Star Wars: Shadow of Skywalker

The artificial morning light in Anakin's quarters blinked to life, stirring him awake. The stark gray walls, smooth durasteel floors, and faint hum of machinery around him reminded him of where he was—not home, not Tatooine, but somewhere different. Somewhere powerful.

A familiar metallic voice broke the silence. "Sir, it is time for your morning studies. Lord Sidious has requested that you proceed with your lessons immediately. I have prepared your datapad with the assigned materials."

Anakin rubbed his eyes and nodded. "I'm ready," he muttered, even though his voice lacked conviction. The black protocol droid placed the glowing datapad on the small desk and exited without another word.

Anakin swung his legs off the bed, staring at the datapad as if it held the answers to his future. He didn't know what Sidious expected of him yet, but he had already vowed to himself: 'I won't be weak again. I'll learn everything I need to become strong'

The screen flickered to life, displaying the lesson's title: The Republic and the Structure of the Galaxy. A map of the galaxy spread before him, its bright Core Worlds contrasting with the dimmer Outer Rim territories. The lesson began with the Republic's origins.

"The Galactic Republic was founded over 25,000 years ago as an alliance among Core Worlds seeking mutual protection and economic growth. These founding planets drafted a constitution that laid the groundwork for governance, trade regulations, and shared defense."

Anakin's eyes followed the animated map as it detailed the Republic's early expansion. It started with the densely populated Core Worlds—planets like Coruscant, Alderaan, and Corellia—and spread outward to include the Mid Rim and Outer Rim territories.

The narrative continued:

"Coruscant, the capital of the Republic, became the political and economic center of the galaxy. Its sprawling ecumenopolis symbolized unity and progress. However, governing such an expansive civilization proved challenging. While the Republic touted ideals of democracy and equality, its immense size created logistical inefficiencies and opened the door to corruption."

The datapad explained how the Senate, composed of representatives from thousands of systems, served as the Republic's legislative body. But its democratic ideals often faltered under the weight of bureaucracy. Coalition governments, special interests, and corporate influence frequently delayed or undermined meaningful decisions.

Anakin's fingers tightened around the datapad. 'Thousands of senators… yet none lift a finger to help us on Tatooine...'

The lesson shifted to the Republic's approach to the Outer Rim:

"While the Core Worlds prospered, the Republic often overlooked the Outer Rim territories. These regions, plagued by lawlessness and exploitation, rarely received the resources or protection afforded to their Core counterparts. This disparity fueled resentment and fostered systemic inequality."

Anakin's frown deepened. "So they just let the Outer Rim suffer?" he muttered under his breath.

The next section described the Jedi Order, accompanied by a holographic depiction of a Jedi wielding a blue lightsaber.

"The Jedi Order, an ancient institution of Force-sensitive individuals, serves as guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy. They are bound by a code of discipline, selflessness, and non-attachment, dedicating their lives to maintaining balance."

Anakin leaned forward, captivated by the descriptions of their abilities. The Jedi Code was displayed on the screen:

"There is no emotion, there is peace.

There is no ignorance, there is knowledge.

There is no passion, there is serenity.

There is no chaos, there is harmony.

There is no death, there is the Force."

He studied the words, their stark contrast to the Sith Code Sidious had introduced him to the day before. The Jedi Code felt rigid, cold.

The datapad elaborated on the Jedi's role in the galaxy:

"The Jedi act as mediators, peacekeepers, and advisors to the Senate. Their training emphasizes discipline and control, discouraging personal attachments to prevent corruption by the Dark Side of the Force."

Anakin admired the Jedi's strength but felt a pang of bitterness. If they're so powerful, why didn't they stop the Tuskens? Why didn't they save her? Besides he now understood the vision shown to him by the artifact, those people easily slaughtered by dark figure were Jedi.

The final section shifted to the Sith. Unlike the calm, balanced tone of the Jedi section, this part radiated intensity.

"The Sith emerged as a faction of rogue Jedi who rejected the Order's philosophy of restraint. Embracing passion and ambition, the Sith believed the Force was a tool to be wielded, not a master to be served. Over time, they formed an empire that rivaled the Republic in power and influence."

