Eternal Balance: Chapter 13

By The Al Bhed Slayer

A/N: And I am back with the second to last chapter! Well, technically, the third to last, since there's an epilogue (which I've already written!). And you know how I said that the chapter before would've been named "Revelations"? Well, I was wrong. That would be this chapter! See? This is why I don't name chapters in the first place. BTW, the end of the chapter contains the second to last surprise! Yep, there's another surprise which will appear in the last real chapter. I can't wait! I can almost see the finish line! Yay! Lol. R'n'R!

The chariots slowly moved towards the four stone pillars, one already occupied. Cheers came from the clay-made stands as Geonosians looked on in mere amusement at the soon-to-be-victims. As the three drew closer to their destination, Anakin and Akaia glanced at Obi Wan who stared back not so much in shock, but in discontent. As the creatures shoved them off them vehicles, each was securely chained to their own pillar, or so they thought. As soon as she'd been chained up, Akaia diligently searched for a flaw in the metal restraints. Two pillars away from her, she heard Obi Wan say, "I was beginning to wonder if you had gotten my message."

As Anakin was chained to the pillar, he replied, "I retransmitted it as you requested, master." He paused a second, then adding rather meekly, "Then we decided to come and rescued you."

For a split moment, Obi wan stared at him incredulously. "Good job!" he retorted.

As the Geonosians who'd chained them up left the stadium, the crowded erupted in an ear-shattering roar. Taking their place in the archducal box, Dooku, the Fetts, and many other's eyes fell to the four captives. The Geonosian beside Count Dooku spoke to the crowd, causing its 'people' to cheer again just as loudly. Seconds later, one by one, three large creatures walked and/or crawled towards the four. Eyes wide, Anakin muttered, "I've got a bad feeling about this."

Ignoring the comment, Akaia continued searching for some mistake in the cuffs. After minutes of checking the restraints over and over again, in the chain link connecting the cuffs to the rest of the chain, there was a small opening. Moving her arms slightly, she made the link turn to its side, the opening now connected to the next link, as she pulled at the chains with all her strength. The thunderous footfalls of the monsters before them became louder and louder, making Akaia's actions more hurried. As the ends of the chain link pulled apart further with each forceful pull, out of the corner of her eye, Akaia saw Padme picking her lock and setting herself free. With one more tug, the former guardian was free of the chain connecting her to the pillar as she glanced to right, seeing Padme climbing the stone structure. To her left she heard the voices of the two males.

"Take the one on the right. I'll take the one on the left," Obi Wan told his padawan hastily.

"What about Akaia and Padme?" Anakin asked his master before noticing both women had found their own way out of the restraints.

"They seem to be doing quite well on their own," Obi Wan responded.

Akaia glanced around as the horned creature charged at Anakin, only to have him jump onto its back. And seeing as Obi Wan was doing rather nicely with his own monster, Akaia turned her attention to the last of the group who stood on the stone pillar using her chain as a whip to ward off the furry…whatever it was. Great, She thought miserably. Just as the monster was about to slash at her back, it was sent hurling to the other side of the arena. Padme exhaled in relief, glancing down only to see Akaia.

"Looked like you needed some help," the former guardian shouted to her.

To Akaia's left she spotted remnants of the one of the pillars. Here goes…well everything. Taking a deep breath she focus on the piece of stone as it rose slowly into the air. You know, this would be easier without the stupid cuffs on, she thought bitterly as she used all her might to toss the pillar into the creature she'd force-pushed not a minute ago. That worked out well…

Before she could take a second to breathe, another monster stood before her, growling. Only when she glanced up, she saw Anakin on its back, grinning. "Need a lift?"

Rolling her eyes, she jumped onto the monster, holding on to Anakin for balance. Still she didn't hold on very well, seeing as her wrists were still linked together. Returning her attention to the matter at hand, she asked lightly, "So how's your day so far?"

Anakin let out a laugh as he steered the monster in Padme's direction. Coming to a halt at the pillar, he glanced up at the senator. "Jump!"

Padme looked down uneasily before jumping and landing right behind Akaia. Making the monster turn around Anakin sent it towards Obi Wan. Moments later, the Jedi jumped on as well. The creature stayed in place after that, Akaia now looking down at it. "I'm not sure this thing is made to hold four people!...Or any people!"

Just as Anakin was about to reply, out came a few destroyer droids, now shooting at them. Completely nonchalant, Akaia turned to Padme. "Mind if I use that pick?"

Padme nodded, Handing over the pick. Hastily, Akaia unlocked her handcuffs, throwing them aside. As if on cue, all around the stadium, lightsabers ignited.

Just in time for the fun, Anakin's voice echoed in Akaia's mind.

She glared at him for a short while. Well, I'm glad someone thinks this is fun.

Before long, several Jedi tossed Obi Wan, Anakin, and Akaia lightsabers. Just after switching them on, the creature they'd been sitting on bucked, throwing them off. All four now cut through the steadily increasing number of droids and Geonosians.

