I savored the moment, I knew it couldn't last. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, and new dangers. The wheels I'd set in motion were already turning, and everything is changing.
One week later, those wheels reached a critical point.
Starships and cruisers descended through Tython's atmosphere in a carefully coordinated sequence, their hulls gleaming in the afternoon sun as they approached the makeshift landing station that had been hastily constructed in the valley below the Temple. The station was little more than reinforced landing pads and basic refueling infrastructure, but it served its purpose, providing a secure location for the most important gathering the new Jedi Order had yet attempted.
Merchants and farmers watched from the upper valleys, their work forgotten as they witnessed the procession of ships. Even from a distance, they could tell that something momentous was about to happen. The Force itself seemed to hold its breath, waiting for what would come next.
Jedi Knights and Padawans led the arriving senators and potential allies through security checkpoints and up the winding path toward the Temple. Master Kuro oversaw the operation with Master Shaak Ti who moved among the guests guiding them with ease.
But while the public arrival proceeded smoothly, other movements happened in shadow. Several individuals in the crowd made brief, encrypted transmissions to figures across the galaxy. Spies and informants, their loyalties bought or coerced, reporting on who had come, what security measures were in place, and what opportunities might present themselves.
Deep within the Temple, in a chamber that had been reinforced with Force-dampening technology and holographic shielding, a very different gathering was taking place. The room was circular, carved from ancient stone that predated even the Old Republic. The glowlamps provided dim illumination, casting long shadows that seemed to move with a life of their own. The air was cool and still, insulated from the outside world by layers of stone and technology that made the chamber effectively invisible to any surveillance.
Around the perimeter of the chamber sat the assembled representatives, each wearing their assigned disguise. Owl (Bo-Katan) sat with the rigid posture. Geisha (Padmé) wore an elegant disguise that transformed her into an unrecognizable figure, her natural grace evident even through the costume. Princess (Satine Kryze), maintained her regal bearing despite the formal dress that concealed her identity.
Artist (Bail Organa) sat with his attention ready for anything to happen, his sharp mind already cataloging every detail of the meeting. Gaia (Mon Mothma), sat quietly as she kept an eye out other political allies or enemies. Frost (Riyo Chuchi) remained alert and observant, her analytical mind processing everything she witnessed even though she was very nervous.
Also present were several others: a striking Corellian Jedi official who said she was from House Velor, as a official on behave of Corellia. A Sephi woman with long blonde hair and piercing gray eyes, and long pointed ears, who had already expressed her desire to meet with Padawan Seris Velor and Cain after the meeting concluded. Which was not passed to Cain, but Seris noticed who was there and was nervous at seeing her here.
Followed by two Twi'lek representatives from Ryloth. A female Togruta representative from Shili. A Zabrak from Iridonia. And many more coming.
A few honorable CIS members who genuinely sought reform. From Mina Bonter, and Bec Lawise. Along with Intelligence operatives from systems that hadn't yet chosen sides. Leaders of independent worlds trying to navigate there growing crisis.
At the center of it all stood Noctis.
The black Revan-inspired costume that Josa had crafted was a masterpiece of intimidation and elegance. The armor was sleek and form-fitting, made from materials that absorbed light rather than reflecting it, making the figure seem to emerge from shadow itself. The cape flowed like liquid darkness, its edges seeming to blur and shift in the dim light.
But it was the mask that truly captured attention, a beautiful black with gold lining carved with intricate patterns, catching and refracting the glowlamp light in mesmerizing ways. The voice modulator built into the mask transformed speech into something otherworldly and unrecognizable, adding to the mystique. The Hood concealed the the mask and the face all the same but none of the air the person carried.
Emerald stood near Noctis, his green gem mask complementing his disguise. He had just finished his report on recruitment efforts across the Outer Rim, his voice carrying the weight of someone who had seen firsthand the desperation of systems caught between Republic corruption and Separatist aggression.
