Chapter 3: 3) Wishes
"My first wish is to be a hybrid of human, Gen'Dai, and Zabrak," I said, my voice laced with a quiet excitement.
I had to make this second chance count, and I wasn't about to settle for the ordinary. I wanted to make the most of every advantage the Star Wars universe could offer, and if that meant blending the best of three distinct species, then so be it.
Dave raised an eyebrow, seemingly impressed. I could feel the weight of his gaze—almost like he was scrutinizing the very essence of my soul. His glowing form flickered as if reflecting the uncertainty in my mind. I couldn't tell if he was considering the request or just amused by the audacity of it.
"Gen'Dai are one of the most overpowered species in the Star Wars universe," I continued, almost caught up in the excitement of it all. "They're massive, incredibly strong, and they are capable of regenerating every part of their body except their brain. They don't have organs—just pure living muscle—and they can live for over 7,000 years. Zabraks, on the other hand, are known for their physical resilience. Their two hearts make them extremely difficult to wear out, and they're capable of fighting for hours on end without tiring. Humans, of course, are the most common species, but their adaptability and sheer willpower are what make them stand out. Combining all three should give me an interesting balance, don't you think?"
Dave's eyes narrowed, a spark of something like curiosity flashing in his cosmic gaze. "That's a bold combination," he said slowly, as if weighing the potential impact of my choice. "You do realize that each species has its own… contradictions. The Gen'Dai are far from human in nature, while Zabraks, despite their physical toughness, are rooted in traditions and emotions that might not sit well with your human side."
I'd thought about that. A lot.
"I understand," I said, my voice steady despite the rising storm of doubts in my chest. "I'm not expecting a perfect fusion. I'm hoping the traits will complement each other rather than clash. Besides, it would be boring if everything was handed to me on a silver platter. I want to earn my power and understand the consequences of my decisions."
Dave stroked his chin in thought, his fingers glowing faintly, like an ancient being lost in the contemplation of time. "Well, it's certainly within my power to make you a hybrid," he said finally. "But remember, the merging of such distinct species will mean a very… unconventional upbringing. You won't inherit every ability from all three. I can give you the potential, but you'll need to learn how to live with it. Some of these traits may not even manifest the way you expect."
I nodded slowly, trying to keep my excitement in check. This wasn't going to be a walk in the park, I knew. It was going to be difficult, maybe even painful. But in the end, it would be worth it.
"I expected as much," I said quietly, my mind already racing with the possibilities. The struggle would make it worthwhile, and I was ready for it. There was no easy path here. But it's not like I had an easy paths in my old life.
Dave grinned, his form shimmering with the intensity of his amusement. "Alright, Gabriel. I'll grant your wish. But don't expect everything to be handed to you. The world will have a way of testing you."
Before I could process that, a notebook materialized in front of Dave, its pages flipping rapidly, almost of their own accord. I had no idea what was in it, but the way he reached for it with such ease made it seem like an ordinary task—like this was just another day in the grand scheme of the universe.
"Next!" he said, his tone as light as ever, but with a glimmer of excitement underneath it.
I had to fight the urge to roll my eyes. I wasn't sure if I was still getting used to the fact that I was talking to a being that had no real limits, or if I just had too many questions. Why did I even bother expecting to be surprised anymore?
"My second wish," I said, taking a deep breath, "is to be Force-sensitive, with a midi-chlorian count of 30,000."
I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I was being too ambitious. Was it greedy to ask for that much potential? But the more I thought about it, the more it felt right. Anakin Skywalker had the highest recorded count of 27,000, and while I wasn't looking to surpass him or take his place, having a strong potential would allow me to grow at my own pace.
Dave raised an eyebrow, and for a brief moment, I saw a flicker of something in his eyes—amusement, maybe, but also a hint of caution. "Accepted," he said, almost too casually.
I blinked. "What? Just like that?" I asked, my voice betraying my surprise.
Dave chuckled, a sound that resonated deep in my bones, as though the universe itself was laughing with him. "Yep, just like that. Sure, 30,000 is higher than Anakin's count, but it's not some godly number. I mean, the difference between 27,000 and 30,000 is not that big in the grand scheme of things. If you'd asked for 50,000 or 100,000, though, I would've had to take a step back and reconsider."
I exhaled, feeling the pressure release from my chest. Okay, that was easier than expected. But Dave's next words gave me pause.
"Your midi-chlorian count won't make you a Jedi Master overnight. It's just potential. You'll have to train. Hard. Just like everyone else. Don't get too comfortable thinking this is the shortcut to power."
"I get it," I said, nodding. "It's just the foundation. The rest is on me, I wouldn't have it any other way."
"Great," Dave said with a grin. "I like you, Gabriel. You've got the right mindset."
I couldn't help but smile. I'm getting this, slowly but surely. I'm not asking for some cheap shortcut; I'm asking for the chance to prove myself.
"Alright," Dave said, leaning forward in his seat. "The third wish. What will it be?"
I took another breath, my mind racing with the possibilities. This last wish was critical. It had to be something that would tie everything together, something that would give me the edge I needed to navigate this new life.
"I wish to be a genius," I said, my voice firm with resolve. "I want a high IQ, a photographic memory, and the ability to grasp complex concepts quickly. I want to learn everything I can, as fast as I can."
There was a long pause. I could feel the weight of the decision hanging in the air. This one's huge. If I get this wrong, I might end up with too much power and no real understanding of how to use it.
Finally, Dave broke the silence. "Great choice!" he said, snapping his fingers as the notebook vanished into thin air. "Now you're all set. You've got the potential to change the galaxy. But remember, the more you know, the more responsibility you'll have."
I nodded. "I understand."
But then, something suddenly hit me.
"Wait," I said, my heart suddenly pounding. "Where—exactly—are you sending me in the Star Wars universe? And when?"
Dave's expression shifted slightly, his cosmic presence flickering as he leaned back in his chair, the stars around us seemingly twinkling in response. "I could tell you, but that would ruin the surprise," he said with a playful smirk. "Besides, there's the little matter of your birth. I'll have to pull a few strings for that."
I opened my mouth to ask more, but Dave held up a hand.
"Anything else before I send you off?"
I stood there, feeling the magnitude of what was happening. I had been given a second chance, a new life, and everything I had ever wanted. But there was one thing I had to say.
"Yes," I said quietly, my voice softer now, the enormity of the moment settling over me. "I just… I want to thank you. For giving me this chance. I know it might sound crazy, but it means everything to me. I promise I won't waste it."
Dave's smile softened, a warmth to it that was almost human. "You're welcome, Gabriel. Just don't forget to enjoy it. You've earned this, and now it's time to go."
Before I could say anything more, the blinding light returned, washing over me and consuming every thought, every feeling, until there was nothing left but a pulsing emptiness.
And then, just as suddenly, everything went dark.
I couldn't move. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't even scream, my senses swallowed by something thick and oppressive—like I was suspended in an alien liquid. I fought to make sense of what was happening.
'WHERE THE HELL AM I?'