Chapter 1

A young boy of about ten, marked as a Padawan learner by the singular braid that trailed over one shoulder, stood braced for an attack. His blue lightsaber glowed bright in the dark room. He stood tall, feet firmly planted on the ground, lightsaber gripped with both hands and his eyes closed. Taking a deep breath, he moved his weapon around with a swiftness and agility that rivaled some of the Jedi Knights. He was determined to prove his worth. Another deep breath and he heard the slight mechanical sounds of the exercise droid, firing electrical shocks through the air. The shocks were minor, yet painful reminders of why one needed to remain in a complete state of calm concentration while in battle. He deftly deflected the first few firings that came his way.

His thoughts began to drift just as he was struck by one of the droids shocks. He yelped in pain and gripped his thigh.

"You're losing your patience, Anakin. Patience is of utmost importance to a Jedi," Obi-Wan lectured.

"Yes, Master; but why must we continue this same exercise? We know that I'm able to deflect them with my eyes closed, using the Force. Can we not move onto something more taxing?"

"The lesson here is not to deflect them, it is to be patient. You are too rash and unpredictable; you must learn patience, my very young Padawan." On the outside, the Jedi Knight frowned at his apprentice, though inside he couldn't help but chuckle, remembering that he too had once been anxious to complete his training.

"Yes Master," Anakin replied again, frustrated but making an attempt to understand things from the Jedi's perspective. "I will try harder, Master." Sometimes Anakin wondered if maybe he hadn't been freed from slavery, but instead given into another, just as restricting, that took on the form of the Jedi Order. Immediately pushing the thought from his mind, he scolded himself, remembering that it had been his own choice to follow Master Jinn and pursue the life of a Jedi. Because he wanted to see the stars and the universe, and because his mother had believed in him. But most of all, because they had believed that he was the Chosen One, the One who would restore the balance to the force.

And because of all these reasons, Anakin picked up his lightsaber again, and started the exercise with a new mindset. He would prove his worth to everyone.

"Master Yoda, Master Windu, Jedi Council, I present to you this young girl, Costia Dolciam from the Sirius star system," Jedi Knight Doma Mionne began with a respectful bow to his superiors. The mention of the child's name brought several curious looks and whispers.

Upon being introduced, a small girl of about six entered the room, also giving a bow as she reached the center of the room alongside Doma. The shy child clung to the Jedi's tunic. Doma cleared his throat and continued. "Upon my recent visit to the Sirius system, this child's mother requested that I present the girl to the council in hopes of training her in the ways of the Jedi. If the Council votes on her training, I would be most willing to see to it myself. If training is denied, I will escort her back to her mother."

"Older than most, but young enough she is to start proper training," Master Yoda said, as he approached the child. "Allow her training, I will, if the Council does not object." With this, he turned to the Council, none of whom spoke up in disagreement. "Train, then, the child will." With this, Yoda hobbled back to his seat with the aid of his cane.

Doma bowed once again, the child following his lead, as he escorted her back out of the room. Her living arrangements would be arranged immediately. She would be made comfortable, and then her training would begin in the morning.

As they left the Council Room, Master Yoda nodded his head. "A strong sense of the Force, this child has. Only one does she seem to compare to."

"Young Skywalker," Master Windu stated, finishing the sage's thought. "Then we have another candidate for the Chosen One. How are we to know which will fulfill the prophecy?" he asked, propping his chin up on his hand, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.

"Prove their worth, they will. Valuable both of them will be; but restore the balance, only one can."