Eternal Balance: Chapter 8, Part 1

By The Al Bhed Slayer

A/N: I'm actually going to use an idea a reviewer gave me (thanks Amanda!). Ani's gonna hafta help Akaia, while she learns of her darker side…Enjoy the chapter! I decided to break up this chapter so I could get this part out and still not be done…I still have finals to study for next week. But this weekend I'll be sure to a make much longer chapter. Part 2 should be out by this afternoon! R'n'R!

FLASH FORWARD (future part of story):

Eyes flickering yellow, she easily took the lightsaber from him. She clenched her jaw, every muscle in her screaming in pain. She knew what had to be done, although she was risking losing everything. She would lose everything; there was no doubt in her mind. She heard pleas coming from far off, but ignored them. She looked at the person before her, sending a silent apology. She tightened her grip on her weapon. She let herself be consumed in hatred…she was gone. Whatever she had been had died. She read the fear in his eyes as she mercilessly shoved the blade of the lightsaber through his heart.

Remorseless, she moved on to the ship, awaiting her meeting with her next prey.

Her hands shook wildly. What had she become? She pushed away the guilt…there was no other option. If not her, it would have been him. He would've been lost to all who care for him…barely human at all. She couldn't let that happen.

A lump formed in her throat, she finally let the tears fall.

I have to do this…it's too late to go back.

She had to save the man she loved from himself.

Present

The next morning, Akaia immediately changed and left the room, trying desperately to get rid of the confusing thoughts. She had started to blame Anakin. Especially after last night. Not that she had necessarily complained, but, for him…she knew it was wrong. Wasn't he in love with Padme? Wasn't he training to be a Jedi? What was he thinking when he kissed her? And her reaction…she had told him she was tired and needed sleep, which wasn't a complete lie…

On top of all of this, her bad feelings increased tenfold after having a dream about…she didn't really know, much less understand it. There had been so much anger…the sickening sound of a lightsaber slicing through flesh was heard. It seemed so familiar…was it part of her past? She shook off the uneasy feeling,

She cautiously walked through the halls, thinking back again to the more pleasant part of the night. As wrong as it was, Akaia couldn't help but smile at the memory.

"Akaia?" a young woman's voice came.

The former guardian spun around to see Padme. Great, she thought. "What is it?"

"It's about Ani," she began worriedly. "There's something wrong. He had another nightmare, but…I think they're getting worse."

"Worse?" Akaia echoed. She stood there for a minute, debating whether she should talk to him or continue her resolve to distance herself from him.

Hesitantly, she walked off to find him.

She doubted this was the brightest idea, but sought to help her friend as best she can. Finally, after roaming a few minutes, she found the room he'd been staying in. The door was cracked open only slightly and no noise came from inside. She carefully pushed the door open completely, then stepping inside.

Anakin sat on the bed quietly, eyes now raised to the room entrance. He didn't say a word, just staring. She slowly made her way over and sat beside him. She looked at him expectantly, tilting her head a bit. "Are you going to tell me what's happening?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," He responded, fixing his eyes on the floor.

"Yes, you do," she argued. Her eyebrows furrowed together. "Are they really getting any worse?"

He glanced quickly over to her, sadness emanating from him.

She mirrored his emotions. "They couldn't be as bad as they seem," she answered, optimism faltering.

"You were in it," he told her quietly.

She paused. "What?"

"You were in my dream," he repeated. "You have been for a while."

She thought a moment. "But you said you've been having nightmares of you're mother…"

"And I have," The future Jedi confirmed. "But when I don't…All I see are millions that'd been murdered. My arms and legs go numb. And then you were there. It was like…you were trying to apologize for something. Lately, each time I have this dream, I feel like I'm…burning…I couldn't escape it."

She placed a hand on his shoulder, concerned. Silence enveloped the room, but was soon broken again. "I've been having strange dreams too, though very different." She began. "There's so much anger all around and only the sound of a lightsaber cutting through skin. It was…disturbing."

"What do you think they mean?" Anakin asked reluctantly.

"I'm not sure…We're not even sure if they're connected."

"They could be, Master Yoda even said so," he commented.

She stopped for a moment, thinking over something. "I've been wondering if he had the prophecy still…Maybe that'll give me a clue to my past…"

"Perhaps we could use Artoo to transmit a message to the council," he offered.

She arched an eyebrow. "Do you think they'll just hand over the prophecy?"

"If they don't, we'll make them," he replied, grinning.

She rolled her eyes…He's back to normal, She thought. But one thought still weighed her down…she had to ask. "About last night…"

His face turned serious. "I hope you don't expect me to apologize."

A bit shocked, she started again. "What? No. That's not what I meant."

"Then what is it?" he inquired anxiously.

"Why?" she simply asked.

His eyebrows knitted together in confusion. "Why what?"

She sighed, frustrated. "Why did you kiss me?"

He broke out in a smile, causing Akaia to glare at him. "I had to prove something to myself."

She paused, thinking. "And?"

He smile grew. "I did."

TBC in PART 2

A/N: Any good?Just remember I've had no sleep since I started the fic. Oh and keep reviewing! See ya later.