Chapter Six: Burns And Scars
One of the blades came plummeting towards Caedus's abdomen as he was on the ground from being Force Pushed and pinned down. He swiftly kicked upwards causing much pain to endure the Sith that had stood before him. The man fell backwards along with his lightsaber still clutched in his hand. Caedus took that moment to rise back to his feet and used the Force to strangle the other man until his windpipe snapped.
The elder Caedus watched as his nephew killed the Sith easily. Yes, he was powerful with great potential. For his age though, killing shouldn't have been something that didn't unsettle him. This concerned the elder Caedus, so he decided once the time was right he would teach his nephew not to kill without remorse all the time.
One of the women attacked him next, her teeth gritted in frustration as their blades clashed. His blade overpowered hers within a short period of time and cut through the flesh of her stomach. She fell to the ground, swiftly dying, but Caedus put her out of her misery sooner by piercing her heart with his blade.
The next was a duo. Apparently they had noticed one-on-one wasn't getting them anywhere. The two interlocked blades near his throat. If he made any movement they could easily sever his head from his body. The outcome didn't look well, and Caedus's thoughts were fading each time he thought of one causing any plans to fail.
The elder Caedus noticed his nephew's situation, but said not one word of advice to him. He wasn't exactly on his own, not for much longer at least.
Caedus looked to his Uncle's Force Ghost expecting some philosophical advice, but none came. He was to figure this out himself. Honestly, he was surprised the Sith hadn't already killed him seeing as he was defenseless. Perhaps they would've been marked weak had they killed an opponent that did not fight back.
There was a sudden surge that wavered through Caedus's thoughts, and then he noticed he no longer had control over anything aside from his thoughts. He couldn't move at all, nor could he see which was troubling. Had they killed him?
They have not killed you, nephew, rest assured.
Caedus couldn't respond verbally, so he used the Force as his Uncle was to keep in contact. Why can I not see nor move then?
There wasn't a response, but the image of the situation he had last remembered surfaced his mind. The two Sith holding him hostage were abruptly forced against the Temple's wall somehow. Their lightsabers were missing and the next moment the male had a vibroblade in his forehead, then Caedus's lightsaber blade penetrated his throat.
The woman who was slumped on the ground from the impact of being forced against the wall wasn't as brutally murdered, but had a poison dart injected into her thigh.
Caedus was startled. How did that happen…?
There wasn't a response from his Uncle and he noticed the leader of the Sith from earlier had emerged from the shadows. "You're rather skilled for a learner."
She looked skeptical and then her eyes widened. The blade of Caedus's lightsaber had caught her off guard and penetrated through her stomach and was protruding from her back.
Caedus was in shock, he didn't recall making any of the actions then or with the duo. He was still conflicted as to how it had all happened.
His lightsaber was deactivated and the woman fell to the ground, a pool of blood surrounding her lifeless body.
Caedus then regained his sight and was in control again. He looked at his Uncle's Force Ghost, "What the kriff just happened? I want the truth too. No lies or I swear I'll kill everyone you loved that remains living when you were alive."
"You wouldn't, we both know that, but I will tell you the truth. You were simply being hesitant and couldn't resolve to a solution. You would have died within time if you hadn't come up with a plan before the leader returned." His Uncle explained, but it hadn't answered Caedus's question.
The elder Caedus continued, "You were possessed; incapable of controlling your own actions for a period of time."
"Possessed?" The word felt alien when Caedus spoke it.
He couldn't have possibly been possessed. Possession was merely a hoax told to children so they would keep away from 'dangers'. "Possessed by you?" Caedus looked bewildered.
The elder Caedus nodded and didn't proceed with further explanation. "Now that the intruders have been taken care of and you've learned the lesson of possession. Next you will learn the lesson of pain. You will be forced to relive seven events from your past. Just fragments though, and we'll see how well you handle it."
Caedus didn't like that idea, but if he was to strengthen himself, pain was the answer if his Uncle said it was. His Uncle knew how this situation went; he'd suffered far more than Caedus had when he had been alive.
"Your mother's dead. I hereby address Caedus Solo and Anakin Veila as orphans; they are to be raised by the Jedi. Is anyone here willing to care for the children of the deceased Anakin Solo and Tahiri Veila?" A man from the Galactic Alliance had said standing before a group of Jedi gathered.
Caedus glanced around the room in hope someone would be willing to care for him. He'd never known his father and here he was, seven years old, and his mother was gone too.
Everyone remained silent and tears began to try forcing themselves through his eyes. He had to stay strong and force them back though. It would be pathetic for him to cry, even if he no longer had parents.
