Chapter Twelve: The Edge

Anakin opened his eyes; everything was blurry for a few moments, and then cleared. He was unsure of how much time had passed and where his family members had disappeared to. His body ached, more than it had before he'd fallen unconscious.

His wrists had been burned badly by a lightsaber blade; deep cuts ran throughout his arms, a few ribs were broken, flesh had been cut off from his legs, the scar on his back had been burned again, and his head pounded with roaring fury.

His brother strode into the room, his black boots stopped in front of Anakin's face. He didn't speak and something seemed unusual…the dark side aura around him felt…stronger.

"Do me a favor and never have children, I'd hate to see how you abuse them." Anakin hissed.

"I'd never abuse my child, but I have no problem with allowing you to embrace the feeling of pain. It will make you stronger and one day you shall fall to the dark as well." Caedus responded.

Anakin felt angered, betrayed, and confused all at once. He was angry at his brother for torturing him in such abusive manner, betrayed by his brother's fall, and confused because the way his brother was speaking seemed…off.

"What's wrong with you?" Anakin asked, perplexed.

Caedus chuckled and it sent a chill down Anakin's spine, "You're arrogant and stupid? Not one of the combinations preferred by many."

"Who are you?" Anakin demanded through gritted teeth

"Well, physically I am Caedus Solo, but he has been possessed by your Uncle once again. Combining our strengths makes it easier to destroy you and the Wookiee." He responded.

Anakin's heart sank. His brother possessed by some Sith spirit? And Jashakyrr could possibly be dead? The result of this just didn't look good.

"Before I allow you to arise, your brother requested I do something for him while in control." Darth Caedus said menacingly.

Anakin suddenly choked and his breath was growing shallow. Blood was flooding behind his lips and gently trickled through. He had no choice but to cough up the blood instead of keeping it at a gentle pace. He looked down to find the blood red blade that belonged to his brother's lightsaber pierced through his stomach.

"I do apologize, if it had been my choice, I would not have done so." His Uncle said and deactivated the lightsaber.

Anakin's vision was blurred, but he noticed his Uncle's Force Ghost separate himself from his brother. He blinked and both had disappeared from sight.

The next moment he knew there was a hairy hand of a Wookiee against his shoulder and concerning growl.

"Jashakyrr, I thought you'd died." Anakin whispered.

Jashakyrr gave another growl which sounded more sorrowful.

"Yes, I might die. Would you mind getting me out of here before they return? I don't think I can walk on my own." Anakin said mournfully.

Anakin was lifted off the temple's floor and carried to the outside world, Korriban. Jashakyrr took him back to the ship and rested him in the co-pilot's seat. It would be uncomfortable, but it was the only option at the time.

Jashakyrr activated the comlink and spoke to Vorexa and Xior.

"Anakin's going to die?" Vorexa was close to tears.

"No, he won't." Xior said quietly.

Jashakyrr stared at the holographic image of Xior and Vorexa looked at him in puzzlement. Xior continued, "It's a really bad idea, but he must use the dark side ability known as Transfer Essence. I'm aware of the fact he knows it too by reading so much. I will give my own life so he shall live."

"But…Xior…" Vorexa protested.

"It must be done, Vorexa. I'm not going to allow him to die, we need him, and no one else would be willing to give their life for him." Xior replied calmly.

"Xior, you can't do this! What about your little brother on the way?" Vorexa argued.

"He will never know me unfortunately, but I want you to inform him that I love him. Face it; I'm the best for this. I have no romantic attachment to anyone, kriff, I have no attachment at all besides the one to my unborn brother. It's easier for one to give up an attachment to something that hasn't even entered their life yet than for one to give up attachments they have strong feelings for." Xior said.

"But…you're my brother. Please don't do this." Vorexa cried.

"And Anakin's your best friend as well as lover. I know he's important to you. Even if you'd rather me stay I wouldn't allow it. He's got more to live for than I do." Xior replied.

"That's not what I meant. I want you both to stay." Vorexa said.

"I know, but I'll always be with you in your heart. Now let's get this over with before the hero dies." Xior said.

Vorexa hesitated then nodded her approval, she had to stay strong.

"Just follow my instruction Anakin; I trust you won't be devoured by the dark side once you perform this." Xior said.

Darth Caedus's resurrected form slowly transformed back to one of a Force Ghost. "It was wrong that you made me attack him like that. What did he do to deserve it?"

"You're going soft. He wants to eliminate me before I can bring peace to the galaxy, that's what he's done." Caedus replied.

His Uncle didn't respond, but it didn't matter. There was more to discuss than what had happened earlier. "You will still train me?"

"I might disapprove of some of your actions, but for now, yes." His Uncle replied.

"Excellent. Next I shall change this temple and transform it into a small organization for training. Perhaps others are willing to become dark side users." Caedus said with a grin.

Anakin opened his eyes hours later and found Vorexa's eyes meeting his instead of being with Jashakyrr as he had been earlier.

He raised a hand to his head, "What happened?"

His voice sounded…different. Something had clearly changed.

"You were dying and Xior gave his life for you, remember?" Vorexa reminded.

Recollection of the events flooded his mind, "Right. I guess I resisted temptation of the dark side. Do I have to pretend like I'm Xior now or does everyone know I'm Anakin?"

"Funny. They're unaware of the situation for now, and will probably disapprove of the dark side technique being used, but you'll still be known as Anakin." Vorexa assured him.

He flashed a smile, "Fantastic."

Long, silent moments passed between them and he wrapped his arm around Vorexa's shoulders. "I'm sorry about what happened to him, Vorexa. He didn't deserve to die; it's my entire fault; if I hadn't gone after Caedus…"

"You knew he was stronger than you, but you insisted that you could kill him," Vorexa started to cry, "But I don't blame you. You wanted to make things right again. I don't blame anyone for what happened, except perhaps your brother."

"You have every right to blame that bantha fodder." Anakin replied.

Vorexa nodded and rested her head against his chest, "I love you, Anakin."

He kissed her forehead, "I love you too. Just don't let your brother's image cause that to come between us…"