Chapter 7: 7)A Path Revealed
Nine years had passed, and I was no longer the boy confined to a sterile lab on Kamino. Now, at fifteen, I was the culmination of tireless work, unyielding discipline, and the Kaminoans' vision of perfection. I stood tall at 1.8 meters, my lean but powerful frame a testament to years of training. My long black hair flowed down to my shoulders, framing my pale skin and piercing blue eyes. The Kaminoans saw me as their crowning achievement, but I saw Kamino as home—a place I had grown to cherish amidst the endless storms.
The clones had become my family, my brothers. From an early age, I trained with them, sparred with them, and shared their camaraderie. Though I was different—an experiment of unmatched ambition—they treated me with respect and affection. Their sense of purpose and unwavering loyalty had left an indelible mark on me. To them, I was not just a weapon or a superior hybrid; I was one of them.
Still, my path had diverged from theirs. While the clones trained for war, my focus extended far beyond the battlefield. My studies were rigorous, covering advanced sciences, strategy, and history. But it was in the Force that I made the most progress. I delved into both the light and dark sides, unrestrained by the dogmas that bound the Jedi or Sith.
I mastered Force Healing, a Jedi ability that allowed me to mend wounds and accelerate recovery. This skill was vital, especially considering my regeneration factor, inherited from the Gen'Dai. While my healing abilities were remarkable compared to humans, they were inferior and slower to that of pureblood Gen'Dai. I could recover from serious injuries far faster than others, but there were limits— to many wounds or too grievous or extensive would drain me of my energy and slow down my recovery considerably.
From the Sith teachings, I learned Force Lightning, harnessing its raw, destructive power without succumbing to its allure. I also mastered Force Choke and Force Crush, abilities that showcased the sheer dominance of the dark side. But I tempered this power with balance, using it only when necessary.
To further hone my abilities, I crafted a double-bladed lightsaber with artificial kyber crystals, its violet blades humming with energy. The weapon was an extension of my philosophy—balanced, yet deadly. It required precision and adaptability, forcing me to perfect my form and strategy.
Kamino itself had changed with the onset of the Clone Wars. The once-quiet laboratories and training grounds were now bustling with activity. Clone troopers were deployed across the galaxy to fight the Separatists, and the air was thick with urgency. Despite the growing tension, I found solace in the familiarity of Kamino's rain-soaked skies and the steady rhythm of waves crashing below the platforms.
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One morning, I was summoned to the Ambassador's Office. I entered the sterile, pristine room and was greeted by an unexpected sight. Three Jedi Masters stood before me, their presence radiating power and authority.
At the center was Master Yoda, his small frame leaning on his gimmer stick, his wise, ancient eyes studying me intently. To his left stood Mace Windu, tall and imposing, his sharp gaze sweeping over me with scrutiny. On the right was Obi-Wan Kenobi, calm and composed, his expression curious but guarded.
The Kaminoan ambassador gestured toward me. "This is Gabriel. The Jedi Council has been made aware of his existence and wishes to assess his potential."
I inclined my head respectfully. "Masters. It's an honor to meet you."
Obi-Wan stepped forward, his brow furrowing as he took in my appearance. "You're… fifteen? You're remarkably advanced for your age."
Mace Windu's gaze darkened, his voice filled with skepticism. "Fifteen? You're taller than most grown men, and your presence in the Force… it's unusually strong. How far have you progressed?"
Yoda hummed, his ears twitching as he observed me. "Strong in the Force, you are. Mastered much, you have, for one so young. Explain this, can you?"
I nodded, meeting Yoda's gaze. "The Kaminoans enhanced my biology, but my progress is due to relentless training. I've spent years studying the Force—not just the light or dark side, but both. To me, the Force is one, not divided by dogma."
Obi-Wan's curiosity deepened. "You've studied both sides? That's… uncommon. Most who delve into the dark side are consumed by it."
"I'm aware of the dangers," I said calmly. "But I see the Force as a tool, not a religion. The light and dark sides are two halves of the same whole. Both can be used for good—or for destruction. It's the intent behind the power that matters, not the power itself."
Mace Windu stepped closer, his expression tense. "The dark side is not something to be toyed with. It corrupts, no matter how strong you think you are. No Jedi has ever embraced it without falling to its temptations."
"I don't let it control me," I replied evenly. "I use it when necessary, just as I use the light. Force Lightning, Force Choke—they're tools, just like Force Healing or Force Sense. I wield them with balance, not malice."
Yoda's gaze was thoughtful but wary. "Difficult, this path you walk. Dangerous, it is, to stray so close to the dark side."
Obi-Wan added, "Your philosophy is… unique, but it concerns me. The Jedi believe in restraint, in using the Force selflessly. Can you truly maintain balance without falling into darkness?"
I took a moment to answer, choosing my words carefully. "I believe balance is the natural state of the Force. The Jedi focus on serenity and selflessness, while the Sith embrace passion and power. But both extremes are flawed. By mastering both, I can remain whole."
Mace Windu's expression remained troubled. "And what of your training here? The Kaminoans claim you've already surpassed many Jedi in your abilities."
I nodded. "I've trained relentlessly, not just in combat but in strategy and science. I've learned to adapt and grow. The Kaminoans gave me the tools, and I've made the most of them. This is my home, and the clones are my brothers. I'll fight to protect them—and Kamino."
Yoda's ears perked up. "Protect them, you wish? Fight in the war, you will?"
The Kaminoan ambassador interjected. "We believe Gabriel has reached a level of skill that makes him a valuable asset in the Clone Wars. It is time for him to leave Kamino and contribute to the Republic's efforts. Plus he is the only one of his kind, no other specimen managed to survive until now."
Mace Windu's gaze hardened. "If he's to fight in this war, he must be guided. His power is too great to remain unchecked. He needs a mentor."
Yoda nodded. "Agree, I do. Guidance, he needs. Obi-Wan, perhaps the one to lead him, you are."
Obi-Wan looked at me thoughtfully. "You'll need discipline and clarity if you're to fight alongside the Republic. If you're willing, I'll take you under my wing."
I straightened, determination filling my voice. "I'm ready. I've trained for this my entire life."
Yoda's expression softened slightly. "Much to learn, you still have. But potential, great it is. Careful, you must be, to not lose your way."
Mace Windu's voice remained stern. "We'll be watching you closely. If you falter, the consequences will be severe."
I met his gaze, unflinching. "I won't falter."
As the meeting concluded, I felt a mix of anticipation and resolve. The Jedi Masters had seen my strength, but they were wary of my path. I understood their concerns, but I knew the truth of my abilities and the balance I sought. The galaxy was at war, and I was ready to take my place in it—on my terms.