"No? Master Skywalker, could you not care for them? I realize you're of age and a widower, but it would only be until they were ready to train as Jedi." The Alliance officer said.
"Why can they not begin training now?" One of the women said; Aunt Jaina.
"They're still young and just recently lost their mother. Do you think they're even in the emotional state to begin training?" The officer snapped and Jaina didn't protest further.
"We'll take one of them. It would be best if the two were separated so they don't have an emotional break down and accidentally kill each other." Kyp Durron had said.
"Excellent point, Master Durron, and which child is it you intend to look after?" The Alliance officer asked.
Kyp looked at his wife and his daughter hoping one of them would have an answer. His daughter, Schatten, looked at the officer, "The one with the calm expression; Anakin."
Caedus was drowned by hurt. His own cousin had taken preference to his brother. It didn't really matter though as long as he was given a home too.
The officer looked at Kyp and Jaina who nodded in agreement to their daughter's decision and Anakin walked over to them. Jaina's fingers wrapped around Anakin's in a motherly way of comfort.
"And who is to raise Caedus?" The officer question, looking at the child who had been named after a murderer…a Dark Lord of the Sith…
"We shall look after Caedus as our own." A feminine voice abruptly said.
All eyes turned to the voice which belonged to none other than Vestara Khai, the fiancée of Ben Skywalker.
"We," The officer asked in a confused tone.
"Ben and I, if he will allow that." Vestara's eyes met Ben's.
He gave a small smile, "It's settled. Anakin goes with my cousin and Master Durron while Caedus comes with us."
The scene faded and Caedus stared at the floor, unnerved. "The moment I became an orphan and went to live with my cousin. I've suffered one scene, what are the next six?"
"You've endured this scene well, perhaps the next six will go as smoothly and you shall be permitted to the next lesson of your training." The elder Caedus said in a pleased tone.
Caedus ran outside of the Jade Shadow the moment it arrived on the planet of Tatooine. His Dewback had been kept here due to the fact it wasn't permitted to leave the planet, and now he was getting to visit him again.
"Hey, wait up!" Ben called and Vestara stifled a laugh.
Ben struggled to keep up with Caedus as he ran quickly then came to an abrupt stop as he examined the lands. He pointed to a spot just a few meters away, "Hurry up, Cousin Ben! Inferno can't wait for me forever!"
Ben caught up with him, nearly out of breath; he wasn't accustomed to the heat of Tatooine, and especially not running through it, "Remind me why you named it Inferno again?"
"I just like the name," Caedus said with a shrug, "Now come on!"
He ran to his pet Dewback, grinning childishly. "Hey, Inferno. Did you miss me?"
The Dewback looked at him and pressed its head against his arm in affection. Caedus was happier than he had been in a long time until he noticed Inferno seemed sad for some reason. He looked at Ben, "What's wrong with Inferno?"
"Ah, I don't know. Let me examine him." Ben said and found a blaster mark across the Dewback's neck, as well as a poison dart inserted in his leg. Caedus wasn't going to be happy about that…
"Caedus, you're going to hate hearing this, but…Inferno's dying. Apparently he was attacked by someone around here." Ben said sympathetically.
Tears rolled down Caedus's face, "Why would someone want to kill Inferno? Can I stay with him for his last few moments, Cousin Ben?"
Ben placed a hand on Caedus's shoulder, "I'll let you say your goodbye. I'm heading back to the Jade Shadow, when it's time, come back and we'll go elsewhere."
"Alright, I want to go to Hoth next." Caedus said and Ben flashed him a quick smile then headed back to the Jade Shadow.
"It's not fair they attacked you like that, Inferno. What did you ever do to them? When I find out who did it, they're going to die by my hand." Caedus said bitterly.
Inferno nudged him in a pleading manner.
"Okay, I won't kill them, but they'll be sorry they did this to you. You're my best friend." Caedus said.
Inferno's eyes glistened and his head dropped to Caedus's lap where his life slowly faded. Caedus leaned his head against the Dewback's and allowed the tears to roll freely, unashamed of showing emotion.
"Whatever happened to whoever killed Inferno anyway?" The elder Caedus asked curiously.
"Never found out, but despite the fact I said I wouldn't kill them, I probably would." Caedus responded miserably.
His Uncle nodded in understanding.
"This guy's apparently my twin brother. Bit of a dork, aren't you? Where are you from anyway? Kessel? You sure do belong there in the Spice Mines instead of at the New Jedi Temple." Anakin's voice said sardonically.
Caedus didn't respond, but glared at the twin he had been separated from for his entire life; pure hatred running through his veins for this man.