"Noctis, I hope you are well," Emerald said, his tone respectful but familiar. "I was able to get several key individuals to attend, but I must inform you, there are persistent rumors about Count Dooku himself planning to make an appearance. Nothing concrete, but the intelligence is coming from multiple sources."
Noctis stood silent for a moment, the mask's eye slits revealing nothing of the person beneath. When he spoke, the modulated voice carried absolute confidence. "I know, because he was invited. I will have that handled, so don't worry, just focus on staying safe. I can't guarantee that certain parties won't try to make a move with so many high-value targets gathered in one place."
Emerald nodded, adjusting his own mask slightly. "Understood. Is there anything else you need from me?"
"No, you've done more than enough," Noctis replied. "Join the others and I will address the full assembly in a few minutes."
As Emerald moved to take his seat among the other representatives, Noctis remained standing in the center of the chamber. To anyone watching, he appeared completely calm, and utterly in control. But through the encrypted earpiece hidden beneath the mask, he began to speak.
"Master Cain, did you hear that?" The voice was young, uncertain despite the confidence projected outward.
In the deep forest of Tython, miles from the Temple, I stood before the sleek form of Count Dooku's personal ship. The vessel had landed some time ago in a clearing far from the designated arrival area, its presence concealed by the dense canopy and the natural Force-rich environment that made sensor readings unreliable.
"I hear you, Noctis," I replied quietly, my eyes fixed on the ship's closed boarding ramp. "Follow the script and continue everything just as we rehearsed. You know what to say, what to offer. So trust the plan." Yes, sir."
As I focused back on Dooku's ship I didn't know why, but something about Dooku's presence felt wrong. Through the Force, I could sense the ship's occupant, but the signature was unlike anything I'd expected. It wasn't the bright, clearly defined Force light presence of someone like Master Windu or Master Plo. Instead, it was something else entirely, a mixture of blue and red, light and dark, blending together in a way that seemed natural rather than conflicted. Like a binary star system where two opposing forces existed in perfect, terrible balance.
What happened to him? I thought, my hand instinctively moving toward my lightsaber hilt. This isn't the Dooku from the movies. This is something different. Something more dangerous.
The ship's boarding ramp began to lower with a hydraulic hiss, and I straightened, centering myself in the Force. Whatever was about to happen, I needed to be ready. I'd come here hoping to reason with Dooku, to offer him a path away from Sidious's manipulation. But looking at that strange, hybrid Force presence, I wasn't sure reason would be enough.
The ramp touched the ground, and Count Dooku emerged.
The first thing I noticed was his physical condition. In the movies, Dooku had been elegant but elderly, his strength coming from technique and Force mastery rather than physical prowess. I could tell this Dooku was different. He was still lean, but his shoulders were broader, more defined. His movements carried an ease that suggested constant, rigorous training. Muscles were visible beneath his dark robes, they weren't not bulky, but clearly present in his from fitting regal clothing.
He's been training, I realized with growing concern. But why? Is it because of me and my influence of this universe events?
Dooku's face was still recognizable, the same aristocratic features, the same piercing eyes, the same carefully trimmed beard. But there was something harder about him now. He had a more youthful look to him then his movie counterpart.
That's when Dooku's gaze found me immediately, and a faint smirk crossed his lips. He took in my appearance with obvious interest Recognition flickered in his expression.
"You must be Padawan Cain," he said, his cultured voice carrying easily across the clearing. "I didn't know the Jedi of this new Order were expecting me even out here, or that they would send a Padawan to retrieve me. I'm flattered if not honored."
I bowed deeply, showing the respect due to a former Jedi Master regardless of his current allegiances. "Greetings Count Dooku. I was sent to lead you to the assembly. I know a route that's faster than the public path, seeing as you chose not to land at the designated area."
Dooku's eyes narrowed slightly, his smirk fading. "I do not need a guide, Padawan. I am not that old."
I turned my back to him, beginning to walk toward the trail, but glanced over my shoulder with narrowed eyes. "Count, you don't know your way to the assembly, but I take it you didn't want to be noticed. So why not have your spy droids do your reconnaissance while we discuss the real reason you're here?"