The holographic display shifted to scenes of massive fleets, towering Sith Lords in dark armor, and legions of soldiers under crimson banners.

"At its height, the Sith Empire brought the galaxy to its knees. The Sith Emperor and his Dark Council commanded fear and respect, utilizing the Dark Side to subjugate countless systems. However, the Sith's reliance on individual ambition also proved to be their downfall. Infighting and betrayal weakened their unity, leaving them vulnerable to the Republic and the Jedi."

Anakin paused, his mind wrestling with the contradictions. The Sith were clearly powerful—stronger than anything he'd ever seen. 'But they destroyed themselves through infighting? It didn't make sense.'

That evening, Anakin sat across from Sidious in the Sith Lord's quarters. The datapad rested on the table between them, its screen dark.

"You've been studying," Sidious said, his voice calm and measured. "What have you learned?"

Anakin hesitated. "The Republic… it started out as something good, right? All those worlds working together, with the Senate keeping things fair. But… it doesn't seem fair at all."

Sidious leaned forward slightly, his tone encouraging. "Go on."

"They care about the Core Worlds," Anakin continued, his voice growing firmer. "But the Outer Rim? It's like we don't even exist. They let slavers run free. They didn't help us."

Sidious nodded slowly. "The Republic claims to stand for equality, but its reach is limited. The Senate is bloated with bureaucracy, and its members often prioritize their own interests over the greater good. Is it any wonder that worlds like Tatooine are left to fend for themselves?"

Anakin's gaze dropped to the table. "And the Jedi… they have all this power, but they just follow orders from the Senate. Why don't they help the people who really need it?"

"The Jedi," Sidious said, his voice taking on a subtle edge, "are bound by their Code. They suppress their emotions, deny their passions, and follow blindly. They serve the Republic, not its people."

Anakin frowned. "But the Sith… they were strong. Stronger than the Jedi. So why did they fail?"

Sidious smiled faintly. "The Sith of old were flawed. They sought power for its own sake, not for the greater purpose it could serve. But you, Anakin, are different. You will achieve what they could not. With the Dark Side as your guide, you will bring true order to the galaxy."

Anakin looked up, determination flickering in his eyes. "I'll do it. I'll be stronger than any of them."

Anakin stood in the cold, dimly lit training chamber. Its walls, forged from blackened durasteel, bore scars of countless clashes. In the center, Maul waited, arms crossed, his yellow eyes boring into Anakin with an intensity that could freeze a lesser being. The training chamber was devoid of distractions, save for the faint hum of machinery and the occasional drip of condensation from the ceiling.

Maul's voice cut through the silence like a blade. "Position."

Anakin snapped into a clumsy combat stance, his feet uneven and his grip on the training saber too tight. The weapon, though a harmless replica of a real lightsaber, hummed faintly, the blue blade illuminating his determined face.

Maul circled him like a predator sizing up prey. "Pathetic. Balance is everything. Without balance, you fall. Without precision, you die. Again."

Anakin tightened his jaw, gripping the training saber as if it were his lifeline. He stepped forward and swung with all his strength, aiming for Maul's shoulder. Maul moved effortlessly, sidestepping the blow and bringing his own saber down in a calculated counterstrike. Anakin blocked just in time, the clash sending a jolt through his arms.

"Better," Maul sneered, "but still weak."

The zabrak shifted his stance, sweeping his leg out and knocking Anakin's feet from under him. The boy hit the ground hard, the wind knocked out of him. Maul stood over him, his expression devoid of sympathy.

"Get up."

Anakin scrambled to his feet, his cheeks flushed with frustration. "I'm trying!"

"Trying isn't enough," Maul snapped. "You think your enemies will wait for you to learn? Do it right, or you'll die." He stepped back, gesturing for Anakin to attack again.

The session dragged on, each failed maneuver met with harsh corrections. Maul was relentless, his strikes precise and unforgiving. He pushed Anakin beyond his limits, demanding more than the boy thought he could give. Every misstep earned a sharp reprimand; every half-hearted swing was countered with a punishing blow.