"Oh, no one ever teach you how to talk? Doesn't surprise me seeing as I hardly knew you anyway. Didn't even know you existed until today matter of fact. My new father, or Uncle Kyp as you prefer to call him, made sure my memory of you was erased. Glad he did so too, you filthy bantha." Anakin continued taunting.
"Perhaps you should learn etiquette, and then you might find someone who can actually handle your oversized ego. Being candid about this situation, I'm rather displeased Cousin Ben never erased my memory of you. I could've sworn you were a gentle, caring child not an egoistic. Guess allowing you to live with Uncle Kyp was a mistake on the authority's part." Caedus responded coolly.
"Cousin Ben's a laugh, and it's a proven fact seeing as the way you've been brought up. You and Ben are just alike, aren't you? Pathetic and a joke to the Jedi Order," Anakin said with an amused grin.
Caedus lunged out towards him, seeing as he didn't have any weapons, he just decided to use his physical abilities until his twin lost consciousness…
"I still don't regret my actions for that one." Caedus said with a smirk.
"You don't take to insults of those close to you well; that could be useful for future battles." His Uncle said.
"Are you coming, Dutak?" Caedus questioned as his Ewok companion was far behind.
"Chak," The Ewok responded and walked at a faster pace to keep up.
"We're almost to the base, no worries. We'll be in, get those files Luke wanted, and be back at the Temple in no time." Caedus assured the Ewok.
Dutak wasn't a Jedi, but he was a useful asset for the Jedi and visited often, so it was about the equivalent of working alongside a fellow Jedi. Dutak just wasn't Force Sensitive, skilled with lightsaber combat, or as fast as the other students, but that didn't bother Caedus much.
"Coro chyasee?" Dutak asked.
"Help with what?" Caedus asked curiously and walked back towards the Ewok.
"Seefo," He said and pointed to a hole in his side.
"What happened and when," Caedus asked urgently.
"Eedada huutaveet!" Dutak shouted instead of responding to Caedus's question.
The next moment, Caedus knew he had lost another close to him as an X-Wing toppled the Ewok, missing him by mere centimeters. "Why…why couldn't it have been me instead?" He asked himself and turned to finish what the two had come here for in the first place with a heavy heart.
"Dutak was going to die anyway, but he didn't deserve that." Caedus said; his tone full of remorse.
"He had an arrow in his side, didn't he?" The elder Caedus asked for a clearer understanding of the situation.
Caedus nodded and awaited the next scene to surface.
"Well, if it isn't my dorky twin again. Constructed your first lightsaber, have you?" Anakin said, noticing the lightsaber hilt in Caedus's hand.
"Perhaps, or maybe I've stolen it from another." Caedus said bitterly.
"Doubt that, hand it over, let's see it." Anakin said demandingly.
When Caedus refused to hand over the weapon, Anakin used the Force to pull it out of his grasp, "You should really keep a tighter grasp."
Caedus moved to retrieve the lightsaber, but when he did so Anakin tossed it over his shoulder onto the floor. "What did I ever do to you?" Caedus asked angrily.
"Ah, let's see, you came here to steal my spotlight. I'm most talented here, and I don't need you and your Force abilities here showing off." Anakin said arrogantly.
"I didn't come here to be better than you. I came here to develop my skills. Now if you'll excuse me, I must retrieve my lightsaber." He said, but when he made a move Anakin Force shoved him back.
"You mean the lightsaber I just destroyed?" He asked and Caedus looked over Anakin's shoulder to see his newly constructed lightsaber in pieces.
"How did you do that?" Caedus asked in a startled tone.
"You're not the only powerful one. I was taught the ways of the Force by a Jedi Master and Sword of the Jedi, obviously I have plenty of tricks up my sleeve." Anakin replied.
Caedus was boiling with rage, "I'll get my vengeance for your actions sometime, trust me."
"Arrogant brat," Caedus commented.
"Reminds me of a few I met over the years." The elder Caedus said with understanding.
"At least he's not that arrogant anymore like some remain to be." Caedus responded and his Uncle nodded in acknowledgement that he'd heard the comment.
"Caedus Solo? No way! You've definitely changed over the years. I could've sworn you used to look like a total dork." Zvell Den called out to him while he was walking to his dorm room.
He turned to look at her. It was rather uncomfortable being alone with an enemy in a vacant corridor aside from the two of you. She brushed aside strands of her platinum blonde hair so he could see her aqua eyes clearly.
"That's something everyone loves hearing. What do you want, Zvell?" He said with a sigh.