At that moment, my earpiece crackled to life. "Cain, this is Freeboy with Ice Princess." I heard Seris's voice cut in sharply. "I still hate that codename." Then Derren continued, "We found and eliminated several spy droids, these idiots really thought we wouldn't notice. We'll continue to look out for more, but we lost transmission with Skyguy, we think..." The transmission cut off abruptly.
I smirked, turning fully to face Dooku. "Never mind, Count. Your droids have been destroyed. So I guess you'll have to settle for me telling you what you want to know. Or should I call you Darth Tyranus instead?"
Dooku's expression shifted with slight surprise, then a cold build of murderous intent. His hand moved subtly, positioning itself for a quick strike if necessary. "Lead the way, Padawan."
I nodded and began walking, leading him past the trail, through the tree line, and into an open field. A river flowed several feet away, its waters clear and cold, fed by mountain springs. The river led to a waterfall at a nearby cliff, the sound of falling water providing a constant background rhythm.
Beyond the waterfall, the Tython Jedi Temple was visible in the distance, its ancient spires reaching toward the sky.
"This spot should be just fine," I said, stopping in the center of the field.
"For what, Padawan?" Dooku asked, his tone mocking. "Your grave, so no one knows where your body is?"
My smirk disappeared, my expression turning cold and stoic. "Count, I know why you left the Order and the Republic, and I agree with you."
"Oh, you do?" Dooku's eyebrow arched. "What does a child like you know about why I left the Jedi Order?"
"You saw firsthand the corruption in the Republic and how the Jedi had fallen from their true calling," I said, my voice steady and certain. "They helped, if not worked with the same people causing the majority of problems in the galaxy. While doing nothing for those who are suffering. From slavery, corruption, and needless suffering. The Jedi even forbid learning ancient knowledge of the Force. Not just techniques they deem to dangerous, but things like Nightsister magick and more. They'd rather keep the status quo than grow and evolve. But if history is any indicator, the Order will fall again after stagnating, as it always does."
Dooku crossed his arms, studying me with new interest. "I must admit, it is refreshing that one so young can see the ugliness of the galaxy and then decide to leave the Order to do something different. But little do you know, you are getting in the way of things bigger than you, plans made long ago."
"You're talking about the clone army, right?"
Dooku's eyes narrowed dangerously on me.
"Or are you talking about your master's plan for the Empire? Or is it both?"
Dooku's face remained cold, but his hand was ready to act, whether to choke me, kill me in a duel, or strike me with lightning. I could see through my shatterpoint sight how this moment was vital, how the Force itself was showing me this was a critical point.
"So what are you trying to say, Padawan?" Dooku asked, his voice deceptively calm. "Do you want to join me and help fight the evil of the galaxy, since you clearly know more than you should?"
"Count, I would prefer you join me and this Order and help us before it's too late. But you need to know, your master Sidious is just using you until he gets his hands on Anakin."
"How do you know that name?" Dooku's body made small adjustments, preparing for a quick strike.
"Count, it's not too late. You can make up for your failures."
"My failures?"
"Yes. Like how you saw what Komari Vosa was becoming, but you ultimately turned your back on her."
Dooku's eyes narrowed, and I could sense his frustration building. "What do you know about Komari Vosa? She was before your time as a Padawan."
I continued, knowing I was pushing him but unable to stop.
"I know Vosa was a promising Padawan to you when you were still a Jedi Master at the Temple. But she developed a secret, unhealthy infatuation with you and told you about it. She also exhibited an increasingly aggressive demeanor, which you noticed long ago but did nothing about for whatever reason you deemed necessary. In truth, she admired to the point she had a crush on you, and that made her push herself harder to earn your praise. But you never gave it seeing she wasn't like Qui-Gon. And instead of guiding her and correcting her behavior, and instead of setting her straight, you outed her to the Jedi Council. As a result of your poor teaching, they barred her from the Jedi Trials and essentially expelled her. She was so enraged from feeling betrayed and abandoned that she fled the Temple. But it doesn't end there, she fell to the dark side, just to be Force-choked to death by you after being defeated by the bounty hunter Jango Fett."