Anakin's frustration grew, but so did his determination. He forced himself to focus, studying Maul's movements and trying to anticipate his counters. Slowly, his strikes became faster, his blocks more calculated. He landed a glancing hit on Maul's shoulder, though the zabrak deflected most of the force.

Maul smirked. "Finally, a spark of competence. Again."

By the end of the combat session, Anakin's body was drenched in sweat. His arms trembled from exertion, his legs felt like lead, and his breath came in ragged gasps. Maul offered no praise, only a curt nod before moving to the next part of their training.

The transition to physical drills was merciless. The training chamber shifted configurations, panels sliding back to reveal a set of parallel bars, ropes suspended from the ceiling, and a series of weighted objects.

"Strength is as important as skill," Maul said, his voice devoid of emotion. "Your body is a weapon. Make it strong, or it will fail you."

Anakin dropped to the ground, Maul counting off a rapid cadence. "Push-ups. Fifty. No pauses."

The boy began, his arms shaking by the twentieth repetition. By thirty, sweat dripped from his brow to the durasteel floor. His breath hitched as he struggled through the last few, but he didn't stop. He wouldn't stop.

"Time for the ropes," Maul barked, pointing to the dangling cords. Anakin staggered to his feet, his muscles screaming in protest. He grabbed the nearest rope and began to climb, his small hands gripping the rough fibers. Halfway up, his strength faltered, and he slipped.

Maul's voice was sharp. "Pathetic. Again."

Anakin gritted his teeth, dragging himself up again. He focused on the top of the rope, his vision blurring from exhaustion. When he finally reached the top, he allowed himself a small smile of triumph. But Maul wasn't finished.

"Down. Now sprints."

Anakin stumbled as he landed, his legs buckling under him. Maul pointed to the far end of the chamber. "Run. Back and forth until I say stop."

The boy obeyed, pushing his battered body to move. His feet pounded against the floor as he sprinted back and forth, his lungs burning with every breath. He lost track of how many laps he'd done, but Maul's impassive gaze never wavered.

"Enough," Maul finally said, his tone as cold as ever. Anakin collapsed to his knees, his chest heaving.

"Do you understand why I push you?" Maul asked, towering over him.

Anakin nodded weakly, wiping the sweat from his brow. "To make me stronger."

"To make you survive," Maul corrected. "You are not ready yet, boy. But you will be." He turned on his heel, leaving Anakin alone in the chamber.

Back in his quarters, Anakin slumped onto the bed, every muscle in his body screaming in protest. The training had been brutal, but he couldn't deny the flicker of pride he felt. He was stronger today than he had been yesterday.

As he stared at the ceiling, his mind wandered back to Maul's words. Your body is a weapon. Make it strong. It echoed in his mind, mingling with the lessons he had studied about the Sith and the Force. The Sith didn't just command the Force—they embodied power in every form.

But his thoughts weren't all pride. A kernel of doubt crept into his mind, questioning if he could ever truly master what Maul and Sidious demanded of him. The physical pain was bearable, but the weight of their expectations felt suffocating.

Shaking off the doubts, he picked up his datapad. There was still more to study, more to learn. He wouldn't let weakness define him.

That evening after hefty dinner, Anakin sat cross-legged in his quarters, the words of the Sith Code glowing faintly on his datapad.

"Peace is a lie, there is only passion."

He closed his eyes, letting his mind drift to the images that haunted him: his mother's face, the Tuskens' savage cries, the mercenaries' mocking laughter.

"Through passion, I gain strength."

He felt the anger rise within him, hot and unrelenting. He reached for the Force, trying to grasp that elusive energy he had felt before.

"Through strength, I gain power."

The spark came again, faint but undeniable. It flickered in the darkness, just out of reach. Anakin focused harder, his breathing ragged as he poured all his emotions into that tiny ember.

For a moment, the spark flared, sending a shiver through his body. It was fleeting, but it was enough.

A small smile crept onto his face. 'I'm getting closer, he thought. I'll never be weak again.'