As Akaia slashed the lightsaber through another group of droids, she sighed in frustration. This would be so much simpler if I just use sith lightning! She growled angrily, beheading an oncoming Geonosian. But I can't! Not with all these Jedi around! They'd probably think I'm the enemy! Slicing through more enemies, she continued fighting, figuring it was in her best interest to not use sith powers. Unfortunately, while occupied by thoughts and killing, she felt a sharp pain on the back of her head, while her world went to complete darkness.

The fighting raged on for a while, as Jedi, droids, and Geonosians littered the dry ground of the arena. As more droids marched out, the Jedi formed a tight circle in the center of it all. Suddenly the droids stopped. Concerned, Anakin stayed in place while his eyes searched everywhere for Akaia.

From above the Jedi heard the familiar voice of Count Dooku as he began to speak. "Master Windu! You have fought gallantly. Worthy of recognition in the history archives of the Jedi Order. Now it is finished." He paused. "Surrender - and your lives will be spared."

Mace remained stern as he stared at Dooku in defiance. "We will not be hostages for you to barter with, Dooku."

With a sympathetic look, Dooku replied, "Then, I'm sorry, old friend. You will have to
be destroyed."

Just before the Sith Lord gave the signal for the droids to fire, Padme looked up. "Look!"

They all glanced up to see six gunships ready to land, full of clone troopers. When they did land, clone troopers spilled out, firing at the droids.

As Master Yoda gave an order to the army, Jedi began moving towards the ships. As he made his way to one of the gunships hesitantly, his gaze finally landed on who he'd been looking for. His breath caught for a moment, finding Akaia lying on the ground, bloodied and unconscious. He rushed over without a second thought, first and foremost checking for a pulse. He exhaled in relief; she wasn't dead, just knocked out. Quickly, he scooped up the girl in his arms, now running towards the gunship Obi Wan and Padme were on.

Little did Anakin know that what was happening to Akaia was much worse than anything Count Dooku could throw their way.

(Akaia's POV)

I felt like I was floating, enveloped in the darkness, wherever I was. I felt…well, at peace. Suddenly a vision was laid out before me. I was not sure what I was witnessing. It was strange…all I saw a barren planet. No landscape, just dirt. It seemed so familiar, like I'd been there.

Just then, two ships came into view with two people on their own side. On my left, a woman, no taller than myself, with a blue lightsaber drawn. On my right, stood a man a bit taller with a foreboding sense about him. His eyes flickered from yellow to a more natural emerald. In his hand was also a lightsaber, red in color. The woman glared at him angrily, which he returned. They slowly walked towards each other, weapons to their sides. As they gradually made their way to one another, something Yoda had told me when we first met – well when I first met him – echoed in my subconscious, which I supposed was where I was. Thousands of years ago, create this being, the souls of a great Jedi Master and Sith Lord did. To fight, they were. A great battle, it was to be.

They had stopped, mere feet away from each other. But, what I saw next was not what I had expected. The two of them switched off their lightsabers, letting them drop to the ground. I'm not sure why I could understand at first…I, of all people, should have. At that moment, the woman embraced the man lovingly as he wrapped his arms around her. It had finally hit me. The Jedi Master and Sith Lord did to Docugan, this planet, to fight. They wanted to escape. I know I don't have relatives or anything, but, in a way, they were my parents. They were the reason I existed.

The two of them stood in the same spot, still in one another's embrace. The planet began to shake wildly. They stared at each other sorrowfully…they knew from the start that no matter what happened…they were to die. The woman, my mother, squeezed her eyes shut, tears falling onto her pale cheeks. I could almost hear their hearts begin to race…there was so much fear. I could've sworn I saw him whisper something. He closed his eyes as well. My suspicion was confirmed as I heard on the wind, Forever…

With that my vision went black. That's when I saw…it was a floating light, a being…it was me. And then it happened. Vision after vision came at me in full force…my past, my memories. The Jedi Council, meeting Yoda, watching so many Younglings grow into Jedi Knights and grow old as Jedi Masters. I had been right about why I left all along…but only partially right…

The day I was reported dead, was the day I had a vision of the future. It was of a young boy, escaping slavery, falling for a girl, and growing into a Jedi Knight…it was Anakin. But then came visions of horrible things…I saw him kill the Tusken Raiders, like I had done. I saw Padme…she had married him, she had gotten pregnant…and he wanted to protect her. He wanted to save her. I saw his eyes turn that sickly shade of yellow…I saw him burning away…and to hear that metallic breath. I shook my head furiously. I tried to shout No! Nothing came out. I kept trying to speak. I won't let him! I can't! I wanted to cry, but I knew I couldn't. I pleaded, as if someone was listening to my silent screams. I'll do anything! Please help me save him.

You know what must be done. There must be a balance. Fate is inevitable. A voice echoed in my mind.

I know…I know what has to happen,I tried to call out.

Do what you must.

…I will. I confirmed to it.

With that I could feel consciousness flooding back as I heard Anakin's voice.

"Akaia? Please, wake up." He stopped, then whispered. "...I need you."

More than you know, I thought and my eyes opened slowly.

TBC

A/N: NO MORE AMNESIA! WOO HOO! Aw, Ani said he needed her…and what about that whole Romeo and Juliet type thing with Akaia's "parents"?…Well, one more chapter left then the epilogue! I'm almost done! And that chapter was longer than usual too! Yay, me! Lol C-ya.