She pushed him against the corridor wall and kept him trapped there, a mischievous grin formed on her face, "I wanted to know if you could show me to your philosophy collection. Anakin said you had plenty of books for philosophical study of the Force and I needed to borrow one."
"Great, I might be able to let you borrow one if you allow me to move." He said hesitantly.
She backed away from him and he led her to his dorm, "They're in the corner."
"I think it would be more useful if two of us looked for a specific book." She said.
He heaved a sigh, "Fine, but quickly. I was only coming here to grab a few items and head out for the night."
"Where were you going?" She asked nosily.
"Down to the store to buy a few more books," He replied honestly.
"You have far too many books already, Caedus, why don't you just sit down and spend some time with someone?" She protested.
"Because I have no friends to spend time with," He responded bluntly.
"Then allow me to be one." She said and grabbed his hand, quickly bringing him into the dorm room.
"You're going to be my friend because you borrowed a book of philosophy?" He asked skeptically.
"Not exactly," She said with that same mischievous grin and backed him against a wall again.
She pressed her lips against his and placed a hand against his chest, while the other ruffled his hair. The entire situation seemed awkward and frightening to him. He wanted to shove her away, but she'd probably take him with her. It was worth a shot though.
He pushed her backwards and of course, she made sure her grip was tight enough to have him fall over to. She pulled away from the kiss and glared at him, "You know if you preferred the bed, you could've just said so instead of shoving me."
He gritted his teeth, "Those weren't my intentions. It was to get you away from me."
"Sure it was," She said playfully.
"Get the kriff away from me." He said angrily.
"Oh darling, there's no need to play hard to get. You already have me." She responded and began removing her robes.
"Oh by the Force, none of that please. I liked you better when you insulted me every time I was around." He said examining the room for some way to escape without her pouncing on him again.
He used the Force to Force push her against the opposing wall and ran through the door and down the corridor.
"Ladies man, much?" His Uncle asked.
"No idea, but I've never encountered anything as awkward and creepy as that in my entire life. Especially considering she was seven years older than me," He responded with a shudder.
"Freaks will just behave the way they do apparently, alright, last scene and you've completed this lesson." He said.
The rain gently pattered against the base's roof, Caedus was having difficulty sleeping as usual. He glanced up at the ceiling, pondering over being selected for this mission. Why? Dutak had died on this very planet two years ago and now he was forced to return.
He heard one of the doors slide apart and the sound of soft footsteps walk past his room. It could only be one person seeing as only two were assigned for the mission.
He arose from the bed and gently emerged from the room, walking to the living room. When he arrived he sat down on the sofa, it was pitch black, but he knew what he was doing. "Couldn't sleep I assume."
"By the Force, Caedus, scaring people again?" His combat assistant asked.
"Didn't mean to frighten you; perhaps I shouldn't conceal myself from the Force when neither of us can see."He responded.
"It's alright; I just wasn't expecting you to still be awake."
"I usually don't get much sleep, never have. What's keeping you up?" He said conversationally.
"The rain, it always reminds me that someone in the galaxy is filled with sorrow and it represents their tears. After being taken from my parents though, I don't have much happiness in life."
"Don't think of it that way. I'm always here for you if you need me. You're my assistant, as well as my only surviving friend." He said.
"You know, when I met you I was frightened of you. Your skills with both weapons and the Force were highly advanced for your age and well…when you dress in black all the time it's a rather unsettling picture for a Jedi."
"When you put it that way, it does sound rather frightening. I assure you, I'm here to protect you though, and I would never harm you, Saar'ii." He said quietly.
"You can't keep your word. Some fall and kill without thinking." She responded and rested her head against his shoulder.
"You have a point," He agreed.
"I always fear Saarik will end up that way." She said.
"Saarik," Caedus questioned.
"My partner, just recently," She replied.
"Oh, well, I'm sure he'll never turn. He has you to keep him anchored down, doesn't he?" He replied calmly even though inside the mention of her having a partner was tearing him to pieces.
"I'd never felt so lonely in my life." Caedus commented.
"I imagine that would be difficult to pretend to be alright about." His Uncle replied.
Caedus nodded and his Uncle continued speaking, "You've learned to ignore the pain of the past. Excellent; your next lesson is tomorrow. For now, get some rest."
He looked around the Temple, "I assume I have to sleep on the Temple floor?"
"Perhaps or your StealthX; your choice," His Uncle responded.
"Well, in that case. I hereby claim this Temple as my new home of heart and my new physical home. None shall survive when entering unless I choose so. You may stay, Uncle." He said.
"I appreciate it." His Uncle said with a grin, and with that the Temple was silent.