Timeframe: One year later | Cain is now 9 years old
Setting: Jedi Temple – Meditation Sanctum | Spiritual Trial Chamber
A Year of Growth
A full year had passed since Nizorad. In that time, Cain grew stronger, sharper—but not louder. His gifts expanded, but he never flaunted them. His instincts deepened, his philosophy matured.
By day, he trained under Master Plo Koon in lightsaber forms, tactical philosophy, and judgment in war.
By twilight, he studied the mysticism of the Force, empathy, healing, and ancient spiritual codes with Master Fay.
At night, he meditated—alone or with his friends—often sharing quiet sessions of reflection and stillness with Seris, Barriss, Derran, and Anakin.
Together, they grew into their power.
But Cain always knew a harder test was coming. And one evening, while in silent meditation, he felt it.
The Summons to the Trial
The door to the garden meditation room opened.
Cain didn't look up. He already felt them: Master Plo Koon and Master Fay.
"It's time," Plo said.
Cain opened his eyes, stood, and bowed.
"Then I'm ready."
Fay gave a small smile. "Let's hope so."
Entering the Trial Chamber
The Jedi Temple's Trial Sanctum was rarely used outside of Knight ascension. But this chamber had been repurposed for something more ancient.
A circle of glowing Force crystals lit the room in hues of gold and violet. At its center, a stone pedestal—bare, for now.
Fay gestured to the center.
"This is not combat. Not a puzzle. This is your Trial of Balance, Cain. You will face yourself."
Cain stepped forward, breathing deeply.
"I'm not afraid."
"Then you've already begun," Plo said.
The Trial Begins
As Cain sat cross-legged and entered meditation, the world around him shifted.
He stood in a void made of starlight, with echoing steps that had no floor. A mirror appeared—then shattered—then reformed into a door. He stepped through.
Now he was on Malachor V.
Ash fell from the sky. Corpses of Jedi and Sith lay broken around a towering figure: a dark version of himself.
This Cain wore a silver mask. His lightsaber was black and gold. His eyes were cold.
"You could save them all," the dark Cain said. "With control. With fear. You're smart enough to make the galaxy bow—why waste time with compromise?"
Cain stepped forward.
"If I become you… then I destroy the very soul I'm trying to protect."
Dark Cain circled him.
"What good is philosophy when the weak die screaming?"
Cain didn't flinch.
"I won't lead by fear. I will lead by faith."
The dark Cain ignited his blade.
But Cain didn't raise his.
Instead, he opened his palm.
And light poured from it.
"I don't need to fight you. You're not my enemy. You're my fear."
The blade vanished.
The trial ended.
Return and Reward
Cain opened his eyes.
Sweat on his brow. Chest calm. His Masters watched with unreadable expressions.
Plo Koon finally spoke.
"You faced temptation not with resistance… but with acceptance. That shows maturity far beyond your years."
Fay nodded. "You've passed, Cain."
She stepped forward and placed a holocron in his hand.
It shimmered with a warm amber-gold hue.
"The teachings of Bastila Shan," Fay said softly. "A Jedi of strength, passion, and redemption. One who fell and returned—not out of fear, but for love."
Cain bowed his head, deeply humbled.
"I'll study it under your supervision. And I'll prove I'm worthy of what it offers."
Plo's deep voice added, "We expect nothing less."
First Contact
Later that evening, Cain sat in his quarters, Bastila Shan's holocron floating before him.
With a deep breath, he touched it.
The crystal flared, and a flickering projection emerged—a woman in sleek armor, calm and proud.
"My name is Bastila Shan. If you've found this, then you seek more than just knowledge. You seek the balance between discipline… and love."
Cain exhaled slowly.
Then I've found the right guide.
Force Codex Entry – Log 006
Subject: Bastila Shan – A Path Forged in Fire
She was not perfect. She was not revered. But she was powerful, and she chose redemption over power. That's what I need to remember: not every fall is forever. And not every mistake deserves exile.
If I can master her lessons—compassion, clarity, battle meditation—I can shape more than minds. I can shift tides.
This is the first step. The real training begins now.