Dooku's frustration seemed to disappear, replaced by something colder and more murderous. "What is your point, Padawan? Or were you simply trying to throw my history at me?"
I noticed his micro-movements and began making some of my own, shifting my weight, preparing for what might come.
"I want you to stop before it's too late. I know you didn't want Master Jinn to die. I also know you want serious change, but killing Sifo-Dyas and falling to the dark side won't save the galaxy. So please, stop before it's too late and work with me, with us, to save everything."
Dooku's eyes narrowed at my plea. "You know nothing, boy, no matter how much you think you do. But let me make you an offer instead. You and Skywalker come join me under my master. You know so much, so I see that as your only choice, or be eliminated."
I figured he would say something like that. I'd hoped he would see reason, but words could only do so much. I shook my head. "No, Dooku. There is always a choice, and Anakin and I will never join you."
"Shame. I was told not to kill you both, but Skywalker is more than enough. Poetic, since he is my great-grand-student, a student of Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. Who is your master, boy?"
"I've had several masters who have taught me the ways of the Jedi and Force. Master Windu, Master Fay, and many more. But my main master is Master Plo Koon."
Dooku raised an eyebrow. "My, my. Such a talented individual to be taught by so many masters, even Windu of all people. So since Plo is your master, you should be a very capable duelist Padawan. But clearly not wise enough to know you shouldn't have come here alone, especially without your master at least."
I felt my blood begin to boil from excitement, part of me wants to fight him and test myself. While another part wants to solve this peacefully. "Make a move, old man, and see for yourself how capable I am."
Dooku suddenly thrust his hand forward, and Force lightning erupted from his fingertips. Brilliant blue-white energy that screamed through the air toward me. But in that instant, I heard sounds from the tree line. As a figure jumped out with incredible speed, lightsaber igniting mid-leap, blocking the lightning with a indigo lightsaber.
My eyes widened. "What are you doing here?"
Anakin stood in front of me, his lightsaber held in a perfect defensive position, the lightning crackling against the blade and dissipating harmlessly.
"I'm here to help you, Cain. You seriously can't think you could take on a former Master of the Order by yourself."
"That's not part of the plan, Anakin. I would have..."
"Would have what?" Anakin interrupted, grabbing my robes with his free hand. "Fought him alone and died? You know what that would do to the rest of us if you died here? This is your dream, Cain. We all believe in you, so stop doing everything alone and learn to ask for help."
"Well, well," Dooku said, adjusting his cloak with casual elegance. "Skywalker comes to join us as well. I will admit, I expected more if you were going to ambush me. Or did you really think two Padawans could honestly best me?"
"We didn't come here to fight," Anakin said, his voice steady. "But since you struck first, we now have reason to defend ourselves."
This is bad, I thought, my mind racing through possibilities. Dooku is still a better duelist than both of us. And he seems stronger then the version I knew from my past life. Unless we had master Plo, I don't know if we could win. He seems much different than his movie counterpart, which is deeply concerning.
"Count, is there really no way you could walk a new path with us as allies?" I asked, making one final attempt.
Dooku proceeded to get into a Makashi stance. His lightsaber remained unignited, but his posture was perfect, every muscle aligned for maximum efficiency. "I'm afraid not, children. But before I end things here, I will teach you both a lesson you will never forget."
I sighed unclipping my curve lightsaber hilt from my side. "Fine then." My golden lightsaber ignited, the blade humming to life with its distinctive dark hue. Anakin and I got into our Djem So stances and stood side by side.
We both could feel presences in the Force beginning to resonate with one another.
"Anakin, I'm sorry." I said not wanting to drag him into this moment.
"Don't be. You're my brother, so I always have your back like I know you have mine."
I smiled slightly feeling impowered by those words. "Thanks Anakin. Now let's face this old man together."
"Right."